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JohnKing burger

Life-Saving Charleston Late Night Food

Stop the midnight munchies

by Erin Perkins Updated Aug 22, 2019, 8:00am EDT

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JohnKing burger

| JohnKing Grill & Bar/Facebook

by Erin Perkins Updated Aug 22, 2019, 8:00am EDT

Perhaps it's a late shift or the plane landed later than expected — where can a hungry person eat after the typical 10:00 p.m. restaurant closing time? During the week, there's plenty of bar food, but on the weekend, there are many more choices for an awe-inspiring meal from some of the top kitchens in the Holy City. However, if it's midnight on Monday, cheese fries can be just as epic as a three-course meal when paired with a cheap beer. There's no need to go hungry if it's late — stop by one of these establishments instead.

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Early Bird Diner

On Friday and Saturday, order chicken and waffles until 4:00 a.m. at West Ashley's Early Bird Diner. Slump into a booth and hunker down on some Southern favorites. Kitchen Hours: 4:00 a.m., Friday and Saturday

Open in Google Maps

1644 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407

Visit Website

Voodoo Tiki Bar & Lounge

Surely the only bar featuring traditional lumpia for an evening snack, Avondale's Voodoo Lounge is the most unique late night experience around. The bar bites menu also features an "addictive" cheese fondue, truffle tater tots, and Hawaiian cheese balls. Kitchen Hours: 1:00 a.m., seven days a week

15 Magnolia Dr, Charleston, SC 29407

Visit Website

Gene's Haufbrau

Avondale dive bar Gene's Haufbrau is funky stop full of pool tables, televisions, and interesting characters. The oldest bar in Charleston, Gene's offers a menu of typical bar fare but also boasts a "Famous Wienerschnitzel" served with traditional potato cakes, topped with a lobster cream sauce,and a side of steamed cabbage. Kitchen Hours: 1:00 a.m., seven days a week

817 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Zia Taqueria

Order tacos, nachos, and guac to cure the midnight hunger pangs at James Island's Zia Taqueria. It's an easy stop after a film at neighboring Terrace Theater. Kitchen Hours: 12:00 a.m., Thursday through Saturday

Open in Google Maps

1956A Maybank Hwy, Charleston, SC 29412

Visit Website

Moe's Crosstown Tavern

Moe's Crosstown Tavern has some of the best burgers around and the grill works until late. Order an Eye Opener (burger topped with an egg) and a side of onion rings for an indulgent midnight snack. Kitchen Hours: 1:00 a.m., Thursday through Saturday

714 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403

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Also featured in:

Tattooed Moose

Order the entire menu of super stacked sandwiches, corn dogs, and wings at Tattooed Moose until 1:00 a.m. every night. Everyone who comes to Charleston must try the famous duck club and duck fat fries at least once. Kitchen Hours: 1:00 a.m., seven days a week

1137 Morrison Dr, Charleston, SC 29403

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Smoky Oak Tap Room

The pizza oven stays burning at Smoky Oak Tap Room until 1:00 a.m. The back can also indulge your taste for "anything fried" at that time of night. Kitchen Hours: 1:00 a.m., seven days a week

Open in Google Maps

1234 Camp Rd, Charleston, SC 29412

Visit Website

Home Team BBQ

The Home Team BBQ locations have a post-10:00 p.m. menu to satisfy any carnivore and vegetarian's dreams. There's dry-rubbed wings, barbecue nachos, fried ribs, and more. Kitchen Hours: Midnight at West Ashley and Sullivan’s Island locations; 1:00 a.m. at the downtown location.

Open in Google Maps

126 Williman St, Charleston, SC 29403

Visit Website

Recovery Room

Grown-up dive bar Recovery Room keeps the kitchen open for late visitors. Order the tachos (tater tot nachos) and a PBR. Kitchen Hours: 1:00 a.m., seven days a week

685 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Top 11 Charleston Dive Bars for a Shot and a Beer

The Royal American

Stop by dive bar/music venue The Royal American for loaded baked potato, chili, muffuletta, and a rum punch. Kitchen Hours: 1:00 a.m., seven days a week.

