10 Best Places To Try Authentic Southern Cuisine In Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston knows how to cook, and I mean really cook.

From fried chicken that shatters under your fork to shrimp and grits so creamy you’ll want to lick the bowl, this city serves up Southern soul on every plate.

I’ve spent countless afternoons wandering these historic streets, following my nose to kitchens where recipes have been passed down through generations.

Let me walk you through my favorite spots where the biscuits are fluffy, the hospitality is warm, and every bite tastes like coming home.

1. Poogan’s Porch

Walking up to this charming Victorian house feels like visiting your favorite aunt who happens to be an incredible cook.

The fried chicken here is legendary, with a crispy golden crust that could win awards, and the she-crab soup is so rich it practically melts on your tongue.

You’ll find this gem at 72 Queen Street, tucked into a historic home that adds character to every meal.

Their buttermilk biscuits arrive warm, begging for butter and honey.

2. Husk

Chef-driven Southern cooking reaches new heights when you respect the ingredients this much.

Every dish celebrates Lowcountry traditions while adding creative twists that surprise your palate in the best ways.

Located at 76 Queen Street, this restaurant changes its menu daily based on what farmers bring to the kitchen door that morning.

Their cornbread is sweet perfection, and the pork chop might just ruin you for all other pork chops forever.

3. Magnolias

Since 1990, this downtown classic has been serving dishes that define what Southern cuisine can be when done with care and creativity.

Their shrimp and grits have become the standard by which all others are judged, with plump shrimp swimming in a sauce that balances richness with brightness.

Head to 185 East Bay Street and prepare for flavors that honor tradition while feeling completely fresh.

The fried green tomatoes here are crispy, tangy perfection.

4. Slightly North Of Broad (S.N.O.B.)

Don’t let the playful name fool you—this place serves serious Southern comfort with a smile.

Maverick Southern Kitchen is what they call their style, and it shows in dishes that blend traditional techniques with bold flavors that wake up your taste buds.

You’ll discover this treasure at 192 East Bay Street, where the atmosphere feels both sophisticated and welcoming.

Try their buttermilk fried chicken; it’s juicy, perfectly seasoned, and worth every single calorie.

5. 82 Queen

Romance and incredible food meet in multiple dining rooms and a gorgeous courtyard that makes every meal feel special.

The she-crab soup here is velvety and loaded with crabmeat, while the Low Country boil brings together shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes in one glorious feast.

Visit 82 Queen Street and settle into one of the eleven dining rooms, each with its own personality and charm.

Their pecan-crusted chicken is sweet, savory, and absolutely unforgettable.

6. Bertha’s Kitchen

Real soul food doesn’t need fancy decorations—it just needs love, and Bertha’s has been serving both since 1985.

This no-frills spot dishes out the kind of cooking that reminds you of Sunday dinners at grandma’s house, with fried chicken, lima beans, and mac and cheese that taste like pure comfort.

Make your way to 2332 Meeting Street Road in North Charleston for cafeteria-style service and food that feeds your soul.

Come hungry and leave happy.

7. Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ

James Beard Award winner Rodney Scott brings his legendary whole hog barbecue to Charleston with results that’ll have you licking your fingers.

The pork is smoked low and slow over wood coals, creating meat so tender it falls apart while maintaining that perfect smoky bark on the outside.

Find this BBQ paradise at 1011 King Street, where the banana pudding dessert is just as famous as the main event.

Their collard greens and hush puppies complete the experience beautifully.

8. Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar

Eating Southern seafood while watching boats drift by creates the kind of moment you’ll remember long after the meal ends.

This former naval debarkation station now serves fresh-caught fish, Lowcountry boil, and crab cakes that showcase the region’s incredible seafood traditions.

Situated at 186 Concord Street right on the water, the views match the quality of what’s on your plate.

Their she-crab soup and fried oysters are absolute must-tries for any seafood lover visiting Charleston.

9. Peninsula Grill

Sometimes Southern cooking deserves the white-tablecloth treatment, and Peninsula Grill delivers elegance without losing the soul.

Located at 112 North Market Street inside the Planters Inn, this refined spot elevates classics like grits and local seafood to art-worthy presentations.

The coconut cake here has achieved legendary status—twelve layers of heaven that people literally order whole cakes to take home.

Their lobster and grits marry luxury with Lowcountry tradition in perfect harmony.

10. Lowland

Modern interpretations of coastal Southern cooking shine at this newcomer that’s already making waves in Charleston’s food scene.

The kitchen respects traditional Lowcountry ingredients while playing with techniques and presentations that feel fresh and exciting without being pretentious.

You’ll find them at 4 Beaufain Street, where the menu changes seasonally to showcase the best local produce and seafood.

Their crispy oysters and country ham dishes demonstrate how Southern food continues evolving while staying true to its roots.