41 Best Southern Restaurants near James Island

“Perfect outdoor eating area on the backside of the place so no road noise. Staff spoils kids and dogs...LolParking: Plenty of parking which was really nice after experiencing the Downtown Charleston parking challenge.Kid-friendliness: Kids and dogs can have some open areas and TREATS!“

“They have some signs of the "Miller High Life" on the wall, but they don't have any beer products at the restaurant. It's just interior decor as well as their name is Miller. I asked a bottle of the Miller light, but they don't have anything.?“

“Upscale dining for dinner - great food and wonderful service. Some folks were dressed up and others more casual - seems to suit anyone. The seafood was delicious. Definitely a must-visit in Charleston for the southern meals and hospitality. (Get reservations in advance, if possible. Times were limited even a few weeks in advance.“

“My husband and I were celebrating our anniversary having a “staycation” in downtown Charleston. Our plan was to put our name in at 167 but the wait was just too long. We stopped at a few bars and looked up local restaurants and landed on Anson, which had a reservation available for 2. We’d never heard of the restaurant but the reviews spoke for themselves.We had such an amazing time. The atmosphere was great. We put down that it was our anniversary on the reservation form and the team at Anson went above and beyond to celebrate - an amazing upstairs table, and a bit of champagne, berries, and whipped cream to wrap up the meal. Peter, our waiter, could’ve sold us on just about anything on the menu. We went with the she crab soup, shrimp de johnes, blackened snapper, and the filet with bone marrow butter. Every bite was incredible. We’ve found our new favorite place in a city full of “the bests.” Thank you Anson!“

“The burger and fries were DIVINE!! There was an outdoor patio by the bar. The bartenders were very knowledgeable and excited to talk about the building and city’s history- it was so nice to talk with them!! I didn’t catch their names but thank you to both of you for all the additional information and conversation!“

“Went here for brunch. This place has great service and atmosphere. The menu is fantastic but the execution just wasn’t 100% ie the portions are small for the price as some other reviews mentioned. We had the fried rice with short rib and maybe six small pieces of short rib and then 95% rices. The flavors were good but why skimp on the meat. So nice place overall but food it hit/miss for the price so just be ready for that“

“Fantastic food and service. We had the hush puppies, clam wraps, char grilled oysters, dark fried chicken. Also a couple beers and frozen gin tonics capped with a chocolate shake. All were fantastic. Only negative was the chicken was a little too bland for my liking. Oysters were incredible!Our server, Dorey was friendly and very helpful. Exactly the type of server I truly appreciate!“

“We sat at the bar for lunch on a Tuesday and had a wonderful gentleman bartender making our drinks and taking our orders. My boo said it was “the best Ruben” he’s ever had. I enjoyed my chicken medley! Def high class place. Delivered on food. Would assume they know how to party.“

“Warm friendly service, delicious food. We enjoyed Glass Onion. The shrimp and grits was lightly and flavorful, in a tomato base. The grilled trout had nicely crispy skin and was well seasoned. The red rice and broccoli slaw, nicely complementary.The Beatles, Stones, Doors and other old sixties and seventies tunes overhead.Loved it!“

“Crystal was so attentive and awesome! We sat outside. Food was excellent and view and service were spectacular. Hostess was very accommodating to our large party. Would definitely recommend.Edit to say we were here again and Andrew was so excellent! Asked him to choose my meal and he chose something so delicious. Hope I get him again next time!“

“Truly outstanding! I have visited Charleston for years, and yes there are good restaurants downtown, BUT Grace and Grit is equal or tops them!! We dined twice, and both times the food is exquisitely executed, so fresh, flavors created with great care, service each time over the top excellent! The manager came over and was truly a gem! He cares so much for the patrons, restaurant and staff, and it shows! Facility is spotless, modern, and very inviting. Lots of choices for beverages, and bourbon lovers will be ecstatic with 400 choices! Try the local appetizer clams, I am still craving them they are so good! We are from Florida, and their key lime pie is better than the original in Key West, and honestly other places I have had in Florida. Loved everything, from salad, to clams, oysters, fish all so fresh, and my husband had their pork chop that was also beyond excellent! This is our new favorite place first over anything famous downtown. Don't pass up- you will be sorry you missed. Location just a minute over the bridge, no challenges for parking as free large lot.“

