Where to brunch in Charleston: morning rooms worth the queue.
Where to brunch in Charleston. the morning rooms worth the queue, and the kitchens still doing it right at noon.
Miller's All Day on Lower King Street is Charleston's brunch room from Geechie Boy Mills' Greg Johnsman and chef Nathan Thurston. Sorghum waffles, grits, espresso bar.
Order: Sorghum waffle, daily grit bowl, bacon-egg-and-cheese on everything brioche
Tip: Walk-in only, line forms by 09:30 on weekends. A second Maybank Highway location on James Island runs the same menu with shorter waits.
Poogan's Porch on Queen Street in Charleston has plated Lowcountry brunch since 1976 from a converted 1891 home. Biscuits and sausage gravy, she-crab soup, USA Today's shrimp and grits.
Order: Buttermilk biscuits with sausage gravy, she-crab soup, shrimp and grits
Tip: Book on Resy at least 5 days ahead for weekend brunch. Request a porch table; the inside rooms run small and warm.
Magnolias on East Bay Street is the Charleston brunch institution since 1990. Sunday brunch only: banana pudding French toast, crab cake Benedict, shrimp-and-sausage grits with tasso gravy.
Order: Banana pudding French toast, crab cake Benedict, shrimp and sausage over grits with tasso gravy
Tip: Book on Resy 2 weeks ahead. The shrimp and grits is the canonical version; bottomless mimosas at the bar.
Toast All Day on King Street is the Charleston brunch counter since 2005, on TripAdvisor's Top 25 US brunches. Stacked crab cake Benedict, biscuits and gravy, creme brulee French toast stuffed with peaches.
Order: Crab cake Benedict with fried green tomatoes, peach-stuffed French toast, biscuits and gravy
Tip: Walk-in only; the King Street room is bigger than the Meeting Street original. Vegan and gluten-free menus available on request.
Babas on Cannon in Charleston is a small Cannon Street cafe modelled on Spanish pintxo bars and French neighborhood spots. Espresso, pastries, jambon beurre, quiche, sandwiches.
Order: Jambon beurre, fancy grilled cheese, quiche of the day, cream puff
Tip: Counter ordering, sidewalk seats. The cream puff and pickled shrimp are the longtime stand-bys; the wine list runs natural.
The Daily on King Street is the Charleston counter cafe under Butcher & Bee's roof. Top-tier espresso, avocado toast with za'atar, three-egg burritos, sweet potato hash.
Order: Avocado toast with za'atar, three-egg burrito, soft scrambled toast
Tip: Counter-service, lots of grab-and-go pastries. Indoor and outdoor seating; busiest 09:00-11:30 weekends.
Callie's Hot Little Biscuit on King Street runs Charleston's miniature biscuit counter. Cheese-and-bacon, country ham, cinnamon, all made to order at a sidewalk window.
Order: Cheese-and-bacon biscuit, country ham biscuit, cinnamon biscuit
Tip: Counter only; one or two stools. Pair the country ham with a Counter Culture latte from across King Street.
Park & Grove on Rutledge Avenue is the Charleston neighborhood brunch room on Hampton Park (the rebuild of the old Park Cafe). Crab cake Benedict, Dutch baby pancakes, fried chicken, brunch burger.
Order: Crab cake Benedict, Dutch baby pancakes, croque madame
Tip: Free parking across the street. Reserve on the operator's site for parties over 6; walk-in works most weekdays.
Peak food season in Charleston is year-round.
Local dining hours: lunch around 12:30, dinner from 19:30.
service is typically included; small extra is welcome but not expected.
Ask the next local you meet what they would order. Charleston rewards trust.