Best Southern American Restaurants in Folly Beach

29 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Church and Union - Charleston restaurant

1. Church and Union - Charleston

4.5

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown Charleston

Booked 110 times today

Church and Union in Downtown Charleston is a standout destination for lovers of Contemporary American cuisine. The creativity of Executive Chef Doug Watson and Bravo Top Chef Alum Chef Partner Jamie Lynch shines through in a menu that is as inventive as it is delicious. Guests rave about the "Holy Sh*t Breakfast" and the "delicious and beautifully presented" cookie dough ganache, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and innovation. The ambiance, described as "unique" and "very cool with a lot of history," complements the modern-American dishes served. With its vibrant setting and consistently "amazing service," Church and Union is highly recommended as a must-visit for an exceptional dining experience.

A photo of Oak Steakhouse - Charleston restaurant

2. Oak Steakhouse - Charleston

4.7

Exceptional(5520)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Downtown Charleston

Booked 38 times today

Nestled in the historic heart of Downtown Charleston, Oak Steakhouse is celebrated for its impeccable approach to steak. Renowned for its certified Angus® beef, both wet and dry-aged, the restaurant sources from sustainable local farms, ensuring a menu that's both fresh and flavorful. Diners rave about the "fantastic food and service," with special mentions of the "phenomenal dry aged rib eye" and the "whole fried lobster." The ambiance, set in a stunning 1848 bank building, complements the culinary experience, making it a must-visit for anyone looking for an extraordinary meal. Regulars and newcomers alike are often "left in awe" by the personalized touches and the extensive wine selection, making every visit memorable.

3. Peninsula Grill

4.7

Exceptional(7953)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown Charleston

Booked 41 times today

Nestled in the heart of Charleston’s historic district, Peninsula Grill stands out as a beacon of Southern cuisine excellence. This AAA Four-Diamond restaurant is celebrated for its "superb" food and "impeccable service," with patrons raving about signature dishes like the heavenly coconut cake, described as a "must" and the "best I’ve ever had" scallops. The atmosphere of Peninsula Grill, from its velvet-lined walls to the intimate Champagne Bar, exudes Southern supper club elegance, making every dining experience memorable. Whether it's the locally sourced ingredients or the sumptuous decor, Peninsula Grill offers an authentic taste of the South that is both inventive and deeply rooted in tradition.

4. The Establishment

4.8

Exceptional(2628)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown Charleston

Booked 15 times today

The Establishment in Downtown Charleston is a gem for seafood lovers, consistently lauded for its commitment to freshness and local sourcing. Patrons rave about their experiences, with one admirer noting, "Every time I come here I think it can’t get better and it does." The menu, crafted by Chef Elliott Howells, is a testament to refined and balanced culinary art, where dishes like the lemon poached grouper and the moqueca de peixe receive high praise. The restaurant also features the highly recommended crab gnudi, described as "little puffs of heaven." With its top-notch service and a vibrant atmosphere enhanced by live music, The Establishment stands out as a beacon of seafood excellence in Charleston’s historic French Quarter.

5. Rudy Royale

4.5

Awesome(838)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Downtown Charleston

Booked 10 times today

Rudy Royale in Downtown Charleston is a gem for seafood lovers, offering a delightful culinary experience that highlights the freshness and authenticity of its dishes. With a focus on seasonal cuisine, the restaurant's flounder tempura has garnered high praise as a must-try. Patrons consistently rave about the "unmatched deliciousness" of the seafood offerings, emphasizing the quality and flavor that make Rudy Royale a standout. The vibrant atmosphere, combined with exceptional service, ensures every meal is a pleasure. Whether it's the praised flounder or the celebrated tempura, Rudy Royale promises an unforgettable seafood experience right in the heart of Charleston.

A photo of California Dreaming - Charleston - Priority Seating restaurant

6. California Dreaming - Charleston - Priority Seating

4.1

Excellent(3164)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • West Ashley

Booked 69 times today

California Dreaming in Charleston's West Ashley neighborhood is a culinary delight for steak lovers. Since 1987, this restaurant has been serving up some of the most succulent and perfectly prepared steaks, earning rave reviews for its ambiance and cuisine. With its prime rib once a menu staple, patrons now revel in offerings like the flawlessly cooked ribeye, described by a guest as "cooked to perfection." The restaurant's setting, featuring stunning views of the Ashley River, only enhances the dining experience, making each bite of their delicious steak even more enjoyable. As one reviewer put it, the "prime rib was phenomenal," noting that it's a sought-after item that goes quickly. Whether it's the excellent service, the quality of the steak, or the beautiful backdrop, California Dreaming stands out as a top destination for steak enthusiasts visiting Charleston.

