Charleston Restaurants

  1. Anson

    Anson is the most upscale Lowcountry restaurant around, set in a dreamy pink-and-green carriage house straight out of central casting. Pecan-crusted lamb and grouper in champagne sauce go well with the lovely wine list.

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  2. Hank's Seafood Restaurant

    Dark wood, tinkly piano music and fine, fine fish mark this Charleston standard, a 1940s-style fish house specializing in rich seafood classics like Oysters Casino and shrimp linguine.

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  3. Hyman's

    Crowds line up for hours outside this venerable seafood restaurant, fanning themselves with take-out menus while awaiting Hyman's famous she-crab soup, po'boy sandwiches and crispy flounder. Lines are more reasonable at lunch, and kids are always welcome.

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  4. Magnolias

    Southern fusion is on offer at Magnolias; think 'Down South Eggroll' stuffed with collards and chicken, served with peach chutney, in a chic minimalist dining room.

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  5. Poogan's Porch

    Dine on sherried crab soup and toast points in the dim, floral-patterned environs of this supposedly haunted Victorian mansion, tucked away on a downtown side street.

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  6. S.N.O.B.

    The cheeky name (it stands for 'slightly north of Broad,' as in Broad St) reflects the anything-goes spirit of this newcomer, which draws raves for its eclectic menu, filled with treats like house-smoked salmon or sauteed squab breast over cheese grits. Exposed brick walls and an open kitchen lend a casual ambiance.

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