167 Raw moved from a tiny room at 289 East Bay Street, now 167 Sushi Bar, to a long narrow 19th century building on King Street with original brick walls and a walnut bar. It takes no reservations. City Paper readers voted it Best Oysters and Best Raw Bar in 2026, and on r/Charleston the tuna burger is the dish people name.
167 Sushi Bar is the sushi and yakitori room from the 167 Raw group, in the East Bay Street storefront where 167 Raw itself began before moving to King Street.
39 Rue de Jean is a French cafe, brasserie and bar on John Street just off Upper King, with exposed brick, a patio and a private room upstairs. Explore Charleston reported in spring 2026 that it was marking its 25th anniversary with themed wine dinners and expanded lunch. It belongs to Holy City Hospitality, a Charleston group, and City Paper readers voted it Best French in 2026.
82 Queen is the Lowcountry restaurant on Queen Street that City Paper readers voted Best She-Crab Soup in 2026. The top answer in a r/Charleston she-crab soup thread agrees. Opinion on the rest is split: it is offered as the most Charleston restaurant in one thread, and in the same thread a commenter says it is not as good as its reputation.
BellyUp! Charleston / Over 50
Good places to eat and drink in Charleston, minus the nightclubs. When a spot gets loud later or draws a lot of kids, the card tells you.
3 spots
The Post and Courier describes Baguette Magic as a French bakery and cafe with almond croissants, house-made Pop-Tarts, avocado toast and an Italian sub. City Paper readers made it runner-up for Best Bakery and for Best James Island Brunch in 2026.
Huriyali serves what it calls 'fresh foods, smoothies & coffee ... made to make you feel good'. The Riverland Terrace cafe is the second, after Huger Street downtown. City Paper readers voted it Best Acai Bowls in 2026, in a tie.
Muddy Waters has been 'serving James Island since 2005' and calls itself one of the island's original local coffee shops. It pours Counter Culture Coffee, sells locally baked goods and hangs rotating local artwork.
The same over 50 spots, sorted by the reasons people actually pick them.
Recommendations from real Charlestonians, always attributed to whoever wrote them.
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