82 Queen American and Seafood (Lunch, Dinner, Weekend Brunch) $$$ We wanted to go to a fun, fancy restaurant to celebrate. My only requirements: I wanted to sit outside. And go to a place neither of us had been before. I asked around for some opinions and Jeff did a little more thorough and unbiased research (looking at online reviews from strangers), and we finally decided on 82 Queen. Jeff was a little hesitant and told me (after we made reservations) that this place was known for being touristy. And we’re known for not liking touristy places. So, without exagerating
Leaf
15 Beaufain American $$ Leaf has been one of the new buzz restaurants on the peninsula and we’ve been working up an appetite to try it. Situated in the old Vickery’s location, when you walk into the main entrance, you’ll find the large open bar area and they’ve got tons of outdoor seating which is one of the best assets of the restaurant. It was no secret that Vickery’s downtown was a notorious hangout for men of an alternative lifestyle and, after our dining experience, I can say that there must be something about that building, because our gaydars were going
Midtown Bar & Grill
559 King Lunch, Sunday Brunch, Dinner & Late Night Bar Menu (Thurs.-Sat.) $ American/Pub/Southern How to save some cash: The plates are huge- split an order! Midtown opened in 2009 on Upper King, and has been going strong ever since – leading the charge in Upper King’s recent popularity. The owners are often around and make friends with the patrons. Maybe that’s why they were voted 2009 Best New Bar in Charleston City Paper and haven’t looked back since. They were also just voted 2012 Best College Bar (although I get the impression that’s a title they’re not necessarily too
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Bull Street Gourmet & Market
120 King Lunch $, Dinner $$ How to save some cash: Grab one of those free coupon books floating around the CofC campus for 20% off (not sure if you have to show a college ID) The original Bull Street Gourmet, tucked away in Charleston’s residential Harleston Village on the corner of Bull & Smith, has been serving up delicious, fresh café fare since 2006. In late 2011, they opened their second Charleston location near King and Broad St. and, given its popularity during our Sunday brunch visit, haven’t looked back yet. The newer location sports a much larger footprint (at least
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Chucktown Tavern
159 Market $$ Lunch, Dinner, Bar Scene How to save some cash: Grab a $25 or $50 Restaurant.com giftcard. It won’t work during happy hour, but you can use it on drinks later in the night. So, buy a round for the bar if you’re having trouble hitting the minimum. Your typical pub serves food only because they are required to by law if they want to serve alcohol. As a result, it does the bare minium to call themselves a restaurant but no more (think frozen mozzarella sticks, generic chicken wings, bagged greasy potato chips, etc.). Well, after spending nearly two and a
Husk
76 Queen Lunch, Dinner $$$ How to save some cash: Best bet is to go during Restaurant Week, you’ll pay $30 for 3-courses vs appx $45 for 3-courses during normal times Recently voted Best New Restaurant by Bon Appetit, Husk is one of the most talked-about restaurants in the city. We decided to see what all the fuss was about, and thought Charleston’s Restaurant Week (Jan. 12-22) would be a good time to go. After hearing mixed reviews from our friends (“You better like pork before you go in there…” and “I know everyone loves it, but I didn’t…”), I
Quan’s Hot Dog Cart
Quan’s Hot Dog Cart Corner of King and Morris 11 p.m. – 2 a.m. Weekend only. $ (Dirt Cheap) This isn’t your parents’ hot dog stand (because they play Scrabble and go to bed by 9): Been out drinking for the night? Made it til at least 11 p.m. and need to soak up all that Red Bull and Vodka with something salty, cheap and delicious? Well, you’re in luck because the hot dog stand at King and Morris is likely open to serve up just what the doctor ordered. I tried the Italian sausage with sauerkraut, onions and mustard.