970 Morrison Dr, Charleston, SC 29403

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Also featured in:

Belmont

Those hangering for an artisanal PopTart or fancy cheese plate should stop in The Belmont. The top-notch cocktails are the perfect nightcap. Kitchen Hours: Until close

511 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

Smoke BBQ

Find elevated barbecue far past bedtime at Smoke BBQ. Try the hash over grits, smoked wings, or brisket sandwich for a super-filling meal. Kitchen Hours: 2:00 a.m., Thursday through Saturday

Visit Website

The Rarebit

Upscale diner The Rarebit pushes the breakfast menu for anyone wanting an a.m. experience. Choose from huevos rancheros, waffles, an omelet, or the life-saving patty melt, among other choices. Kitchen Hours: 1:00 a.m., seven days a week

474 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

Visit Website

Also featured in:

A C's Bar & Grill

Safe haven for F&B workers and the slightly tipsy, A.C.'s Bar & Grill keeps the cheese fries and Philly sandwiches going until till late. The best part? Those with a hangover can stop in the next day at 11 a.m. for some more fries and burgers. Kitchen Hours: 1:30 a.m, seven days a week

467 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

Visit Website

Also featured in:

JohnKing Grill & Bar

Find burgers, hot dogs, wings, and cold draft beers at JohnKing Grill & Bar. Kitchen Hours: 11:00 p.m., Sunday through Wednesday; 1:00 a.m., Thursday through Saturday

Open in Google Maps

428 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

Visit Website

Palace Hotel

Eastside dive Palace Hotel serves fancy hot dogs, boiled peanuts, duck confit tacos, and burgers late into the night. Kitchen Hours: 2:00 a.m., seven days a week.

35 Hanover St, Charleston, SC 29403

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Also featured in:

The 21 most essential San Francisco hotels

39 Rue De Jean

Rue de Jean has been a staple of late night fine dining so long that it should be considered the cafeteria of Charleston. Stop by after an event to order a burger or mussels and mingle with the downtown crowd. Kitchen Hours: 11:00 p.m., Sunday - Thursday; bar menu until 1:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday

Open in Google Maps

39 John St, Charleston, SC 29403

Visit Website

The Brick

The Brick’s kitchen stays open for any and all cravings for burgers, wings, and shrimp po' boys. Kitchen Hours: 1:00 a.m., seven days a week

24 Ann St, Charleston, SC 29403

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Sabatino's NYC Pizza

Sabatino's NYC Pizza serves slices to the masses coming off King Street. The pies are said to be the closest thing to authentic New York street fare in Charleston. Kitchen Hours: 3:00 a.m., Friday and Saturday

Open in Google Maps

151 Calhoun St, Charleston, SC 29401

Gilroy's Pizza Pub

Every undergrad at the College of Charleston knows that Gilroy's Pizza Pub serves up pies until 4:00 a.m. It can get a little rowdy, but when you need to prevent a hangover the next day, this pizza will help. Kitchen Hours: 4:00 a.m., seven days a week

Open in Google Maps

353 King St, Charleston, SC 29401

Visit Website

Kickin' Chicken Downtown Charleston

Kickin' Chicken keeps the wings flying for the evening crowds. This local chain serves signature chicken sandwiches, loaded fries, wraps, and 16 flavors of wings. Kitchen Hours: 1:00 a.m., Monday through Saturday; 11:00 p.m. on Sunday

Open in Google Maps

337 King St, Charleston, SC 29401

Visit Website

Bin 152

Romantic wine bar Bin 152 offers large selections of European cheeses and charcuterie for a sophisticated late night snack. Kitchen Hours: Until close

Open in Google Maps

152 King St, Charleston, SC 29401

Visit Website

The Gin Joint

The Gin Joint serves beef jerky, pad thai popcorn, and giant pretzels to help keep its customers drinking. The menu is constantly changing, so check the specials after ordering a cocktail. Kitchen Hours: 11:00 a.m., Sunday through Wednesday; 1:00 a.m., Thursday through Saturday.

182 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Coleman Public House Resturant & Tap Room

Yes, they do late-night in Mount Pleasant. Coleman Public House keeps the kitchen running well into the evening. This spot is known for its excellent craft beer selection and burgers. Kitchen Hours: 12:30 a.m., seven days a week

Open in Google Maps

427 W Coleman Blvd, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464

Visit Website

Benny Palmetto's Pizza

Giant slices of pizza are available into the night at Benny Palmettos. Kitchen Hours: 11:00 p.m., Sunday to Wednesday, midnight on Thursday, and 2:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. There's also a location on King Street for downtowners.