7. Anson

4.9

Exceptional(4784)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown Charleston

Booked 23 times today

Anson was named one of OpenTable's 50 Best Southern Restaurants in America for 2018 |

A photo of The Peacock Charleston restaurant

8. The Peacock Charleston

4.6

Exceptional(286)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown Charleston

Booked 10 times today

At The Peacock Charleston, located in the heart of Downtown Charleston, the fusion of international cuisines takes center stage, offering a culinary adventure that delights every palate. Renowned for its "phenomenal" dishes, such as the praised peach salad and the unique skewered filet, The Peacock ensures each meal is not just eaten, but experienced. Patrons rave about the "amazing" garlic shrimp, and the "best ever" hummus, highlighting the quality and authenticity of its offerings. The restaurant's art deco-inspired ambiance complements its diverse menu, creating an elegant yet inviting atmosphere. With glowing reviews recommending the "excellent food and drinks" and the "great vibes," The Peacock stands out as a top destination for exceptional international dining in Charleston.

9. Tempest

4.7

Exceptional(2352)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown Charleston

Booked 13 times today

Tempest, hailed as USA Today's 10Best #1 New Restaurant, is a gem nestled on historic Market Street in Downtown Charleston. It's not just the location that captivates but also the exceptional seafood that stands out. Chef Adam Hodgson, alongside Bravo Top Chef Alum Jamie Lynch, crafts a menu that is both innovative and reflective of the region's bounty. The restaurant's raw and roast offerings are a testament to their commitment to quality, with dishes like the Tempest Tower leaving diners in awe. Glowing reviews consistently praise the "out of this world" roasted oysters and shrimp, and the "incredible" flounder, affirming Tempest's status as a pinnacle of seafood excellence. As one reviewer puts it, this place turns dining into "a wonderful southern experience," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic and meticulously prepared seafood.

A photo of Burwell's Stone Fire Grill restaurant

10. Burwell's Stone Fire Grill

4.8

Exceptional(3588)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown Charleston

Booked 25 times today

Burwell's Stone Fire Grill, nestled in Downtown Charleston, is a culinary gem renowned for its exceptional Contemporary American cuisine. Celebrated as a Diners Choice for ten consecutive years, this eatery offers a delightful blend of tradition and innovation. Guests rave about the "best filet" and unique hot stone steaks, which you can cook to your liking, enhancing the dining experience with a personal touch. The local favorite is praised for its use of fresh, local ingredients, ensuring that "everything I’ve ordered has always been superb." With glowing recommendations like being the "best place to dine in the low country" according to South Magazine, and its warm, welcoming atmosphere, Burwell's is undoubtedly a must-visit in Charleston for a memorable dining experience.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

L
Lisa
Dallas - Fort Worth •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Googled a breakfast place and Virginia’s on King came up first. It did not disappoint. The food was fabulous, the service attentive, and the ambiance traditional Charleston. We will be back and bring friends. Highly recommend anything that comes with grits or get them on the side. Crab cakes were delicious, full of fresh flavor. I can’t say enough about the wait staff. Attentive without being stalkerish and just down home hospitality. Thanks VoK for a wonderful experience!
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Virginia's on KingPrice: Moderate• Southern• Downtown Charleston
•
4.5
M
Michellevip
Baltimore / Maryland •28 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We had the fried chicken sandwich and the smash burger. Both were AMAZING. We initially had lunch Friday, with Marianne (she’s a rock star), then took friends back on Saturday. Highly recommend.
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Rudy RoyalePrice: Moderate• Southern• Downtown Charleston
•
4.5
R
Roget
Indiana •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
We celebrated our Anniversary (53). The entire staff were very attentive , friendly and professional. Ansons is one of our favorite two restaurants in Charleston. Roger & Joey Pyle, Hickory, NC
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AnsonPrice: Very Expensive• Southern• Downtown Charleston
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4.9
F
Frederickvip
Virginia •113 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
This is a terrific restaurant. The menu is quite basic, but everything is prepared expertly, and the staff is both welcoming and professional. Whenever we're in Charleston we never miss a visit. My faves are the local Low-Country seafood items and the filet. Again, a basic menu but all the bases are well covered. Oh... and that coconut cake. "Extraordinary" doesn't do it justice.
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Peninsula GrillPrice: Very Expensive• American• Downtown Charleston
•
4.7
W
William
Los Angeles •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 16, 2024
Started with the she crab soup which was remarkable. Then a swamp fox burger, which is a very generous half pound cooked to perfection. Spectacular quality meat. Finished the meal with their delicious butter cake. Very attentive wait staff. Great piano player in the background. A wonderful dining experience.
More info
The Swamp Fox at the Francis Marion HotelPrice: Moderate• Southern• Downtown Charleston
•
4.4

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Folly Beach

Southern american

Best Southern American Restaurants in Folly Beach

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29 restaurants available nearby

1. Church and Union - Charleston

2. Oak Steakhouse - Charleston

3. Peninsula Grill

4. The Establishment

5. Rudy Royale

6. California Dreaming - Charleston - Priority Seating

7. Anson

8. The Peacock Charleston

9. Tempest

10. Burwell's Stone Fire Grill

See what locals rave about

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