10 Best Brunch in Charleston Restaurants You Must Visit (2024)

Looking for the best brunches in Charleston? I’ve got you covered!

I’m originally from South Carolina and called Charleston home for six years, I have spent many a weekend indulging in the city’s vibrant brunch scene. If there’s one thing I know better than the back of my hand, it’s where to find the best brunch in this charming city.

Brunch, my absolute favorite meal of the day, is a culinary adventure here, with every neighborhood boasting unique spots that serve up unforgettable mid-morning meals.

From the heart of downtown Charleston to the outskirts of the city, I’ve got the inside scoop on the top 10 brunch restaurants that you simply must visit.

So, grab your appetite and come along as we explore the mouthwatering world of brunch – one of the best things to do in Charleston!

82 Queen

-Neighborhood: Downtown Charleston
-Price point: $$

Nestled on the picturesque Queen Street in downtown, 82 Queen is one of Charleston’s best brunch locations. As you walk in, you’ll be welcomed by the restaurant’s tastefully decorated interiors that exude a charm reflective of the city’s rich history. But what truly sets 82 Queen apart is not just its ambiance, but the culinary delight it offers.

Among the myriad of delicious offerings, a must-try is their Crème Brûlée French Toast. This delectable dish, made with vanilla bean custard, wild berries, and maple syrup, will have you savoring each bite.

82 Queen is a place where the food is as fantastic as the setting, making it an essential stop on your Charleston brunch tour.

Poogan’s Porch

-Neighborhood: Downtown Charleston
-Price point: $$

Poogan’s Porch is a popular brunch destination in Charleston, South Carolina. It is the oldest independent restaurant in the city. Located on Queen Street, this Victorian house turned eatery serves Lowcountry cuisine. Since 1976, the diner has been recognized by celebrities, politicians, locals, and tourists.

The restaurant has pinewood flooring, massive dual staircases, and two-story porches. This name came from the neighborhood dog Poogan, who used to greet every customer. They allow dogs on their front porch as the weather permits. It costs approximately $50-$100 per person to dine here.

The menu offers a variety of southern dishes and drinks to satisfy every tastebud. It comprises salads, appetizers, breakfast and lunch entrees, sandwiches, etc. Their most recommended dishes are Shrimp & Grits, Chicken & Waffles, Fried Green Tomatoes, Crab Soup, etc. Delicious puddings, pies, cakes, and many other things are there as desserts.

Various co*cktails, iced coffees, craft beers, and whiskey are present to accompany the food. A separate kids’ menu is also available.

Contributed by Ruma of The Holiday Story

Lost Dog Cafe

-Neighborhood: Folly Beach
-Price point: $$

If you’re looking for a laid-back beach vibe in your Charleston brunch experience, then the Lost Dog Cafe is the perfect spot for you. Nestled in Folly Beach, this casual cafe with its beachy decor captures the essence of Folly’s relaxed atmosphere.

Known for it’s incredible surfer scene, Folly Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Charleston. And, as you probably guessed, dogs are also welcome on this beach if the owners follow theFolly Beach Dog Rules – which is where The Lost Dog originally got it’s name.

A favorite among locals and visitors alike, Lost Dog Cafe is well-known not only for its ambiance but also for its delicious, hearty breakfasts and brunches.

One of the unique features at Lost Dog is the Dog Wall of Fame, where customers pay tribute to their furry friends by sharing their photos. This gives the cafe a warm, homey feel, and if you’re a dog lover, you’ll definitely appreciate this personal touch.

As for the food, the Breakfast Burrito is a must-try. Packed with your choice of meat, eggs, peppers, onions, and cheese, it’s a flavorful and filling start to your day. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, the pancakes topped with fresh fruits are a delight. Light, fluffy, and served with a generous amount of fruit and syrup, they’re sure to satiate your sweet tooth.

For those with dietary restrictions or preferences, Lost Dog Cafe has got you covered. They offer a variety of veggie and vegan options, ensuring that everyone can partake in the delicious offerings.

So whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast post-surfing, or simply want to enjoy a relaxed brunch, Lost Dog Cafe is a top contender for the best breakfast in Charleston.

Husk

They do a fantastic job of bringing Southern flavors to the table in a fancy, yet approachable and homey, way. The restaurant is in a beautiful old house that adds to the charm of the experience.

The Husk brunch menu is full of tasty dishes that highlight local ingredients. Husk makes sure to use fresh, seasonal ingredients from local farmers, so the menu changes to match what’s best at the time. The menu is split into small “firsts” like sticky buns, biscuits, toasts, and apps, then main courses and limited sides.

Husk also offers delicious brunch boozy beverages, like the highly-rated Bloody Mary.

One popular choice is the Shrimp and Geechie Boy Grits, a classic Southern dish. It’s a real treat. They also serve unique options like the Fried Chicken Biscuit with Benton’s bacon and homemade pickles. If feeling a salad, the Hunter’s Creek Steak Salad is a great choice.

Make a reservation or you’ll be waiting outside for quite a while!

Contributed by Eleanor fromElevate Your Escapes

39 Rue de Jean

-Neighborhood: Downtown Charleston
-Price point: $$

39 Rue de Jean is the perfect European bistro without the plane ticket!

Located in the heart of historic Charleston, South Carolina, this quaint restaurant on John Street is the perfect place to brunch with your friends and family.

Arrive early to snag one of the coveted tables outside for maximum European bistro flair. Brunch is served at 39 Rue de Jean on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday beginning at 11 AM.

