Charleston Foodie

Food for Thought: Tips for Charleston’s Wine + Food Fest

Charleston’s Wine + Food fest is quickly approaching. Time to sip and sample Charleston’s culinary excellence and renowned culture. The heart of the festival, known as The Culinary Village, is where to engage with local chefs, experts, craftsmen, wine lovers and foodies alike. With over 100 additional events to attend throughout the Charleston area, 2018’s festival proves itself to be better than ever. Whether you stay centered in The Culinary Village, or explore the food mecca of Charleston, here is some food for thought to munch on as you embark on your culinary journey.

 

  1. Do Your Research: What, Homework? Yes! Check out the schedule for all events and prioritize your top picks. Make it a point to seek out activities you missed last year. Enter your schedule into a spreadsheet to highlight your must-dos and maybe-laters.
  2. Don’t Overbook Yourself: Remember, this should be a leisurely walk not a marathon…don’t spread yourself too thin by overcommitting. Savor each event, relsh in the moment, schedule breaks, and give yourself time to recharge.
  3. Don’t Hesitate to Stray: If a ticked event isn’t doing it for you or feels like it is dragging, don’t be afraid to deviate from the schedule. It’s OK to find refuge elsewhere. Find a local bar or restaurant that is more your speed until it is time for the next adventure.
  4. Recharge: Everything tastes better when it is guilt free. Before morning festivities begin, give yourself time to recharge. Start your day with a brisk walk along the waterfront Battery, or for a stroll through the historic streets of Downtown Charleston
  5. Find Alternative Transportation: There is no special or secret parking lot. If you must drive, don’t count on parking being close to The Culinary Village. Walk when you can, take an uber, or even rent a golf cart. Golf carts are legal in Downtown Charleston..Plus the breeze may be exactly what you need to refresh.
  6. Not a Fashion Statement: This isn’t Charleston Fashion Week (at least not yet) Make sure to wear your most comfortable shoes. Patrons will excuse your fashion risk..we promise! Hint: Tasting gets messy, it would be best to avoid wearing white..or even better, bring a stain stick!
  7. Everlasting Life: You are likely to outlast your phone. Never fear, Marion Square provides charging stations. 
  8. Use an App: Speaking of phones, use an app to save pertinent information you swear you will be able to remember. HintYou won’t. For all the new wines you’ve sampled, take photos of the labels to your favorites, and save them to an app for future reference.
  9. After Hour Gossip: Don’t miss out on the party after the party. Get the heads up for opportunities to exclusively meet great chefs, restaurateurs, food personalities, and writers off the beaten path of official scheduled events.
  10. Say Thank You: Thank the volunteers, home chefs, out of town chefs, vendors, and craftsman as often as possible. The show could not go on if it wasn’t for them!

A Gluten-Free Guide to Charleston

It’s no secret that Charleston is a foodie’s paradise, as top-notch dining options in the city are in abundance. There is no need to sacrifice flavor and ambiance of the area with Celiac or Gluten Intolerance; you just have to know where to go! Here is a complete guide to getting the most of the holy city’s cuisine scene while staying gluten-free, with help from Taylynne Duvall from Gluten-Free Near Me

Downtown

Quick Lunch: Brown Dog Deli

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Almost everything on their menu can be made gluten-free. Every staff member who I talked to is super informed and walks me through what is safe and what isn’t. They even take precautions in the back to prevent cross-contamination (but still make sure to remind them to do so!).

My absolute favorite is the “Apple Butter Jeans”: Melted brie, sliced Granny Smith apples, local apple butter, fresh arugula, mesquite smoked turkey, honey ham, and applewood-smoked bacon. Oh yes. P.S. They have vegan options too!!

Burgers: Bay Street Biergarten

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Alcohol confession: I think it’s safe to say that my favorite drink I’ve found in Charleston so far is here, The Mexican Grizzly. Tequila, Aperol, and grapefruit juice. If you don’t like it tart, sit that one out.

I’m also in love with their Turkey Reuben, which can be made on a gluten-free bun. Since the frier is shared, I normally just get grilled veggies to the side. Delish.

