Dana's Guidebook to Park Circle & Charleston
Food scene
SNOB is the first restaurant I fell in love with in Charleston, and still my all-around favorite. The shrimp and grits is The Best in Charleston. The service is impeccable, and much credit is owed to one of my neighbors and friends, who has been the GM for almost 20 years.
87 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Slightly North of Broad Restaurant
192 E Bay StSNOB is the first restaurant I fell in love with in Charleston, and still my all-around favorite. The shrimp and grits is The Best in Charleston. The service is impeccable, and much credit is owed to one of my neighbors and friends, who has been the GM for almost 20 years.
FIG paved the way for Charleston’s restaurant renaissance. It has somehow managed to be forward thinking, without being trendy for decades. Their mixologists are also amongst the best in Charleston.
177 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
FIG
232 Meeting StFIG paved the way for Charleston’s restaurant renaissance. It has somehow managed to be forward thinking, without being trendy for decades. Their mixologists are also amongst the best in Charleston.
Fleet Landing really shines at lunch. The view is maybe the best of any restaurant in Charleston. This is the place to get a fried shrimp basket, slaw and hush puppies! The she crab soup is also worthy of praise.
149 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar
186 Concord StFleet Landing really shines at lunch. The view is maybe the best of any restaurant in Charleston. This is the place to get a fried shrimp basket, slaw and hush puppies! The she crab soup is also worthy of praise.
82 Queen is my favorite date spot. There is nothing more romantic than dinner in their courtyard. The She Crab soup is a must! It’s hand’s down the best in Charleston!
10 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
82 Queen St
82 Queen Street82 Queen is my favorite date spot. There is nothing more romantic than dinner in their courtyard. The She Crab soup is a must! It’s hand’s down the best in Charleston!
Hank’s has the best seafood in Charleston! This is where you would go to get a heavenly sea bass, snapper, or grouper. They may have fried seafood but it would be a shame to order it here. Their seafood is just too fresh to fry.
94 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
R.B.'s Seafood Restaurant
97 Church StHank’s has the best seafood in Charleston! This is where you would go to get a heavenly sea bass, snapper, or grouper. They may have fried seafood but it would be a shame to order it here. Their seafood is just too fresh to fry.
Halls has, arguably, the best steak in Charleston. Their creamed spinach is my favorite. BUT it’s their Sunday Gospel Brunch that’s really not to be missed
306 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Halls Chophouse
434 King StHalls has, arguably, the best steak in Charleston. Their creamed spinach is my favorite. BUT it’s their Sunday Gospel Brunch that’s really not to be missed
Honestly, I’ve never had dinner here but I’m sure it’s great. I go for the famous coconut cake!
48 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Peninsula Grill
112 N Market StHonestly, I’ve never had dinner here but I’m sure it’s great. I go for the famous coconut cake!
Proper fish and chips, pure and simple. Many of the best Chef’s in Charleston can be spotted here on their day off.
68 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The CODfather, Proper Fish & Chips
4254 Spruill AveProper fish and chips, pure and simple. Many of the best Chef’s in Charleston can be spotted here on their day off.
Absolutely amazing specialty pizza place. The menu changes seasonally and features only the freshest local ingredients. Low key but 5 stars!
165 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
EVO Pizzeria
1075 E Montague AveAbsolutely amazing specialty pizza place. The menu changes seasonally and features only the freshest local ingredients. Low key but 5 stars!
Part coffee shop, part market. This little shop is right around the corner. They make great sandwiches with fresh breads, and have a good selection of pastries. The coffee is excellent and they have a good variety of teas and other drinks too. They feature goods from many local vendors, including my own Green Girl Living. It’s a great place to pick up a bottle of wine, and a last minute gift.
24 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Mixson Market
4338 McCarthy StreetPart coffee shop, part market. This little shop is right around the corner. They make great sandwiches with fresh breads, and have a good selection of pastries. The coffee is excellent and they have a good variety of teas and other drinks too. They feature goods from many local vendors, including my own Green Girl Living. It’s a great place to pick up a bottle of wine, and a last minute gift.
Basil has been serving the best Thai food in Charleston for decades. I crave their Pad Thai!
