What to Do in Charleston

This list was compiled from Charleston City Paper's readers' and editors' top picks.

Restaurants

Alluette's Café (Cafés, Vegetarian + Organic, Restaurants + Bars)

80A Reid St Charleston SC
(843) 577-6926

Black Bean Co. (Cafés, Vegetarian + Organic, Breakfast)

429 King St. Charleston SC
(843) 277-0990

EaterMe says: Pretty darn good. And they deliver! The sides are inconsistant but the wraps are good. They use some sort of cubed up deli meat as their protiens and at first it can be a little off putting if you're expecting More...

Blu Restaurant & Bar (Seafood, Music Venue, Restaurants + Bars)

1 Center St. Folly Beach SC
(843) 588-6658

chasfoodie says: I have eaten at Blu several times and it is always great! Personally, I love the pepper seared tuna and it is one of my favorites on the sharing menu so I guess that's a matter of taste. The artful More...

Boulevard Diner (Southern, Breakfast)

409 W. Coleman Blvd. Mt. Pleasant South Carolina
(843) 216-2611

jaycee511 says: When I first viewed this diner from the outside I was a little reluctant to go in. My wife and I said let's give it a try. Boy were we surprised. The food was nothing short of excellent, the wait More...

EVO (Pizza, Music Venue)

1075 E. Montague Ave. North Charleston SC
(843) 225-1796

nofaith says: Not that Urbanspoon is the end all be all but after reading Rosemary's review and positive comments about Baroni's I figured I would look them up. I am always up for a good pizza. Well, 74% approve for a restaurant More...

Fiery Ron's Home Team BBQ (Barbecue, Bar, Music Venue)

1205 Ashley River Road Charleston SC
(843) 225-7427

Mike Lewellyn says: Dear FCB! OK! OK! OK! I did not clearly state myself!!!!! Ron's does not charge $5 ON WEDNESDAY NIGHTS for the Lowcountry Blues Club jams. They do charge $5 or a bit more at the door when they have performers More...

FIG (Modern American, Music Venue)

232 Meeting St. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 805-5900

eatingout says: Fig is everything I want in a restaurant. Excellent ingredients with a chef who knows how to put them together. Great surroundings and atmosphere. The best wine list. I love this place whether sat at the bar for a quick More...

G&M/Fast and French (French)

98 Broad St. Charleston SC
(843) 577-9797

Echarais says: There are two things that make us talk about Fast and French a year after leaving Charleston, and will make us come back again: Chocolate Croissants and French Press Coffee. Not too sweet, perfect taste! More...

Hominy Grill (New Southern, Breakfast)

207 Rutledge Ave. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 937-0930

ATanner says: I loved this restaurant. We sat outside and ate breakfast. The food was wonderful...especially the pumpkin and banana bread! The customer service was excellent. We will definitely be going back! More...

Jestine's Kitchen (Southern)

251 Meeting St. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 722-7224

Kickin' Chicken (Chicken, Bar, Music Venue)

337 King St. Charleston SC
(843) 805-5020

Mellow Mushroom (Pizza, Bar, Music Venue)

309 King St. Charleston SC
(843) 723-7374

twa318 says: PHENOMENAL PIZZA!!! Mellow Mushroom makes fanatic pizza, and the restaurant itself is pretty cool. The new rooftop patio is very cool and with the addition of restrooms upstairs you no longer have to walk down a set of stairs and More...

Midtown Bar & Grill (Bar, Music Venue, New Southern)

559 King St. Charleston SC
(843) 737-4284

citychic says: I could live off the boiled peanut hummus, what a fabulous idea! The chicken salad is a must; the BBQ amazing, and the brunch chimichanga is off the chain! Once you hit your mid-twenties it is hard to find a More...