“What can I say about this place, it was one of the best restaurants I've been too. Charleston you got it right with this one! The food and service was 10/10 not to mention the waiter Greg was the truth! I will visit here every time I'm in Charleston.“

“Absolutely delicious food. We started with the s'mores and carrot cake and were not disappointed. So rich and delicious. We moved on to the fried sweet potato skins, topped with an arugula salad blend. So well balanced and fresh. The main course was the tomato pie. Honestly the best meal I've ever had in Charleston! Highly recommend!“

“BEST restaurant I have ever been to and this is not an overstatement! The service was very professional and I felt like I was attending a classy dinner 138 years ago with my partner. World class chef who is very creative with his menu. The food is on the pricy end but the caliber of the food and service trumps it! The staff puts a lot of effort into what they do- I love their passion. Highly recommend!“

“The atmosphere was good. The staff was amazing. The food was good however it seems like their food has become very spicy. The seafood mac and cheese was not like it used to be.. I like it better before. Page's Okra Grill Please Stop changing the recipe of your entrees because people like it the way that it was.... Food is still good but just a bit spicy. Also you all need to expand there's always such a long wait and way too small on the inside.Parking: Need more parking areasKid-friendliness: Very kid friendly“

“The service and the ambiance was a perfect setting to celebrate my husband’s birthday. Beginning with checking in with the hostess, my husband was greeted with birthday wishes from every member of the staff that we came across, punctuated with a signed card waiting for him at our table. The only reason I did not give the food a full 5 stars is that my main course arrived extremely over salted. They were very quick to redo the dish, accompanied with multiple apologies. Overall, it was a lovely birthday celebration with a nice live trio providing background music.Dietary restrictions: Pescatarian, dairy-free“

“I’ve eaten a lot of grits in my life and these are hands down the best I have ever had. Seriously. I don’t know what kind of witchcraft y’all have going on in that kitchen, but it’s incredible. They were creamy, salty, peppery, and cheesy. And my eggs, yall. How do you make eggs taste that good?! Thank you for making my day Little Line Kitchen. I’ll be back as soon as I can!“

“Need reservations , this is an upscale restaurant and to enjoy the experience always nice to dress well but casual is fine here as well. The tables are well spaced out and the bar and tables are well spaced out They have a number of great waiters to help decision making as there are many interesting signature dishes The drinks and desert menu was good as well We had the steak verde and the cauliflower as the appetizer and the gnocchi, potato crusted grouper and peel Milanese as our main course Great service !“

“The atmosphere is the best part of the place. I had the smash burger , my wife ordered hot chicken, I should have got the chicken It was much better than my burger. They serve cocktails nice mimosas. The place seems a bit pricey though. The breakfast look top-tier. This wouldn't be my go-to spot if I was a local. It's right next to the suites so it has a touristy pricepoint. Cheesy grits were perfect though. That's a nice hush puppies too. It's well organized counter means you walk up to the counter, order , go sit and they bring it to you. It's fast thorough and the food was outstanding--a tad bit greasy but definitely tasty. I'm on vacation so I was very pleased I found this place, I'll be back for the chicken and waffles in the morning outstanding ice cream desert. Thanks Grit Counter.“

“Delightful crabhouse right by Market St. We were seated upstairs and loved the ambiance. Started with hush puppies, which are definitely a must! They come with honey butter. We also shared the shrimp with grits and cheese along with the shrimp po boy. Both dishes were terrific. Although, the po boy was a little small for the price.“

“Came in from a cruise and asked a few natives where to get some Charleston cuisine from a black owned restaurant and they all said "Gillies". My family of 8, ate and dined sufficiently. The food was great!!! Food seems fresh and made to order but worth the wait.“