Open in Google Maps

Mt. Pleasant, SC

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Vickery's

Visit Vickery's for views of Shem Creek and Southern-fried favorites. The shrimp or fried oyster baskets seem a perfect match for the waterfront restaurant. Kitchen Hours: 1:00 a.m., seven days a week

Open in Google Maps

1313 Shrimp Boat Ln, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464

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Early Bird Diner

1644 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407

On Friday and Saturday, order chicken and waffles until 4:00 a.m. at West Ashley's Early Bird Diner. Slump into a booth and hunker down on some Southern favorites. Kitchen Hours: 4:00 a.m., Friday and Saturday

Open in Google Maps

1644 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407

Visit Website

Voodoo Tiki Bar & Lounge

15 Magnolia Dr, Charleston, SC 29407

Surely the only bar featuring traditional lumpia for an evening snack, Avondale's Voodoo Lounge is the most unique late night experience around. The bar bites menu also features an "addictive" cheese fondue, truffle tater tots, and Hawaiian cheese balls. Kitchen Hours: 1:00 a.m., seven days a week

15 Magnolia Dr, Charleston, SC 29407

Visit Website

Gene's Haufbrau

817 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407

Avondale dive bar Gene's Haufbrau is funky stop full of pool tables, televisions, and interesting characters. The oldest bar in Charleston, Gene's offers a menu of typical bar fare but also boasts a "Famous Wienerschnitzel" served with traditional potato cakes, topped with a lobster cream sauce,and a side of steamed cabbage. Kitchen Hours: 1:00 a.m., seven days a week

817 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407

Visit Website

Zia Taqueria

1956A Maybank Hwy, Charleston, SC 29412

Order tacos, nachos, and guac to cure the midnight hunger pangs at James Island's Zia Taqueria. It's an easy stop after a film at neighboring Terrace Theater. Kitchen Hours: 12:00 a.m., Thursday through Saturday

Open in Google Maps

1956A Maybank Hwy, Charleston, SC 29412

Visit Website

Moe's Crosstown Tavern

714 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403

Moe's Crosstown Tavern has some of the best burgers around and the grill works until late. Order an Eye Opener (burger topped with an egg) and a side of onion rings for an indulgent midnight snack. Kitchen Hours: 1:00 a.m., Thursday through Saturday

714 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403

Visit Website

Tattooed Moose

1137 Morrison Dr, Charleston, SC 29403

Order the entire menu of super stacked sandwiches, corn dogs, and wings at Tattooed Moose until 1:00 a.m. every night. Everyone who comes to Charleston must try the famous duck club and duck fat fries at least once. Kitchen Hours: 1:00 a.m., seven days a week

1137 Morrison Dr, Charleston, SC 29403

Visit Website

Smoky Oak Tap Room

1234 Camp Rd, Charleston, SC 29412

The pizza oven stays burning at Smoky Oak Tap Room until 1:00 a.m. The back can also indulge your taste for "anything fried" at that time of night. Kitchen Hours: 1:00 a.m., seven days a week

Open in Google Maps

1234 Camp Rd, Charleston, SC 29412

Visit Website

Home Team BBQ

126 Williman St, Charleston, SC 29403

The Home Team BBQ locations have a post-10:00 p.m. menu to satisfy any carnivore and vegetarian's dreams. There's dry-rubbed wings, barbecue nachos, fried ribs, and more. Kitchen Hours: Midnight at West Ashley and Sullivan’s Island locations; 1:00 a.m. at the downtown location.

Open in Google Maps

126 Williman St, Charleston, SC 29403

Visit Website

Recovery Room

685 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

Grown-up dive bar Recovery Room keeps the kitchen open for late visitors. Order the tachos (tater tot nachos) and a PBR. Kitchen Hours: 1:00 a.m., seven days a week

685 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

Visit Website

The Royal American

970 Morrison Dr, Charleston, SC 29403

Stop by dive bar/music venue The Royal American for loaded baked potato, chili, muffuletta, and a rum punch. Kitchen Hours: 1:00 a.m., seven days a week.

