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Save some money
Running low on cash or just want to save some money? Seek out one of these essential cheap eats spots around the Lowcountry. From pizza to to crab rice, there's a menu item under or around $10 for every sort of craving.
For all the complaints that Charleston restaurants have gotten too expensive, there are many places offering a deal. Continually check this guide when the bank account is running low.
Read MoreWhile dive bar the Royal American may be known for its live music and 32-ounce bourbon punch, the kitchen also puts out a great menu. Most the meals will help soak up some of the booze consumed at the Morrison Drive establishment, like the disco fries or the patty melt (both $10). If money is really tight, try the staff meal, which is always $5 and varies during the week. Right now, it’s a good ol’ tomato and Duke’s mayo sandwich.
Inspired by her mother’s cooking, Janice Hudgins started a catering business focused on traditional Vietnamese dishes. Named after her mom, Little Miss Ha is now a brick-and-mortar eatery in Mount Pleasant. The restaurant serves banh mi, steam buns, pho, Saigon salad, and more. It’s all fresh and around $13.
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Open since 1985, Hannibal’s Kitchen has perfected Gullah cuisine, like crab rice, lima beans with smoked neck bones, okra soup, and local shark. Most of the meals clock in around $10.
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D'Allesandro's looks like the quintessential college town pizza parlor, but serves up some sophisticated pies like the Get Gnarly with balsamic chicken, blue cheese, and spinach. There's usually a special running, and you can typically find a coupon to make the pie even cheaper.
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The express bowl is the way to go at Korean place Mama Kim's. Choose from chicken, steak, or shrimp and the staff will fill a giant bowl of meat and rice for under $9. Fans of kimchi can fill up on the bulgogi bento box — it's enough for two people to share.
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There's nothing over $10 on the extensive menu at classic shop Queen Street Grocery. This storied Harleston Village corner shop offers pressed panini, crepes, and smoothies any time of the day.
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Gaulart & Maliclet, better known as Fast & French, transports patrons to a quaint town in Europe for less than $10 a plate. The shotgun space has pivoted to outdoor seating since the pandemic. Choose the special of the day to be treated to a sandwich or light entrée with a soup, fresh fruit, and a glass of white or red. Fast & French has been a mainstay on Broad Street since 1984.
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Super cute spot Baguette Magic offers carbs on carbs on carbs. Patrons rave about the recovery baguette — a hangover-curing combination of scrambled eggs, bacon, prosciutto, white cheddar, tomato jam, and arugula. For those in search of something sweet, check out the homemade Pop-Tarts or the chocolate croissant. The best part? Most of the offerings are at $10 and under.
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The Johns Island and NoMo Tattooed Moose can satisfy all dive bar, high-class sandwich, yet family-friendly needs. The downtown store can get a bit raucous in the small, dive-y space covered in graffiti, but it can feed the craving for crisp fries, craft beer (or PBRs), and a double decker duck club sandwich that has its own fan club. The Johns Island location has lots of outdoor seating for roaming children.
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Visit Jack or Cups for deals on super creative mix-ups of cultures across the world. Try the addictive red curry mac n cheese with a slightly spicy sauce, lemongrass arancini, coconut pork with curry grits, or quinoa dumplings.
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While dive bar the Royal American may be known for its live music and 32-ounce bourbon punch, the kitchen also puts out a great menu. Most the meals will help soak up some of the booze consumed at the Morrison Drive establishment, like the disco fries or the patty melt (both $10). If money is really tight, try the staff meal, which is always $5 and varies during the week. Right now, it’s a good ol’ tomato and Duke’s mayo sandwich.
Inspired by her mother’s cooking, Janice Hudgins started a catering business focused on traditional Vietnamese dishes. Named after her mom, Little Miss Ha is now a brick-and-mortar eatery in Mount Pleasant. The restaurant serves banh mi, steam buns, pho, Saigon salad, and more. It’s all fresh and around $13.
Open since 1985, Hannibal’s Kitchen has perfected Gullah cuisine, like crab rice, lima beans with smoked neck bones, okra soup, and local shark. Most of the meals clock in around $10.
D'Allesandro's looks like the quintessential college town pizza parlor, but serves up some sophisticated pies like the Get Gnarly with balsamic chicken, blue cheese, and spinach. There's usually a special running, and you can typically find a coupon to make the pie even cheaper.
The express bowl is the way to go at Korean place Mama Kim's. Choose from chicken, steak, or shrimp and the staff will fill a giant bowl of meat and rice for under $9. Fans of kimchi can fill up on the bulgogi bento box — it's enough for two people to share.
There's nothing over $10 on the extensive menu at classic shop Queen Street Grocery. This storied Harleston Village corner shop offers pressed panini, crepes, and smoothies any time of the day.
Gaulart & Maliclet, better known as Fast & French, transports patrons to a quaint town in Europe for less than $10 a plate. The shotgun space has pivoted to outdoor seating since the pandemic. Choose the special of the day to be treated to a sandwich or light entrée with a soup, fresh fruit, and a glass of white or red. Fast & French has been a mainstay on Broad Street since 1984.
Super cute spot Baguette Magic offers carbs on carbs on carbs. Patrons rave about the recovery baguette — a hangover-curing combination of scrambled eggs, bacon, prosciutto, white cheddar, tomato jam, and arugula. For those in search of something sweet, check out the homemade Pop-Tarts or the chocolate croissant. The best part? Most of the offerings are at $10 and under.
The Johns Island and NoMo Tattooed Moose can satisfy all dive bar, high-class sandwich, yet family-friendly needs. The downtown store can get a bit raucous in the small, dive-y space covered in graffiti, but it can feed the craving for crisp fries, craft beer (or PBRs), and a double decker duck club sandwich that has its own fan club. The Johns Island location has lots of outdoor seating for roaming children.
Visit Jack or Cups for deals on super creative mix-ups of cultures across the world. Try the addictive red curry mac n cheese with a slightly spicy sauce, lemongrass arancini, coconut pork with curry grits, or quinoa dumplings.