Charleston City Paper: Best of Charleston 2025

Scott Suchy

photo illustration

BEST of 2025

COME IN. CHILL OUT.

Red’s is the perfect getaway to enjoy what the Lowcountry offers us daily! For over 20 years locals and visitors alike have taken in the sights and sounds of Historic Shem Creek from our dock. Our diverse menu is ideal for fun dinners with friends & family and we’re consistently voted the best place to bring out - of - town visitors.

LIVE MUSIC

FRIDAY 5/16

SMALL TOWN H EROES

SATURDAY 5/17

VYNL

SUNDAY 5/18

JUSTIN HODGE

Best Drag Performer Patti O’Furniture

Best Drag Show Dudley’s on Ann

Best Female Vocalist Lauren Hall

Best House/Cover Band The Midnight City

Best Instruction of the Arts

Redux Contemporary Art Center

Best Jazz & Blues Club Charleston Pour House

Best Karaoke Night Bangkok Lounge

Best Local Actor Who Performed in 2024

Tyler Durham - The Late Game

Best Local Actress Who Performed in 2024

Katie Fleming - Eurydice at Flowertown Players

Best Local Author Mary Alice Monroe

Best Local Band The Yacht Club

Best Local Comedian Sara Meagan

Best Local Foodie Influencer

Christine England, Lowcountry Eat Out

Best Local Lifestyle Influencer Bill Olson

Best Local Podcast Charleston Time Machine

Best Local Poet

Joey Tucker/ Mr. Enlightenment

Best Local Radio Personality Brooke Ryan, Mix 95.9

Best Local Radio Show Two Girls and a Guy

READERS’ PICKS

Best of Charleston is celebrating all things under the sea in 2025, and we’re inviting you to dive into our biggest list yet. Yes, we’re creeping ever closer to that 500mark, with 469 categories of winners this year and more than a dozen new additions. We’ve added new winners for long-awaited areas like Best Dog Walker and Best Wedding Planner and surprise inclusions like Best Place to Take a Tourist and Best Interior Designer. You’ll also notice some tweaks to the organization (check out the new Services section), and a whole new section (Kids and Pets!). Whether you’re just picking this up sometime for date-night ideas or scanning the winner’s list on day one, we hope you pause to appreciate all the hard work our local businesses and community leaders put in every year. Here’s to 2025! —Skyler Baldwin

Attractions

and City Living

Best Apartment Community Hawthorne at Summerville

Best Attraction South Carolina Aquarium

Best Bathroom The Charleston Place

Best Bed & Breakfast Post House Inn

Best Charlestonian (Who isn’t Bill Murray or Darius Rucker) Rob Fowler

Best City Council Member Mike Seekings

Best College College of Charleston

Best County Council Member Jenny Costa Honeycutt

Best Do-Gooder/Activist

Kelly Carroll, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston

Best Farmers Market

Charleston Farmers Market Marion Square

Best Festival

Spoleto Festival USA / Piccolo Spoleto

Best Fundraising Event

Applause for Paws Gala, Charleston Animal Society

Best Hotel The Charleston Place

Best Library Wando Mount Pleasant Library

Best Local Cause Charleston Animal Society

Best Neighborhood Park Circle

Best Place of Worship Seacoast Church

Best Place to Take a Tourist The Battery

Best Place to Work MUSC

Best S.C. Politician Joe Cunningham

Best Sunset Spot Folly Beach

Best Sustainable Business Roots and Shoots Nursery

Best Tour Company Bulldog Tours

Culture, Arts and Entertainment

Best Art Exhibit of 2024 Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibition

Best Art Gallery

Redux Contemporary Art Center

Best Cultural Event Spoleto Festival USA

Best Dance Club The Commodore

Shops and Wares

Best Accessories Palmetto Moon

Best Adult Toy Store Guilty Pleasures

Best Antique Store Mount Pleasant Mall

Best Art Supply Store

Artist & Craftsman Supply

Best Auto Dealer (Domestic) Crews Chevrolet

Best Auto Dealer (Imports) Fred Anderson Toyota

Best Auto Dealer (Luxury) Baker Mercedes

Best Beer Retail Selection

Bottles Beverage Superstore

Best Bookstore (Local) Buxton Books

Best Boutique Two Brunettes

Best Bridal Store Lovely Bride

Best CBD Shop Charleston Hemp Collective

Best Collegiate Store Palmetto Moon

Best Comic Book Shop Captain’s Comics & Toys

Best Consignment (Furniture) Consign Charleston

Best Consignment Store Consign Charleston

Best Corner Store Bert’s Market

Best Eyewear Boutique Shades of Charleston

Best Florist Roadside Blooms

Best Local Theater Company Flowertown Players

Best Local Theater Production of 2024 9 to 5 - Flowertown Players

Best Local TV Anchor

Carolyn Murray, WCBD News 2

Best Local TV Sports Anchor Scott Eisberg, WCIV ABC 4

Best Local TV Station Live 5 News, WCSC

Best Local TV Weather Forecaster Rob Fowler, WCBD News 2

Best Local Visual Artist John Reese

Best Male Vocalist Tristan Lamunion

Best Movie Theater Terrace Theater

Best Museum International African American Museum

Best Music Concert of 2024 Jelly Roll, North Charleston Coliseum

Best Music Instruction School of Rock

Best Musician Charlton Singleton

Best Party of 2024 Party at the Point

Best Performing Arts Group

Charleston Symphony

Best Piccolo or Spoleto Show of 2024 Piccolo Outdoor Art Exhibit

Best Place to See Local Hip-Hop Music Farm

Best Place to See Local Music Charleston Pour House

Best Radio Station 105.5 The Bridge

Best Recording Studio

Charleston Sound Studios

Best Rock Music Club Music Farm

Best Trivia Night

Tip of the Tongue Trivia at Frothy Beard

Best Furniture Store Celadon

Best Garden Store/Nursery Hyams Garden & Accent Store

Best Gift Store Palmetto Moon

Best Grocery Store Publix

Best Hardware Store Lowcountry ACE Hardware

Best Home Accessories Store Celadon

Best Jewelry Store Croghan’s Jewel Box

Best Lighting Store Rick’s Lighting Best Lingerie Store Bits of Lace Fine Lingerie Best Local Clothing Designer Missy Johnson, Black Octopus Mercantile Best Local Farm Boone Hall Farms

Best Local Formal Wear Shop Gwynn’s Best Local Gourmet Grocery Store goat.sheep.cow.

Best Local Liquor Store Bottles Beverage Superstore

Best Local Wine Shop Accent on Wine

Best Locally Based Cannabis Product High Rise Beverage Co.

Best Mall/Shopping Center

Mount Pleasant Towne Centre

Best Men’s Clothing Store M. Dumas

Best Place to Buy Local Seafood

Crosby’s Fish and Shrimp Co.

Best Pop-up Market Feminist Magic Market

Best Record Store Monster Music & Movies

Best Shoe Store Phillips Shoes

Best Smoke Shop Smoke ‘N Brew

Best Sporting Goods Store

Half-Moon Outfitters

Best Stationery Store The Paper Canopy

Best Thrift/Resale Shop

Sea Island Habitat ReStore

Best Tire Store Gerald’s Tires and Brakes

Best Tobacco/Cigar Store Smoke ‘N Brew

Best Vape Shop

Airavata Vapors Mount Pleasant

Best Vintage Clothing Store Red Rose Vintage

Best Vintage Marketplace

The Station Park Circle

Best Wellness Product

High Rise Beverage Co.

Best Women’s Clothing Store Copper Penny

Services

Home Services

Best Carpet Cleaning Company

ServiceMaster Of Charleston

Best Cleaning Service

Southern Comfort Cleaning

Best Closet/Cabinet Company

Closets by Design - Coastal South Carolina

Best Door and Window Installation

New Beginnings Construction, Inc.

Best Electrician/Company Charleston Electric

Best Fencing Arrow Fencing

Best Flooring/Carpet Installation Carpet Baggers

Best Foundation Repair Company

Mount Valley Foundation Services

Best General Contractor

New Beginnings Construction, Inc.

Best Handyman Ace Handyman

Best Heating & Air Company

Carolina Custom Air

Best Home Builder New Leaf Builders

Best Home Painter

Charleston Painting Contractors

Best Home Remodeler

New Beginnings Construction, Inc.

Best Interior Designer Shem Creek Studios

Best Kitchen and Bath Design

Signature Kitchens and Baths

Best Landscaper/Lawn Care

New Leaf Landscape Construction

Best Mortgage Company Alliance Mortgage

Best Moving Company

Professional Movers of Charleston

Best Pest Control Carolina Exterminating

Best Plumber/Company Blitch Plumbing

Best Pool Builder Aqua Blue Pools

Best Pressure Washer Southern Pressure, LLC

Best Roofing Company

New Beginnings Construction, Inc.

Best Solar Panel Company

Second Sunrise Solar

Best Stone & Marble Company

Palmetto Surfacing

Best Storage Company StoMo Mobile

Best Tree Care Company

Charleston Tree Experts

Professional Services

Best Alterations Maria’s Alterations

Best Attorney Mark Peper, Peper Law Firm

Best Attorney (Criminal Defense)

Andy Savage, Savage Law Firm

Best Attorney (DUI)

Mark Peper, Peper Law Firm

Best Attorney (Family Law)

Colleen Condon, Condon Family Law

Best Attorney (Personal Injury)

Mark Peper, Peper Law Firm

Best Attorney (Real Estate)

Doug Laflin, LaflinLaw LLC

Best Auto Body Shop

Ascue’s Auto Body & Paint Shop

Best Auto Service Gerald’s Tires and Brakes

Best Cab Company

Charleston Black Cab Company

Best Car Wash

In And Out Car Wash Charleston

Best Cell Phone Repair UBreakIFix

Best Disaster Recovery Company Boss Disaster

Best Dry Cleaner Waters Dry Cleaning

Best Event Planner Red Devil Events

Best Financial Institution

South Carolina Federal Credit Union

Best Financial Planner

Charlie Capasso, Capasso Planning Partners

Best Funeral Home

J.Henry Stuhr Funeral Home

Best Insurance Agency State Farm Insurance

Best Law Firm The Thumbs Up Guys

Best Limo/Party Bus Company

Charleston Black Cab Company

Best Marketing and PR Firm

Matchstick Social

Best Photographer (Portrait) Simply Stefanee

Best Photographer (Wedding) Taylor Jordan Photography

Best Property Management Company

Curated Vacation Properties

Best Property Management Company (Apartments) The Beach Company

Best Real Estate Company Carolina One

Best Realtor Shana Swain, Carolina One

Best Videographer Jake Kozmor, Koz Films

Best Wedding Planner

Goldbug Wedding and Events

Best Wedding Venue Lowndes Grove

Best Wedding Videographer

Palmetto Wedding Films

Health, Beauty and Fitness

Best Acupuncture Practice Clinic of Acupuncture

Best Acupuncturist

Dr. Zeyi Chen, Clinic of Acupuncture

Best Aesthetic Injector

Dr. Marguerite Germain, Germain Dermatology

Best Aesthetician

Danielle Cios, O’Neill Plastic Surgery

Best Allergy & Asthma

Charleston ENT & Allergy

Best Assisted Living Community Bishop Gadsden

Best Barber Shop The Barber & Shave Shoppe

Best Barre Studio HYLO Fitness

Best Chiropractor Khouri Chiropractic

Best Cycling Studio The Works Cycle

Best Day Spa Woodhouse Day Spa

Best Dental Practice Coastal Family Dentistry

Best Dentist

Dr. Hunter Watson, Coastal Family Dentistry

Best Dermatologist

Dr. Marguerite Germain, Germain Dermatology

Best Dermatology Practice Germain Dermatology

Best Exercise Studio KOR4 ELITE FITNESS

Best Eye Doctor

Dr. Elyse DeWitt, Draisin Vision

Best Eyelash/Eyebrow Salon

Anne Bonny’s Lash & Skin Boutique

Best Fertility Clinic

Coastal Fertility Specialists

Best Gym/Health Club HYLO Fitness

Best Hair Salon Moxie Park Salon

Best Hair Stylist

Skyler Biller Stubbs, Native Salon

Best Hospital

MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital

Best In-Home Healthcare Company Roper St. Francis

Best LASIK Provider

Dr. Kerry Solomon, Carolina Eyecare

Best LGBTQ Counselor/Therapist

Dr. William Bryant, Ralph H Johnson VA

Best Local Pharmacy Dottie’s Pharmacy

Best Massage Therapist

Abigail Morrow, The Massage Room

Best Medical Spa Germain Dermatology

Best Nail Artist

Amelia Scott-Conley, @nailzbymealz

Best Nail Salon Luxia Nail Spa

Best OBGYN

Dr. Kenosha Gleaton, The EpiCentre

Best Oral Surgeon

Dr. Daniel Leach, Exemplar Oral Surgery

Best Orthodontics Practice

Coastal Family Orthodontics/

Coastal Kids

Dental & Braces

Best Orthodontist

Dr. Katie Bullwinkel, Vincent & Bullwinkel Orthodontics

Best Personal Trainer

Jade Salazar, F45 Downtown

Best Physical Therapy Made 2 Move

Best Physician Dr. Jessica Hund, MUSC

Best Piercer Kate Burns, Exotic Impressions

Best Piercing Studio Exotic Impressions

Best Pilates Studio BODYROK Charleston

Best Place to Give Birth Roper St. Francis

Best Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Clayton Crantford, Crantford Costa Ulm Plastic Surgery

Best Plastic Surgery Practice

Crantford Costa Ulm Plastic Surgery

Best Retirement Community Bishop Gadsden

Best Tanning Salon Charleston Glow

Best Tattoo Artist

J.J. Quick, Abracadabra Tattoo Club

Best Tattoo Studio Abracadabra Tattoo Club

Best Therapist Dr. Viktoriya Magid

Best Urgent Care Roper Express Care

Best Waxing Salon

Brazilian Wax & Spa by Claudia

Best Yoga Studio The Works

Kids and Pets

Best Baby Store Under the Almond Trees

Best Charter School

James Island Charter High School

Best Child Psychologist

Dr. Kirstin Gros, MUSC/ Ralph H. Johnson VAMC

Best Children’s Clothing Retailer

Southern Belles: A Children’s Clothier

Best Children’s Consignment Store Once Upon a Child

Best Daycare The Oaks Children’s Academy

Best Dog Park James Island County Park

Best Dog Walking Service

Brown Dog Walking Co.

Best Doggie Day Care

Dog Tired Dog Enrichment Center

Best Kid-Friendly Bar or Restaurant Home Team BBQ

Best Kids Birthday Party Place/Service

Charleston Animal Society

Best Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Isabel Driggers, Coastal Kids Dental & Braces

Best Pediatrician

Dr. Caudle, Sweetgrass Pediatrics

Best Pet Friendly Bar or Restaurant

Lost Dog Cafe

Best Pet Groomer

Dog Tired Dog Enrichment Center

Best Pet Sitting

Dog Tired Dog Enrichment Center

Best Pet Store

Dolittle’s

Best Pet Trainer Poseidon K9 Dog Training

Best Place for Family Fun

Charleston RiverDogs

Best Place for Kids to Play Park Circle Playground

Best Place for Kids to Splash

James Island County Park Splash Zone

Best Place to Adopt Pets

Charleston Animal Society

Best Preschool The Oaks Children’s Academy

Best Private School

Charleston Collegiate School

Best Public School Harbor View Elementary

Best Summer Camps

Charleston Animal Society’s BARK Camps

Best Swim Lessons Charleston Swim School

Best Toy Store Wonder Works

Best Tutoring Service

Katie Reel, @TheReadingReel

Best Veterinarian Patrick Veterinary Clinic

Recreation and Outdoors

Best Bike Shop Mike’s Bikes

Best Boat Repair/Maintenance

Hanckel Marine

Best Bowling Alley Ashley Lanes

Best Dive Shop Carolina Dive Locker

Best Fishing and Tackle Shop

Haddrell’s Point Tackle & Supply

Best Fishing Charter RedFin Charters

Best Golf Course Ocean Course at Kiawah

Best Horseback Riding Lessons

Northern Roots Equestrian Facility

Best Indoor Adventure/Experience

Lumber Jill’s Axe Throwing Lounge

Best Kayak Company Coastal Expeditions

Best Local Athlete Raven Saunders

Best Local Sports Team Charleston RiverDogs

Best Marina Isle of Palms Marina

Best Outdoor Adventure/Experience Coastal Expeditions

Best Outdoor Outfitters

Half-Moon Outfitters

Best Park James Island County Park

Best Party Boat Palmetto Breeze

Best Place to Buy A Boat Hanckel Marine

Best Place to Buy a Golf Cart

Charleston Custom Golf Carts

Best Stand Up Paddleboard Company

Coastal Expeditions

Best Surf Lessons Isla Surf School

Best Surf Shop McKevlin’s Surf Shop

Best Disc Golf Course Park Circle

Best Water Sports Company

Coastal Expeditions

Eating

Best Acai Bowls Huriyali

Best Appetizers Home Team BBQ

Best Asian Fusion Jackrabbit Filly

Best Bagels Ruby’s New York Style Bagels

Best Bakery Baguette Magic

Best Bar Food The Tattooed Moose

Best Barbecue Lewis Barbecue

Best Biscuits Vicious Biscuit

Best Breakfast Millers All Day

Best Brisket Lewis Barbecue

Best Buffet Duke’s

Best Burger Heavy’s Barburger

Best Burrito Santi’s Restaurante Mexicano

Best Caterer Hamby Catering & Events

Best Charcuterie goat.sheep.cow.

Best Cheesesteak Berkeley’s

Best Chicken Fingers Boxcar Betty’s

Best Chinese Jackrabbit Filly

Best Chocolatier

Christophe Artisan Chocolatier & Patissier

Best Daniel Island Brunch The Kingstide

Best Daniel Island Restaurant The Kingstide

Best Deli East Bay Deli

Best Dessert Carmella’s Cafe & Dessert Bar

Best Doughnut Shop Duck Donuts

Best Downtown Brunch Halls Chophouse

Best Downtown Restaurant Halls Chophouse

Best Fine Dining Restaurant Halls Chophouse

Best Folly Beach Brunch Lost Dog Cafe

Best Folly Beach Restaurant Jack of Cups Saloon

Best Food Truck Smash City Burgers

Best French 39 Rue de Jean

Best Fried Chicken

Leon’s Fine Poultry & Oyster Shop

Best Fries The Tattooed Moose

Best Gelato Carmella’s Cafe & Dessert Bar

Best Goose Creek Brunch MOMO Crowfield

Best Goose Creek Restaurant

MOMO Crowfield

Best Gourmet Sandwich da Toscano Porchetta Shop

Best Greek Stella’s

Best Grits Page’s Okra Grill

Best Gyro (Tie) Kairos

Best Gyro (Tie) Platia Greek Goodness

Best Hot Dogs Jack’s Cosmic Dogs

Best Ice Cream Ye Ole Fashioned

Best Indian-Pakistani Food Ma’am Saab

Best IOP Brunch ACME Lowcountry Kitchen

Best IOP Restaurant

ACME Lowcountry Kitchen

Best Italian Wild Olive

Best James Island Brunch Millers All Day

Best James Island Restaurant Mondo’s Italian Restaurant

Best Japanese O-Ku

Best Johns Island Brunch Sunrise Bistro

Best Johns Island Restaurant Wild Olive

Best Late Night Menu The Royal American

Best Local Artisanal Food Product Rio Bertolini’s Pasta

Best Lunch Spot Five Loaves Cafe

Best Mac and Cheese Home Team BBQ

Best Meal Value Santi’s Restaurante Mexicano

Best Meat & 3 Veggies Lewis Barbecue

Best Mexican Restaurant Santi’s Restaurante Mexicano

Best Milkshake Ye Ole Fashioned

Best Mount Pleasant Brunch Page’s Okra Grill

Best Mount Pleasant Restaurant Page’s Okra Grill

Best Nachos Home Team BBQ

Best New Restaurant Lost Isle

Best North Charleston Brunch The Junction Kitchen

Best North Charleston Restaurant Jackrabbit Filly

Best Outdoor Patio Saltwater Cowboys

Best Oysters 167 Raw

Best Pitmaster John Lewis, Lewis Barbecue

Best Pizza - Gourmet EVO Pizzeria

Best Pizza - Traditional D’Allesandro’s Pizza

Best Poke Poke Bros.