“The food and service were both excellent. Unfortunately we were seated in a very echoey room near several very loud parties. It didn't ruin the meal for us, but it did put a bit of a damper on what we'd hoped would be a quiet brunch. Definitely won't stop us from coming back, though.“

“Dillan was an amazing waiter. He recommended the halibut entree and the Elvis dessert. We also ordered shrimp and grits and a side of squash. Everything was beyond our expectations. Honestly the best meal this trip. We’re staying at the Vendue as well. Honestly, the hotel (Allyson- curator) and the restaurant, AND the service ,AND the people , do not disappoint. And, and, and ,and, and….. go there an experience the Vendue!!!!“

“When you eat at Bertha's, it is like visiting family who have been eager to see you. Before you even open the front door, the aroma of delicious food fills the air and invites you to come in. Once you do walk in, the sounds of laugher and good company let you know that you've shown up at the right place. Savor every moment and be reminded of a what a good family meal really means.When my family and I visited Bertha's, we knew little about it, but we were greeted with the warmest hospitality. We did not feel like strangers, but like another member of the family. And the staff at Bertha's made sure that we were well-fed.The fried chicken was fresh and piping hot. The red rice was bursting with flavor. The mac & cheese was warm and comforting. And each bite of my meal just made me want to have another bite.Thank you, Bertha's Kitchen! It was a meal I will not soon forget!“

“Jenna was our server when we stopped in to get a quick snack and she was so friendly and sweet. We had the beignets and they were amazing! We also got frosé to go which was really fun and kept us cool on the rest of our stroll through town.“

“NEED SOME GITTY-UP?!Ms Roses specifically cocktails are an option. For brunch, highly recommend their Espresso Martini. Presentation is nice with moca colored froth & espesso beans on top. Nice balance of sweet, creamy, and bitterness of coffee underneath. Pleasant antidote for any carp fog you may experience after your delicious brunch meal.“

“I showed up at 7 minutes before closing time with a special needs adult and a toddler. Server Kelly looked at us as we poked our heads in, looked at the clock, and said "sure, come on in." She proceeded to serve us like we were VIP's and the best thing to happen to her all day. What's more, the food is awesome. Really good. Huge menu for a breakfast place. I'm a fan.“

“We hosted a rehearsal dinner and it couldn’t have been more perfect. Chris David & Jona were so attentive. The food was beyond amazing. We couldn’t be happier with how the night turned out. It was absolutely magical. Thank you Chris David & Jona for taking such great care of us and our family. And thank you Abby for helping us organize this wonderful night ???“

“The scallops were cooked to perfection! The shrimp and grits was amazing! And our server was correct, the coconut cake was delicious! It was our first visit, but will not be our last! I can't wait to come again! Thank you for such a great date night!“

“My roommates and I got our nails done around the corner and when we were walking by, we decided to head in… Although they closed 15 minutes prior to us coming in, they were more than happy to serve us! They gave us a free box of donuts to try each flavor… I will definitely be back! everyone was so nice and welcoming. We are so excited to try it again!!! Everything was amazing and fresh ?“

“The manager Dan Buceti made my visit a most memorable one. His genuine friendliness and his hands on approach with his staff was a delight to experience. He needs to be recognized for his managerial skills as well as his person demeanor. Superb hospitality and outstanding food is why i will return. Not to mention the cleanliness of the entire establishment!“

“Decided to try Ellis Creek Fish Camp with our best friends. They had passed by in the past and wanted to try local seafood. The exterior of the building is all wooden and styled like an old fish camp. There was a long line to order food, so we knew this was the place to be. There was both inside and outside seating available. We sat outside to enjoy the beautiful sunny weather. Ellis Creek Fish Camp is dog friendly!! They have a station of water bowls and water for your furry baby. They also offer menu items just for dogs! The staff is super friendly and made us feel like family. The food came out quickly and was just wonderful. The menu has something for everyone, so if you don't like fish, no worries. I ordered the shrimp tacos. I had 2 tacos with shrimp seasoned the way I like (yes, there are multiple options for seasonings). They had crunchy cabbage and a tangy/spicy aoli sauce. So tasty. Our friends had the shrimp po boy sandwich with fries. I recommend Ellis Creek Fish Camp. A relaxed atmosphere and delicious food at a reasonable price. The service was fantastic! We will be back to explore more of the menu.“

