Five to Try This Weekend in Charleston: Taco Edition

Need dining inspiration for this coming weekend? Don't fret — Eater's here to help.

Each week, the site's editors select a new group of restaurants and suggest them for various meals throughout the weekend. These picks range from brand new restaurants to old, reliable favorites.

Some pair well with fun weekend activities; others reflect the recent news of the day or features on the site this week. Diners probably won't get to all five in one weekend, but that's what next weekend is for, right?

SEPTEMBER 15, 2017

It’s taco time.

Friday dinner: Santi’s
Santi's outdoor patio is the place to be when the weather is nice. Order a giant margarita and then decide between Mexican or American-style tacos. The chips and salsa are free.

Saturday lunch: Torres Superettes
Find some of the best tacos downtown inside convenience store Torres Superettes. Head to the back of the shop for pastor tortas, chorizo tacos, and chicken tamales. Don’t skip the red and green salsas.

Saturday second lunch: Carmen y Juan’s
The owners of Carmen y Juan's relocated to Charleston from East L.A. and set up shop in Park West. Reviewers rave about the food and service. Those in search of cilantro-speckled tacos may not need to chase taco trucks for the authentic fare — try this Mount Pleasant restaurant instead.

Saturday dinner: Las Lupitas
The sign outside Las Lupitas states, "The Best Mexican Food in Town," so it's worth a trek to sample the traditional tacos like the barbacoa or tripe. The small space has a roadside diner sort of feeling with booths to slide into after ordering from the massive menu. Remember: It's cash only here.

Sunday lunch: YoBo Cantina
A Charleston original, YoBo Cantina keeps the plates fresh with options for meat lovers and vegetarians. With two locations in Park Circle and West Ashley, this taco-filled eatery is a hit with families across the Lowcountry.

SEPTEMBER 1, 2017

Sample a Lowcountry classic all weekend.

Friday dinner: Hominy Grill
Chef Robert Stehling is a James Beard Award recipient, so trust him to steer those crustaceans in the right direction. Hominy Grill's "Shrimp & Grits!" (yes, there's an exclamation mark) include sautéed shrimp with scallions, mushrooms, and bacon, over cheese grits.

Saturday brunch: Glass Onion
Southern food master The Glass Onion provide a substantial plate of shrimp and grits during Saturday brunch. For the extra hungry, start with one of the restaurant's signature deviled eggs before the main course hits the table.

Saturday dinner: Early Bird Diner
Always-busy diner Early Bird gives patrons a choice of shrimp sautéed with tomato bacon gravy or fried with sweet and spicy jelly — that is, if customers can resist the famous chicken and waffles.

Sunday brunch: Iron Dog Deli
Often-overlooked Iron Dog Deli serves some of the highest-praised shrimp and grits in the Lowcountry. The sweet pepper sausage gravy helps the menu item stand out.

Sunday dinner: The Darling
King Street’s The Darling is perpetually packed, but stop in early on Sunday evening for a shrimp and grits supper once the brunch crowds go home. Add an egg for extra indulgence.

AUGUST 11, 2017

Go east of the Cooper.

Friday dinner: Langdon’s
Open since 2003, Langdon's serves some of the best fine dining in Mount Pleasant. Start with local goat cheese gnocchi or seared foie gras and then move on to a local fish with leek and sweet corn risotto or rack of lamb with Chinese duck sausage pearl barley.

Saturday lunch: H&R Sweet Shop
Cheeseburgers are only $4.75 at Old Village legend H&R Sweet Shop. Hot dogs are just a dollar. The portions are large, and no one leaves hungry. A visit to H&R is like stepping back in time, when the dollar bought a lot more. Say hello to Mr. Coffee if he's behind the counter.

Saturday dinner: Graze
Graze is an unassuming restaurant located near the Mount Pleasant Whole Foods, and it delivers some of the best value in the city. Don't assume that means chicken fingers and hot dogs — think bulgogi, chicken and waffles, and duck confit. The eclectic menu is sure to impress even the most discerning diner.

