7 Tastes That Define Charleston (& Where to Enjoy Them)

OYSTERS

The Ordinary

Want to experience the heart and soul of Charleston? Taste the local cuisine. Lowcountry cuisine has evolved over the past 300 years and has been passed down from generation to generation. Today’s chefs reap the best local ingredients to create dishes that celebrate the city’s authentic flavors. Scroll through to discover the flavors that define Charleston, and where to enjoy them.

Embark on a “Two-Fork Safari” in Charleston & explore our itinerary fit for foodie fun!

COLLARD GREENS AT MAGNOLIAS UPTOWN DOWN SOUTH

Of all the soul-food greens, collard greens are our number one in Charleston! Get your fill at Magnolias Uptown Down South, where our regular order is a plate of collard greens, fried chicken on the side.

SOFT SHELL CRAB AT THE WATCH

Sink your teeth into a bite of soft shell crab, served with an inspired plate featuring shaved vegetable and herb salad, at The Watch at The Restoration Hotel, all while taking in the Holy City skyline sunset view from seven stories up.

FRIED CHICKEN AT LEON'S OYSTER SHOP

Can you pass up a plate of fried chicken? We certainly can't, especially when dining at Leon's Oyster Shop. Lucky for you and your taste buds, Leon's takes this classic even one step further with the addition of slaw and a hot bun. Pile on Duke's Mayo, and you're good to go.

CORNBREAD SKILLET AT HUSK

Satisfy your appetite for Lowcountry cuisine at Husk, where you'll find an innovative, and delicious, spin on one of our favorite Southern staples - cornbread, of course.

OYSTERS AT THE ORDINARY

Slurp! Head to The Ordinary, a classic and chic seafood hall housed in a former bank from the 20's, for your fill on some of the best oysters in town. From Crispy Oyster Sliders to Broiled Oysters served with Country Ham to raw East Coast varieties, you're sure to leave satisfied on seafood, fresh from the coast.

BUTTERMILK BISCUITS AT CALLIE'S HOT LITTLE BISCUIT

Savor the flavors of this tried and true buttermilk biscuit at Callie's Hot Little Biscuit while enjoying a morning of shopping on King Street or picking up treasured local items at the Charleston City Market.

SHE CRAB SOUP AT 82 QUEEN

It is impossible to calculate how many bowls of She Crab Soup are consumed in the Lowcountry daily, but it is a sure bet that 82 Queen has served more of the Lowcountry specialty than any other restaurant on the peninsula. The distinctively delicate seafood bisque that dates back to the 1700s has been on the menu at 82 Queen since it opened in 1982.

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