Charleston is a great place for a weekend get away.

There are many great choices for places to stay & restaurants, but they all depend on your tastes & $$$. It also depends on if it's work or pleasure ...... or maybe a little of both. Instead of getting long winded here, check your PM.

Eating in Charleston

Crystal,

Google Charleston Restaurants---lots of locals giving tips)
My fav was on Shem's Creek, could be Shimm's Creek. Just after you cross over the creek there are two side by side on the right, I always went to the one on the left) Stay away from tourist traps downtown, as the locals point out. Charleston is where I was first introduced to She-Crab soup---looked funny, but the taste has me hooked, kinda, sorta like with anything to eat with "she" in front of it---LOL

Stop in at CB sometime and I will introduce you to a world champion Seafood Chowder---Yum!   Don't tell Bob---LOL, I'm sure he does not read these board posts anyhoo, OOPS, STARR might---LOL--Hi, Bob & Unpaid Assistant) Now that girl can cook, even when there is ice and snow all around! ummmmmm!

Drive safely, with designated driver)  Had some of that "She Stuff" this morning;P~~~ I remember well your "cooking"  She-soup, dejour;P~~Hope that French word means "very tasty"!

for the first time I wanted to thank you for this posting...

Guess I will have to find that special soup...

Makenzie

A couple of the hottest places in Charleston right now are Husk and Fuel.

Husk is a good place, but reservations are needed for dinner. It was voted the best, or one of the best new restaurants in the US last year.

Fuel is more relaxed, Caribbean flavor place. It was just recently featured on Food network, so I'm sure it is way more crowded than it was the last time I was there.

Try Caviar and Bananas for brunch or lunch if you get the chance.

I also recommend everyone have breakfast at the Hominy Grill at least once. It will be crowded, but it has always been worth the wait for me. Traditional Southern breakfast fare.

You can find all these places with Google.

The single biggest issue you will have in down town, around the Market area is parking. Best to find a parking garage and walk if your hotel isn't down town.

Charleston choices -----

ol' krich will "try" to make these shorter than most of posts !! HaHa

Charleston totally depends on your budget. There are some really good mid-range restaurants & the standard chains around the differnet parts of Charleston. However, downtown there are some of the best restaurants in the U.S. for such a small per square mile area & they can be pricey.

Here's a few:
HUSK (Queen St.): Very southern, but w/ a flare. EVERYTHING is fresh. They list which farm everything comes from. Lots of awards --- make reservations. If you're a fan of quality bourbon, this is your place too.

HALL'S CHOPHOUSE (King St.): GREAT steakhouse w/ unbelievable service. The steaks are prime & the crowd is lively. Wide variety on their wine list. Ala carte can make this place pricey.

HANK'S SEAFOOD (Corner of Hayne & Church): Some of the freshest seafood around. Outstanding every time. Don't let anyone tell you HYMAN'S is as good --- they are totally different.

HIGH COTTON (East Bay St.): Great menu w/ southern flare. Steak, seafood, chicken all done right. Their take on shrimp & grits is superb.

MAGNOLIA'S (East Bay St.): Love this place, but more for lunch or brunch. Their entire menu is  creative & DAMN GOOD !! Prices are not bad (for Downtown Charleston)

FIG (Meeting St.): F.I.G. = Food Is Good....... 'nuff said.

CIRCA 1886 (Wentworth St.): This place is very romantic. It's in the carriage house of a turn of the century mansion which is now a bed & breakfast. The restaurant is small & intimate. Food is spectacular, but the portions are not large by any means. This is a great choice for a "special" romantic dinner.

ROOF-TOP BAR @ THE MARKET PAVILLION HOTEL (East Bay St.): This is your spot for cocktails in a cool atmosphere w/ a good view of the city & across the harbor to Mt. Pleasant. Always a good time here!!!

Here's a few that are not as pricey, but are very, very good none the less:
JIM N' NICK'S PINK PIG (King St.): This is not Carolina BBQ. It's Memphis style & it's EXCELLENT !! Everything is made from scratch. Lota' great food for the money.

FLEET LANDING (Concord St.): This is a casual seafood restaurant right on the harbor. Good food, great view, great place for drinks. NOT Hank's though.

Now........here are a couple of great choices that are just a short drive over the bridge & into Mt.Pleasant
OLD VILLAGE POST HOUSE (Pitt St. in The Old Village): The Old Village of Mt. Pleasant is a step back in time. Would kind of remind you of an old New England coastal village. The Old Village Post House is located here which makes it very quaint & cool. It's on the small, but intimate side. Fresh & really, really good food. It's a sister restaurant to High Cotton w/out the price tag of downtown. If you want to feel "local" go here. Most tourists don't know about it.

R.B.'s on Shem Creek (just off Coleman Blvd.): Shem Creek is really fun & laid back. Several restaurants on the creek itself, but R.B.'s has been there forever. Great place for good seafood. Casual & relaxed.............make sure you sit on the porch (deck) because I have never been there & not seen dolphin up close & personal.

RED'S on Shem Creek: I wouldn't eat dinner here, but it is AWESOME for a cold beer & appetizers. Really good BBQ bacon wrapped grilled shrimp & stuffed shrimp. Shorts, t-shirts, flip-slops, sun-glasses, etc. You get the picture.

POE'S (Sullivan' Island): If you're a burger lover, this is your place!!! A "shabby" little restaurant out on Sullivan's Island. S.I. IS NOT OCEAN BLVD. It's a laid back island w/ a very relaxed atmosphere. This place has the BEST burgers.....maybe anywhere. Burgers, chicken sandwiches & shrimp po boys is about the only thing on the menu. Burger & Brew ----- think Jimmy Buffet here.

OK ........... Aren't you glad I kept it short??!! HaHa The funny part is........there are many others!!

I know Charleston very well because I lived there for years & I still have a little "getaway" downtown. Feel free to PM if you want further options or specifics.

Hope you enjoy Charleston as much as I do..................

KR