7 editor picks in Charleston.
7 new american places in Charleston we have eaten in, sorted by editor score. All cuisines in Charleston | New American across every city.
New American is the broadest band of Charleston's modern dining, marked by seasonal menus, an open hand with Southern ingredients and a relaxed tavern-to-tasting range. Upper King is the center of gravity, with Vern's on Bogard Street, Sorghum & Salt on St Philip Street and Little Jack's Tavern on King Street, alongside A.C.'s Bar & Grill and Recovery Room Tavern.
Dano Heinze and Bethany Heinze's Vern's in Charleston runs a 30-seat tasting room on Bogard Street since 2022, picked up a Michelin Guide nod in 2024.
OrderWhatever the day's pasta is, then the protein from the wood grill.
TipResy bookings open 28 days ahead and go in minutes. Walk-in bar seats sometimes free up at 17:00.
Little Jack's Tavern in Charleston opened on King Street in 2015 with classic-American tavern food and the city's most-discussed burger. Priced at $$.
OrderThe Tavern Burger with American cheese and a glass of the daily red.
TipReservations on Resy. Walk-in bar seats serve the full menu till midnight.
Tres Jackson and Brooks Reitz's Sorghum & Salt in Charleston runs vegetable-forward small plates from a renovated St. Philip Street spot since 2017.
OrderWhatever the daily vegetable plate is; this kitchen makes plants taste like the centre of the plate.
TipBook on Resy. Vegetarians get the deepest menu in the city here.
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.
Vern's in Charleston runs a 30-seat tasting-style menu from a Bogard Street storefront since 2022. Led by chef Dano Heinze and Bethany Heinze.
OrderThe chef's choice tasting; a la carte runs handmade pasta and the protein of the day.
TipResy bookings open 28 days ahead at 09:00 and go in under a minute. Bar seats sometimes free up at 17:00.
Recovery Room Tavern on upper King Street has run as Charleston's late-night dive since 2003. Gourmet tater tots, Tater Tachos, chicken tenders.
OrderA basket of Tater Tachos with jalapenos and an ice-cold PBR.
TipHappy hour 16:00-20:00 every day, half-price wings and dollar off bottles. Cash and card both work; no reservations.
A.C.'s Bar & Grill on King Street keeps the kitchen running till 01:30 in Charleston, the late-night burger after the upper King Street bars close.
OrderDeath Burger with American cheese, loaded fries, draft beer
TipCash or card. Kitchen opens at 11:00 weekdays, 16:00 Sunday; the Death Burger is the late-night call.
Guided tour · 2.5 hours
Explore Charleston's City Market in the historic downtown district on a guided foodie walking tour. Learn about the city's history while enjoying tastings of Lowcountr...
Guided tour · 2.5 hours
Experience the flavors of Charleston with the help of local guides. Delve into over 300 years of culinary history as you taste your way through the historic city center.
Water activity · 2.5 hours
Experience Charleston's most unique and romantic evening out. SpiritLine Cruises offers the only true waterfront fine dining experience in Charleston aboard the elegan...
