Finding the best brunch in Charleston, SC feels a bit like chasing the morning sun: satisfying, full of folklore, and always leading to something memorable. Each neighborhood here has a hidden spot where the coffee is always hot, the bread is still warm, and the locals have their favorite table. Readers often ask if Charleston’s brunch scene matches the city’s famed Southern hospitality. After three straight weekends spent hopping from cozy cafes to sunlit patios, I can promise that the answer is an easy yes—if you know where to look.
Since brunch in Charleston is about much more than the food (though the food rarely disappoints), think of this guide as your road map. Whether you’re after buttermilk biscuits or a fresh fruit bowl, you’ll find standout menus, welcoming atmospheres, and the sort of details that make brunch linger in your mind long after you’ve left. Read on to discover local favorites and hidden gems, all personally vetted, so your next late morning in Charleston is as rewarding as the last bite on your plate.
Where to find the best brunch in Charleston, SC
Here are some of the top spots to find the best brunch in Charleston, SC:
- Toast! All Day West Ashley
- 82 Queen
- Swamp Fox Restaurant
- Millers All Day
- Early Bird Diner
- Magnolias
- Breizh Pan Crepes & Deli
- Eli’s Table
- The Glass Onion
- The Palmetto Cafe
1. Toast! All Day West Ashley
Toast! All Day West Ashley feels like a classic Charleston gathering spot—bright, bustling, and always generous with smiles. When I first stopped in, the tables buzzed with friends sharing plates and stories, making it easy to see why this place has a loyal following.
The menu is packed with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices. You’re spoiled for choice, but I always lean toward the avocado toast or Loader’s Breakfast, both fresh and hearty. The fluffy pancakes capture classic Southern flavors, especially with a drizzle of local honey.
What sets this spot apart is the genuine warmth of the service and an easy charm. If you want a brunch that’s reliable, flavorful, and satisfying, Toast! All Day West Ashley delivers every time.
2. 82 Queen
82 Queen has charm that goes far beyond its centuries-old setting. My brunch here felt like a miniature celebration, framed by leafy magnolia branches and the restaurant’s storied brick courtyard. The air always seems full of laughter, clinking glasses, and the subtle aroma of well-seasoned Southern fare.
This is where you taste the heart of Charleston, from the award-winning She Crab Soup to vegan and gluten-free twists on Lowcountry classics. If you’re new, start with the Shrimp & Grits or Lowcountry Jambalaya. These dishes merge tradition with a creative edge, perfectly representing what 82 Queen does best.
Gracious service and a sense of history mingle on every plate, making brunch here a true local experience. 82 Queen’s inventive Southern cuisine keeps regulars coming back and newcomers raving.
3. Swamp Fox Restaurant
Swamp Fox Restaurant sits right in the heart of downtown, quietly mastering the art of Southern brunch. Sliding into a window booth, I immediately noticed the charming notes of local jazz drifting through the space—a small detail, but it sets the scene for a rich Lowcountry meal.
Every dish here reflects farm-to-table care and regional flavor. The standout brunch option is the classic Shrimp & Grits, where the freshness of the seafood shines alongside creamy, stone-ground grits. For a lighter start, the garden omelet loaded with seasonal vegetables is a reliable hit.
Swamp Fox’s warmth comes not just from its comfort food, but from its genuine hospitality. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options let everyone at the table find something memorable.
4. Millers All Day
Millers All Day brings a playful energy to brunch on King Street. My first visit pulled me in with the soft hum of the antique mill and the scent of fresh-baked pastries tracing through the air. There’s a real pride in the details, from the décor to the sunny disposition of the staff.
This spot is all about breakfast classics made extraordinary. The Grits Bowl, starring heirloom corn milled right in-house, is the dish that keeps people talking. For something sweet, try the pillowy pancakes—light, golden, and always made to order.
Millers All Day proves that morning comfort food never goes out of style. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free selections mean no one has to miss out on the fun.
5. Early Bird Diner
Early Bird Diner feels like a beloved secret Charleston insists on sharing. My first plate here arrived with a side of nostalgia and a genuine sense of welcome that’s rare these days. The atmosphere always feels bright, easygoing, and a little bit quirky in the best way.
Breakfast rules the menu, but brunch regulars know to try their famous Chicken & Waffles (with a vegetarian substitute available). The crunch and sweetness balance perfectly, the kind of dish you remember for ages. Biscuits, pancakes, and fresh fruit bowls are reliable go-tos, each made with real care for flavor and quality.
