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Our Local's Guide to Downtown Charleston

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Exploring Charleston from 360 King

Charleston reveals itself best on foot - through its cobblestone streets, shaded courtyards, and the hum of King Street life. Staying at 360 King means you’re surrounded by some of the city’s best cafés, restaurants, and bars, all within an easy walk.

Every place on our list is close enough to wander to, making it simple to experience the city’s charm without ever needing to get in a car. Of course, if you’re in the mood to venture farther afield, some of Charleston’s magic lies beyond downtown - from its beaches to its marsh side restaurants and sunset spots. Your free parking space makes it easy to head out for the day and slip right back into bed when you return.

Quick Links: Coffees - Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner - Cocktails

Coffee
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Local Coffee Shops

Charleston does coffee with character. Around King Street and the nearby blocks, you’ll find small cafés where design, craft, and a sense of ease come together. Each has its own rhythm - the kind of places where mornings begin slowly and locals greet each other by name.

Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer

4 Vanderhorst St - 4 min walk from 360 King

Locals love Kudu for its leafy courtyard and relaxed vibe. By day, it’s about carefully brewed coffee; by night, an impressive lineup of craft beers. It’s a place to enjoy conversation and take a break from the rush.

The Rise Coffee Bar

77 Wentworth St - 5 min walk from 360 King

Small, chic, and polished, The Rise is tucked into the Restoration Hotel. It’s the spot when you want a quick cortado or latte that feels a bit dressed up. The kind of place you pop into before heading out for the day.

Second State Coffee

70.5 Beaufain St - 11 min walk from 360 King

Minimalist design, maximum focus on the beans. Second State is sleek and calm, with bright interiors and single-origin coffees brewed to perfection. A favorite for those who like their coffee pure and straightforward.

Clerks Coffee Company

181 Church St - 12 min walk from 360 King

Located inside Hotel Emeline, Clerks balances style and comfort. They serve thoughtful coffee, light bites, and also sell a selection of local goods. A nice stop when you’re exploring the market area.

Babas on Cannon *Top Pick*

11 Cannon St - 15 min walk from 360 King

An all-day café with a European feel. Babas keeps it simple and stylish, with espresso drinks in the morning and small plates or aperitifs later on. A great corner to start your day or to end it.

Harken Café *Top Pick*

62 Queen St - 15 min walk from 360 King

One of the most charming cafés in town. Harken has a vintage interior with brass details, exposed beams, and plants, plus a pastry case that changes daily. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to linger just a little longer.

Sorelle *Top Pick*

88 Broad St - 15 min walk from 360 King

Though known as an Italian restaurant, Sorelle also has a café counter open in the mornings. Pop in for a cappuccino and a pastry, and enjoy the elegant space before the dinner crowd arrives.

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Breakfast Charleston Style

Mornings in Charleston deserve to be savored. From neighborhood cafés to tucked-away spots serving Southern favorites, breakfast downtown feels both familiar and special - a slow start before a day spent exploring on foot.

Basic Kitchen *Top Pick*

82 Wentworth St - 7 min walk from 360 King

A bright, airy space focused on fresh, feel-good food. Try the green breakfast bowl or banana bread - it’s wholesome without feeling overly virtuous.

The Palmetto Café

205 Meeting St - 10 min walk from 360 King

Set inside Belmond Charleston Place, The Palmetto Café pairs refined service with a relaxed garden-court setting. Think Lowcountry shrimp and grits or a classic Southern breakfast done with polish.

Babas on Cannon *Top Pick*

11 Cannon St - 15 min walk from 360 King

Mentioned in our coffee picks for good reason, Babas is equally inviting at breakfast. Pair your espresso with the best avocado toast or breakfast burrito or tart, and enjoy the calm, corner-side atmosphere before the day begins in earnest.

The Daily

652 King St - 20 min walk from 360 King

A lively neighborhood staple with great coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and fresh pastries. Their avocado toast and cold-pressed juices are local favorites.

Dabs Breakfast & Brunch

280 Ashley Avenue - 30 min walk from 360 King

Friendly and unfussy, Dabs serves generous portions of classic breakfast plates. It’s a pleasant walk north through quieter streets of the upper peninsula, and the welcoming, neighborhood feel makes it worth the extra stretch.

