LemonHearted

View Original

Charleston City Guide 2022

This is my second trip to Charleston and my most consecutive days in the city. Airbnbs in the heart of Charleston are insanely priced, so we stayed at a place north of Charleston in a town called Hanahan. But, depending on how deep into the peninsula you are going, you aren’t more than 20 minutes away from all the Charleston restaurants and sights.

Even better, though, locals who feel like Charleston has lost its charm and become to bougie and commercialized for its own good have opened their own shops and restaurants further North, so we actually had options much closer to where we were staying for a good mix. We even ventured even further North to Summerville. Personally, for my interests, I don’t think there is much to do in the heart of Charleston but eat, so having other options is good.

FOOD

Jackrabbit Filly

What started as a food truck is now a gem in North Charleston with a list of accolades behind it. I found it on Eater’s list for the area and got some recommendations to back that up, so this was our first meal of the trip, and it knocked my taste buds out of the park. Not only was the food delicious, but the staff was beyond accommodating to dry off the wet outdoor tables from the rain and take good care of us.

What we ordered:

  • SICHUAN HOT KARAAGE 10 - Japanese fried chicken, filly sauce, chili oil, togarashi, B&B pickles

  • PORK & CABBAGE DUMPLINGS 9 - soy, vinegar, chili oil, cilantro, peanuts

  • FISH TARTARE 14 - mrkt fish, masago, ponzu, spicy mayo, garlic bread

  • NOODLES 19 - smoked corn, snow peas, miso lime butter, soy, chili crisp, egg noodles

  • LOCAL CUCUMBER SALAD - with grapefruit. radish, peanuts, and chili peppers tossed in a dashi vinegar and “strange flavor” sauce.

Where to park:

There is street parking in front of the restaurant.

Pink Bellies

This Vietnamese restaurant is located in Charleston's heart and is highly recommended. Unfortunately, there is no outdoor seating here, so we made early-bird reservations on Thursday, hoping it would be pretty empty, which it was.

The service here seemed to be shared by the staff, and we had many different people taking care of us, which meant we were never without anything we needed. I wanted to get much more than I ordered, but the pangs of vacation eating sometimes mean you get less at each place so that you can try more spots.

What we ordered:

  • Spicy Lamb Dumplings - Soy Sauce, Black Vinegar, Chili Garlic Oil, Cilantro

  • BÚN CHA GIÒ - Vermicelli Rice Noodle Salad, Greens, Herbs, Grilled Pork Meatballs, Nuoc Cham, Local Shrimp Pork & Taro Eggrolls, Peanuts, Fried Shallots, Scallion Oil

  • NOT FRIED CHICKEN ICE CREAM - This dessert was so cool. The artistry that goes into Life Raft Treats, which is a local company, is truly inspiring. Not only did the ice cream faux chicken wing taste amazing, but it looked legitimately like a real chicken wing. I actually visited a pop-up they were hosting on another day, looking for a gorgeous peach sorbet they created, but unfortunately they didn’t have it. If you are ever in South Carolina I would highly suggest you do your best to track down where they are popping up.

Where to park:

There is no onsite parking here, and don’t think there is because you will get towed. The easiest place to park I found is the paid lot a few blocks away at Spring Street and Meeting Street. Download the Reef parking app.

Rodney Scott’s BBQ

As an avid watcher of all the food travel shows that give you wanderlust and foodie lust all I once, I became familiar with Rodney Scott thanks to the Chef’s Table on Netflix. Orlando has finally gotten some decent BBQ, but it’s not what we’re known for, so Rodney’s made a list for lunch.

What we ordered:

  • Two Meat Combo (Brisket and Pork)

  • Rod’s Original Whole Hog Pork Plate

Besides the meats being amazing, well seasoned, and tender, the sides were also on point. Please get the CORNBREAD if you can; it was perfect. Have you ever inhaled a piece of dry cornbread and almost choked to death? That won’t happen here. It was so moist, with a slightly charred top.

Where to park:

There is street parking on the side of the restaurant facing the Food Lion shopping center.

Xiao Bao Biscuit

Xiao Bao Biscuit is known for Asian dishes that come from varying regions including China, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. The menu isn’t huge, but packs dishes full of flavor.

