6 Essential Charleston Eateries, According to Restaurateur Brooks Reitz

“There are tons of great restaurants in Charleston, but like anyone in your hometown, you find the places where you are a regular and don’t stray from those too much. In Charleston, we have a hit list of five or six restaurants that we consistently go to.”

Discover Brooks’ essential city-wide haunts: 

Image courtesy of Chez Nous.

CHEZ NOUS
French, Cannonborough/Elliotborough

“Over the weekend, we’re liable to have one sort of rich, sinful lunch. If we want to have a boozy lunch, but be a bit more elegant — drink a bottle of wine, and sit out in the courtyard — we’ll go to Chez Nous.” Book now on Resy.

MINERO
Mexican, French Quarter

“If we’re in the mood for something more casual, and looking forward to watching sports, while enjoying cold beer and rich Mexican food, we’ll go to Minero—Sean Brock’s casual Mexican joint, which I love.” Learn more.

Image courtesy of Little Jack’s Tavern.

LITTLE JACK’S TAVERN
Tavern & Steakhouse, North Central

“I eat lunch throughout the week at either Leon’s [Oyster Shop] or Little Jack’s Tavern almost exclusively. My go-to lunch order is the chopped salad or shrimp burger at Little Jack’s, and the Siam salad at Leon’s.” Book now on Resy.

XIAO BAO BISCUIT
Asian Comfort, Cannonborough/Elliotborough

“For dinner during the week—if we’re looking for a vibe—we’ll go to Xiao Bao Biscuit, which is Asian cooking but no specific country. They are pulling from Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese cuisines– it’s a great spot.” Learn more. 

Image courtesy of The Ordinary.

THE ORDINARY
Seafood, Cannonborough

“Whenever friends come to visit, they always want to go to my restaurants (Little Jack’s Tavern or Leon’s Oyster). For a nice dinner [together], we’ll hit up The Ordinary.” Book now on Resy.

LEYLA
Lebanese, Downtown

“Leyla is a little Lebanese restaurant on King Street, and our go-to for a low-key dinner during the week.” Learn more.