Charlotte Foodie Road Trips, Charleston

While Charlotte’s food scene has improved very much over the last 10 years, there still aren’t as many great restaurants in the city as you would expect for a city of its size. Fortunately, it’s located in the perfect spot for foodies. From Uptown, you can be in Charleston, South Carolina in just a little over 3 hours or less depending on how fast you drive. This makes the Holy City a great destination for a foodie road trip. And when it comes to food, Charleston does not disappoint. This home to some of the best chefs in America has a reputation that is world renown. This is a city that you’ll want to visit again and again for two reasons.

Charleston has quite a few establishments that have been around for decades. Often longevity leads to complacency, but in this city only the best thrive. When you ask locals for their advice, you’ll frequently hear names like Magnolia’s, Peninsula Grill, Poogan’s Porch, and 82 Queen. These names have become institutions in the Port City, serving classics dishes that bring foodies from around the world. More important than that, locals still frequent these places because they really are that good. And I have to say that I agree. I can honestly say I look forward to visiting at least one of these every time I visit because I know that they all will give me exactly what I am craving, the classic dishes that Charleston is famous for like Shrimp and Grits, Fried Green Tomatoes, and She Crab Soup.

While the previously mentioned names have established themselves into the very fabric of the community, Charleston also attracts great chefs who find inspiration in this culinary epicenter of the South. With such a rich food culture, only the best survive and many have come and gone over the years. However, there are some newer names that appear to have staying power. In Charleston, this means a commitment to excellence from the menu, to the ingredients, the execution, and the service. These all must work in concert and there are several places that have followed this formula to great success. Among these new kids on the block, there are James Beard Award winners, nominees, and celebrity chefs.

One of the biggest names of these newcomers is Jamie Lynch, Owner/Partner at 5 Church. Mostly known for his appearances on Top Chef, Lynch is in high demand and his restaurant in Charleston is very popular with locals and visitors alike. While 5 Church hasn’t reached the level of some of the elite establishments, it is on the right path.

Over at Fig, there’s a tag-team powerhouse that has created what many consider to be one of the best eateries in America. James Beard Award winners Mike Lata and Jason Stanhope have a menu that focuses on local ingredients and it has been a hit for many years. Anthony Bourdain raved about the food there on a visit in 2017, this place is the real deal. Lata has also been busy over at The Ordinary, a 2013 James Beard Award Finalist for Best New Restaurant.

Last, but certainly not least is Chef Andrew Miller at The Felix. Miller has a resume that is very impressive, with stints at McGrady’s and Lewis Barbecue. Expect some tweaks and changes to the menu, after he gets his staff on the same page.

These are some, but not all of the best of the new generation of Charleston chefs. Charleston is a unique city with a rich and storied restaurant history. As more and more chefs are drawn there, this will continue to be a must-visit destination for foodies, especially those from Charlotte.

For Recomendations in Savannah check out my previous article in this series

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Jake Jacobs

https://TripswithJake.com
Jake Jacobs is the founder of Experi3nces, a start-up focused on creating unique culinary experiences.

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