Best Pop-Up Restaurant Weems Ramen

Best Private Chef Brett McKee

Best Ramen Weems Ramen

Best Raw Bar 167 Raw Oyster Bar

Best Restaurant Halls Chophouse

Best Restaurant Chef Nico Romo

Best Restaurant for Vegetarians Basic Kitchen

Best Ribs Lewis Barbecue

Best Romantic Restaurant Sorelle

Best Salad California Dreaming

Best Seafood Chubby Fish

Best She-Crab Soup 82 Queen

Best Shrimp & Grits Page’s Okra Grill

Best Soul Food Nigel’s Good Food

Best Steak Halls Chophouse

Best Sub Sandwich / Hoagie Mozzo Deli

Best Sullivan’s Island Brunch Obstinate Daughter

Best Sullivan’s Island Restaurant Obstinate Daughter

Best Summerville Brunch Page’s Okra Grill

Best Summerville Restaurant Laura

Best Sushi Locals Sushi & Sports Pub

Best Tacos El Molino Supermarket

Best Takeout Home Team BBQ

Best Tapas Malagón

Best Thai Basil

Best Tots Home Team BBQ

Best Vietnamese Bon Banh Mi

Best Wait Staff Halls Chophouse

Best Waterfront Dining Fleet Landing

Best Weekend Brunch Halls Chophouse

Best West Ashley Brunch Early Bird Diner

Best West Ashley Restaurant Home Team BBQ

Best Wings Home Team BBQ

Drinking

Best Activity Bar Pinky & Clyde’s Arcade Bar

Best Adult Establishment King Street Cabaret

Best Arcade Bar Pinky & Clyde’s Arcade Bar

Best Authentic Pub Madra Rua

Best Bar Staff Moe’s Crosstown Tavern

Best Bartender Morgan Coyne, Bohemian Bull & Lost Isle

Best Beer Selection on Tap Edmund’s Oast

Best Bloody Mary Blind Tiger Pub

Best Bottled Beer Gene’s Haufbrau

Best Bouncers Recovery Room Tavern

Best Bubble/Boba Tea Ha Long Cafe

Best Cheap Beer Deal Recovery Room Tavern

Best Cocktails Félix Cocktails et Cuisine

Best Coffee Roaster Second State Coffee

Best Coffee Shop Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer

Best Cold Beer (Tie) Gene’s Haufbrau

Best Cold Beer (Tie) Low Tide Brewing

Best Daniel Island Bar New Realm Brewing Co.

Best Daniel Island Happy Hour New Realm Brewing Co. Best Distillery Firefly Distillery Best Downtown Bar The Royal American Best Downtown Happy Hour The Blind Tiger Pub

Best Folly Beach Bar Chico Feo

Best Folly Beach Happy Hour Chico Feo

Best Frozen Drinks

The Co-Op Gourmet Sandwiches

Best Goose Creek Bar Charleston Sports Pub

Best Happy Hour Pearlz Oyster Bar

Best IOP Bar The Windjammer

Best IOP Happy Hour The Windjammer

Best James Island Bar Bohemian Bull

Best James Island Happy Hour Bohemian Bull

Best Johns Island Bar Low Tide Brewing

Best Johns Island Happy Hour Low Tide Brewing

Best Juice / Smoothie Bar Huriyali

Best Late Night Bar The Royal American Best LGBTQ Bar Dudley’s on Ann

At The Oaks, we believe childhood should be full of joy, curiosity, comfort, and discovery

Our goal is to create a safe, supportive space where kids feel loved, encouraged, and free to grow at their own pace We offer highquality, age-appropriate early learning experiences that help children build confidence, connect with others, and develop socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually

Best Local Beer Can Design Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co.

Best Local Brewery Holy City Brewing

Best Local Brewery Taproom

Best Local Cocktail Mixer

Holy City Brewing

Charleston Bloody Mary Mix

Best Local Spirit Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka

Best Locally Brewed Beer

Best No Frills Watering Hole Gene’s Haufbrau

Best Non-Alcoholic Beverage

High Rise Seltzers

Best North Charleston Bar Holy City Brewing

Best North Charleston Happy Hour Commonhouse Aleworks

Best Place for a Bachelor Party Uptown Social

Best Place for a Bachelorette Party Republic Garden & Lounge

Best Rooftop Bar Rooftop at The Vendue

Best SoBar/Non-Alcoholic Bar

Sweatman’s Garden

Because here at The Oaks, we know that from tiny acorns, mighty oaks grow

Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co., Something Cold

Best Locally Brewed Gose/Sour Snafu Brewing Company, Keeping It Teal

Best Locally Brewed IPA

Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co., Bound By Time

Best Sommelier

Brittany Olson, Love and Bunches

Best Sports Bar Charleston Sports Pub

Best Sullivan’s Island Bar Home Team BBQ

Thank you for voting us

Best Locally Brewed Lager Holy City Brewing, Pilsner

Best Locally Brewed Porter/Stout Holy City Brewing, Pluff Mud Porter

Best Margarita Santi’s Restaurante Mexicano

Best Martini Halls Chophouse

Best Mount Pleasant Bar Red’s Ice House

Best Mount Pleasant Happy Hour Red’s Ice House

Best Neighborhood Bar Moe’s Crosstown Tavern

Best New Bar All My Exes

Best Sullivan’s Island Happy Hour Home Team BBQ

Best Summerville Bar The Icehouse

Best Summerville Happy Hour

Frothy Beard Off World

Best Upscale Bar Marbled & Fin

Best Waterfront Bar Red’s Ice House

Best West Ashley Bar Gene’s Haufbrau

Best West Ashley Happy Hour

Gene’s Haufbrau

Best Wine Bar Avondale Wine & Cheese

Best Wine Selection (Bar/Restaurant) Avondale Wine & Cheese

Best Do-Gooder

Kelly Carroll

Kelly Carroll serves with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston, coordinating events

small and large

Voted BEST CITY COUNCIL MEMBER

There is no shortage in the Charleston area for fun stuff to do — from the frequent festivals and world-class events to the community celebrations that distinguish the Lowcountry across the world. Every year like clockwork, visitors get the Best of Charleston weekly starting with the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition and continuing with the Bridge Run. Then comes Spoleto Festival USA and companion Piccolo Spoleto, followed by lazy beach days, Charleston Wine + Food, big concerts, fabulous parties, farmers markets, street happenings and more. There truly is something for everybody — and just about every weekend of the year (Remember to check our weekly picks of fun stuff to do). For now in this annual Attractions and Living section of the Best of Charleston awards, you’ll find winners and events that you’ll want to mark on your calendar and visit soon — like what readers say is the area’s Best Restroom (inside The Charleston Place). —Andy Brack

Best Apartment Community Hawthorne at Summerville

9000 Palm Passage Loop. Summerville (843) 508-2851 hawthorneatsummerville.com

RUNNER-UP: The Jasper

Best Attraction South Carolina Aquarium

100 Aquarium Wharf. Downtown (843) 577-3474 scaquarium.org

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Haunted Jail Tour

Best Bathroom Off the lobby of The Charleston Place

205 Meeting St. Downtown (800) 641-5545 charlestonplace.com

RUNNER-UP: City Lights Eastside

Best Bed & Breakfast Post House Inn

101 Pitt St. Mount Pleasant (843) 203-7678 theposthouseinn.com

RUNNER-UP: John Rutledge House Inn

Best Charlestonian (who isn’t Bill Murray or Darius Rucker) Rob Fowler

RUNNER-UP: Bill Walsh

Best City Council Member Mike

RUNNER-UP: Ross Appel

Best Attraction

South Carolina Aquarium

Charleston is home to one of the largest aquariums in the Southeast, boasting dozens of fresh and saltwater exhibits

Best College College of Charleston

66 George St. Downtown (843) 805-5507

charleston.edu

RUNNER-UP: Medical University of South Carolina

In celebration and as a thank you to our voters, use code CITY25 for 10% off any of our history or ghost tours. Our engaging, friendly, licensed guides are ready to help you learn something you didn’t know about the place you call home. Valid thru August 31, 2025.

Attractions and City Living

Best County Council Member Jenny Costa Honeycutt, James Island

RUNNER-UP: Kylon Middleton, West Ashley

Best Do-Gooder/Activist Kelly Carroll, Ronald McDonald House

Runner-Up: Kay Hyman, Charleston Animal Society

Best Farmers Market Charleston Farmers Market

329 Meeting St. Downtown (843) 724-7305 charlestonfarmersmarket.com

RUNNER-UP: Sunday Brunch Farmers Market, Pour House, James Island

Best Festival

Spoleto Festival USA/ Piccolo Spoleto Festival

Various locations. Downtown (843) 579-3100 spoletousa.org | piccolospoleto.org

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Wine+Food Festival

Best Fundraising Event Applause for Paws Gala, Charleston Animal Society

2455 Remount Road. North Charleston (843) 747-4849 charlestonanimalsociety.org

RUNNER-UP: Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic

Roots and Shoots Nursery

The early days of Roots and Shoots Nursery, a Wappoo Road business dedicated to native and edible plants, depended more on owner David Manger’s landscaping work than the plant business. But after a lot of time, work, experimentation and sweat, the business hired its first employee in 2018. And it’s been growing like gangbusters since.

It moved to Wappoo Road around the time that the pandemic hit. As the business grew — remember all of those backyard pandemic gardens? — Manger pivoted away from landscaping to focus on an increasing demand for native plants. And these days, the company supplies a broad variety of plants and fruits that thrive throughout the Southeast.

“In the end, it’s really you, our supportive and enthusiastic community of native plant and sustainable gardeners that make us possible,” according to the company website. “We’ve made so many friends along our journey, and we’re excited to continue healing our extraordinary world with a never ending supply of plants.”

Manger, a bioengineer who hiked the Appalachian Trail after college, today adds that his personal goal is “to bring people closer to fulfilling wonders of nature!” —Andy Brack

Consider a nonprofit donation to the S.C. Institute for Independent Journalism to help to keep local arts reporting alive. Your contribution will fund grants to weekly newspapers like the Charleston City Paper

Best Sustainable Business

Ashley Stanol

THANK YOU TO ALL THE CITY PAPER READERS THAT VOTED FOR JOE CUNNINGHAM FOR BEST SOUTH CAROLINA POLITICIAN IN 2025!

PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY

Best Hotel

The Charleston Place

205 Meeting St. Downtown (800) 611-5545

charlestonplace.com

RUNNER-UP: Hotel Bennett

Best Library Wando Mount Pleasant Library

1400 Carolina Park Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 805-6888

ccpl.org/branches/wando-mount-pleasant

RUNNER-UP: Main downtown branch

Best Local Cause Charleston Animal Society

2455 Remount Road. North Charleston (843) 747-4849

charlestonanimalsociety.org

RUNNER-UP: East Cooper Community Outreach

Best Neighborhood Park Circle

North Charleston facebook.com/pcncsc

RUNNER-UP: Old Village, Mount Pleasant

Best Place of Worship Seacoast Church

Various locations seacoast.org

RUNNER-UP: Circular Congregational Church, Downtown.

Best Place to Take a Tourist The Battery Downtown

RUNNER-UP: City Market. Downtown

Wando Mount Pleasant Library

The northern Mount Pleasant area got a brand new library in Carolina Park in 2019 to relieve crowding at the 1970s-era Mount Pleasant Library on Mathis Ferry Road. Fueled by a 2014 voter referendum for new libraries across the county, the Wando Mount Pleasant Library is an airy 40,000 square-foot building by award-winning LS3P architecture firm, which won three awards for its design.

Among the creative elements of the building is an “oculus,” which is a unique and tall fish-scaled lighting element in the children’s area that is kind of like a mini-smokestack that lets in light to create an inviting and playful reading space. In addition to a dedicated area for children, the library includes meeting rooms, study rooms, areas for teens and adults plus maker spaces, creative studios and a digital design studio. The Wando Mount Pleasant Library offers multiple spaces and niches for contemplation and reading. There’s also a 250-seat auditorium for community meetings.

Outside, there is an expansive patio and bermed seating for inviting spaces that are perfect for storytelling events. There’s even a bioswale at the window that blurs the lines between the inside and outside of the building.

“We wanted to create a place encouraging imagination, reflection and access to multimedia information for a multigenerational user group,” one designer said in 2019. This library succeeded. —Andy Brack

Best Do-Gooder

Kelly Carroll

Wadmalaw Island resident Kelly Carroll, a hometown girl with a giving streak longer than your arm, says she was surprised that readers named her Best Do-Gooder and Activist in the 2005 Best of Charleston readers’ contest.

“It’s an honor to win,” said Carroll, who grew up on Folly Beach. “However I typically do nothing alone and work alongside some incredible people to accomplish many things.”

Nominated by a colleague at the Ronald McDonald House downtown, she says she benefitted from being known throughout the community that keeps her busy.

While her day job as guest services coordinator has her helping kids with cancer at the Ronald McDonald House — everything from organizing an Easter Egg Hunt

to special birthday celebrations — Carroll spends a lot of her extracurricular time working to make things better in Charleston, too. She’s on, for example, a nonprofit board of 35 women that has raised $1 million for local nonprofits in 13 years. She’s also on boards to help breast cancer patients, those in boating accidents and foster parents who need life essentials for the kids they’re tending. After Hurricane Helene, she banded with others to help ravaged North Carolina communities.

Mother to six and grandmother to eight, Carroll says she gives and gives because she’s thankful.

“It is important to give back, serve your community, the community you know,” she said. “I love where I live. I appreciate my community and what it has to offer.” —Andy Brack

Scott Suchy photo illustration

Best Library

Photos courtesy CCPL

Joe Cunningham

From his surprise win for Congress in 2018 through his unsuccessful run for governor in 2022, Joe Cunningham always stressed the importance of service over party or ideology. And today, as he practices law and ponders his future in politics, that’s still what it’s all about for him, he recently told the City Paper

“My goal has always been to help people out, and these days I’m putting that energy into my practice,” he said. “With legal cases and even politics, we get calls all the time. And so my office has become a kind of hub for helping people and getting them pointed in the right direction. It’s an honor that people still put their faith in me.”

But that doesn’t mean he’s not open to another run for public office.

“I share a lot of people’s disappointment with what’s going on right now in politics,” he said. “And I don’t think it’s a reflection of who we are as South Carolinians or Americans. I want to continue to serve the people of our city and state in some form or fashion, and it’s just a matter of when that opportunity comes up. I don’t think my time in politics is done.” —Jack O’Toole

RUNNER-UP: Palmetto Carriage Works Attractions and City Living

RUNNER-UP: Shem Creek, Mount Pleasant Best Sustainable Business Roots and Shoots Nursery

1108 Wappoo Road. West Ashley (843) 633-1429 rootsandshootsnursery.com

RUNNER-UP: SMART Recycling, North Charleston Best Tour Company Bulldog Tours 18 Anson St. Downtown (843) 722-8687 bulldogtours.com

Best S.C. Politician

Ashley Stanol

Best Local Comedian Sara Meagan

Catch Sara Meagan at open mic nights at Wit’s End or at one of her many, many gigs booked around the Lowcountry

2024 brought a year of riches for art, culture and entertainment in the Charleston area with riveting theatrical performances, stellar concerts, dynamic musical shows and visual arts presentations that gave pleasure and made people think. As always, audiences delighted to improv at Theatre 99, live music at the Music Farm and Charleston Pour House and stage presentations by Flowertown Players, Pure Theatre, Charleston Stage, the Footlight Players and more. The year’s two big festivals — Spoleto Festival USA and Piccolo Spoleto Festival — continued to provide local and global audiences with everything from opera and chamber music to jazz and visual arts. With all this in mind, artists and audiences across the Charleston area have a lot to celebrate at this year’s Best of Charleston party. —Andy Brack

Best Art Exhibit of 2024 Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibition

Marion Square. Downtown piccolospoleto.com

RUNNER-UP: Kulture Clash

Best Art Gallery

Redux Contemporary Art Center

1056 King St. Charleston (843) 722-0697 reduxstudios.org

RUNNER-UP: Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art

Best Art Instruction

Redux Contemporary Art Center

1056 King St. Charleston (843) 722-0697 reduxstudios.org

RUNNER-UP: Palmetto City Ballet

Best Cultural Event

Spoleto Festival USA

Various locations. Downtown (843) 579-3100 spoletousa.org

RUNNER-UP: Black Food Truck Festival

Best Dance Club

The Commodore

504 Meeting St. Downtown thecommodorechs.com

RUNNER-UP: Dudley’s on Ann

Best Drag Queen

Patti O’Furniture allaboutpatti.com

RUNNER-UP: Medusa Chaos

Best Drag Show

Dudley’s on Ann

42 Ann St. Downtown (843) 577-6779 dudleys42ann.com

RUNNER-UP: YASS Queen Bingo at Holy City Brewing

Best Female Vocalist Lauren Hall laurenhallmusic.com

RUNNER-UP: Alicia “Red”

Best House/Cover Band

The Midnight City themidnightcityband.com

RUNNER-UP: Old Soul

Best Jazz & Blues Club

Charleston Pour House

1977 Maybank Hwy. James Island (843) 571-4343 charlestonpourhouse.com

RUNNER-UP: The Commodore

Best Karaoke Night

Bangkok Lounge

353 King St. Downtown thebangkoklounge.com

RUNNER-UP: Tin Roof

Best Local Actor Who Performed in 2024

Tyler Durham, The Late Game (movie)

RUNNER-UP: Tommy Wallace, Flowertown Players

Best Local Lifestyle Influencer

Bill Olsen

If you pay attention to Instagram, you are sure to have seen Charleston Realtor Bill Olson (@the.bill.olson) sharing local news updates on everything from a new restaurant to fun facts and stories about the area. With more than 34,000 followers, he says he keeps up with news so you will have more free time. (We still want you to pick up the City Paper!)

Being named by City Paper readers as the best local lifestyle influencer is a big deal for him.

“It gives me even more drive to keep pushing myself to create more and better content, as well as reaching a larger audience to help boost my career,” he said. “As a Realtor, this has helped build massive brand awareness and trust as the agent who knows everything that is going on around town, thus helping my clients make the best decisions when buying or selling their home. I was once told, “fame is the best business model,” and this has definitely helped me achieve that.”

He recalls he began his Instagram feed as a way to help real estate clients keep up to speed on what was happening.

But it “has grown into something far larger than I could have imagined. I am incredibly grateful.” —Andy Brack

Best Local Actress Who Performed in 2024

Katie Fleming, Eurydice at Flowertown Players

RUNNER-UP: Lizzie Mears

Best Local Author

Mary Alice Monroe maryalicemonroe.com

RUNNER-UP: Angie Mizzell

Best Local Band

The Yacht Club smoothsailingrock.com

RUNNER-UP: OldSoul

Best Local Comedian

Sara Meagan

RUNNER-UP: Josh Bates

Best Local Lifestyle Influencer

Bill Olson @the.bill.olson

RUNNER-UP: Beaufort Blonde

Best Local Foodie Influencer

Christine England, Lowcountry Eat Out lowcountryeatout.com

RUNNER-UP: Cookin’ with Booze

Best Local Podcast

Charleston Time Machine www.ccpl.org/charleston-time-machine

RUNNER-UP: Midnight Terrors Podcast

Museum

International African American Museum

Dr. Tonya Matthews serves as the president and CEO of

Best Local Actor Who Performed in 2024

Tyler Durham, The Late Game

Locally filmed The Late Game highlights the ups and downs of a beer hockey league

Best Local Poet Joey Tucker, Mr. Enlightenment

passdalight.com/

RUNNER-UP: Marcus Amaker

Best Local Radio Personality Brooke Ryan, Mix 95.9 WMXZ

mix959.com

RUNNER-UP: T.J. Phillips, Mix 95.9

Best Local Radio Show Two Girls and a Guy, Mix 95.9 WMXZ

mix959.com

RUNNER-UP: Hall & Dopes, 92.5 Kickin’ Country

Best Local Theater Company Flowertown Players

133 S. Main St. Summerville (843) 875-9251 flowertownplayers.org

RUNNER-UP: Theater 99

Best Local Theater Production 9 to 5, Flowertown Players

133 S. Main St. Summerville (843) 875-9251 flowertownplayers.org

RUNNER-UP:

Beauty and the Beast, Flowertown Players

Best Local TV Anchor

Carolyn Murray, WCBD News 2

RUNNER-UP: Shelbey Robert, Live 5 News

JOHN REESE VOTED BEST LOCAL VISUAL ARTIST

Courtesy The Late Game

ThanksCharleston!

Culture, Arts and Entertainment

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

Best Local TV Sports Anchor Scott Eisbert, WCIV ABC 4

RUNNER-UP: Summer Huechtker, Live 5 News

Best Local TV Station Live 5 News, WCSC

RUNNER-UP: WCBD News 2

Best Local TV Weather Forecaster Rob Fowler, WCBD News 2

RUNNER-UP: Bill Walsh, Live 5 News

Best Local Visual Artist John Reese

@reese.designs

RUNNER-UP: Scott Penegar

Best Male Vocalist Tristan Lamunion

@tristanlamunionsmusic

RUNNER-UP: Alan Price

Best Movie Theater Terrace Theater

1956 Maybank Hwy. James Island (843) 762-9494

terracetheater.com

RUNNER-UP: Citadel Mall Stadium 16

Best Museum International African American Museum

14 Wharfside St. Downtown. (843) 872-5352

iaamuseum.org

RUNNER-UP: Gibbes Museum of Art

Two Girls and a Guy

With about a decade of consecutive wins under their belt, the folks behind Two Girls and a Guy (2GG) are celebrating this year’s victory with heavier hearts after the death of longtime co-host Mike Edwards.

“This award definitely hits different this year,” said co-host Brooke Ryan. “When Mike The Guy passed away in December, not only were we devastated at the loss of a dear friend, but there was an uneasy feeling about what was going to happen to the show.

“Mike created the brand over 20 years ago, and we knew he would want us to keep going and continue the vision of 2GG,” she added. “I think he would be really proud of us and would absolutely approve of Jay [Shadix] as our new guy.”

Ryan said there was something special about being continually recognized by the community and city that she and her co-hosts love so much.

