Where I Go for Lunch in Charleston

Whether I'm heading to a meeting, catching up with a client, or simply taking a moment to enjoy the charm of downtown, lunch in Charleston is never just a meal—it's an experience. Some days call for a leisurely lunch with linen napkins and Southern hospitality. Other days, I just need something quick, delicious, and easy to enjoy outdoors under the oaks or beside the harbor.

 

 

Tucked along a quiet brick alleyway. 82 Queen feels like stepping into a secret garden. I love their courtyard for lunch—shaded by magnolias, full of Charleston charm, and yes... where else can you dine in a courtyard on a butterfly chair?

 

Their fried green tomatoes and crab cakes are my absolute favorites, and the she-crab soup is one of the best in the city. It's my go-to when I want to slow down and enjoy classic Lowcountry flavors in a picture-perfect setting.

 

 

Nestled inside the Charleston Place Hotel, The Palmetto Café is where I sneak away when I want a quiet, elegant lunch. The soaring glass ceiling and natural light make it feel like an indoor garden.

 

Their crab cakes are my favorite, and the service is always polished but never rushed. It's perfect for a peaceful moment between appointments or a refined lunch with friends or clients.

 

 

This quirky little corner shop on Queen Street makes the best crêpes in town. My go-to is the "Gomez" crêpe—turkey, avocado, provolone, and salsa—with a fresh-squeezed juice on the side.

 

I'll grab it to-go and head over to Colonial Lake, just a short walk away. There's always a breeze, a shady bench, and just enough quiet to reset before the afternoon picks up again.

 

 

Every time I walk into Chez Nous, it feels like a little escape to Europe. Housed in a charming historic home, the handwritten menu changes daily and always features just two appetizers, two entrees, and two desserts.

 

Somehow, it's always exactly what I'm in the mood for. Kip and I often come here for a quiet, slow lunch when we want something intimate and out of the ordinary.

 

 

This charming cheese and wine shop on Church Street is a personal favorite. Their prosciutto and fig sandwiches are a dream—but they sell out quickly, so I always call first thing in the morning and pay ahead to be safe.

 

If I'm craving a peaceful moment, I'll take my lunch down to White Point Garden and sit under the oaks. But if I feel like soaking up the energy of the city, I'll walk over to Waterfront Park, grab my favorite bench near the pineapple fountain, and enjoy a little people-watching. Every now and then, I'll spot dolphins playing out in the harbor. It's one of those simple Charleston pleasures that never gets old.

 

 

Burbage's, right in the heart of South of Broad, is one of those old-school neighborhood spots that just gets everything right. They have a great selection of fresh-made sandwiches, but my go-to is the turkey, bacon, and cheese—simple, satisfying, and so good. They also serve up some of the best barbecue in town, and if you ever crave a hot dog, theirs comes with incredible toppings that bring it to a whole new level.

 

And you must—must—top it off with one of their chocolate chip cookies. It's practically tradition. I can easily walk to Colonial Lake or White Point Garden from there, but more often than not, I bring it home and enjoy lunch in my own garden before diving into afternoon showings. It's the perfect moment of calm and comfort.