Morgan Creek Grill (Seafood, Bar, Music Venue)

80 41st Ave. Isle of Palms SC
(843) 886-8980

Oak Steakhouse (Steakhouse)

17 Broad St. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 722-4220

Culinary Cathy says: Oak Steakhouse is unparalleled in service and fine food! As a matter of fact when we go elsewhere we are disappointed. Each item on the menu is prepared well beyond all expectations. The entire staff is involved in delivering the More...

Republic Reign Garden and Lounge (Cocktail Bar)

462 King St. Charleston SC
(843) 724-7400

Sesame Burgers & Beer (Burgers)

675 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Mt. Pleasant SC
(843) 884-5553

Southend Brewery & Smokehouse (Bar, Music Venue, American)

161 East Bay St. Charleston SC
(843) 853-4677

Squeeze (Bar, Music Venue, Cocktail Bar)

213 East Bay St. Charleston SC
(843) 937-6210

Madiganma says: Squeeze is the best bar downtown...fun, unpretentious, and you can meet the famous Captain. The bartenders are amazing...the music is great...and the bathrooms are the best in the city. We love it! ~ Brian and Melissa More...

The Bar at Husk (Cocktail Bar)

72 Queen St. Charleston SC
(843) 577-2500

The Mill (Pubs + Taverns, Bar, Music Venue, Open Mic, Sports Bar)

1026 E. Montague Ave. North Charleston SC
(843) 225-2650

mola says: Best indie venue in town... best part... never a cover! More...

The Ordinary (Seafood)

544 King St. Charleston SC
(843) 414-7060

Claire Vernon O'Bryan says: We went in March and everything was absolutely spectacular. The swordfish was the best preparation of fish I've ever had. Went with my parents and a friend, and the bill was totally appropriate for what we ordered (plenty of food More...

The Recovery Room (Pubs + Taverns, Bar)

685 King St. Charleston SC
(843) 727-0999

diametrica says: Super-friendly staff, great food, Trivia on Thursdays, plenty of TVs, games -- and parking. Oh yeah, and drinks. It's perfect. More...

The Tin Roof (Hot Dog Joints, Bar, Music Venue)

1117 Magnolia Road Charleston SC
(843) 571-0775

yeah yeah yeah says: Great food, cheap drinks, great fun!

Wild Wing (American, Karaoke, Music Venue, Sports Bar, Bar)

36 N. Market St. Charleston SC
(843) 722-9464

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Local Food

The Green Door (Local Foods, Fusion + Eclectic)

251 East Bay St. Charleston SC
(843) 754-9914

pizzaben says: Unique place with excellent food!!!

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Bars + Clubs

39 Rue De Jean (French, Bar)

39 John St. Charleston SC
(843) 722-8881

Frugal Gourmet says: Only went in for the mussels, but they were out of this world good. Bacon and Blue cheese with lots of bread to sop up the love. More...

American Theater (Music Venue, Theatre)

446 King St. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 722-3456

Clay Wine says: Brilliant cast, funny performance.

Awendaw Green (General Location, Music Venue)

4879 Highway 17 Awendaw South Carolina

GuineaPirate says: woo hoo

Blu Restaurant & Bar (Seafood, Music Venue, Restaurants + Bars)

1 Center St. Folly Beach SC
(843) 588-6658

Carolina's (New Southern, Bar)

10 Exchange St. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 724-3800

localgal says: I love this place for happy hour or dinner. For happy hour you really can't beat their french fries with parmesan & truffle oil...plus 1/2 price bar menu & drinks. LOVE it!! More...

Coastal Carolina Fair (Attraction, Music Venue)

Exchange Park, Hwy. 78 Charleston South Carolina
(843) 572-3161

another cofc student says: Sooooo much fun

Fiery Ron's Home Team BBQ (Barbecue, Bar, Music Venue)

1205 Ashley River Road Charleston SC
(843) 225-7427

FIG (Modern American, Music Venue)

232 Meeting St. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 805-5900

aaronrichard says: Our experience at FIG was absolutely amazing from start to finish. The mood is warm, the staff is inviting and knowledgeable, and the food is incredible. Our server, John, was very personable and really impressed me with his thoroughness and More...

