Charleston's Hidden Gems: 5 Must-Try Restaurants & Dining Experiences
Today we’re going to let a few secrets slip as we take a look at five of our favorite hidden food and bev gems in Charleston!
If you’re new to Charleston, it’s easy to get sucked into all the dining experiences around town. With a myriad of options catering to all cuisine types, from Italian to southern comfort, we’ve narrowed down the spots the locals know and love.
Quick disclaimer: it would be impossible to list ALL of our favorites, so this list is a five we can’t live without.
1. R Kitchen
Heaven for any foodie, this intimate experience isn’t replicated anywhere else in town. This reservation only establishment features a five course dining experience with a new menu created every morning by the chefs.
Kitchen-side tabletops and bar top seating means you are face-to-face with the craftsmen behind the counter as they reveal their meal to you at the start of your course and walk you through each dish and their inspiration behind its creation.
With two locations, on the Peninsula and West Ashley, this is a unique restaurant experience you don’t want to skip.
2. Muse
Nestled on Society Street, you’re likely to walk right past this place if you don’t keep your nose up. Blending in with the rest of the historic homes on this block, Muse offers a cozy, romantic dining experience.
With porch-side seating and indoor dining, you can’t go wrong with either option in this dimly lit setting. Dive into delicious Italian dishes such as their Chef’s special bruschetta, Veal Scallopini, and the extensive wine menu.
Watch our Lively Charleston episode on 5 of Charleston's food & bev hidden gems!
3. The Royal American
Coming in third on our list is our pick for some nightlife action, The Royal American on Morrison Drive. A neighborhood bar and restaurant with an aesthetic resembling rustbelt Americana, you won’t be disappointed if you wander in here on a Saturday night.
Local artists and bands rock out on a small stage at the center of the venue. Their energy can be felt in every corner of this establishment.
One oddly interesting feature of this joint is the lights hanging from the ceiling. Don’t be surprised if a rowdy crowd starts swinging them back and forth as the rest of the stage lighting makes this venue come to life.
4. The Commodore
Joining our run of nightlife bars is The Commodore. A vintage jazz club hailing from the 1980's, the Commodore boasts “Good Vibes, Live Music, and a Touch of Class.” As a staple in the jazz circuit, indicated by the timeless photos on the wall, the club still hosts jazz and funk acts from across the country.
With live music five nights a week, local and regional acts are regularly scheduled. And who knows, on occasion, you may get a surprise performance by national acts dropping by to belt it out in this historic venue.
5. Tempest
Coming in to round out our list is Tempest! This one sits slightly outside our “hidden gem” criteria since it was voted Best New Restaurant in the Country by USA Today in 2020.
Tempest is a destination offering seasonal, locally sourced seafood delicacies & a robust wine list. Hyper-local South Atlantic Seafood makes up the majority of this restaurant's menu, including chilled and charcoal roasted options.
To cap off the night, a rosé for the ladies and a cigar and cognac for the men are their dessert staples to conclude the evening.
Alright folks, that’s our list for five hidden gems in Charleston to shake up your dining and drinking experience.
We hope you found a new place from our list, and maybe you have one you want to add. If so, drop us a comment!
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