The Charleston food scene is poppin' and has been poppin’ for quite some time now. With Charleston being named the second best city in the world and the best city in the nation by Travel + Leisure magazine in 2017, we could not expect anything less.
Before you ask; yes, hamburgers are most definitely a food group. In fact, they happen to be my favorite one. Once, I waited for 4+ hours for a burger coined “The Number One Burger in America," at Au Cheval in Chicago, Illinois. To this day, it is the best hamburger that I have ever eaten.
However, don’t fret, as these five Charleston staples are just as delicious, and do not require a trip to your nearest airport.
1. Little Jack's Tavern
710 King St.
Opened in 2016, and co-owned by restaurateur Brooks Reitz, whom also opened Leon's Oyster Shop (my overall favorite restaurant in Charleston, thus far!) dishes out the famous Tavern Burger seven days a week. Little Jack’s was named one of the top fifty “Best New Restaurants in America” in 2017 by Bon Appetit and was named “Burger of the Year” by Bon Appetit in 2017 as well. So yeah, you could say this burger is changing the game.
Be sure to make reservations, or go snatch yourself a seat at the bar. Pro tip: order the garlic and herb fries.
2. Husk
76 Queen St.
First off, owner Sean Brock is a legend (hire me, please!) From the low-key Mexican joint, Minero, serving high-key eats, to the intimate McCrady’s Tavern, Sean Brock is doing everything right. Ever since high school, I had wanted to try the burger from Husk. I had read about the splendid anatomy of the Husk burger in just about every blog and magazine and had to see if it lived up to its expectations. Spoiler alert: it did.
And with Husk locations in Nashville, Greenville, and Savannah, there is no reason to miss out on this banging burger. Get there, ASAP.
3. The Tattooed Moose
1137 Morrison Dr.
Four words: Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. The OG Food Network show hosted by Guy Fieri. This show basically sparked my love for food, and The Tattooed Moose just so happened to be featured on this show. This dive is famous for its burgers, duck club sammies, and duck fat fries (because duh, duck fat is the new vegetable oil). This joints vibe is classic, and perfect for any occasion.
4. Rutledge Cab Co.
300 Rutledge Ave.
Ahhhh, the good ole’ Rutledge Cab Co. Located on upper Rutledge Avenue, this stylish hashery is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, and is equally delicious at any time of the day. This place is so good, that even Bill Murray can be spotted here (fun fact, he is a part owner!). Although it magically tastes better on Mondays, where the classic burger is only $5, fries included! That’s right, you found your new Monday hangout.
See Y'all on Monday.
5. 5Church
32B, N Market St.
Okay, I’m switching it up a bit. If you don't know already, 5Church on North Market Street is truly aesthetically pleasing. Previously a church, 5Church has transformed this space with sleek cosmopolitan design and intricate artwork. Plus, they serve a killer lamb burger. Now that's something you don't see every day. Equipt with red onion marmalade and gorgonzola, this burger will knock your socks off.
Are you hungry yet? I thought so.
TREAT. YO. SELF.