What we ordered:

  • Okonomiyaki - Japanese cabbage pancake in a style we learned while farming in Japan, topped with furikake mayo, sweet soy and chili garlic sauce. I added pork candy.

  • Pad Kra - Thai beef and basil stir fry with chili garlic and local veg - comes with fried sunny up egg

I was honestly a little intimidated by the Okonomiyaki that I ordered. It was a dish I wasn’t very familiar with, but I wanted to try. The textures were so interesting, all blending in a harmonious way that took a few bites to wrap my head around fully. The final verdict was a win, but the Pad Kra I tried was also a winner.

Where to park:

They have a few spaced dedicated for patrons, but if you can’t snag one, you will have to find street parking in the neighborhood.

Park & Grove

Park & Grove was our only full-on breakfast on our trip (coffee is usually breakfast), and I had difficulty choosing between Basic Kitchen and Park & Grove. However, this place won because it had a reservation for outside. The space is beautiful inside, with ample covered and uncovered seating outdoors with massive fans. They boast a seasonal menu, but sometimes you need a stack of pancakes.

What we ordered:

  • PEACH BUTTERMILK PANCAKES - peaches, whipped cream, maple syrup

  • SMOKED SALMON - homemade sourdough everything bagel, avocado, everything spice, pickled red onion, broken egg

  • CHARLESTON FOG - their take on Earl Grey Tea Latte topped with a toasted lavender marshmallow

The brunch was delicious and filling (the pancakes could have been a touch lighter), but it was a very comfortable place for a leisurely breakfast. Also, when you order a side of bacon, they give generously.

Where to park:

Park & Grove is on the same street as Rodney’s so you can park on that street just pay attention to the signs.

BUTCHER & BEE

I still remember my first meal at Butcher & Bee in Nashville, and it was so satisfying that although I probably should have tried a new restaurant in Charleston, I couldn’t resist. The menu contains Middle Eastern dishes like whipped feta, baba ghanoush, falafel, and mujadara. I remember all the flavors from my past trip, which led me back to this location.

What we ordered:

  • CRISPY SMOKED POTATOES - avocado chimichurri, za’atar

  • SPICY AVOCADO SALAD - Carolina Gold crispy rice, heirloom collard greens, peanuts, serrano chiles

  • SEARED LOCAL FISH - summer ragu, garlic herb butter

My new goal in life is to recreate this salad back home. It’s genuinely one of my favorites. From the pop of chilies to the added crunchy texture the crispy rice gives married with each piece of green, finished with the creaminess of the avocado - it’s just a satisfying mouth party everyone should try. The fish also melted at first bite and was equally mesmerizing.

Where to park:

They have their own parking lot, bless them.

The Ordinary

Our final meal and our true fancy splurge was all set at the Ordinary. Well, set in my mind, as they had no reservations (they book up weeks in advance). Bar and patio seating is first come, first serve, so after calling before we left to verify that bit of info on the website, we showed up 15 minutes early and waited while we baked in the sun. The girl I spoke with failed to tell me the patio was closed for the evening (I'm guessing a staffing issue). But The Ordinary did us a remarkable solid by letting us sit in the empty patio after I assume a server volunteered to take us on in addition to their inside section.

The meal was perfect, not just because their kindness in accommodating us, but because of OYSTERS. So many delicious oysters. It's so important to follow the guidance of your server (ours was exceptionally well versed in the menu) and listen to the regions the oysters are from, where they fall on the brine scale (I just made that up), and the way you are going to enjoy them the most. Maybe it's dressed with the ají dulce mignonette, cucumber and trout roe, or maybe with a heap of fresh horseradish. Or a handful of crackers and hot sauce. Whatever you want, they've got it for you.

Not to mention the delectable fried oyster slider with pops of flavor thanks to Nuoc Cham, jalapenos and pickled carrots on a hawaiian roll. You have to try it.

