50 Best American Restaurants in Charleston

“Best restaurant in Charleston! It really is a must!“

“We didn’t have reservations, but were able to sit at the bar! We had the best food, craft cocktails and dessert! The staff was amazing, especially Kiersten, K-WOW, the bartender! Highly recommend!“

“Delicious meal & friendly staff“

“Edmund’s Original is one of our favorite restaurants in Charleston. It’s the perfect mix of quality and price, with a team that always makes us feel right at home. I can’t speak highly enough of this place. Whenever someone comes to visit from out of town, we bring them to EO so they can get a taste of what we’re fortunate to enjoy regularly. The food is phenomenal - from the fried chicken to the burger to the steak, and everything in between. The beer selection is top notch. In-house developed cocktails are creative, while the classics are on point if that’s more your speed. The chocolate cake and an espresso martini are the perfect touch to finish it all off! Oh, and don’t sleep on the special events they host! When the chef teams up with other chef’s from around the state, they always deliver a unique and delicious experience!“

“Best meal, service, and atmosphere we've had in Charleston! All our food was delicious, but the shrimp and grits was out of this world! Best decision we made was to eat there.“

“Great food, prompt service. The polenta was wonderful!“

“We LOVED our lunch visit a few weeks ago! great service, excellent food, loads of fun!“

“Vern’s Restaurant in downtown Charleston truly exceeded our expectations and left us with an unforgettable dining experience. The food was exceptional—quite possibly the best meal we have ever had.“

“Yummy vegan options!, great service, and cute decor.“

“We had the most amazing night celebrating our 10th anniversary. The entire team went above and beyond and we left feeling so filled with joy—and OUTSTANDING food. Flavors that we never will forget and memories for a lifetime. WC team, thank you for making our first night in Charleston one we will never forget.“

“Great music, happy hour, and staff!“

“We had a lovely dinner at The James. I have a restricted diet and they wendy out if their way to make sure I was accommodated. There were 4 of us and everyone enjoyed our evening. Our server, Jessica was first class as were everyone we came in contact with. Would highly recommend The James.“

“Yummy food served up hot and quick. Super excellent service.“

“I have no clue on who the owners are, but I can tell you that all of their food is made with Love ❤️. You can see it and you can taste it. Everything I have ever had has always been so delicious. This place is a Charleston Gem and I pray this little place continues to Thrive and Prosper. Charleston Loves You❤️❤️“

“Food was excellent! Our server was excellent as well. We will be back!“

“Lunch at the Charleston location on 17 was off the hook good! Go get some.“

“The staff was amazing. It was our anniversary and the GM personally came to our table and poured us a glass of Champaign to celebrate. They also gave us a free dessert. The hostess, wait staff, and GM all took time to wish us a happy anniversary. The food was amazing as well! Overall it was a great dining experience!“

“An entertaining chef, creative and exceptionally well-executed cuisine, a pleasingly funky ambience, and the delight at watching a fine chef at work, which equals a terrific experience.“

“First time here! Lunch on Thursday and it was an amazing experience. This place oozes with charm! I had the fish and chips and it was really great. I love the lighting the decor the menu and the service. I would love to come here in the evening and have a Cabernet and taking the charm. Love this place!“

“best drag show/brunch EVER! and our server Kahlil was amazing! 🤩“

“Beautiful restaurant with Fabulous food and service! Look forward to our next visit.“

“Great burgers and drinks. Staff is wonderful!“

“Shout out to Candice and team for a great event. The planning was easy and the staff was really great. It is hard to manage 200 for luncheon. I did it for many years and there are always little additions or changes the day of and this team handled it all with speed and grace. Events here will not be disappointed. It’s a well oiled machine. Thanks to all! David, Renee, Candice - everyone.“

“Had brunch today. Food was good. The chicken and waffle was really tasty.“

“The staff is very friendly. Food was delicious.“

“amazing food amazing staff get the fried chicken“

“Leon's is literally in my dreams! My boyfriend and I went there for the first time three years ago. It blew our minds! Affordable, delicious food, and such a fun atmosphere. We returned a couple of times on the same trip. We live in NJ... and set up a trip last year JUST to go to Leons. I am actually scared to post a review because I selfishly want to keep it a secret for my boyfriend and I. Man, if you like chicken and oysters... you cannot go wrong. Damn, now I need to set up another trip. :)“