“Being local is something that sets us apart from other shows,” she said. “We are here. We shop at the same grocery stores. We attend the same events. That relatability is something you can’t fake.” —Skyler Baldwin

Best Radio Show

Ashley Stanol

Culture, Arts and Entertainment

Best Music Concert of 2024 Jelly Roll, North Charleston Coliseum

RUNNER-UP: Chappel Roan at Firefly Distillery (Music Farm)

Best Music Instruction School of Rock

1907 N. Hwy. 17, Ste. 102. Mount Pleasant. (843) 258-1181 schoolofrock.com/locations/mountpleasant

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Jazz Academy

Best Musician

Charlton Singleton

charltonsingleton.com

RUNNER-UP: Tristan Lamunion, OldSoul

Best Party of 2024 Party at the Point

Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina 20 Patriots Point Road. Mount Pleasant partyatthepointcharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Best of Charleston 2024

Best Performing Arts Group Charleston Symphony

480 East Bay St., Ste. F. Downtown (843) 723-7528

charlestonsymphony.org

RUNNER-UP: Footlight Players

Best Piccolo or Spoleto Show of 2024 Piccolo Outdoor

Art Exhibit

Office of Cultural Affairs, Charleston. Various locations. Downtown (843) 724-7305 piccolospoleto.com

RUNNER-UP: Spoleto Festival USA Chamber Music Series

John Reese

Artist John Reese often tells people he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do after graduating from college with a brand spanking new bachelor’s degree in fine arts that focused on graphic design.

Upon moving to Charleston, he worked in food and beverage jobs, but continued to paint and found new joy in spray paint and murals. This year after being nominated five times as the area’s best local visual artist in the Best of Charleston contest, he won. And that, he explains, is satisfying.

“Finding out that I actually won this year felt great,” he said recently. “I’d like to thank everyone who nominated and

Sara Meagan

Comedian Sara Meagan said she was pretty happy to hear that people actually think she’s funny — as if the constant booking of shows around the Lowcountry and winning a local competition at Wit’s End wasn’t proof enough.

“It really started off as a hobby,” she said. “I never intended to get booked or anything or do anything like this.”

But through a funny combination of hard work and things simply falling into place, she explained, she’s found success in laughing at herself.

“There are so many types of comedy,” she said. “But mine is

voted for me.

“After working professionally for the last 10 years as an artist, I still love what I do. Charleston has such an awesome artist community, and I’m very proud to be part of it.”

Reese, whose mural work you can see on Instagram @reese.designs, said he expects his business will get a boost from this year’s recognition.

“2024 was one of my busiest years as an artist,” said Reese, who grew up on Hilton Head Island. “I took on several new clients who proved to be very supportive of me and my work. I think this helped make my work more visible in the Charleston community.” —Andy Brack

truly just relatable stuff that’s hard to talk about — growing up poor, growing up white trash, not being able to fit in with people. I’ve always believed if you can make fun of yourself, life gets easier.”

It’s a trend in comedy at every level, from open-mic nights to international tours. “It’s a universal thing that everybody can chuckle at,” Meagan said.

Follow Meagan on Instagram to keep up with her many shows around Charleston, or stop by Wit’s End for open mic Mondays and Wednesdays for some laughs. —Skyler Baldwin

Best Local Visual Artist

Ashley Stanol

Best Local Comedian

Scott Suchy photo illustration

Charleston Time Machine

Nic Butler’s local history podcast Charleston Time Machine returned to the winner’s circle this year after a 2019 win in Best of Charleston. The award comes hot on the heels of the podcast’s 300th episode, which aired in early February.

Since the Time Machine’s debut in 2017, the podcast has served as a gateway for its audience to the deep history of the Lowcountry. But while reflecting on the last year, Butler said it’s hard to remember what exactly he’s uncovered.

“I always put a lot of work into the podcast, and then as soon as I’m done with one episode, I turn around and rush into the next one,” he said. “But I really started thinking this time last year, ‘OK, what’s the future of the podcast?’ ”

His ever-growing list of future episode topics is full of information nobody else has found, he said, or new angles on familiar stories that haven’t been explored yet. But for now, he said he’s happy to see people continue to appreciate the work he’s already done.

“I know my podcast is a little unusual, but I’m trying to do a public service, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to have a forum and present obscure material to the people of Charleston and beyond to try and help uncover some of these mysteries.” —Skyler Baldwin

Best Place to See Local Hip Hop Music Farm

32 Ann St. Downtown (843) 408-1599 musicfarm.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Pour House

Best Place to See Local Music Charleston Pour House

1977 Maybank Hwy. James Island (843) 571-4343 charlestonpourhouse.com

RUNNER-UP: The Windjammer

Best Radio Station

105.5 The Bridge 1055thebridge.com

RUNNER-UP: Mix 95.9 Best Recording Studio Charleston Sound Studios

2612 Larch Lane. Mount Pleasant (843) 216-5556 charlestonsound.com

RUNNER-UP: Coast Records

Best Rock Music Club Music Farm

32 Ann St. Downtown (843) 408-1599 musicfarm.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Pour House

Best Trivia Night Tip of the Tongue Trivia

Frothy Beard Brewing Co.

1401 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. West Ashley (843) 872-4201 frothybeard.com

RUNNER-UP: “Publik Education,” Commonhouse Aleworks

Best Local Podcast

Ashley Stanol

Best Place to Buy Local Seafood Crosby’s Fish and Shrimp Co.

At Crosby's, situated on the approach to the "Edge of America," your picks travel less than 100 feet from the dock to the store

It’s going to be pretty hard to smoke a cigar, pick out a dry wardrobe or shop for antiques without barnacles on them if you are Under the Sea this year with the Best of Charleston 2025. But you certainly can pick up an adult toy, art supplies, a big old rock the size of an aircraft carrier or any kind of tool. This category highlights readers’ top picks for the best shopping sprees in a variety of categories in stores across the region. From collegiate stores and groceries to motorcycles and records, we have the best of everything in one place. Whether you’re looking to get caught up on the latest super heroes (Captain’s Comics has your back) or new places to buy a car, you’re sure to find anything you could need somewhere on this list. And the best part — many of our winners are locals, so everybody wins! —Andy Brack

Best Accessories Store Palmetto Moon

Various locations palmettomoononline.com

RUNNER-UP: Copper Penny

Best Adult Toy Store Guilty Pleasures

2992 Ashley Phosphate Road. North Charleston (843) 767-0690 guiltypleasuressc.com

RUNNER-UP: Badd Kitty

Best Antique Store Mount Pleasant Mall

708 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 388-8575 mtpleasantmall.com

RUNNER-UP: The Station Park Circle

Best Art Supply Store Artist & Craftsman Supply

981 King St. Downtown (843) 937-5199 artistcraftsman.com

RUNNER-UP: Hobby Lobby

Best Auto Dealer (Domestic) Crews Chevrolet

8199 Rivers Ave. North Charleston (843) 484-0966 crewschevrolet.com

RUNNER-UP: CARmax

Best Auto Dealer (Imports) Fred Anderson Toyota

2100 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 203-9006 toyotaofcharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Crews Subaru of Charleston

Best Auto Dealer (Luxury) Baker Mercedes

1513 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 628-0202 baker.mercedesdealer.com

RUNNER-UP: Rick Hencrick BMW Charleston

Best Beer Retail Selection Bottles

Beverage Superstore

610 Coleman Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 849-9463 1110 N. Main St. Summerville (843) 875-6666 shopbottles.com

RUNNER-UP: Jadoon’s Park Circle Market

Best Bookstore Buxton Books

160 King St. Downtown (843) 723-1670 buxtonbooks.com

RUNNER-UP: Blue Bicycle Books

Best Boutique Two Brunettes

616 Long Point Road. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-2636 iibrunettes.com

RUNNER-UP: Copper Penny

The Paper Canopy

It might sound a little old-fashioned to some during times of instant communication, but letters written by hand on great paper create special keepsakes that offer years of meaning.

Casey Berry, owner of The Paper Canopy on Spring Street, says her store offers space for customers to slow down and savor the little things.

“There’s a lot of joy to give and receive, just with a little snail mail,” said Berry, who added she was amazed that her shop has been recognized as Charleston’s best stationery store among City Paper readers.

“The Paper Canopy has only been open a year and a half, and it’s incredibly humbling to have this type of recognition from the Charleston community,” she said. “This type of award helps share our name and story with the stationery and paper lovers out there who have yet to find us.”

The past year also brought meaningful collaborations with the Gibbes Museum of Art and College of Charleston alumni that introduced the shop to people across the area, she said.

“We’ve also offered lots of events and classes to spread the love of snail mail and paper crafts in the past year,” Berry added. “My fellow business owners and I are working to build a vibrant community in Cannonborough and Elliotborough, starting with a neighborhood stroll on Second Thursdays. It’s amazing to be a part of such a supportive neighborhood.” —Andy Brack

Best Stationery Store

Ashley Stanol

Shops and Wares

Best Bridal Store Lovely Bride

1336 Old Georgetown Road. Mount Pleasant (843) 764-9560 lovelybride.som

RUNNER-UP: Bridal House of Charleston

Best CBD Shop Charleston Hemp Collective

473 King St. Downtown 1989 Maybank Hwy. James Island (843) 305-4367 charlestonhempcollective.com

RUNNER-UP: Smoke ’N Brew

Best Collegiate Store Palmetto Moon

Various locations palmettomoononline.com

RUNNER-UP: College of Charleston Bookstore

Best Comic Book Shop

Captain’s Comics & Toys

1209 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., #D. West Ashley (843) 766-6611 captainscomics.com

RUNNER-UP: Soundwave Comics

Best Consignment (Furniture) Consign Charleston

1610 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. West Ashley (843) 225-9055 consigncharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Lowcountry Consignments

Best Consignment Store Consign Charleston

1610 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. West Ashley (843) 225-9055 consigncharleston.com Runners-Up: Reinvented Upscale Resale

Best Corner Store Bert’s Market

202 E. Ashley Ave. Folly Beach (843) 588-9449 bertsmarket.com

RUNNER-UP: Jadoon’s Market Park Circle

Best Eyewear Boutique Shades of Charleston

Various locations (843) 580-2515 shadesofcharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: SEE Eyeware

Best Florist Roadside Blooms

4491 Durant Ave. North Charleston (843) 225-7277 roadsidebloomsshop.com

RUNNER-UP: Tiger Lily Florist

Best Furniture Store Celadon

1015 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 884-7005 celadonathome.com

RUNNER-UP: GDC

Best Garden Store/Nursery Hyams Garden & Accent Store

870 Folly Road. James Island (843) 795-4570 hyamsgardencenter.com

RUNNER-UP: Abide A While Garden Boutique

Best Gift Store Palmetto Moon

Various locations palmettomoononline.com

RUNNER-UP: Black Octopus Mercantile

Best Grocery Store Publix

Various locations publix.com

RUNNER-UP: Trader Joe’s

Best Hardware Store Lowcountry Ace Hardware 1411 Folly Road, Ste. 204. Charleston (843) 830-5231 lowcountryace.com

RUNNER-UP: Royall Ace Hardware

Best Home Accessories Store Celadon

1015 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 884-7005 celadonathome.com

RUNNER-UP: Neighborly Park Circle

Best Jewelry Store Croghan’s Jewel Box

308 King St. Downtown (843) 723-3594 croghansjewelbox.com

RUNNER-UP: Polly’s Fine Jewelry

Best Lighting Store Rick’s Lighting 1027 St. Andrews Blvd. Charleston (843) 763-2282 rickslighting.com

RUNNER-UP: Lowcountry Lighting Studio

Best Lingerie Store Bits of Lace Fine Lingerie

453 W. Coleman Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 531-6625 bitsoflace.com

RUNNER-UP: Guilty Pleasures

Two Brunettes

Long-beloved Mount Pleasant boutique Two Brunettes has spread its style and influence across the Cooper River with this year’s win.

“We never strive for these types of accolades,” said co-owner Leslie Bohannon. “So the fact that our customers and community would recommend and vote for us on their own will is truly heartwarming.”

Bohannon marveled at how the store’s clientele organically spread the word over the past 18 years Two Brunettes has been in business, sharing the business across the river and reaching from Mount Pleasant across the Lowcountry. She invites everyone to stop by one of the boutique’s two locations, either on Long Point Road or the newly renovated location on Coleman Boulevard. Also, stay tuned for more information regarding the grand re-opening party coming in July! —Skyler Baldwin

Best Boutique

Ashley Stanol

Celadon

For 30 years, Celadon has been helping Charlestonians turn their houses into homes. And according to company president Rebecca Hawkins, that longevity is all about three things — great products, quality service and being a real part of the community.

“This is a business I’m really proud to be a part of,” Hawkins said. “Our owner is very generous and genuine, and that means we get to do a lot of different things. We import furniture and work with a lot of artists and groups around the world, but we also make about 40% of our furniture in North Carolina, Virginia and L.A.

And every year in our market series, we give free space to local entrepreneurs to sell their wares and engage with the community. We’re really proud of that.”

And it’s that commitment to community that makes winning another Best of Charleston Award so special, she said.

“We try to be the fun and friendly store,” she said. “And winning this eight years in a row is an outward expression that our customers feel that. We’re really grateful to the community for supporting us, because as cheesy as it probably sounds, that’s definitely why we’re here.” —Jack O’Toole

Best Home Accessories Store / Best Furniture Store

Cameron Wilder/courtesy Celadon

Best Local Clothing Designer Missy Johnson, Black Octopus Mercantile

1061 E. Montague Ave. North Charleston (803) 225-2078 blackoctopusmerch.com

RUNNER-UP: Amy Driggers, Taxidermy

Best Local Farm Boone Hall Farms

1235 Long Point Road. Mount Pleasant (843) 884-4371 boonehallplantation.com

RUNNER-UP: Storey Farms

Best Local Formal Wear Shop Gwynn’s

916 Houston Northcutt Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 884-9518

gwynns.com

RUNNER-UP: Berlin’s

Best Local Gourmet Grocery Store goat.sheep.cow.

106 Church St. Downtown (843) 480-2526

804 Meeting St., Ste. 102. Downtown (843) 203-3118 goatsheepcow.com

RUNNER-UP: Wisconsin Meat & Cheese

Best Local Liquor Store Bottles Beverage Superstore

610 Coleman Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 849-9463 1110 N Main St. Summerville

(843) 875-6666 shopbottles.com

RUNNER-UP: Burris Liquor

Best Local Wine Shop Accent on Wine

112 Renaissance Lane, Ste. 110. Charleston (843) 471-1312

1056 E. Montague Ave. North Charleston (843) 203-4536 5401 Netherby Lane, Ste. 1003. North Charleston (843) 779-4046

132 S. Main St. Summerville (843) 832 - 1212 accentonwine.com

RUNNER-UP: Graft Wine

Best Locally Based Cannabis Product High Rise Seltzer, High Rise Beverage Co. 5700 Dorchester Road. North Charleston (843) 256-6507

highrisebev.com

RUNNER-UP: Carolina Dream Distribution Gummies

Best Mall/Shopping Center

Mount Pleasant Towne Centre

1218 Belk Drive. Mount Pleasant (843) 216-9900 mtpleasanttownecentre.com

RUNNER-UP: Tanger Outlets

Best Men’s Clothing Store M. Dumas & Sons

294 King St. Downtown (843) 723-8603 mdumasandsons.com

RUNNER-UP: Berlins CONTINUED

’N Brew

Smoke ’N Brew, our readers’ pick as the area’s best smoke shop as well as best tobacco and cigar store, has a winning business formula: It blends its Folly Road tobacco shop with a gift shop and relaxing, fun beer garden.

Owner/operator Chuck Floyd says he’s grateful the store continues “to get support from our amazing customer

base and friends.”

Keys to success are having a spirit of fun and keeping a good variety of products, he said. Smoke ’N Brew has a great collection of gifts, from locally crafted glassware to hilarious T-shirts, cards, stickers and more. And don’t forget to check out the drinks on tap and in coolers or the garden where you can have a good smoke. —Andy Brack

Shops and Wares

Best Motorcycle Shop Low Country Harley-Davidson

4707 Dorchester Road. North Charleston (843) 554-1847

lowcountryharley.com

RUNNER-UP: Northridge Custom Cycles

Best Musical Instrument Store Fox Music

4248 Dorchester Road. North Charleston (843) 740-7200 foxmusichouse.com

RUNNER-UP: Ye Olde Music Shop

Best Paint Store Sherwin-Williams

Various locations sherwin-williams.com

RUNNER-UP: Lowcountry Ace Hardware, James Island Best Pawn Shop Money Man Pawn

Various locations facebook.com/bamthemoneyman

RUNNER-UP: Lowcountry Pawn & Jewelry

Best Place to Buy a New Car Fred Anderson Toyota

2100 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 203-9006 toyotaofcharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Hendrick Toyota

Best Place to Buy a Used Car CarMax

712 Savage Road, Charleston. (843) 766-2155 carfax.com

RUNNER-UP: Fred Anderson Toyota

Best Place to Buy Local Seafood

Crosby’s Fish and Shrimp Co.

Twins Ellie Crosby Berry and Joanie Crosby Cooksey are tickled pink to have been picked by City Paper readers for having the best place to buy local seafood — their family business, Crosby’s Fish and Shrimp Company. Winning the award was just outstanding, they agreed. “It gives us a sense of success,” Joanie said. “It means our customers are Number One. People see and read the votes and trust the business voted Number One.”

She said people along the coast love Crosby’s, which is on Folly Road near Folly Beach, because of its fresh, high-quality

seafood and customer service.

“It’s a family business. They feel happy here on this property.”

In 1988, the twins bought the business, now in its 51st year, from their father, the late Capt. Horace Crosby.

They believe success comes from hard work and loving what they do. And customers appreciate seeing the owners at the business daily.

“Our motto is ‘whatever it takes,’” Joanie said. “Our loyalty to our business is because of the way we were raised. We love making people happy.”

And they do. —Andy Brack

Best Smoke Shop / Best Tobacco/Cigar Store

Ashley Stanol

Scott

Suchy photo illustration

Shades of Charleston

Shades of Charleston opened a new King Street location this year to augment its shops in West Ashley, Mount Pleasant and Sullivan’s Island that supply stylish eyewear for the Lowcounty’s bright, sunny days.

“It’s cool to see the communities understand how much hard work we’re putting in,” managing partner Brandon Cordina said of the company’s 2025 win as Best Eyewear Boutique among Charleston City Paper readers. “We’re getting better every day.”

The business got started in 1979 when his father, Steve, started selling sunglasses from the back of his car during college. Then it grew into kiosks of sunglasses in local stores, eventually maturing to a brick-and-mortar store in Mount Pleasant in 2012.

These days, the business is also working on perfecting its own eyewear brand — Cordina Eyewear. It’s focused on finely crafted, high-performance, stylish polarized sunglasses refined after four years of research and development.

“That’s something that will continue to develop,” Cordina said. —Andy Brack

Best Eyeware Boutique

Ashley Stanol

Palmetto Moon

From its earliest days as a kiosk in Charleston’s Citadel Mall, Palmetto Moon has always brought a Southern accent, and Southern hospitality, to everything it sells — from collegiate accessories to gifts, apparel and more.

“We have a legacy of defending our Best of Charleston titles,” said brand marketing manager Kelsi Gannon. “And I firmly believe that’s due to our customer service. We’re very hospitable when it comes to keeping our doors wide open, and helping our customers discover new brands and find their old favorites. When people shop with us, we want to make sure that experience is wonderful and they want to come back.”

And it’s precisely that Southern charm that’s taken Palmetto Moon from a single Charleston kiosk to 40 stores across the Southeast.

“When we started, we were really selling ourselves as game apparel and collegiate headquarters, and that’s still tried-and-true to who we are,” she said.

“Since then, we’ve been able to expand to provide our customers with the trendy and fun brands in a one-stop-shop. And what’s amazing is that we’re now in seven states and coming to our eighth state in Mississippi in just a few weeks — expanding the Palmetto Moon family to new people and new markets.”