What we ordered:

  • Lots of Oysters (Belle de Jours, NB. Single Ladies, SC. Steamboat Creeks, SC

  • Dressed Oysters ají dulce mignonette, cucumber, trout roe

  • Crispy Oyster Slider, nuoc cham, fresno mayo, fresh baked Hawaiian roll

  • Smoked Fish Pâté, smoked trout roe, seeded buttermilk crackers

  • Yellowfin Tuna Crudo, wild ginger vinaigrette, athena cantaloupe, basil

I know there are a lot of oyster spots in Charleston, so I can’t tell you who reigns supreme, but I was very happy with the Ordinary.

Where to park:

I would utilize the same paid parking lot on Spring Street and Meeting Street for a quick and easy walk to King Street.

COFFEE

HARKAN COFFEE

Harkan was probably my favorite spot for coffee (service was good too) but this place was packed out, you could barely get in the door. I took my latte and ran, but it was beautiful inside, and clearly a popular spot.

Where to park:

If you can’t find street parking, there is a parking garage a few blocks away on Cumberland Street.

Sight See Coffee

This small and unassuming shop has no inside seating, but a space for beach vibey merch in the back. The coffee was ok, not as good as Harkan, but super friendly owners inside with a happy vibe.

Where to park:

This is a heavy residential street, so you are going to have to try and find street parking.

Second State Coffee

Second State has multiple locations around Charleston, and may be the most recognizable. We went to the downtown location before getting back on the road to Orlando. One thing I noticed about all of the shops I went to, no one had seasonal drinks. NONE. So I stuck with my standard oat milk latte with a bit of lavender and it was solid.

Where to park:

Street parking only

Orange Spot Coffee

Orange Spot Coffee is in the Park Circle neighborhood, and had a chill and welcoming vibe. They randomly (at least to me) sold records and had some local merch as well. The coffee was good, stronger than many of the other spots, and it got bonus points for using Minor Figures oat milk.

Where to park:

This is a popular shopping strip, so free street parking is ample.

THINGS TO DO

GIBBES ART MUSEUM

The Gibbes is noted as Charleston’s only visual arts museum. It’s not huge, four floors of different rotating exhibits, but worth a stop to admire local and traveling exhibitions. Cost for adults is $12.

EXCHANGE FACTOR

I found the Exchange Factor in my search for local shops, and I went thinking it was a step above a thrift store. The inside is jam-packed and a bit overwhelming (and messy) which doesn’t bother me, but easily over stimulated shopper beware. I went looking for vintage tees, and found many, but the prices were quite high, so sadly I left empty-handed. A great spot for digging for a deal though if you are up for that.

THE GAME ROOM

We hit up a few game shops in our travels, but the Game Room in North Charleston had the biggest selection, and overall the whole shop was one big happy nostalgia vibe. Whether you are looking for Japanese Anime or old and new games, and some fun merch (also a small music area with equipment and records) there is a lot of take in at the Game Room. They even had a row of Gacha machines.

PARK CIRCLE

One of the shop owners in this neighborhood freely told me how true Charlestonians feel about what is happening in their city and that Park Circle has become their place of refuge. Back to the days of yore, when neighborhoods had souls, not to mention places that the average person could feel comfortable and afford. It felt like Audubon Park to me if Audubon Park had an appropriately sized street running through it with ample parking. Within their neighborhood, you get all the staples: an independent book store, record shop, coffee shop, various restaurants, a dedicated food truck area, local artisans, a game shop, a music and comedy bar, and a restaurant that Guy Fieri featured on Diner’s, Drive-ins, and Dives.

We spent an afternoon exploring this walkable area, made some purchases to support locals, and wondered why everyone walks King Street when they could be walking the streets of Park Circle.

The Station Park Circle

Just around the corner from the main drag of this neighborhood, you’ll find a marketplace home to 50 vendors, local artists, and crafters offering furniture, art, lighting, accents, vinyl, plants, apparel, textiles, jewelry, gifts, and so much more! (It’s right next door to Jackrabbit Filly)

It’s a good-sized space with different vendor areas and many cute local goods. Apparently, some people that started here ended up with brick-and-mortar spaces in the neighborhood. It gives you a much more local feel of Charleston.

SIGHTS OF CHARLESTON

All expenses were paid for personally, no business asked to be featured.