The Resy Hit List: Where In Charleston You’ll Want to Eat in Sept. 2024
There’s no question we hear more often: Where should I go eat? And while we at Resy know it’s an honor to be the friend who everyone asks for restaurant advice, we also know it’s a complicated task. That’s where the Resy Hit List comes in.
We’ve designed it to be your essential resource for dining in and around Charleston: a monthly-updated (and expanded!) guide to the restaurants that you won’t want to miss — tonight or any night.
Four Things In Charleston Not to Miss This Month
- Historic Hannibal’s: Iconic downtown institution Hannibal’s Kitchen was one of 50 recipients of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s recent 2024 Backing Historic Small Restaurants grants, supported by American Express. An unassuming soul food spot in Charleston’s Eastside neighborhood, the Huger family has been keeping Gullah Geechie cooking traditions alive on Blake Street since 1985. Celebrities, locals, and tourists all make stops at Hannibal’s, and you can’t really go wrong with anything on the menu. Just make sure you order the crab rice.
- Reviews Are In: Those craving Mediterranean flavors have been frequent fliers at Taverna Philosophia since opening earlier this year. (And at nearby Philosophia.) In July, The Post and Courier took note, pointing diners to the whole snapper and branzino, and other delicacies reminiscent of the Mediterranean coastline. So follow suit: Book here.
- Bourbon and Burgers?: It’s hard to stray from executive chef Vinson Petrillo’s knockout tasting menu at The Restaurant at Zero George, but in-the-know diners have known the Royale with Cheese is one of the best, most luxurious burgers in town. At Bourbon and Burgers! on Sept. 21, you’ll be able to sit down at Zero with a Royale with Cheese and a selection of bourbon pulled from deep in the cabinet. And keep an eye on more Resy events here.
- Rocket Fuel: As if you needed another reason to go to East Cooper mainstay Red Drum, the sister food truck, Rocket Burger has again set up its launchpad again out front in the parking lot. Griddle-smashed steakburgers are the headliner, with rocket sauce and barbecue-tinged options alongside hot dogs and chili. After the burger, save room for dessert if you can, or don’t and order a milkshake instead. You’re welcome.
New to the Hit List (Sept. 2024)
The Archer, Barnyard Chicken, Linette’s, Sushi-Wa.
1. FIG Ansonborough
In a city full of crowd-pleasing tourist fare, FIG remains an oasis. Celebrating 20 years in 2023, chef-owner Mike Lata’s first major restaurant still manages to lure locals downtown, either with a Resy in its modest, comforting dining room or to take a chance at the petite bar that’s always first come, first served. Diners return for seasonal offerings and well-executed specialties like chicken liver pâté and even the fresh catch (grilled triggerfish with mushrooms recently). For Lata, who also opened The Ordinary on King Street some 10 (!!) years ago, rock-solid preparations remain simple, but creative enough to leave an impression.
2. Makan CHS Downtown
Recent Washington, D.C. import Makan serves Malaysian cuisine — rare if not completely absent from Charleston dining rooms, especially downtown. Situated at the corner of Rutledge and Cannon streets, this is the perfect meeting spot for anyone looking for new-to-you, flavor- and spice-packed dishes. Start with sate (chicken or paneer skewers) or char siu wings. But don’t overlook the kerabu mangga (spicy mango salad) or acar nenas (pickled pineapple), both of which bring deep flavors from warming spices; the mango is especially fiery. The sour and spicy fish curry and spicy Hakka noodles also offer big flavors alongside delicate sauces to balance out the mild heat.
3. The Restaurant at Zero George Ansonborough
Accompanying the Zero George boutique hotel, this assemblage of elegant dining rooms turns out some of the most creative and thoughtful fare in Charleston. The six-course tasting menu under executive chef Vinson Petrillo sets the tone with playful snacks, including beef tartare rolled into the shape of a crispy cigar and dusted with ash-gray butter. Down the menu, Petrillo plays the hits with diverging takes on catfish and tilefish. The sommelier will assist with the generous wine selection, or choose from cocktails, including zero-proof options.
4. The Archer East Central
The Archer is the latest project from the team at neighborhood favorite Berkeley’s. Slightly more upscale than its North Central sibling, look for the new spot to scratch the same go-to hangout itch, but with things turned up a few notches. Think: beef stroganoff, duck confit salad, their take on a classic, minimalist burger and fries, and more. At the bar, look for specialty cocktails, including some on draft — Ambiguous Bird was a summer fave, with rum, coconut tea Campari, pineapple, and lime.
