Where to Dine Outside in Charleston
Charleston, S.C., May 9, 2017 – Al fresco season has arrived in Charleston and, luckily, the Holy City has ample outdoor dining options. From secluded terraces oozing with charm to casual pit-stops en route to the beach, the five below restaurants have patios with atmosphere to match their delicious culinary offerings.
DOWNTOWN
492
Set in a beautifully restored historic building that dates back to the 1800s, 492 boasts one of the most spacious street-facing patios on King Street. Tropical palms, lush ferns and a fruiting olive tree create an outdoor oasis and offer privacy between different seating areas. Guests can enjoy specialty craft cocktails and small bites at one of many outdoor sofas or formal table service under romantic string lights. Newly added in 2017, industrial umbrellas offer intimacy and comfort from shade. A little-known fact about the courtyard gates adjacent to King Street is that they were constructed to replicate a 1902 Sanborn map of the streets of Charleston.
492 is open for dinner service Tuesday through Saturday and brunch on Sundays, with happy hour specials at $4.92 throughout the work week. This month, the restaurant began offering live music on the patio during brunch service, in addition to their regularly scheduled live music Thursday evenings. Complimentary valet parking is offered for all customers. For more information, please visit 492king.com.
5Church Charleston
Located in the heart of Charleston’s bustling Market Street district in a historic, 5,500-square-foot old church, 5Church offers innovative New-American cuisine in a visually-stunning environment. One of the city’s best spots to savor Happy Hour, 5Church’s new 20-seat outdoor patio is home to comfortable seating and a spacious bar. Every Monday through Friday from 4-7 p.m., friends can share specialty priced snacks like Short Rib Sliders with smoked tomato marmalade on pretzel rolls, in addition to half-priced wine by the glass, half-priced draft beer and $5 specialty cocktails like 5Church’s signature Viper made with Patron, orange liquor, lime juice, cucumber water and cayenne pepper.
5Church’s outdoor patio is also the location of the restaurant’s new monthly “Southern Grown” dinner series, which features a four-course menu of delectable cuisine expertly paired with beverages, all sourced from some of the South’s best purveyors, artisans, brewers and distillers. For more information, please visit www.5ChurchCharleston.com.
FOLLY BEACH
Lost Dog Cafe
A stone’s throw away from the “Edge of America” is Lost Dog Cafe, known among locals for its laid back, dog-friendly vibes, big patio, and easy eating. Open daily at 6:30 a.m. for breakfast and lunch only, it is the perfect place to refuel before (or after) a morning out on the waves. Offerings include lowcountry twists on breakfast staples like the Folly Benedict and Pecan Waffles, and canine-themed names like The “Bob Barker” House Made Spicy Black Bean Wrap. No reservations are accepted. For more information, visit www.lostdogfollybeach.com.
WEST ASHLEY
Ms. Rose’s
Ms. Rose’s funky-cool and inviting patio is the ultimate setting to share a bite and a laugh with friends and neighbors. At 1,000-square feet and seating up to 70 guests, the colorful area features a variety of seating options and a graffiti wall by renowned muralist Patch Whiskey. The patio is also partially enclosed, offering shade and ceiling fans to beat the summer heat. There is live music on the patio every Friday evening from 5-7 p.m. and TVs so guests won’t miss their favorite sports game.
Ms. Rose’s serves traditional Southern dishes with updated interpretations of comfort food favorites. Open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, it is located 10 minutes from downtown Charleston in West Ashley. For more information, please visit msroses.com.
SULLIVAN’S ISLAND
Obstinate Daughter
One of the few restaurants in the charming beach village of Sullivan’s Island, The Obstinate Daughter serves eclectic Italian and New-American fare in a modern and elegant space. The country-style, second-floor space has nautical influences and a bright and airy atmosphere, and they recently added outdoor seating to their list of offerings in early 2017. Two long, community-style tables situated in front of the downstairs sweets shop make up their new outdoor patio, seating 20 guests total. Right on Sullivan’s Island Main Street, it has a view of the community park and is mere blocks from the ocean, making it great for people watching. Reservations are encouraged on weekends. For more information, visit www.theobstinatedaughter.com.