Their newest location is just a few minutes away in Park Circle.
36 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Basil Thai Park Circle
1070 E Montague AveBasil has been serving the best Thai food in Charleston for decades. I crave their Pad Thai!
Their newest location is just a few minutes away in Park Circle.
A lot of great BBQ places have gotten attention in Charleston recently Rodney Scott’s and Lewis’s are no doubt amazing - but I’m loyal to Home Team!
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Home Team BBQ
2209 Middle StA lot of great BBQ places have gotten attention in Charleston recently Rodney Scott’s and Lewis’s are no doubt amazing - but I’m loyal to Home Team!
The best burger in town. They grind their own meat and it’s seriously, next level good. Inspired by Edgar Allen Poe’s time in the area. Only a few steps from the beach.
205 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Poe's Tavern - Sullivans Island
2210 Middle StThe best burger in town. They grind their own meat and it’s seriously, next level good. Inspired by Edgar Allen Poe’s time in the area. Only a few steps from the beach.
My absolute favorite daytime spot. Outstanding coffee and a full bar. The Best fried chicken biscuit in Charleston. Very affordable. In the heart of downtown.
41 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Millers All Day
120 King StMy absolute favorite daytime spot. Outstanding coffee and a full bar. The Best fried chicken biscuit in Charleston. Very affordable. In the heart of downtown.
A must-go. There will be a line but it moves quick. This is one of the last, and still best, place to get true southern food in Charleston. It’s nearly impossible to save room, but squeeze in dessert or get it to go. Theirs are the best in Charleston!
17 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Jestine's Kitchen
251 Meeting StA must-go. There will be a line but it moves quick. This is one of the last, and still best, place to get true southern food in Charleston. It’s nearly impossible to save room, but squeeze in dessert or get it to go. Theirs are the best in Charleston!
The best breakfast in town. No frills, just great food!
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Early Bird Diner
1644 Savannah HwyThe best breakfast in town. No frills, just great food!
The best fried chicken sandwich you’ll ever have is made at this local favorite, which happens to be owned by my neighbors. There’s 3 locations, so it’s easy to pop-in for lunch no matter where you are. My go-to is fried chicken with pickled green tomatoes and bacon jam. Also, get the sweet potato fries!!!
39 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Boxcar Betty's
1922 Savannah HwyThe best fried chicken sandwich you’ll ever have is made at this local favorite, which happens to be owned by my neighbors. There’s 3 locations, so it’s easy to pop-in for lunch no matter where you are. My go-to is fried chicken with pickled green tomatoes and bacon jam. Also, get the sweet potato fries!!!
If you’re a vegetarian or just love clean eating, this is your spot. They make healthy tasty! Also, the owners live just down the street, so I know everything is made from their heart.
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The Park Cafe
730 Rutledge AveIf you’re a vegetarian or just love clean eating, this is your spot. They make healthy tasty! Also, the owners live just down the street, so I know everything is made from their heart.
A legitimately great restaurant hidden in an unassuming strip mall. This is not your typical Chinese take-out but instead a great dining experience. Everything is outstanding but my favorites are the hot and sour soup, crab wontons, lettuce wraps and tangerine chicken.
Frothy Beard brewery is just around the corner. ;)
10 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Red Orchids China Bistro
1401 Sam Rittenberg BlvdA legitimately great restaurant hidden in an unassuming strip mall. This is not your typical Chinese take-out but instead a great dining experience. Everything is outstanding but my favorites are the hot and sour soup, crab wontons, lettuce wraps and tangerine chicken.
Frothy Beard brewery is just around the corner. ;)
The best fried chicken is a title we take very seriously. Jestine’s is great. Publix (supermarket deli) is outstanding. But, I think Mrs. Rose’s takes the gold.
12 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Ms. Rose's Fine Food & Cocktails
1090 Sam Rittenberg BlvdThe best fried chicken is a title we take very seriously. Jestine’s is great. Publix (supermarket deli) is outstanding. But, I think Mrs. Rose’s takes the gold.
Gift shop
Local favorites.
