Charleston City Paper: Best of Charleston 2026

Editor and Publisher: Andy Brack

Associate Publisher: Cris Temples

editorial

News: Skyler Baldwin, Herb Frazier, Vincent Harris, Maura Hogan

Becky Lacey, Jack O’Toole

Contributor: Alyssa McDowell

sales

Advertising Director: Ashley Smith

Account Executives: Kristin Byars, Kate Robbins

design

Art Director: Scott Suchy

Graphic Designers: Christina Bailey, Ashleigh Keiser

Photographer: Ashley Rose Stanol

distribution

Circulation Team: David Lampley, James Johnston Aidan O’Connor, Michael Pham Simone Rivers, Ryan Sherk Robert Walters, Alan Wilson

We’ve cracked the case, and we didn’t even need a magnifying glass. Well, OK, some of us probably do. We’re back again with all your old favorites and new ones, too. Introducing 15 new categories from Best Place to Dance Your Butt Off to Best Estate Planning Attorney, bringing the total to more than 450 individual local winners. And with more than 500,000 votes cast in this year’s contest, every winner was hand-picked by YOU — yes, even that one.

Attractions and City Living

Best Apartment Community The Jasper

Best Attraction South Carolina Aquarium

Best Bathroom The Charleston Place

Best Bed & Breakfast John Rutledge House Inn

Best Charlestonian (Who isn’t Bill Murray or Darius Rucker) Warren Peper

Best City Council Member Mike Seekings

Best College College of Charleston

Best County Council Member Jenny Honeycutt, James Island

Best Do-Gooder/Activist

Kay Hyman, Charleston Animal Society

Best Farmers Market

Charleston Farmers Market, Marion Square

Best Festival Charleston Wine + Food

Best Fundraising Event

Make-A-Wish South Carolina "Wish Night" Gala

Best Hotel Charleston Place

Best Library CCPL Main Branch

Best Local Cause Charleston Animal Society

Best Neighborhood Park Circle, North Charleston

Best New Local Business

(Non Food and Beverage) Neighborly Park Circle

Best Outdoor Event Second Sunday on King Street

Best Place of Worship Seacoast Church

Best Place to Take a Tourist

Charleston City Market

Best Place to Work

Charleston County Public Library

Best S.C. Politician U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C.

Best Sunset Spot Pitt Street Bridge, Mount Pleasant

Best Sustainable Business Roots and Shoots Nursery

Best Tour Company Bulldog Tours

Culture, Arts and Entertainment

Best Art Exhibit of 2025 Kulture Klash

Best Art Gallery Public Works Art Center

Best Art Instruction Public Works Art Center

Best Cultural Event Kulture Klash

Best Drag Performer Patti O’Furniture

Best Drag Show Dragified at Dudley's on Ann

Best Female Vocalist Erin Haggerty

Best House/Cover Band The Midnight City

Best Jazz and Blues Club The Commodore

Best Karaoke Night Bangkok Lounge

Best Local Actor Who Performed in 2025

Matthew Willingham, Cabaret (Footlight Players)

Best Local Actress Who Performed in 2025

Giulia Dalbec, Cabaret (Footlight Players)

Best Local Author Mary Alice Monroe

Best Local Band The Midnight City

Best Local Comedian Sara Meagan

Best Local Foodie Influencer Lowcountry Eat Out!

Best Local Lifestyle Influencer MPeacockMedia

Best Local Podcast Charleston Time Machine

Best Local Poet Marcus Amaker

Best Local Radio Personality Brooke Ryan

Best Local Radio Show Two Girls and a Guy

Best Local Theater Company Theatre 99

Best Local Theater Production of 2025

Legally Blonde, Charleston Stage

Best Local TV Anchor

Carolyn Murray, WCBD News 2

Best Local TV Sports Anchor

Kevin Bilodeau, Live 5 News, WCSC

Best Local TV Station Live 5 News, WCSC

Best Local TV Weather Forecaster

Bill Walsh, Live 5 News, WCSC

Best Local Visual Artist Heidi Oates Art

Best Male Vocalist JamiSun

Best Movie Theater Terrace Theater

Best Museum

International African American Museum

Best Music Concert of 2025

Dave Matthews Band at Credit One Stadium

Best Music Instruction School of Rock

Best Musician JamiSun

Best Party of 2025 Best of Charleston at Building 64

Best Performing Arts Group

Charleston Symphony

Best Piccolo or Spoleto Show of 2025 Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibition

Best Place to Dance Your Butt Off

Charleston Pour House

Best Place to See Local Hip-Hop Music Farm

Best Place to See Local Music

Charleston Pour House

Best Radio Station The Bridge 105.5

Best Recording Studio Coast Records

Best Rock Music Club Charleston Pour House

Best Trivia Night Publik Education, Commonhouse Aleworks

Shops and Wares

Best Accessories Palmetto Moon

Best Adult Toy Store Guilty Pleasures

Best Antique Store Mount Pleasant Mall

Best Art Supply Store Artist & Craftsman Supply

Best Auto Dealer (Domestic) Rick Hendrick Chevrolet

Best Auto Dealer (Imports) Fred Anderson Toyota

Best Beer Retail Selection Bottles Beverage Superstore

Best Bookstore (Local) Buxton Books

Best Boutique Copper Penny

Best Bridal Store Bridal House of Charleston

Best Butcher Shop Burbage Meats

Best CBD Shop Charleston Hemp Collective

Best Collegiate Store Palmetto Moon

Best Comic Book Shop Captain's Comics & Toys

Best Consignment (Furniture) Consign Charleston

Best Consignment Store Consign Charleston

Best Corner Store Bert’s Market

Best Eyewear Boutique Shades of Charleston

Best Florist Roadside Blooms

Best Furniture Store Celadon

Best Garden Store/Nursery

Hyams Garden Center and Accent Store

Best Gift Store Palmetto Moon

Best Grocery Store Harris Teeter

Best Hardware Store

Lowcountry Ace Hardware James Island

Best Home Accessories Store Neighborly Park Circle

Best Jewelry Store Croghan's Jewel Box

Best Lighting Store Charleston Lighting

Best Lingerie Store Bits of Lace Fine Lingerie

Best Local Appliance Store Plugs Appliance Center

Best Local Clothing Designer Brackish

Best Local Farm Boone Hall Farms

Best Local Gourmet Grocery Store Earth Fare

Best Local Liquor Store Bottles Beverage Superstore

Best Local Wine Shop Graft Wine Shop & Bar

Best Locally Based Cannabis Product High Rise Beverage Co.

Best Mall/Shopping Center Mount Pleasant Towne Centre

Best Men's Clothing Store M. Dumas and Sons

Best Musical Instrument Store Fox House of Music

Best Paint Store Sherwin Williams

Best Pawn Shop Money Man Pawn

Best Place to Buy A New Car Crews Subaru

Best Place to Buy A Used Car Carmax

Best Place to Buy Local Produce

Charleston Farmers Market

Best Place to Buy Local Seafood Crosby's Fish & Shrimp Co.

Best Pop-up Market Feminist Magic Market

Best Record Store Monster Music

Best Shoe Store Phillips Shoes

Best Smoke Shop Smoke 'N Brew

Best Stationery Store The Paper Canopy

Best Thrift/Resale shop

ReStore: Sea Island Habitat for Humanity

Best Tire Store Gerald's Tires & Brakes

Best Tobacco/Cigar Store Smoke 'N Brew

Best Vape Shop Smoke 'N Brew

Best Vintage Clothing Store The Station Park Circle

Best Vintage Marketplace The Station Park Circle

Best Wellness Product High Rise Beverage Co.

Best Women's Clothing Store Copper Penny

Services

HOME SERVICES

Best Carpet Cleaning Company ServiceMaster

Best Cleaning Service Christi's Cleaning Service

Best Closet/Cabinet Company A to Z Custom Woodworks

Best Electrician/Company

Charleston Electric and Air

Best Fencing Superior Fence and Rail

Best Flooring/Carpet Installation Carpet Baggers

Best Foundation Repair Company Cantey

Best General Contractor

New Beginnings Construction, Inc.

Best Handyman Low Tide Home Services

Best Heating and Air Company

Best Home Builder

My Three Sons Heating & Air

Carolina Construction of Charleston

Best Home Painter

Charleston Painting Contractors

Best Home Remodeler

New Beginnings Construction, Inc.

Best Interior Designer

Ryan-Marie Design & Decor

Best Kitchen and Bath Design

New Beginnings Construction, Inc.

