Honest Food Reviews: Charleston's Food & Booze
Learn how the city's thriving food and booze culture can either complement or complicate the solo traveler experience
Exploring a city means diving into its culture, and one of the most enriching ways to do this is by immersing yourself in the local cuisine. Food is not just a necessity; it is a reflection of the history, traditions, and values of a community. Many cities and regions around the world boast unique dishes that you won’t find anywhere else, each telling a story about the people and the environment from which they originate. For instance, a city known for its seafood might celebrate its coastal location with fresh catches prepared according to age-old recipes, while another city may showcase a fusion of flavors that result from historical trade routes and migrations. In addition to the dishes themselves, exploring a city's food scene often involves visiting local markets, street vendors, and quaint family-owned restaurants, each providing a glimpse into the daily lives of its residents. During my trip to Charleston, SC in December 2023, I took a dive into the city’s culinary offerings, particularly savoring the seafood and barbecue, along with enjoying beers and cocktails. Would this enrich my experience and, more crucially, would be beneficial or challenging for a solo traveler?
The Food!
Virginia’s On Main
This venue appears to be a pleasant option for lunch, operating until 3 PM, which positions it primarily as a breakfast and lunch spot. I grabbed a seat at the bar, and tried the Flounder BLT. It exceeded my expectations. The presence of bacon is always a positive sign, and when combined with the flounder and tartar sauce, it indeed created a delightful sandwich. The fries served were shoestring style, reminiscent of high-quality McDonald's fries, yet with actual flavor. The bacon was a thick-cut variety, contributing to a rich taste, although it did add a bit of greasiness to the sandwich. Grade: B+
Rodney Scott BBQ
I don't know if it was just because I went on a Monday night, but I left feeling kind of underwhelmed. The brisket was pretty tasty, but the whole hog pork was so bland that I thought about smothering it in sauce—which usually means the barbecue isn't great in my book. The Collard Greens were alright, and the hush puppies were decent when paired with the honey butter, but oddly enough, the cornbread didn't really need it. All in all, it was okay, but nothing to write home about. Grade: C-
Oyster House
I was craving crab cakes, and this spot really hit the mark. The crab cakes were perfectly flaky and had a nice texture - crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The flavor was absolutely spot on; it was clear that the balance of the natural sweetness of the crab wasn't diluted by unnecessary seasoning. I also enjoyed a scoop of thick mashed potatoes and some delicious grilled asparagus on the side with its slight char enhancing the natural flavor of the vegetables. I opted for a Kentucky Mule as my beverage of choice, which perfectly paired with my meal. The blend of bourbon, ginger beer, and lime created a zesty and invigorating drink that enhanced the overall dining experience. The warmth of the bourbon harmonized with the flavors of the crab cakes. Honestly, this was one of the best dinners I’ve had in Charleston. The atmosphere of the restaurant was inviting, and the service was attentive without being intrusive. I would definitely return, and when you do, sit at the bar! Grade: A
Lewis BBQ
If you see a line stretching out the door on a weeknight after 7pm, it's probably worth checking out. I went for a half pound of brisket, a green chile Texas sausage, and got a side of Mac and Cheese along with Coleslaw. The brisket had that perfect crunchy bark, super flavorful and tender. The sausage was a highlight too, with an awesome taste and just enough spice. The sides didn't disappoint either; the mac and cheese was super cheesy and the coleslaw struck the right balance between creamy and a bit tangy from the vinegar. It's on the pricier side (total was $36!), but honestly, it's worth every penny. You absolutely need to stop by and make sure you come hungry—you won't regret it! Grade: A
The Booze!
When it comes to breweries, distilleries, and wineries, it's crucial to be responsible while enjoying yourself. The last thing you want is to experience a terrible and completely avoidable incident during your vacation.
Each place usually provides water and snacks, but I made sure to bring my own bag of pistachios and a big bottle of water during my visits. It's always a good idea to bring snacks or grab some food at these places. Some establishments even offer takeout delivery, so don't hesitate to ask. And if you find yourself in a situation where you've had too much to drink and snacks aren't helping, remember to call an Uber, Lyft, or taxi as a last resort. I can't emphasize this enough - please be responsible.
Now, let's talk beers and cocktails! This was completed over the three days I visited Charleston, SC
The Loutrel Hotel
Located near Charleston City Market, this charming and relaxed hotel bar featured an outstanding bartender named Kevin who effortlessly managed the place all by himself. I spent a good four hours there, indulging in a fantastic Manhattan with Woodford Reserve, a delicious Jalapeño Mule, and a refreshing Bourbon splash cocktail. It was a great experience to be in a vibrant yet not overly crowded venue. Kevin was not only incredibly nice but also very approachable. We had a fantastic conversation about the Packers (I happened to be wearing my Green Bay Packers hat) and he generously provided me with numerous local recommendations for the area. Service and the drinks were top notch! Grade: A-
Firefly Distillery
I made a quick visit to this distillery to sample some of their whiskey and bourbon. I settled into their cozy bar area and took in a sampling of their spirits. The knowledgeable bartender guided me through the tasting process, sharing insights about the distillation methods and the ingredients used in their small batch production. Each sip revealed a new layer of complexity, from the smooth caramel notes to the subtle hints of spice and oak. After my sampler flight, I had thier take on the Old Fashioned cocktail, and it was quite good. After thoroughly enjoying the tasting experience, I found myself particularly drawn to one specific small batch bourbon. Its rich, velvety texture and balanced flavor profile made it stand out. I knew I had to take a bottle home with me to savor, and I did! Grade: B+
Holy City Brewery
This is not only a brewery but also a lively bar. They had some intriguing brews, and I enjoyed a light appetizer to ensure I was fit to drive afterwards. I had the following for small pour beers, and i’ll give my ratings:
- Empire Oyster Saison (4 out of 5 stars): This was a dry hopped oyster saison that had a slight bite with the citra hops. Very good!
- Flannel Pants (4.25 out of 5 stars): This is a pumpkin spice flavored white ale. I recall it having a very light color with a nice blend of spice flavors with that slight infusion of pumpkin spice.
- Self-Explanatory (4.25 out of 5 stars): This was a kolsch beer that had a slight infusion of honey malt, which gave it a nice smooth flavor.
Munkle Brewery
Known locally for their Belgian beers, Munkle offers flavorful brews that can pack a punch, so I opted for the smaller pours, as I like to sample different beers before committing to a larger serving. Belgian beers are my favorite of all of the craft beers out there, so I will be biased in my opinions!:
- 3rd Floor Tripel (4.25 out of 5 stars): This is their “Belgian tripel”, it has a medium body, bright fruit finish with a peppery hop flavor. It smelled and tasted wonderful.
- Oud Brune (4 out of 5 stars): This is what is called a “flemish inspired brown ale”. It had a strong fruit flavor but also a chocolate flavor as well, very very good.
When you venture into a new city, your palate becomes a passport to its soul. From the bustling street food stalls to the quaint family-owned restaurants, the local cuisine serves as a gateway to understanding the customs and practices that shape the lives of its inhabitants. You can learn about the influence of various cultures through the fusion of flavors and techniques in traditional dishes, which often reveal the historical significance of migration and settlement patterns. Charleston is located by the Atlantic Ocean and is famous for its seafood, but being in the deep south, particularly the Carolinas, it’s also renowned for its unique barbecue flavor. Solo travelers should keep an open mind, but will find a wide range of options to suit any budget, ensuring you’ll never go hungry!
