Charleston Veggie Guide, One Part Plant Style
Since moving to Charleston almost a year ago (!), I’ve had a lot of people ask me where they should go/eat when they come to town. Sooooo… I thought it was about time to make an OPP guide to Charleston. I’ve rounded up my favorite restaurants that are completely plant-based – or at least an option or two. I’ve also thrown in my favorites shops and places to have a fancy cocktail (this town is made for fancy-cocktail-having).
Charleston is pretty magical and I highly recommend renting bikes or doing a tour to explore the city. Go to a beach (there’s a few). Go full-on tourist and take photos in front of all of the pretty old buildings and oooh and ahhh over the insane trees and floral everywhere. And say “ya’ll” if you want to (I caught myself doing it the other day).
Check out all my favorites below, and I’ll keep adding to this list as I continue to discover the city and new places pop up.
Where To Eat:
Gnome Cafe: 100% plant-based restaurant open for breakfast and lunch. Get the grit bowl. And then go back and get whichever one you didn’t get the first time.
Basic Kitchen: (FAVE!) Super well-designed and super chill vibes. Really great spot to meet friends for brunch or a cozy date night for dinner. Make sure to get the Cauliflower Buffalo Wings (ranch is vegan!) and their magical green sauce that comes with their Basic Bowl.
Huriyali Gardens: Juices, acai bowls, and awesome plant-based nachos and wraps. They have the sweetest little jungle garden in the back where you can just hang or knock out some emails before you officially start vacation.
The Daily: Cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and breakfast (my favorite is the Za’tar Avocado Toast). Coffee, too. Great place to start your day before hitting the city.
The Butcher & Bee: (FAVE!) Good for the whole fam or a nice date. Get all the mezze options! Always super accommodating for every diet.
Xiao Bao Biscuit: Asian-inspired menu in an old gas station with awesome drinks and the best playlist you’ve ever heard. They always have at least one plant-based dish.
Indaco: Wood-fired pizzas and super great salads. They’re happy to deal with your dairy-free ways and can do both of the above sans cheese.
Dellz Uptown: Super casual and a little dive-y veggie spot that was plant-based before plant-based was cool. Perfect for lunch. Get the Jazzy Pizza.
Where To Get A Cocktail:
Some of these have little to no veggie options (I’m working on it) – but are just so pretty that I want you to at least grab a drink there…
Dewberry Hotel: Super cool. Great drinks. Just go.
Zero George: One of the prettiest hotels I’ve ever seen. Grab a cocktail and sit on the terrace. Ridiculous.
The Ordinary: Housed in an old Charleston bank, classic but still cool. Ask them to make their Tequila Mockingbird with mezcal.
Leon’s: Chill spot with a cool interior. Lots of outdoor seating and lots of wine.
Where To Shop + Get Inspired:
Mac & Murphy: It’s hard to find great stationery these days, but Mac & Murphy stocks all the best cards, notebooks, and papery things. And a lot of them are exclusive to their shop.
Worthwhile: This store is COOL. Don’t let the price tags freak you, they have a pretty great sale rack in the back as well as gorgeous candles, books, and home goods (if the their clothes aren’t in the budget).
Indigo & Cotton: Just up the street from Mac & Murphy, this is one of the best men’s stores I’ve ever been to.
The Port Mercantile: (FAVE!) This shop is part of the Restoration Hotel and has amazing books, jewelry, and little treasures. I love this store so much.
Blue Bicycle Books: Really great book store right on King Street. Check out their calendar of events before you come. Some pretty incredible authors visit the shop and host luncheons while they’re in Charleston.
Mission Yoga: If you need a little chill time on your trip or a boost of inspiration, sign up for one of Alex Seaman’s Kundalini classes while you’re here. Game changer.
If you still want more, my friends at Glossed & Found did a tour of Charleston that has even more things to discover. And some gorgeous videos, too. See it here.
