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Palmetto Cafe
Palmetto Cafe
Charleston Place

18 Power Lunch Spots to Fight the Daytime Doldrums

Just say "no" to the microwaved office meal.

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Palmetto Cafe
| Charleston Place

Perhaps you need to impress clients, or you're tired of the sad salad at the desk routine — either way, try one of these power lunch spots today. This isn't your quick, drive-through, midday meal, but a leisurely experience of afternoon sustenance. And if you're feeling really relaxed, add a few adult beverages to the mix. The three martini lunch may be dead, but two glasses of rosé during the day sounds perfectly refined.

Picks are presented in alphabetical order.

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167 Raw

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Cozy eatery 167 Raw is one of the few places to go if you're craving a lobster roll in Charleston, especially at lunch. Go here if you want super-fresh seafood during the day.

Artisan Meat Share

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Sandwiches don't sound like a special lunch, but you'll change your mind after visiting Artisan Meat Share. Try the porchetta or the pastrami for indulgent meaty masterpieces.

Chez Nous

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Patrons who visit Chez Nous will feel inclined to order at least one glass of wine, so it's a safe bet to invite a loved one, order an entire bottle, and eschew schedules for the rest of the day. Linger over a multi-course lunch — pretend you're on a European vacation.

EVO Pizzeria

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Clear your afternoon and order the Pork Trifecta — plus a few local beers. Thank us later.
Can't get a reservation at Husk for dinner? Try lunch. The afternoon dishes are just as thoughtful as the ones served in the evening — and they always have the decedent bacon-laced burger on the menu.

Langdon's

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Stop by Langdon's for an upscale lunch in Mount Pleasant. Located in the Bi-Lo Shopping Center, you'd never expect to find beef tenderloin tartare and shaved prosciutto sandwiches in the same strip that houses a take-out Chinese place.

Leon's Oyster Shop

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Once the weather is warm again, it may be impossible to stay away from a glass of bubbles and the patio at Leon's. Add crispy fried chicken and charbroiled oysters, and you'll have a sumptuous afternoon of delights.
It may be hard to concentrate at work after indulging in queso fundido, wings, tacos, and churros from Minero, but you'll want to try them all. The latest from chef Sean Brock and The Neighborhood DIning Group is drawing crowds in the evenings, so it's sometimes easier to sneak in during the day.
At first glance, pizza for lunch may seem everyday, but Monza specialized in wood-fired creations away from the ordinary desk deliveries. They also have creative salad and pasta specials. Photo: Neighbourhood

Palmetto Cafe

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The Palmetto Cafe is a fine dining destination during the day. The ambient light from the outdoor courtyard and white tablecloth service makes for a luxurious afternoon in a fancy hotel setting. Photo: Charleston Place

Saint Alban

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Saint Alban is good for a quick coffee and toast or a long, lingering lunch over sherry and a carrot salad. There's Wi-Fi, so you can get some work done between bites.

Ted's Butcherblock

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Some may forget that Ted's is more than a place to go for an evening pick-up of butchered goods — they also carry an extensive selection of sandwiches, sides, and salads. This month, try the roasted leg of lamb sandwich with creamy sweet pea and feta spread.

The Glass Onion

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If out of town visitors want a Southern experience during the day, take them to The Glass Onion. Try one of the po' boys. There's plenty of parking and choices for classic Lowcountry fare.

The Park Cafe

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A convenient stop for Wagener Terrance residents, The Park Cafe has become a popular spot to stop for meetings, coffee, and pork loin hoagies (or avocado toast) during the day.

Two Boroughs Larder

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Two Boroughs Larder offers a limited sandwich menu at lunch ( be sure to go when soft shell crabs are in season), but they can also make the entire evening menu, plus the famous noodle bowl. It's a one-stop-shop for hungers of every level.

Xiao Bao Biscuit

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Xiao Bao Biscuit, housed in an old garage, makes for a hip lunch choice. The food is from all over Asia, and the atmosphere is relaxed. For a spicy afternoon, try the mapo doufu.

Butcher & Bee

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The OG sandwich king Butcher & Bee remains the spot for creative takes on protein plus bread. Bring your own booze and share with a friend. There's plenty of options for vegetarians and gluten-free patrons as well.

