Dave's Carry-Out is a small, blue corner building that serves up seafood, wings, and lunch specials.

Looking over the menu, I decided on a shrimp platter with a devil crab - which is like a crab meat croquette.

This is a hefty portion - and not friendly on the arteries. But tasty? Yes.

Charleston, South Carolina, restaurant FIG is one of those restaurants that has a line forming around the side before it even opens. Boasting upscale southern cuisine, FIG focuses on flavor and quality.


Once I was inside, I sat at the bar and looked over the menu for a snack. First, there was a bit of bread to start the meal.


Then, I ordered the "WHITE SHRIMP POSTAGE STAMP RAVIOLI with cayenne & chervil."


Those are some of my buzzwords - ravioli, shrimp, sold.


And, it was so tasty. Light, but packs a punch of flavor.


I could eat three plates of it.

You can't miss Martha Lou's Kitchen in Charleston, South Carolina.


The pale pink building sits along the road with a logo in the middle and giant fish art off to the side.


Hidden behind those doors is one of the tastiest soul food restaurants around - it's been recognized by the New York Times, The Travel Channel and Martha Stewart as one of Charleston's finest restaurants.


So I had to try it out. I walked inside, found a seat and looked over the menu. I ordered fried chicken, cabbage, maced macaroni and bread pudding. I also ordered a water, but received what I think was sweet tea - and the best dang sweet tea I've ever had in my life. Very sweet.


If this isn't the pinnacle of comfort food, I don't know what is. And, I had plenty of leftovers.

My biggest issue with Charleston - besides the sweltering humidity - is the difficulty in trying to figure out where to eat because there are SO many great restaurants.


Butcher & Bee is a restaurant that focuses on fresh, seasonal foods.


They feature a variety of mezze, which caught my eye.


What better way to try a variety of menu items than a bunch of small plates?


So, I went with a few different plates:


Strawberries with goat cheese, goat cheese, pistachio and mint


Local beets with parmesan cream and olive walnut crumble


Whipped feta with fermented honey and black pepper


I mean, all three of these were simple and refreshing, yet complex in flavor. Truly delicious.

Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar: The name alone has me sold.


This indoor/outdoor dessert restaurant has a long sprawling bar, as well as a center communal table. I chose to tuck away in the back to people-watch.


The menu features pastry, coffee, gourmet desserts, gelato and sorbet along with a full bar with a diverse collection of dessert cocktails.


I ordered a chocolate bread pudding with a giant chocolate scoop of ice cream.


It's certainly indulgent - and was perfect for a warm day.

The Charleston City Market is a cute marketplace, which includes restaurants like Callie's Hot Little Biscuit. There's Caviar & Bananas, which features gourmet prepared foods. What's your favorite spot here?

During my time in Charleston, South Carolina, I ended up dining at 82 Queen twice.


The first time was on my own because I had heard it was amazing and I had to try it.


The second time was once my friends got to town, and they, too, decided it was a must-try.


So, I was able to try a few different dishes here.    


82 Queen is beautiful. There's this outdoor space that sort of winds around with tons of seating with twinkly lights set up in the back.


The first time I dined, I was inside. The second time, I was outside. And, outside is kind of magical. My first order was the she crab soup. They are well-known for this dish. And if nothing else, I was ordering this. And, it was worth it. Creamy, indulgent. Yum.



Then, I ordered the fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese, stone-ground grits, tomato–bacon jam. I loved the tomato jam to add a touch of sweetness.



Then, for dinner, I tired the Southern Tomato Pie - local tomatoes, biscuit crust, cheddar, mozzarella, applewood bacon, scallions.


Finally, I had what may be my favorite shrimp & grits of all time: barbeque shrimp & grits - shrimp, stone-ground grits, bourbon–barbeque sauce, applewood bacon, cheddar, scallions. The BBQ added a sweetness that completely rounded out the dish for me. Unreal.

Poogan's Porch is named after a beloved pup. But the food isn't for the dogs.



"Tucked away on charming Queen Street, Poogan’s Porch is Charleston’s oldest independent culinary establishments, with a fresh approach to Lowcountry cuisine. Recognized by Martha Stewart Living, Southern Living and The Travel Channel among many others, this beautifully restored Victorian house is the perfect southern spot for daily brunch and dinner.
​
Since opening in 1976, Poogan’s Porch has been a favorite of well-known celebrities, politicians, tourists and locals alike who rave about this Southern institution. Whether it’s a warm homemade buttermilk biscuit and sausage gravy, a bowl of she-crab soup, or our signature buttermilk fried chicken, your meal at Poogan’s Porch will be unforgettable."


The menu features fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese fritters, and everything I love from southern food.

So, I started with a biscuit and butter - just wow. I wish these were as prevalent up north as they are down here.

For my main dish, I went with shrimp and grits (one of my all-time favorites). The grits were a bit more watery than I prefer, but with the tasso ham gravy, peppers, onions, and sausage, you can't go wrong.