Sunday brunch: Congress
Stop into Tex-Mex/Italian restaurant Congress for a brunch of breakfast tacos, gnocchi with venison and pork bolognese, red enchiladas, and other interesting items — this isn’t your typical shrimp and grits menu.

AUGUST 4, 2017

Going gluten-free for the weekend.

Friday dinner: CO
Asian-influenced CO carries a separate gluten-free menu on request. The restaurant stocks rice noodles and plenty of rice-based dishes to fill needs for Korean, Thai, or Vietnamese flavors.

Friday sweets: Macaroon Boutique
Macarons are made of almond flour. That means gluten-free customers can indulge at Macaroon Boutique on pistachio, chocolate, and other macaron fascinations. Many bread products are made in-house though, so if you have severe allergies, ask about production.

Saturday breakfast: Mercantile
Stop by Mercantile for breakfast and the staff can offer you a ham, egg, and cheese sandwich on gluten-free bread. Be sure to order one of the delicious coffee drinks as well.

EatDellz

Saturday lunch: Dell'z Uptown
Dell'z Uptown caters to a number of dietary restrictions: vegans, vegetarians, and the gluten-free can find something on the eclectic menu of faux meat nachos, Jazzy Pizzas, and smoothies. For a $1 upcharge, the staff can turn any of the wraps or salads into a meal free of gluten.

Sunday breakfast: Gnome Cafe
Gnome Cafe not only caters to vegans and vegetarians, but those avoiding gluten as well. Stop in this bright and cheerful spot to check on the menu full of choices like cinnamon pancakes or a grits bowl.

JULY 28, 2017

Check off a few Lowcountry classics this weekend.

Friday dinner: Hank’s Seafood
Seafood house Hank's serves a chowder-style stew of oysters, leek, potato, and bacon. Oyster stew is a super-classic Lowcountry dish with recipes dating back hundreds of years.

Friday nightcap: Husk bar
The Husk bar is a must visit for anyone wanting a one-of-a-kind Lowcountry experience. The little house next to the famed restaurant on Queen Street is home to Charleston Light Dragoon's Punch, which uses an antebellum recipe from the 19th-century Light Dragoon militia.

Saturday brunch: The Glass Onion
The fried green tomato po’ boy with pimento cheese from West Ashley's Southern food stalwart The Glass Onion hits all the best parts of Charleston comfort food — salty, cheesy, and fresh products from the Lowcountry.

Saturday lunch: Nana’s Seafood and Soul
There are many Gullah classics on the menu at Nana's. Mother and son team Carolyn and Kenyatta McNeil create Lowcountry classics, with local products, in their small Line Street restaurant. For $10, patrons can score a giant piece of perfectly-fried whiting, fried cabbage on rice, lima beans, and a sweet piece of cornbread — really, it's enough for two people. The trick is to keep up with the restaurant's Instagram feed to check when crab rice or garlic crabs are on the menu (two of the most popular classic dishes).

Sunday brunch: Slightly North of Broad (SNOB)
SNOB is one of the Charleston originals on East Bay Street. Grab a table a brunch to sample the Lowcountry classic shrimp and grits.

JULY 21, 2017

Here’s a few establishments that opened in the spring and may have been overlooked.

Friday dinner: Cinco Tex-Mex
Fans of barbacoa, flautas, and fajitas should try out Cinco Tex-Mex. The Mount Pleasant eatery serves traditional Tex-Mex fare and Frito pie.

Saturday breakfast: Angela’s Chicken n Waffles
North Charleston restaurant Angela’s Chicken n Waffles opens at 6:30 a.m. on Saturdays with a breakfast menu full of items for $5 or less. There’s not many spots where fish and grits costs less than a fast food meal.