Jack O’Toole

Shops and Wares

RUNNER-UP:

329 Meeting St. Downtown (843) 724-7305 charlestonfarmersmarket.com

RUNNER-UP:

RUNNER-UP: Gray Cat Music

2223 Folly Road. James Island (843) 795-4049 crosbysfishshrimp.com

RUNNER-UP: Mount Pleasant Seafood

Ashley Stanol

Palmetto Moon CEO John Thomas

Shops and Wares

Best Shoe Store Phillips Shoes

80 Folly Road Blvd. West Ashley (843) 763-1000 phillipsshoes.com

RUNNER-UP: Shoes on King

Best Smoke Shop Smoke ’N Brew

815 Folly Road. James Island (843) 501-7979

RUNNER-UP: Purple Haze

Best Sporting Goods Store Half-Moon Outfitters

280 King St. Downtown (843) 853-0990

425 Coleman Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-9472

94 Folly Road Blvd. West Ashley (843) 556-6279

605 N. Main St., Unit A. Summerville (854) 354-9670 halfmoonoutfitters.com

RUNNER-UP: Haddrell’s Point Tackle & Supply Best Stationery Store The Paper Canopy

93 Spring St. Charleston (843) 974-5252 thepapercanopy.com

RUNNER-UP: Scratch Pad

Best Thrift/Resale shop Sea Island Habitat for Humanity ReStore

3304 Maybank Hwy. Johns Island (843) 559-4009 seaislandhabitat.org

RUNNER-UP: Community Thrift

Best Tire Store Gerald’s Tires & Brakes Various locations geraldstires.net

RUNNER-UP: Hay Tire Pros

Best Tobacco/Cigar Store

Smoke ’N Brew

815 Folly Road. James Island (843) 501-7979

RUNNER-UP: King’s Leaf Cigar Lounge

Best Vape Shop Aravata Vapors

1200 Queensborough Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 352-2746 vapesobar.com

RUNNER-UP: Smoke Fetish

Best Vintage Clothing Store

Red Rose Vintage (888) 250-9130 redrosevintage.com

RUNNER-UP: Exchange Factor

Best Vintage Marketplace The Station Park Circle

4610 Spruill Ave. North Charleston (843) 225-1130 facebook.com/thestationparkcircle

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Vintage Market

Best Wellness Product

High Rise Seltzer, High Rise Beverage Co. 5700 Dorchester Road. North Charleston (843) 256-6507 highrisebev.com

RUNNER-UP: Elderlane Elderberry

Best Women’s Clothing Store Copper Penny

311 King St. Downtown (843) 723-2999

317 King St. Downtown (843) 723-3838 1228 Belk Drive. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-9889

280 W. Coleman Blvd., Ste. M. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-3497 shopcopperpenny.com

RUNNER-UP: Palmetto Moon

Ashley Stanol file photo

Curated Vacation Properties

Founder and CEO Joshua Hatter says Charleston is a historic and picturesque city unlike any other

We’ve made some changes to the Services section this year to help make it easier for readers to navigate. Splitting the category into two — Home Services and Professional Services — lets us shine a little bit more of a spotlight on your favorite interior designers, handyman services, attorneys and more. From carpet cleaning to wedding photography, these local businesses offer their vital services to make your day-to-day a little bit easier and your biggest moments that much more impactful. —Skyler Baldwin

HOME SERVICES

Best Carpet Cleaning Company ServiceMaster of Charleston

3228 Industry Drive. North Charleston (843) 970-2215 servicemasterrestore.com

RUNNER-UP:

Citrus Fresh Carpet & Rug Cleaning Service

Best Cleaning Service Southern Comfort Cleaning

southerncomfortcleaningco.com (843) 822-4101

RUNNER-UP: Christi’s Cleaning Service

Best Closet/Cabinet Company Closets by Design — Coastal

South Carolina

7260 Investment Drive. North Charleston (843) 225-6725 coastalsouthcarolina.closetsbydesign.com

RUNNER-UP: HW Cabinet Co.

Best Door and Window Installation New Beginnings Construction, Inc.

928 Savage Road. West Ashley (843) 789-4604 newbeginningsconstructioninc.com

RUNNER-UP: MW Millworks

Best Electrician/Company Charleston Electric

1524 Shandon St. James Island (843) 408-0245

412 E. 5th N. St. Summerville (843) 408-0245

RUNNER-UP: Blue Water Electric

Best Fencing Arrow Fencing, LLC

103 Lamie Drive. Ladson (843) 408-2876 arrowfencingllc.com

RUNNER-UP: Good Neighbor Contracting

Best Flooring/Carpet Installation Carpet Baggers

3196 Marginal Road. West Ashley (843) 410-2680 carpetbaggerscarpetone.com

RUNNER-UP: J+J Flooring

Best Foundation Repair Company Mount Valley Foundation

1850 Ashley River Road. West Ashley (854) 400-9998 fixmyfoundation.com

RUNNER-UP: Cantey Foundation Specialists

Best General Contractor

New Beginnings Construction, Inc.

1064 Gardner Road, Ste. 308. West Ashley (843) 789-4604 nbc-sc.com

RUNNER-UP: Carolina Construction Company

Best Handyman

Ace Handyman Services

3015 Dunes W. Blvd., Ste. 504. Mount Pleasant (843) 256-3494 acehandymanservices.com

RUNNER-UP: Handy Andy

Best Heating & Air Company

Carolina Custom Air

4993 N. Hwy. 17. Awendaw (843) 214-2363 carolinacustomair.com

RUNNER-UP: Morelli Heating and Air

Best Home Builder New Leaf Builders

3421 Maybank Hwy. Johns Island (843) 400-0280 newleafsc.com

RUNNER-UP: Homes by Dickerson

Red Devil Events

Jeffry Booth, founder of Red Devil Events, says Charleston is one of the best places for large-scale special events he’s planned. But that means there’s lots of competition.

“There’s so many other events going on, it actually makes my job a bit harder,” he said. “That’s part of the reason I try to make mine a little unusual. Otherwise, it’s hard to stand out when there’s 100 events a day.”

Those unusual events? Booth pointed to his favorite bash from 2024, a picklethemed festival he held in the fall.

“Think all things pickle — pickled food, pickle drinks, pickleball — it was kind of a unique, wacky event that ended up drawing about 1,600 people,” he said. “I just love doing weird things like that, where someone sees it and thinks, ‘What the heck is that?’ That’s always my goal, just to make it fun and not your average holiday party, but something that makes someone think twice.”

Booth launched Red DEvil in early 2023 — several years after his move from New York to the Holy City in 2009 — with The Barbie Party, the company’s inaugural event that made national headlines.

Booth said he has a whole list of ideas that are just his brand of off-the-wall, wacky or otherwise unique. To stay in the loop, keep an eye on reddevilevents.com to see what’s coming around the corner. —Skyler Baldwin

Best Event Planner

Ashley Stanol

ENJOY LIFE BANKING ON THE BEST

Thank you for voting South Carolina Federal Credit Union the Best Financial Institution!

Since 1936, we have provided comprehensive financial solutions and unparalleled service to our members across the Lowcountry. Let us do the same for you, because you deserve to bank on the best.

US CHARLESTON’S BEST LANDSCAPER/LAWN CARE

Best Home Painter

Charleston Painting Contractors

3520 MEek’s Farm Road, Ste. A. Johns Island (843) 737-5770 chspaint.com

RUNNER-UP: Old Charleston Painting Company

Best Home Remodeler New Beginnings Construction, Inc.

1064 Gardner Road, Ste. 308. West Ashley (843) 789-4604 nbc-sc.com

RUNNER-UP: Peartree Homes

Best Interior Designer Shem Creek Studios

234 Mathis Ferry Road, Ste. 102. Mount Pleasant shemcreekstudios.com

RUNNER-UP:

Organic Love Interior Design

Best Kitchen and Bath Design

Signature Kitchens and Baths

1926 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 571-5720 signaturekitchens.net

RUNNER-UP: New Beginnings Construction, Inc.

Best Property Management Co.

Best Landscaper/Lawn Care

New Leaf

Construction

4144 Rivers Ave. North Charleston (843) 452-3652

newleaflc.com

RUNNER-UP: Sizemore’s Lawn Care

Best Mortgage Company Alliance Mortgage

700 Nexton Square Drive, Ste. 253. Summerville (843) 806-8432 alliancemortgageteam.com

RUNNER-UP: S.C. Federal Credit Union

Best Moving Company Professional Movers of Charleston (843) 352-8696

movepmc.com

RUNNER-UP: All My Sons Moving

Best Pest Control Carolina Exterminating 948 Wappoo Road. West Ashley (843) 225-9990 carolinaexterminating.com

RUNNER-UP: Palmetto Exterminators

Curated Vacation Properties

Ever looking for that perfect getaway or stay-cation spot? Curated Vacation Properties has you and everyone else covered — managing properties from historic cities and picturesque escapes all over the world.

Founder and CEO Joshua Hatter said winning Best of Charleston is a huge honor, and even bigger validation of the hard work not only he but also his team has put into the business.

“Hospitality is a 24/7, 365 business,” he said. “So these people really care about our guests and providing a good experience. It is constant and around the clock, and they really pour their hearts and souls into what we do every day.”

Hatter moved to Charleston in 1999, and he said he has seen first-hand the rapid growth of the area over the decades, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, which he said boosted the visibility of the Lowcountry as a whole.

“The fabric of the city is still here despite the growth over the last 30 years,” he said. “The investments the city has made, the marketing, the relationships it’s built with its local business is unlike anything I have seen anywhere else in the U.S. and all over the world. —Skyler Baldwin

Scott

Suchy photo illustration

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US

BEST CELL PHONE REPAIR!

843-936-2095

644 Long Point Rd Unit E, Mount Pleasant

Best Plumber/Company Blitch Plumbing

407 Fleming Road. James Island (843) 795-9674 blitchplumbing.com

RUNNER-UP: Blanton & Sons — Heating, Cooling, Plumbing

Best Pool Builder Aqua Blue Pools

5190 Towles Road. Hollywood (843) 767-7665 aquabluepools.net

RUNNER-UP: Premier Pools and Spas of Charleston

Best Pressure Washer

Southern Pressure, LLC (843) 901-9839 facebook.com/southernpressure

RUNNER-UP: Under Pressure

Best Roofing Company New Beginnings Construction, Inc.

1064 Gardner Road, Ste. 308. West Ashley (843) 789-4604 nbc-sc.com

RUNNER-UP: Big Bear Roofing

Best Solar Panel Company Second Sunrise Solar

537 Long Point Road, Ste. 203. Mount Pleasant (843) 268-4284 secondsunrisesolar.com

Best Stone & Marble Company Palmetto

7645 Southrail Road. North Charleston (843) 569-1131 palmettosurfacing.com

RUNNER-UP: Zimpel Granite & Marble

Best Storage Company StoMo Mobile Storage

237 King St. Downtown (843) 439-7866 stomostorage.com

RUNNER-UP: Main Road Self Storage

Best Tree Care Company Charleston Tree Experts 2851 Maybank Hwy. Johns Island (843) 952-8300 charlestontreeexperts.com

RUNNER-UP: Winthrop Tree Service

PROFESSIONAL

Best Alterations Maria’s AlterationsTailoring 20 Windermere Blvd. West Ashley (843) 769-7492

RUNNER-UP: Your Alteration Shoppe

RUNNER-UP: Boss Energy

Taking home their first Best of Charleston win was a surprise to Shem Creek Studios co-owners Lexi Fields and Sabrina Angelo. They didn’t even know they had been nominated.

“We had no idea!” Fields said, adding that they were both excited and honored to be recognize by the community, especially after such a short time.

Both Fields and Angelo moved to Charleston in 2021 — from North Carolina and Houston, Texas, respectively — and quickly found themselves working on interior design projects together under another umbrella. It wasn’t long before that partnership blossomed into a company of their own. They officially launched Shem Creek in 2022 and went full-time in 2023.

With no one else on the team, they proudly tout to their clients that they will be the two designers they work with on any project from start to finish. And they bring a unique style to the Holy City Fields described as “somewhat Southern traditional with some modern flair — and then lots of color.”

“My boss [in Houston] was just the most colorful and vibrant and fun and bold person,” Angelo said. “She was not afraid to take risks, and she taught me a lot about being bold with design and pushing your clients to be somewhat risky with their decisions, too.” —Skyler Baldwin

SHANA SWAIN

Best Pest Control

Carolina Exterminating

Bill Murray may have a posse, but local pests have an adversary. Carolina Exterminating offers free estimates for residential or commercial work, preventative services and more.

Carolina Exterminating has been serving the tri-county area with pest control services for more than 20 years with a dedicated team of folks who have made it their mission to make Lowcountry lives a little bit easier.

From bugs like roaches, fleas, bed bugs, termites spiders and more to rodents of all shapes and sizes (things get weird in the Lowcountry, y’all), Carolina Exterminating has you covered. Schedule one-off services to fit your immediate needs or learn about preventative pest control through monthly or quarterly solutions to keep them gone.

Termites alone inflict $4 billion worth of damage per year to homes across the country, and we don’t need to tell you how bad the mosquitos can get.

Carolina Exterminating makes a point to remind customers that the sooner they take action, the easier it is to mitigate or eradicate the problem. All initial services include a follow-up visit to ensure everything is squared away.

Ashley Stanol

Best Attorney (DUI)

Mark Peper, Peper Law Firm

548 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley

1050 E. Montague Ave., Suite D. North Charleston (843) 225-2520 peperlawfirm.com

RUNNER-UP: Nick Thomas, The Law Office of Nick Thomas

Best Attorney (Family Law) Colleen Condon, Condon Edwards Family Law & Mediation

4840 Chateau Ave. North Charleston (843) 225-7288 condonfamilylaw.com

RUNNER-UP: Sara Turner, The Law Office of Sara Turner

Best Attorney (Personal Injury)

Mark Peper, Peper Law Firm

548 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley 1050 E. Montague Ave., Suite D. North Charleston (843) 225-2520 peperlawfirm.com

RUNNER-UP: John Price, John Price Law Firm

Best Attorney (Real Estate) Doug Laflin, LaflinLaw LLC (843) 576-9225 charlestonlawviking.com

RUNNER-UP: Catherine LaFond, LaFond Law Group

Best Auto Body Shop

Ascue’s Auto Body & Paint Shop

1725 N. Hwy. 17. Mount Pleasant (843) 884-6862 ascuesautobody.com

RUNNER-UP: Gerber Collision & Glass

Best Auto Service

Gerald’s Tires & Brakes

Various locations geraldstires.net

RUNNER-UP: Brothers Automotive Repair

Best Cab Company

Charleston Black Cab Company

1529 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., Suite 2B. West Ashley (843) 216-2627 charlestonblackcabcompany.com

RUNNER-UP: Crazy Carl Cab

Best Car Wash

In and Out car Wash

477 St. Andrews Blvd. West Ashley (843) 556-3560 inandoutcarwashcharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Fins

Best Cell Phone Repair

UBreakIFix

7400 Rivers Ave. North Charleston (843) 714-6889

644 Long Point Road, Ste. E. Mount Pleasant (843) 936-2095

ubreakifix.com

RUNNER-UP: iDoctor

Best Disaster Recovery Company Boss Disaster

1055 Chuck Dawley Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 884-4000 boss247.com

RUNNER-UP:

A&I Fire and Water Restoration

Best Dry Cleaner

Waters Dry Cleaning

762 Folly Road. Folly Beach (843) 225-0223

RUNNER-UP: Chris’ Dry Cleaning

Best Event Planner Red Devil Events (843) 444-7569 reddevilevents.com

RUNNER-UP: Goldbug Events

The Thumbs Up Guys

Aggressive action leads to success in and out of the courtroom — at least that’s what The Thumbs Up Guys believe. And voters seem to agree.

The faces behind the name? Jeffrey Ward, Ryan Sigal, Brandon Dawson, Ryan Miller and many more.

A group of local attorneys who live, work and raise their families in the Lowcountry, the team behind this year’s Best Law Firm understands that they offer their best services when they treat their clients like family. With free case reviews, quick responses and guaranteed results, clients can rest easy knowing they won’t owe a dime unless they get their settlement.

The firm’s attorneys have combined their years of experience to bring residents in the areas they serve around South Carolina legal representation in personal injury cases. Before founding the group, each attorney individually spent years fighting insurance companies with a shared goal of ensuring people are not taken advantage of. —Herb Frazier

Best Heating and Air

Carolina Custom Air

It gets hot out there, folks, and with summer right around the corner and temperatures already on the rise, you may find yourselves looking into a new HVAC system or some maintenance on your existing air conditioner.

Look no further than Carolina Custom Air. Locally operated since 2007, Carolina Custom Air has a strong background in building science, ranging from custom new residential construction and remodels to total change-outs. It offers everything from air conditioner repair, installation and maintenance to wine cooler work and preventative tune-ups.

And now, it has moved under the Ace Hardware umbrella,

rebranding alongside Coastal Air Solutions to Ace Hardware Home Services — it’s the same team that’s been there for nearly two decades, just a new-ish name. As part of the Ace Hardware network, the team has gained access to greater resources and a wider area of operation, letting them better serve the greater Charleston region and beyond.

“By combining our expertise and expanding our reach, we solidify our position as the area’s leading home preservation services provider,” Carolina Custom Air’s website says. “Together, we are dedicated to continuing our tradition of excellence and providing the highest level of service to our customers.” —Skyler Baldwin

Ashley Stanol

FOR ONE PRICE, YOU RECEIVE: COMPLIMENTARY MEASURE FOR PRICE LASER TEMPLATE APPOINTMENT WITH ONE OF OUR DESIGN CONSULTANTS YOUR PICK OF ONE OF OUR SQUARE FOOT OPTIONS - 20 + AVAILABLE ADDITIONAL COLORS AVAILABLE IN WAREHOUSE BY THE SLAB FABRICATION OF YOUR CUSTOM COUNTERTOP COUNTERTOP INSTALLATION

ADDITIONAL FEES MAY APPLY FOR DEMO & CRANE, IF NEEDED

Best Insurance Agency State Farm

Various Locations statefarm.com

RUNNER-UP: Anderson Insurance Associates

Best Law Firm The Thumbs Up Guys

4969 Centre Pointe Drive, Ste. 103B. North Charleston (843) 749-8505

mdswlegal.com

RUNNER-UP: Peper Law Firm

Best Limo/Party Bus Company Charleston Black Cab Company

1529 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., Ste. 2B. West Ashley (843) 216-2627

charlestonblackcabcompany.com partybuscharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Coastal Limo of Charleston

Best Marketing and PR Firm Matchstick Social

1350 Ashley River Road, Ste. 500. West Ashley (843) 631-6273

matchsticksocial.com

RUNNER-UP: Legacy Digital

Best Photographer (Portrait) Simply Stefanee

1020 E. Montague Ave., Unit B. Park Circle (843) 300-7512 simplystefanee.com

RUNNER-UP: Victorious Photography

Best Photographer (Wedding) Taylor Jordan, Taylor Jordan Photography

Cooper River Drive. Mount Pleasant (561) 398-6801

taylorjordanphotography.com

RUNNER-UP: Sydney Lynn Photography

Best Property Management Company Curated Vacation Properties

199A St. Philip St. Downtown (833) 782-9287

staycvp.com

RUNNER-UP: Associated Asset Management

Multi-year

Best Property Management Company (Apartments) The Beach Company

320 Broad St., Ste. 600. Downtown (843) 722-2615 thebeachcompany.com

RUNNER-UP: Greystar

Best Real Estate Company Carolina One Various locations carolinaonerealestate.com

RUNNER-UP: Richter & Co.

Best Realtor Shana Swain, Carolina One

873 Orleans Road. West Ashley (843) 224-8400 shanaswainrealtor.com

RUNNER-UP: Courtney Davis, Carolina One

Best Videographer Jake Kozmor, Koz Films (609) 350-3250 kozfilms.com

goldbugevents.com

RUNNER-UP: Frankie Gilmore Best Wedding Planner Goldbug Events

RUNNER-UP: Direct My Day, Lauren Chambers

Best Wedding Venue Lowndes Grove

266 St. Margaret St. Downtown (843) 853-1810 pphgcharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Boone Hall Plantation

Best Wedding Videographer Palmetto Wedding Films (843) 580-3636 palmettoweddingfilms.com

RUNNER-UP: Frankie Gilmore

Amelia Scott-Conley says nail artistry has been a calling for her since she was 11 years old, beginning with Instagram content

Best Nail Artist Amelia Scott-Conley, Summerville Nail and Lash

This year, Charleston City Paper readers voted in more than 50 categories to name the region’s very best in health and beauty. And like the Lowcountry we love, the winners are a tasteful, but never quite predictable, mix of the tried and true, the new and notable, the been-heres and come-heres. So, without further ado, here they are: the doctors, nail artists, yoga instructors and more who deliver the highest-quality health and beauty services in a city that loves and strives for both. —Jack O’Toole

Best Acupuncture Practice Clinic of Acupuncture

5 Daniel St. West Ashley (843) 571-1047 clinicofacupuncture.com

RUNNER-UP: Serenity Wellness

Best Acupuncturist Dr. Zeyi Chen, Clinic of Acupuncture

5 Daniel St. West Ashley (843) 571-1047 clinicofacupuncture.com

RUNNER-UP: Dr. Brittney Epps, Serenity Wellness

Best Aesthetic Injector Dr. Marguerite Germain, Germain Dermatology

612 Seacoast Pkwy. Mount Pleasant 602 N Main St.Summerville 1814 Crowne Commons Way, Ste. E7. Johns Island 14490 Ocean Hwy. Pawleys Island (843) 881-4440 germaindermatology.com

RUNNER-UP: Cameron Moskos, Cameo Facial Aesthetics

Best Aesthetician Danielle Cios, O’Neill Plastic Surgery

245 Seven Farms Drive, Ste. 210. Daniel Island (843) 881-2130 oneillplasticsurgery.com

RUNNER-UP: Stephanie Lynn Hardy, Opal Aesthetics

Best Allergy & Asthma Charleston ENT & Allergy

403 Faison Road. Mount Pleasant 547 Folly Road. James Island 212 N. Hwy. 52. Moncks Corner (843) 766-7103 charlestonent.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Allergy and Asthma

Best Assisted Living Community Bishop Gadsden

1 Bishop Gadsden Way. James Island (843) 762-3300 bishopgadsden.org

RUNNER-UP: Franke At Seaside

Best Barber Shop The Barber & Shave Shoppe

938 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 779-0868 barberandshave.com

RUNNER-UP: Barrelli Barber

Best Barre Studio HYLO Fitness

466 Savannah Hwy., Ste. A. West Ashley (843) 606-5267

880 Allbritton Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 606-2723

424 Brighton Park Blvd., Ste. A. Summerville (843) 376-9369 hylofitness.com

RUNNER-UP: Bar Method DI

Best Chiropractor Khouri Chiropractic

1 Unity Alley, Ste. 100. Downtown 222 W. Coleman Blvd. Ste. 112. Mount Pleasant (843) 853-2225

505 N. Laurel St. Summerville (843) 647-0509 khourichiropractic.com

RUNNER-UP: Lighthouse Family Chiropractic

Best Cycling Studio

The Works Cycle

465 Meeting St., Ste. 150. Downtown (843) 648-0102

1440 Ben Sawyer Blvd., Ste. 1503. Mount Pleasant (843) 648-2052 theworkscycle.com

RUNNER-UP: Jibe

BEST NAIL SPA

WHERE artistry MEETS

DR. CLAYTON CRANTFORD VOTED best PLASTIC SURGEON

COMPLIMENTARY SURGICAL CONSULTATIONS AND IN-HOUSE MEDSPA

FEATURED PROCEDURES

• Mommy Makeover

• Breast Augmentation

• Tummy Tuck

• Facelift

Best Day Spa

Woodhouse Day Spa

10 Westedge St., Ste. 150. Downtown (843) 203-1772

725 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 203-1772

woodhousespas.com

RUNNER-UP: Urban Nirvana

Best Dental Practice

Coastal Family Dentistry

3098 Hwy. 17 North. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-1418

coastalfamilydentistry.com

RUNNER-UP: James & Johns Island Dental Associates

Best Dentist

Dr. Hunter Watson, Coastal Family Dentistry

3098 Hwy. 17 North. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-1418

coastalfamilydentistry.com

RUNNER-UP:

Dr. Madison Culler, Shem Creek Dental

Best Tattoo Artist

J.J. Quick

It’s been quite a year for tattoo artist @j.j.quick, also known as Jacob Reiss.

