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Best Hot Spot Restaurants in Downtown Charleston

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8 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Coast Bar & Grill – Charleston restaurant
1. Coast Bar & Grill – Charleston
4.3
Awesome(5017)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Downtown Charleston
Booked 39 times today
Charleston’s freshest seafood, with laidback Lowcountry style. Coast’s chefs meet daily with local farmers and fishermen to procure the freshest seafood and produce available. Featuring wood-grilled fish, a raw bar, and a refreshing drink list. Open nightly from 5:00. Outdoor seating available.*menus subject to change, please visit www.holycityhospitality.com for current menu
A photo of O-Ku restaurant
2. O-Ku
4.8
Exceptional(2777)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Downtown Charleston
Booked 53 times today
O-Ku, a Japanese restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina, is a triumph of execution and concept. The restaurant's menu is a modern take on traditional Japanese cuisine, and it features fresh, seasonal ingredients that are prepared with care. The dishes are beautifully presented, and the flavors are both complex and delicate. Focused on incorporating authentically Japanese flavors into the fare, O-Ku's menu is comprised of signature contemporary Japanese entrées and traditional sushi of the season reflecting the uniquely designed space. Guests can enjoy chef specialties including kurobuta pulled pork don-buri, braised short rib with shiso pesto, coconut curry, and hakozushi a box-style sushi. A wide variety of nigiri, sashimi and crudos are also available. The beverage program at O-Ku is a sophisticated blend of specialty cocktails, premium sake, bubbles, red and white wines and unique beer selections.
A photo of Church and Union - Charleston restaurant
3. Church and Union - Charleston
4.5
Awesome(8709)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown Charleston
Booked 196 times today
A 5th Street Group Concept. Modern-American cuisine served in a casual yet refined atmosphere. Menu by Executive Chef Doug Watson & Bravo Top Chef Alum Chef Partner Jamie Lynch.
A photo of Oak Steakhouse - Charleston restaurant
4. Oak Steakhouse - Charleston
4.8
Exceptional(5605)
Price: Moderate
• Steakhouse • Downtown Charleston
Booked 44 times today
Located on Charleston's historic Broad Street, Oak Steakhouse is a classic American steakhouse. A classic array of both wet and dry aged Certified Angus® Beef are featured on the menu. Ingredients are sourced locally and regionally from sustainable farmers and fisherman to accent the steakhouse menu. Items including local oysters on the half-shell, Clammer Dave's caper clams and a daily fresh fish selection depending on the season. Other popular dishes include the whole fried lobster, goat.sheep.cow artisanal cheese plate, wedge of Kurios Farms bibb lettuce salad, the house-made pasta and vegetarian plate. The expansive and impressive wine program at Oak Steakhouse emphasizes big California Cabernets and Old World reds from Italy and Bordeaux with more than 200 wines by the bottle and 20 wines by the glass. The bar attracts a loyal, local following from nearby businesses and neighborhoods with its great cocktails and happy hour. Inside a historic bank building that dates back to 1848, Oak's stately setting features three floors with five distinct dining areas. Arched windows, 20-foot ceilings, original metal work, fireplaces and 150-year-old heart pine floors, offers the perfect setting for enjoying a special evening.
A photo of Amen Street Fish + Raw Bar restaurant
5. Amen Street Fish + Raw Bar
4.7
Exceptional(5131)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Downtown Charleston
Booked 56 times today
Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar opened in 2009, reviving the former Amen name of Cumberland Street and restoring this historic corner. The new renovation stays true to the beauty of the original 1800's architecture while creating a comfortable atmosphere for contemporary life.Located at 205 East Bay Street in the heart of the historic district this Charleston seafood restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor dining all within walking distance of the local Market and the Charleston Harbor.The menu includes a variety of seafood dishes such as oysters, clams and shrimp in addition to an ever growing raw bar menu. Amen Street supports Charleston's local fishing industry with market fresh fish.We are open for lunch and dinner. Walk-ins are welcome and reservations are accepted as well.
A photo of California Dreaming - Charleston - Priority Seating restaurant
6. California Dreaming - Charleston - Priority Seating
4.6
Exceptional(3247)
Price: Moderate
• American • West Ashley
Booked 102 times today
Since 1987, California Dreaming has been a proud part of the Charleston, SC community. Our spacious, open setting features floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views of the Ashley River, creating the perfect backdrop for a lively night out. You can also enjoy these panoramic views from our wrap-around deck, complete with a bar and easily accessible by boat. Whether you're craving low country favorites or our famous prime rib, California Dreaming is a favorite among both locals and tourists. **Please note that we provide Advance Priority Seating to reduce wait times and expedite the seating process when your entire party arrives. To ensure the best experience for all guests, we seat groups of up to 6. While larger groups are seated separately, this arrangement is flexible during quieter hours.