Ice Bing Cafe

Saturday snack: Ice Bing Cafe
Ice Bing Cafe offers cooling bubble tea, flavored iced teas, sushi, and baobing, a Chinese shaved ice dessert topped with various sweet items like condensed milk or seasonal fruit. For the really hungry customers, there’s a selection of grab-and-go sushi.

Saturday dinner: 450 Pizza Joint
More than just pies, 450 Pizza Joint serves grown-up fried cheese, meatballs, farro salads, chicken parm subs, and much more — including a grab-and-go breakfast in the morning and late night slices.

Saturday nightcap: Palace Hotel
Kitschy dive Palace Hotel returned after a fire put it out of business last year. There wasn’t much of a change to the divey bar — and yes, the hot dogs returned.

JULY 14, 2017

Hit up Johns Island for some underrated favorites.

Friday dinner: Seanachai
Johns Island whiskey/cocktail/craft beer bar Seanachai offers a delicious burger made up of two patties seared in a cast iron skillet with melted three-year Irish cheddar. The restaurant also serves fish and chips and corned beef hash and cabbage.

Saturday breakfast: Sunrise Bistro
Sunrise Bistro has served the Johns Island area since 2009. Stop in for an affordable breakfast like the tomato melt with choice of bagel, sliced tomato, scallion cream cheese, and cheddar for $4.50.

Saturday lunch: The Southern General
For a very hearty sandwich, go by laid-back bar The Southern General. Start with smoked sweet onion dip and then try the Super Butt — a stack of braised pork, onion-mustard relish, sweet potato cream cheese, potato chips, and honey white bread.

Saturday dinner: Blackbird Market
Local produce shop Blackbird Market also offers filling, comfort food dinners after 4:30 p.m. Some recent specials include chicken pot pie, a fried seafood platter, and a meatloaf plate.

Sunday snack: Low Tide Brewing
Step into Low Tide Brewing for a few session IPAs and a snack from the food truck of the day, which normally shows up around 1 p.m.

JULY 7, 2017

Eat too much meat last weekend? Try going vegetarian this weekend.

Friday dinner: Hominy Grill
While Hominy Grill may be the king of Southern sides, the Charleston staple also offers vegetarian starters and entrees. Go for the hot pepper jelly with goat cheese and sesame water crackers or the pimento cheese with crispy fried onions on a pretzel roll.

Saturday breakfast: Gnome Cafe
Sunny spot Gnome Cafe eliminates dairy and meat with its menu of tofu scrambles, hemp sausage biscuits, and a breakfast burrito with mango salsa. The President Street eatery shines with plant-based goodness and options that would even satisfy the heartiest of meat eaters.

Saturday lunch: Dellz Uptown
A majority of the items at Dell'z Uptown are meat-free. This small shop stays lively with good vibes and a few reggae tunes on the speakers. Try the Snobby Joe, a tempeh alternative to a classic Sloppy Joe, or the much-praised Jazzy Pizza with cheese, brown rice, black beans, bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, mango salsa, avocado, sweet and spicy sauce, and mixed greens.

Saturday dinner: Butcher & Bee
North Central hero Butcher & Bee reinvented itself on Morrison Boulevard with a bigger space, more parking, and plans for extended hours. This means ample opportunities for vegetarians to try the veggie burger with green tahini, grilled onions, feta, roasted tomato, and zucchini or the wealth of seasonal, produce-heavy mezze plates, like spiced carrots, summer beans, or whipped feta.

Sunday breakfast: Huriyali
Huriyali is a hidden oasis on Huger Street. Fans stop by for juices, acai bowls, avocado toast, vegan paninis, and kale salads with ginger miso dressing. After eating there, customers report feeling lighter and refreshed.

JUNE 30, 2017

It’s the weekend before the Fourth of July, so celebrate America with smoked meats. Read up on Charleston’s newest barbecue heavy hitters here.

