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The Hottest Restaurants in Charleston Right Now, December 2014

Hot Hot Heat!

by Erin Perkins
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by Erin Perkins

More often than not, tipsters, readers, friends and family of Eater have one question: Where should I eat right now? What are the new restaurants? What's everyone talking about? While the Eater 18 is a crucial resource covering old standbys and neighborhood essentials across the city, it is not a chronicle of the "it" places of the moment. The map welcomes The Drawing Room to the list — it's not the newest restaurant, but with their latest winning review, folks are curious to try it out. Here's the Eater Heatmap, which will change continually to always highlight where the crowds are flocking to at the moment. Presented in alphabetical order.

Added 12/4/14: The Drawing Room
Added 11/6/14: Minero, R. Kitchen, The Americano
Added 10/2/14: Artisan Meat Share, The Daily
Added 9/4/14: White Duck Taco Shop, Union Provisions
Added 8/7/14: 167 Raw, Boxcar Betty's, Callie's Hot Little Biscuit
Added 7/3/14: Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
Added 6/5/14: Leon's Oyster Shop, Swig & Swine
Added 5/1/14: The Palace Hotel, Brasserie Gigi
Added 4/3/14: The Obstinate Daughter, Chez Nous
Added 3/6/14: Edmund's Oast, The Park Café
Added 2/6/14: Lee Lee's Hot Kitchen, The Farmbar, Vincent Chicco's
Added 1/2/14: The Granary
Added 12/5/13: Bohemian Bull Tavern And Beer Garden, Scratch Taco Boutique

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Note: Restaurants on this map are listed geographically.

1. 167 Raw

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289 E Bay St
Charleston, SC
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Co-owners Jesse Sandole and Kyle Norton wanted to bring a high-end seafood counter to Charleston. Chef Sean Rieflin is in the shop's tiny kitchen utilizing the fresh products to create crowd favorites like lobster rolls and ahi tuna poke. The menu and the space may be small, but the team at 167 Raw puts out a might meal from the ocean's bounty.

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2. Callie's Hot Little Biscuit

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476 1/2 King St
Charleston, SC 29403
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Long time admirers of Callie's Charleston Biscuits rejoiced when they heard that owner Carrie Morey was to open a small shop on King Street. Now, Callie's Hot Little Biscuit is the place to be for breakfast staples, tomato pies, and fried chicken on Fridays.

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3. Chez Nous

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6 Payne Ct
Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 579-3060
(843) 579-3060
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From the co-owners of cozy wine bar Bin 152, Chez Nous is rustic and French, with European style seating, a small bar, and an even tinier upstairs. Chef Jill Mathias and Juan Cassalett are behind the stove, serving a selection of two appetizers, two entrees and two desserts. Go with a partner and have one of each.

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4. Edmund's Oast

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1081 Morrison Dr
Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 727-1145
(843) 727-1145
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Brewpub Edmund's Oast is packed full of crowds nightly, but that shouldn't stop you from gawking at the magnificent interiors while trying to grab a seat at the bar. With the combination of chef Andy Henderson's thoughtful cuisine, bartender Jayce McConnell's unique cocktails, and brewer Cameron Read's beers, it's no wonder this place is popular. If you forget to make a reservation, Sunday brunch starts at 10:00 a.m., and you're sure to steal a seat before the crowds wake.

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5. Artisan Meat Share

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33 Spring St
Charleston, SC
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The counter at Artisan Meat Share is fast becoming the most popular place to scarf down a sandwich in town. The latest establishment from chefs Craig Deihl and Bob Cook is a welcome lunch/early dinner spot on Spring Street and a convenient outlet for meaty pick-ups. Guests can take home cured selections and condiments, by the pound, or order salads and perhaps (soon) fried chicken. If you can't make it for lunch, go after work for a charcuterie plate and a local beer.

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6. Lee Lee's Hot Kitchen

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218 President St
Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 822-5337
(843) 822-5337
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If restauranteur Karalee Nielsen Fallert has a hand in the project, then it's usually a fair bet it will soon be the talk of the town. Her hip Asian restaurant, Lee Lee's Hot Kitchen, is no different. The crowds are traveling to President Street to sample chef Lily Lei's Chinese fare and liking it. The super stylized interiors, covered in vintage firecracker posters and red birdcages, are worth a trip for anyone interested in quirky design.

