Sippin Gypsy Quick Tips for Sippin: Charleston South Carolina

Cheers Sippin Gypsy Team Rum! This post comes to you while enjoying my Sippin Gypsy Summer Sparkling Lemonade, a refreshing reminder of my recent trip to the beautiful city of Charleston South Carolina!

Charleston South Carolina is a delicious city packed full of historic gems to explore and incredible cuisine. The Holy City is easy to navigate and offers travelers several ways to enjoy the city based on your travel pace and preference.  Come hungry to Charleston, some of the most influential restaurants in the Southern Cuisine realm are nestled along the historic streets.  Charleston also offers some of the most enjoyable rooftop bars to lounge and savor the view! 

You will want to give yourself no less than 3 full days to enjoy Charleston and all her offerings.  After a lot of research and planning, I prepared an agenda that included a balance of early lunches and late dinners or late brunch and dinner and a mid day pause for an appetizer or light bite and cocktail each day, just to give us the option to taste and enjoy as much as possible!  Charleston is a true Southern city, meaning it can get unbearably hot in the summer, so if your travels bring you to Charleston in July or August be certain to plan a slower pace, the heat can really drain you.  Thankfully there is no shortage of charming shops and boutiques and have I mentioned the restaurants that are incredible to step in and take a break from the heat!  So without further delay, her are my tips for some of the best restaurants and bars in Charleston South Carolina!

1. Gabrielle at Hotel Bennett
Sitting on the terrace overlooking Marion Square for a late afternoon cocktail and light bite was absolutely one of the highlights of my time in Charleston.  The cocktails were so well crafted and delicious and the view was peaceful,  I truly appreciated the art of presentation of each dish or cocktail, not only did everything wow me with every sip or bite, but it was so elegantly delivered. The staff at the Hotel Bennett and Gabrielle was beyond gracious and truly set the standard for the charm of Southern hospitality.   Gabrielle also offers an elegant dining space inside which would certainly be an excellent choice for a celebration dinner while in Charleston.

2. Husk
Before I even set my agenda for Charleston, I knew I would have to try Husk.  I truly appreciate restaurants and chefs who seek out true local offerings to prepare daily for guests and Husk takes this dedication one step further to really invest in not only what is currently offered locally, but research and cultivate menus that celebrate some of the original ingredients from when Charleston was first established.  Everything I tasted at Husk was an absolute delight, from the cocktails to the shrimp and grits.

3. 82 Queen
Outdoor dining in an elegant Southern Courtyard with delicious food and cocktails!  82 Queen was the perfect way to step out of the heat and enjoy a truly delicious Southern lunch.  Several of the items on their recipes have been on the menu since the restaurant first opened, and the She Crab Soup has chosen as the best in Charleston for years....and after trying several She Crab Soup options around Charleston, I agree! 

4. Cane Rhum Bar
Step into a tropical oasis with delicious cocktails which feature rum options from around the world at Cane.  The vibe is super chill but posh and the staff was friendly and knowledgeable.   Cane is a great spot if traveling with a group, there are several pockets of spaces to relax and enjoy time together with well crafted creations.

5. Prohibition 
Prohibition is nestled further up King Street but well worth the walk.  Live music and some of the best cocktails I enjoyed in Charleston were crafted at Prohibition.  The happy hour was also incredible for oysters and other light bites.