In May 2024, City Paper readers picked him as Charleston’s best tattoo artist. Then in August, he and fellow tattoo artist Bunny Stardust opened their new business, Abracadabra Tattoo Club, in Moncks Corner. And now, he won the Best of Charleston tattoo artist for the second year in a row.

As we wrote in August, “Reiss’s work sticks out for its excellence and simplicity — he makes fine-line, clean and simple singleneedle tattoos of just about anything.”

The tattoo club quickly became popular, thanks to a “dream team” of artists who collaborated with Reiss and Stardust and a broad clientele curated through the years. The place got its name from a 1967 Brenton Wood song named “Oogum Boogum.”

“I wanted to name this place after that song, but everyone I would talk to about it would be like, what in the f***, how do you even spell that?” Reiss said. “I looked into it, and it turns out the song was originally supposed to be called Abracadabra.”

Andy Brack

Health, Beauty and Fitness

Best Dermatologist Dr. Marguerite Germain, Germain Dermatology

Various Locations (843) 881-4440

germaindermatology.com

RUNNER-UP: Dr. McLean Sheperd, Sheperd Integrative Dermatology

Best Dermatology Practice Germain Dermatology

Various Locations (843) 881-4440 germaindermatology.com

RUNNER-UP: Sheperd Integrative Dermatology

Best Exercise Studio KOR4 ELITE FITNESS

1561 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. West Ashley (843) 416-9080

627 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Ste. 103. Mount Pleasant (843) 790-2662 kor4elite.com

RUNNER-UP: HYLO Fitness

Best Eye Doctor Dr. Elyse DeWitt, Draisin Vision

1470 Tobias Gadson Blvd., Ste. 115. West Ashley (843) 556-2020 draisinvision.com

RUNNER-UP: Dr. Kerry Solomon, Carolina Eyecare Physicians

Dr. Clayton Crantford, Crantford Costa Ulm Plastic Surgery

Asked why patients are so appreciative of his work as a plastic surgeon, Dr. Clayton Crantford says it’s not about him.

“I think it’s a testament to our staff and our patient care,” Crantford told the City Paper. “We treat everybody like they’re one of our family members. We genuinely care about all our patients, and I think that comes across in every interaction, whether it’s with our doctors or our nurses or our admin staff.”

And that’s critical, he says, in a world where plastic surgery, and the patients who need it, are often misunderstood.

“In years past, there’s been a stigma with plastic surgery — you know, it’s a vanity thing or whatnot,” he said. “But a majority of patients who come to us are seeking rejuvenation following pregnancy or weight loss, or looking for relief from back pain due to large breasts. They’re coming to us to solve a problem, and to feel better about themselves. We’re thankful to be able to help with that. And that’s why this award means a lot.”

Best Plastic Surgeon

Health, Beauty and Fitness

Best Eyelash/Eyebrow Salon Anne Bonny’s Lash & Skin Boutique

829 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley 3509 Meeks Farm Road. Johns Island (843) 225-2054 annebonnystudio.com

RUNNER-UP: Glow Studio

Best Fertility Clinic Coastal Fertility Specialists

1375 Hospital Drive. Mount Pleasant (843) 883-5800

342 Brighton Park Blvd. Summerville (843) 972-9444 coastalfertilityspecialists.com

RUNNER-UP: Piedmont Reproductive Endocrinology Group (PREG)

Best Gym/Health Club HYLO Fitness

466 Savannah Hwy., Ste. A. West Ashley (843) 606-5267

880 Allbritton Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 606-2723

424 Brighton Park Blvd., Ste. A. Summerville (843) 376-9369 hylofitness.com

RUNNER-UP: MUSC Wellness

Best Hair Salon Moxie Park

45 Romney St., Ste. 200. Downtown (843) 730-3102

moxieparksalon.com

RUNNER-UP: Stella Nova

Best Hair Stylist Skyler Biller Stubbs, Native Salon

334 East Bay St. Downtown (843) 793-4808

RUNNER-UP: Lindsey Donohue, Moxie Park

Best Hospital

MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital

10 McClennan Banks Drive. Downtown (843) 792-2300 musckids.org

RUNNER-UP: Bon Secours Roper St. Francis

Best In-Home Healthcare Company

Roper St. Francis

316 Calhoun St. Downtown (843) 724-2000 rsfh.com

RUNNER-UP: homeRN

Amelia Scott-Conley, Summerville Nail and Lash

For Amelia Scott-Conley, nail artistry has been a calling for almost as long as she can remember.

“I started doing nails when I was 11 years old, when I would just do them on my own and for my friends in my room,” she said. “I started my first Instagram account for it back in 2013, I think. And I posted content from my bedroom and thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s just always been a passion of mine.”

A Vermont native, Scott-Conley says her early interest turned into a career after she moved to Charleston.

“I did a nail program here, and after that, I got into the salon I’m at now, where I’ve been able to build a great clientele and express myself through my art. I’ve really loved every second of it,” she said.

And as a professional, she says, she’s proud to use the right products in a responsible way.

“In using gel products, and only gel products, I’m focusing on natural nail health,” she said. “Whether you’re growing your nails out or just protecting them while adding a little length, I want to make sure your nails stay happy and healthy while we’re also making them beautiful.” —Jack O’Toole

Best Nail Artist

Scott Suchy photo illustration

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Viktoriya Magid

For Dr. Viktoriya Magid, therapy isn’t about fixing broken people. It’s about helping them find their authentic selves by identifying, and dealing with, the deep-seated pain that’s unconsciously driving their behavior.

“My biggest goal as a therapist is not to fix people, because I don’t think anybody’s broken,” Magid said. “I’ve gotten in a few debates with colleagues, because I don’t believe there are actually good and bad people. I think there are people who’ve been hurt.”

The key, she says, is to locate that hurt, and help people apply evidence-based techniques, such as cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapies, to heal.

“I believe the true self is good,” she said. “We don’t hurt each other intentionally, but hurt people hurt people. And what I have really found is that if we can go back and figure out what we’re suppressing, what we’re not meeting head on, that’s where true healing begins.”

And that’s a journey she knows well, because she’s taking it right along with her patients.

“I’m just another person,” she said. “I’m just another soul sitting across from my patient and I do the work as well. That’s why I see myself more as a guide and a healer than somebody who’s going to fix you. Because people don’t need to be fixed. They need to be loved.” —Jack O’Toole

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Best LASIK Provider

Dr. Kerry Solomon, Carolina Eyecare Physicians

1101 Clarity Road. Mount Pleasant

2060 Charlie Hall Blvd., Ste. 201. West Ashley (843) 620-2020 drkerrysolomon.com

RUNNER-UP:

Dr. Michael DeCourcey, Waring Vision

Best LGBTQ Counselor/Therapist

Dr. William Bryant, Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center

109 Bee St. Downtown (843) 577-5011 charleston.va.gov

RUNNER-UP: Jen Bennett, Therapy Studios

Best Local Pharmacy

Dottie’s Pharmacy

325 Folly Road., Ste. 101. James Island (843) 501-9500 dotspharmacy.com

RUNNER-UP: Sweetgrass Pharmacy

Best Medical Spa Germain

Dermatology

Various Locations (843) 881-4440 germaindermatology.com

RUNNER-UP: Opal Aesthetics

Best Nail Artist Amelia Scott-Conley, Summerville Nail and Lash

710 N. Main St. Summerville (843) 285-5464 summervillenailsandlash.com

RUNNER-UP: John Le, Luxia Nail Spa

Best Nail Salon Luxia Nail Spa

41 Grand Oaks Blvd. West Ashley (843) 974-4161 luxianailspacharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: The Nail Place of Charleston

Best OBGYN

Dr. Kenosha Gleaton, The EpiCentre

Best Oral Surgeon

Dr. Daniel Leach, Exemplar Oral Surgery

4986 Calvin St. North Charleston (843) 408-4808 exemplarsurgery.com

RUNNER-UP: Dr. Jason Hehr, Hehr Oral Surgery

Best Orthodontics Practice Coastal Family Orthodontics / Coastal Kids Dental & Braces Various Locations coastalfamilyortho.com

RUNNER-UP: Cox Orthodontics

Best Orthodontist

Dr. Katie Bullwinkel, Vincent & Bullwinkel Orthodontics

125-H Wappoo Creek Dr., Ste. B. James Island (843) 762-2304 smilelowcountry.com

Best Massage Therapist Abigail Morrow, The Massage Room

171 Church St. Downtown themassageroomchs.com

RUNNER-UP: Britney Franklin, Awaken Massage

2048 Charlie Hall Blvd. West Ashley (843) 804-6010 epicentrecharleston.com

RUNNER-UP:

Dr. Maggie Evans, Lowcountry OB/GYN

RUNNER-UP: Dr. Jeff Mirrielees, Coastal Family Orthodontics

The Barber & Shave Shoppe

With the Barber and Shave Shoppe set to celebrate its tenth anniversary in May, owner Brandy Arnold says winning this year’s Best of Charleston Award is “the cherry on top.”

“I feel like it’s been a long time coming,” she said. “We really strive for that five star experience. Barbering has this vast and beautiful history that we’re trying to keep alive with a bit of a modern twist, by focusing on things like cleanliness and education. We have 78 years of training and experience in our shop with just the five of us.”

Originally from Atlanta and having practiced her trade at the highest levels in places like New York, California and Las Vegas, Arnold speaks with pride about moving to Charleston almost 15 years ago and driving deep roots in the Lowcountry soil.

“I’m proud and happy to call Charleston home,” she said. “And I’m thrilled to be a part of our Avondale West Ashley community, to be able to own a piece of dirt and create that atmosphere I’ve always wanted. That’s something really quite special. And being able to revamp an old 1940s home and kind of give back in that way? That’s pretty special as well.” —Jack O’Toole

Health, Beauty and Fitness

Best

Personal Trainer

Jade Salazar, F45 Training

476 Meeting St. Downtown (843) 822-5388 f45training.com

RUNNER-UP: Sarah Frick, The Works

Best Physical Therapy Made 2 Move

311 Huger St. Downtown

885 Island Park Drive, Ste. C. Daniel Island (843) 640-5244 made2movept.com

RUNNER-UP: ATI Physical Therapy

Best Physician Dr. Jessica Hund, MUSC

864 Island Park Drive, Ste. 101. Daniel Island (843) 876-7975 muschealth.org

RUNNER-UP:

Dr. Gordon Thompson, Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center

Best Piercer Kate Burns,

Exotic Impressions

8780 Rivers Ave., Ste. 316C. North Charleston (843) 797-2280

10150 Dorchester Road, Ste. 212. Summerville (843) 419-6527

127 South Main St. Summerville (843) 419-9019 bodypiercingsc.com

RUNNER-UP: James Dunn, Piercing Perfection

Best Piercing Studio Exotic Impressions

8780 Rivers Ave., Ste. 316C. North Charleston (843) 797-2280

10150 Dorchester Road, Ste. 212. Summerville (843) 419-6527

127 South Main St. Summerville (843) 419-9019 bodypiercingsc.com

RUNNER-UP: MOLA Body Piercing & Fine Jewelry

Best Pilates Studio BODYROK Charleston

838 Morrison Drive. Downtown (843) 471-0360 bodyrok.com

RUNNER-UP: Pilates of Charleston

Best Place to Give Birth Roper St. Francis

Healthcare

316 Calhoun St. Downtown (843) 724-2000

rsfh.com

RUNNER-UP: East Cooper Medical Center

Best Plastic Surgeon Dr. Clayton Crantford, Crantford Costa Ulm

Plastic Surgery

247 Calhoun St. Downtown (843) 755-6591

ccplastics.com

RUNNER-UP: Dr. Patrick O’Neill, O’Neill Plastic Surgery

Live, Work, Play Downtown at IRON FORGE

Dr. Hunter Watson, Coastal Family Dentistry

Anative of Mount Pleasant and a 2016 Citadel graduate, Dr. Hunter Watson says it’s great to be back home after being away for seven years for dental school and his residency.

“I was born and raised here in Charleston,” he said. “And after my wife and I had a baby, we were able to move back and start working with my pops, who started the practice in the early 2000s. I just feel super-blessed that we can give care, and access to care, to so many great families.”

And just as important, he said, has been the opportunity to help patients who are suffering due to older dental work that may not meet modern standards.

“In traditional dentistry, there’s been materials we’ve used in the past — a lot of them involving heavy metals like mercury,” he said. “So, unfortunately, we have a lot of patients living with those materials, and I have a lot of patients who are sick and have been sick. Then we start to remove those metals, and we see people begin to detox and feel healthier again.” —Jack O’Toole

RUNNER-UP:

RUNNER-UP:

Ashley Stanol

Best Dentist

Best Therapist Dr. Viktoriya Magid, Ph.D.

220 Church St., Ste. 102. Mount Pleasant (843) 284-3522

viktoriyamagidphd.com

RUNNER-UP: Elise Richard, Avondale Therapy

Best Urgent Care Roper Express Care

Various Locations rsfh.com

RUNNER-UP: MUSC Children’s After Hours

Best Waxing Salon

by Claudia

8252 Rivers Ave., Ste. E. North Charleston

(843) 270-1705

brazilianwaxandspabyclaudia.com

RUNNER-UP: Waxed Salon

Best Yoga Studio The Works

465 Meeting St., Ste. 160. Downtown 1421 Shucker Circle, Ste. 1116. Mount Pleasant (843) 718-3386

theworkschs.com

RUNNER-UP: HYLO Fitness

MUSC Shawn Jenkins

Children’s Hospital

The Medical University of South Carolina’s MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital is regularly ranked among the best in the country by U.S. News and World Report. But receiving this year’s Best of Charleston Award means a lot, too, according to MUSC Children’s Health Chief Dr. Mark Scheurer.

“This is a huge honor for our teams and our families,” Scheurer said. “As we say often, a children’s hospital is the best reflection of its community, and receiving this kind of award, I think, reflects back on the wonderful community we serve.”

What’s more, he said, the hospital and its patients, families and staff form a real community of healing.

“What I want people to know every time they come over the James Island Connector or down to Calhoun Street and see our building is that there are important stories happening in it every day,” he said. “The teams that work on behalf of our patients and families love the work and are truly committed to it. We do everything we can to make the people we serve feel at home.” —Jack O’Toole

Best Hospital

Best Dog Walking Service

Brown Dog Walking Co.

Brown Dog founder and co-owner Kiersten Brown says her business is so much more than walking

A new category chock-full of familiar faces, Kids and Pets is our one-stop shop for all of our family-friendly and furry friend-friendly winners this year. We know for a lot of people, their pets are members of the family, too — just maybe a bit hairier. Celebrate new categories (and their first-time winners!) like Best Dog Walking Company and longtime fan favorites (and their mainstay champions) like Best Pet Store. —Skyler Baldwin

Best Baby Store

Under the Almond

Trees

190 King St. Downtown (843) 937-6144 underthealmondtrees.com

RUNNER-UP: Southern Belles: A Children’s Clothier

Best Charter School

James Island Charter High School

1000 Fort Johnson Road. James Island (843) 762-2754 jichs.ccsdschools.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Charter School for Math and Science

Best Child Psychologist

Dr. Kirstin Gros, MUSC/ Ralph H. Johnson VAMC

67 President St. Downtown (843) 792-7067

RUNNER-UP: Dr. Ashley Fowler, Lowcountry Behavioral Pediatrics

Best Children’s Clothing Retailer Southern Belles: A Children’s Clothier

280 W. Coleman Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-1741 southerbelleschildren.com

RUNNER-UP: Shrimp and Grits

Best Children’s Consignment Store

Once Upon a Child

7800 Rivers Ave., Ste. 1440. North Charleston (843) 824-1242

946 Orleans Road, Ste. F1. West Ashley (843) 724-9160 onceuponachild.com

RUNNER-UP: Tiny Tadpoles

Best Daycare

The Oaks Children’s Academy

2243 Glendale Drive. West Ashley (843) 766-6382 8695 Dorchester Road. North Charleston (843) 207-3061 theoaksacademy.com

RUNNER-UP: The Little Sage School

Best Dog Park

James Island County Park

871 Riverland Drive. James Island (843) 406-6990 ccprc.com

RUNNER-UP: Wannamaker Park

Best Dog Walking Service

Brown Dog Walking Co.

1423 Hazel Road. West Ashley (843) 471-0098 browndogwalkingco.com

RUNNER-UP: Dog Tired Dog Enrichment Center

Tired Dog Enrichment Center

When she thinks back to how Dog Tired was started 16 years ago in her own home, founder Grey Moore said it’s been a surreal journey.

“Growing from that small beginning to now operating three thriving locations, with a fourth opening this summer, is a testament to our team’s dedication, resilience and shared passion for what we do.” she said. “Winning for the third year in a row feels like a full-circle moment, but it also fuels us to keep raising the bar. … We wouldn’t be where we are today without the community’s support over all these years.”

Moore said what keeps the team going is a genuine passion for dogs. Every new member goes through eight weeks of hands-on and video-based instruction focused on dog body language, safe handling and group management.

“I was just amazed when I was introduced to the business,” co-owner Owen Hardy said. “Gray started this 16 years ago by herself and ran it all the way until 2022 by herself. … Now, we have a fourth store we’re hoping is going to be open sooner rather than later.”

Despite dramatic growth for the business, both said their goal has always been the same: “We just want to make sure the dogs are happy and safe and the clients are happy and know the dogs are safe.” —Skyler Baldwin

Best Dog Walking Service

Brown Dog Walking Company

Best of Charleston first-timer Brown Dog Walking Company started from essentially nothing, founder and co-owner Kiersten Brown said. And it’s much more than just dog-walking nowadays.

“We were handing out free Vistaprint cards at dog parks and chasing people down sidewalks asking to walk their dogs,” she said. “And that was only six years ago. … It’s just so cool to see where it all started and where it is now.”

Brown said she never imagined expanding from beyond just herself and maybe some close partners. But now, she’s surrounded by a dedicated team and lofty plans for

the future. She said the business was built on the idea of exceeding the expectation of care.

“I am lucky enough to be mostly behind the scenes now, though I do still walk dogs every day,” she said. “The team does the hotel sits, the wedding stays, the overnight visits. … Every dog deserves to have what we call ‘aunties and uncles.’ We become part of the family.”

