9 Awesome Foodie Things in Charleston, SC You Should Try

By Mark A. Leon

With so many food options in Charleston and so much being thrown at you, we thought we would introduce 10 items, you may not know about that will leave you wanting more.  Some are simple; some complex, but all explosive in flavor and freshness.

Get ready to whet your palate.

9 Awesome Foodie Things in Charleston, SC

• Scotch Egg (90 Minute Mustard / Apple Kraut) (Craftsman Tap Room – 12 Cumberland Street, Charleston, SC) – This is a rare food item in Charleston, but one that the Craftsman Tap House does incredibly well.  If you are of Scottish, Irish or English heritage, you know this delicacy.  At the Craftsman, you will not be disappointed.  It is a perfect way to start your evening complimented by their incredible selection of craft beers and customized flights.

• T.J. Hot Mess (Page’s Okra Grill – 302 Coleman Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC) – Southern fried chicken breast topped with scrambled eggs, diced jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and smothered in sausage gravy.  Not only will you not leave hungry, you will leave satisfied.  The taste of jalapeno, chicken and that amazing sausage gravy will remain long after you are gone.

• Lobster Roll (167 Raw – 289 East Bay Street) – It goes without saying that 167 Raw has gained quite a reputation since it expanded from its flagship location in Nantucket, MA.  Their reputation has extended far past the city limits.  All their seafood is fresh and savory, but the Lobster Roll is an explosion of goodness.  If you are feeling generous, this is one dish that can even be shared.
  

  The Lobster Roll – 167 Rawshared.

• Onion Soup Gratinee and Fries (39 Rue de Jean – 39 John Street, Charleston, SC) – This may sound like an unusual combination at first, but it compliments so well.  The French Onion Soup is one of the best we have ever had and a complete meal in itself.  Rue de Jean has also, been awarded locally for their amazing fries.  Enjoy this combination with a nice rose or Pinot Grigio.

• Thai Coconut Coffee with Tapio Boba (Tapio Boba Tea Cafe – 221 Coming Street, Apt A, Charleston, SC) – This team knows Boba and if you have never tried it, you may drop you fascination of Frappaccino and change your ways.  You can customize your drink any way you want, but we rarely steer away from the Thai Coconut Coffee.  It is a true feat when you can say a drink is a meal in itself.  If you are walking the warm streets of Charleston, start with Tapio.

• Shrimp and Grits (La Tabella – 979 Harborview Road, Charleston, SC) -Sautéed shrimp, bacon, peppers, onions, hot Italian sausage in cream sauce over grits.  If you ask about food in Charleston, Shrimp and Grits is always at the top of the list.  There are close to 200 restaurant offerings of this Southern delight.  La Tabella, takes an extra step combining the Southern flare of the dish with their own Italian spin.  Made in a brown cream sauce and combining bacon and hot Italian sausage, this will leave positive shivers on your taste buds.
  

  Onion Soup Gratinee – 39 Rue de Jeanwith the shrimp, this is one memorable dish.  Here is the trick, you can only get it on Sunday brunch.

• The Burrito (Minero – 153 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC) – This Mexican slice of heaven is affectionately known at “The Burrito”.  Here is what you get:  queso de Oaxaca, crema, hoppin john, avocado, poblano and you add charcoaled chicken, Achiote pork, or grilled steak.  Did we add, it is grilled just right.  Share this please, because it is a big one.  Every bite will engulf you with every ingredient layered inside this monstrously delicious burrito.

• Seafood Normandy – Fast and French (Gaulart & Maliclet) (98 Broad Street, Charleston, SC) – This truly authentic French bistro is tiny in size, but delivers big in taste and customer service.  There are so many items that will make you yearn for the view of the Eiffel Tower, but the Seafood Normandy, is a meal to write home about.  Shrimp, scallops and fish broiled in a white wine and cream sauce with steamed vegetables, soup or salad and assorted breads.  This meal will take you back to the old country.  A true french delight.

• Savory Scone (Pesto, Mozzarella & Sun-dried Tomatoes) (Wild Flour Bakery – 73 Spring Street, Charleston, SC) – When I first when into Wild Flour, I was going for coffee and a snack and what I walked away with was one of my new favorite things to eat in Charleston.  This scone is truly “savory”  They will ask if you want it warm, say yes.  The flaky outer layer and sharp ingredients makes this a complete breakfast or lunch, so there is no bad time of day to enjoy this.

Bon Appétit

Thai Coconut Coffee with Tapio Boba – Tapio