The Early Bird’s friendly service, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices, and all-day breakfast make it a must-stop for cozy brunch sessions in West Ashley.
6. Magnolias
Magnolias is where you go when you crave a taste of Southern tradition with a polished touch. The first time I walked through the doors, I was greeted by sunlight pouring over crisp linens, and servers who instinctively know when you need just a little more sweet tea.
This dining room is famous for Lowcountry comfort elevated with fresh, local ingredients. For brunch, the crab cake benedict and the creamy stone-ground grits shine. Each bite captures the balance of bold flavor and careful technique Magnolias is known for.
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options mean everyone finds a seat at the table. Magnolias makes brunch a memorable celebration of Southern hospitality and flavor, every single time.
7. Breizh Pan Crepes & Deli
+1 843-872-8737
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Breizh Pan Crepes & Deli is where French charm and Charleston brightness collide. My first bite of their crepe made me pause, the edges crispy, the center soft and filled with fresh, inventive flavors. The café’s cozy corners invite you to linger with a second cappuccino and a good book.
The menu covers every craving, from classic buckwheat galettes to sunny omelets and flaky, fresh croissants. For brunch, a savory veggie crepe or a simple bagel with house-made spread is a great start, both bursting with carefully selected ingredients.
Breizh has a knack for blending tradition and creativity, making every visit a little celebration. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options mean you’ll find something ideal, no matter your mood.
8. Eli’s Table
Eli’s Table carries the spirit of Charleston—warm, inviting, and quietly impressive. The time I slipped into a window seat for brunch, I found myself savoring both the sunlight and the subtle surprises spread across my plate. Each bite here feels like a thoughtful conversation between world flavors and local produce.
The menu brings modern twists to classic brunch fare. Try the sweet potato pancakes or the roasted vegetable frittata, both highlighting seasonal ingredients and bold, balanced flavors. The care in the kitchen really shows, making every dish a little brighter than expected.
It’s the perfect spot for those who want their brunch with a side of creativity. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options mean there’s plenty for everyone to discover.
9. The Glass Onion
The Glass Onion brings that unbeatable neighborhood vibe to Charleston’s brunch scene. My first meal here was a gentle reminder of how Southern warmth shines through a menu crafted with heart. The relaxed space hums with locals, which is always a good sign.
This spot has built its name on serving farm-fresh, locally inspired comfort food. For brunch, the seasonal veggie quiche or the creamy grits bowl—crafted with local produce—are both must-try picks. Every dish feels deeply personal, true to the chef’s Alabama roots and New Orleans inspiration, yet steeped in Lowcountry tradition.
If you’re looking for a place that celebrates local flavor and kindness, The Glass Onion delivers. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options guarantee everyone can join the table.
10. The Palmetto Cafe
The Palmetto Cafe feels like an oasis of calm in the heart of downtown. My first brunch here was bathed in gentle sunlight, surrounded by greenery that set a relaxed, sophisticated mood. This is the sort of spot where time seems to stretch, inviting you to linger over every bite.
The menu is known for its fresh local ingredients and a refined Southern twist. The garden omelet, packed with herbs and seasonal vegetables, is a standout. Their buttermilk biscuits come perfectly flaky and warm—a small luxury that’s uniquely Charleston.
The Palmetto Cafe blends quiet elegance with soulful Lowcountry flavor. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free offerings ensure everyone finds something delicious and memorable.
More Things to Try in Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does brunch usually start in Charleston, SC?
Most Charleston brunch spots open between 9 and 10 a.m., with last call for brunch menus typically around 2 or 3 p.m., especially on weekends.
Do I need a reservation for brunch in Charleston?
Reservations are recommended for popular spots, especially downtown and during spring or fall weekends. Walk-ins are welcome at many cafes, but be prepared for a short wait during peak hours.
Are there good vegetarian or vegan brunch options in Charleston?
Absolutely. Many restaurants highlight vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes, so plant-based eaters will feel right at home.
Are children welcome at Charleston brunch restaurants?
Yes. Most brunch restaurants are family-friendly, offering kids’ menus or half-portions on request.
What brunch dishes is Charleston known for?
Brunch in Charleston showcases shrimp & grits, biscuits, fresh fruit, pancakes, and inventive omelets. You’ll also spot local produce and nods to Lowcountry tradition on many menus.
Is outdoor seating common for brunch in Charleston?
Many restaurants offer outdoor seating in courtyards or sidewalk patios, letting you soak up the sun and city buzz while enjoying brunch.