A photo of Tavern & Table restaurant
7. Tavern & Table
4.6
Exceptional(2697)
Price: Moderate
• American • Mount Pleasant
Booked 41 times today
Tavern & Table is a hot spot due to its stunning ambiance and top-notch food. As one review puts it, the patio is a 'hot spot with a short wait to be expected'. The restaurant offers a 'beautiful and relaxed atmosphere' with 'great food and atmosphere'. The 'casual hospitality' and 'beautiful and comfortable setting' also contribute to its popularity. The service is highly rated as 'attentive and friendly' and the 'food is awesome'.
A photo of Boathouse at Breach Inlet restaurant
8. Boathouse at Breach Inlet
4.7
Exceptional(5426)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Isle of Palms
Booked 27 times today
This waterfront locale is historically known as the launching site of our country's first submarine, the H.L. Hunley. Poised at the breach between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic, you can enjoy a meal amongst the spectacular sunset views and balmy ocean breezes of the Isle of Palms. Come early and have a cocktail at the Rooftop Bar while enjoying amazing views before dining.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Bridget
    Poland •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    The food and experience at Church and Union is one of a kind. Our waiter, Kyle, was an incredible host as he guided us through courses of delicious food and drinks. Be weary of a later reservation as the restaurant has a live DJ starting around 10pm. Overall, a must go to while traveling through Charleston, SC!
    More info
    Church and Union - CharlestonPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown Charleston
    •
    4.5
  • Amy
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We started with the SheCrab soup and fried green tomatoes. Delicious. Best SheCrab soup I’ve ever had. The fried green tomato portion was substantial—with okra and pimento cheese. I added some of the hot sauce that was on the table to the dish. Perfect amount of heat. We then had the sweet and spicy shrimp and a po-boy sandwich. Excellent portion size. Francis was our server and was great with recommendations and explanations. Would definitely go again!
    More info
    Amen Street Fish + Raw BarPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Downtown Charleston
    •
    4.7
  • Jack
    Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Our server Chris was absolutely amazing. My girlfriend often request hot/warm water at restaurants. At restaurants that’s more catered towards westerner, they never refill unless asked for. Not Chris. Chris was attentive all evening even though he was busy with what seemed like every other table. Every time my girlfriend finished her cup of hot water, Chris immediately brought out another one. Never once at a “western restaurant” has this happened in my life. Chris made this experience unforgettable, and we’re truly thankful for the service.
    More info
    Oak Steakhouse - CharlestonPrice: Moderate• Steakhouse• Downtown Charleston
    •
    4.8
  • Gabby
    Atlanta •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Food came out super quick and it was all delicious!
    More info
    O-KuPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Downtown Charleston
    •
    4.8
  • Mildred
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Our server Hayley was outstanding. Everything she recommended was spot on. The selection of seafood choices was surprising broad. The swordfish was cooked to perfection. The crab stuffed flounder was huge and delicious. I highly recommend a visit to Coast.
    More info
    Coast Bar & Grill – CharlestonPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Downtown Charleston
    •
    4.3

Discover best hot spot restaurants in Downtown Charleston

Discover the vibrant culinary landscape of Downtown Charleston, South Carolina, where each dining hot spot offers a unique blend of ambiance, flavor, and high-quality service. From the rich, savory dishes of elevated Mexican cuisine to the sophisticated charm of French bistros, every restaurant promises a memorable dining experience tailored for any occasion. Renowned for its festive atmospheres and creative cocktails, Downtown Charleston is a treasure trove for food enthusiasts seeking both traditional and innovative culinary delights. The area's dining scene is marked by its enthusiastic embrace of diverse cuisines, making it a premier destination for gastronomes. Whether you're planning a fun date night, a celebration, or a casual outing, the hot spots in Downtown Charleston cater to all tastes and preferences, ensuring a delightful and satisfying visit. Choose your next culinary adventure in this historic city known for its excellent food and welcoming vibes, where every meal is not just eaten, but experienced.

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