And that team is built by only the best, Brown said. “I ask really weird questions, like, ‘Would you get up at midnight to feed a dog if their owner’s flight gets delayed?’ There’s a ‘If you get it, you get it’ kind of factor.” —Skyler Baldwin

Best Pet Sitting / Best Doggie Day Care / Best Pet Groomer Dog

Ashley Stanol

Best Doggie Day Care Dog

Tired Dog

Enrichment Center

Various Locations dogtiredsc.com

RUNNER-UP: Camp Brown Dog

Best Kid-Friendly Bar or Restaurant Home Team BBQ

126 Williman St. Downtown

3563 Hwy. 17. Mount Pleasant

2209 Middle St. Sullivan’s Island

1205 Ashley River Road. West Ashley (843) 225-7427 hometeambbq.com

RUNNER-UP: Coastal Crust

Best Kids Birthday Party Place/ Service Charleston Animal Society

2455 Remount Road. North Charleston (843) 747-4849 charlestonanimalsociety.org

RUNNER-UP:

The Sparkle Bar.co, Fairy Hair Tinsel by Tibby

Best Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Isabel Driggers, Coastal Kids Dental & Braces

coastalkidsdental.com

RUNNER-UP:

Dr. Zachary Carnevale, Solomon Kids Dentistry

Best Pediatrician

Dr. Tory Caudle, Sweetgrass Pediatrics

sweetgrasspediatrics.com

RUNNER-UP:

Dr. Aimee Goedecke, Parkwood Pediatrics

Best Pet Friendly Dog Bar or Restaurant

Lost Dog Cafe

106 W. Huron Ave. Folly Beach (843) 588-9669 lostdogfollybeach.com

RUNNER-UP: Dog & Duck

Best Pet Groomer

Dog Tired Dog Enrichment Center

Various Locations dogtiredsc.com

RUNNER-UP: ScentHound

Best Pet Sitting

Dog Tired Dog Enrichment Center

Various Locations dogtiredsc.com

RUNNER-UP: Sandy Paws

Best Pet Store Dolittle’s

22 Windermere Blvd., Ste. F. West Ashley (843) 852-5811

976 Houston Northcutt Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 971-8650 dolittles.com

RUNNER-UP: Hairy Winston

Best Pet Trainer

Poseidon

K9 Dog

(843) 564-7698 poseidonk9dogtraining.com

RUNNER-UP: Au Pair for Paws Dog Training

Training

Best Place for Family Fun Charleston RiverDogs milb.com/charleston

RUNNER-UP: South Carolina Aquarium

Best Place for Kids to Play Park Circle Playground

4800 Park Circle. Park Circle (843) 745-1028 northcharleston.org

RUNNER-UP: James Island County Park

Best Place for Kids to Splash James Island County Park Splash Zone

871 Riverland Drive. James Island (843) 795-4386 ccprc.com

RUNNER-UP: Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark

Best Place to Adopt Pets Charleston Animal Society

2455 Remount Road. North Charleston (843) 747-4849 charlestonanimalsociety.org

RUNNER-UP: Pet Helpers

Best Preschool The Oaks Children’s Academy

2243 Glendale Drive. West Ashley (843) 766-6382 8695 Dorchester Road. North Charleston (843) 207-3061 theoaksacademy.com

RUNNER-UP: O-Quinn School

Best Private School

Charleston Collegiate School

2024 Academy Road. Johns Island (843) 559-5506 charlestoncollegiate.org

RUNNER-UP: Bishop England High School

Best Public School

Harbor View Elementary

1576 Harbor View Road. James Island (843) 762-2749 harborview.ccsdschools.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston County School of the Arts

ith more than 10 years of experience in the medical field, Dr. Tory Caudle knows what makes a great pediatrician, and this year’s win appears to prove her right.

Sweetgrass Pediatrics says on its website that the “goal of pediatric care is to work with parents and children to achieve the best health possible, and to establish a personal relationship with each of our families, making us a trusted partner throughout the years.”

Dr. Tory Caudle attended Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, Indiana. She completed her pediatric residency training at Children’s Hospital of Michigan in Detroit, Michigan. While in Indiana, Caudle enjoyed speaking at local high schools and middle schools about the importance of education in the medical field.

In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading, working out and shopping. Herb Frazier

Best Pediatrician

Ashley Stanol

Best Summer Camps

Charleston Animal Society’s BARK Camps

2455 Remount Road. North Charleston (843) 747-4849 charlestonanimalsociety.org

RUNNER-UP: Coastal Expeditions

Best Swim Lessons

Charleston Swim School 1444 Folly Road. James Island (843) 310-9069 charlestonswimlessons.com

RUNNER-UP: Kids First Swim School

Best Toy Store Wonder Works

188 Meeting St. Downtown (843) 577-2422

624 Long Point Road. Mount Pleasant (843) 849-6757

1662 Savannah Hwy., Ste. 260. West Ashley (843) 573-9300 wonderworkstoys.com

RUNNER-UP: Zenergy Gamers

Best Tutoring Service Katie Reel, @TheReadingReel thereadingreel.com

RUNNER-UP: Julia E. Metropolis Educational Services

Best Veterinarian

Patrick Veterinary Clinic

667 Meeting St. Downtown (843) 722-4470 patrickvet.com

RUNNER-UP: Oceanside Veterinary Clinic

Katie Reel, @TheReadingReel

Seeing the vast amount of schools implement devices for their students while still being tasked with the everyday demands of classwork opened the door for Katie Reel to assist in bringing these devices to life and fully integrated on a daily basis.

“I am passionate about changing the way students learn and supporting teachers as this shift occurs,” Reel writes on her LinkedIn page. “After spending years in the classroom, I took my love of technology to an interactive, software company helping schools go 1:1 with a fully managed solution. It is here where my passion shifted towards teacher success in a 1:1 environment.”

Her K12 Launch program focuses on differentiated, innovative, and sustained professional development, she said. The program’s coaches meet teachers where they are and encourage the students and parents to be active participants in this learning process.

“We believe success depends on foundational trust among all stakeholders. We stand for empowered students who actively participate in their own education.” —Herb Frazier

Best Tutoring S ervice

Ashley Stanol

Best Dive Shop Carolina Dive Locker Dive deep into what makes Charleston so special — the water — with scuba lessons and unforgettable adventures

Step outside and breathe in the fresh, Lowcountry spring air. Then step a bit further for an outdoor adventure like no other. Charleston has everything you could ask for for a sunny season full of kayaking and swimming, horseback riding and axe-throwing and more. We’ve added several new categories this year to highlight one of the things that makes Charleston so special, too — the water — with new entries for Best Boat Repairs (congrats to Hanckel Marine!) and Best Party Boat (shout out to the Palmetto Breeze!). For fishing, hiking, bowling, frisbee and more, just read on. We have you covered. —Skyler Baldwin

Best Bike Shop

Mike’s Bikes

808 Folly Road. James Island (843) 795-3322

mikesbikescharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Second Chance Bikes

Best Boat Repair/Maintenance Hanckel Marine, LLC.

2445 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 556-2550 hanckelmarine.com

RUNNER-UP: Carolina Marine Restorations

Best Bowling Alley Ashley Lanes Tavern 1568 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. West Ashley (843) 766-9061

RUNNER-UP: Stars & Strikes

Best Disc Golf Course Park Circle

visitnorthcharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: James Island County Park

Best Dive Shop

Carolina Dive Locker

1303 Ben Sawyer Blvd., Ste. 10. Mount Pleasant (843) 884-1500 calorinadivelockersc.com

RUNNER-UP: Whole Other World Scuba

Best Fishing and Tackle Shop

Haddrell’s Point

Tackle & Supply

885 Ben Sawyer Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-3644

haddrellspoint.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Bait & Tackle

Best Fishing Charter RedFin Charters

145 Lockwood Drive. Charleston (843) 277-5255 inshorefishingcharters.com

RUNNER-UP: Adventure Outdoors Fishing Charter

Best Golf Course Ocean Course Kiawah Island

1000 Ocean Course Drive. Kiawah Island kiawahresort.com/golf (800) 654-2924

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Municipal

Best Horseback Riding Lessons Northern Roots

Equestrian Facility

200 Old Tower Road. Summerville (843) 670-3528 rosecourtfarms.com

RUNNER-UP: Royal Oaks Equestrian

Best Indoor Adventure/Experience Lumber Jill’s

Axe Throwing

4650 Ladson Road, Ste. 205. Summerville (843) 879-3030 throwlumberjills.com

RUNNER-UP: Crush Yard

Best Kayak Company Coastal Expeditions

Various Locations coastalexpeditions.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Outdoor Adventures

Best Local Athlete Raven Saunders

RUNNER-UP: Brandon McCracken

Isla Surf School

Want to learn how to surf? Isla Surf School can get you upright with a variety of surf lessons that fits your skill level and budget. Isla offers private and group lessons, corporate outings and parties and camps. But to surf, you’d need a board. Isla rents them at affordable rates by the halfday, daily and weekly in a selection of shapes and sizes.

Isla offers a ten-week summer surf camp at Folly Beach that runs Mondays through Fridays, beginning in June. Campers learn to surf or improve their skills while they learn ocean safety.

The backbone to Isla’s teaching is a team of professional, experienced and passionate instructors, a diverse group from all walks of life. —Herb Frazier

Best Surf Lessons

Ashley Stanol

Best Local Sports Team

Charleston RiverDogs

360 Fishburne St. Charleston (843) 723-7241

milb.com/Charleston

RUNNER-UP: South Carolina Stingrays

Best Marina Isle of Palms Marina

50 41st Ave. Isle of Palms (843) 886-0209 iopmarina.com

RUNNER-UP: Bohicket Marina

Best Outdoor Adventure/Experience

Coastal Expeditions

Various Locations coastalexpeditions.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Fossil Adventures

Best Outdoor Outfitters

Half-Moon Outfitters

280 King St. Downtown halfmoonoutfitters.com 843-853-0990

RUNNER-UP: REI

Best Park

James Island County Park

871 Riverland Drive. Charleston ccprc.com/68/James-Island-County-Park (843) 406-6990

RUNNER-UP: Park Circle Park

Best Party Boat Palmetto Breeze

1 Shrimp Boat Lane. Mount Pleasant (843) 338-2930 palmettobreeze.com

RUNNER-UP: Tiki Tours of Charleston

Best Place to Buy a Boat Hanckel Marine, LLC.

2445 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 556-2550 hanckelmarine.com

RUNNER-UP: Palmetto Boat

Best Place to Buy a Golf Cart

Charleston Custom Golf Carts

2466 Clements Ferry Road, Ste. 101. Daniel Island (843) 885-8100 charlestoncarts.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Wholesale Golf Carts

Best Stand Up Paddleboard Company

Coastal Expeditions

Various Locations coastalexpeditions.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Outdoor Adventures

Best Surf Lessons Isla Surf School

301 W. Ashley Ave. Folly Beach islasurfschool-charleston.com (843) 813-7897

RUNNER-UP: Carolina Salt

Best Surf Shop McKevlin’s Surf Shop

8 Center St. Folly Beach mckevlins.com (843) 588-2247

RUNNER-UP: Parrot Surf and Skate

Best Water Sports Company Coastal Expeditions

Various Locations coastalexpeditions.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Outdoor Adventures

Palmetto Breeze

Palmetto Breeze offers comfort and speed on the water. This Charlestonbuilt craft is the ultimate sailing catamaran for birthdays, weddings, corporate outings, school eco tours and most celebratory events.

Palmetto Breeze has a spacious wooden deck with covered seating by the “barefoot” bar and moveable deck chairs in the forward section. Two bathrooms are below deck, and speakers are positioned throughout the boat.

A wedding event on a 100-foot catamaran sailboat on the historic Charleston Harbor is made even better with a full range of catering options from our Shem Creek neighbor and award-winning restaurant, Water’s Edge. An onboard, fullservice bar and onboard bartender will keep drinks cold and glasses full.

Reunions and family gatherings deserve a memorable and unique venue with an afternoon or evening cruise on the harbor’s stunning waters as you and your guests dance and mingle under the stars. —Herb Frazier

Best Indoor Adventure/Experience

Lumber Jill’s Axe Throwing Lounge

You need two things to throw an axe at Lumber Jill’s Axe Throwing Lounge. An axe, of course, and closed-toed shoes.

If you bring an axe from home, stop by a coach first to get your tool inspected and approved.

Remember axe throwing is a fun activity for children 10 and older, but before you haul them over the best option is to reserve time online. The venue is open for celebrations, corporate events and private rental. And from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on the last Friday of the month, the lounge is bathed in blacklights and glow-in-thedark paint.

At different times during the year, Lumber Jill highlights an important cause or organization and “throws” its support behind it.

If you want to be the talk of your neighborhood, schedule an axethrowing party in your backyard. —Herb Frazier

Ashley Stanol

Best Party Boat

Half-Moon Outfitters

Half-Moon Outfitters, an independent regional chain of outdoor stores serves South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina and Texas. Half-Moon could be considered the prototypical local business success story. Established in downtown Charleston in 1993, the stores offer a boutique selection of outdoorindustry products.

Half-Moon Outfitters is usually the first to present new, innovative and most interesting products for the outdoor enthusiasts. —Herb Frazier

Carolina

Dive Locker

Carolina Dive Locker has a scuba program for novice divers. At the start of your dive adventure, instructors begin the lessons in confined water for that first unforgettable breath underwater.

The experience will leave you wanting more. From there, the company offers a variety of specialty courses and unique ways to enjoy weightlessness in beautiful underwater settings.

Carolina Dive Locker’s globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin a lifetime of adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater.

Gain the training and knowledge to safely freedive with a buddy in open water environments to depths of 66 feet. A variety of specialty training and the opportunities for international diving adventures awaits.

—Herb Frazier

Scott Suchy photo illustration

Best Outdoor Outfitters

Best New Restaurant Lost Isle

Johns Island’s new outdoor restaurant Lost Isle has quickly taken off

A foodie town through and through, Charleston is home to a wide variety of cuisine, from good old-fashioned Southern eats to inventive international fare — and experiences that range from fine-dining establishments to hole-in-the wall gems. You could be on the lookout for the best gourmet sandwich (you’ll find that at da Toscano Porchetta Shop) or a really fancy drink (look no further than this year’s best upscale bar, Marbled & Fin) and this list will guide you in the right direction — one dictated by our thousands of local voters. Find good food all over town, from Park Circle (home to hotspot Jackrabbit Filly) to Summerville (where you can nosh on quality Italian fare at Laura). Cheers to dining out in one of the top foodie destinations in the country, y’all. —Connelly Hardaway

Best Acai Bowls Huriyali

401 Huger St. Downtown 2016 Wappoo Drive. James Island (843) 207-4436 huriyali.com

RUNNER-UP: Playa Bowls

Best Appetizers

Home Team BBQ

126 Williman St. Downtown 3563 Hwy. 17. Mount Pleasant 2209 Middle St. Sullivan’s Island 1205 Ashley River Road. West Ashley (843) 225-7427

hometeambbq.com

RUNNER-UP: Saltwater Cowboys

Best Asian Fusion Jackrabbit Filly 1083 E. Montague Ave. North Charleston (843) 460-0037 jackrabbitfilly.com

RUNNER-UP: Zen Asian Fusion

Best Bagels

Ruby’s New York Style Bagels

Various Locations rubysnybagels.com

RUNNER-UP: Holey City Bagels

Best Bakery Baguette Magic

792 Folly Road, Ste. A. James Island (843) 471-5941

baguettemagicchs.com

RUNNER-UP: Welton’s Tiny Bakeshop

Best Barbecue

Lewis Barbecue

464 N. Nassau St. Downtown (843) 805-9500 lewisbarbecue.com

RUNNER-UP: Home Team BBQ

Best Bar Food Tattooed Moose

3328 Maybank Hwy. Johns Island (843) 952-7591 4845 Chateau Ave. North Charleston (843) 277-2990 tattooedmoose.com

RUNNER-UP: The Royal American

Best Biscuits Vicious Biscuit

409 W. Coleman Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 388-7362 viciousbiscuit.com

RUNNER-UP: Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit

Best Breakfast Millers All Day

120 King St. Downtown (843) 501-7342

1956 Maybank Hwy., Ste. A. James Island (843) 410-1553 millersallday.com

RUNNER-UP: Early Bird Diner

Best Brisket Lewis Barbecue

464 N. Nassau St. Downtown (843) 805-9500 lewisbarbecue.com

RUNNER-UP: Swig & Swine

Best Buffet Dukes Barbecue

331 Folly Road. James Island (843) 789-4801

4428 Spruill Ave., Ste. B. North Charleston (843) 554-1110

RUNNER-UP: Los Reyes Mexican Restaurant

Chef Nico Romo is no stranger to City Paper ’s annual Best of Charleston awards. He said winning best chef the first time around felt pretty special.

But by the fifth time, well, he may be out of words.

“I just don’t even know what to say,” Romo said. “To know that our clientele takes the time to vote for us every year — it is just incredible and means so much to me.”

As the mastermind behind four restaurant concepts, Romo said that he can’t pull off quality fare and excellent service alone. He credits each restaurant’s chef with the success of the Nico Romo Hospitality Group: NICO Oysters + Seafood’s Jay Flatley, Bistronomy’s chef Jim O’Connor, Laura’s chef Dominique Holsopple and Kersey House’s chef Remi Lorgoulloux.

“Because of their hard work, they keep my vision and maintain high standards,” he said. “They push our kitchen teams every day to be the best they can and I am so grateful for them.”

Romo said that it’s not just his team that’s elevating the Charleston culinary scene — he credits the many “amazing” chefs and restaurants around town for keeping this a top-notch dining city.

And when it comes to top-notch dining experiences, he thinks you’ll find just that at each Romo-run restaurant.

“We keep close notes on our guests to make sure they get the same welcome no matter who is managing, serving, bartending, etc.,” Romo said. “We try to make sure they feel like home and that we recognize them and they know how important they are to us.”

As a super busy chef, Romo acknowledged that his job can be challenging, but that he “wouldn’t change a thing.” And the reward is in the restaurants themselves. “[The most rewarding aspect] is being able to be at every restaurant every day and make sure our team knows they can count on me to support them.

Connelly Hardaway

Ashley Stanol

Best Restaurant Chef

Nico Romo

BEST DOUGHNUT SHOP

Lost Isle

f you haven’t heard of Johns Island’s new, outdoor restaurant, Lost Isle, then you’ve been living under a rock. It was named one of America’s best restaurants in 2024 by The New York Times, after all.

Head of marketing operations at the restaurant, Maggie Taylor, said that the whole Lost Isle team has been pleasantly surprised with “all the love and buzz right out of the gate.”

“We knew the food would be good,” she said. “But we were blown away by how quickly the word got out about the menu program.”

The restaurant focuses on live-fire cooking from chef Josh Taylor with seasonally rotating dishes and small plates like whipped ricotta with charred tomato and mains like smoked tomahawk

And while the food and cocktails (find an inventive list of drinks on tap and “from the freezer”) are appealing, Maggie Taylor said that people return to Lost Isle for the “amazing staff.”

“What keeps people coming back to Lost Isle, including national publications, is undoubtedly our exceptional staff,” she said. “Service and hospitality are our top priorities. While we believe chef Josh Taylor’s menu is outstanding and the cocktail program, crafted by our partner TJ Lynch and co-created by our beverage director Morgan Coyne, is among the best in Charleston, the real magic lies in the overall experience we offer.”

Taylor also credits the tight-knit Johns Island community with being welcoming and said that the restaurant has a lot of regulars who are grateful to have a spot like Lost Isle on the island.

“Our inclusion in The New York Times’ top 50 restaurants in the U.S. list and being named Restaurant of the Year by Southern Living magazine brought a sense of pride to the local community,” she said. “This recognition is a testament to the vibrant and talented food and beverage scene on Johns Island.” —Connelly Hardaway

1137 Morrison Drive. Downtown (843) 212-3302 891 Island Park Drive. Daniel Island (843) 377-8058 heavysbarburger.com

RUNNER-UP: Sesame Burgers & Beer

1302 Meeting St. Downtown (843) 722-2633 1471 Ben Sawyer Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 388-3146

1660 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 310-6148 santisrestaurantemexicano.com

RUNNER-UP: El Molino Supermarket

Caterer

925 St. Andrews Blvd. West Ashley (843) 571-3103 hambycatering.com

RUNNER-UP: Cru Catering

Charcuterie goat.sheep.cow.

106 Church St. Downtown (843) 480-2526

804 Meeting St. Downtown (843) 203-3118 goatsheepcow.com

RUNNER-UP: Avondale Wine & Cheese Best Cheesesteak Berkeley’s 624 1/2 Rutledge Ave. Downtown (843) 501-7779 eatatberkeleys.com

RUNNER-UP: Yous Guys

Scott

Suchy photo illustration

Merci Charleston!!

