I felt it was my duty to write this post after perusing my usual groups on Facebook a couple of weeks ago. While catching up with strangers online who regularly discuss the inner workings of reality trash television, I happened to come across women asking for Charleston recommendations. 

I dug deep down into the thread of 100+ comments for research purposes and came across women discussing the usual venues–quaint cocktail spots, heavily advertised fine dining, etc. It was all fine, but I knew I could really provide these women the plug they rightfully deserved.

My fight or flight response kicked in when I came across a recommendation for a trip to O’Malley’s while in town–my heart raced as I experienced very realistic flashbacks from my Freshman year of college. If you know, you know–unmentionable memories. 

Without going into detail for fear of being disowned from my family, just know that I felt a dire need to provide the general public with a Downtown Charleston restaurant guide for your girls weekend, romantic getaway, or family vacation.

Let me provide you with my current favorite restaurants in Downtown Charleston: 

Tu 

My boyfriend and I find ourselves at this posh little spot every couple of weeks. If you love Indian food, this is my all-time favorite located downtown. I tell everyone and their mother, sister, and brother that this is a spot you must give a chance. It also helps that the interior looks like a page out of Architectural Digest – if you didn’t take a mirror picture in their infamous pink bathroom, did you even really go? 

About the menu – there are a few core items, but most of the menu changes often. You MUST try the Pani Puri – it is essentially an Indian flavor bomb (no slicing, you must eat the entire bite). You also must try the garlic cheese naan and the dosa (a crispy crepe filled with cheese and delectable flavors). 

If a stiff cocktail is your kind of dessert, you’re a 2 minute walk from a hot new Caribbean themed bar right down the street called Dalila’s. I always get the Hermosa – can’t go wrong with this if you like tequila.

Melfi’s 

If you are looking for Italian food, go ahead and book your reservation (you will need it, this place books up). My girlfriends and I love to grab a spot out back on their patio to get a head start in tasting one of their many cocktail choices. Once you grab a seat at your table, you can’t go wrong with any of their appetizers. My favorite starter dishes are the fried squid and shrimp, ricotta and honey bruschetta, wagyu beef carpaccio, and the sort-of spicy caesar salad.

Even if I’m fully gorged after appetizers, I force myself to eat the Paccheri pasta because it is one of the best things to ever happen to me. I will also usually split a pizza with the table, as you can’t go wrong with any of your options and I’m not here for weight loss purposes. Clearly.

Melfi’s menu is honestly one of the best in Charleston right now and I could sit here all day writing all day about each item, but I think you should head over and check it out for yourself.

After (or before) dinner, head over to Graft Wine Shop across the street. The owners are chatty sommeliers who love to guide you in the right direction of what kind of wine would best compliment your palette. I’m not one to recommend wine bars on the regular, but I love how laid back this spot is.

Felix

Whether you’re looking for a quick cocktail or filling dinner, you can’t go wrong with this quaint Parisian spot. I stop in for happy hour, a nightcap that usually includes a glass of bubbles, or a quick and easy dinner at the bar. The Gnocchi is my favorite, but you also can’t go wrong with the Raclette burger. 

If you’re in the mood for just drinks, Felix is still the perfect spot. The bartenders will fix any cocktail you’re in the mood for and sometimes add a fun twist that you never knew you needed. This is definitely a hip little Charleston gem you’ll want to feature on your Instagram story. 

Xiao Bao Biscuit

2 words: Cabbage Pancake. This menu staple is one that your table must order, as it has become rather famous throughout The Holy City. The owners of Tu also own Xiao Bao Biscuit, so shocker I’m there at least once a month. The menu also changes regularly, with the exception of a few staples (like the cabbage pancake).

This restaurant is super laid back, which I tend to love. If you’re not into heavy fine dining every night while you are in town, this might be a great option. Grab a spot at the bar or one of the picnic tables out front and enjoy flavorful dishes that are perfect for sharing. 

Little Jack’s Tavern

This restaurant has ruined all other cheeseburgers for me. Everytime I eat another burger, it feels like I’m cheating on Little Jack’s because I can’t stop thinking about that tasty damn sauce and perfectly toasted bun. I’m in a committed relationship with LJT for the long haul.

I also like that I can get a delicious salad on the side with my burger, but still get garlic fries an appetizer – the real kind of balance I need in my life. If a burger isn’t your thing, the chopped salad is also a phenomenal choice. Half the time I can’t even finish it because it’s so large and loaded with veggies.

Minero

The Mexican food choices are slim pickings ‘round these parts. However, Minero has remained my #1 Mexican cuisine choice for some time now. It could have something to do with their perfect margaritas and burritos that are the size of my torso. Yep, that’s right – burritos the size of a newborn baby. They don’t skimp on the tequila either, friends.

Disclaimer – my boyfriend and I legitimately fought because he once ate the rest of my leftover burrito from Minero. Add this spot to your list if you know what’s good for you. And tell your significant other not to touch your leftovers – if he knows what’s good for him.

Citrus Club

If you are booking a trip to Charleston soon, this is a spot you’ll want to make a priority. I am such a sucker for great branding and this rooftop bar knocks it out of the park. Located on top of the Dewberry (a favorite hotel of mine), The Citrus Club boasts 360 degree views of The Holy City while serving up delicious cocktails (if you like tequila, get the Long-Time Listener). They serve oysters and other small bites, but I would deem this as more of a before or after dinner spot. 

I will say, these drinks are more on the expensive side, but they’re 100% worth it if you plan it during happy hour while the sun sets (ultimate golden hour). If you go, just know the bathroom is my absolute architectural dream and the entire experience makes me feel like I’m living the best life I was born on this earth to live. That is all.

I could go on, but felt the need to cap myself at 1100 words so I wouldn’t have to start charging people for the short novel that I just wrote. Book deal? Call me. But only if it’s about food.

I will continue my list of favorite restaurants, but for now these are just a few I currently can’t get enough of. Is there a restaurant in Charleston that you are obsessed with? I want to know! Leave me a comment or shoot me an email with your favorite spots.