Mexican: Minero

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Without a doubt, Minero belongs in the top of ALL gluten-free restaurants in downtown Charleston (and even the greater area). Not only do they have a gluten-free menu, they also have a CELIAC menu – all the items that do not come into contact with gluten-y ingredients. This includes celiac friendly corn chips. A real winner.

Everything I have ever eaten here is perfection, so try it all!

Thai: Basil Thai Restaurant

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I mentioned Basil Thai’s happy hour in my Charleston Date Night post. And I’m going to mention it again because it’s one of my favs. Their gluten-free Pad Thai is to die for. And I love their Blushing Buddha gin drink. There are not A TON of gluten-free menu items, but what they have is truly tasty.

And it’s not that easy to find restaurants celebrating global cuisines in Charleston. So win/win.

Sushi: O-Ku

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O-Ku is one of my favorite restaurants on King Street. First of all, the ambiance is great. It’s fun to sit at the large sushi bar or to try to snag the tables by the windows to people-watch (definitely call early to make the reservation – like DAYS in advance). Most of the sushi rolls can be modified for the gluten-free eater.They also provide gluten-free soy sauce!

 


Avondale

One of the fun things about living in or visiting Charleston is the mix of neighborhoods. The area truly is a conglomeration of many different neighborhoods with their own feel, their own style, their own perks. You have the hip Park Circle in North Charleston, the beach bum Folly Beach, the historic French Quarter, and the list goes on and on.

Avondale is one of those unique neighborhoods. West of downtown Charleston,  you can find trendy restaurants and bars perfect for a night out on the town (or a fun afternoon). And you have SO MANY gluten-free options!

Here is a rundown of the gluten-free Avondale scene:

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Avondale Wine and Cheese

This spot is hands down one of my favorites in the whole Charleston greater area. I already mentioned it in the date night post. Everybody should visit, locals and tourists alike. Not only do you have lots of wine options (great for the weekend AND, my personal favorite, Wine Not Wednesday). Then you can build your own charcuterie board. They offer GF bread and the staff can superbly list any cheeses or tapas to avoid.

Mellow Mushroom

Without a doubt, Mellow Mushroom is one of the safest choices for gluten-free pizza in Charleston. I wrote all about it on my Charleston Pizza Guide. The GF crust is tasty, and they keep all the ingredients separate. The only downside it’s a bit overpriced. But you are getting what you pay for: tasty, contamination-free GF pizza.

Verde

Here’s another Avondale gluten-free winner. Verde actually showed up in my list of top gluten-free fast food places in Charleston. This salad bar is top notch – full of delicious, fresh produce. All signature creations and individual ingredients are clearly marked, so you will have no problem figuring out your gluten-free options. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner – perhaps before Avondale Wine and Cheese!

East Bay Deli

Sandwich shops can be hard for gluten-freers. But East Bay Deli actually takes steps to prevent cross-contamination (but still make sure to announce it as an allergy). Your sandwich can be made on Udi’s bread. And they have a convenient list of all the GF choices for your sandwich. I have eaten here many times and had no problem at all. In fact, I think it is one of the best gluten-free friendly delis I’ve been to – crisp deli pickle included!

Mex 1 Coastal Cantina

I also mentioned Mex 1 in my Sullivan’s Island gluten-free list. I love this little cantina. My favorite choice is one of their bowls. But I have heard the corn chips are safe for gluten-freers. Let me know if you try them out!

Al Di La

Al Di La has been a local’s favorite for a long time. I love the fact they have outdoor seating, so you can enjoy an evening breeze while people watching. They have plenty of GF options including gluten-free pasta, salads, and entrees. They don’t have gluten-free bread, but I cannot find any Italian restaurant in the Charleston area with gluten-free bread.

 


Shem Creek

Shem Creek is in the Mount Pleasant, only a few minutes from downtown Charleston. Honestly, it’s one of my absolute favorite spots in the entire area. Beautiful marsh, beautiful water, and beautiful boats. I have spotted dolphins while out enjoying a drink. And the Shem Creek gluten-free options are surprisingly plentiful.

If you are visiting the Charleston area, I highly recommend making Shem Creek one of your stops. You should feel comfortable eating at any of the restaurants listed.

Have fun!