5. The Select Charleston Cannonborough Elliotborough
This new Meeting Street brasserie infuses Lowcountry flavors with the feel of the 1920s-era Paris gathering place of the same name — the kind of place where literary luminaries shared creative energy over a few drinks. Based on its original location in Atlanta, The Select opened on the ground floor of the landmark Greystar headquarters in July. Charcuterie and dips spot the top of the menu, along with lobster arancini and French onion soup, bien sur. Plates range from burgers and short ribs to miso golden tilefish. Aiming for accessibility while remaining fun and interesting, “There’s a little bit of everything,” managing partner Jen Bresnahan told the local paper last month.
6. Palmira Barbecue West Ashley
Those of us who’ve followed Hector Garate’s barbecue pop-ups rejoiced in February when he finally opened the doors to his West Ashley restaurant. Channeling the flavors of his native Puerto Rico, Garate dishes out variations on ubiquitous Southern ‘cue with a little more flair. We’re talking sofrito-infused pintos and all-star smoked beef cheeks so tender that you won’t even realize brisket is nowhere to be seen on the menu. And don’t miss Garate’s housemade sausage, whole-hog pork, and barbecue hash — an uber-savory traditional South Carolina side, made with chopped meat, pan drippings, mustard, apple cider vinegar, and more. Palmira may be a ways off-peninsula, but it’s worth the trip.
No reservations. More info here.
7. Vern’s Elliotborough
The low-key digs of this Cannonborough-Elliottborough spot belie the menu that chef-owner Dano Heinze serves up nightly, stacked with offerings you didn’t even know you needed in your rotation. Dishes include snails, fresh crudo, a simple-but-rewarding steak, and handmade pastas like gnocchetti. This classic but inventive view extends to the wine list, curated by Dano’s wife and business partner, Bethany. The couple spent time in famed Charleston locales like the now-defunct McCrady’s before a California sojourn that wound them back east to Charleston. Their deep experience has earned Vern’s a well-deserved national profile.
8. Lowland Lower King
Jason Stanhope departed FIG last summer after 16 years, during which the restaurant and his menu as executive chef piled up accolades. Now, Stanhope is hoping to recapture some of that magic at not one or two, but three concepts operated by The Pinch boutique hotel at the corner of King and George streets. Expect a comfortable, casual setting with a handful of craveable dishes that both frame Stanhope’s interpretation of New Southern cooking and that will warrant a return trip: lobster bucatini, a burger, grilled triggerfish, crudo, biscuits, deviled eggs, and more.
9. Off Track Ice Cream Harleston Village
Tucked a few worthwhile steps from King Street, if you know, you know, as they say. Flavors are divided evenly between traditional cream-based scoops and vegan concoctions, but don’t let that fool you. One taste of classic flavors like peppermint chip or fluffernutter blondie and 1) you wouldn’t guess both are vegan and 2) you’ll be back for a pint to take home. Perfect summer selections include a dead-simple strawberry and peach praline pecan. Even grab a cold brew to go, if you’ve indulged yourself enough. Keep an eye on the Off Track IG for the newest flavor updates.
10. Bintü Atelier East Side
Chef Bintou N’Daw planned to return to New York City after a year in the kitchen Chez Nous. But finding local menus lacked the flavors of her native Senegal, she decided to stay a while. Traditional Gullah cuisine carries traces of West African influence, but N’Daw’s dishes represent inspired adaptations that make her dishes unique. Yet, Charleston’s African ties proved formative for Bintü Atelier — a common thread. And Bintü found its way on to our top picks of 2023 for a reason, after all. Dishes like pepper soup come served with chicken, yucca, yams and crawfish in a spicy broth. Tucked off a Line Street sidewalk in Charleston’s East Side, which has its own rich cultural history as a historically Black neighborhood, Bintü is open for lunch and dinner Thursday through Sunday.
11. Barnyard Chicken North Charleston
The brainchild of chef-owner Eric Hara, Barnyard sits near the Park Circle neighborhood, between Holy City Brewing and Firefly Distilling. As it says on the tin, chicken is the focus — brick chicken, specifically. Sticky wings, Korean-fried chicken nuggets, and a couple variations on chicken sandwiches also highlight the menu. Step inside (no reservations) or order online before other diners get word.
Find more info here.
