5 Budget Friendly Brunch Spots in Charleston
The people of Charleston have always been known to enjoy a good drink or two (or three), dating back to the colonial times, so it’s not surprising that on the weekends, we brunch. Brunch isn’t just a noun anymore, it’s a verb. And it isn’t limited to Sundays or just the short period after church — it’s an all weekend, potentially all day activity, and restaurants in the area have caught on.
After living in Charleston for nine years as a college student, a post grad, and now a young professional, I’ve become great at finding delicious places to eat without shelling out too much cash. And with all of the new, fancier restaurants, that’s becoming harder to do. Here’s a list of my five go-to places to brunch when I’m looking for a delicious and cheap meal (with lots of mimosas).
1. Toast – Downtown
Toast is always in the running for the best breakfast in Charleston. You’ll find all of the regular breakfast items on the menu, but you will also see local seafood in just about every dish as well. Toast’s claim to fame: bottomless mimosas. You can even come back later that day, show your receipt from earlier, and keep the mimosa train going.
2. The Shelter – Mt. Pleasant
Shelter quickly became a favorite of mine when it opened by Shem Creek 3 years ago. What’s not to love about a great deck, bloody mary bar, $6.50 carafes of mimosas and a menu to match? My personal favorites: fried chicken biscuits, the seasonal benny, and the brunch bog when I just can’t decide and want every brunch item in a huge bowl. Did I mention there’s live music too?
Blind Tiger
3. Blind Tiger – Downtown
Blind Tiger is one of the oldest bars in Charleston, and you’ll see the history in the building the second you walk in. Eat on the back patio if you have a choice, and just take in the old architecture.. ahhh. Then order one of the omelettes, french toast, or the burger and relax with a local beer. It’s great place to stay and watch some football too.
4. Triangle – Mt. Pleasant / West Ashley
With two locations in the Charleston area, you’re always close to Triangle. Triangle has an artsy, laid back feel with a fun atmosphere, and you’ll see everyone here, including Darius Rucker. I prefer their bennys for brunch, but the sandwiches and pancakes are great too. Definitely get grits as your side — they’re the best. The mimosas are cheap, and the servers always keep them full 🙂
5. Lost Dog Cafe – Folly Beach
Lost Dog Cafe is the spot for brunch on Folly and everyone knows it. Their breakfast dishes are delicious, like the huevos rancheros and breakfast burrito, and you can’t go wrong with any of the lunch bowls either. Plus there’s mimosas in mason jars — what else do you need? This is definitely a tshirt and shorts kind of place – and just a short walk to the beach afterwards.
Splurge: Halls Chophouse – Downtown
Ok, so it’s definitely not the cheapest place on the list, but for the quality of the food you’re getting, the price is fabulous. You can get the best prime rib eye steak benedict for only $18. Their prices have gone up some since they first opened and I got steak and eggs or the eggs benedict weekly while working at Las Olas across the street, but you really can’t beat the food, service or Sunday gospel feel. Definitely stop here if you’re visiting the city, you won’t be disappointed.
A local tip: Brunch is quite the event in Charleston, so get there early to beat the church and hungover crowd, or else expect a wait. Some places take reservations, too, so check it out beforehand.
What are your favorite brunch places in Charleston?