Start with one of their Southern-meets-European appetizers such as the Fried Goat Cheese Salad with pecans or the Onion Soup Gratinee (a sophisticated twist on French onion soup).Then, continue your brunch with a sandwich or entree.

The brunch menu offers both breakfast classics such as Eggs Benedict, English muffins, and bacon, and upscale lunch options such as the French Dip sandwich or Steak and Frites.

Top off your meal with one of the restaurant’s signature co*cktails. The Cold Brew Martini is the perfect mixture of coffee and co*cktail, while a glass of Prosecco is always a great choice for brunch!

Afterwards, you’ll want to walk off your delicious meal by visiting the nearby Charleston Museum, or perhaps by heading to the top of the Ravenel Bridge, one of thebest hikes near Charleston.

Contributed by Natalie Vereen-Davis from Camping Kiddos

Tempest

-Neighborhood: Downtown Charleston
-Price point: $$$

Located on the historic Charleston Market Street (right in between the French Quarter and Ansonborough neighborhoods) lies Tempest Charleston.

When you enter this upscale seafood restaurant, you will immediately be blown away by the one-of-a-kind, 700 square-foot stained-glass mosaic that hangs from the ceiling.

Located in the former historic Harriott Pinckney Home for Sailors, this restaurant has a character all of its own. The restaurant is home to multiple seating areas including downstairs with the mosaic overhead, upstairs seating where you can look out onto Market Street, and a small garden patio.

But the mosaic and the atmosphere will not be the only things that impress when you join Tempest Charleston for brunch.

Tempest Charleston’s brunch menu offers a variety of high-end dishes with everything from classic breakfasts to shrimp and grits to oysters. The shrimp and grits plate, for one, is full of local flavor and is a fantastic way to start your day before seeing everything that Charleston has to offer.

Tempest Charlestonoffers brunch Friday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. We would highly recommend booking a reservation on their website before you visit.

Recommended by Monica frommaxedoutpto.com

Tattooed Moose

-Neighborhood: John’s Island / North Charleston
-Price point: $

If you’re looking for a laid-back, authentic Charleston brunch experience, make your way over to the Tattooed Moose on Johns Island.

Known for its unpretentious and cool vibe, this place offers a super casual indoor seating area as well as an open-air outdoor seating space that lets you enjoy the pleasant Charleston weather.

The menu is a classic, no-nonsense showcase of deliciousness. One of the standout offerings is the popular Duck Club Sandwich. Imagine juicy, house-smoked duck piled high on a fresh ciabatta bun, complemented by a hearty layer of bacon and garnished with garlic aioli. It’s the kind of sandwich that keeps locals and visitors alike coming back for more.

The Tattooed Moose occasionally hosts local bands, adding to the laid-back, local vibe. So, whether you’re a foodie in search of your next favorite dish or just someone who enjoys good times with good people, the Tattooed Moose is a must-visit when in Charleston.

High Cotton

-Neighborhood: Downtown Charleston
-Price point: $$$

Whether you’ve got3 days in Charleston SCor more, there is no activity more important than eating, and most especially brunch! Charleston, South Carolina is a foodie’s paradise because you can find a Lowcountry restaurant every few steps in the downtown area.

One of those such places is High Cotton Charleston Restaurant. Just one street away from the infamous Pineapple Fountain and Waterfront Park and Pier, it’s in a prime location.

This upscale restaurant features an extensive brunch menu on both Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 2pm.

However, as the saying goes “You get what you pay for.” With a moderate to high price point for entrees and beverages, High Cotton’s Sunday Brunch is a splurge worth paying for.

All the meals are cooked to order by an on-site chef with fresh and locally sourced ingredients. A difference you can taste with each entree better than the next. From chicken and waffles to shrimp and grits, the brunch menu has great items available; although eggs benedict is always a favorite of mine.

Enjoy your morning or early afternoon relaxing as you dine in this open room with floor-to-ceiling window views of Charleston’s bustling city just outside. If you have one place to stop for brunch, then let High Cotton be at the top of your list.

Contributed by Dr. Rachel Catalano from TheRxForTravel.com

Toast! All Day

-Neighborhood: Several Locations around Charleston
-Price point: $$

Experience the delightful atmosphere and wonderful flavors of Toast! All Day, an unbeatable brunch destination in charming Charleston. With various locations spread across the area, you’re never far from a delicious meal at Toast! All Day.

One dish that you simply can’t miss is their Eggs Benedict – a classic recipe served to perfection. With a golden and buttery English muffin, tender Canadian bacon, and a perfectly poached egg topped with hollandaise sauce, this dish is the epitome of a delicious brunch.

So, whenever you’re in town, be sure to pay a visit to Toast! All Day to satisfy your brunch cravings. With its convenient locations and top-notch menu, this brunch spot is sure to make your day in Charleston even more memorable.

Charleston Food Tours

Too many incredible brunch options to decide? Take a brunch tour and try multiple!

This walking food tour takes you down Broad street to enjoy the beautiful architecture and history of Charleston, stopping at several restaurants for brunch along the way.

If you’re in the mood for a more leisurely adventure, try this brunch cruise that takes you out on the Charleston Harbor to enjoy the sun and water that the city is known for.

Final Thoughts On the Best Brunch in Charleston

In conclusion, there’s no shortage of mouthwatering brunch spots in Charleston, SC.

From the local charm of Tempest Charleston to the unbeatable Eggs Benedict at Toast! All Day, every bite promises a captivating culinary experience.

The best way to discover a city is through its food, so don’t miss out on these brunch highlights during your visit. See you in Charleston and happy brunching!