Charleston’s Top Restaurant Standbys of 2018: Rodney Scott’s, Little Jack’s, and More

In keeping with Eater tradition, our closeout of the year is a survey of friends, industry types, and bloggers. To kick it off in Charleston, Eater asked the group eight questions, ranging from the restaurants they frequent most to the biggest surprises of the year. Responses are in no particular order, and readers are encouraged to leave answers in the comments.

Q. What were the top restaurant standbys of 2018?

Marion Sullivan, Food editor Charleston Magazine:
The Grocery, Rodney Scott’s BBQ, The Daily, Butcher & Bee, Little Jack’s

Robert Donovan, photographer and contributor to Eater Charleston:
Little Jack’s, Torres Superette, Edmund’s Oast, Joey Tomatoes, Rodney Scott’s, Stems and Skins, EVO and EVO bakery.

Hanna Raskin, Food writer and critic for the Post & Courier:
I’ve already been to Kwei Fei twice and lost count of how many times I’ve gone to Babas, so I know how I’m answering this question in 2019. For now, though, the places I end up on a regular basis are the places where I can camp out with my laptop for hours on end, including Mercantile, Revelator and The Dewberry’s lobby. And I’ll sometimes stray from my cubicle on office days for a healthy lunch: Shout out to Verde and Poke Tea House.

Parker Milner, Eater Charleston contributor:
XBB, Edmund’s Oast, The Ordinary

Peg Moore, contributor and food critic for The Mercury:
My top standbys continue to be Hank’s, Circa 1886, and Muse which have been joined by Tradd’s.

Erin Perkins, editor Eater Charleston:
The crispy bar pies at Uptown Social became a staple in my diet — the trick with that place is to go before the King Street partiers show up, which coincides with my bedtime, so I’m good. On the other end of the pizza spectrum, Melfi’s has become a fun and fantastical spot for a night out.