970 Morrison Dr, Charleston, SC 29403

Visit Website

Belmont

511 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

Those hangering for an artisanal PopTart or fancy cheese plate should stop in The Belmont. The top-notch cocktails are the perfect nightcap. Kitchen Hours: Until close

511 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

Smoke BBQ

Find elevated barbecue far past bedtime at Smoke BBQ. Try the hash over grits, smoked wings, or brisket sandwich for a super-filling meal. Kitchen Hours: 2:00 a.m., Thursday through Saturday

Visit Website

The Rarebit

474 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

Upscale diner The Rarebit pushes the breakfast menu for anyone wanting an a.m. experience. Choose from huevos rancheros, waffles, an omelet, or the life-saving patty melt, among other choices. Kitchen Hours: 1:00 a.m., seven days a week

474 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

Visit Website

A C's Bar & Grill

467 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

Safe haven for F&B workers and the slightly tipsy, A.C.'s Bar & Grill keeps the cheese fries and Philly sandwiches going until till late. The best part? Those with a hangover can stop in the next day at 11 a.m. for some more fries and burgers. Kitchen Hours: 1:30 a.m, seven days a week

467 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

Visit Website

JohnKing Grill & Bar

428 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

Find burgers, hot dogs, wings, and cold draft beers at JohnKing Grill & Bar. Kitchen Hours: 11:00 p.m., Sunday through Wednesday; 1:00 a.m., Thursday through Saturday

Open in Google Maps

428 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

Visit Website

Related Maps

Palace Hotel

35 Hanover St, Charleston, SC 29403

Eastside dive Palace Hotel serves fancy hot dogs, boiled peanuts, duck confit tacos, and burgers late into the night. Kitchen Hours: 2:00 a.m., seven days a week.

35 Hanover St, Charleston, SC 29403

Visit Website

39 Rue De Jean

39 John St, Charleston, SC 29403

Rue de Jean has been a staple of late night fine dining so long that it should be considered the cafeteria of Charleston. Stop by after an event to order a burger or mussels and mingle with the downtown crowd. Kitchen Hours: 11:00 p.m., Sunday - Thursday; bar menu until 1:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday

Open in Google Maps

39 John St, Charleston, SC 29403

Visit Website

The Brick

24 Ann St, Charleston, SC 29403

The Brick’s kitchen stays open for any and all cravings for burgers, wings, and shrimp po' boys. Kitchen Hours: 1:00 a.m., seven days a week

24 Ann St, Charleston, SC 29403

Visit Website

Sabatino's NYC Pizza

151 Calhoun St, Charleston, SC 29401

Sabatino's NYC Pizza serves slices to the masses coming off King Street. The pies are said to be the closest thing to authentic New York street fare in Charleston. Kitchen Hours: 3:00 a.m., Friday and Saturday

Open in Google Maps

151 Calhoun St, Charleston, SC 29401

Gilroy's Pizza Pub

353 King St, Charleston, SC 29401

Every undergrad at the College of Charleston knows that Gilroy's Pizza Pub serves up pies until 4:00 a.m. It can get a little rowdy, but when you need to prevent a hangover the next day, this pizza will help. Kitchen Hours: 4:00 a.m., seven days a week

Open in Google Maps

353 King St, Charleston, SC 29401

Visit Website

Kickin' Chicken Downtown Charleston

337 King St, Charleston, SC 29401

Kickin' Chicken keeps the wings flying for the evening crowds. This local chain serves signature chicken sandwiches, loaded fries, wraps, and 16 flavors of wings. Kitchen Hours: 1:00 a.m., Monday through Saturday; 11:00 p.m. on Sunday

Open in Google Maps

337 King St, Charleston, SC 29401

Visit Website

Bin 152

152 King St, Charleston, SC 29401

Romantic wine bar Bin 152 offers large selections of European cheeses and charcuterie for a sophisticated late night snack. Kitchen Hours: Until close

Open in Google Maps

152 King St, Charleston, SC 29401

Visit Website

The Gin Joint

182 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401

The Gin Joint serves beef jerky, pad thai popcorn, and giant pretzels to help keep its customers drinking. The menu is constantly changing, so check the specials after ordering a cocktail. Kitchen Hours: 11:00 a.m., Sunday through Wednesday; 1:00 a.m., Thursday through Saturday.

182 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401

Visit Website

Coleman Public House Resturant & Tap Room

427 W Coleman Blvd, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464

Yes, they do late-night in Mount Pleasant. Coleman Public House keeps the kitchen running well into the evening. This spot is known for its excellent craft beer selection and burgers. Kitchen Hours: 12:30 a.m., seven days a week

Open in Google Maps

427 W Coleman Blvd, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464

Visit Website