Best Bang for Your Buck Food and Drink Spots in Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina has been ranked the No. 1 city in the United States.

Why not visit during a time when your stomach can perhaps benefit the most?

Charleston Restaurant Week is September 6-17 and over 140 eateries will be participating. Even if you can’t visit during this time, there is always a fun time with food to be had in America’s best city.

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Factoring in price, location and overall atmosphere, here are some super food and drink spots in Charleston that won’t crush your wallet.

5Church

Located across from the famous markets in downtown Charleston, this restaurant was once a historic 5,500-square-foot church. Now a fine dining establishment led by Chef Jamie Lynch (a past Top Chef Season 14 contestant), 5Church is open for dinner, lunch and brunch.

You’ll get the most bang for your buck during Sunday brunch. With dishes like shrimp and grits, fried chicken BLT, traditional poutine, and smoked salmon avocado benedict, your stomach will thank you. If you can’t make it on Sunday, hit up the 5Church lunch menu for one of the best burgers as well as lamb burgers you’ll find in the city.

Additionally, 5Church has half price wine and beer during happy hour every Monday through Friday from 4-7 p.m. and $3 off their happy hour menu.

492

Another superb brunch spot, 492 has been open for a couple years in the heart of Charleston. The open style kitchen makes for a cool atmosphere here. Order the Brioche French toast, beef tartare, egg sandwich or double cheeseburger to satisfy those hunger needs after a Saturday night of partying on King Street.

You also can’t go wrong with happy hour at 492, where every featured drink on the happy hour menu is only $4.92. Nibble on some incredible popcorn (a favorite of both customers and employees) or the shishito peppers and sip on draft beer or deliciously made cocktails before exploring Charleston’s nightlife.

Ms. Rose’s

Do you have a large party with you? Consider getting your feast on here at Ms. Rose’s, where you can schedule a party for lunch, dinner or brunch buffets. At $22 per person on the dinner buffet and only $14 for the brunch buffet, your wallet and stomach will rejoice together after you devour all the food in sight.

Even if you don’t have a big group, Ms. Rose’s offers up plenty of tasty options, as well as stellar pricing deals during happy hour, which is available from 4-7 p.m. on Monday through Saturday.

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Pour Taproom

A new establishment in Charleston, Pour Taproom is a unique food and drink spot worth exploring in America’s favorite city. It’s located on the roof of the Historic District Hyatt and is the tallest rooftop bar in town.

You pay by the ounce when you want a beer or cocktail, which is a really cool experience. With nearly 70 craft beers to choose from, you can sample many and then order a full glass of the one you love. Or stick with the half pours and continue to try more new beers.

The kitchen is run by Tristan Catering. They have a good double cheeseburger, tasty nachos and an excellent pretzel that features an oreo cookie butter dipping sauce along with spicy honey mustard and beer cheese.

John King Bar and Grill

A $10 burger and it’s fantastic? Sign me up for life.

John King Bar and Grill recently opened up after taking over a former pasta restaurant. It’s open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and cooks up classic American eats like burgers, hot dogs and wings.

If you love a good bacon cheeseburger, order the Classic or the Charleston, which not only features bacon, but also pimento cheese, chili and coleslaw. There’s also a bar upstairs and a stage for music acts, as well as free pool and giant Jenga.

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