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Diners' Choice: American restaurants in Charleston

OpenTable

Updated April 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall American cuisine in Charleston? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

A photo of La Rustica restaurant

4.8

4.8 (119)

$30 and under

American

Summerville

About the restaurant

Coming Soon!

Top review

B

Bob

Dined 7 days ago

As always, the food and service (Sarah)at La Rustica were excellent. We look forward to our next visit.

A photo of Crave Kitchen & Cocktails restaurant

Crave Kitchen & Cocktails

4.6

4.6 (3422)

$30 and under

American

Mount Pleasant

About the restaurant

***OUR PATIO IS NOW "OPEN AIR" AND, THEREFORE A WEATHER-PERMITTING DINING AREA***

Located just over the bridge from Isle of Palms, within The Shoppes at Seaside Farms, Crave proudly serves superb dining and classic cocktails to Mount Pleasant residents & low-country visitors.

We are proud members of Fresh On The Menu, a certified SC grown initiative with a heavy focus on locally-produced products. Our Chef is extremely sensitive to dietary restrictions and sensitivities, resulting in over 20% of our menu being able to accommodate guest allergies and food sensitivities.

Top review

H

Heidi

Dined 3 days ago

They have a fabulous gluten free menu and knowledgeable wait staff!

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A photo of Country-Fried Chicken BLT of a restaurant

Country-Fried Chicken BLT

A photo of Chicken Marsala of a restaurant

Chicken Marsala

A photo of Chicken Caesar Salad of a restaurant

Chicken Caesar Salad

A photo of Oscar's of Summerville restaurant

Oscar's of Summerville

4.7

4.7 (48)

$31 to $50

American

Summerville

About the restaurant

Oscar's of Summerville is an upscale casual restaurant that specializes in serving traditional American favorites and other creative cuisine. Oscar's of Summerville offers a full-service bar, seating in the main dining room or lounge as well as a porch or private banquet room. The menu features small plates of steamed PEI mussels, smoked gouda grit cakes, lump crab cakes, jumbo shrimp cocktail, cheesy mushrooms and coconut fried shrimp. Other offerings at Oscar's of Summerville include soups, sides and grilled entrées. Items off the grill are served with choice of side, sauce and salad. Additional entrées include grilled chicken breast, chicken carbonara and shrimp and grits.

Top review

M

Michael

Dined 2 days ago

Our first visit here; went for a birthday and anniversary. The service was outstanding; the seating can be 'quite close together' as they were seating only in the first section of the restaurant. We really enjoyed the calamari appetizer. As for main dishes, one selection was 'very tough' and they re-made a complete dish, which we took home. Our server suggested a favorite dessert; their Burnt Basque Cheesecake and it was definitely 5 stars. A must try if you are a cheesecake fan.

A photo of Peninsula Grill restaurant

Peninsula Grill

4.6

4.6 (8117)

$50 and over

American

Downtown Charleston

About the restaurant

Peninsula Grill is an AAA Four-Diamond restaurant located in the heart of Charleston’s renowned Historic District. It has garnered recognition from prestigious publications such as Departures, Condé Nast Traveler, Food & Wine, The New York Times, Southern Living, Travel + Leisure, and Wine Spectator.

The Peninsula Grill Dining Room exudes the luxurious atmosphere of a supper club, with velvet-lined walls in shimmering oyster tones, woven seagrass accents, and indigenous cypress molding. Adjacent to the dining area, the Peninsula Grill Champagne Bar is an intimate jewel-box space offering a selection of champagnes.

A proud member of Relais & Châteaux, an exclusive collection of exceptional restaurants and hotels in romantic destinations worldwide, Peninsula Grill invites guests to experience unparalleled dining. Business casual attire is requested, with collared shirts required for gentlemen in the Dining Room.

Top review

T

ThomasVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Outstanding food and service. Our waiter, Rick was very helpful in helping us understand the each selection and offer alternatives when one main dish had sold out. Great service

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A photo of The Ultimate Coconut Cake of a restaurant

The Ultimate Coconut Cake

A photo of Diver Scallops of a restaurant

A photo of California Dreaming - Charleston - Priority Seating restaurant

California Dreaming - Charleston - Priority Seating

4.5

4.5 (3325)

$30 and under

American

West Ashley

About the restaurant

Since 1987, California Dreaming has been a proud part of the Charleston, SC community. Our spacious, open setting features floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views of the Ashley River, creating the perfect backdrop for a lively night out. You can also enjoy these panoramic views from our wrap-around deck, complete with a bar and easily accessible by boat. Whether you're craving low country favorites or our famous prime rib, California Dreaming is a favorite among both locals and tourists.

**Please note that we provide Advance Priority Seating to reduce wait times and expedite the seating process when your entire party arrives. To ensure the best experience for all guests, we seat groups of up to 6. While larger groups are seated separately, this arrangement is flexible during quieter hours.

Top review

J

Jeanmarie

Dined 4 days ago

There was 6 in our party. The service waiters were right on top of everything. Food great. Service great.

