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Fried Chicken, OystersUpper King
Leon's Fine Poultry and Oysters in Charleston runs buttermilk-brined fried chicken and char-grilled oysters from a converted body shop on King Street.
OrderThe fried chicken sandwich and a half-dozen char-grilled oysters.
TipWalk-in counter seating. Weekday lunch easier than weekend dinner.
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Pan-asianUpper King
Xiao Bao Biscuit in Charleston runs pan-Asian cooking from a converted gas station on Rutledge Avenue since 2011. Located in Upper King. Priced at $$.
OrderThe okonomiyaki cabbage pancake and whatever daily noodle is up.
TipNo reservations. Lunch Mon-Fri only; weekday dinner is the easier seat.
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American TavernUpper King
Little Jack's Tavern in Charleston opened on King Street in 2015 with classic American tavern food. Located in Upper King. Booking recommended.
OrderThe Tavern Burger with American cheese, a glass of the daily red.
TipReservations on Resy. Walk-in bar seats serve the full menu till midnight.
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Southern, LowcountryMount Pleasant
Page's Okra Grill in Mount Pleasant has run family-owned Southern cooking on Coleman Boulevard since 2008. Kitchen leans southern, lowcountry.
OrderAshleigh's shrimp and grits with andouille and tomato gravy.
TipNo reservations. Walk-ins only; cash and card both accepted.
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Wood-fired Pizza, Natural WineUpper Peninsula
Renzo in Charleston runs wood-fired pizzas and a natural-wine list from an industrial Huger Street storefront since 2018. Located in Upper Peninsula.
OrderWhatever chalkboard pizza is on, plus burrata with seasonal vegetables.
TipBook on Resy. Small room, books out by midweek for the weekend.
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BarbecueUpper King
Home Team BBQ in Charleston runs pulled pork, wings and brisket from a Williman Street smokehouse since 2006. Located in Upper King. Priced at $$.
OrderThe pulled pork plate with two sides, plus a half-pound of smoked wings.
TipOpen until midnight; full menu late. Live music nights draw a crowd.