If you’re partaking in all the fanfare associated with our city’s own, world-renowned arts festival, Spoleto Festival USA, then you’ll likely want to know the best spots for eating and drinking before and after shows.
Most of the festival’s venues are centrally located downtown, so we’ve listed a variety of our favorite spots up and down the peninsula for grab-and-go options, longer lunch dates and post show cocktails.
As always, this list should serve as a jumping off point for your festival ventures: There are so many great eating and drinking establishments around town!
Downtown venues include: Charleston Gaillard Center, College of Charleston Cistern Yard, Sottile Theatre, Dock Street Theatre, Festival Hall, St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art, Circular Congregational Church. Charleston Music Hall,
The Riviera, Emmett Robinson Theatre and Simons Center Recital Hall.
Grab-and-go
Here are some options from area cafes and coffee shops for you to pick up a quick cup or fast bite on your way to a show.
Caviar & Bananas: Located on George Street between King and St. Philip’s streets, Caviar & Bananas is the quintessential college coffee shop and cafe, serving prepared foods, coffee, sweet treats and more. If you have a little extra time, grab an alcoholic bevvy (frosé anyone?) and sit and people-watch for a while. 51 George St.
Second State Coffee: A quaint coffee shop located on Beaufain Street, Second State Coffee serves coffee, tea and sweet treats and is the perfect spot to grab to-go goods or linger in the small, sun-drenched dining area. 70 Beaufain St.
Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer: Kudu’s back patio is begging for you to visit and order a coffee, pastry or maybe even draft beer, while recapping your latest show venture with pals. 4 Vanderhorst St.
Idle Hands Coffee House: The daytime iteration of Warren Street restaurant, Coterie, Idle Hands serves fresh coffee, chai lattes and cocktails on a flora-focused outdoor patio. Grab a muffin or grilled cheese or stick to a liquid diet with the spot’s fun flights, including the “brew and buzz” which features beer and espresso. 17 Warren St.
Sorelle’s Mercato: Swing by Sorelle’s chic Mercato for salads, paninis and pastries and fun, frequently rotating weekly drink specials. A recent latte featured housemade jasmine-honey syrup, vanilla cold foam and edible botanicals. 90 Broad St.
Sit and stay
If you have a little more time, you can sit and stay awhile at these lunch hotspots.
Gaulart & Maliclet Café (Fast & French): Take a trip to France on Broad Street at Fast & French, a quaint, longstanding Charleston restaurant that boasts both indoor and outdoor seating, depending on just how hot these May days get. Might we recommend ordering the “rendezvous for two,” a very French assortment of charcuterie, cheese and bread. Bon appetit. 98 Broad St.
Babas on cannon: Whether you’re looking for a caffeine fix or a mid-day cocktail, babas on cannon has got what you need with a small, tasty menu. Order from smallish plates like avocado or shrimp toast, ham and butter sandwich and pistachio and parmesan salad. 11 Cannon St.
82 Queen: You can’t go wrong with the Queen Street classic, 82 Queen, and its quaint outdoor courtyard, if you’re looking for a leisurely lunch in the heart of downtown. Order Southern classics like fried green tomatoes and she-crab soup. 82 Queen St.
Beautiful South: Located in The Guild downtown, Beautiful South features built-in parking (a huge perk during peak tourist season) and of course, a delightful lunch spread. Nosh on rice and noodle dishes and sip on inventive cocktails like the Sichuan Negroni. 128 Columbus St. Suite 101.
Pink Cactus: Nothing says summertime vibes (we’re feeling them, right?) like chips, guac and margs and you’ll find all three at Pink Cactus. 100 A Spring St.
Places for post-show drinks
After the curtain, you may want to head over to one of these joints for a relaxing drink.
Last Saint: A hidden gem on Meeting Street, Last Saint is a small, buzzy bar with a solid cocktail list. Choose from signature bevvies like the Old Salt, made with tequila and fluffy whipped grapefruit or the Cafe La Paz, an iced coffee with tequila and banana liqueur. The spot has classic cocktails, too, including “mini” iterations of both dirty and espresso martinis. 472 Meeting St. B.
100 Proof: Formerly, simply “Proof,” 100 Proof is a King Street bar that knows how to party. Throw back a shot or two or order a classic cocktail while recounting your favorite shows from the fest. 437 King St.
Marbled & Fin: The bar at this high-end restaurant didn’t recently win City Paper’s Best of Charleston award for “best upscale bar” for nothing. Marbled & Fin’s 20+ seat bar has something for everyone looking to relax late into the evening. We’re suckers for the draft espresso martini. 480 East Bay St.
The Living Room at the Dewberry: Settle into a cozy couch in the Dewberry’s lobby bar where you can sip on drinks like a spicy margarita or the bar’s take on an old-fashioned. The bar features several tasty mocktails, too, in case you want to take things easy. 334 Meeting St.
Legami: Grab late night drinks — and dessert — at King Street’s newest Italian joint, Legami. Why choose between booze and bites when you can have both? We’ve got our eyes on the “espresso thy self,” made with reposado tequila, coffee liqueur, carolina cream and coffee honey foam, paired with some homemade gelato. 492 King St.
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