Be sure to also check out our Cooper River Bridge Run Roundup for all the goings-on this weekend.
The Bridge Run is this weekend, which means Charleston will be swamped with crowds. These exercise junkies will likely crave one of two things: Carbs to load up for the race, or health food to stay in shape. Whatever you decide, with the guaranteed swarms of hungry tourists, it’s best to make a reservation, if possible.
If you’re going healthy, check out Black Bean Company’s newest location on King Street. They’re known for their green beach burrito ($8.95), spinach wraps ($8), and tasty salads ($9-$12), and they’re super vegetarian/vegan friendly. Dellz Deli is also a downtown organic favorite. Check out their veggie or hummus pita with chips ($6).
For quinoa ($5.75) and homemade granola ($6.25), check out the Sprout in Mt. Pleasant—they’re juice bar is especially noteworthy.
So you’re carb loading before you tackle the bridge? We are, too (but maybe for a different reason). For traditional and some not-so-traditional Irish fare, check out Tommy Condon’s for a burger ($8-$11), a fish ‘n chips basket ($10.99), or basically anything else ranging from quesadillas ($7-10) to corned beef hash ($7.99). Add mashed or au gratin potatoes to any order for $3.99.
When we think carbs, we think pasta. Luckily, downtown has quite an array of Italian spots to get your fill of pasta, cream sauce, and maybe even some red wine. Check out Fulton Five for Ravioli di Maiale ($10/half, $19/full), a rich ravioli stuffed with ricotta and shredded pork, topped with braised purple cabbage and pancetta.
Joe Pasta is a King Street favorite, because it’s got all the basics. Try traditional spaghetti and meatballs ($11.99), chicken parm ($11.99), classic lasagna ($12.99), and all the other usual Italian staples.
Al di La in West Ashley is offering bruschetta ($6.75), creamy tomato basil soup ($5.25), and a special entrée of pan-fried veal, grilled scallions, and creamy brown butter ($18). Top it off with tiramisu with roasted hazelnuts ($6.75).
And you can’t forget beer, though it may be best to wait till after the race to start guzzling. This Saturday, Charleston Beer Works will have $8 Bud pitchers. Closed for Business was recently named the best beer selection on tap by our readers, so you know their list is impressive. And for the Avondale crowd, check out Gene’s Haufbrau, which has a huge selection of both domestic and imports, not to mention bar games to rev up your competitive spirit.
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