Ryan F.
It’s not all that often that we get to take a trip to the East Coast for a family vacation, but when we do, we soak up every opportunity to enjoy some of the best brunches in the city. Charleston, South Carolina, also known as The Holy City, is full of unique brunch destinations you don’t want to miss.
Located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Charleston mixes its rich and hearty southern culture with the tropical delicacies the sea has to offer.
While enjoying a hearty southern brunch at one of these highly sought-after culinary destinations, try an extra spicy bloody mary or a tropically sweet mimosa for the ultimate brunch experience.
Check out my list of the best brunch in Charleston below!
Best Brunch in Charleston
- Millers All Day
- The Darling Oyster Bar
- Halls Chophouse
- High Cotton
- The Obstinate Daughter
- Daps Breakfast & Imbibe
- Grace & Grit
- Butcher & Bee
- The Junction Kitchen & Provisions
- Basic Kitchen
- The Grocery
- Slightly North of Broad Restaurant
- Maple Street Biscuit Company – James Island
- East Bay Meeting House
- Café Framboise
Millers All Day
120 King St, Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: 843-501-7342
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There is nothing quite like a slice of warm banana bread with a side of chocolate-hazelnut cream cheese to start your day.
Nestled amongst the historic shops and quaint antique stores, Millers All Day is the perfect spot for you to take a break from shopping and enjoy a bite to eat or a refreshing beverage.
While the menu options range from frittatas to quiche to steak and eggs, my favorite brunch dish at Millers All Day is only offered one day of the week, which happens to be my favorite day for brunch.
Stop by on Friday for a Bagel & Lox and enjoy the perfect combination of cream cheese, smoked salmon on fresh garden vegetables. Pair with the Big Bourbon Bloody and hear your taste buds sing.
The Darling Oyster Bar
513 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
Phone: 843-641-0821
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With a sea-inspired menu, The Darling Oyster Bar is a Charleston brunch destination locals rave about. In the mix of the hustle and bustle of historic King St., this brunch nook makes a great stop while checking off items on your to-do list.
If you are a smoked salmon connoisseur, it will be difficult for you to sit down for brunch at The Darling Oyster Bar and not order the Smoked Salmon Quiche.
The house-made pie crust mixed with smoked salmon, feta cheese, and chives served with the seasonal berry salad and topped with a strawberry vinaigrette is a dish you will think about the rest of the day.
Halls Chophouse
434 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
Phone: 843-727-0090
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The quaint and almost antique feel of Halls Chophouse makes it fit in perfectly with the vibes of King St. encompasses. Halls Chophouse’s reputation makes it a South Carolina staple with statewide locations in Charleston, Greenville, Columbia, and Nexton.
The Blackened Salmon Salad gives you a taste of the culture as it is paired with pears, oranges, buttermilk blue cheese, candied pecans, and a white balsamic dressing. Another entree favorite is the Southern Sweet Potato Pancakes.
High Cotton
199 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: 843-724-3815
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Located on East Bay Street, High Cotton is a convenient spot to stop for a bite to eat while enjoying the photo-ops Charleston has to offer.
The photo-ops don’t pause once you walk through the doors, however. After taking your seat and ordering a High Cotton Sticky Bun, you’ll want to capture the delicate beauty of the baked treat with the vanilla glaze with butterscotch and topped with candied pecans.
With brunch offerings like the classic southern Chicken & Waffles dish, and the sea-inspired Shrimp & Grits, you are sure to find the perfect entree to satisfy your hunger before hitting the streets once again.
The Obstinate Daughter
2063 Middle St, Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482
Phone: 843-416-5020
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If you’re looking for a Charleston brunch spot that screams culture, The Obstinate Daughter is your destination. With cuisine inspired by a French, Italian, and Spanish influence, you will receive the quality food, service, and experience you deserve.
While I am an advocate for a good quiche—and they do have some excellent quiche—the OD Skillet is your must-try dish at The Obstinate Daughter.
The mixture of potatoes, peppers, onions, chorizo, provolone cheese, mushrooms, and eggs mixed and cooked in a large skillet is a hearty meal that makes it difficult to say no.
Daps Breakfast & Imbibe
280 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC 29403
Phone: 843-718-1098
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The laid-back atmosphere at Daps Breakfast & Imbibe is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a casual, on-the-spot brunch decision. The atmosphere of Ashley Ave is all about the hustle and bustle of work-life and constant movement as you find Daps Breakfast & Imbibe is a popular destination for on-the-go locals.
With a coffee menu that offers everything from drip coffee to cold brew and cappuccinos, Daps ensures you have everything you need to be ready to take on the day.
If you’re in for a more leisurely brunch, try one of the Daps Mimosas, where you have the option to try a seasonal flavor.
Grace & Grit
320 Wingo Way #100, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
Phone: 843-698-4748
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If you couldn’t tell by the restaurant name, grits are the specialty at Grace & Grits on Wingo Way in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Grace & Grits screams southern charm as their menu options are all about classic, southern cooking, and the vibe of the restaurant makes you feel like you are in your grandma’s kitchen.
Dive into some decadent, gluten-free, gourmet grits from the extensive grit menu. I’m all about spicy foods, so my go-to grit plate at Grace & Grit is the Jalapeno Cheddar grits.
Pair the spicy grits with smoked bacon and farm-fresh eggs, then wash it all down with a Honeysuckle Martini for a refreshing brunch experience.
