If you are like me and obsessed not just with the beauty of Charleston but the restaurant empire that Charleston has built as well, it can be a little overwhelming trying to pick where to go to eat. Charleston has everything to offer, from quick and easy to an elaborate five-course meal that will leave your taste buds buzzing with joy. As a hospitality and tourism major, my heart and soul is the food and beverage industry; I have been working as a pastry chef in Charleston throughout the past two years, and nothing gets me more excited than amazing food. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Jim n' Nicks BBQ

The South is not complete unless there is BBQ! Jim n' Nick's BBQ is a well known southern chain easily identifiable by their pig logo overhanging 288 King St. Jim n' Nick's offers quick, easy and delicious BBQ with a variety of country-loving sides. Just walk in and go up to the register and order your food, then sit down at a table, and they will deliver your meal to you. I am personally a fan of their pulled pork sandwich. If I'm feeling extra hungry, the spare ribs with your choice of two sides are also excellent. I would highly suggest trying out their mac 'n cheese and homemade BBQ chips! Make it a family event or a quick bite to eat after a long day. You won't be disappointed

2. Virginia's on King

Located conveniently at 412 King St., just one block past Marion Square, Virginia's on King is my go-to Southern cooking restaurant. You can't wrong wrong here, seeing as they offer the whole Southern slew from fried chicken to shrimp and grits. My favorite dish is the lemon herb marinated chicken breast with Hoppin' John and their famous mac 'n cheese. Virginia's on King is a medium-priced restaurant, allowing the customer to dress casual in a pair of jeans and a nice top as well as giving them the option to spice it up a bit and wear that dress they've been wanting to wear out for a date night on the town. I would suggest Virginia's on King to anyone who stopped and asked me where they should go tonight. Take your friends, significant other, or if you're me, order out and take it back to your dorm room for some comfort food.

3. The Westendorff

One of Charleston's newest restaurants, The Westendorff, which is tucked away on the corner of Vanderhorst and 114 St. Phillips, is an absolute gem, and I am dying to go back! This chic yet subtle Southern decor restaurant offers fresh and local foods cooked to perfection. It is always easy to overeat and feel stuffed to the brim after going out to a nice dinner, but at The Westendorff, the entree portion sizes were actually normal, allowing the customer to indulge in an appetizer, side and dessert without feeling like exploding by the end of the meal. My friend and I were beyond delighted with our dinner. The service was outstanding, and the warm peach pie alla mode at the end was the perfect way to wrap up our night out.

4. F.I.G ($$$)

F.I.G = Food is good! Break out the heels, wedges or loafers for this one, ladies and gentlemen. F.I.G. is an upscale bistro-style restaurant located at 232 Meeting St. with a weekly and seasonally changing menu. F.I.G. offers the freshest and finest of what Charleston has to offer, and the chef does an incredible job bringing in seasonal spices and flavors to the wholesome dishes. Reservations are available on OpenTable, so be sure to look and/or call ahead to get a spot at this must-visit Charleston classic.