Slightly North of Broad

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The top choice for ladies who lunch, and gentlemen too, Slightly North of Broad has been a staple of the downtown dining scene for over 20 years. Chefs Frank Lee and Russ Moore always offer an express lunch for those on the go or indulgent Southern favorites, like shrimp and grits for those who want to linger.

167 Raw

Cozy eatery 167 Raw is one of the few places to go if you're craving a lobster roll in Charleston, especially at lunch. Go here if you want super-fresh seafood during the day.

Artisan Meat Share

Sandwiches don't sound like a special lunch, but you'll change your mind after visiting Artisan Meat Share. Try the porchetta or the pastrami for indulgent meaty masterpieces.

Chez Nous

Patrons who visit Chez Nous will feel inclined to order at least one glass of wine, so it's a safe bet to invite a loved one, order an entire bottle, and eschew schedules for the rest of the day. Linger over a multi-course lunch — pretend you're on a European vacation.

EVO Pizzeria

Clear your afternoon and order the Pork Trifecta — plus a few local beers. Thank us later.

Husk

Can't get a reservation at Husk for dinner? Try lunch. The afternoon dishes are just as thoughtful as the ones served in the evening — and they always have the decedent bacon-laced burger on the menu.

Langdon's

Stop by Langdon's for an upscale lunch in Mount Pleasant. Located in the Bi-Lo Shopping Center, you'd never expect to find beef tenderloin tartare and shaved prosciutto sandwiches in the same strip that houses a take-out Chinese place.

Leon's Oyster Shop

Once the weather is warm again, it may be impossible to stay away from a glass of bubbles and the patio at Leon's. Add crispy fried chicken and charbroiled oysters, and you'll have a sumptuous afternoon of delights.

Minero

It may be hard to concentrate at work after indulging in queso fundido, wings, tacos, and churros from Minero, but you'll want to try them all. The latest from chef Sean Brock and The Neighborhood DIning Group is drawing crowds in the evenings, so it's sometimes easier to sneak in during the day.

Monza

At first glance, pizza for lunch may seem everyday, but Monza specialized in wood-fired creations away from the ordinary desk deliveries. They also have creative salad and pasta specials. Photo: Neighbourhood

Palmetto Cafe

The Palmetto Cafe is a fine dining destination during the day. The ambient light from the outdoor courtyard and white tablecloth service makes for a luxurious afternoon in a fancy hotel setting. Photo: Charleston Place

Saint Alban

Saint Alban is good for a quick coffee and toast or a long, lingering lunch over sherry and a carrot salad. There's Wi-Fi, so you can get some work done between bites.

Ted's Butcherblock

Some may forget that Ted's is more than a place to go for an evening pick-up of butchered goods — they also carry an extensive selection of sandwiches, sides, and salads. This month, try the roasted leg of lamb sandwich with creamy sweet pea and feta spread.

The Glass Onion

If out of town visitors want a Southern experience during the day, take them to The Glass Onion. Try one of the po' boys. There's plenty of parking and choices for classic Lowcountry fare.

The Park Cafe

A convenient stop for Wagener Terrance residents, The Park Cafe has become a popular spot to stop for meetings, coffee, and pork loin hoagies (or avocado toast) during the day.

Two Boroughs Larder

Two Boroughs Larder offers a limited sandwich menu at lunch ( be sure to go when soft shell crabs are in season), but they can also make the entire evening menu, plus the famous noodle bowl. It's a one-stop-shop for hungers of every level.

Related Maps

Xiao Bao Biscuit

Xiao Bao Biscuit, housed in an old garage, makes for a hip lunch choice. The food is from all over Asia, and the atmosphere is relaxed. For a spicy afternoon, try the mapo doufu.

Butcher & Bee

The OG sandwich king Butcher & Bee remains the spot for creative takes on protein plus bread. Bring your own booze and share with a friend. There's plenty of options for vegetarians and gluten-free patrons as well.

Slightly North of Broad

The top choice for ladies who lunch, and gentlemen too, Slightly North of Broad has been a staple of the downtown dining scene for over 20 years. Chefs Frank Lee and Russ Moore always offer an express lunch for those on the go or indulgent Southern favorites, like shrimp and grits for those who want to linger.

Related Maps