7. Leon's Oyster Shop

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698 King St
Charleston, SC 29403
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Combine fancy champagne, cheap beer, fried chicken, and a casual raw bar all housed in an old auto body shop, and you'll find Leon's Oyster Shop. The menu has plenty of salads for the lunch crowds and soft serve for the kids. Restaurateurs Tim Mink and Brooks Reitz put a lot of thought into every detail of this latest eatery, so go marvel at the wondrous interiors.

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8. Swig & Swine

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1217 Savannah Hwy
Charleston, SC 29407
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The most recent barbecue place to hit Charleston, Swig & Swine packed in the crowds as soon as they opened their doors. Meats are pulled from the smoker at different intervals of the day to ensure the freshest cuts around. The menu has standards, like pork belly, brisket, pork, turkey, ribs, and house-made sausages, and the chalkboard listing allows chef Anthony DiBernado to change up his offerings daily.

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9. The Daily

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654 King St
Charleston, SC 29403
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Go for the Stumptown coffee and stay for the hospitality and snacks. The Daily serves magnificent breakfast items, as well as a selection of grab-and-go sandwiches, perfectly-curated wines, and various salads and hummus from sister shop Butcher & Bee.

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10. The Obstinate Daughter

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2063 Middle St
Sullivans Island, SC 29482
(843) 416-5020
(843) 416-5020
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The latest endeavor from the Wild Olive crew, The Obstinate Daughter, offers updated Italian at the beach. Executive chef Jacques Larson and chef de cuisine Will Fincher (formally of pizza place Monza) head the kitchen. Expect Italian-influenced small plates, traditional pastas, and wood-fired pizzas.

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11. Minero

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155 East Bay St
Charleston, SC
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It was pretty much a sure thing that anyone familiar with renowned chef Sean Brock would want to try out East Bay eatery Minero as soon as it opened. The tortillas are perfection, the drinks are innovative, and the menu is a unique take on Lowcountry meets Mexican street food.

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12. R. Kitchen

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212 Rutledge Ave
Charleston, SC 29403
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"It's a kitchen, not a restaurant," is the slogan for petite eatery R. Kitchen. While the establishment isn't new, folks are constantly bragging about their amazing meals from chef Ross Webb. They have a near-perfect rating on Yelp, so they must be doing something right. The menu changes frequently to reflect the freshest ingredients available.

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13. The Americano

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819 Coleman Blvd
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
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Mount Pleasant newcomer The Americano just opened their doors, and curious patrons are lining up to sample the Latin American-inspired fare. Early reviews place the Cubano sandwich as a winning menu choice. Go for creative cocktails, Miami-inspired interiors, and hip people watching.

14. The Drawing Room at The Vendue

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19 Vendue Range
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 414-2334
(843) 414-2334
Visit Website
The Drawing Room attracts patrons with a hip setting and executive chef Jon Cropf's gastronomical wizardry. With recent shining reviews and press from local bloggers, Charleston is paying attention to what's happening at this recently renovated restaurant.

Also Featured in:

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1. 167 Raw

289 E Bay St, Charleston, SC
Co-owners Jesse Sandole and Kyle Norton wanted to bring a high-end seafood counter to Charleston. Chef Sean Rieflin is in the shop's tiny kitchen utilizing the fresh products to create crowd favorites like lobster rolls and ahi tuna poke. The menu and the space may be small, but the team at 167 Raw puts out a might meal from the ocean's bounty.
289 E Bay St
Charleston, SC
Visit Website

2. Callie's Hot Little Biscuit

476 1/2 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
Long time admirers of Callie's Charleston Biscuits rejoiced when they heard that owner Carrie Morey was to open a small shop on King Street. Now, Callie's Hot Little Biscuit is the place to be for breakfast staples, tomato pies, and fried chicken on Fridays.
476 1/2 King St
Charleston, SC 29403
Visit Website

3. Chez Nous

6 Payne Ct, Charleston, SC 29403
From the co-owners of cozy wine bar Bin 152, Chez Nous is rustic and French, with European style seating, a small bar, and an even tinier upstairs. Chef Jill Mathias and Juan Cassalett are behind the stove, serving a selection of two appetizers, two entrees and two desserts. Go with a partner and have one of each.
6 Payne Ct
Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 579-3060
Visit Website

4. Edmund's Oast

1081 Morrison Dr, Charleston, SC 29403
Brewpub Edmund's Oast is packed full of crowds nightly, but that shouldn't stop you from gawking at the magnificent interiors while trying to grab a seat at the bar. With the combination of chef Andy Henderson's thoughtful cuisine, bartender Jayce McConnell's unique cocktails, and brewer Cameron Read's beers, it's no wonder this place is popular. If you forget to make a reservation, Sunday brunch starts at 10:00 a.m., and you're sure to steal a seat before the crowds wake.
1081 Morrison Dr
Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 727-1145
Visit Website

