If you ask anyone in the Charleston, South Carolina, area what they think the best BBQ is locally, they will likely say Rodney Scott's.


Rodney Scott's is known for smoked whole hog BBQ.


"Smoking meat is an overnight process at this acclaimed North Central destination for pulled pork prepared over live coals in the regional style, plus Lowcountry favorites like slabs of ribs, pit-cooked chicken and fried catfish. The laid-back, light-filled counter serve has both booths and communal seating inside and a few picnic tables out front."


There's outdoor dining and indoor, as well. I ordered at the counter and had a seat. After a few minutes, I had a delicious pulled pork sandwich and macaroni & cheese in front of me.


It is truly, really delicious. Like, you don't even need sauce it's so good.

Bertha's Kitchen is a bit of a hole-in-the-wall spot with counter-serve soul food.


The neighborhood restaurant was awarded a James Beard Award in the Classics category a few years ago.


The classic meat-and-three plate reigns supreme here. I went for priloeau rice, yams and macaroni & cheese.


There were bits of meat and bone throughout, so that was different. But you can't go wrong with mac & cheese and yams.


They filled my plate as I moved down the line.


Everything looked so good along the way.

Truthfully, I came to Hannibal's Kitchen to try their famous crab rice, but I was too early.


Instead, I arrived early and looked to see what other options were available.


So I went with sauteed crab and shrimp breakfast, with grits and toast.


This was a new preparation for me - but good!

Charleston, South Carolina, is known for a few things: southern charm, great seafood, and coconut cake - OK, maybe that last one is specific to Peninsula Grill.


Peninsula Grill is a high-end restaurant that promises an exquisite experience.



“Peninsula Grill has the sophisticated feel of an urban eatery without losing sight of its Southern charm. The menu is inventive, offering boldly flavored dishes spiced up with Lowcountry accents like collard greens, hushpuppies, grits and black-eyed peas. There’s also a champagne bar menu of decadent little treats like oysters, lobster, foie gras, caviar and duck pâté.” — FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE



I found myself at the champagne bar area and looking over the menu.



But first, some warm bread and incredible butter with salt.


And then, one of my favorite things, a little gift from the chef.




It was a raw fish with fresh herbs and sauce.


And I ordered the - Lobster "3 Way" Lobster Ravioli, Lobster Tempura and Sautéed Lobster with warm Tomato-Basil Beurre Monte.


It's small, but oh so satisfying.


And the main reason for going: The legendary 12-layer ultimate coconut cake.

"Today, Peninsula Grill is famous for its signature 12-layer Ultimate Coconut Cake®, one of the South’s most celebrated desserts. Slices of the cake are served to guests at the restaurant nightly, and entire cakes are shipped across the United States via overnight delivery. This beloved cake that has earned praise from AFAR, Bon Appétit, Conde Nast Traveler, Food & Wine, Good Morning America, Martha Stewart Living, Saveur, Southern Living, The Food Network, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Travel & Leisure, TODAY Show, USA TODAY, and Vogue, among others."

Extra Virgin Oven. That's the name of one of the best pizzerias in the Charleston, South Carolina, area.


The wood-fired pizzeria and craft bakery is known for some unique pizzas, like pancetta and cauliflower. Chorizo and tomatoes. Salami and mushrooms.


But the one that gets rave reviews is the Pistachio Pesto - pistachio pesto, Split Creek Farm fromage blanc, ground pistachio, creme fraiche, mozzarella, parmigiano-reggiano.


It's definitely a unique flavor - but tasty.

Charleston, South Carolina, has so many good restaurants, it's hard to fit all the must-tries into one visit.


But I kept on my eating tour, and the next stop was Edmund's Oast.



"Edmund’s Oast is a restaurant like no other, because it’s so much more – a unique combination of brewery, seasonally-focused kitchen, and encyclopedic bar program. Scott Shor had the vision to bring these often-singular pursuits under one roof without sacrificing an inch of quality among them. The restaurant offers an elevated but approachable menu, providing guests a warm and exciting dining experience. Executive Chef Bob Cook’s distinctively dynamic menu includes bar snacks, house made charcuterie, small plates, heartier entrees, and classic desserts with a contemporary spin. The food is authentic without pretention, delivering an extraordinary dining experience inspired by the beverages featured on the menu."



First, I ordered a sip of "Peanut Butter & Jelly" beer, which is peanut butter, grape jelly, milk sugar, sandwich in a glass. And you really can taste it.


I also went for the "well rested," which is a blended sour ale with oak, white wine and light earthy funk flavors. Both were delicious.


For a meal, I went for a farro and shrimp, scallop and fresh herb dish. It was light and refreshing for a very warm day.

Hank's Seafood Restaurant has been named some of the best seafood in the Charleston area. That alone was enough for me to make a visit.


So I went fairly early in the evening to catch a quick happy hour.


Their featured appetizer was grilled oysters with red win mignonette gastrique and crispy andouille. YUM.

Can we please take a moment to pause for the incredible candy stores in Charleston, South Carolina?


First of all, this place drew me in with its promises of cocktail flavored gummy bears. 


But then there are bouquets of gummies.


And the biggest lollipops you've ever seen.


And international kit-kats.


And take a look at some of the other offerings: