The Top 5 Budget-friendly Restaurants in Charleston — a city with a rich food culture, and there is no shortage of great restaurants to explore. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, the top 5 budget-friendly restaurants in Charleston mentioned in this article are a must-visit. Here is why they are the best restaurants in Charleston for your budget.
1. Home Team BBQ – Home Team BBQ, one of the top budget-friendly restaurants in Charleston, is a popular choice for locals and tourists alike. They serve traditional BBQ dishes with a unique twist and offer great food at an affordable price.
2. The Tattooed Moose – The Tattooed Moose, one of the most popular budget-friendly restaurants in Charleston, is a funky gastropub with a fun atmosphere and unique menu items like duck fat fries and the famous “duck club” sandwich. The prices are very reasonable, and the portions are generous.
3. Early Bird Diner – Early Bird Diner, among the top budget-friendly restaurants in Charleston, serves up classic Southern breakfast and lunch dishes with a modern twist. The prices are very affordable, and the portions are large, making it a great spot for a filling meal.
4. Butcher & Bee – Butcher & Bee, another of the top budget-friendly restaurants in Charleston, is a hip, trendy restaurant that offers fresh, locally sourced ingredients in a unique, creative menu. The prices are very reasonable, and the portions are generous.
5. Leon’s Oyster Shop – Leon’s Oyster Shop, amid the top budget-friendly restaurants in Charleston, is a great spot for seafood lovers, serving up fresh oysters, fried chicken, and other seafood dishes at an affordable price. The atmosphere is lively, and the service is excellent.
Overall, these five budget-friendly restaurants in Charleston offer a great dining experience at an affordable price, with unique menus, great service, and fun atmospheres.
Top 5 Budget-friendly Restaurants in Charleston
Home Team BBQ
Address: 126 Williman St. Charleston, SC 29403
Hours: Mon-Sun 11am-9pm
Phone Number: (843) 225-7427
Home Team BBQ, one of the top budget-friendly restaurants in Charleston, is a casual restaurant in Charleston that specializes in traditional BBQ dishes with a unique twist. The restaurant has a laid-back and cozy atmosphere, with wood paneling, exposed brick, and vintage decorations creating a rustic vibe. The seating is a mix of tables and booths, with plenty of space for groups or families.
One of the signature dishes at Home Team BBQ is the Smoked Turkey Sandwich, which features a generous portion of smoked turkey breast topped with bacon, cheddar cheese, and cranberry sauce. The sandwich is served on a soft bun and comes with a side of fries or a salad. Other popular menu items include the award-winning wings, slow-smoked pulled pork, and juicy brisket.
One of the unique features of Home Team BBQ is their commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant partners with local farms and suppliers to ensure that their dishes are made with the freshest and highest-quality ingredients possible.
The service at Home Team BBQ is friendly and efficient, with servers who are knowledgeable about the menu and attentive to customers’ needs. The staff is always happy to answer questions and provide recommendations, making for a pleasant and stress-free dining experience.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Pulled Pork Plate – Slow-smoked pulled pork served with two sides and a slice of white bread. The pork is tender and juicy, with a smoky flavor that is perfectly balanced with the restaurant’s signature BBQ sauce.
▣ Smoked Turkey Sandwich – Smoked turkey breast served on a soft bun with bacon, cheddar cheese, and cranberry sauce. The turkey is perfectly cooked, with a moist and tender texture, while the cranberry sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the smokiness of the meat.
▣ Brisket Plate – Sliced brisket served with two sides and a slice of white bread. The brisket is slow-smoked for hours to achieve a tender texture and a rich, smoky flavor. It is served with the restaurant’s signature BBQ sauce, which adds a touch of sweetness and spice to the meat.
▣ Award-Winning Wings – Jumbo wings smoked and then flash-fried to achieve a crispy texture. They are served with the restaurant’s signature BBQ sauce, which is a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors. These wings have won numerous awards and are a must-try for anyone visiting Home Team BBQ.
▣ Fried Chicken Sandwich – Buttermilk-brined chicken breast coated in a crispy batter and served on a soft bun with lettuce, tomato, and pickles. The chicken is juicy and flavorful, with a crispy exterior that provides a satisfying crunch. It is served with a side of fries or a salad.
Customer Reviews:
“I had the brisket sandwich and it was amazing! The meat was tender and juicy, and the sauce had just the right amount of spice. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was relaxed and cozy. I’ll definitely be back!”