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A photo of Seafood Nachos of a restaurant

A photo of Filet Mignon of a restaurant

A photo of Crab Cakes of a restaurant

A photo of Port of Call - Food & Brew restaurant

Port of Call - Food & Brew

4.4

4.4 (28)

$31 to $50

American

Downtown Charleston

About the restaurant

Port of Call in Charleston offers a fusion of coastal charm and culinary innovation. With a menu celebrating Southern classics with a modern twist, impeccable service, and an inviting ambiance, it's a culinary gem for locals and visitors alike. Come savor the essence of Southern hospitality and excellence at Port of Call.

Top review

T

tomboysuze

Dined on Apr 20, 2025

It was a perfect low key Easter brunch for out of towners after mass.

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A photo of Port of Call Happy Hour of a restaurant

Port of Call Happy Hour

A photo of The Refuge restaurant

4.6

4.6 (629)

$30 and under

American

Isle of Palms

About the restaurant

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Charleston sits The Refuge in Isle of Palms. This family owned and operated venue is sure to please all.
Here at The Refuge, we take pride in pleasing the palates of locals and tourists alike. Our experienced staff stands behind the recipes on our menu, and use only the freshest ingredients to ensure an unforgettable dining experience. The coastal location of The Refuge is complimented by our modern and sophisticated design, which brings an upscale aesthetic to dining in Isle of Palms.
The Refuge offers an array of menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner to fit the schedule of any island dweller. Brunch enthusiasts can take refuge in our Weekend Tide menu, overflowing with delicious creations like baked avocado and egg, or stacks of buttermilk pancakes. With a coffee bar for coffee lovers and a restaurant for foodies,

Top review

J

Jami

Dined 4 days ago

Best Tuna Tartare on island Trigger Fish dish and crab cakes were so delicious Cocktails were just right

A photo of Church and Union - Charleston restaurant

Church and Union - Charleston

4.6

4.6 (8884)

$31 to $50

American

Downtown Charleston

About the restaurant

A 5th Street Group Concept. Modern-American cuisine served in a casual yet refined atmosphere. Menu by Executive Chef Doug Watson & Bravo Top Chef Alum Chef Partner Jamie Lynch.

Top review

J

Jeffrey

Dined 1 day ago

Outstanding service and quality. Would highly recommend.

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A photo of Filet Mignon of a restaurant

A photo of Fried Chicken of a restaurant

A photo of House Burger of a restaurant

A photo of Tavern & Table restaurant

4.5

4.5 (2747)

$30 and under

American

Mount Pleasant

About the restaurant

Tavern & Table is the dream child of Cecil & Dianne Crowley, Andy Palmer & Jeff Condon. After years of working together on various successful restaurant concepts, they wanted to bring together the very best aspects of fine dining and casual hospitality in a beautiful and comfortable setting. Tavern & Table is more than a restaurant, it was created to be a gathering place where people sit in comfort and share small plates for the table or enjoy a hearty meal. The bartenders know the fine art of cocktail making and their interest in flavor and presentation comes alive in not only in the food but in barrel aged cocktails that are created in-house.

Top review

J

JoanVIP

Dined 2 days ago

This was my fourth visit to Tavern and Table. The food is consistently good. And, such a beautiful location! Service was great. I like the lunch menu better than the dinner menu. Had the tuna poke bowl-soo good!

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A photo of Fish & Chips of a restaurant

A photo of Roasted Chicken of a restaurant

Roasted Chicken

A photo of Shrimp & Grits of a restaurant

A photo of The Peacock Charleston restaurant

The Peacock Charleston

4.4

4.4 (341)

$31 to $50

American

Downtown Charleston

About the restaurant

The Peacock is an art deco-inspired setting with distinct spaces on each floor - spanning 12,000 sq ft. We offer something for everyone at any time of day. The main dining will be open Monday through Thursday from 4:00pm to 10:00pm for dinner (and stays open until 2 a.m. for cocktails), 11:30am-3:00pm for lunch/brunch Friday-Sunday, transitioning into dinner service from 3:00pm until 10:30pm for kitchen hours, serving drinks at the bar until 2am. Our second-floor peacock lounge opens Friday & Saturday at 5 p.m. and stays open until 2 a.m (also available for private rentals.) On the second floor, you will find V's our entertainment space where you can see a show or have a VIP experience dancing the night away. Finally, experience the splendor of a Charleston evening from our rooftop bar/lounge. We also offer three VIP areas for reservations on the roof (they seat 10-12 people and have private TVs). We look forward to hosting you at the Peacock!

Top review

M

Michael

Dined 5 days ago

The overall experience was great! The only reason it didn't get 5 stars across the board is because there are few places I've been in my life that are perfect in every way. This is one of the best places in Charleston.

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A photo of Caesar Salad of a restaurant

A photo of Crispy Chicken Sandwich of a restaurant

Crispy Chicken Sandwich

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