Charleston top 10

[ncwino]

Please let me know the Top 10 fine dining recommendations.

[GodfatherofLunch]

Peninsula Grill is far and away number one. All the others are distant seconds.
You MUST have the Coconut cake. It will blow your mind!!!

[joyerbe]

I love FIG and SNOB and Magnolia's but I need a reco for a bachlorette party. Any thoughts?

[mle17]

Nice dinner or a lounge/tapas setting?
For a more party atmosphere look into Chai's, Raval, Social
If those are to trendy and loud there's The Trusted Palate - which has really good wine and small plates in a more chill setting.

[BlueHerons]

I don't think anyone does Sunday Brunch as good as Poogan's Porch. Other meals aren't so hot but just okay.

Jestine's Kitchen and High Cotton are about the same to me. Like them both.

Peninsula Grill is my go to and love SNOB and Circa 1886.

Love Poe's, Jack's Cosmic Dogs, SeeWee, and Andolini's on Wentworth.

Forgot about Hanks! Love Hanks!

[GrillMaster]

I fully expect the above post to get bashed as Poogan's gets skewered pretty regularly on here but I really think for the money it is one of the best bargains in downtown. Not a particularly imaginative menu but for someone who is maybe a little conservative in their food choices but still want to try some traditional lowcountry food it is a good choice. I agree that brunch is the best meal there though.

[BlueHerons]

Honestly, I think it is harder to find a better brunch than at Poogan's especially if you get the first batch of buscuits. OMG you can taste the bacon grease!

As for lunch or dinner, I'd skip it.

Flame away but we eat brunch there all the time and have yet to find a better one.

[ncwino]

I wanted to thank everyone for your help. Heading down this weekend for a week of eating and drinking. Life is GOOD.

[fourunder]

In the past I have always recommended both:

SNOB and Magnolia's.

Could anyone share some light as to why Magnolia's doesn't receive any love on this site?

(lizlew) is the first I have seen mention Magnolia's besides my self. I always found both restaurants to be worthy of a recommendation. Why not others?

[Suzy Q]

When Magnolia's is good, it's one of my favorite restaurants in Charleston. The problem, though, is that they're inconsistent. There have been occasions where the food has been to die for, but I've also visited (and unfortunately taken friends) when it was bland and lifeless, and the service was lackadaisical.

[fourunder]

SuzyQ,

Thank you for taking the time for the polite response. I usually go to Kiawah Island every two years for a golf trip and we always go to both Magnolia's and SNOB for dinners. Thankfully, I have never experienced any miscues. I love the Blue Cheese Gravy @ Magnolia's on the Filet of Beef.

[Suzy Q]

I had the fried chicken last time we went, and it was absolutely awesome! That's one dish I can heartily recommend, and of course I have to get a cup of the tomato bisque with crab every time we go.

I love SNOB as well!

[crazyspice]

I printed a Charleston dining guide the other day and I have been highlighting the the recommendations. Right now I have so many fantastic choices and only 1 week to eat! I have been viewing 3 Charleston threads and I am really excited to get down there.

[tsawyer]

Love Magnolia's. Eat there every time I make it to Charleston.

[lizlew]

1. Red Drum Gastropub (Mt. Pleasant)
2. Langdon's (Mt. Pleasant)
3. Bacco (Mt. Pleasant)
4. Magnolia's (Downtown)
5. SNOB (Downtown)
6. FIG (Downtonw
7. Al di la (West Ashley)
8. Rue de Jean
9. Alair Bistro (Mt. Pleasant)
10. Oak Steakhouse

Don't like: See Wee in Awendaw - hate it! (dried out food)
Il Cortile del Re - tiny tables. very uncomfortable. mediocre food
The Boathouse - thought the food was average and it was a very loud.
The Boulevard Diner - bring your salt shaker...nothing is seasoned.

Haven't been to, but want to: Fulton Five, Siena, Circa 1886, The Wreck

[montcorealtor]

Bacco, the chain?? Have one here in Philadelphia. YUCK!!

[mle17]

not a chain: http://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/gy...

[Bill Greenberg]

I have had excellent meals both times I ate at Fulton Five. It is Italian fare in a small but crowded restaurant.

[mikeh]

1. Woodlands Inn Dining Room
2. Charleston Grill
3. FIG
4. Sienna
5. Circa 1886
6. The Wreck of the Richard and Charlene
7. Gullah Cuisine
8. SeeWee Restaurant

[charlestonrealtor]

1. Peninsula Grill
2. McCrady's
3. FIG
4. Fulton Five
5. The Boat House
6. Rue De Jean
7. Mondo's Delight
8.Mimi's Cafe
9.Boulevard Diner
10.Al di La
T

[Suzy Q]

Mimi's Cafe as in the chain? They just opened one near me - if the food's that good, I'll have to check it out!

[mle17]

I certainly hope you don't mean Mimi's Creekside on Harborview - that place is a craphole - Sysco food poorly reheated - views alone shouldn't a place the top 10. If you mean Mia's Cafe on 17, they are now closed.

[charlestonrealtor]

I have to say that Tommy Condon's isn't my first choice either. Also, High Cotton is overrated as far as the locals go here. Try FIG, Mimi's Cafe for the best fried shrimp and The Boat House is quite good for seafood.

[Suzy Q]

Tommy Condon's? You're joking, right?

McCrady's, Fig, and SNOB are my three favorite "nicer" restaurants. For just plain good food, I like the Wreck and SeeWee.

[charlestonfoodiegal]

Maybe JB doesn't live in Charleston, no need to knock down her rec. Different strokes for different folks... Everyone has their own personal tastes. I agree w/ SNOB, FIG, McCrady's and The Boat House. I can't comment on the others.

[JB BANNISTER]

Charleston Grill tied for first with Peninsula Grill.
SNOB
FIG
High Cotton
Tommy Condons
Bowens Island (low end but fun)