Gaillard Municipal Auditorium (General Location, Music Venue)

77 Calhoun St. Charleston SC
(843) 577-7400

Henry's House (Bar, Music Venue, Pubs + Taverns)

54 N. Market St. Charleston SC
(843) 723-4363

Yankee Tourist says: (Actualy 3.5 stars, see below about the fish tacos.) We visited your fine Southern city from the frozen North last weekend, were turned away from Hank's on Saturday night (no tables until a quarter of 9pm) and rather than take More...

Husk Restaurant (New Southern, Bar)

76 Queen St. Charleston SC
(843) 577-2500

another cofc student says: Spent an hour at the bar two nights ago, awesome experience, one of the classier bars I've been to in Charleston and the pre-prohibition cocktails are bangin. More...

Kudu Coffee House (Coffee + Tea Shops, Music Venue, Open Mic)

4 Vanderhorst St. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 853-7186

Genette T. says: HIDDEN JEM! Tucked away right off King, we never would have found this place if it wasn't for someone at the farmers market raving about Kudu. Without a doubt, one of the top coffee shops in the south east! More...

Med Bistro (American, Bar, Gallery, Music Venue)

90 Folly Road Blvd. Charleston SC
(843) 766-0323

1world says: Good food. Cool atmosphere

Mellow Mushroom (Pizza, Bar, Music Venue)

309 King St. Charleston SC
(843) 723-7374

Monster Music & Movies (Music Venue, Store)

946 Orleans Rd. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 571-4657

blue jean says: Nice to find, friendly, accommodating, huge selections all types of music... and even used CD DVD and VCR sections. They'll order what you can't find. More...

Music Farm (Bar, Dance Club, Music Venue)

32 Ann St. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 853-3276

mickd says: I really like the Music Farm. I read one comment about the sound being bad. I totally disagree. I usually try to get to the front of the stage for photography but the last 2 shows I went to at More...

North Charleston Coliseum (Music Venue, General Location)

5001 Coliseum Drive Charleston South Carolina
(843) 529-5050

stef717 says: Saw this on opening night. Definitely as good as I remember Cirque being More...

Social (Wine Bar, Bar, Restaurants + Bars)

188 East Bay St. Charleston SC
(843) 577-5665

Aliwake says: My husband and I enjoy Social for Happy Hour. It's not crowded then, service has always been great and the drinks and appetizers are really a good value. Also they had Pinot Noir from Oregon! More...

Surf Bar (Bar, Music Venue, Pubs + Taverns)

103 W. Cooper Ave. Charleston South Carolina
843-588-2009

The Boathouse at Breach Inlet (Seafood, Bar)

101 Palm Blvd. Isle of Palms SC
(843) 886-8000

csb says: Excellent and consistant food

The Griffon (Pubs + Taverns, Bar, Music Venue)

18 Vendue Range Charleston SC
(843) 723-1700

Snaganaga says: Great beer selection! Great food! Wonderful atmosphere! More...

The Pour House (Bar, Music Venue, Dance Club)

1977 Maybank Hwy. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 571-4343

arteear01 says: FCB, they OPEN the doors at 9pm (usually, but sometimes earlier for "early" shows...depends on the band). Don't expect the band to start when the doors open, that's just silly. If you go to a sporting event would you expect More...

The Recovery Room (Pubs + Taverns, Bar)

685 King St. Charleston SC
(843) 727-0999

huger love says: Boston and his staff make this the place to head to in whatever your attire. The patrons are eclectic, the drinks are awesome, Buck Hunter is the best and the shake weight Boston has behind the bar says it all. More...

The Tin Roof (Hot Dog Joints, Bar, Music Venue)

1117 Magnolia Road Charleston SC
(843) 571-0775

yeah yeah yeah says: Great food, cheap drinks, great fun!

