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Pan-asianUpper King
Xiao Bao Biscuit in Charleston's Cannonborough runs pan-Asian cooking out of a converted gas station on Rutledge Avenue since 2011. Located in Upper King.
OrderThe okonomiyaki cabbage pancake and whatever daily noodle is up.
TipLunch only Mon-Fri 11:30-15:00, plus weekday dinner. Cash and card; no reservations.
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Fried Chicken, OystersUpper King
Leon's Fine Poultry and Oysters in Charleston runs fried chicken and oyster plates from a converted body shop on King Street since 2014. Priced at $$.
OrderThe fried chicken sandwich and a half-dozen char-grilled oysters.
TipWalk-in counter seating. Lines at lunch are real; weeknight dinner is easier.
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American TavernUpper King
Little Jack's Tavern in Charleston opened on King Street in 2015 with classic-American tavern food and the city's most-discussed burger. Priced at $$.
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.
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Italian, PizzaUpper King
Melfi's in Charleston runs upper-King-Street red-sauce Italian and Roman-thin-crust pizza out of a clubby tin-ceiling room since 2018. Priced at $$$.
OrderThe Cacio e Pepe pizza and a glass of Chianti Classico.
TipBook on Resy. Walk-up bar seats serve the full menu.
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Wood-fired Pizza, Natural WineUpper Peninsula
Renzo in Charleston runs wood-fired pizzas and a natural-wine list out of an industrial spot on Huger Street since 2018. Located in Upper Peninsula.
OrderWhatever the chalkboard pizza is, plus burrata with whatever's in season.
TipBook on Resy. Tuesday to Saturday only; small room, books out by Wednesday.
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New AmericanUpper King
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.