Friday dinner: Swig & Swine
Take home a family platter at West Ashley’s Swig & Swine for a ridiculous amount of food for $49. The feast includes all the meats, ribs, brisket, turkey and pulled pork, pork belly, sausage and chicken wings, plus three sides, white bread, onions, and pickles. This could easily feed five people.

Saturday breakfast: RightOnQue
Visitors to the Farmers' Market on Saturdays can seek out the RightOnQue booth for pulled pork over grits with an egg or cheese. It's one of the few breakfast barbecue options around.

Saturday lunch: JB’s Smokeshack
Johns Island staple JB's Smokeshack is an all-you-can-eat smorgasbord of barbecue and sides. It's well worth the drive to fill up on Southern classics, such as pulled pork, hash and rice, and butterbeans.

Bill Addison

Saturday dinner: Rodney Scott’s BBQ
Sick of smoked meats yet? If so, give the fried catfish a try at Rodney Scott’s BBQ. Don’t skip the pulled pork if more meat is in the cards.

Sunday lunch: Lewis Barbecue
Sunday is chicken-fried steak day at Lewis Barbecue. This massive, crunch-coated hunk of beef is drenched in white country gravy and served with a side of mashed potatoes and stewed green beans. Bring friends to share or prepare for a nap later.

JUNE 23, 2017

Friday dinner: Bertha’s Kitchen
Start the weekend right with an order of fried chicken, okra soup, limas, and cornbread from Bertha’s Kitchen. See why this institution was recently named an American Classic by the James Beard Foundation.

Saturday brunch: Iron Dog Diner
Like every good Southern breakfast spot, Iron Dog Diner has perfected the traditional dishes like shrimp and grits and chicken and waffles. Go early to guarantee a seat in the funky, yet cozy cafe.

Saturday lunch: Las Lupitas
The sign outside Las Lupitas states, "The Best Mexican Food in Town," so it's worth a trek to sample the traditional tacos like the barbacoa or tripe. The small space has a roadside diner sort of feeling with booths to slide into after ordering from the massive menu. Remember: It's cash only here.

Saturday dinner: Nigel’s Good Food
While at Nigel’s Good Food, one must not skip the Geechie wings, a combo of sweet, spicy, and perfectly crisp chicken — this appetizer hooks almost everyone who orders it. After that, go for a meat and three or fried seafood platter.

Sunday lunch: Thai Palm Restaurant
The former owner of Pattaya Thai Restaurant quietly opened Thai Palm Restaurant, near Tanger Outlets, to provide authentic cuisine in a comfortable setting. Stop in for fresh papaya salad, larb, pineapple fried rice, noodle soups, and more.

JUNE 9, 2017

With Artisan Meat Share shuttered, there’s a giant whole in the sandwich scene. Try to fill the gap with these spots.

Friday dinner: Ted’s Butcherblock
Ted's Butcherblock knows meat, and Ted's definitely knows bacon. If you can resist the Friday dinner special, go to this East Bay shop for the BLT of the month. The featured pork changes often, so anyone can be a bacon expert by the end of the year.

Saturday breakfast: Baguette Magic
Stop by French-style bakery Baguette Magic for the Recovery Baguette. It's two large eggs, bacon, ham, cheddar, lettuce, and tomato. If you're not in need of recovery, perhaps try the blue cheese, bacon, and arugula version.

Saturday lunch: Spero
Funky cafe Spero is better known for its small plates, but don't overlook the sandwich section. Try the lamb barbacoa stack with jalapeños, mayonnaise, North Carolina barbecue sauce, and queso fresco or the fried chicken sandwich that is said to be one of the best in the Lowcountry.

Persimmon

Saturday dinner: Smoke BBQ
Smoke BBQ is known for its "elevated" sandwiches. For the Beef & Chedda, chef Roland Feldman pickles the jalapeños with a special blend of spices, smokes the brisket out back, sources buns from Brown's Court, and uses a reduction of Funkmaster Brett IPA from Revelry Brewing in his cheddar ale sauce.

