50 Best American Restaurants in Charleston

“Tried and true for 20 years. Absolutely best restaurant in Charleston. Food always incredible, service always perfect.“

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

“Delicious meal & friendly staff“

“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.“

“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!“

“Me and my daughter had been traveling all night (and looked like we had been). We stopped here because we were starving and needed to kill time until we could check into our hotel. The staff was so friendly to us. I felt like we were under dressed (it was Easter) but no one seemed to judge us for it. As for the food - amazing!!!!! I got the fried artichoke sandwich and it was sooooo good. The fries were also very good. This place has such a good vibe. I wish we were in town longer so we could enjoy it again.“

“I would definitely recommend S.N.O.B. for the quality of their food only. My friends and I were there on March 24, 2025, during an unexpected cold snap. We're from Florida and the weather was cold, windy and brutal. The four of us were seated at a table that was almost smack dab in front of the entrance door. Thus, people were constantly coming in and out. The manager should have had enough forethought to not place a table there, let alone sit people there in low fifty degree weather and high winds. We just wanted to get our food and get out.“

“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.“

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

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

“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.“

“Great music, happy hour, and staff!“

“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. :)“

“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❤️❤️“

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

“I recommend it but do not order Navhos🤢“

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

“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.“

“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.“

“Great place for burgers and friendly service. The flavor of the burger was heavenly, its the way burgers tasted in the Garden of Eden. Do yourself a favor and go there and have one. I don’t care if you're a vegetarian, it's life changing.“

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

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

“Had lunch here with my mother in law to be & fiancé after reviewing all the details of our reception at the Francis Marion in September. Sylvie was our waitress, & she was phenomenal. You're guaranteed a great time if she is serving you. Highly recommend the she crab soup, grits, & reuben, as well as the deviled crab. We couldn't have asked for a better experience overall & look forward to returning in September!“

“My husband and I both tried the Classic. What a great chicken sandwich! It was delicious! We are going back tomorrow to try their smash burger 🍔“

“Great food; great service“

“Great burgers and drinks. Staff is wonderful!“

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

“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.“

“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!!“

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

“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..“

“Outstanding service and an excellent dinner from start to finish. The blackened salmon gyro was absolutely delicious, and the cookie brownie sundae we shared was truly unforgettable. A fantastic experience all around.“

“I would give the harlow 6 out if 5 stars if I could! From the service to the menu, the multiple oyster choices, the happy hours, the many specials, quality of the drinks, the happy, personable culture of the staff, the many heat lamps keeping the little outdoor garden oasis toasty and cozy, and the staff has nearly no turnover, and lots of Charleston restaurants have stupendous food, but what makes the harlow stand alone as a best of the best, is an obvious comeraderie amongst them coupled with the tastiest crab Mac n cheese in the universe along with their other delicious fare!“

“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!“

“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!!“

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

“Excellent food and service.“

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

“The food was very tasty. We had the hot stone and it was such a fun experience. I asked the hostess and our server about their favorite cocktail and they both said the same thing - spring fever. It was also delicious. The crème brûlée was the best I've had in years. Our server was the perfect combination of peppy and competent.“

“I love this place! The new manager, Kelly, is fantastic. Positive changes are happening under new manager! The food is great and the beer is cold!“

“I celebrated my birthday at Élevé and everything was absolutely wonderful. The rooftop views were gorgeous, the food was flavorful, and the service made the evening feel even more special. It's such a classy and relaxing spot for a celebration or brunch with friends. I'm so glad I chose this restaurant and would definitely return.“

“The food is wonderful. Perfect experience ❤️“

“Share Our Suzy is incredibly grateful for Swig & Swine and their continued partnership in presenting our annual Denim & Diamonds event. Their commitment to supporting local breast cancer patients and giving back to the community means so much to our mission. Because of partners like Swig & Swine, we are able to provide real support to women in the Lowcountry during treatment. We are thankful for their generosity and for standing with us year after year.“

“Too bad I can't leave 10 stars... Without a doubt, the best food in West Ashley! Celebrated Thanksgiving day lunch with them this year and what a treat... Couldn't have been better!

Glad to see that they are now serving breakfast and lunch daily, with a nice brunch for Sunday.

P.S.: They have the best Fried Chicken in the Lowcountry! The homemade salads are also to die for.“

“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!!“

“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“