“The wings are hands-down the best I’ve ever had! They were crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and the sauce was out of this world. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the prices were very reasonable. I highly recommend Home Team BBQ!”
“I tried the smoked turkey sandwich, and it was delicious! The turkey was perfectly cooked, and the cranberry sauce added a nice sweet and tangy flavor. The service was fast and friendly, and the atmosphere was laid-back and comfortable. I’ll definitely be back to try more menu items!”
Overall, Home Team BBQ is a great budget-friendly restaurant in Charleston, offering tasty BBQ dishes with a unique twist, fresh ingredients, and friendly service in a cozy atmosphere. They rank amid the top 5 budget-friendly restaurants in Charleston for good reasons.
The Tattooed Moose
Address: 3328 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, SC 29455
Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun 11am-8pm
Phone Number: (843) 277-2990
The Tattooed Moose, among the top budget-friendly restaurants in Charleston, is a popular budget-friendly restaurant located in Johns Island, Charleston. This unique eatery specializes in serving creative and delicious pub-style fare in a laid-back, funky atmosphere. The interior of the restaurant features quirky decor, including taxidermy animals and vintage signs, giving it a distinct personality and charm.
The Tattooed Moose is most well-known for their Duck Club sandwich, which is made with slow-roasted duck, applewood-smoked bacon, garlic aioli, and arugula on a soft bun. Other popular menu items include the Pimento Cheese Fries, which are crispy fries smothered in homemade pimento cheese and topped with bacon, and the Duck Fat Fries, which are hand-cut fries fried in duck fat and served with garlic aioli.
One unique aspect of The Tattooed Moose is their focus on sourcing high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients. The restaurant works with local farmers and suppliers to ensure that their dishes are made with fresh and sustainable ingredients whenever possible.
The service at The Tattooed Moose is friendly and efficient, with servers who are knowledgeable about the menu and attentive to customers’ needs. The staff is always happy to provide recommendations and answer questions, creating a welcoming and inviting atmosphere.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Duck Club Sandwich – Slow-roasted duck, applewood-smoked bacon, garlic aioli, and arugula served on a soft bun. The duck is tender and flavorful, while the bacon adds a smoky, salty taste. The garlic aioli provides a creamy, garlicky flavor that ties the sandwich together.
▣ Pimento Cheese Fries – Crispy fries smothered in homemade pimento cheese and topped with bacon. The pimento cheese is creamy and tangy, while the bacon adds a savory crunch. This dish is a popular favorite at The Tattooed Moose.
▣ Fried Chicken Sandwich – Buttermilk-brined chicken breast coated in a crispy batter and served on a soft bun with lettuce, tomato, and pickles. The chicken is juicy and flavorful, with a crispy exterior that provides a satisfying crunch. It is served with a side of fries or a salad.
▣ Duck Fat Fries – Hand-cut fries fried in duck fat and served with garlic aioli. These fries have a rich, savory flavor thanks to the duck fat, and the garlic aioli provides a zesty, garlicky taste that pairs perfectly with the fries.
▣ Reuben Sandwich – Corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing served on rye bread. This classic deli sandwich is made with high-quality ingredients and is a favorite among customers at The Tattooed Moose. The corned beef is tender and flavorful, and the sauerkraut provides a tangy, slightly sour taste that complements the meat perfectly.
Customer Reviews:
“I tried the Duck Club sandwich and it was amazing! The duck was tender and juicy, and the combination of flavors was out of this world. The atmosphere of the restaurant is funky and fun, and the staff was friendly and attentive. I highly recommend The Tattooed Moose!”
“The Pimento Cheese Fries were one of the best things I’ve ever eaten! The pimento cheese was creamy and flavorful, and the bacon added the perfect crunch. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere of the restaurant was eclectic and unique. I can’t wait to go back!”
“I tried the Duck Fat Fries and they were incredibly delicious! The fries were crispy and golden brown, and the garlic aioli was the perfect dipping sauce. The staff was friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere of the restaurant was cozy and comfortable. I would definitely recommend The Tattooed Moose to anyone!”
Overall, The Tattooed Moose is a must-visit budget-friendly restaurant in Charleston that offers creative and delicious pub-style fare in a fun and funky atmosphere. The Duck Club sandwich is a standout dish, and the restaurant’s focus on locally-sourced ingredients and friendly service make it a great choice for any occasion. They deserve to be ranked among the top 5 budget-friendly restaurants in Charleston.
Early Bird Diner
Address: 1644 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407
Hours: Monday-Sunday, 7:00am-2:00pm
Phone Number: (843) 277-2353
Early Bird Diner, one of the most popular budget-friendly restaurants in Charleston, is a cozy, family-owned restaurant located in Charleston, SC. The diner is known for its Southern-style comfort food and cozy atmosphere. The interior of the restaurant is decorated with vintage signs and old-school diner booths, giving it a nostalgic feel.
One of the signature dishes at Early Bird Diner is the Shrimp and Grits. The dish is made with creamy stone-ground grits, sautéed shrimp, and a flavorful Creole sauce. The shrimp are cooked to perfection, and the Creole sauce adds a spicy kick that elevates the dish to another level.
Something unique about Early Bird Diner is their commitment to using locally-sourced ingredients. The restaurant sources their produce and meats from nearby farms and vendors, ensuring that the food is fresh and of the highest quality.
The service at Early Bird Diner is friendly and welcoming. The staff is attentive and knowledgeable about the menu, and they go out of their way to make sure that each customer feels comfortable and satisfied.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Shrimp and Grits – Sautéed shrimp served over creamy stone-ground grits with a flavorful Creole sauce. This signature dish is a must-try for anyone visiting Early Bird Diner. The shrimp are perfectly cooked and the Creole sauce adds a spicy kick to the dish.
▣ Chicken and Waffles – Crispy fried chicken served on top of a fluffy waffle with maple syrup and butter. This classic Southern dish is a customer favorite at Early Bird Diner. The chicken is juicy and flavorful, and the waffle is the perfect complement to the savory chicken.
▣ Breakfast Burrito – A large flour tortilla filled with scrambled eggs, bacon, cheese, and veggies. Served with salsa and sour cream on the side. This hearty breakfast option is perfect for anyone looking for a filling meal to start the day.
▣ Biscuits and Gravy – Fluffy homemade biscuits smothered in creamy sausage gravy. This classic Southern breakfast dish is made with high-quality ingredients and is a favorite among Early Bird Diner customers.
▣ Fried Green Tomato BLT – Crispy fried green tomatoes, bacon, lettuce, and mayo served on a soft bun. This unique twist on a classic sandwich is a must-try for anyone looking for something a little different. The fried green tomatoes provide a tangy, slightly sour flavor that pairs perfectly with the bacon and lettuce.
Customer Reviews:
“The Shrimp and Grits at Early Bird Diner are out of this world. The shrimp are perfectly cooked and the Creole sauce is amazing. The service is also top-notch. Highly recommend!”
“The chicken and waffles at Early Bird Diner are a must-try. The chicken is crispy and juicy, and the waffles are fluffy and delicious. The atmosphere of the diner is also very charming.”
“I had the Breakfast Burrito at Early Bird Diner and it was amazing. The burrito was packed with eggs, bacon, cheese, and veggies, and it came with a side of salsa and sour cream. The service was also excellent.”
Overall, Early Bird Diner is a great spot for anyone looking for delicious Southern-style comfort food in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. They stand out among the top budget-friendly restaurants in Charleston.
Butcher & Bee
Address: 1085 Morrison Dr, Charleston, SC 29403
Hours: Monday to Friday 11am – 3pm and 5pm – 10pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am – 3pm and 5pm – 10pm
Phone Number: (843) 619-0202
Butcher & Bee, another of the top budget-friendly restaurants in Charleston, is a casual, farm-to-table restaurant located in Charleston. The menu features locally sourced ingredients and changes frequently based on seasonal availability. The restaurant has an industrial-chic vibe, with exposed brick walls and wooden tables.
Their signature dish is the Shrimp Toast, which is served with pickled jalapeno, cilantro, and sriracha aioli.
One unique aspect of Butcher & Bee is their commitment to sustainability. They prioritize working with local farmers and reducing food waste by utilizing every part of the ingredients they use. They also have a community garden on their property, where they grow some of their own produce.
The service at Butcher & Bee is friendly and attentive. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to offer recommendations. The restaurant can get busy, especially during peak hours, so there may be a wait for a table.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Shrimp Toast: Gulf shrimp and cilantro served on a toasted baguette with pickled jalapeno, sriracha aioli, and sesame seeds.