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Red’s Ice House

Red’s has a separate gluten-free menu (rare for the Charleston area). You can find multiple seafood options, salads, and many dips can be made gluten-free. I recently split the crab legs, and shrimp with Kyle. Both were tasty.

But the highlight of Red’s (for me) is their rooftop bar. It’s a fun place to grab a drink and watch the boats.

Water’s Edge

Once again, we have a gluten-free menu. Make sure to specify gluten allergy for as little contamination as possible.

Tavern & Table

Tavern & Table has a few items that can be made gluten-free, and they are all marked on the menu (which makes life so much easier for the gluten-freer and the staff!)

Shem Creek Bar and Grill

Here’s the deal, I haven’t eaten at Shem Creed Bar and Grill, but I did call. The employee told me there were “tons of gluten free options” – including fish, shrimp, veggies, salad, etc. I was impressed with her knowledge and lack of annoyance when I asked. Anyone been there? Let me know in the comments.

 

 


Sullivans Island

Sullivan’s Island is a lovely little beach town south of Mt. Pleasant/east of Downtown Charleston. It’s one of my favorite spots to go soak up the sun, jump in the waves, and take some beachside yoga classes! There’s a fun sandbar, plenty of sand, and free (though not plentiful) parking.

If you are looking for Sullivan’s Island gluten-free options – read on! While there are not a ton of restaurants on the island, you should be happy to learn there’s plenty of GF goodness.

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Gogogreens

I love everything about this place. I love that you can get healthy, delicious, fresh food right by the beach. I love that you can clearly see which ingredients have gluten and which do not. I love that they accommodate meat-eaters and vegans. I LOVE that they offer gluten-free bread to the side.

And they even have breakfast bowls and smoothies too?

Pure #winning!

Mex 1 Coastal Cantina

(P.S. Same as the Avondale location!)

Mex 1 is delish. My favorite thing on the menu is their Baja Bowl – think a Chipotle/Moe’s/Qdoba bowl, but 10x as tasty. According to the staff, the corn tortillas are not fried in a shared fryer. So they should be good to go. I must mention, though, I haven’t tried them!

It’s a beachy, second story restaurant. I like sitting at the outside bar.

Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ

(P.S. There are multiple locations of this tasty grub, including Avondale (West Ashley) and downtown Charleston)

Fiery Ron’s Home Team is really really well done barbecue. GF eaters can basically have anything other than the bread and the Mac-n-cheese. I have eaten there multiple times with zero problem. Every staff member I’ve encountered was knowledgeable about gluten and helpful, which makes the ordering process a breeze.


Barbecue

Meat-Eaters unite! The lowcountry is known for its barbecue, and there’s plenty of great gluten-free options.

Fun fact: I actually eat vegan a few times a week. So when I do eat meat, I want it to be TASTY. As much as I love (and I truly mean love) fine dining and quirky hipster restaurants, I also love good down-home, casual barbecue joints.

All 5 of these gluten-free barbecue spots in Charleston are delicious and safe!

Lewis Barbecue

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Lewis Barbecue is one of the most gluten-conscious spots in all of Charleston – and it’s one of my favorite restaurants in general. The outdoor section is fabulous, especially when it’s nighttime and the tree lights pop on.

If you tell the staff that you cannot eat gluten, they will offer to get a clean carving board from the back that has not touched any bread. All their meats can be carved on that clean space. Then they will tell you which sides are good to go. All their BBQ sauces are gluten-free, so have a blast!

Fiery Ron’s Home Team

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All Home Team locations are super fun and laid-back. AND all of the meats and sauces are gluten-free. Most of the sides are fine (obvious ones like mac and cheese are a no-go) – their collards are delish, by the way. Just be sure to mention your gluten allergy, so they don’t put a piece of bread on your platter.

Helpful hint: They also cater, so this could be a great gluten-free catering option in Charleston!

Swig and Swine

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I’m gonna be honest with you for a second. Swig and Swine is not MY favorite gluten-free barbecue in Charleston. But I seem to be in the minority… especially considering it has won Best West Ashley RestaurantBest Ribs, and Best Summerville Restaurant for this year’s Charleston City Paper “Best of Charleston 2017”!