Sunday lunch: Persimmon Cafe (Summerville location)
Soup and sandwich shop Persimmon Cafe redefines the meaning of convenience food. Get your fix of sophisticated comfort with an Adult Grilled Cheese with gouda, prosciutto, green apple, and cheddar.

JUNE 2, 2017

Friday dinner: Blue’s Cajun Kitchen
Chill restaurant Blue’s Cajun Kitchen offers Louisiana-inspired fare with a side of soul and plenty of burgers. Visit for shrimp po’ boys, chargrilled oysters, or boudin balls.

Saturday lunch: Hen and The Goat
Looking for creative salads and craft sandwiches for a midday break? Visit family friendly eatery Hen and The Goat for a grilled chicken, pistachio pesto, and mozzarella stack or a bowl full of butter lettuce, roasted poblanos, cherry tomatoes, feta, and avocado mixed in a lemon vinaigrette.

Saturday dinner: The Lot
Check out the ever-changing menu at The Lot for super local options. Some recent specials included pork chops with Carolina gold rice and Sea Island red peas and a squash casserole with whipped goat cheese.

Sunday brunch: Maybank Public House
Stop in the second location of Maybank Public House for a few local brews with brunch. Indulge in chicken biscuits and then walk next door to catch a movie at Terrace Theater.

Sunday dinner: Ellis Creek Fish Camp
If the weather is nice, sit outside Ellis Creek Fish Camp, and watch the sun set after ordering a few baskets of fried shrimp with hushpuppies.

MAY 26, 2017

It’s a long week, so indulge in some frozen adult beverages.

Friday happy hour: Rutledge Cab Company
Go hard into the happy hour with a boozy milkshake from Rutledge Cab Company. The rootbeer shake is made with Jagermiester and Galliano liquor.

Friday dinner: Taco Boy
Frozen screwdrivers with a Grand Marnier floater? Say goodbye to the stressful work week with sun, tacos, and boozy ice-cold beverages at Taco Boy.

Rudi’s

Saturday stroll: Rudi's Caffé e Vino
While shopping on King Street check out Rudi's Caffé e Vino above swank boutique Skinny Dip. There you’ll find the most Instagram worthy beverage of the spring — frosé. It’s pink, it’s frozen, and what more could you want?

Saturday dinner: Cane Rhum Bar
Frozen daiquiris come in multiple flavors at vacation-in-a-restaurant Cane Rhum Bar. Pick from strawberry, mango, banana, pina colada, and pomegranate. Fill up on spicy Jamaican beef patties will you imbibe.

Sunday brunch: Home Team BBQ
Lean into the long weekend with a Gamechanger and some dry-rubbed wings at any of the Home Team BBQ locations. This frozen beverage is a mix of rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, coconut, and a hint of fresh grated nutmeg — very tropical.

MAY 19, 2017

Charleston has many corner mom-and-pop shops, and many of them sell some quality bites.

Friday dinner: Burbage’s
Around since 1948 and now run by George and Lisa Bowen, Burbage’s is a quick and easy stop for downtown devotees. Devour pulled pork sandwiches with spicy barbecue sauce and vinegar coleslaw while chatting with the family. When you’re done, you can also pick up a six-pack of local beers for home.

Saturday breakfast: Charlie’s Grocery
From the outside, Charlie’s Grocery may just look like a normal Charleston corner store, but inside lies one of the best breakfast sandwiches around. The Colossal is a behemoth stacked with fried chicken, pork roll, bacon, egg, cheese, and a hash brown patty — and it’s only $6.99

Saturday lunch: Torres Superette
Find some of the best tacos downtown inside convenience store Torres Superette. Head to the back of the shop for pastor tortas, chorizo tacos, and chicken tamales. Don’t skip the red and green salsas.

Torres Superette

Saturday dinner: The Wooden Spoon at Bert’s Market
The sandwich shop inside Folly Beach store Bert’s Market never closes, so even at 3:00 a.m. patrons can order a filling meal. Stop by The Wooden Spoon at Bert’s for a turkey avocado stack on a croissant or a vegan goddess wrap, among many other options.