Part coffee shop, part market. This little shop is right around the corner. They make great sandwiches with fresh breads, and have a good selection of pastries. The coffee is excellent and they have a good variety of teas and other drinks too. They feature goods from many local vendors, including my own Green Girl Living. It’s a great place to pick up a bottle of wine, and a last minute gift.
24 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Mixson Market
4338 McCarthy StreetPart coffee shop, part market. This little shop is right around the corner. They make great sandwiches with fresh breads, and have a good selection of pastries. The coffee is excellent and they have a good variety of teas and other drinks too. They feature goods from many local vendors, including my own Green Girl Living. It’s a great place to pick up a bottle of wine, and a last minute gift.
They carry several local candle brands. It’s like Yankee Candle for grown-ups.
They also offer fun classes, where you can make your own candle.
12 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Candlefish
270 King StThey carry several local candle brands. It’s like Yankee Candle for grown-ups.
They also offer fun classes, where you can make your own candle.
The cutest local gift shop, owned by one of my neighbors.
8 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Roadside Blooms
4491 Spruill AveThe cutest local gift shop, owned by one of my neighbors.
Sightseeing
The new boardwalk is one of the most beautiful places to stroll in the area. You’ll also have a pretty good chance of spotting dolphin. There’s several good spots to eat in this area too.
Shem Creek Boat Landing
109 Simmons StThe new boardwalk is one of the most beautiful places to stroll in the area. You’ll also have a pretty good chance of spotting dolphin. There’s several good spots to eat in this area too.
Heaven on earth! It’s a little off the beaten path, so be ready for an adventure but it’s so worth it! This is the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen!
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Botany Bay Island
Heaven on earth! It’s a little off the beaten path, so be ready for an adventure but it’s so worth it! This is the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen!
Located on the old Navy Base, this is one of my favorite places in Charleston. It’s a great place to go for a walk, sit by the water, fish, or admire the ever-changing art installations by local artists. This is where they filmed Army Wives. It’s also home to the Highwater Music Festival each spring, our 4th of July festival, and the Park Circle Octoberfest.
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Riverfront Park
1061 Everglades AveLocated on the old Navy Base, this is one of my favorite places in Charleston. It’s a great place to go for a walk, sit by the water, fish, or admire the ever-changing art installations by local artists. This is where they filmed Army Wives. It’s also home to the Highwater Music Festival each spring, our 4th of July festival, and the Park Circle Octoberfest.
Take a walk down the pier, watch fisherman, see the bridge from a new perspective, and picnic in the park. This is one of the best places for quick retreat in Charleston.
19 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Mount Pleasant Pier
71 Harry M. Hallman Jr BlvdTake a walk down the pier, watch fisherman, see the bridge from a new perspective, and picnic in the park. This is one of the best places for quick retreat in Charleston.
One of the most picturesque places in Charleston. A short but breathtaking walk.
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Pitt Street Bridge
100 Pitt StOne of the most picturesque places in Charleston. A short but breathtaking walk.
This is one of my favorite places to get lost in Charleston. There’s a beautiful trail that runs past the marsh and dock.
57 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-Palmetto Islands County Park
444 Needlerush PkwyThis is one of my favorite places to get lost in Charleston. There’s a beautiful trail that runs past the marsh and dock.
Things to do indoors
When it’s raining or when you need to escape to the AC for a bit, these are some great options.
They carry several local candle brands. It’s like Yankee Candle for grown-ups.
They also offer fun classes, where you can make your own candle.
12 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Candlefish
270 King StThey carry several local candle brands. It’s like Yankee Candle for grown-ups.
They also offer fun classes, where you can make your own candle.
The best movie theater in town. Reclining seats in all the theaters and an IMAX screen.
24 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Citadel Mall IMAX Stadium 16
2072 Sam Rittenberg BoulevardThe best movie theater in town. Reclining seats in all the theaters and an IMAX screen.
This classic book store is a local favorite. This was also home to the Orange Spot coffee shop, before they moved into their bigger space up the street.
9 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Itinerant Literate Bookstop
4824 Chateau AveThis classic book store is a local favorite. This was also home to the Orange Spot coffee shop, before they moved into their bigger space up the street.
Blade & Bull Axe Throwing
1077 East Montague AvenueTruthfully, I haven’t tried this yet but why not! ;)
This is one of the coolest places to visit in Charleston. Check their website for a calendar of events.