If you want to try out the local’s beloved BBQ spot, you are safe to do so. Most of their food is gluten-free and your waitstaff can help you figure out the menu.

Rodney Scott’s

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Rodney Scott is known for the slow-smoked “whole hog” BBQ. The entire Rodney Scott BBQ menu is gluten-free with four simple (and quite obvious) exceptions: mac and cheese, hushpuppies, cornbread, and breaded catfish. Everything else is good to go.

Poogan’s Smokehouse

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Settled right in the heart of downtown Charleston (which means it’s a super convenient spot for gluten-free tourists in Charleston), Poogan’s Smokehouse has a quirky industrial vibe that I quite enjoy. All of their meats and sauces are gluten-free. Most sides are gluten-free, as are their salads.


Brunch

Brunch is my favorite meal of the week. Breakfast foods + acceptable day drinking. Win/win. But I think Charleston has a far way to go in providing plenty of breakfast/brunch options for the gluten-free community. Let’s see more gluten-free pancakes and toast. What about GF cinnamon rolls (Atlanta, GA has THE BEST)?!

That being said, there are still some tasty spots for gluten-free breakfast in Charleston (and surrounding areas).

Read on, so you can get some good gluten-free breakfast in Charleston this weekend!

High Cotton

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High Cotton is one of my favorite brunches around! This high-end restaurant has a lovely dining room where you can eat your brunch with live music on Saturdays and Sundays. Plus, they actually have a printed gluten-free menu (a rarity in Charleston). We went this weekend. I had the corned beef hash and Kyle had the omelet with grits.

Plan to pay around $15 a person before mimosas/coffee.

P.S. This post’s photo is from that brunch at High Cotton!

Five Loaves Café

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Five Loaves Cafe is one of my favorite places to eat in Charleston. It’s fast, it’s inexpensive, it’s delicious. On Sundays, this little cafe chain opens early for brunch. Just let the kitchen know that there is a gluten allergy, and they will prevent cross contamination.

I would be lying if I told you there were an abundance of options, but what they have is yummy!

Three Little Birds Cafe

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First of all, I love the name. After living in Costa Rica for a year, I’ve developed a love for all things Bob Marley. I suggest that you choose to eat your brunch on the cute little outdoor patio area. There are umbrellas for shade, so I find it to be perfectly comfortable. Three Little Birds has gluten-free bread, and I love their omelets.

Kitchen 208

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Fun fact: this was the first place I ate brunch in Charleston. It’s a goodie. You order up at the counter, and then you can sit in their dining area or outside (again, I totally recommend outside.) My favorite thing is their GF egg sandwich. Absolutely delightful. Make sure to remind them if you have an allergy, so they can be super cautious about contamination!

Breizh pan Crepes

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Breizh pan Crepes is a little french creperie with breakfast, savory, and sweet options. Their savory crepe is naturally gluten-free. So you can have any of the breakfast/savory crepes as is, and then you can ask for the gluten free-crepe if you would rather go sweet. They seem to be very aware of allergies.

I think the portions are fairly small. Don’t envision massively large stuffed crepes! We will either eat here if we aren’t too hungry, or we will share three of them between the two of us.

Gnome Cafe

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Ok, I need to be honest about this little vegan cafe. On one hand, it’s just about the cutest little cafe I have ever eaten in. On the other hand, it disappoints me a bit. I have been to two other vegan cafes (one in Vermont, one in Las Vegas) who have essentially made their entire menus gluten-free. I was hoping for the same. There are only 3 gluten-free breakfast options at Gnome (and one is only yogurt).

What they do have is tasty (and their coffee is good!), but I feel like a little extra effort could make more of the menu GF. If that were the case, I would recommend ecstatically it to just about everyone. It would probably be my favorite spot in town.

Hominy Grill

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The popular downtown Hominy Grill is a lovely place for brunch. While you are waiting, you can stop by their drinks window to order a curbside coffee, mimosa, or bloody mary. But is Hominy Grill gluten-free friendly?

There is a Hominy Grill gluten-free menu, but staff always mention how they cannot completely prevent cross-contamination. I ate there and left feeling slightly off.

