Charleston has been long known for its one-of-a-kind southern fare. Chefs from around the globe flock here to take risks with their craft because the people of Charleston are open to and excited about new and different cuisine with an old-fashioned Lowcountry twist.
Charleston has also been long known for its delicate seafood dishes, its decadent desserts and its charming, romantic dinner dining. It is no wonder why Oprah plugs our delicious city anytime she mentions the South, or why The Food Network has featured hot seafood and steakhouses like Hall’s Chophouse and Husk.
But Charleston has a new scene in town that is simply fit for foodies. Brunch.
Charleston, SC brunch
And I’m not talking sloppy egg dishes and weak Mimosas. When Charleston does brunch, we do it right. Listed below are my favorite brunch spots in the Lowcountry. By the time you get through this post, you’ll be wishing for the weekend!
Upper King Street District
Stars Rooftop and Grill Room – Sunday Brunch – 10:30am to 2:00pm
Stars features one of the only brunch buffets on the peninsula. The menu is phenomenal and offers something for every pallet. Chilled starters include artisan cheeses, smoked salmon, local vegetables and leafy green salads. Then head to the egg station where a chef will pan fry your customized omelette in front of you. Don’t fill up just yet, because the brunch specialties are where this brunch truly shines! Local honey and sea salt biscuits made from scratch, fried chicken benedict, pecan praline French toast and of course, local shrimp and grits are just some of the options to choose from! For dessert, enjoy mini chocolate s’mores, a fruit parfait, banana pudding trifle and more. Reservations recommended. $24.95 Adults – $10.50 Kids 12 and Under. $4 Bloody Marys and $3 Mimosas. 495 King Street. 843-577-0100
Rare Bit – Tuesday to Sunday – 11:00am to 1:00am
The hours above are correct. It wasn’t a typo. Brunch is served all day long at this tasty gem on King Street. With breakfast dishes starting at $8, this brunch spot should not be overlooked! Famous for their Belgian Chicken and Waffle (which I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying at midnight), the Rare Bit has made a name for itself for being just that…rare! Whether its 11am or 11pm, you can order Steak and Eggs, Huevos Rancheros or an Egg and Bacon Sandwich! Just ask them to spike your coffee for an added touch to this great fare. 474 King Street. 843-974-5483
Hall’s Chophouse – Gospel Sunday Brunch – 10:30am to 2:00pm
You can always expect Hall’s to wine and dine its guests, and their Gospel Sunday Brunch delivers just that. With a full bar available and live music every week, going to Hall’s Chophouse for brunch is an event in itself! Enjoy she crab soup or shrimp cocktail to start and then feast on one of the many entrée options – Traditional eggs benedict with a special Hall’s flare, Blackened salmon salad or an 8oz filet mignon wrapped in bacon served over eggs any style. 434 King Street. 843-727-0090
North Central District
Rutledge Cab Company – Saturday and Sunday Brunch – 10:00am
Located on Rutledge Ave, this brunch hot spot draws everyone young and old to relax in their casual atmosphere for some great eats. A massive, covered outdoor dining area is adorned with heat lamps to create a warm, welcoming experience for all. Enjoy brunch favorites like omelettes, eggs benedict and French toast or go a little “Charleston” and try the fried oyster frittata! My personal favorite is the Longborough omelette – braised pot roast, Havarti cheese, sautéed peppers, onions and mushrooms over toast. Yes please! 1300 Rutledge Ave. 843-720-1440
Tattooed Moose – Sunday Brunch – 11:30am to 3:00pm
You can always be sure that The Moose will offer unique dishes with hilariously creative names. The Tattooed Moose has been featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives because of its heavenly sandwiches, famous duck fat fries and a beer selection to keep you drinking all night. So when The Moose started their Sunday brunch menu, it was an instant success. Featuring house made gravies, duck confit hash, the infamous “Garbage Plate” that delivers anything but garbage, come hungry to this dive! 1137 Morrison Drive. 843-769-0228
Near the Battery
Leaf – Sunday Brunch – 11:00am to 2:00pm
Nestled in one of the most charming neighborhoods of Charleston, SC, Leaf’s atmosphere cannot be beat. In the warmer months – aka 10 months out of the year – Leaf opens its glass walls so all of its patrons can dine alfresco! Enjoy Charleston brunch classics like stuffed French toast with homemade sweet cream mousse and local honey, the Leaf benedict with your choice of salmon, crabcake or filet mignon, veggie omelettes or traditional eggs and toast. The experience is sure to impress. 15 Beaufain Street. 843-793-2230
Pooghan’s Porch – Saturday and Sunday – 9:00am to 2:30pm
If you choose Pooghan’s Porch for brunch, prepare your palette for some down-home southern cuisine you can ONLY find in Charleston, SC! Located in a classic Charleston home built in the 1800’s, you’ll enjoy a quintessential Lowcountry atmosphere paired with unbeatable Lowcountry flavor. For starters, you can try fried alligator and pimiento fritters. For your entrée, order the Chicken & Waffles or the Pulled Pork Benedict. Both simply can’t be beat! 72 Queen Street. 843-577-2337
