These 12 Charleston restaurants crush the outdoor dining game

If you’re after coastal vibes, The Longboard’s front porch is where you want to be. Its outdoor patio, surrounded by Bermuda shutters and greenery, is the place to sip frozen cocktails like the Wadma-Law-Breaker, a tequila and watermelon agua fresca combo. Luckily, there are plenty of drinks-friendly snacks—the oyster happy hour ($2 raw oysters; $8 oyster shooters) stretches from 11 am to 5 pm every weekday. Keep that in mind the next time you head to Sullivan’s for a beach day.

The patio at Rue may be tiny, but it drips with Parisian charm. The porch is set in a side alley off John Street, where a handful of bistro tables shaded by big red umbrellas are squeezed together for a cozy but lively atmosphere. Enjoy a couple bottles of French wine and a leisurely dinner of mussels and coq au vin. Or snack on cheese and charcuterie boards and pretend like you’re in a real-deal Parisian bistro.

Despite its peninsular location, downtown Charleston has surprisingly few waterfront dining options. Fleet Landing, set in a 1942 Navy building, is one of the few that claims real estate on the harbor—the patio couldn’t be closer to the water. Gaze at the Ravenel Bridge and watch boats cruise by. If you’ve never had Charleston’s signature shrimp and grits, Fleet’s version is a good introduction, with tasso ham gravy and creamy grits.

This three-story King Street space became a hotspot when it opened in 2013, and it’s held that status since. The ground-floor dining room is heavy on wood and leather and makes an elegant place for a steak dinner. But it’s the open-air Satellite Bar on the roof with panoramic views of historic downtown that gives the restaurant its edge. Food is only served downstairs, so plan on drinks upstairs before—and after—your 16-ounce smoked ribeye.

Peninsula Grill’s kitchen has trained many culinary heavyweights, like current chef Caleb Hulsey. Everything here is luxe, including the tranquil courtyard. A historic brick path, illuminated by hand-lit gas lanterns, is heavy on the secret-garden vibes. Lean into the lavish experience and add seared foie gras or lobster tail to your already decadent rack of lamb, and finish your meal with a slice of the restaurant’s epic 12-layer coconut cake.

Hotel Bennett is one of the most lavish retreats in Charleston, and that elegance extends to its signature restaurant, Gabrielle. Its location lets you dine directly on Marion Square, the city’s most prominent green space, surrounded by marigolds and velvet cushions. This is the spot for Charleston classics like citrus-crusted scallops with a side of cream corn grits. As the sky’s light changes in the evening, pair the house caviar with a glass of Champagne to channel your inner King Charles.

There’s a modernist ambiance at the rooftop at the Grand Bohemian Hotel that makes Charleston feel like a bigger city than it actually is. Neon lighting, synthetic turf, and futuristic furniture (think The Jetsons) create a fun contrast to the historic buildings that surround the open-air space. The coastal-inspired menu features snacks like fried potato chips and Wagyu sliders, plus more substantial mains such as Carolina Gold rice risotto and snapper la plancha.

Mount Pleasant’s Shem Creek has the highest concentration of outdoor dining spots in Charleston, and Tavern & Table stands out with its local produce and seafood focus (get the fried shrimp with Calabrian chile honey). Its covered patio offers constant shade with a clear waterway view of the waterway. For an especially relaxing time, come for brunch on Sundays, which also has daytime drinks like seasonal sangria made from local blueberry wine.

Two levels of wraparound porches contribute to The Kingstide’s status as Daniel Island’s first true destination restaurant. An open kitchen and a central bar make the blue wood-lined space feel extra spacious and welcoming. Get one of the signature seafood towers and gather a crew to tear into raw oysters, steamed clams, boiled shrimp, and crab for a signature experience. Or savor a bacon-forward oysters Rockefeller and a spiced rum cocktail as the Wando River turns a golden hue at sunset.

Perched above the Intracoastal Waterway on Isle of Palms, the Boathouse at Breach Inlet is home to some of the area’s best water views. The laidback, screened-in deck (which is heated during the winter months) opens everyday at 3 pm, so get there early to stake out a spot to watch the spectacular sunset and take in the marshy surroundings. Grab a cold beer or glass of wine and choose from a top-tier snack menu of sweet corn hushpuppies and crab fritters.

Maya’s patio could be miles from busy King Street, even though it’s just a few steps away. The transportive indoor-outdoor space makes it a go-to when an early evening thunderstorm threatens. A ceiling protects you from the elements, but an open wall still gives you that alfresco feeling. Take a seat on the swinging velvet couch and sip a watermelon margarita before heading undercover for dinner. Lush plants and wicker furniture lend a tropical vibe that matches the sophisticated Mexican menu.