Things to Do in Charleston SC Girls Trip: Top Brunch and Nightlife

Charleston, South Carolina is a great place to plan an unforgettable girls trip. It is a lovely historic coastal city with many things to do and eateries. The next task was to ask my friends on Instagram for top recommendations from locals or those who have visited Nevada and their local insider tips provided a wealth of assistance in driving the planning. I have a combined list of the best highly recommended restaurants and rooftop places in Charleston as well at all our experiences, what we got, and how things really tasted so here they are. Read on to see our very favorite Girls Trip Itinerary for Charleston, SC.

Where to Stay

We selected an Airbnb that was just down the street from King Street so we could walk pretty much everywhere. We suited our preference to the The Inns’ Spring Street property, a chic newly renovated space for up 10 guests.

One thing of note: no parking on-site. We ended up finding a parking garage about 10 minutes down the road and walked back to the house. Of course we were a little worried how it would go, but this experience managable since you briefly can stand in front of the house for unloading your stuff. Once inside the vehicle was not needed as we could easily walk around all of our planned destinations.

Where to Eat

The city has many wonderful eateries to enjoy, but this week you are in luck with eleven participating restaurants. I would recommend making a reservation several weeks in advance at most of the popular places as they can fill up quickly. Resy or OpenTable are excellent options but my friend who lives around there swears by them for the “notify me” function in case you just can’t lock down a table at your first choice. She always seems to notice last-minute openings pop up!

Brunch and Lunch Spots

Where We Visited

Felix – This is a great place for brunch, with beautiful and modern-looking cafes, I would say the Felix Flight, which comes with a champagne bottle and four different juices so you can mix your own mimosas–it’s perfect for big groups–and we enjoyed this one together as well. Highlight dishes: The Lobster Deviled Eggs and the Tartine Basque were great!

Hall’s Chophouse – A Highly Recommended Sunday Gospel Brunch

The Sunday brunch at Hall’s Chophouse comes with a remarkable gospel choir, creating an atmosphere that’s truly memorable. The service here was unmatched, easily the best of the trip. I ordered the salmon salad paired with a side of collard greens and a Bloody Mary. For those who enjoy a spicier kick in their Bloody Mary, ask for a side of their homemade Worcestershire sauce and mix in about a tablespoon—it was exceptional! My friends had the French Toast and Omelets, both of which were met with high praise.

Additional Brunch/Lunch Suggestions:

• Cru Cafe – Gourmet comfort food and a notorious Four Cheese Macaroni.
• Basic Kitchen – A chilled-out, open-kitchen concept with health-centric dishes.
• 167 Raw – Receives rave reviews as an authentic oyster bar with a New England twist. Sure, it doesn’t take reservations and there’s always a line out the door — but for oyster lovers, that shortcoming wouldn’t keep them away.
• Fleet Landing – right on the water with gorgeous sunset views.
• Husk – Serves southern fare, locally sourced in a restored Victorian home.
• 82 Queen – Another must-visit on Queen St., for side-dishes, this lovely courtyard and setting is the perfect experience in Southern cuisine.
• Millers All Day – A quirky vintage vibe and a menu for everyone, this place is also perfect to eat first then walk off those mimosas shopping downtown.
• The Darling – a cute little raw bar with great drinks.
• Park and Grove – If you are craving for fresh salads and some good wine over a light meal.
• Frannie and The Fox – Located inside the Hotel Emeline, this new concept has a hip interior-exterior feel that transports you to LA complete with a cocktail at the bar.
• Verde – Perfect for those looking to grab something and go, serving up salads.
• Poogan’s Porch – (One of Charleston’s oldest eateries serving Southern classics in a converted Victorian townhouse) Featured in Martha Stewart Living, Southern Living + The Travel Channel.