5. Artisan Meat Share

33 Spring St, Charleston, SC
The counter at Artisan Meat Share is fast becoming the most popular place to scarf down a sandwich in town. The latest establishment from chefs Craig Deihl and Bob Cook is a welcome lunch/early dinner spot on Spring Street and a convenient outlet for meaty pick-ups. Guests can take home cured selections and condiments, by the pound, or order salads and perhaps (soon) fried chicken. If you can't make it for lunch, go after work for a charcuterie plate and a local beer.
33 Spring St
Charleston, SC
Visit Website

6. Lee Lee's Hot Kitchen

218 President St, Charleston, SC 29403
If restauranteur Karalee Nielsen Fallert has a hand in the project, then it's usually a fair bet it will soon be the talk of the town. Her hip Asian restaurant, Lee Lee's Hot Kitchen, is no different. The crowds are traveling to President Street to sample chef Lily Lei's Chinese fare and liking it. The super stylized interiors, covered in vintage firecracker posters and red birdcages, are worth a trip for anyone interested in quirky design.
218 President St
Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 822-5337
Visit Website

7. Leon's Oyster Shop

698 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
Combine fancy champagne, cheap beer, fried chicken, and a casual raw bar all housed in an old auto body shop, and you'll find Leon's Oyster Shop. The menu has plenty of salads for the lunch crowds and soft serve for the kids. Restaurateurs Tim Mink and Brooks Reitz put a lot of thought into every detail of this latest eatery, so go marvel at the wondrous interiors.
698 King St
Charleston, SC 29403
Visit Website

8. Swig & Swine

1217 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407
The most recent barbecue place to hit Charleston, Swig & Swine packed in the crowds as soon as they opened their doors. Meats are pulled from the smoker at different intervals of the day to ensure the freshest cuts around. The menu has standards, like pork belly, brisket, pork, turkey, ribs, and house-made sausages, and the chalkboard listing allows chef Anthony DiBernado to change up his offerings daily.
1217 Savannah Hwy
Charleston, SC 29407
Visit Website

9. The Daily

654 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
Go for the Stumptown coffee and stay for the hospitality and snacks. The Daily serves magnificent breakfast items, as well as a selection of grab-and-go sandwiches, perfectly-curated wines, and various salads and hummus from sister shop Butcher & Bee.
654 King St
Charleston, SC 29403
Visit Website

10. The Obstinate Daughter

2063 Middle St, Sullivans Island, SC 29482
The latest endeavor from the Wild Olive crew, The Obstinate Daughter, offers updated Italian at the beach. Executive chef Jacques Larson and chef de cuisine Will Fincher (formally of pizza place Monza) head the kitchen. Expect Italian-influenced small plates, traditional pastas, and wood-fired pizzas.
2063 Middle St
Sullivans Island, SC 29482
(843) 416-5020
Visit Website

11. Minero

155 East Bay St, Charleston, SC
It was pretty much a sure thing that anyone familiar with renowned chef Sean Brock would want to try out East Bay eatery Minero as soon as it opened. The tortillas are perfection, the drinks are innovative, and the menu is a unique take on Lowcountry meets Mexican street food.
155 East Bay St
Charleston, SC
Visit Website

12. R. Kitchen

212 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403
"It's a kitchen, not a restaurant," is the slogan for petite eatery R. Kitchen. While the establishment isn't new, folks are constantly bragging about their amazing meals from chef Ross Webb. They have a near-perfect rating on Yelp, so they must be doing something right. The menu changes frequently to reflect the freshest ingredients available.
212 Rutledge Ave
Charleston, SC 29403
Visit Website

13. The Americano

819 Coleman Blvd, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
Mount Pleasant newcomer The Americano just opened their doors, and curious patrons are lining up to sample the Latin American-inspired fare. Early reviews place the Cubano sandwich as a winning menu choice. Go for creative cocktails, Miami-inspired interiors, and hip people watching.
819 Coleman Blvd
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
Visit Website

14. The Drawing Room at The Vendue

19 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401
The Drawing Room attracts patrons with a hip setting and executive chef Jon Cropf's gastronomical wizardry. With recent shining reviews and press from local bloggers, Charleston is paying attention to what's happening at this recently renovated restaurant.
19 Vendue Range
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 414-2334
Visit Website

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