“We came here for brunch. The host was very sweet and had great attitude. Communicated very efficiently! We sat on the patio which is very cute. We loved the atmosphere of it all. Our server was Kate and she was very attentive and detailed. She helped explain the menu in its entirety to help narrow down what we wanted. She checked in regularly. Also, the manager, Evan, made sure to check on us as well to make sure we were doing good. He was nice and wanted to make sure we were taken care of! Overall great food, great service. Highly recommend.Kid-friendliness: Very kind to our toddler and made sure his food came out quickly!“

“I usually don’t leave reviews, the service was just too good. April was my server. She was genuinely the best server I’ve had in my entire life. The Bloody Mary she suggested was amazing and the shrimp and grits with flounder could not have been better. Thank you April and toast!!“

“Staff was friendly and accommodating, even though it was packed the server was there to refill drinks and take our orders the moment we were ready. The food was fantastic, my mother in law declared their seafood pasta the best she has ever had. The grilled seafood platter was delicious as well, the shrimp was perfect and I finally ate scallops that I enjoyed. My drink, "The Painkiller" also lived up to its name, my back stopped hurting halfway through. 10/10 can't recommend enough.Wheelchair accessibility: It has wheelchair accessibility.“

“Not here to bash at all ..... Because honestly I love their set up and the food so beyond competitive in flavor and I can't begin to say enough good things about the character of each person I encountered , very patient , respectful , and you can actually feel the family love from across the counter ,however the following morning I woke up with the runs really bad . The sad thing about it is I want more of it and now I'm a lil nervous to have a second go at it....“

“Was looking for some good BBQ, in particular Briscket, and landed at Southern Roots Smokehouse. After receiving a very friendly greeting and tips on the food selection; my family and I enjoyed a very delicious meal. Two of us had the plates and one had the brisket burger. Both of which were very good. So good that we ended up ordering some extra banana pudding. Overall the service, the food, and the atmosphere was very enjoyable and would defiantly visit again.“

“Being gluten free, I'm used to getting the short end of the stick, baked goods wise. Receiving a fresh, hot of the oven, delicious biscuit was an amazing treat. Deciding what to get for a biscuit accompaniment was by far the worst part. I went with BLT- all on point, fresh, high quality and delicious. I'll have to go back tomorrow to try some goat cheese and jam....“

“I absolutely love this restaurant. It is the best chicken salad, perfect for my life on the go. I'm here at least once a week and I've always had a pleasant experience. However, today, not so much. The girl working the register in the blue t shirt was the. most rude, unhappy person I've encountered here. She wouldn't even acknowledge you, speak to you and she barely listened, which is why I assume my order was wrong. When I reminded her I ordered a tea, she rolled her eyes and rudely handed the cup over to me. The very nice lady working along side her had to step in and help bc she was witnessing the horrible treatment from this girl. I don't know if she's having a bad day or what, but they may want to place her in a position where she isn't dealing directly with customers, or you won't have many left.“

“This is some of best food I have tasted since working up here in Charleston and dis Florida Boy has found his spot for some good ole food cooked wit love appreciate ya Rome and Mrs. Evette Thank y'allKid-friendliness: Yes it isWheelchair accessibility: Paved side walk“

“I had family in town and thought this might be fun. I have seen the views of charleston many times. The weather was hot but the AC on the boat was working great. The food was very good and the service was great as well.My family had a very enjoyable evening and the dinner cruise is worth the price.Except for the service fee they charge for each ticket.“