12. Gaulart & Maliclet Fast and French Downtown
This Broad Street institution is celebrating 40 years. And in a stroke of persistence and/or as a testament to its staying power, the cafe everyone knows just as “Fast and French” has stuck to its formula with sensible offerings, three meals a day, at a good price. The daily lunch special includes a sandwich, soup, and fruit with tea, coffee, or house wine for — get this — $15. Get more adventurous for dinner, with warm fondue, chicken and seafood options, and of course, a bottle of something decent. If you’re in doubt, just follow the lead of a local: Ask what the soup of the day is and include it with your lunch special.
13. Bowen’s Island Restaurant Folly Beach
This might be Charleston’s longest-running restaurant, in operation by the Barber family since 1945. For generations, Bowen’s has lured Charleston-area residents for family dinners, weddings, parties, community and political events, or just to watch some of the best sunsets around. Enter by the stairs and walk past the oyster room, where steamed bivalves are available by the half tray, full tray, and all-you-can-eat. (Oysters, harvested right off the marsh during “R” months, when they’re in season, are the main event here.) Upstairs in the dining room, seafood platters, Frogmore stew, shrimp and grits and more await.
Find more info here.
14. Linnette’s Kiawah River
Open three meals a day at The Dunlin, Charleston area’s newest resort, you’ll find Carolina crab Benedict in the a.m., burgers and egg salad around lunchtime, and cornmeal catfish for dinner. A short drive from downtown on Johns Island, Linette’s overlooks the picturesque Kiawah River, an idyllic setting for rum swizzle or the house old fashioned, made with local High Wire Distilling’s Jimmy Red whiskey.
15. Sushi-Wa Wagener Terrace
Walk into Sushi-Wa and you’re in the hands of its generous chef-owners, Kazu Murakami and Chris Schoedler, who offer a sushi experience unlike anywhere else in Charleston. Five nights a week, Sushi-Wa serves some of the best sushi in town, omakase style — a traditional Japanese chef’s choice format. Murakami and Schoedler make the tough decisions for you, though enticing (and frankly, worth it) upgrades will be up for grabs, like A5 wagyu nigiri. Bar offerings focus on sake, with large and small-format bottles.
16. Taco Boy Downtown North-Central
17. Sullivan’s Fish Camp Sullivan's Island
Step off the beach and into this updated throwback seafood joint, a tribute to “fish camp” eateries common along inland waterways throughout the coastal South. Think: hushpuppies, fried shrimp, fried fish, and more in a casual, family setting. The stained glass lamps and wood motif may signal O.G. fish camp, but this is not your mom and dad’s fish camp. Smoked fish dip, ceviche, and even frozen cocktails make appearances, alongside canonical examples of fried seafood standards.
18. Sissy Bar North Charleston
From the folks who brought you cocktail oasis Dalila’s in Downtown Charleston, this Park Circle spot has reworked its East Montague space (previously Yobo Cantina and Three Sirens) into a jam-packed first come, first-served hot spot inspired by Southern California beachside hangouts. Opened in April, ceviche has proven to be an early crowd favorite, and the chargrilled aromas of the family-style barbacoa “Taco Party” platter has folks saying, “I want that.” As at Dalila’s, cocktails are the name of the game, like the Luscious Lu, a spicy passion fruit margarita or the Ace Ventura, with mezcal, Mexican fernet, and (naturally), banana. A handful of bottled and canned local beers are also available.
Find more info here.
19. King BBQ North Charleston
The food coming out of the Chinese-Southern kitchen from chef-owner Shuai Wang (Jackrabbit Filly) already had a faithful following when the restaurant faced an unexpected closure due to a small fire in late March. But open once again in late April, there may be no better time to stop by this local favorite to see Shuai and co-owner and wife Corrie back together with their A+ team.
Meats smoked on-site anchor the menu, with a mustard-tinged pulled pork paying tribute to a South Carolina standard, and crispy smoked duck providing a little something extra that you won’t find anywhere else in Charleston. Stop by on Saturday and the duck comes served with all steamed bao — “duck service.”
Find more info here.
20. Leon’s Oyster Shop Downtown
For years, the faithful have started queuing outside on King Street well before opening at 11 a.m. Leon’s has carved out a niche among locals and tourists alike, who flock for hot oysters or super solid fried chicken and a vibe so lived-in that you’d never guess it’s just shy of 10 years old. Can’t show up early? Find your five closest friends and grab a Resy. And don’t be fooled by the rustic environs, there’s plenty to enjoy on the drinks list, from “cheapish wine” on draft to local beers and frozen cocktails.