28 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Avian Conservation Center & Center for Birds of Prey
4719 N Hwy 17This is one of the coolest places to visit in Charleston. Check their website for a calendar of events.
I love seeing plays at this little local theater that is rich with history!
101 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Dock Street Theater
135 Church StI love seeing plays at this little local theater that is rich with history!
The coolest little wine shop in Charleston. Check out their website for events or just stop by to grab a bottle on your way to the beach.
8 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Monarch Wine Merchants
1107 King StThe coolest little wine shop in Charleston. Check out their website for events or just stop by to grab a bottle on your way to the beach.
Have you ever wanted to take a wine class but felt intimidated? Look no further! This little gem is owned by one of my favorite people. She will help you explore wine in a friendly and fun setting. Check out her website for current classes and experiences.
Cellar Experience
1662 Savannah HwyHave you ever wanted to take a wine class but felt intimidated? Look no further! This little gem is owned by one of my favorite people. She will help you explore wine in a friendly and fun setting. Check out her website for current classes and experiences.
Watering Holes
Little spots to grab a beer, cocktail or glass of wine.
Our local brewery has an awesome atmosphere and great beers. There’s usually live music. The outside is kid and dog friendly.
Be warned, the food isn’t my favorite but there’s plenty of places within walking distance to eat, before or after you grab a drink here.
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Commonhouse Aleworks
4831 O'Hear AveOur local brewery has an awesome atmosphere and great beers. There’s usually live music. The outside is kid and dog friendly.
Be warned, the food isn’t my favorite but there’s plenty of places within walking distance to eat, before or after you grab a drink here.
Great beer, great food, and close by. The only downside is it can get a bit crowded. There’s also not usually any live music.
Kid friendly.
You can also grab a drink here, then head around the corner to Red Orchid for dinner.
36 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Frothy Beard Brewing Company
1401 Sam Rittenberg BlvdGreat beer, great food, and close by. The only downside is it can get a bit crowded. There’s also not usually any live music.
Kid friendly.
You can also grab a drink here, then head around the corner to Red Orchid for dinner.
Maybe my favorite brewery. They usually have an awesome food truck outside.
Kid friendly.
260 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Two Blokes Brewing
547 Long Point RdMaybe my favorite brewery. They usually have an awesome food truck outside.
Kid friendly.
A very low key brewery with great beer, and live music. There’s usually a really awesome food truck outside. This is my BFF’s all-time favorite.
Kid friendly.
263 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Ghost Monkey Brewery
522 Wando LnA very low key brewery with great beer, and live music. There’s usually a really awesome food truck outside. This is my BFF’s all-time favorite.
Kid friendly.
A quaint little wine bar in the neighborhood.
49 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Accent on Wine Park Circle
1056 E Montague AveA quaint little wine bar in the neighborhood.
The best cocktails in town, an expansive selection of locally brewed beers, incredible food, and outstanding service. A true gem!
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Edmund's Oast
1081 Morrison DrThe best cocktails in town, an expansive selection of locally brewed beers, incredible food, and outstanding service. A true gem!
The Sparrow
1078 E Montague AveOur local dive bar.
Coffee Shops
This little shop is so cute! If you’re lucky enough to come in when they’re baking, the smell will seduce you. The coffees, baked goods, and salads are all great!
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The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery
1107 King StThis little shop is so cute! If you’re lucky enough to come in when they’re baking, the smell will seduce you. The coffees, baked goods, and salads are all great!
This is where the cool kids go ;) The coffee is outstanding and it’s a convenient little resting spot when touring downtown.
52 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Mercantile and Mash
701 E Bay StThis is where the cool kids go ;) The coffee is outstanding and it’s a convenient little resting spot when touring downtown.
A Park Circle staple. The Orange Spot is owned by two awesome ladies that have helped revitalize Park Circle. Their coffee is as good as you’ll find anywhere.
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Orange Spot Coffee
1011 E Montague AveA Park Circle staple. The Orange Spot is owned by two awesome ladies that have helped revitalize Park Circle. Their coffee is as good as you’ll find anywhere.