▣ Fried Chicken Sandwich: Buttermilk-fried chicken breast on a brioche bun with pickles, slaw, and aioli.
▣ Charred Carrots: Carrots roasted with za’atar spice and served with whipped feta, parsley, and pistachios.
▣ Falafel Bowl: Fried chickpea falafel served with turmeric rice, hummus, pickles, and tahini sauce.
▣ Steak and Fries: Grilled hanger steak served with crispy fries, garlic aioli, and chimichurri sauce.
Customer Reviews:
“I had the Fried Chicken Sandwich and it was amazing! The chicken was perfectly crispy and the sandwich had just the right amount of toppings. The atmosphere at Butcher & Bee is also really cool, with a great selection of craft beers on tap.”
“The Shrimp Toast is a must-try at Butcher & Bee. The flavors all work together so well and it’s unlike anything else I’ve ever had. We also had the Charred Carrots, which were delicious.”
“I’ve been to Butcher & Bee a few times now and have never been disappointed. The menu is always changing, but everything I’ve had has been excellent. The staff is also really friendly and accommodating.”
Butcher & Bee is a unique and sustainable farm-to-table restaurant in Charleston. Their commitment to using locally sourced ingredients and reducing food waste sets them apart. The Shrimp Toast is a standout dish, but the menu is always changing and has something for everyone. The service is friendly and attentive, making for a great dining experience. They have earned the rank of the top 5 budget-friendly restaurants in Charleston.
Leon’s Oyster Shop
Address: 698 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11:30am-9pm, Friday-Saturday 11:30am-10pm, Sunday 11am-3pm and 5pm-9pm
Phone Number: (843) 531-6500
Leon’s Oyster Shop, amid the top budget-friendly restaurants in Charleston, is a casual seafood restaurant located in the heart of Charleston. The interior of the restaurant is stylish and modern, with exposed brick walls and wooden tables. Their menu features a variety of fresh seafood dishes, as well as sandwiches, salads, and sides.
One of their signature dishes is the fried chicken sandwich, which comes with bread and butter pickles, Duke’s mayo, and hot honey.
One unique feature of Leon’s Oyster Shop is their outdoor seating area, which is perfect for enjoying the Charleston weather while enjoying some seafood. The restaurant also has a raw bar, where customers can choose from a selection of fresh oysters.
Service: The service at Leon’s Oyster Shop is friendly and attentive. The waitstaff is knowledgeable about the menu and can make recommendations based on customer preferences.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Fried Chicken Sandwich – buttermilk brined chicken breast, bread and butter pickles, Duke’s mayo, hot honey, served on a soft roll
▣ Oysters on the Half Shell – served with lemon, horseradish, cocktail sauce, and mignonette
▣ Grilled Octopus – served with charred lemon, calabrian chili, and garlic breadcrumbs
▣ Hush Puppies – served with honey butter and sea salt
▣ Shrimp Roll – chilled shrimp salad, celery, lemon, tarragon, served on a buttered and toasted roll.
Customer Reviews:
“I had the fried oyster po’ boy and it was absolutely delicious! The oysters were perfectly fried and the bread was soft and fresh. The service was also excellent, with our server being attentive and friendly.”
“Leon’s has some of the best seafood in Charleston! I highly recommend trying the grilled octopus, it was tender and flavorful. The outdoor seating area is also a great spot for people-watching.”
“The fried chicken sandwich at Leon’s is a must-try! The combination of pickles, mayo, and hot honey is simply amazing. The service was also fantastic, with our server providing us with great recommendations.”
Leon’s Oyster Shop is a stylish seafood restaurant in Charleston with friendly service and a great selection of fresh seafood dishes. Their signature fried chicken sandwich is a must-try, and the outdoor seating area is a great spot for people-watching. They can definitely be counted among the top budget-friendly restaurants in Charleston.
Each of these budget-friendly restaurants in Charleston offers unique dishes and an exceptional dining experience that is sure to please any palate. From classic Southern cuisine to innovative fusion dishes, these restaurants have something for everyone. So, if you’re in Charleston and looking for a delicious meal that won’t break the bank, be sure to check out Home Team BBQ, The Tattooed Moose, Early Bird Diner, Butcher & Bee, and Leon’s Oyster Shop. This is why they are the best restaurants in Charleston for your budget.
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