THE ULTIMATE LOCAL’S GUIDE TO LUNCH RESTAURANTS IN CHARLESTON
In this local’s guide to lunch restaurants in Charleston, we are highlighting our favorite places to grab a bite to eat. While we love our Lowcountry cooking, there are some amazing chefs who call Charleston home and are cooking up different delicious cuisines. We hope you enjoy this lunch restaurant guide to Charleston as much as you will enjoy the lunch itself! If you are looking for an itinerary of how to spend your days in Charleston, check out our three day Charleston itinerary here! You can also find our breakfast guide to Charleston here!
The List
LEWIS BBQ
SORELLE MERCATO
LEONS
LITTLE JACK’S TAVERN
BERTHAS
SWING & SWINE
XIAO BAO BISCUIT
LEWIS BBQ
This BBQ joint is serving up the most delicious BBQ you will ever taste. The influence is Texas BBQ, but there is no one in Charleston making this level of fatty brisket. Lewis BBQ came to Charleston food scene in 2016 and has become a locals and visitor favorite. They open at 11 am every day and we recommend getting there when they open. The line can get long, but don’t let this turn you away, as the wait is worth the delicious food. On Sunday’s their special is the chicken fried steak and they only make about 50 orders.
We suggest getting in line 30 minutes prior to opening in order to snag you one of these specials. Meat is priced and served by the pound, but you can order any quantity smaller or larger than a pound. You will enter through the door under the large sign “MEAT” and walk straight ahead until you enter the next room where you’ll be greeted at the counter by a lovely staff member to offer you samples and take your order. Check out some of our favorite dishes below and you can find the full menu here!
Our Favorite Dishes
Fatty Brisket
“El Sancho”
Green Chile Pudding
Pulled Pork
Photo by: Lewis BBQ
SORELLE MERCATO
Sorelle Mercato is an excellent lunch spot in Charleston for quick sandwiches, soup, and salad if you find yourself on South of Broad. Their lunch portion to Sorelle Italian restaurant that is open for dinner. There is limited seating inside and few tables outside, so recommend coming here a little before or after the lunch rush if a larger group and looking to sit in the restaurant. If the weather is nice, then you can take your food to-go and enjoy on a park bench in Washington Square Park a block from the restaurant. Check out some of our favorite dishes below and find the full menu here!
Our Favorite Dishes
Prosciutto Sandwich
Caprese Sandwich
Sweet Pepper Caesar
Meatball Sandwich
Photo by: Sorelle’s Instagram
LEON’S
Leon’s is one of our favorite restaurants in Charleston with its focus on two delicious foods: oysters and friend chicken. They have been a staple in Charleston food scene for some time now and is a great place to enjoy a casual lunch. Leon’s is either a quick drive from center of downtown or a nice walk if you are strolling Charleston. Check out some of our favorite dishes below and find the full menu here!
Our Favorite Dishes
Char-Grilled Oysters
2-Piece Fried Chicken
Leon’s Fish Fry
The Chicken Sandwich
Photo by: Leon’s Instagram
LITTLE JACK’S TAVERN
Little Jack’s Tavern is a local’s favorite for lunch in Charleston. This tavern is serving up amazing burgers and comfort food. Little Jack’s Tavern is also a short drive from downtown center or a longer walk if you are strolling on a nice day. We highly recommend making reservations a few days in advance as this place gets packed for all meal services. Check out some of our favorite dishes below and find the full menu here!
Our Favorite Dishes
Jack’s Fried Potatoes
Grouper Fritters
Tavern Burger
BLT
Photo by: Little Jack’s Tavern Instagram
BERTHA’S KITCHEN
Bertha’s is a simple lunch restaurant in Charleston that brings you the best southern cuisine. They are only open Wednesday – Saturday and serve in to-go containers. This is a no frills place serving classic fried chicken, fried pork chops, lima beans, red rice, and fried seafood on Saturday and only open during lunch. The menu changes daily based on what is made and the menu is limited to these simple items. We would recommend driving or catching a ride share.
Our Favorite Dishes
Fried Chicken
Fried Pork Chops
Lima Beans
Collard Greens
SWING & SWINE
Swing & Swine is classic southern bbq in Charleston. This is definitely the best southern BBQ joint that isn’t Lewis BBQ. They are in West Ashley and this requires a car or taking a ride share, but it is worth the short trek out of downtown. This is also a great spot if you are coming back from Magnolia or Middleton Plantations. Swing & Swine serves the classics of BBQ: pulled pork, brisket, turkey, and sausage. The sides are also large and delicious with our favorites being collard greens and mac and cheese. Check out some of our favorite dishes below and find the full menu here!
Our Favorite Dishes
Pulled Pork
Collard Greens
Pork Rinds with Pimento Cheese
Ribs
Photo by: Swig & Swine
XIAO BAO BISCUIT
Xiao Bao Biscuit has been on the Charleston food scene for over 10 year now, and is a favorite among locals. They are an asian cuisine restaurant and offers a change of pace from the southern classics. The menu is inspired by Thailand, Taiwan, China and Vietnam. They are closed on Sunday’s, so make plans in your itinerary to come here on a Friday or Saturday if in town for a long weekend. Check out some of our favorite dishes below and find the full menu here!
Our Favorite Dishes
Fancy Boy Fried Rice
Okonomiyaki
Pad Kra Pow
Yu Xiang Brussels
Photo by: Xiao Bao Biscuit
We hope you enjoy this local’s guide to lunch restaurants in Charleston!