Best Chicken Fingers Boxcar Betty’s

1922 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 225-7470

7800 Rivers Ave. North Charleston (843) 990-9804

1701 Shoremeade Road. Mount Pleasant (843) 227-5198 boxcarbettys.com

RUNNER-UP: Kickin’ Chicken

Best Chinese Jackrabbit Filly

1083 E. Montague Ave. North Charleston (843) 460-0037 jackrabbitfilly.com

RUNNER-UP: Beautiful South

Best Chocolatier

Christophe Artisan Chocolatier & Patissier

90 Society St. Downtown (843) 297-8674

1901 Ashley River Road, Ste. 2A. West Ashley (843) 225-9133 christophechocolatier.com

RUNNER-UP: Remy Funfrock, La Pâtisserie

Best Daniel Island Brunch

The Kingstide

32 River Landing Drive. Daniel Island (843) 216-3832 thekingstide.com

RUNNER-UP: Blondies Bagels & Cafe

Best Daniel Island Restaurant

The

Kingstide

32 River Landing Drive. Daniel Island (843) 216-3832 thekingstide.com

RUNNER-UP: Sermet’s Courtyard

Best Deli East Bay Deli

Various locations eastbaydeli.com

RUNNER-UP: Mozzo Deli

Best Dessert Carmella’s Cafe & Dessert Bar

198 East Bay St., Ste. Downtown (843) 722-5893 carmellasdessertbar.com

RUNNER-UP: Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe

Best Doughnut Shop Duck Donuts

1812 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. West Ashley (843) 724-9917 duckdonuts.com

RUNNER-UP: BKeDSHoP

Best Downtown Brunch Halls Chophouse

434 King St. Downtown (843) 727-0090

300 Nexton Square Drive. Summerville (843) 900-6000 hallschophouse.com

RUNNER-UP: Millers All Day

Best Downtown Restaurant Halls Chophouse

434 King St. Downtown (843) 727-0090

300 Nexton Square Drive. Summerville (843) 900-6000 hallschophouse.com

RUNNER-UP: Vern’s

Best Fine Dining Restaurant Halls Chophouse

434 King St. Downtown (843) 727-0090

300 Nexton Square Drive. Summerville (843) 900-6000 hallschophouse.com

RUNNER-UP: FIG

Best Folly Beach Brunch Lost Dog Cafe

106 W. Huron Ave. Folly Beach (843) 588-9669 lostdogfollybeach.com

RUNNER-UP: Rita’s Seaside Grille

Best Folly Beach Restaurant Jack of Cups Saloon

34 Center St. Folly Beach (843) 633-0042 jackofcupssaloon.net

RUNNER-UP: Chico Feo

Best Food Truck Smash City Burgers smashcityburgers.com

RUNNER-UP: Roti Rolls

Best French 39 Rue de Jean

39 John St. Downtown (843) 722-8881 holycityhospitality.com/39-rue-de-jean

RUNNER-UP: Chez Nous

Best Fried Chicken

Leon’s Fine Poultry & Oyster Shop

698 King St. Downtown (843) 531-6500 leonsoystershop.com

RUNNER-UP: Boxcar Betty’s

Best Fries Tattooed Moose

3328 Maybank Hwy. Johns Island (843) 952-7591

4845 Chateau Ave. North Charleston (843) 277-2990 tattooedmoose.com

RUNNER-UP: Come Back Shack

Best Gelato Carmella’s Cafe & Dessert Bar

198 East Bay St., Ste. 100. Downtown (843) 722-5893

carmellasdessertbar.com

RUNNER-UP: Beardcat’s Sweet Shop

Best Goose Creek Brunch MOMO Crowfield

300 Hamlet Circle. Goose Creek (843) 709-9299

crowfieldgolf.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Sports Pub

Best Goose Creek Restaurant MOMO Crowfield

300 Hamlet Circle. Goose Creek (843) 709-9299

crowfieldgolf.com

RUNNER-UP: Blue Tequila

Best Gourmet Sandwich da Toscano Porchetta Shop

109 President St. Downtown dtporchetta.shop

RUNNER-UP: The Pass

Best Burger Heavy’s Barburger

John Haire likes to think Heavy’s Barburger serves the best burger every time someone orders it — and Best of Charleston voters seem to agree.

“It’s pretty humbling,” Haire said. “I’m not smart enough to have dreams this big or arrogant enough to think we’d have the successes that we’re having. It’s just a great nod to the staff that we have here. … We have a very high retention in our kitchen staff, and that says a lot about our leadership. I think they’re happy.”

Haire said the burger that made Heavy’s — which is named for Haire’s grandfather — stand out is most likely the Barburger. “Shocking name, what creativity I have there,” Haire laughed. “It’s three-to-one the most popular burger we have.” But it’s far from the only one Haire serves up.

“There’s a couple different levels of burger here,” he said. “You can get the double patty, American cheese, Heavy’s sauce and lots of fresh veg. Then, you got the very simple, straightforward — what we call the Luten’s cheeseburger — with Duke’s mayo, mustard and onion. But our third level is Uncle Gene’s Ranchero. Gene was the proverbial drunk uncle, so I named the bacon cheeseburger with jalapenos and grilled onions, just this big sloppy burger, after him.”

Haire said he appreciates the community’s support for him and his restaurant and hopes that he continues to not

Ashley Stanol

BEST MILKSHAKE & BEST

Hey there, Mr. Blue Sky!

Best Greek Stella’s

114 St. Philip St. Downtown (843) 400-0026 stellascharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Kairos Mediterranean Best Grits

Page’s Okra Grill

302 Coleman Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-3333 pagesokragrill.com

RUNNER-UP: Grace & Grit

Best Gyro (TIE)

Kairos Mediterranean

975 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 376-2011 1100 Bowman Road. Mount Pleasant (843) 606-9314 eatkairos.com AND

Platia Greek Goodness

5060 Dorchester Road Ste. 230. North Charleston (843) 864-1273 platiagreekfood.com

RUNNER-UP: My Big Fat Greek Trailer

Best Hot Dogs

Jack’s Cosmic Dogs

2805 N. Hwy 17. Mount Pleasant (843) 884-7677

jackscosmicdogs.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston RiverDogs

Best Ice Cream

Ye Ole Fashioned Various locations yeolefashioned.com

RUNNER-UP: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream

Best Indian/Pakistani

Ma’am Saab

251 Meeting St. Downtown (843) 259-2660 maamsaabchs.com

RUNNER-UP: Spice Palette Indian Cuisine

Best IOP Brunch

ACME Lowcountry Kitchen

31 J. C. Long Blvd. Isle of Palms (843) 886-3474 acmelowcountrykitchen.com

RUNNER-UP: Sea Biscuit Cafe

JOHNS ISLAND’S BEST BRUNCH

Best IOP Restaurant

ACME Lowcountry Kitchen

31 J. C. Long Blvd. Isle of Palms (843) 886-3474 acmelowcountrykitchen.com

RUNNER-UP: Coda del Pesce

Best Italian Wild Olive

2867 Maybank Hwy. Johns Island (843) 737-4177 wildoliverestaurant.com

RUNNER-UP: Melfi’s

Best James Island Brunch

Millers All Day

120 King St. Downtown (843) 501-7342

1956 Maybank Hwy., Ste. A. James Island (843) 410-1553 millersallday.com

RUNNER-UP: Baguette Magic

Best James Island Restaurant Mondo’s Italian Restaurant

915 Folly Road. James Island (843) 795-8400 eatatmondos.com

RUNNER-UP: Kwei Fei

Best Japanese O-Ku

463 King St. Downtown (843) 737-0112 o-kusushi.com

RUNNER-UP: Shiki

Best Johns Island Brunch Sunrise Bistro

1797 Main Road. Johns Island (843) 718-1858

sunrise-bistro.com

RUNNER-UP: KISS Cafe

Millers All Day

Millers All Day asks a simple question: What happens when you unite a team of passionate Southern chefs, a farmer and miller of great grains and an enviable Charleston address (and then add a pat of butter or a shot of bourbon)?

Well, this happens.

Millers All Day celebrates the most important meal of the day by shining a spotlight on small-batch grains, perfectly done eggs, craft cocktails and more — and they keep the party rolling from sun-up to sundown.

An homage to the enduring legacy of the Holy City, Millers All Day doesn’t shy away from history. An antique mill churning away in the front window, channeling a history of local sourcing and agriculture. But the 175-plus-year-old machine isn’t the oldest thing around — the building is just about as old, resting on Lower King Street just north of Broad Street.

Millers is guided by co-owners Greg Johnsman, owner of Edisto Island-based Marsh Hen Mill, and Nathan Thurston, a celebrated chef specializing in all flavors Southern.

Enjoy classic grits, mouth-watering cinnamon rolls, delicate eggs and hearty sandwiches, all with a cold cocktail to start the day right, or turn it around.

Skyler Baldwin

Best Breakfast

Ashley Stanol

Best Johns Island Restaurant

Wild Olive

2867 Maybank Hwy. Johns Island (843) 737-4177

wildoliverestaurant.com

RUNNER-UP: The Royal Tern

Best Late Night Menu

The Royal American

970 Morrison Drive. Downtown (843) 817-6925

theroyalamerican.com

RUNNER-UP: Tattooed Moose

Best Local Artisanal Food Product

Fresh Pasta

(843) 343-2418

riobertolinispasta.com

RUNNER-UP: Saltwater & Sourdough

Best Lunch Spot

Five Loaves Cafe

1055 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Ste. 100. Mount Pleasant (843) 849-1043

214 N. Cedar St. Summerville (843) 804-9410

fiveloavescafe.com

RUNNER-UP: Berkeley’s

Best Mac and Cheese Home Team BBQ

126 Williman St. Downtown 3563 Hwy. 17. Mount Pleasant

2209 Middle St. Sullivan’s Island 1205 Ashley River Road. West Ashley

(843) 225-7427

hometeambbq.com

RUNNER-UP: Lewis Barbecue

Best Meal Value Santi’s Restaurante Mexicano

1302 Meeting St. Downtown (843) 722-2633

1471 Ben Sawyer Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 388-3146

1660 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 310-6148

santisrestaurantemexicano.com

RUNNER-UP: Moe’s Crosstown Tavern

Best Meat & 3 Veggies Lewis Barbecue

464 N. Nassau St. Downtown (843) 805-9500 lewisbarbecue.com

RUNNER-UP: Swig & Swine

Best Soul Food

Nigel’s Good Food

Longtime favorite Nigel’s Good Food celebrates another victory for Blackowned local businesses

Rūta Smith file photo

Best Mexican Restaurant Santi’s Restaurante

Mexicano

1302 Meeting St. Downtown (843) 722-2633

1471 Ben Sawyer Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 388-3146

1660 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 310-6148 santisrestaurantemexicano.com

RUNNER-UP: Rancho Lewis

Best Milkshake

Ye Ole Fashioned

Various locations yeolefashioned.com

RUNNER-UP: Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe

Best Mount Pleasant Brunch Page’s Okra Grill

302 Coleman Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-3333 pagesokragrill.com

RUNNER-UP: Vicious Biscuit

Best Mount Pleasant Restaurant Page’s Okra Grill

302 Coleman Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-3333 pagesokragrill.com

RUNNER-UP: NICO Oysters + Seafood

Best Nachos Home Team BBQ

126 Williman St. Downtown

3563 Hwy. 17. Mount Pleasant

2209 Middle St. Sullivan’s Island

1205 Ashley River Road. West Ashley (843) 225-7427 hometeambbq.com

RUNNER-UP: Saltwater Cowboys

Best New Restaurant Lost Isle

3338 Maybank Hwy. Johns Island lostislechs.com

RUNNER-UP: Marbled & Fin

Best North Charleston Brunch

The Junction Kitchen & Provisions

4438 Spruill Ave. North Charleston (843) 745-9189 thejunctionkitchen.com

RUNNER-UP: MOMO Riverfront

Best North Charleston Restaurant Jackrabbit Filly

1083 E. Montague Ave. North Charleston (843) 460-0037 jackrabbitfilly.com

RUNNER-UP: MOMO Riverfront

Best Outdoor Patio

Saltwater Cowboys

130 Mill St. Mount Pleasant (843) 856-0700 saltwater-cowboys.com

RUNNER-UP: Blind Tiger Pub

Best Oysters

167 Raw Oyster Bar

193 King St. Downtown (843) 579-4997

167raw.com/charleston

RUNNER-UP: The Darling

Best Pitmaster John Lewis,

Lewis Barbecue

464 N. Nassau St. Downtown (843) 805-9500

lewisbarbecue.com

RUNNER-UP: Rodney Scott, Rodney Scott’s BBQ

Best Pizza - Gourmet EVO Pizzeria

1075 E. Montague Ave. North Charleston (843) 225-1796

evopizza.com

RUNNER-UP: Crust James Island

Best Pizza - Traditional D’Allesandro’s Pizza

229 St. Philip St. Downtown (843) 853-6337 dalspizza.com

RUNNER-UP: Famulari’s Pizzeria

Best Poke Poke Bros.

5070 International Blvd. North Charleston (843) 718-1354

644-H1 Long Point Road. Mount Pleasant (843) 800-5600

1305 N. Main St. Summerville (843) 285-9053

eatpokebros.com

RUNNER-UP: CudaCo.

Best Pop-up Restaurant Weems Ramen

@weemsramen

RUNNER-UP: Patty Daddy

Best Private Chef Brett McKee (843) 814-0167 brettmckee.com

RUNNER-UP: Lauren Furey LLC

Best Ramen Weems Ramen

@weemsramen

RUNNER-UP: Hachiya Ramen

Best Raw Bar

167 Raw Oyster Bar

193 King St. Downtown (843) 579-4997

167raw.com/charleston

RUNNER-UP: The Darling

North Charleston Brunch

Locals

They don’t call it “award-winning sushi” for nothing — Locals

Sushi & Sports Pub has been slinging high-quality sushi since it opened in Mount Pleasant in 2009. And it’s topped City Paper ’s Best of Charleston awards for years now.

With additional locations in West Ashley and James Island, the cult favorite sushi restaurant continues to please the masses. Whether you’re digging into a signature roll like the Holy City Roll made with spicy krab, cream cheese, tempura shrimp and fresh jalapeno and topped with blue fin tuna, salmon, yellowtail, avocado, spicy mayo, eel sauce, tempura flakes and sriracha (phew!) or something simpler like a

classic California or spicy tuna roll, there’s flavor-packed faves for everyone.

And we do mean everyone — one of the best things about Locals is that it caters to non-sushi eaters, too, with a menu full of choices from fried starters (hello crab wontons) to sammies to burgers to tacos.

While football season may be several months away (we’re sad too) you can always look forward to catching all the weekend games at Locals, too, where the sports bar welcomes all fans and offers a slew of Sunday Funday specials. Cheers to that.

—Connelly Hardaway

Basic Kitchen

Basic Kitchen (BK) has been wow-ing diners with its vegforward dishes since it opened on Wentworth Street in 2017. Restaurateurs Ben and Kate Towill opened Basic Kitchen with the tagline: “Cleaner fuel, longer destinations.” Since then, the concept has stuck to that motto by focusing on local produce and high-quality ingredients. Diners have long loved menu staples like Basic’s cauli wings and corn ribs, both made with vegan ingredients.

BK is also known for its hearty bowls, full meals that prove you don’t need meat to eat well. Dig into dishes like the Basic Bowl, made with roasted sweet potato, chimichurri broccoli, citrus kale, aleppo tomato chickpeas, quinoa and magic green sauce.

BK’s got its share of salads, of course, as well as burgers and sandwiches. And while the restaurant caters to vegetarians, there’s meat on the menu too.

While your vegetarian pals dig into the delicious veg patty burger feel free to get down with the cheekily named Naughty Burger, made with beef and served with aged white cheddar, griddled onions, dijonnaise and bread and butter pickles. A little something for everyone. Connelly Hardaway

Best Restaurant Halls Chophouse

434 King St. Downtown (843) 727-0090

300 Nexton Square Drive. Summerville (843) 900-6000 hallschophouse.com

RUNNER-UP: Chubby Fish

Best Restaurant Chef Nico Romo, NICO Oysters + Seafood, Bistronomy by Nico and Laura

RUNNER-UP: Josh Taylor, Lost Isle

Best Restaurant for Vegetarians Basic Kitchen

82 Wentworth St. Downtown (843) 789-4568 basickitchen.com

RUNNER-UP: Five Loaves Cafe

Best Ribs Lewis Barbecue

464 N. Nassau St. Downtown (843) 805-9500 lewisbarbecue.com

RUNNER-UP: Home Team BBQ

Best Romantic Restaurant Sorelle

88 Broad St. Downtown (843) 974-1575 sorellecharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Chez Nous

Best Salad California Dreaming

1 Ashley Point Drive. West Ashley (843) 766-1644 californiadreaming.rest

RUNNER-UP: Five Loaves Cafe

Best Seafood Chubby Fish

252 Coming St. Downtown (854) 222-3949 chubbyfishcharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Hank’s Seafood Restaurant

Best She-Crab Soup 82 Queen

82 Queen St. Downtown (843) 723-7591 82queen.com

RUNNER-UP: Fleet Landing

Best Shrimp & Grits Page’s Okra Grill

302 Coleman Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-3333 pagesokragrill.com

RUNNER-UP: 82 Queen

Best Sushi

Best Restaurant for Vegetarians

Zach Thompson

Ashley Stanol

Best Soul Food

Nigel’s Good Food

3760 Ashley Phosphate Road. North Charleston (843) 552-0079

9616 Hwy. 78, Ste. 11. Ladson (843) 718-1759

7000 Bowen Pier Drive, Ste. 2. Hanahan nigelsgoodfood.com

RUNNER-UP: Hannibal’s Kitchen

Best Steak

Halls Chophouse

434 King St. Downtown (843) 727-0090

300 Nexton Square Drive. Summerville (843) 900-6000 hallschophouse.com

RUNNER-UP: Oak Steakhouse

Best Sub Sandwich / Hoagie Mozzo Deli

730 Coleman Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 388-5755

616 Meeting St. Downtown (843) 793-8475

405 Faison Road, Ste. 102. Mount Pleasant (843) 388-3473 mozzodeli.com

RUNNER-UP: The Pass

Best Sullivan’s Island Brunch

The Obstinate Daughter

2063 Middle St. Sullivan’s Island (843) 416-5020 theobstinatedaughter.com

RUNNER-UP: Sullivan’s Fish Camp (ck name change, in flux)

Best Sullivan’s Island Restaurant

The

Obstinate Daughter

2063 Middle St. Sullivan’s Island (843) 416-5020 theobstinatedaughter.com

RUNNER-UP: Poe’s Tavern

Best Summerville Brunch

Page’s Okra Grill

142 Brighton Park Blvd. Summerville (843) 900-3925 pagesokragrill.com

RUNNER-UP: Five Loaves Cafe

Best Summerville Restaurant Laura

101 N. Main St. Summerville (843) 738-6988 laurasummerville.com

RUNNER-UP: Five Loaves Cafe

Best Sushi Locals

1150 Queensborough Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 388-5114

798 Folly Road, Ste. A. James Island (843) 297-8315

1680 Old Towne Road. West Ashley (843) 763-3908 localssushi.com

RUNNER-UP: Shiki

Best Tacos El Molino

1610 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., Ste. 301. West Ashley (843) 225-8244

5900 Rivers Ave. North Charleston (843) 261-8260 molinosupermarket.com

RUNNER-UP: Rebel Taqueria

Best Tapas Malagon

33 Spring St. Downtown (843) 926-0475 malagonchs.com

RUNNER-UP: Azur

Best Thai Basil

1070 E. Montague Ave. North Charleston (843) 225-8161 1465 Long Grove Drive. Mount Pleasant (843) 606-9641 eatatbasil.com

RUNNER-UP: Taste of Thai

Best Tots Home Team BBQ

126 Williman St. Downtown 3563 Hwy. 17. Mount Pleasant 2209 Middle St. Sullivan’s Island 1205 Ashley River Road. West Ashley (843) 225-7427 hometeambbq.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Sports Pub

Best Vietnamese Bon Banh Mi

162 Spring St. Downtown (843) 414-7320

1440 Ben Sawyer Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 388-7080

1100 Oakland Market Road. Mount Pleasant (843) 352-2082 bonbanhmi.com

RUNNER-UP: Pink Bellies

Best Wait Staff Halls Chophouse

434 King St. Downtown (843) 727-0090

300 Nexton Square Drive. Summerville (843) 900-6000 hallschophouse.com

RUNNER-UP: Marbled & Fin

Best Waterfront Dining Fleet Landing

186 Concord St. Downtown (843) 722-8100 fleetlanding.net

RUNNER-UP: Saltwater Cowboys

Best Weekend Brunch Halls Chophouse

434 King St. Downtown (843) 727-0090

300 Nexton Square Drive. Summerville (843) 900-6000 hallschophouse.com

RUNNER-UP: Vicious Biscuit

Best Local Artisanal Food Product

Rio Bertolini’s Pasta

You have a choice when you make a pasta dish at home in Charleston. You can either rely on the dried pound-sized boxes of spaghetti or penne from an everyday grocery store. Or you can go to the next level with fresh and fresh-frozen pasta from Rio Bertolini’s Pasta, this year’s winner (again) of best local artisanal food product.

At one of 30 vendors around town, you can pick up varieties like pappardelle, ravioli or cavatelli. And then you can experiment with fresh sauces based on butter, tomatoes, pesto or something wilder. One of our favorites is to buy ricotta gnocchi and dress it up with a garlicky butter cream sauce with fresh herbs and mushroom, topped by newly grated parmesan cheese.

Four years ago, owners Brian and Danielle Bertolini shared how grateful they were to be voted Best Local Artisanal Food Product by readers: “For our hard work to be acknowledged like this is humbling. We love what we do and the community that has supported us.

“This award speaks towards how we have been able to impact others with our food. You invite those to eat with you whom you value most. To be a part of that facilitation has been the core of who we are.” And today? They’re even more grateful. —Andy Brack

CONTINUED FROM PAGE

RUNNER-UP: Early Bird Diner

RUNNER-UP:

Ashley Stanol

Best Sommelier

Brittany Olson, Love and Bunches

Brittany Olson says she became a sommelier because wine has connected people across history

Charleston is a drinking town — and she’s full of lots of drinkin’ places. Whether it’s an outdoor patio, rooftop setting or cozy corner seats at the bar — discovering the perfect spot for any drinking occasion is a walk in the park around here. Need a crisp lager? Check out the brews on tap at Holy City Brewing (Best Locally Brewed Lager). Fancy cocktail more your speed? Marbled & Fin (Best Upscale Bar) is all over it. And hey, if you’re trying to engage in more of a sober curious lifestyle, well, spots like Sweatman’s Garden (Best SoBar/Non-Alcoholic Bar) would be a great fit for you. City Paper readers deemed these the top hotspots for drinking in our fair city. —Connelly Hardaway

Best Activity Bar: Pickleball, Golf, Ax Throwing, etc.

