Spring Al Fresco Dining in Charleston
Spring has officially sprung in Charleston, so we’re filling you in on some of our current favorite spots for eating and drinking while soaking up some South Carolina rays!
The Pickled Palate – This Mount Pleasant hideaway feels like a secret garden tucked just off the hustle and bustle of Coleman Avenue. We love the shabby-chic vibe of the extensive garden patio and the easygoing menu of classic sandwiches, soups, and salads. Perfect for a midday sunshine lunch if you’re craving some Vitamin D!
Estadio – With a Spring Street-side patio and an amazing menu of both traditional and inventive Spanish tapas, Estadio offers an array of bright, exciting flavors that are perfect to enjoy in the sunshine of a Charleston spring day. They also boast a stellar list of Spanish wines, including some fortified options like sherries and vermouths. Let your server guide you toward something new and slightly out of your comfort zone, alongside some fabulous local seafood, for a memorable outdoor meal.
Lowcountry Food Truck Festivals – With its brunch series extended through the summer, Lowcountry Food Truck Festivals offer a unique chance for curious eaters to try dishes from a variety of different Charleston-area food trucks while enjoying the new Firefly Distillery location on Spruill Avenue. Each festival features live music, an outdoor bar stocked with all of Firefly’s locally-made spirits, and ample space to stretch out on a picnic table and enjoy the spring weather while planning your next bite. We’ve been particularly fond of Miss Katie’s Sweets and Don Sazon Venezuelan Empanadas, but their guest list is always changing, so keep an eye on @lowcountryfoodtruckfestival on IG for dates and participating food trucks!
Park Cafe – A delightful spot near Hampton Park with a menu that keeps an eye on sustainability and locally-sourced products, Park Cafe has widely expanded their outdoor seating over the past year. We love this part of the Wagener Terrace neighborhood and Park Cafe’s light, delicious, and varied menu. Check it out for a brunch with friends and sample some of their creative coffee drinks or sip on a mimosa as you watch the neighborhood bustle by.
Freehouse Brewing – Freehouse Brewing holds the distinction of having one of the best views of any brewery in the Charleston area, with its wide lawn stretching right along the North Charleston banks of the Ashley River. Beer lovers can relax with a fresh pint in chairs right at the riverside and relax, taking in the sounds of the river and the warm spring breeze. If you spend your week cooped up inside but can’t quite commit to a full camping weekend, a few brews at Freehouse will have you feeling closer to nature in the space of a single happy hour.
Another great way to sample some of Charleston’s best bites while enjoying our famously gorgeous weather is to take a culinary tour! Let one of our licensed guides escort you on foot through some of our finest dining neighborhoods, while stopping for multiple courses, and filling you in on city history as you amble from dish to dish. We recommend our Upper King Street Tour for newbies and locals alike!