The Ordinary, Doar Bros., Middleton Place, Now on the Resy Hit List

Because any day is romantic when you’re sitting in front of a plate of freshly-shucked raw oysters. Along with the aforementioned bivalves or a blue crab cocktail served with grapefruit and avocado, expect seasonal delicacies like steamed snowy grouper served with king trumpet mushrooms and beurre rouge.

Because this popular restaurant, located just steps from the beach, is at once progressive and casual. The name is a reference to an 18th-century political cartoon paying homage to the local “Miss Carolina Sullivan, one of the obstinate daughters of America.” Opt for the signature Miss Carolina pizza, topped with red and green tomatoes.

Because this modern cocktail bar offers bites as pleasing as its cocktails. Along with sophisticated classics and contemporary libations, this family affair serves a smattering of eclectic small plates, such as brown butter popcorn tossed with truffle salt and local white fish crudo dressed in olive oil and white balsamic.

Walk-ins only.

Because this bright and airy option is located on the grounds of an 18th-century rice plantation and National Historic Landmark. The restaurant itself occupies a replicated rice mill and the menu—inspired by renowned former resident chef, Edna Lewis—is heavy on Southern charm. 

Because smoke signals don’t lie. Follow the woodsy scent to this low-key barbecue joint, set in an unassuming strip mall in West Ashley, but don’t let the casual digs fool you; this place takes its barbecue seriously. Highlights, which are not to be missed, include smoked Carolina turkey, USDA prime house pastrami, and crispy smoked North Carolina duck confit.

Walk-ins only.

Because this elegant restaurant pairs seafood-forward refinement with easygoing Southern hospitality. Along with Charleston she-crab soup, local steamed clams, and wild caught blackened grouper, there are three different lobster preparations from which to choose. Fancy a surf-and-turf? Enjoy a robust trio of steak options, including a 16-ounce ribeye served with truffle Madeira sauce.

Because it’s 5 o’clock somewhere. This expansive, 10,000-square foot sports bar features over 50 TVs, a rooftop deck, and one of the Holy City’s best happy hours. Soak up the suds with a sampling of greatest hits: crispy pizza pies, fried chicken, or signature B.L.T. and Sloppy Joe.

Because sometimes barbecue is best enjoyed with an enviable Shem Creek view. At this expansive, multi-tier restaurant, you can dig into some house-pickled fried okra or smoked chicken wings while dolphin-watching. The house cocktails—named after legendary Shem Creek shrimp boats—match familiar recipes with top-notch ingredients, and are available at both the indoor and outdoor bars.

Walk-ins only.

Because this casual Mount Pleasant eatery serves up feel-good fare from brunch through dinner (think smoked pork chop with mac and cheese and buttermilk-brined fried chicken). Sunday mornings supply your one and only chance to savor biscuits served with pork belly gravy.

Because come for the restaurant and brewery, and stay for the live music. In addition to the range of both tunes and menu offerings, there’s also a rotating list of house-brewed beers, as well as limited “delicious experiments.”