Huryali *Top Pick*

401 Huger St - 30 min walk from 360 King

A bright, plant-filled café known for colorful smoothie bowls, fresh juices, and vibrant vegetarian options. Set a little uptown, it’s a great excuse for a longer stroll and a refreshing start to the day.

Breakfast
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Lazy Lunches

By midday, Charleston’s energy shifts. Sidewalk tables fill up, kitchens turn out simple plates done exceptionally well, and conversation drifts into the streets. These are our go-to lunch spots nearby, perfect for refueling before you wander further.

Delaney Oyster House

115 Calhoun St - 5 min walk from 360 King

Set in a beautifully restored historic home, Delaney focuses on oysters and Southern seafood, with excellent cocktails to match. Polished yet relaxed - one of Charleston’s true gems.

167 Raw Oyster Bar *Top Pick*

193 King St - 11 min walk from 360 King

A Charleston staple for oysters, lobster rolls, and cold drinks. It’s energetic, a little tight on space, and always worth the wait.

The Grocery

4 Cannon St - 14 min walk from 360 King

Warm, welcoming, and ingredient-driven, The Grocery highlights what’s local and in season. It’s the kind of place that feels both special and effortlessly comfortable.

The Ordinary

544 King St - 14 min walk from 360 King

An acclaimed raw bar and seafood hall housed in a former bank. Expect pristine local seafood, clever small plates, and soaring ceilings that make dinner feel like an occasion.

Pink Bellies

595 King St - 16 min walk from 360 King

A lively, modern Vietnamese spot known for creative flavors and playful energy. The garlic noodles are a must, and the vibe is always warm and bustling.

Chubby Fish *Top Pick*

252 Coming St - 20 min walk from 360 King

One of Charleston’s hardest tables to snag - and for good reason. The menu changes daily based on what’s fresh, showcasing seafood at its most creative.

Southbound

72 Cannon St - 20 min walk from 360 King

One of the newer arrivals on the Charleston dining scene, Southbound pairs Lowcountry ingredients with creative technique. The service is friendly, and the menu rewards curiosity.

Vern’s *Top Pick*

41 Bogard St - 23 min walk from 360 King

A small, thoughtful bistro tucked into a residential street. The menu changes often but always feels intentional - elevated dining with a neighborhood soul.

Leon’s Oyster Shop

698 King St - 25 min walk from 360 King

Also mentioned in our lunch picks, Leon’s keeps its lively charm well into the evening. The mix of fried chicken, oysters, and orange wine still makes it one of Charleston’s most reliably fun dinners.

Melfi’s

721 King St - 25 min walk from 360 King

We’ve already mentioned Melfi’s for lunch, but it’s equally lovely after dark. With its polished interior, handmade pasta, and warm lighting, it’s the kind of restaurant made for lingering.

Berkeley’s *Top Pick*

624 1/2 Rutledge Ave - 30 min walk from 360 King

Equal parts pizzeria and tavern, Berkeley’s serves wood-fired pies, sandwiches, and craft beer in a laid-back space. Great food, easy atmosphere - exactly what a neighborhood dinner should feel like.

Lunch
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Spots for Dinner

Evenings downtown have a glow of their own. With candlelit dining rooms, fresh seafood, and creative menus, dinner here is a celebration of Charleston’s easy sophistication - all within walking distance of your suite.

Delaney Oyster House

115 Calhoun St - 5 min walk from 360 King

Set in a beautifully restored historic home, Delaney focuses on oysters and Southern seafood, with excellent cocktails to match. Polished yet relaxed - one of Charleston’s true gems.

167 Raw Oyster Bar *Top Pick*

193 King St - 11 min walk from 360 King

A Charleston staple for oysters, lobster rolls, and cold drinks. It’s energetic, a little tight on space, and always worth the wait.

The Grocery

4 Cannon St - 14 min walk from 360 King

Warm, welcoming, and ingredient-driven, The Grocery highlights what’s local and in season. It’s the kind of place that feels both special and effortlessly comfortable.

