Continuing the “Charleston favorites” series today with Charleston’s favorite meal…BRUNCH! If you’re a local, then you already know how much the South LOVES to brunch. If you aren’t, well…buckle up. This is hands-down my FAVORITE meal of any day (especially a weekend!) and Charleston has no shortage of amazing options. I tried to cut it down to my top 10 favorites…but 12 is going to have to do. These are in no particular order, but they are my MUST-HAVE brunch/breakfast spots in CHS. Keep in mind that some of these only serve brunch on the weekends (and some only on Sundays), so be sure to check the menu link:
#1: Miller’s All Day
My current FAVE spot for all-day breakfast and brunch. Located in downtown Charleston, right around the corner from The Mills House hotel, it’s an awesome spot for tourists that are wanting somewhere in walking distance of most hotels. I get either the Yogurt Bowl or a breakfast sandwich, but I ALWAYS get the breakfast potatoes and GF monster cookie (served warm!) The only downside is they don’t take reservations or call-ahead seating, so plan for an hour or more wait on weekends.
#2: Poogan’s Porch
A super popular tourist spot with classic Southern dishes! Poogan’s is great for ANY meal, but brunch here has always been my favorite. The BBQ eggs Benedict is to-die-for, and there is a never-ending list of delicious and traditional Southern options. This is where you want to go if you want the quintessential Charleston meal!
#3: Felix
Another spot that is great for pretty much any meal. Felix is a french-inspired restaurant with the most adorable, Instagram-worthy decor. The burger is what they are famous for (I get it no matter what time of day I go!), but their brunch menu is also to-die-for!
#4: Grace and Grit
Located over the bridge in Mount Pleasant, Grace and Grit is one of my family’s favorites! We visit often for a grit flight (!!!) or one of their amazing eggs Benedict options. The brunch co*cktails are also SO yummy!
#5: First Watch
The Watch just opened in Mount Pleasant, and I absolutely love it! It is a chain restaurant, so it’s not local here to Charleston…but it’s delicious nonetheless! I love going here for a more local brunch later in the afternoon, because it tends to not be as busy as the more popular downtown spots.
#6: Hall’s Gospel Brunch
If you ask the whole Taylor family, this is our number 1 choice for brunch! (or any meal, really!) Hall’s is a restaurant that’s been a staple here in Charleston for YEARS, and you can always count on the BEST Southern hospitality in addition to a PHENOMENAL meal. I’m a sucker for the eggs benny and mimosas, but the French onion soup is also a must-try! On Sundays, they have “Gospel Brunch” with live gospel music – it is AMAZING!
#7: Basic Kitchen
Another one of my current faves at the time I’m typing this! Basic Kitchen is a more healthy/vegan-based restaurant that is AWESOME for people with gluten or dairy allergies, like myself. They have GF banana bread, the most DELICIOUS sweet potatoes (with cashew ranch) and incredible bowl options that are DELICIOUS and light at the same time! (but seriously…get those sweet potatoes).
#8: Vintage Coffee Cafe
My favorite local coffee shop in Mount Pleasant! I go here ALL the time to work, get an iced chai and enjoy some of their yummy smoothie bowls or sandwiches. If you want a great place to co-work outside and have a great breakfast, this is your spot!
#9: Vicious Biscuit/Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit
I put two restaurants in one here, because they are both AMAZING for biscuits…but you probably don’t want to hit both! If you’re looking for a traditional, delicious Southern biscuit…either one of this is what you’re looking for! Vicious Biscuit is more known for the sheer SIZE of their biscuits, where Callie’s is more known for their traditional recipe!
#10: Bay Street Biergarten
“Southern pub grub with Bavarian flair” – SUCH a great spot for an outdoor brunch, often with live music! We LOVE their loaded tots (SO good) and they have great brunch options like pretzel eggs benny + chicken and waffles! They also have gluten-free chicken tenders for my other GF friends (and they are THE BEST)!
#11: 5 Church Charleston
The 5 Church building itself is just an EPIC experience – it’s inside an old church with HUGE stained-glass windows! My personal favorites here are the mimosa flight and the Holy Sh** Breakfast” – haha! It’s a GIANT breakfast with a little bit of everything (made for 2 people!)
#12: Five Loaves Cafe
Another Taylor family favorite, except this one is definitely more local! There are multiple locations throughout Charleston (we go to the one in Mt. Pleasant), and they are THE best spot for soups and sandwiches. Their brunch menu also has AMAZING typical options like eggs benny and omelets, but they are super gluten-free friendly (and delicious!)
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