Sunday breakfast: Queen Street Grocery
Bustling neighborhood shop Queen Street Grocery can satisfy tastes for breakfast sandwiches, crepes, omelets, and smoothies on Sunday morning. With such a large selection, everyone can find something to satisfy them.

MAY 12, 2017

It’s College of Charleston graduation weekend, so the downtown restaurants will be swamped with proud parents, grandparents, and students. Avoid these spots by getting off the peninsula.

Friday first dinner: 2Nixons at Two Blokes Brewing
Starting at 5:30 p.m., ramen lovers can line up at Mount Pleasant’s Two Blokes Brewing for bowls of 'nduja-laced noodles and yakatori from chefs Jeffrey Stoneberger and Andrew McLeod from Husk Nashville. Have a few pints with the creations from 2Nixons.

Friday second dinner: Pier 41
Seafood house Pier 41 hosts a late-night happy hour from 10:00 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Guests can feast on $1 oysters, $1 glasses of champagne, $4 tacos, and more.

Saturday lunch: Boxcar Betty’s
Too many $1 champagnes last night? Cure that headache with one of the best fried chicken sandwiches around at Boxcar Betty’s. The super-casual eatery won’t mind if you’re slumped down in your seat devouring the crispy, juicy bird.

Langdon’s

Saturday splurge: Langdon’s
Treat yourself with a big night out at Mount Pleasant staple Langdon’s. Allow chef Patrick Owens to feed you duck-porcini meatballs, a classic iceberg wedge salad, and a rack of lamb with Chinese duck sausage pearl barley, baby bok choy and a hot mustard-sesame jus.

Sunday lunch: Ko Cha
Don’t miss the seafood pancake or kimchee stew at West Ashley’s Ko Cha. This restaurant nestled next to a gas station is widely considered the top Korean eatery in Charleston.

MAY 5, 2017

Everyone else is out eating tacos for Cinco de Mayo, so avoid the crowds and go out for another handheld comfort food — pizza.

Friday happy hour: Smith Street Pizza
From 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., casual hangout Smith Street Pizza offers $1 off slices and beer from its already cheap menu. Stop by for a square of pepperoni and a Coast HopArt, followed by a game of pool.

Saturday lunch: Dell’z
Switch it up a bit with a Jazzy Pizza from feel good eatery Dell’z. It’s a vegetarian delight of mixed cheese, brown rice, black beans, bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, mango salsa, avocado, sweet and spicy sauce, and mixed greens — many first time orderers are skeptical, but it’s a delight.

Saturday dinner: Luke’s Craft Pizza
Need some time on the couch with a Netflix marathon and a pie? Stop by Luke’s Craft Pizza to pick up a to-go order dinner full of handmade ingredients from chef Luke Davis. This week’s special is the The Margarita with a crushed tomato base, fresh mozzarella, Cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, Bulls Bays smoked sea salt, and lime.

The Obstinate Daughter

Sunday brunch: The Obstinate Daughter
Pizza for breakfast is always a good idea. Visit The Obstinate Daughter for an Old Danger with pancetta, mozzarella, white sauce, farm egg, scallion, black pepper, and parmesan. Take a stroll on the Sullivan’s Island beach after.

Sunday dinner: Indaco
Downtown gets a bit quieter on Sunday evening, so slide up to the bar at Indaco and watch the kitchen work the wood-fired oven. Go seasonal with the spring onion pizza with broccoli rabe, ricotta, basil, and prosciutto. Don’t forget to start with burrata or scallop crudo.

APRIL 28, 2017

All seafood, all weekend.

Friday happy hour: The Ordinary
For 90 minutes, Tuesday through Friday, guests at seafood nobility The Ordinary can sup on oysters for half their normal price. Pick any variety from the list, from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., and get them at half price. The presentation is impeccable presentation.