“Mike’s Charleston Historic Supper Club and the Colonial Tavern Table are the most unique food tours available in Charleston. Mike combines his love of history with delicious food. The historic venue is so unique, the way Mike ties the history of Charleston into the history of the food is so informative and fun. It was also really fun getting ti know the other guests. This is definitely one of the best food experiences offered in Charleston!!“

“One of the best restaurants in all of Charleston! Definitely worth the drive if you aren't close by“

“Dinner was very good & everyone was so very nice. Had reservations & they seated us at 5. It was Mothers Day& graduation week so they were really busy BUT no one made us feel rushed. We will definitely come back..“

“Excellent service! The atmosphere was an amazing place to grab a drink and/or eat for the evening while socializing.“

“Fantastic atmosphere. Saturday brunch with Beth, server as pleasant as con be. Highly recommend Shrimp and grits with Bloody Mary. A must when visiting Savannah.“

“Sat by the window thoroughly enjoyed our meal We had wings, chicken pot pie, turkey club Was really homemade and delighted to finely have real turkey (not deli meat or turkey roll) and fresh chicken pie - service and food excellent!“

“Blanka our waitress was adorable and attentive and very friendly. Food was great. So thankful for the partnership with Dock street Theater for dinner and a show. The Grilled Pork chop WOW, delicious! Thick!! Biggest chop I ever had! Tender, juicy and very flavorful. Creamy Mac and cheese. Pecan Pie!!! divine!! Swamp Fox is one of our favorite places. I'm thankful to be a local so I can visit often!!“

“We were given a tip on this restaurant. While tough to get a table it was quickly obvious why. We had the rabbit roulade and the steak w wild mushrooms, but just as good as the main courses were the lamb dumpling appetizers. It was also a beautiful, refined atmosphere with top notice service.“

“I loved the vibes and atmosphere. Food and drinks were amazing. Our bartender, Pepe was phenomenal and will definitely be back next time we’re in Charleston!!“

“just a great experience, food , wine and service.“

“Excellent food and service.“

“Great food; great service“

“Amazing food, cozy atmosphere and wonderful. friendly staff!! Highly recommend!!“

“We enjoyed the food and ambience at Burwell's very much. The Osso Buco with risotto, the Wagyu steak, and the She Crab soup were all delicious. They also have a good selection of wines. For Thanksgiving dinner, they offered a prefixed menu with turkey too, along with some regular menu options.“

“Good food friendly staff food and drink specials like Trivia night“

“A group of 8 of us took a cocktail making class for a friends bachlorette with Maura ! Such a fun expierence ! She kept the party going and taught us how to make cocktails and even gave us a fun history lesson !! Would truly recommend this for a date night or even a group event !! Hire Maura for all your fun party, cocktail making extravaganzas !!!“

“Amazing food! My family and I went here yesterday during our trip to Myrtle Beach based on some recommendations I saw online...and this place exceeded all expectations!! All of us were beyond satisfied with our meals. Delicious flavors and good portion sizes too! We said we will come back to Myrtle Beach (from PA) just to come back here 😂. Great service, nice atmosphere, and the food is absolutely amazing! We wanted to get photos of our meals but we were so excited to dig in when it came out that we forgot all about photos! Go check this place out and see for yourself.“

“The food was amazing the crystal was an amazing server prompt attentive ever though the whole restaurant was slammed 10 out of 10 would ear here again“

“Hats off to Gaby! She was wonderful! Her energy and huge smile. We’d go back just to see her again! 🫶“

“My family visited this establishment while we stayed at the attached hotel.

The staff was very friendly to my family, they greeted us and came to our table promptly. The tables and floors were clean throughout, there were no bad smells on the smell of good food.

Having a small child, I can say this was also one of the few times a restaurant brought a clean high chair for our toddler (very much appreciated).

We had the buffet on Saturday and regular breakfast on Monday, we will be back!“

“Great place to dine with a large or small group. Delicious food with great service. We had a group of 34 and everything went smoothly. Highly recommended!!“