Tristan (Modern American, Music Venue)

10 Linguard St. Charleston SC
(843) 534-2155

Mayor1231 says: I went to Tristan last weekend for my birthday celebration with a group of friends, and my compliments for the dinner we had could never do the food justice! The food was phenomenal, and service immpecable. We started at the More...

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Arts

American Theater (Music Venue, Theatre)

446 King St. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 722-3456

Clay Wine says: Brilliant cast, funny performance.

Charleston Ballet Theatre (Theatre)

617 Johnny Dodds Blvd. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 723-7334

Charleston Museum (Museum)

360 Meeting St. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 722-2296

City Gallery at Waterfront Park (Gallery)

34 Prioleau St. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 958-6484

Corrigan Gallery (Gallery)

62 Queen St. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 722-9868

Dock Street Theatre (Theatre)

135 Church St. Charleston SC
(843) 720-3968

Emmett Robinson Theatre, Simons Center for the Arts (Theatre)

54 St. Philip St. Charleston SC
843-953-5604

Eye Level Art Warehouse Gallery (Gallery)

2143 Heriot St. Suite F Charleston South Carolina
(843) 425-3576

Eye Level Art: 103 (Gallery, Music Venue)

103 Spring St. Charleston SC
(843) 425-3576

Randolino says: Superb in every way.

Fort Sumter (Attraction, Museum)

Charleston Harbor Charleston SC
(843) 883-3123

Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art (Gallery)

161 Calhoun St. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 953-4422

Med Bistro (American, Bar, Gallery, Music Venue)

90 Folly Road Blvd. Charleston SC
(843) 766-0323

dimples68938 says: This restaurant was by far the best restaurant I have been to in years. Our waitress was lovely and the atmosphere couldn't have been more perfect. My husband and I enjoyed a delicious dinner, while remaining intimate, yet somewhat casual. More...

Memminger Auditorium (Theatre)

56 Beaufain Street Charleston SC

savannahshambler says: excellent! ms. buck is exceptional!

North Charleston Performing Arts Center (Music Venue, Theatre)

5001 Coliseum Dr. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 529-5050

Powder Magazine Museum (Museum)

79 Cumberland St. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 722-9350

Edgewater Kitchens says: Sailing on the high seas takes a dedicated and seasoned sailor. Thank you to the crew and her captain for bringing her to Charleston. More...

PURE Theatre (Theatre)

477 King St. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 723-4444

r maria says: LOVED PURE Theatre's Waffle Haus Christmas! Run, don't walk, and see it before the play closes! More...

Robert Lange Studios (Gallery)

2 Queen St. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 805-8052

dirty mck says: Best art in town...

Sottile Theatre (Theatre)

44 George St. Charleston SC
(843) 953-6340

Ed says: As good and as fun (and as offensive and as sexist -- as only Mel Brooks can get away with) as the Broadway show. The actors are all incredible (but 'Max', 'Bloom', 'Uma' and exceptionally funny 'Roger' deserve special note); More...

Spark Studios and Gallery (Gallery)

12 Hagood Ave. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 577-6906

The Art Institute of Charleston (Gallery)

24 N. Market St. Charleston South Carolina

Theatre 220, Simons Center for the Arts (Theatre)

54 St. Philip St. Charleston South Carolina

Theatre 99 (Music Venue, Theatre)

280 Meeting St. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 853-6687

thatscenegirl says: An excellent and worth-while show to see. More...

Village Playhouse (Theatre)

730 Coleman Blvd. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 856-1579

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Entertainment

Carolina Ice Palace (Sports Venue)

7665 Northwoods Blvd Charleston South Carolina
(843) 572-2717

Cinebarre (Movie Theater)

963 Houston-Northcutt Boulevard Mount Pleasant SC
(843)884-7885

Citadel Mall Stadium 16 with IMAX (Movie Theater)

2072 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. Charleston SC
(843) 556-4629

dee37 says: I've been about 5-6 times and have always had a good experience. You aren't paying $2 "for the glasses", you are paying extra for the advanced technology and the fact that you are watching it in 3D is worth the More...

