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Bring on the Charleston Brunch at these 9 Tasty Spots

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By Bailey Laskowski

Quite possibly everyone’s favorite meal of the week is brunch. It combines the deliciousness of breakfast foods with the lazy mornings of a relaxing weekend. While you’re visiting the Charleston area, make time for a weekend brunch at one of our terrific restaurants. To get you started, we’ve compiled a list of favorites.

 

Downtown 

Toast Shrimp and GritsToast: Located in the heart of historic Charleston, you’ll find this cozy brunch spot. Not only are the biscuits the size of your head, but the mimosa carafes are definitely something to write home about. Enjoy some delicious homemade orange marmalade before heading to Market Street from some shopping in Charleston’s famous open-air market. 155 Meeting St. 

The Park Cafe: This simple brunch spot offers a variety of unique menu options. The avocado toast will leave you so speechless that you’re almost guaranteed to visit again. The relaxed vibe and off-the-beaten path location will make you feel like a local. Try the “Mongoose” cocktail made with reposado, genepy and honey. 730 Rutledge Ave. 

The Rarebit: While shopping on King Street, stop in for the best chicken and waffles you’ve ever had. Famous for its Moscow Mules served in copper mugs, the Rarebit is a great spot to relax and start your day. Check out the Art-O-Mat vending machine – drop in a few coins and get a piece of art to remember your new favorite brunch destination. 474 King St. 

Robert Stehling - Big Nasty BiscuitHominy Grill: Featured on the Food Network, Hominy Grill is one of Charleston’s main attractions. Visitors don’t mind waiting in line for a plate of delicious comfort food. Arrive early to beat the crowd and order up the famous “Nasty Biscuit” – a fried chicken breast and cheddar cheese on homemade biscuits swimming in sausage gravy. You may even catch a glimpse of actor Bill Murray – Hominy is one of his favorites. 207 Rutledge Ave. 

The Macintosh: Renowned chef Jeremiah Bacon – a three-time James Beard semifinalist – has put his special touch on this divine menu. This is a must try while visiting Charleston. Add some pork belly to the poutine fries topped with spiced cheese curd and gravy and your taste buds will never be the same. You’ll thank me later. 479 King St. 

 

West Ashley

 Early Bird Diner: Locals know the Early Bird is the best breakfast spot in West Ashley with its reasonably priced comfort food and friendly staff. You’ll be convinced you’re back in Mom’s kitchen with this home-style cooking and easygoing atmosphere. A little birdie told me the pancakes are to die for. 1644 Savannah Highway 

 

Johns Island

Fat Hen: Known for its French-style Lowcountry cuisine, this Sunday brunch spot is well worth the short trip to Johns Island. The Crème brûlée French toast is quite possibly life-changing. If you’re not in the mood for breakfast food, try the barbecue brisket and mac ‘n cheese sandwich … enough said. 3140 Maybank Highway 

 

Mount Pleasant/Isle of Palms

 The Shelter Kitchen + Bar: Offering an outstanding view of Shem Creek, The Shelter is the hottest brunch spot in Mount Pleasant. The full bar and fun atmosphere allows you to enjoy yourself while trying some of Charleston’s best dishes. Grab one of the best bloody Mary’s you’ll ever have and prepare to show off your cornhole skills on the outside deck. 202 Coleman Blvd. 

Acme Lowcountry Kitchen BrunchAcme Lowcountry Kitchen: My favorite brunch spot in Charleston by far, Acme is a triple threat with a great location, incredible food and outdoor seating. Located right off the Atlantic Ocean on the Isle of Palms, you’ll be able to hit the beach after enjoying fresh local shrimp paired with homemade grits – a Southern favorite. Locals like to keep this hidden gem a secret – oops! 31 JC Long Blvd. 