Then I talked to another staff member and she informed me that the potatoes are grilled on the same exact stovetop as gluten items, even though they are listed on the gluten-free menu. So I went back, ordered an omelet, subbed fruit for the potatoes (apparently, you can have the grits too) — and I was perfectly fine.


Get more from Taylynne and Gluten-Free Near Me’s tips here!

Charleston Wedding Favor Ideas: Unique Sweet Treats

There is no better thank you than receiving a taste of Charleston’s local flare. Wedding favors are the perfect opportunity to share something about yourself and to highlight your wedding’s location. With these memorable Charleston treats you can leave your guests with a little way to savor your big day!

Creatively Clean: Spun With Love!

Spun sugar treats aren’t just for kids!
Pure Fluff Co. is a clean cotton candy cart company located in Charleston. They provide seasonally inspired flavors made with natural ingredients! Bring a unique experience to your wedding day through these whimsical puffs.

Where Mason Jars Meet Mouthwatering Dessert! 

Sweet Lulu’s Bakery & Cocktail Caravan is Charleston’s cutest kitchen on wheels. As mentioned in our look at Charleston food trucks for events, Sweet Lulu’s offers delivery services to any occasion directly from their customer built vintage inspired cavern. With personally-tailored labels and birch wood tasting spoons, your guests will fall head-over-wheels with this fun take on cake!

Made By Hand in Charleston! ‘Morning, Noon & Night’

Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit keeps Southern traditions alive. With a variety of locally inspired sweet and savory flavors, Callie’s biscuits are the perfect morning-after breakfast for your guests. Package these puppies in a cute box for guests to enjoy the next day before heading home.

Taste the Original! ‘The New Donut’

Sweet Belgium, Charleston’s own Belgian waffle bakery, is where traditional methods meet exceptional creations. Send your nearest and dearest home with these incredibly fun and versatile bites!

Mix Things Up! ‘One of a Kind Small Batch Beverages’

Crafted and carbonated in Charleston, Cannonborough Beverage Company’s sodas are a playful combination of fresh pressed juices, hand picked herbs, and fruits at the peak of ripeness. Sipping surprises everyone can enjoy are always welcome. Provide a colorful straw and encourage guests to crack their favor during your toast!

A Romantic Night Out for Two

Whether its a first date or an on-going ritual, all perfect date nights in Charleston must be romantic. In a city so saccharine, there’s no excuse for a night that leaves a bland taste in your mouth. So, let’s meet at a quintessential Italian eatery WAY North of Broad.

 Trattoria Lucca on Bogard Street features a vibrant array of authentic Italian cheeses, meats, wines and the freshest low country harvest. Let the owner and executive chef, Ken Vedrinski, do the cooking and tempt your taste buds with homemade pasta and riso like Tagliolini which features blue crab, anchovy, lemon & breadcrumbs.

If you’re not rolling out of Trattoria Lucca, hop on a pedicab to the bustling nightlife on Upper King and sneak into The Belmont for a night cap at a vintage themed bar. Their craft cocktails, such as their signature espresso martini, won’t disappoint and calls for a great end to the evening.

Local Tip!

 Trattoria Lucca is old school, so remember to call in order to make a reservation. Their menu changes daily, so every experience is unlike another. Buon appetito!

A few of our other favorites for an intimate date night:

A Look at Charleston’s Best Rehearsal Venues

You’ve said yes to your fiancé and to Charleston, now its time to start looking at dates and venues. When you’ve planned your dream wedding day, you want a rehearsal dinner location that matches its charm. Charleston is consistently ranked at the top of the country’s food rankings, and with the plethora of prime bars and restaurants, deciding on the best venue for the day before the big day is no easy task. Take a look at our picks for the city’s top rehearsal dinner venues to help you narrow down your selection.

Leon’s Oyster Shed

We invite you to enjoy a different event experience: a less formal, more relaxed gathering. Kick back, laugh loudly, and enjoy your celebration. Within a historic Charleston home, our space takes cues from much of the reclaimed, comfortable charm that makes Leon’s so inviting.

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Cannon Green

Inspired by the timeless beauty of a 19th century Charleston home, we honored her elegance, the wisdom of her years, by creating an airy, garden-inspired dining experience around it with a classic-meets-cosmopolitan ambiance.