Coastal Carolina Fair (Attraction, Music Venue)

Exchange Park, Hwy. 78 Charleston South Carolina
(843) 572-3161

another cofc student says: Sooooo much fun

Family Circle Tennis Center (Music Venue, Sports Venue)

161 Seven Farms Drive Charleston South Carolina
(843) 849-5300

Fort Moultrie (Attraction, General Location)

1214 Middle St. Charleston South Carolina

Fort Sumter (Attraction, Museum)

Charleston Harbor Charleston SC
(843) 883-3123

James Island County Park (Attraction)

871 Riverland Dr. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 795-4FUN (4386)

Joseph P. Riley Jr. Stadium (General Location, Music Venue, Sports Venue)

360 Fishburne St. Charleston South Carolina

Old City Jail (Attraction, General Location)

21 Magazine St. Charleston South Carolina

S.C. Aquarium (Attraction)

100 Aquarium Wharf Charleston South Carolina
(843) 720-1990

Terrace Theatre (Movie Theater)

1956 Maybank Highway Charleston SC
(843)762-9494

The Battery (Attraction)

East Battery Street & Murray Blvd. Charleston South Carolina

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Best in Green

Alluette's Café (Cafés, Vegetarian + Organic, Restaurants + Bars)

80A Reid St Charleston SC
(843) 577-6926

Blu Restaurant & Bar (Seafood, Music Venue, Restaurants + Bars)

1 Center St. Folly Beach SC
(843) 588-6658

max says: A group of us went to Blu last week to try it out for the first time. The rennovations at the Holiday Inn are great. The Blu dining room is huge, which was expected because it is in a hotel. More...

Social (Wine Bar, Bar, Restaurants + Bars)

188 East Bay St. Charleston SC
(843) 577-5665

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General

Awendaw Green (General Location, Music Venue)

4879 Highway 17 Awendaw South Carolina

GuineaPirate says: woo hoo

Charleston Beer Exchange (Store)

14 Exchange St. Charleston SC
(843) 577-5446

ETimmonsP says: Josh, are you serious? Please click these links and realize you're talking crazy talk, because ratings like this from visitors all over the country don't happen when people act like you're alleging they do. I've been going there for 3 More...

Fort Moultrie (Attraction, General Location)

1214 Middle St. Charleston South Carolina

Freshfields Village (Store)

149 Village Green Lane Johns Island South Carolina
(843) 768-6491

Gaillard Municipal Auditorium (General Location, Music Venue)

77 Calhoun St. Charleston SC
(843) 577-7400

Generation XXX (Store)

7219-A Cross County Road Charleston SC
(843) 552-9700

Joseph P. Riley Jr. Stadium (General Location, Music Venue, Sports Venue)

360 Fishburne St. Charleston South Carolina

Monster Music & Movies (Music Venue, Store)

946 Orleans Rd. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 571-4657

blue jean says: Nice to find, friendly, accommodating, huge selections all types of music... and even used CD DVD and VCR sections. They'll order what you can't find. More...

North Charleston Coliseum (Music Venue, General Location)

5001 Coliseum Drive Charleston South Carolina
(843) 529-5050

stef717 says: Saw this on opening night. Definitely as good as I remember Cirque being More...

Old City Jail (Attraction, General Location)

21 Magazine St. Charleston South Carolina

Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum (Store)

40 Patriots Point Road Charleston South Carolina

Tomato Shed Cafe (Southern, Store)

842 Main Road Charleston South Carolina
(843) 559-9999

Guy says: This place has the best home cooking in the Lowcountry. Never a disappointment. The fresh caught shrimp (NO PRESERVATIVES) come in daily from their own boat. More...

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