Friday dinner: Roadside Seafood Kitchen
Known by locals as one of the best spots for golden-battered shrimp, Roadside Seafood Kitchen started as a food truck, but was so popular that it put down roots in James Island. Be sure to try a side of red rice with the deep-fried selections.

Saturday lunch: 167 Raw
Fresh seafood finder 167 Raw only offers a limited amount of seats at its East Bay Street storefront, so queue up early for a bite of the critically-acclaimed lobster roll, perfectly shucked oysters, and glasses of crisp rosé.

Saturday dinner: Carrigg’s Seafood
Serving North Charleston with fresh seafood for over 50 years, colorful roadside diner Carrigg’s Seafood sits as a beacon to all things crustacean. The family-run restaurant serves fried crabs, steamed crabs, deviled crabs, crab cakes and more. For those not craving that particular sea creature, order a pound of steamed shrimp and a $2 cold beer.

Sunday brunch: Rappahannock Oyster Company
Those searching for towers of mollusks, crab benedicts, or oyster po ‘boys for brunch are in luck, because newcomer Rappahannock Oyster Company recently opened for midday meals at the Cigar Factory. Bloody marys and mimosas are $5.

APRIL 14, 2017

Try it again for the first time — these are some of the oldest restaurants in Charleston still worth visiting.

Friday dinner: Gaulart & Maliclet
A Charleston institution, Gaulart & Maliclet, or better known as Fast & French, has some of the greatest affordable plates in town. Choose the special of the day, and you'll be treated to a sandwich or light entrée with a soup, fresh fruit, and a glass of wine. The atmosphere of the cozy café has remained a mainstay on Broad Street since 1985.

Saturday breakfast: Marina Variety Store
Slide into a both at Marina Variety Store for views of the water, refills of coffee, and some of the finest shrimp and grits around. The diner has served some of the same dishes since 1963.

Saturday lunch: Dave’s Carry-Out
The little corner fish shack Dave’s Carry-Out is unassuming with its plastic tablecloths and styrofoam platters, but it has consistently served up big plates of fried fresh catches and fixin’s since 1987. Try the deviled crabs or fried chicken.

Saturday dinner: Fulton Five
Italian restaurant Fulton Five is consistently voted "Most Romantic" year after year. The slightly hidden entrance and intimate interiors of the restaurant (built in 1991) are a hit with locals and couples looking for a quiet date night.

Sunday lunch: The Griffon
Around since 1996, East Bay Street standby The Griffon gathers a busy lunch crowd. If you can grab a table, try the fish and chips or killer cheeseburger with a local brew on tap. Walk around Waterfront Park afterwards if the weather is nice.

APRIL 8, 2017

There’s a bit of a chill hanging around this weekend, so let’s find all the fireplaces in Charleston.

Friday happy hour: Closed for Business
Beer bar Closed for Business has a cozy seating area stocked with mounted animals and a fireplace. Last time we checked it didn’t have any actual heat coming out of it, but the high gravity drafts will keep you warm.

Friday dinner: Leon’s Oyster Shop
Under the painting of blues singer Ernie K-Doe sits a fireplace ready to heat the dining room at Leon’s Oyster Shop. Enjoy a plate of perfectly gold chicken with a side of scalloped potatoes.

Saturday lunch: Poe’s Tavern
Of course a place named after poet Edgar Allen Poe would have a roaring fireplace. Stop by Poe’s Tavern for a thick burger and few local beers.

Saturday dinner: Zero Restaurant + Bar
Fine dining staple Zero Restaurant + Bar is stacked with fireplaces. Cozy up to the bar for Bespoke Manhattan or reserve a seat in the dining room for the tasting room experience from chef Vinson Petrillo.

Sunday lunch: Little Jack’s Tavern
An old fireplace sits in the dining room of vintage-esque eatery Little Jack’s Tavern. Start with the crudites bowl with avocado dip and then order the burger, one of the best in town.

