The July Hit List: Minero, Azur, Islander 71, Skoogies, and More

Azur is the newest concept to land at this quiet stretch of Market Street, less than a block from King Street. It  has all the Francophile bites you could want — Brie, baguettes, and pâté, oh my — along with a strong French wine selection, plus other continental and American wines available by the glass and bottle. The new spot is just Domenique Chantipie’s latest project at 159 Market, a space his family is intimately familiar with as the former proprietor of Bistro à Vin next door, along with Cafe Framboise in the space that’s now Azur. 

Mention this O.G. Charleston-area hot dog mecca to anyone who’s lived in Charleston for some time and I guarantee you’ll get a groan of approval in reaction. Chicago dogs are the name of the game, with piping-hot and crispy fries at the ready. Want a pro move? Hit this spot as you head out to the beach (before you realize you should’ve eaten lunch).

Call 843-884-0172 for more information.

By land or by sea, this is the spot to hit if you’re cruising by Isle of Palms along the Intracoastal Waterway or relaxing next door for the week at Wild Dunes. It’s easy to load up on small shareables like crispy fries topped with family-recipe she-crab soup (Charleston poutine, if you will), or tuck in with a filling burger, lobster roll, and more. The “boat drinks” that top the bar menu are exactly as you might expect, like the Capers Island Crush — local vodka, Chinola, orange juice, and Sprite. Ahoy!

By day, frozen drinks spin behind the outdoor Bower bar, begging you to grab a patio table with friends, maybe a few house-brewed beers (Something Cold is an old reliable), and definitely some of chef Bob Cook’s unconventional bites. At night, the long wooden bar and generous dining room tables are the places to stop with a date or bring the whole crew. Cook’s flavors lean toward the unexpected, like a piquant papaya salad, or housemade kettle chips sprinkled with vinegar and fish sauce, which are the stuff salt-and-vinegar fans’ dreams are made of. If you’re inside, don’t forget to save room for pastry chef Heather Hutton’s dessert menu.

The newest outpost for the Asheville-based taco shop, stop by the spot you know as the old Sticky Fingers for creative offerings like Korean beef bulgogi, Thai peanut chicken, and duck mole. Tacos are the main attraction, but you can’t have a taco joint without a solid marg, and White Duck is no exception.

See the menu at White Duck Taco Shop’s website.

It’s said the Charleston area is divided among diners who’ve yet to eat at Philosophia and those who are planning their next trip. OK, exaggerating a little. But chef-owner Justin Hunt keeps the menu stocked with enough real-deal Mediterranean cuisine favorites like spanakopita, keftedes, and saganaki that folks keep coming back for more. The wine list is full of light, bright sips to accentuate Hunt’s flavors, including Greek red and white selections.

The Starlight Inn stands out on its own for retaining the spot-on exterior aesthetics during the renovation of this historic motel 10 minutes north of downtown, but step inside the lobby and to the upstairs bar to be truly transported. And the vibe matches the cocktails and other drink offerings, with throwbacks like the ruby red Lucille, a sloe gin fizz topped with lemon. Time your visit right for live music and a festive scene that rolls late into the evening.

Get more details here.

This formerly downtown hotspot with a newly appointed executive chef in Cheyanne Bond, has settled in on Johns Island since its 2022 opening with a new loyal following. The crowds are turning out for Bond’s Valentina-spiked chargrilled wings and a must-try burrito. Oh, and of course, a complement of tacos on fresh, house-made tortillas.

Recently landed at the corner of Hasell and Meeting streets, this Tequila-centric spot offers a wide range of Mexican favorites like enchiladas, tacos, and burritos — like the habanero steak burrito — alongside dialed in bar bites like wings and a carne asada sandwich. But tequila and mezcal reigns, with dozens of different bottles stocked. Try the Oxacan paloma, with joven mezcal, Ancho Reyes Chile liqueur, lime, and Squirt soda.

See the menu at The Matador’s website.