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The Charleston Heatmap: Where to Eat Right Now

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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. Here's the Eater Heat Map, which will change continually to always highlight where the crowds are flocking to at the moment.


Added 3/7/13: Crust, The Green Door
Added 2/2013: Hom, Rutledge Cab Co.
Added 01/2013: The Rarebit, The Ordinary

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Two Boroughs Larder

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Hyperlocal and super delicious, Two Boroughs Larder has an ever-changing menu with things like bone marrow and lamb belly. The permanent options, like the bowl-o-noodle bowl and egg sandwich, are always a comforting bet.

The Macintosh

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The Macintosh is all about simple, delicious food in a comfortable but cool setting. The stone crab gnudi is one of those dishes that you will dream about. And it doesn't get better than the Bacon Happy Hour.

Stars Rooftop and Grill Room

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City Paper's Eric Doksa recently called Chef Nathan Thurstan's oysters "addictive." Stars has quickly become a mega hotspot, and the wait on weekends (even for drinks) can be long. On Tuesdays there's a happy hour from 4-7 p.m. with half off wine and $3 appetizers, making it an enticing weekday stop as well.

Xiao Bao Biscuit

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XBB is brilliant in that it can be a quick stop for lunch, a place to meet for shrimp toast and tasty cocktails or a full, family-style meal. Try the Okonomiyaki, the cabbage pancakes that quickly becoming their signature dish.

The Ordinary

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The space is breathtaking and so are the seafood towers (just go for the triple). Mike Lata's new palace is drawing the crowds, and anyone who's tasted the oysters, uni or Maine lobster ceviche knows why. The latest cocktail, the Jacques Rose, with rum and Jack Rudy's new grenadine, is a delight.

The Rarebit

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Brent Sweatman is working wizardry behind The Rarebit's bar. The cocktails are bright (try the Moscow Mule, which is served in an oft-stolen copper mug) with housemade sodas.

Rutledge Cab Company

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Chef Robert Carter's watering hole filled a gaping void in the uptown dining scene. There have been some reports of early kinks, but everyone seems confident that Carter will work it out and continue to wow with his breakfast all day and casual fare north of the Crosstown.

The Green Door

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Charleston now has a Tantric Taco Tuesday, and it's right at The Green Door. From the team behind the famous Roti Rolls truck, the brick-and-mortar location is a must if you want to try some of the city's more adventurous dishes (like braised pork head with clams, candied bacon and more in a coconut curry broth).

Crust Wood Fired Pizza

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The Lowcountry is going through a pizza boom, and Crust is an exciting addition to the scene. They're doing gnocchi and appetizers like arancini, but at the moment, the buzz is about the pies, which span from apple to margherita.

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Two Boroughs Larder

Hyperlocal and super delicious, Two Boroughs Larder has an ever-changing menu with things like bone marrow and lamb belly. The permanent options, like the bowl-o-noodle bowl and egg sandwich, are always a comforting bet.

The Macintosh

The Macintosh is all about simple, delicious food in a comfortable but cool setting. The stone crab gnudi is one of those dishes that you will dream about. And it doesn't get better than the Bacon Happy Hour.

Stars Rooftop and Grill Room

City Paper's Eric Doksa recently called Chef Nathan Thurstan's oysters "addictive." Stars has quickly become a mega hotspot, and the wait on weekends (even for drinks) can be long. On Tuesdays there's a happy hour from 4-7 p.m. with half off wine and $3 appetizers, making it an enticing weekday stop as well.

Xiao Bao Biscuit

XBB is brilliant in that it can be a quick stop for lunch, a place to meet for shrimp toast and tasty cocktails or a full, family-style meal. Try the Okonomiyaki, the cabbage pancakes that quickly becoming their signature dish.

The Ordinary

The space is breathtaking and so are the seafood towers (just go for the triple). Mike Lata's new palace is drawing the crowds, and anyone who's tasted the oysters, uni or Maine lobster ceviche knows why. The latest cocktail, the Jacques Rose, with rum and Jack Rudy's new grenadine, is a delight.

The Rarebit

Brent Sweatman is working wizardry behind The Rarebit's bar. The cocktails are bright (try the Moscow Mule, which is served in an oft-stolen copper mug) with housemade sodas.

Rutledge Cab Company

Chef Robert Carter's watering hole filled a gaping void in the uptown dining scene. There have been some reports of early kinks, but everyone seems confident that Carter will work it out and continue to wow with his breakfast all day and casual fare north of the Crosstown.

The Green Door

Charleston now has a Tantric Taco Tuesday, and it's right at The Green Door. From the team behind the famous Roti Rolls truck, the brick-and-mortar location is a must if you want to try some of the city's more adventurous dishes (like braised pork head with clams, candied bacon and more in a coconut curry broth).

Crust Wood Fired Pizza

The Lowcountry is going through a pizza boom, and Crust is an exciting addition to the scene. They're doing gnocchi and appetizers like arancini, but at the moment, the buzz is about the pies, which span from apple to margherita.

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