The Ordinary

544 King St - 14 min walk from 360 King

An acclaimed raw bar and seafood hall housed in a former bank. Expect pristine local seafood, clever small plates, and soaring ceilings that make dinner feel like an occasion.

Pink Bellies

595 King St - 16 min walk from 360 King

A lively, modern Vietnamese spot known for creative flavors and playful energy. The garlic noodles are a must, and the vibe is always warm and bustling.

Chubby Fish *Top Pick*

252 Coming St - 20 min walk from 360 King

One of Charleston’s hardest tables to snag - and for good reason. The menu changes daily based on what’s fresh, showcasing seafood at its most creative.

Southbound

72 Cannon St - 20 min walk from 360 King

One of the newer arrivals on the Charleston dining scene, Southbound pairs Lowcountry ingredients with creative technique. The service is friendly, and the menu rewards curiosity.

Vern’s *Top Pick*

41 Bogard St - 23 min walk from 360 King

A small, thoughtful bistro tucked into a residential street. The menu changes often but always feels intentional - elevated dining with a neighborhood soul.

Leon’s Oyster Shop

698 King St - 25 min walk from 360 King

Also mentioned in our lunch picks, Leon’s keeps its lively charm well into the evening. The mix of fried chicken, oysters, and orange wine still makes it one of Charleston’s most reliably fun dinners.

Melfi’s

721 King St - 25 min walk from 360 King

We’ve already mentioned Melfi’s for lunch, but it’s equally lovely after dark. With its polished interior, handmade pasta, and warm lighting, it’s the kind of restaurant made for lingering.

Berkeley’s *Top Pick*

624 1/2 Rutledge Ave - 30 min walk from 360 King

Equal parts pizzeria and tavern, Berkeley’s serves wood-fired pies, sandwiches, and craft beer in a laid-back space. Great food, easy atmosphere - exactly what a neighborhood dinner should feel like.

Dinner
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Late Night Cocktails

As the day winds down, Charleston’s bars come alive - some hidden, some lively, all with their own charm. From classic martinis to inspired infusions, each of these spots offers a perfect way to end (or extend) the evening just steps from 360 King.

Hotel Bennett – Camellias Bar

404 King St - 6 min walk from 360 King

Easily one of the prettiest bars in the city, Camellias at Hotel Bennett glows in soft pink marble. It’s where you go for champagne, oysters, or simply to feel a little glamorous.

Babas on Cannon

11 Cannon St - 15 min walk from 360 King

Already one of our favorite coffee and breakfast spots, Babas transforms beautifully come evening. Aperitifs, spritzes, and small plates fill the marble counter, giving this corner café a distinctly European feel.

Bin 152

152 King St - 13 min walk from 360 King

A long-standing favorite for wine lovers. Bin 152 is quietly sophisticated - perfect for an unhurried glass of Bordeaux and a chat in the heart of the historic district.

La Cave

550 King St - 14 min walk from 360 King

A cozy underground wine and cocktail bar with moody lighting and velvet booths. The drinks lean classic - expertly stirred and served with a side of old-world charm.

Scotty Doesn’t Know

251 E Bay St - 14 min walk from 360 King

Hidden behind a candy shop, this speakeasy blends vintage charm and modern cocktails. Expect plush seating, artful drinks, and an intimate, moody ambiance.

By the Way

45 ½ Spring St - 17 min walk from 360 King

A chic cocktail bar blending modern flair with Southern charm. Expect clever drink names, polished presentation, and the sort of atmosphere that invites you to stay for “just one more”.

Last Saint

472 Meeting St - 18 min walk from 360 King

Stylish and dimly lit, Last Saint is known for its inventive cocktails and low-key cool. The Annex next door often hosts pop-ups and experimental bar nights - perfect if you like a touch of surprise with your drink.

The Gin Joint

182 East Bay St - 19 min walk from 360 King

The Gin Joint is a Charleston institution, where bartenders tailor drinks to your taste using just two words as prompts. Cozy, candlelit, and perfect for a nightcap.

Graft Wine Shop & Wine Bar

700A King St - 25 min walk from 360 King

Run by two sommeliers with a deep love of music, Graft is part wine shop, part bar, and always buzzing. Great tunes, good people, and seriously good wine.

Cocktail
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