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Charleston Distilling

Located on King Street, this independent, small-batch distillery creates handcrafted spirits for people who care about how things are made. Using only hand-selected grains, they bring only the highest quality spirits. Their space can handle large crowds and allows outside catering.

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Ink N Ivy

Ink N Ivy was created to eat, drink, N be social. The atmosphere of this eclectic restaurant is all about being yourself and eating the food you love. As soon as you walk through the door, you’ll be blown away by the cuisine and delighted by the selection of cool cocktails.

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492

Located in historic downtown Charleston, 492 showcases the city’s charm that diners are looking for from the vintage building to modern fixtures. Guests can enjoy Executive Chef Josh Keeler’s award-winning cuisine & handcrafted cocktails.

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Edmund’s Oast

The restaurant can accommodate 130 guests inside with seating at the expansive bar, communal tables, and plush booths throughout. The Bower accommodates 100 seated and 200 seated for cocktail receptions under the newly-opened temperature control structure.

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Élevé

Bohemian elegance meets Southern charm at the corner of Meeting & Wentworth streets. Discover modern American cuisine with a coastal influence while enjoying spectacular views of Charleston’s historic skyline. Élevé’s carefully-crafted menu completes an ideal venue.

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High Cotton

In the heart of historic downtown Charleston, High Cotton is the ultimate setting for distinctive wedding events. With its blend of Southern style and sophistication, High Cotton takes wedded celebrations, rehearsal dinners, receptions, and luncheons to new heights.

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Historic Rice Mill

The Historic Rice Mill offers the best of the Lowcountry. Breathtaking waterfront views, historic property, and a well-planned space, all tied together with scrumptious food and beverage options to create your dream wedding or bring your special event to life.

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Magnolia’s

The upper level gallery offers two elegant dining rooms located directly above Magnolia’s restaurant. The wine room accomodates 36 guests and the Primrose Room comfortably seats 85 with balconies overlooking Lodge Alley and its neighboring courtyard.

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Marions

Marion’s in the French Quarter is located on East Bay Street in the historic downtown area where you and your guests will appreciate the charm of surrounding cobblestone streets and get swept away by exquisite waterfront views of the harbor.

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Palmetto Cafe

Giant glass windows bring the outside inside in this dramatic garden-style setting. Dine al fresco in the lush courtyard, perfect for enjoying the Holy City’s ideal weather. The Palmetto Cafe combines the very best of American lowcountry cuisine.

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Poogan’s Porch

Tucked away on quaint Queen Street in downtown Charleston, Poogan’s Porch is one of Charleston’s oldest independent culinary establishments, with a fresh approach to Lowcountry cuisine. This beautifully-restored Victorian house offers the ideal setting for events.

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39 Rue De Jean

The Upstairs at Rue event space offers a private dining room that can be transformed to host your event, accommodating up to 200 guests. This unique space, overlooking Upper King street, features vaulted ceilings, exposed brick and a private entrance.

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Stars

With its premiere location in historic downtown Charleston, Stars is an exceptional event venue. They offer customized menus for parties as few as 15 to as many as 140. Their event specialists will work alongside you to ensure every detail is exactly as you imagined.

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The Alley

The Alley is not just a bowling alley; it’s a one-stop entertainment hub that has excellent food and beverage options. The Alley offers two event spaces, the Upstairs Messanine that can hold 40-100 guests, and the Bowling Bar space that holds 20-40 guests.

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The American Theater

It’s no surprise that one of the country’s most beloved and historic cities is home to an Art Deco gem like The American Theater. Today, this stylish event venue on Upper King Street sets the stage for life’s greatest scenes, perfect for weddings and dinner receptions.

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Virginia’s on King

The Upstairs at Virginia’s dining room is completely separated from the downstairs dining room. Purposely designed to host small receptions, rehearsal dinners, and bridal luncheons, Upstairs at Virginia’s is your ideal local arena for your special occasion.

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The Westendorff

The main floor contains their full-service restaurant with covered patio. The Warren Room, on the second floor, is a large banquet space with dining room and piazza. It serves as both an event space and a reservations only, family-style dining area for groups.

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