MARCH 31, 2017

It’s Bridge Run weekend, so stay away from downtown and the 40,000 extra visitors in tow.

Friday dinner: Aya Cookhouse
Stop by the Whole Foods shopping center to find Aya Cookhouse quietly putting out some of the best Korean fried chicken and ramen around.

Friday drinks: Voodoo Tiki Lounge
One of the longest-standing cocktail bars in Charleston, Voodoo Tiki Lounge is a fun stop on a Friday night for duck tacos, truffle tater tots, and super-boozy rum drinks. Go ahead and have Uber ready for the ride home.

Saturday lunch: Fishnet Seafood
Get way, way, way out of town and go for a drive to fried crab shack Fishnet Seafood on the edges of West Ashley. Select a local catch and wait as the staff fries it up. Devour the golden-brown bits from a Styrofoam package in the parking lot as you think about how great it is to be in the Lowcountry.

Saturday dinner: EVO Pizza
You can try to venture back downtown after the races, but play it safe with a trip to North Charleston for a seasonal salad and luscious pie from EVO Pizzeria. The dining room can get crowded on the weekends, so grab a local beer while you wait. Order the Pork Trifecta, and thank us later.

Sunday dinner: Smoky Oak Taproom
If you’re looking to watch the Final Four games and drink local craft beer with a side of barbecue, stop by James Island’s Smoky Oak for burgers, ribs, and wings.

MARCH 24, 2017

Disclaimer: Soft shell crabs go fast, so call ahead for availability if you absolutely must have one.

Friday happy hour: 492
Where else can you drink rum punch and sparkling wine for $4.92 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. during the week? At Upper King’s 492, chef Josh Keeler serves a soft shell with with green garlic, pickled lime, and green tomato.

Saturday lunch: Artisan Meat Share
Sandwich kings on Spring Artisan Meat Share will serve you a softie with Burnt & Salty chili glaze. If crabs aren’t in the cards, try out a charcuterie board and a glass of wine.

Provided

Saturday dinner: The Granary
Check out the handsome new dining room and outdoor patio at The Granary’s new address. Chef Brannon Florie serves a super spring-y dish of soft shell crabs with asparagus, morels, and radishes with prosciutto butter.

Sunday lunch: Mex 1
Soft shell on a taco? Why not? Grab a margarita, some friends, and head to taqueria Mex 1 Coastal Cantina for a Mexican-inspired softie.

Sunday dinner: Indaco
If you can overlook the tempting pizzas, Italian eater Indaco features fried softies with fregola, fingerling potatoes, caper aioli, pickled red onion, and grilled lemon.

MARCH 17, 2017

Friday dinner: The Codfather
Chef Adam Randall recently added savory pies to the lineup at his fish and chips shop The Codfather. Stop by for perfectly golden cod with mushy peas or a ground beef, fresh herbs, and potato gratin pie.

Friday nightcap: Stems & Skins
Avoid the green beer flowing from the taps on St. Patrick’s Day with the esoteric bottles at Stems & Skins. The staff is extremely knowledgeable, so don’t let the menu intimidate you. Pair a glass of Portuguese white with a tin of imported seafood.

Saturday hangover cure: North Central Delicatessen
On too many cocktails last night? Huger Street staple North Central Delicatessen is here to save the day. Order a Taylor roll, egg, and cheese bagel and thank the staff for making your queasy stomach go away. This deli is the closest thing to a New York bagel shop this side of the Lowcountry.

North Central Delicatessen

Saturday splurge: Charleston Grill
Get dolled up and let the staff at fine dining standard Charleston Grill indulge your decedent side. Sway to the live jazz in the dining room as chef Michelle Weaver puts out delicious (and beautiful) plates and maitre d’ Mickey Bakst works the room.

Sunday dinner: Thai Elephants
Take it easy on Sunday with some spicy pad Thai, sushi, or duck curry at James Island go-to Thai Elephants.