Butcher & Bee
1085 Morrison Dr, Charleston, SC 29403
Phone: 843-619-0202
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Locally sourced ingredients are what set Butcher & Bee apart from other brunch destinations in Charleston. With all sorts of baked goodies, and a complete espresso bar, the filling brunch options are endless.
Nothing demands the title of brunch dish staple more than avocado toast. The Israeli influence on the culinary delicacies at Butcher & Bee means the Avocado Toast is on sourdough bread with za’atar spices for a unique flavor combination.
You may also want to try the Anson Mills Brown Rice Bowl. Okra creole, roasted mushrooms, pickled shallots on a bed of hummus is a flavor combination like no other.
The Junction Kitchen & Provisions
4438 Spruill Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405
Phone: 843-745-9189
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Known as a gathering spot for the local community, The Junction Kitchen & Provisions is the perfect spot to enjoy a Saturday or Sunday brunch.
Popular items on the brunch menu include the Breakfast Sandwich, Mexican hash, and the classic southern Biscuits & Gravy.
My favorite item on the brunch menu is the Buzzed Doughnut. You read that right; the Buzzed Doughnut is a biscuit donut, filled with coffee-rubbed bacon and an over-easy egg, with a mocha dip and shredded hash browns on the side. Talk about unique!
Basic Kitchen
82 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: 843-789-4568
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As I have previously expressed, I have a weak spot for anything smoked salmon, which means my go-to dish at Basic Kitchen is the Smoked Salmon Toast. You’ll love the house-smoked salmon, mixed with the herby cream cheese, pickled onion, and dill on top of sourdough toast.
The Breakfast Sammie Sandwich is my other go-to for brunch as the mung bean falafel patty takes you back to the Middle East and the harissa tehina, farm-fresh egg, and English muffin complete the dish. Pair with a cup of hot tea to savor your experience.
The Grocery
4 Cannon St, Charleston, SC 29403
Phone: 843-302-8825
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Just like any grocery store, the staples at The Grocery are produce, seafood, and meat. Product offerings include delicious Marinated Beets, Roasted Delicata Squash, and Charred Broccoli. Pair a fresh produce item with a seafood or meat option to complete your cultural experience at The Grocery.
Seafood options are plentiful as some of the menu options include SC Albacore Tuna Crudo, Smoked Mackerel Tartine, and even a whole Roasted Snapper.
Maybe seafood isn’t your forte, which is no problem as the meat portion of the menu has Creekstone Farm Strip Loin, Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder, and a favorite, Jimmy Red Cornbread, which is a duck liver dish.
Slightly North of Broad Restaurant
192 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: 843-723-3424
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The laid-back yet up-scale environment of Slightly North of Broad Restaurant makes you want to keep coming back. While the environment is a key draw to the restaurant, the menu is what draws in the crowds.
A brunch-specific menu at Slightly North of Broad Restaurant ensures you know the freshly prepared dishes are available just for you and the rest of the brunch crowd.
Spend your Sunday morning enjoying a Snob Punch cocktail while enjoying the Grass Fed Beef Carpaccio. Tastet the difference of the fresh Butternut Squash Bisque and indulge yourself in a piece of Warm Sour Cream Apple Pie complete with a walnut streusel and vanilla ice cream.
Maple Street Biscuit Company – James Island
1739 Maybank Hwy Suite U, Charleston, SC 29412
Phone: 843-203-3889
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Known for their fresh biscuits, all-natural chicken, house-made jams and jellies, and unique sausage or shiitake gravies, Maple Street Biscuit Company is one brunch stop you don’t want to overlook.
The laid-back atmosphere makes it easy to enjoy your hearty, southern-style biscuits. With several biscuit options to choose from, it can be tough to make your final decision. The biscuit you can’t leave the restaurant without is The Farmer, a fried-chicken biscuit topped with house-made apple butter.
If The Farmer doesn’t make your mouth water, try a unique biscuit option by consuming The Squawking Goat, complete with fried goat cheese and house-made pepper jelly. Did we forget to mention that The Squawking Goat was featured on Food Network?
East Bay Meeting House
160 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: 843-723-3446
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Served all week long from 10 AM to 2 PM, the brunch option at East Bay Meeting House is a flat fee of $25 per person that includes your choice of a mimosa or bloody mary and one of the brunch menu offerings.
Although there are only a handful of brunch options to choose from, the delicious state of each one makes the decision-making process difficult.
Choose between a Spinach and Parmesan Quiche or Portobello, Ham, and Cheddar Quiche. Or, perhaps a French Toast Stratta or Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Bagel.
Café Framboise
159 Market St, Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: 843-414-7241
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If you’ve ever wanted to experience brunch in France but can’t seem to make those travel plans come to life, Cafe Framboise is your next best option. The French menu mixed with the tranquil environment makes this cafe a popular brunch destination.
With a seasonal brunch menu, you can rest assured you are being served only the best the cafe has to offer. Indulge in a Spinach and Goat Cheese Quiche or the La Avocado Classed, an avocado puree with red pepper flakes, olive oil, and a balsamic glaze.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a resident looking for a home brunch spot, or you’re visiting and intend to visit only the best brunch locations, Charleston, South Carolina, does not disappoint. If you need a quick brunch destination, stop by Daps for some hash.
Are you looking for a brunch menu that gives you a classic southern experience? The Obstinate Daughter will not disappoint as the OD Skillet is a genuine, southern brunch classic. Or, if biscuits are what makes you think of Charleston brunch, try the Maple Street Biscuit Company.
If you’re a bit farther down the coast in Hilton Head, check out some awesome places to get brunch down there!
Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you leave us a comment, and we’ll check it out!