Dinner Options

Where We Dined

Indaco – This rustic Italian eatery serves wood-fired pizzas, hand-made pastas and a generous selection of Italian wines. I would highly recommend taking the set menu for a larger group outing. For $50 per person, guests will do a blind taste test of various apps, entrees and desserts. I loved not knowing what was around the corner and it encouraged me to be adventurous in trying things I may have overlooked otherwise. We had family-style service which enabled us to try a variety of palate pleasers.

The Ordinary – A fancy seafood hall and oyster bar in a converted bank. Original architectural detailing such as high ceilings provide a hint of historic grandeur. Yes, it is on the expensive taste but to be honest worth every single penny when you think of their pledge and dedication towards serving local/regional seafood & produce. Arugula Salad, Jumbo Lump Blue Crab Rice and Smoked Oysters Our picks were Anthony Thévenet Beaujolais from France for the red wine and Iruai, California white which both went nicely with this dish.

Additional Dinner Recommendations:

• Melfi’s – An Italian restaurant with an old-school New York feel that makes great pasta, pizza and wine Stracciatella bruschetta, the spiciest Caesar salad and Stretch Armstrong Pizza are sets.
• Little Jacks – A teeny local spot known for their burgers, with a cute outdoor area. Add it to my future visit list.
• Chez Nous – a French restaurant in an old house. Chef writes out the constantly changing menu. Each diner will choose one from each category, and the meal is served in courses. It’s a tad bit on the expensive side, but is said to be an amazing and bold food experience.
• Another wholly recommended Italian – suggested by many local, Le Farfalle.
• Halls Chophouse – I mentioned this previously for brunch, but since so many people suggested their steak dinner, I wanted to mention it again here as well.
• Bourbon N Bubbles – We had a fleeting stop by and we liked the chic setting. It is on my list for our next visit, since it is a block off King Street.

Rooftops, Wine Bars, and Tea Time

• The Citrus Bar (on the rooftop of The Dewberry Hotel) – great view over Charleston, and a lot of personality. You will need a booking, so you may wish to pop your name down and go enjoy a drink in the downstairs lobby. By staying at the hotel you can move higher on that list faster.
• Fiat Lux – Located at the top of Hotel Bennett, the views from here are also spectacular with Charleston’s skyline. We snacked on a charcuterie board with wine. Head on downstairs to get your name in, and what a better way than to enjoy the Lobby Bar with cocktails while you wait for your table.
• Vintage Lounge – Perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail. Its interior is dark and moody, but there’s a nice patio area as well. It felt like the staff wanted to make things right by offering us free champagne. The cosmos were excellent with their house-made pomegranate juice
• Camellias – A Champagne Lounge at night and a tea service on elegant afternoons. Champagne is first come, teatime reservations are recommended The room here is beautiful, perfect for a casual afternoon fill-up. A great option for a girls’ weekend or something precious with your daughter.

Shopping and Spa Experiences

• King Street – We spent a lovely morning walking around King Street browsing through different shops and boutiques. One of the standouts was Gwynns of Mount Pleasant, a smaller less less-known shopping destination offering designer wear and jewellery. It reminds me of a department store, just mini.
• Spa Azure – Known for their top of the line facials, you should stop by after a long day or weekend retreat!

Nightlife Outings

• Piano Bar – As the highlight of our trip, we spent an evening enoying drinks at a Piano Bar on kind street. Ideal for a night out with friends where you can really sing your favorite songs in peace. It is unpretentious and all the pianos are upstairs, giving it a comfortable ambiance.
• Republic – If you are in need of the real nightclub experience with DJ sets, VIP service and a really good crowd to have fun; replay is exactly where you should be heading.
• Uptown Social – The dynamic multi-level bar experience features live music or DJs on every floor, with a rooftop establishment. Had a great time for Sunday Funday!

Conclusion

So there you have it- our girls’ trip guide to Charleston, SC! Charleston delights locals and tourists alike with top shopping on King Street, outstanding local restaurants, bustling nightlife options and pampering amenities like nearby spas. We hope this itinerary gives you an idea for a fun adventure with your friends. Embrace your Charleston experience, and you will be sure to create some unforgettable memories!