In a city where you can be outside 12 months a year, Charlestonians love to wine and dine al fresco. From casual to fancy, you’ll find tables of all sizes tucked away on patios, decks and piazzas.
With the hot summer in full swing, here are some of the best spots around town to catch a breeze (in alphabetical order):
Alfredo’s on Folly
Located off of Folly’s bustling Center Street, Alfredo’s is a down-to-earth spot serving classic Italian dishes at lunch and dinner. The star of the show is its housemade pasta selection, where diners can build their own dishes from the variety of noodles, sauces and protein choices. Grab a cold, local craft beer to wash it all down.
Bar167
The hidden gem of the 167 restaurant group, Bar167 offers a more intimate dining experience without skipping quality. The covered terrace has bar seating and standing patio tables, and is open Monday through Saturday. Snag an outdoor seat to enjoy a mezze plate or raw oysters, alongside a signature cocktail. Pro tip: unlike 167 Raw, Bar167 takes reservations.
Bareo
Bareo, the new spot from the team behind Kultura, gets its name from the Tagalog word for neighborhood. Complete with silk lanterns and hanging tassels, the patio is intimate and packed with ambiance. Diners will find a selection of cocktails, sake and tea to accompany onigiri, dumplings and kakigori.
Basic Kitchen
This restaurant has been serving healthy, vegetable-centric dishes in a relaxed, light-filled environment since 2017. Open daily for lunch, dinner and brunch on weekends, Basic Kitchen’s patio is a perfect place to take a break from the King Street heat and enjoy creative small plates with a cocktail or pressed juice.
Berkeley’s
Adjacent to Hampton Park, Berkeley’s offers ample outdoor seating on its covered patio. This neighborhood spot is a reliable choice for small plates, salads and sandwiches along with an extensive wine and beer menu.
Bowens Island Restaurant
This world-renowned joint has been serving seafood with a view since 1946. Located just off Folly Road, the restaurant’s graffiti-clad cinder blocks and salty breeze set the scene at the beloved fish camp that just might be the ultimate outdoor dining experience in Charleston.
Coda del Pesce
Serving authentic Italian dishes powered by local seafood, Coda del Pesce is a perfect spot on Isle of Palms for dinner and a front row seat to watching the waves crash on the beach. Diners can enjoy fresh seafood on the intimate outdoor deck or from behind the floor to ceiling windows facing the shore.
The Crossing
The Crossing at the new The Cooper hotel has stunning views of Charleston Harbor from its spacious back deck. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the expansive menu offers a curated selection of Lowcountry classics with a Mediterranean twist.
Ellis Creek Fish Camp
Located on Harbor View Road on James Island, Ellis Creek Fish Camp has unbeatable views of the marsh and Ellis Creek. This casual restaurant is seafood-focused, but also offers items like portobello fries and a wedge salad with pimento cheese. And bring Fido: dogs are welcome and there’s a special menu for them featuring a puppaccino and a turkey dinner.
Lost Isle
It’s an experience sitting under the pines in view of the live fire at John’s Island’s Lost Isle, which only offers outdoor dining. Foodies will find a small but mighty menu, all made to order and chock-full of local ingredients along with an extensive drink menu.
MOMO
Located in North Charleston’s Riverfront Park, MOMO is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday and brunch on Sunday. Snack on dill pickle dip, oyster sliders, steak frites and bites from the raw bar as you take in the beautiful Cooper River view.
The Ordinary
On Upper King Street, The Ordinary offers up “fancy seafood” in a converted bank building. The bar boasts a “Social Hour” from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and is a great way to enjoy the grand interior. But for those looking to enjoy those warm summer breezes, snag a table on the restaurant’s intimate patio.
Sullivan’s Fish Camp
Honoring its Lowcountry roots, Sullivan’s Fish Camp combines fish camp classics with elevated small plates accompanied by a raw bar. Diners can enjoy these dishes the way they should be: outdoors with the sea breeze floating in the air.
Xiao Bao Biscuit
This Rutledge Avenue eatery is open six days a week from 11a.m. to 10p.m. and its outdoor picnic tables are a familiar sight. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, a welcome change of pace from Resy madness. Included as a recommendation in the 2025 Michelin Guide, Xiao Bao’s casual approach to great food highlights cuisine from Japan, Thailand and China.
The Restaurant and Caviar Bar at Zero George
At Zero George, you can book a table on the intimate bluestone patio and enjoy dining among lamplight and lush greenery. And if you’re looking for a high roller night, the Caviar Bar offers tables on the covered piazza.
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