Now that fall is upon us, I can say it's *officially* time we start taking advantage of the outdoor dining patios in Charleston. Here's a little roundup of some of my favorite spots to plop down, grab a drink and light bite, and hit the town!
📍 Babas on Cannon - 11 Cannon Street, Charleston, SC 29403
Babas on Cannon is a neighborhood café in downtown Charleston inspired by European cafés. It’s an all-day place: mornings are for espresso & pastries, lunches have sandwiches + “sexy salads,” and evenings bring wine, cocktails, a more relaxed bar-vibe. Think chic but cozy. Think elegant European design without being stuffy. Warm, inviting, with both indoor and outdoor seating so you can soak up the neighborhood energy.
📍 The Citrus Club - 334 Meeting Street, 8th floor, Charleston, SC 29403
The look is mid-century modern meets tropical whimsy — soft pastel colors, coral & grapefruit tones, terrazzo floors/bars, custom lounge furniture, melony banquettes, neon citrus-slice artwork, lush greenery. It’s known for having some of the best views in Charleston — sweeping panoramas from downtown to the harbor and even the Atlantic when visibility is good. The vibe tends to be elevated but still relaxed — sophisticated without being stuffy. Ideal for sunset cocktails or a stylish evening out.
📍 Bowens Island Restaurant - 1870 Bowens Island Road, Charleston, SC 29412
Bowens Island is a classic Lowcountry staple. It's a seafood joint just past Folly Beach — up a sandy road through marshes until you reach that ramshackle, slightly weather-beaten building with big views over the Folly River and the marsh. It brings a rustic charm vibe mixed with extremely relaxed and casual. Think of flip-flops, marsh breezes, big decks overlooking the marsh or river, salty air. It’s not fancy; it’s about the experience.
📍 Tavern and Table - 100 Church Street, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
T+T is located right smack dab in the middle of Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant, right on the water. You get creek and dock-views, boats, and waterfront atmosphere all in one. It's good for different occasions: casual lunch, brunch, a comfortable dinner out, or drinks by the water. Because of varied seating (indoor, outdoor, dock) you can pick your comfort zone. The New American / Lowcountry / seafood-focused cuisine is focused around locally sourced seafood and dishes, leaning into seasonal ingredients.
📍 Holy City Brewing - 1021 Aragon Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405
The place has an industrial / repurposed-building feel (lots of open space, high ceilings, big windows) but also has cozy and fun features. They host a lot of events including farmers markets, concerts, and more. It works great for casual afternoons with friends: beer, food, maybe some games. If the weather’s nice, outdoors is a big plus.
📍 Iron Rose - 115 Meeting Street, Suite 174, Charleston, SC 29401
Iron Rose is situated inside the historic Mills House Hotel (the “Pink Hotel”) on Meeting Street. It has an elegant yet welcoming feel: not totally over-the-top, but very thoughtfully designed with dramatic architecture (my favorite), a large dining room, an elegant bar, and an outdoor fountain and courtyard. I would say the atmosphere offers a refined but warm space — elegant and polished rather than casual diner style, but still approachable.
📍 Fiat Luxe at Hotel Bennett - 404 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403
Because Fiat Luxe is located right above Marion Square, you get the ultimate panoramic views of the city. We're talking the Church steeples, the Charleston skyline — especially dramatic around sunset, the whole shabang. In the daytime, it’s bright and pool-/sky-light, casual for drinks; in the evening it shifts into something more polished and sunset-romantic.
📍 Post House Inn - 101 Pitt Street, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Post House Inn is tucked into the Old Village (Old Village Historic District) of Mount Pleasant, SC — a picturesque, charming neighborhood full of historic houses, oak-lined streets, marsh and harbor views. It's a historic district dating back to 1896. Charm is everywhere: restored historic architecture, original wooden flooring, vintage or arts & crafts touches, curated decor (wallpapers, rugs, artwork) that give warmth. There are nooks here and there for a more "homey" dining experience.
📍 Lost Isle - 3338 Maybank Highway, Johns Island, SC 29455
Lost Isle is a fire-to-table restaurant & bar located on Johns Island. There is absolutely no indoor dining space..which really intertwines the fire to table concept — you dine in a beautifully landscaped backyard / garden oasis. Think sprawling pecan trees, fire pits, string lights, sailcloth canopies, greenery everywhere. The atmosphere is very much laidback..it feels like you're at a neighbor's garden party.
📍 Revelry Brewing - 10 Conroy Street, Charleston, SC 29403
Revelry is the one rooftop brewery you want to be at when the sun is setting in the Lowcountry. The views are absolutely STUNNING. The interior is industrial / young / modern — large open spaces, visible brewing equipment, simple clean design. It's very much that of a...well, brewery.
📍 Home Team BBQ - 126 Williman Street, Charleston, SC 29403
Home Team offers great food, specifically bbq and comfort food, and solid drinks. Along with a fun, football centric atmosphere. If you're a Georgia bulldog fan you especially want to be here on gameday. The downtown location offers a fun backyard area with picnic tables and tvs to cheer on your favorite sports team. Don't forget to grab a gamechanger while you're there. It's a right of passage!!
