5 Unforgettable Spots For The Best Lunch in Charleston
If you’re like us, lunch can be a tough meal to plan for when you’re traveling. Sometimes you want something quick or light and sometimes you don’t really even know what you want.
That’s why we’ve rounded up 5 spots for the best lunch in Charleston, ranging from a quick cafe, to South Carolina BBQ, to classic dine-in experiences. Happy lunching!
1. Leon’s Oyster Shop
Now, before we lose any non-oyster lovers (it’s okay, we’re not big fans either), we should disclose that this restaurant’s full name is Leon’s Fine Poultry & Oyster Shop. Yep, poultry AND oysters.
In what used to be an old auto body shop, Leon’s now serves Southern comfort food like oysters, salads, and one of the best fried chicken sandwiches you’ll ever eat. They also have cheap beer, soft serve ice cream, rosé on tap, frozen gin & tonics, and some darn good cocktails. This is a can’t-miss Charleston lunch classic.
Pro tip: Looking for a delicious and inexpensive lunch that won’t weigh you down too much? Think about splitting the fried chicken sandwich with a friend! We recommend getting that with a side of scalloped potatoes and hush puppies to start.
Location: 698 King St. Visit their website to learn more.
2. Xiao Bao Biscuit
Xiao Bao Biscuit is one of my very favorite places for lunch in Charleston. This spot highlights multicultural Asian food with a nod to Southern comfort cuisine, inside a trendy renovated gas station.
The atmosphere is top-notch, the food is delicious, and everything is made with ingredients from local farmers and fisherman. Xiao Bao Biscuit is also open for dinner, but visiting for lunch may help avoid some of the dinner rush!
Location: 224 Rutledge Ave. Visit their website to learn more.
3. Rodney Scott’s BBQ
As seen on Netflix’s Chef’s Table, this Lowcountry-style barbecue spot is a classic Charleston lunch spot…and it definitely lives up to the hype. Rodney Scott’s is a traditional counter-order BBQ restaurant that offers plenty of seating, inside and outside. While it might be a bit of a heavier lunch option than some others, this is a great spot for lunch in Charleston if you’re looking to share with one (or a few) people.
Location: 1011 King St. Visit their website to learn more.
4. Harken Café & Bakery
Okay, so I would technically call Harken a “coffee shop”, however, this is a great option if you’re looking for a lunch in Charleston that’s a little on the faster side.
Harken offers in-house baked goods, artisan toasts, and delicious breakfast sandwiches – because who doesn’t love breakfast for lunch?! Order your food and second coffee at the counter, then snag a table in the cafe to enjoy your lunch as quickly (or slowly) as you’d like.
Location: 62 Queen Street. Visit their website to learn more.
Need more Charleston coffee shop recommendations? Check out our guide to the best Charleston coffee shops.
5. The Harbinger Café & Bakery
Also technically a “coffee shop”, the Harbinger is another great choice if you’re looking for something quick. Their coffee is delicious and you can’t really go wrong with any of their food offerings either!
The Harbinger is a great spot to grab something to-go as you head to your next adventure, or spend a few minutes savoring homemade goodness before going about the rest of your day. You can’t go wrong with this Charleston lunch spot.
Location: 1107 King St. Visit their website to learn more.
Now that lunch is taken care of, whatcha doing for dinner? Check out our favorite dinner spots in Charleston for a little inspiration.
