Charleston day trips: Lunch Spots
- Rebecca
- Jul 28
- 2 min read
Hello, y'all!
Charleston is one of my happy places, and since I live only a couple of hours away, I make my way down for the occasional day trip. After years of visiting for the day or spending a weekend there, I've found some of my favorite lunch spots downtown.
Keep reading to discover the best place for oysters on the half shell, where you can often snag a last-minute reservation, and a few of my favorite restaurants for classic Lowcountry cuisine. These are listed in no particular order—just some of my current favorites!
Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar
A family favorite, Amen Street is an easy lunch spot during the week. (If you're visiting during festival season or on a weekend, I definitely recommend making a reservation.) Their oysters on the half shell are my favorite, especially the local Single Ladies oysters. During the cooler months, I never pass up a warm bowl of She-Crab Soup.
Poogan's Porch
A true Charleston staple, everyone should experience this landmark restaurant at least once. The food is fantastic, and the pimento cheese is a must-order. During the week, it's usually easy to grab a last-minute reservation for an indoor table, but if you want to dine on the iconic front porch, I recommend booking well in advance.
Poogan's Smokehouse
The sister restaurant to Poogan's Porch, Poogan's Smokehouse serves some of the best barbecue you'll find in the Charleston area. And the cornbread? The real MVP. During the week, you can usually walk right in, but during peak seasons and busy weekends, reservations are a good idea to avoid a wait.
High Cotton
If you're looking for classic Lowcountry dishes in an elegant setting, High Cotton is hard to beat. It's one of my favorite spots for a birthday brunch, and it's also one of the restaurants on this list where I highly recommend making reservations well in advance.
167 Raw
If you love fresh seafood, 167 Raw is a must-visit. It's a great place to sample different oysters and enjoy incredible seafood dishes. The only catch? They don't take reservations—it's first come, first served. But I promise it's worth the wait! Get your name on the list early, stroll down King Street, and enjoy lunch when your table is ready.
Let me know what Charleston day-trip guide you'd like to see next!
Comments