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Charleston FAQ's

Choosing a hotel and where to stay in Charleston all depends on your budget and goals. Do you want to stay Downtown, at the beach or in the outer areas such as North Charleston where you have to drive to get everywhere? For more help on deciding: https://travelerofcharleston.com/articles/hotels/

Charleston has 3 main public beaches which are: Folly, Isle of Palms and Sullivans. Each beach has it’s own atmosphere. The most common beach that people visit is Folly Beach and then Isle of Palms followed by Sullivans Island. For more info on Charleston’s beaches visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/guide-charlestons-beaches/

Charleston, SC is full of historical things to do. Everything from museums, to public sites and free landmark sites such as Rainbow Row and the Battery can be seen. For more info on Charleston’s top historical sites visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/places-to-learn-about-charleston-sc-history/

There are many things that will keep the kids and family entertained and educated in Charleston. There are historic sites such as Fort Sumter, a Children’s Museum, Aquarium and the USS Yorktown…a WWII era aircraft carrier you can tour. For more info visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/charleston-family-fun-activities/

There’s so many  things you could do in Charleston it can be overwhelming. We recommend that first time visitors, checkout the ultimate first-time visitor guide here: https://travelerofcharleston.com/charleston-first-time-visitors-guide/

Spring in Charleston, SC is an amazing time of year to visit. The flowers are blooming and the weather is mild and sunny. For more info, check-out our spring guide to Charleston here: https://travelerofcharleston.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-springtime-in-charleston/

Summer in Charleston is a great time to visit. There’s plenty of things to keep you busy and visiting the beach will probably….or should be on your short-list. Also water-based activities and tours are popular. Checkout this summer guide to Charleston for more info: 

Our 10 Favorite Summer Activities in Charleston

Fall is one of the best times to visit. The weather cools down a bit and the skies are typically blue and clear. In addition there are many great events, festivals and the large crowds of summer have gone back to school or work. For more info on visiting in the fall, checkout this article: https://travelerofcharleston.com/charleston-12-things-to-do-fall/

There are so many great things to do that it’s difficult to narrow the list down. This article does a great job with figuring out the must do things to do in Charleston

7 Can’t Miss Reasons to Visit Charleston, SC Now

The consensus is a minimum of 3-days is needed to settle in and experience Charleston. For instance, many people take 2 days exploring downtown and another day visiting sites outside of downtown such as the plantations, Angel Oak Tree or beaches. Checkout this page for a list of tours and attractions: 

Charleston’s Top Tours & Attractions | Things to do

Downtown Charleston was made for walking and for sure one of the best way to soak up and experience the history first-hand. This article goes over getting around Charleston with and without a car as well: 

Getting Around Charleston, SC

We’re of course partial to Charleston, but here’s the truth. There are many similarities however there are some differences in our opinion: 

  • Both cities are historic and beautiful. 
  • Both cities are extremely walkable. Savannah, with it’s park-like squares maybe more walkable than Charleston. 
  • Charleston has a more established and food scene with many more options. 
  • Charleston has better hotels and shopping.
  • Both cities have equally good tours.
  • Charleston has better beach options. Savannah has Tybee which is great, however it’s 1 beach vibe versus Charleston which has 3 beaches with different vibes. Checkout this Charleston beach guide article: https://travelerofcharleston.com/guide-charlestons-beaches/
  • In Savannah you can walk with alcoholic beverages on the street. This is not allowed in Charleston. This can be good or bad depending on your stance. 
  • Savannah is more affordable.
  • TourPass offers all-inclusive passes in both cities: https://tourpass.com

There are always great and world-class events happening in Charleston. For a calendar of events and things to do in Charleston, checkout our online calendar of events: https://travelerofcharleston.com/events/

Of course there are free money-saving coupons that you can use. Visit the coupons page for a bunch of ways to save: https://travelerofcharleston.com/coupon/

Charleston has some fantastic can’t miss tours such as Fort Sumter, carriage, ghost, harbor, historic and culinary tours. For a full list with more info visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/attractions/

Checkout the Charleston Relocation Guide page which will guide you during your move: https://travelerofcharleston.com/charleston-sc-relocation-guide/

Additional Places to Explore

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