We are all about slow Sunday mornings here in the Lowcountry, so brunch is basically a sport. I have put together 12 must-try brunch spots in Charleston, that start out on the bougier end of the spectrum and get more casual as we work our way down.
1. Husk
Husk is Southern comfort food at its finest. You will find classics like chicken and waffles and biscuits and gravy on the menu. Plus, since it’s located on Queen Street, the surrounding neighborhood is filled with historic houses and beautiful scenery if you wanted to stroll around afterwards.
2. Darling Oyster Bar
Brunch in Charleston can range from super heavy dishes to fresh seafood. Darling Oyster Bar has a fantastic raw bar. The Captain Bloody Mary showcases all of the goodies from the raw bar and has a stunning presentation. It’s topped with a lobster claw, crab leg, a couple pieces of shrimp, and a hush puppy. It’s basically a meal in itself.
3. Tavern & Table
If you were looking to have brunch on the water, Tavern & Table is located right on Shem Creek. Start the day off strong with a vanilla coconut coffee spiked with rum, it’s one of my favorite brunch cocktails to this day. Then for your entree, try out the brunch burger or hash brown bowl.
4. Grace & Grit
Mimosa flights are a must at brunch, but have you ever had a grit flight? Grace & Grit offers unique flavors of grits like blueberry, Brussels sprout pesto, and pimento cheese. The grit flight is fun to share, and then for your entree, try out one of their signature benedicts, which comes with even more grits.
5. Millers All Day
As I mentioned before, sometimes Charlestonians take a bit to get their Sunday started. Millers All Day is there for the late risers with an all day breakfast menu. Check out the waffles with popped sorghum or the lobster fries if you’re feeling decadent.
6. Bodega
Getting into the more casual spots, Bodega recently opened at 23 Ann Street from the same owners as Uptown Social. Bodega is known for their giant breakfast sandwiches and my personal favorite is the Lowcountry. It comes loaded with homemade breakfast sausage, runny egg, cheddar, and sausage gravy. It’s the ultimate hangover cure.
7. Baker & Brewer
I have two words for you: brunch pizza. This downtown spot is a collaboration between EVO Pizzeria and Bakery and Holy City Brewing to bring you fantastic pies and beer. The truffle shuffle pizza has mushrooms, truffle oil, and is topped with a fried egg for the ultimate brunch pizza experience. For dessert, check out their huge cinnamon bun with bruleed frosting.
8. Daps Breakfast and Imbibe
Daps is infamous for bringing the party back to breakfast. Their canned mimosas are absolutely delicious and strong. Their signature dishes include fruity pebble pancakes and a super satisfying breakfast burrito. They also just brought back porrons, so the party is really on.
9. Early Bird Diner
This eclectic diner was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, and it’s easy to see why. They serve breakfast classics with a twist, like chicken and waffles topped with honey mustard bbq sauce and “The Mess,” which is a scramble with curried vegetables. I recommend getting here early to beat the crowds because they do not take reservations and have a small parking lot.
10. Marina Variety Store Restaurant
The Charleston gatekeepers hate me for this one, but Marina Variety Store is classic diner food done well, plus a waterfront view. It’s a no-frills breakfast spot with fantastic views and pancakes the size of your head. I had the shrimp and grits with a poached egg here recently and it was fantastic.
11. Tattooed Moose
Tattooed Moose is hangover food at its finest. If you’re on any sort of diet, throw it out the window before you walk in here. The monte cristo is super decadent, stuffed with turkey, ham, Swiss cheese, Hawaiian bread, and then it’s grilled and served with a side of syrup. Whatever you order, make sure to get a side of duck fat fries with garlic aioli, they are life changing.
12. Rebel Taqueria
Queso brunch at Rebel Taqueria is my church. It’s no surprise that my recap of queso brunch is my best performing video on TikTok to date. Queso brunch is exactly how it sounds, brunch favorites served with or smothered in queso. The menu usually changes every week, but if they have the breakfast quesadilla, make sure to get it. They usually have fun tequila drinks as well, like their Margamosa (margarita and mimosa combo) and homemade coffee-infused tequila.
There you have it, my 12 must-try brunch spots in Charleston! If you prefer this list in video format, check it out on my TikTok and follow me for more Charleston recommendations! If I don’t have the roundup you’re looking for, comment on one of my posts and I’ll make a video for you!