Pinky & Clyde’s Arcade Bar

1044 E. Montague Ave. North Charleston (843) 471-2413

RUNNER-UP: Bearded Ax

Best Adult Establishment King Street Cabaret

1337 King St. Downtown (843) 789-4488 kingstreetcabaret.com

RUNNER-UP: Cheetah Gentlemen’s Club

Best Arcade Bar Pinky & Clyde’s Arcade Bar

1044 E. Montague Ave. North Charleston (843) 471-2413

RUNNER-UP: Frothy Beard Brewing

Authentic Pub Madra Rua Irish Pub

1034 E. Montague Ave. North Charleston (843) 554-2522 2066 North Main St. Summerville (843) 821-9434 madraruapub.com

RUNNER-UP: The Blind Tiger Pub

Best Bar Staff Moe’s Crosstown Tavern 714 Rutledge Ave. Downtown (843) 641-0469 moescrosstowntavern.com

RUNNER-UP: Low Tide Brewing

Best Bartender Morgan Coyne, Bohemian Bull & Lost Isle

RUNNER-UP: Tyler Moss, Indaco/AC’s

Best Beer Selection on Tap Edmund’s Oast

1081 Morrison Drive. Downtown (843) 727-1145

Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co.

1505 King St., Ste. 115. Downtown (843) 718-3224 edmundsoast.com

RUNNER-UP: Holy City Brewing

Best Bloody Mary

Blind Tiger Pub

36-38 Broad St. Downtown (843) 872-6700 blindtigerchs.com

RUNNER-UP: The Darling

Best Bottled Beer Gene’s Haufbrau

817 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 225-4363 genescharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: The Whale

Best Bouncers Recovery Room Tavern

685 King St. Downtown (843) 727-0999 recoveryroomtavern.com

RUNNER-UP: AC’s Bar and Grill

Best Bubble/Boba Tea Ha . Long Café

281 Meeting St. Downtown (843) 501-7477

RUNNER-UP: Boba Fusion

Best Cheap Beer Deal Recovery Room Tavern

685 King St. Downtown (843) 727-0999 recoveryroomtavern.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston RiverDogs Dollar Beers

Best Cocktails Félix Cocktails et Cuisine

550 King St. Downtown (843) 203-6297 felixchs.com

RUNNER-UP: All My Exes

Best Coffee Roaster Second State Coffee Various locations secondstatecoffee.com

RUNNER-UP: Prophet Coffee Roaster

Best Coffee Shop

Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer

4 Vanderhorst St. Downtown (843) 345-4573 kuducoffeecharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Prophet Coffee

THE BEST IN SPIRITS!

BRINGING YOU

Best Cold Beer ( TIE)

Gene’s Haufbrau

817 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 225-4363

genescharleston.com AND

Low Tide Brewing

2863 Maybank Hwy. Johns Island (843) 576-9194 lowtidebrewing.com

RUNNER-UP: Frothy Beard

Best Daniel Island Bar

New Realm Brewing Co.

880 Island Park Drive. Daniel Island (843) 471-1130

newrealmbrewing.com

RUNNER-UP: The Kingstide

Best Daniel Island Happy Hour

New Realm Brewing Co.

880 Island Park Drive. Daniel Island (843) 471-1130 newrealmbrewing.com

RUNNER-UP: Mac’s Place

Best Distillery Firefly Distillery

4201 Spruill Ave. North Charleston (843) 557-1405 fireflydistillery.com

RUNNER-UP: High Wire Distilling

Best Downtown Bar

Runner-up:

The Royal American

970 Morrison Drive. Downtown (843) 817-6925 theroyalamerican.com

RUNNER-UP: Blind Tiger

Best Downtown Happy Hour

Blind Tiger Pub

36-38 Broad St. Downtown (843) 872-6700 blindtigerchs.com

RUNNER-UP: The Brick

Best Folly Beach Bar

Chico Feo

122 E. Ashley Ave. Folly Beach (843) 906-2710 chicofeos.com

RUNNER-UP: Rita’s Seaside Grille

Best Folly Beach Happy Hour

Chico Feo

122 E. Ashley Ave. Folly Beach (843) 906-2710 chicofeos.com

RUNNER-UP: Lowlife Bar

Best Frozen Drinks

The Co-Op Gourmet Sandwiches

Best Bouncers | Best Cheap Beer Deal

Recovery Room Tavern

If you’re a fan of one of downtown’s favorite dive bars, Rec Room, you don’t need a list of all the reasons why the upper King Street staple is so beloved among patrons. But if you’ve never been (shame!), then owner Chris “Boston” DiMattia said the reasons are pretty simple: “Other bars just need to lower their prices and sell more economical session lagers.”

All jokes aside, DiMattia said that it is “always flattering to be recognized as the best.”

Recovery Room took home two BOC awards this year: best bouncers and best cheap beer deal. DiMattia said that he requires all of his potential bouncers to watch Road House and write a one paragraph review (which he grades). Bouncers must also “be nice, be kind, be helpful” and remember that “yelling at drunks doesn’t solve anything.”

Dimattia said that patrons keep coming back for the cheap beer and nice bouncers, sure, but also to cling to a little bit of nostalgia. “I think for many, Rec reminds them of some shitty bar they went to 50 years ago or some spot their grand dad would hide out in,” he said. “We are a dying breed in Charleston.”

Connelly Hardaway

Best Goose Creek Bar

Charleston Sports Pub

Multiple locations charlestonsportspub.com

RUNNER-UP: Sapphire’s

Best Happy Hour Pearlz Oyster Bar

9 Magnolia Road. West Ashley (843) 573-2277

153 East Bay St. Downtown (843) 577-5755 pearlzoysterbar.com

RUNNER-UP: The Brick

Best IOP Bar

The Windjammer

1008 Ocean Blvd. Isle of Palms (866) 540-3548 the-windjammer.com

RUNNER-UP:

Best IOP Happy Hour

The Windjammer

1008 Ocean Blvd. Isle of Palms (866) 540-3548 the-windjammer.com

RUNNER-UP: The Dinghy

Best James Island Bar Bohemian Bull

1531 Folly Road. James Island (843) 225-1817 bohemianbull.com

RUNNER-UP: Bar George

Best James Island Happy Hour Bohemian Bull

1531 Folly Road. James Island (843) 225-1817 bohemianbull.com

RUNNER-UP: The Low Down

RUNNER-UP: The Dinghy

Ashley Stanol

Brittany Olson

The world of wine is vast — and can seem overwhelming to drinkers, let alone people who choose to study it. For Brittany Olson, though, becoming a wine expert was a no-brainer.

“I became a sommelier because wine, to me, is one of the most human things in the world,” she said. “It connects land, time, people, emotion — it’s history and culture in a glass, it tells a story.”

Olson is the owner of Love & Bunches, a curated beverage experience company. She said that she started the company not just to serve wine — but to serve feelings.

“I dreamed of a space where wine could be joyful, inclusive, full of life — where people could show up exactly as they are and leave feeling a little more seen, a little more celebrated,” she said.

Olson is grateful to be named Charleston’s best somm by City Paper readers, something that she said is the result of “years of dedication, humility, late nights, endless curiosity and genuine love for people and the stories wine carries.”

It also doesn’t hurt that she gets to do what she loves every day. “It never feels like a job,” she said. “Whether it’s helping someone find their wine, or just seeing their eyes light up when they taste something that truly moves them — those are the moments that stay with me.”

Connelly Hardaway

VOTED BEST BAR

Best LGBTQ Bar Dudley’s

42 Ann St. Downtown (843) 577-6779

dudleys42ann.com

RUNNER-UP:

Bar Polari

Best Local Beer Can Design Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co.

1505 King St., Ste. 115. Downtown (843) 718-3224

edmundsoast.com

RUNNER-UP: Holy City Brewing

Best Local Brewery Holy City Brewing

1021 Aragon Ave. North Charleston (843) 459-2948

holycitybrewing.com

RUNNER-UP: Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co. & Taproom

Best Local Brewery Taproom

Holy City Brewing

1021 Aragon Ave. North Charleston (843) 459-2948

holycitybrewing.com

RUNNER-UP: Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co. & Taproom

Best Local Cocktail Mixer Charleston Bloody Mary Mix

charlestonmix.com

RUNNER-UP: Sweatman’s Garden Tonic

Best Local Spirit Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka

4201 Spruill Ave. North Charleston (843) 557-1405

fireflydistillery.com

RUNNER-UP: Hat Trick Gin

Best Locally Brewed Beer Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co., Something Cold

1505 King St., Ste. 115. Downtown (843) 718-3224

edmundsoast.com

RUNNER-UP: Aloha Beaches, Low Tide Brewing

Best Locally Brewed Gose/Sour Snafu Brewing Company, Keeping It Teal

3280 Industry Drive, Ste. A, North Charleston (843) 767-4121

snafubrewingcompany.com.

RUNNER-UP: Carolina Creamsicle, Low Tide Brewing

Best Locally Brewed IPA Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co., Bound by Time

1505 King St., Ste. 115. Downtown (843) 718-3224

edmundsoast.com

RUNNER-UP: Overly Friendly IPA, Holy City Brewing

Best Locally Brewed Lager Holy City Brewing, Holy City Pilsner

1021 Aragon Ave. North Charleston (843) 459-2948

holycitybrewing.com

RUNNER-UP: Mexican Lager, LO-Fi Brewing

Best Locally Brewed Porter/Stout Holy City Brewing, Pluff Mud Porter

1021 Aragon Ave. North Charleston (843) 459-2948 holycitybrewing.com

RUNNER-UP: Brunch with Santa, Low Tide Brewing

Best Late Night Bar The Royal American

CONTINUED ON PAGE 123

The Royal American’s massive front doors welcome all for a quick drink

Ashley Stanol

Best Margarita Santi’s Restaurante Mexicano

302 Meeting Street Road. Downtown (843) 722-2633

1471 Ben Sawyer Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 388-3146

1660 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 823-2671 santisrestaurantemexicano.com

RUNNER-UP: Mex 1 Coastal Cantina

Best Martini Halls Chophouse

434 King St. Downtown (843) 727-0090

300 Nexton Square Drive. Summerville (843) 900-6000 hallschophouse.com

RUNNER-UP: All My Exes

Best Mount Pleasant Bar Red’s Ice House

98 Church St. Mount Pleasant (843) 388-0003 redsicehouse.com

RUNNER-UP: Saltwater Cowboys

Best Mount Pleasant Happy Hour Red’s Ice House

98 Church St. Mount Pleasant (843) 388-0003 redsicehouse.com

RUNNER-UP: Locals

Best Neighborhood Bar Moe’s Crosstown Tavern 714 Rutledge Ave. Downtown (843) 641-0469 moescrosstowntavern.com

RUNNER-UP: My Father’s Moustache

Best Bartender Morgan Coyne, Bohemian Bull and Lost Isle

Morgan Coyne, a first-time winner this year as Best Bartender in the Best of Charleston contest, is a familiar face on the sea islands, perhaps because she mixes tasty concoctions at the Bohemian Bull on James Island and at Lost Isle on Johns Island.

She’ll tell you that she’s kind of emotional about winning because she learned all about hard work from her late mother.

“It’s almost like I’m doing it for my mom and myself,” she said recently. “I’m constantly trying to learn new things. To win, it feels like I’m doing something right in the industry.”

Coyne describes herself as a passionate local mixologist who crafts unique, but balanced cocktails with fresh twists to classic flavors.

“With my years in the industry, I’ve had the privilege of developing creative beverage programs and designing memorable drinks that reflect my love for bold ingredients and unexpected combinations,” said Coyne, who is beverage director at Bohemian Bull and Lost Isle, where she also bartends. “Each cocktail I create is an opportunity to blend tradition with innovation, always aiming to create a memorable experience in every sip.”

With a bachelor’s degree in hospitality administration and management from Trident Technical College, Coyne expanded her shakers of influence, err, her expertise, last year after Lost Isle opened its live-fire cooking and craft cocktail party vibe to Johns Island. —Andy Brack

Ashley Stanol

Best New Bar

All My Exes

825 Savannah Hwy. Ste. B. West Ashley (854) 222-3836 allmyexeschs.com

RUNNER-UP: The Archer

Best No Frills Watering Hole Gene’s Haufbrau

817 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 225-4363 genescharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Moe’s Crosstown

Best Non-Alcoholic Beverage High Rise seltzers, High Rise Beverage Co.

5700 Dorchester Road. North Charleston

(843) 256-6507 highrisebev.com

RUNNER-UP: Levity Cannabis Spirit

Best North Charleston Bar

Holy City Brewing 1021 Aragon Ave. North Charleston (843) 459-2948 holycitybrewing.com

RUNNER-UP: Pinky & Clyde’s Arcade Bar

Best North Charleston Happy Hour Commonhouse Aleworks

4831 O’Hear Ave. North Charleston. (843) 471-1400 commonhousealeworks.com

RUNNER-UP: DIG in the Park

All My Exes

Steph Sievers, owner of best new bar, All My Exes, said that she’s been grateful for the bar’s warm reception since it opened in Avondale last year. Winning a Best of Charleston award adds a little extra oomph, though. “This type of recognition is something else,” she said. “I operate a lot on instinct and just thinking, ‘How can I make people feel happy and feel seen?’ So it’s incredible to receive this award in our first year and be able to think: ‘Well, we must be doing something right.’”

The cocktail bar places a great deal of emphasis on operating as a safe space, where everyone feels truly welcome. Sievers said part of the bar’s success is due to its location — Avondale is, as she described it, a “low-key, close-knit neighborhood.”

Folks flock to All My Exes for the drinks, too, of course. “We have a long list of perfected classic cocktails, made correctly and with fresh and quality ingredients, but we’re also a pretty chill atmosphere,” Sievers said. “Even our signature cocktails are super unique, delicious and gorgeous, but also approachable; the average drinker is going to recognize the ingredients.”

Sievers credits All My Exes’ beverage director, Jen Jackson, with the solid cocktail program, especially the monthly and holiday specials. People were still asking for the frosting-and-sprinkle rim on drinks well into March (sorry folks, that’s a holiday special). Regardless of the rim offerings, people keep coming back for more, or for the first time, to try out all All My Exes has to offer. Sievers sees a lot of repeat customers, from young parents sneaking out for glasses of wine on Sunday afternoons to f&b workers who come in at midnight after a long day. “It’s such a joy, honestly,” she said. “That’s all we wanted to create — a place that has something for everyone.” —Connelly Hardaway

Best New Bar

Ashley Stanol

Chico Feo

AFolly Beach staple, Chico Feo is best known for its laidback vibes and solid beach fare. And, at its core, it’s a place for the folks of Folly.

“We have a huge regular contingent, especially in the off season,” said owner Hank Weed. “We usually have the kids from our locals/regulars working before, or during the college years. Folly Beach is such a special community too, as it feels like one big family most days.”

Weed said the best part of winning an award — especially one that’s voted on strictly by locals — is “seeing the stoke on the staff’s faces.” As he said, “they’re the ones that keep turning it on every single day…The crew is incredible at making everyone feel at home.”

Next time you’re on Folly and looking for a bite and a beer, be sure to swing by Chico Feo for some mahi tacos and a local brew. The spot also has an area in the front of its building where the restaurant tries out new concepts.

Currently, wine expert Brandon Underwood is serving up salty snacks and beach wines from the Basque region with his pop-up, Vino Feo.

And if you’re looking to indulge in the bar’s famed happy hour, snag what Weed called “big-ass bottles of sake for 15 bucks” and chill out while the sun sets. “[A] nice breeze, everyone a little sun-kissed, trees blowing in the wind,” he opined. “[It’s] truly a ‘happy hour.’”

Connelly Hardaway

Best Place for a Bachelor Party Uptown Social

587 King St. Downtown (843) 793-1837

uptownsocialchs.com

RUNNER-UP: Pinky & Clyde’s Arcade Bar

Best Place for a Bachelorette Party Republic Garden & Lounge

462 King St. Downtown (843) 724-7400 republicreign.com

RUNNER-UP: Saltwater Cowboys

Best Rooftop Bar

The Rooftop at The Vendue

19 Vendue Range. Downtown (843) 414-2337

rooftopcharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Citrus Club

Best SoBar/Non-Alcoholic Bar

Sweatman’s Garden

90 Folly Road Blvd. James Island sweatmansgarden.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Hemp Collective Dry Bar

Sweatman’s Garden

Sweatman’s Gardens in South Windermere in West Ashley calls itself the world’s first “sodary” — a comfortable lounge that makes in-house sodas using fresh, natural ingredients. And they’re perfect for City Paper readers — as mocktails or for an extra $5, something with a little added alcoholic kick.

“We love to change up flavors and cocktails frequently — stop in to check out our rotating menu of craft cocktails, cannabis cocktails, seasonal sodas and zero-proof cocktails,” says Sweatman’s.

Among the tantalizing soda flavors on a recent menu were lime cream soda, root beer including the tastes of sassafras, sarsparilla, dandelion root and birch. There are three flavors of ginger beer, seven tonics and seven flavors of sugar-free frescas or colas.

You can also opt for alcoholic or nonalcoholic beers. And if you’re in the mood for something sweet, you can try a rotating chocolate fondue or ice cream float. There’s wine. And if you want to take something home, fill a growler or growlette. You also should check out the bar for food. It has a changing menu thanks to a rotating menu of guest pop-ups.

Andy Brack

BEST LOCAL BREWERY FOR 11 YEARS!

Locally Brewed Gose/Sour

Snafu Brewing Company,

Keeping it Teal

North Charleston’s Snafu Brewing Company has been brewing sour beers since its inception, often offering more than a dozen sour brews in its taproom.

Sara Senn, head of operations at Snafu, said that the folks at the brewery are always grateful for local support, especially when people get excited about what Snafu is brewing.

Keeping It Teal, this year’s award-winner, is a sour beer brewed with oats and milk sugar then conditioned on cotton candy and blue raspberry Italian ice. Senn said that the brew is Snafu’s most popular beverage and “a good representation of what we do.”

“People love the nostalgic flavors of cotton candy and blue raspberry,” she said. “Like all our beers, it’s very flavor-forward and made to appeal to both craft beer lovers and people who swear they ‘don’t even like beer.’”

The best part about Snafu is that they keep your favorite beer on tap, but they’re ready and willing to introduce you to new flavors — frequently, too.

“We’re always coming up with new and fun flavors,” Senn said. “We usually drop one or two new beers every week in the taproom and do our best to have something for everyone.” —Connelly Hardaway

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 125

Best Sommelier Brittany Olson, Love and Bunches

loveandbunches.com

RUNNER-UP: Megan Schneeberger, Husk Restaurant Best Sports Bar Charleston Sports Pub Various locations charlestonsportspub.com

RUNNER-UP: The Brick

Best Sullivan’s Island Bar Home Team BBQ

2209 Middle St. Sullivan’s Island (843) 225-7427 hometeambbq.com

RUNNER-UP: Poe’s Tavern

Best Sullivan’s Island Happy Hour Home Team BBQ

2209 Middle St. Sullivan’s Island (843) 225-7427 hometeambbq.com

RUNNER-UP: Dunleavy’s Pub

Best Summerville Bar The Icehouse

104 E. Doty Ave. Summerville (843) 261-0360 theicehousesc.com

RUNNER-UP: Montreux Bar and Grill

Best Summerville Happy Hour Frothy Beard Off World

117 S. Main St. Summerville (854) 200-7419

summerville.frothybeard.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Sports Pub

Best Upscale Bar

Marbled & Fin

480 East Bay St., Ste. A. Downtown (843) 278-5488 marbledandfin.com

RUNNER-UP:

Peninsula Grill

Best Waterfront Bar Red’s Ice House

98 Church St. Mount Pleasant. (843) 388-0003 redsicehouse.com

RUNNER-UP: Saltwater Cowboys

Best West Ashley Bar

Gene’s Haufbrau

817 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 225-4363 genescharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Tin Roof

Best West Ashley Happy Hour Gene’s Haufbrau

817 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 225-4363

genescharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Tin Roof

Best Wine Bar Avondale Wine & Cheese

813 Savannah Hwy., Ste. B. West Ashley (843) 769-5444 avondalechs.com

RUNNER-UP: Graft

Best Wine Selection (Bar/ Restaurant or Retail) Avondale Wine & Cheese

813 Savannah Hwy., Ste. B. West Ashley (843) 769-5444 avondalechs.com

RUNNER-UP: Marbled & Fin

If you’ve been on the lookout for a 40+ page wine and spirits menu around town, look no further than East Bay Street’s chic steakhouse, Marbled & Fin.

While the restaurant itself is impressive, it’s the spot’s separate bar area that stood out to this year’s Best of Charleston voters who deemed it the best upscale bar in town.

Kevin King, project director of Neighborhood Dining Group (the hospitality group behind Marbled & Fin) said that being voted the best by locals makes the award even more meaningful.

“We’ve truly felt embraced by the community and are proud to be considered a standout in Charleston’s vibrant dining scene,” he said. “From day one, our goal was to raise the bar, and thanks to the support of our guests, we believe that’s exactly what’s been recognized.”

Bar manager Carl Gilbert said that Marbled & Fin’s environment is conducive to both new and returning guests.

“The design of the bar space is arguably one of the most important attributes regarding the bar’s success: the high ceilings, the plant wall, the offset wall design juxtaposed by the tear drop chandelier, and the color scheme that invokes feelings of openness and being invited,” he said.

And, as King pointed out, the drinks aren’t bad either. “From an ice-cold, extra-large martini to a signature creation featuring meticulously hand-painted ice, we offer drinks that captivate both the palate and the eye,” he said. “It’s that balance of familiarity and creativity that keeps our guests coming back.”

Connelly Hardaway

Best Upscale Bar

Marbled & Fin

Ashley Stanol