Best Landscaper/Lawn Care

New Leaf Landscape Construction

Best Mortgage Company Benchmark Mortgage

Best Moving Company MoveMo

Best Pest Control Carolina Exterminating

Best Plumber Blitch Plumbing

Best Pool Builder Blue Haven Pools

Best Roofing Company

New Beginnings Construction, Inc.

Best Stone and Marble Company

Granite Depot of Charleston, LLC

Best Storage Company StoMo Mobile Storage

Best Tree Care Company Bartlett Tree Experts

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Best Accounting Firm Parmar Accounting Service

Best Attorney Mark Peper, Peper Law Firm

Best Attorney (Criminal Defense)

Mark Peper, Peper Law Firm

Best Attorney (DUI) Mark Peper, Peper Law Firm

Best Attorney (Estate Planning)

Brenna D. Wiles, Peper Law Firm

Best Attorney (Family Law)

The Law Office of Sara Turner

Best Attorney (Personal Injury)

Mark Joye, Joye Law Firm

Best Attorney (Real Estate)

Catherine LaFond, LaFond Law Group, PA

Best Auto Body Shop Crews Collision Center

Best Auto Service Brothers Automotive Repair

Best Disaster Recovery Company

ServiceMaster of Charleston

Best Driving School A-Lord Ashley Driving School

Best Dry Cleaner Lyerly’s Cleaners

Best Event Planner The Event Cooperative

Best Financial Institution

South Carolina Federal Credit Union

Best Financial Planner

Charlie Capasso, Capasso Planning Partners

Best Funeral Home J. Henry Stuhr

Best HOA Management Company

CAMS - Community Association Management Services

Best Insurance Agency

Anderson Insurance Associates

Best Law Firm Joye Law Firm

Best Limo/Party Bus Company

Charleston Black Cab Company

Best Marketing and PR Firm

Charlotte Berger Public Relations (CBPR)

Best Photographer (Portrait) Simply Stefanee

Best Photographer (Wedding)

Valerie & Ed Photography

Best Property Management Company

- Apartments Greystar

Best Property Management Company

- Commercial Beach Company

Best Property Management Company

- Residential TeamWork Property Management

Best Property Management Company

- Vacation/Short-Term Rentals

YOURPAD Vacation Rentals

Best Real Estate Company

Carolina One Real Estate

Best Realtor Bill Olson

Best Videographer Koz Films

Best Wedding Planner Goldbug Events

Best Wedding Venue Lowndes Grove

Best Wedding Videographer Frankie Gilmore

Health, Beauty and Fitness

Best Acupuncture Practice

Blue Heron Acupuncture and Apothecary

Best Acupuncturist

Dr. Brittney Epps, Serenity Wellness

Best Aesthetic Injector

Dr. Marguerite Germain, Germain Dermatology

Best Aesthetician

Lea Cates, Sweetgrass Plastic Surgery & Spa

Best Allergy and Asthma Charleston ENT

Best Assisted Living Community Bishop Gadsden

Best Barber Shop Barrelli Barber

Best Barre Studio Pure Barre

Best Chiropractor

Dr. Mark Luckie, West Ashley Wellness & Rehab

Best Cosmetic Dentist Solomon Family Dentistry

Best Cycling Studio The Works Cycle

Best Day Spa Woodhouse Day Spa

Best Dental Practice

Solomon Family Denistry

Best Dentist Dr. James Thomas III, James and Johns Island Dental Associates

Best Dermatologist

Dr. Marguerite Germain, Germain Dermatology

Best Dermatology Practice

Germain Dermatology

Best Exercise Studio HYLO Fitness

Best Eye Doctor

Dr. George Waring, Waring Vision Institute

Best Eyelash/Eyebrow Salon

Glow Studio Esthetics

Best Gym/Health Club HYLO Fitness

Best Hair Salon Coven Haircraft

Best Hair Stylist Audrey Lee, Stella Nova

continued on page 8

Best Hospital

MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital

Best In-Home Healthcare Company

Holy City Healthcare Consultants

Best LASIK Provider

Dr. Kerry Solomon, Carolina Eyecare Physicians

Best LGBTQ Counselor/Therapist

Chandler Massengale, Park Circle Counseling

Best Local Pharmacy Dottie's Pharmacy

Best Massage Therapist Britney Franklin, Awaken Massage

Best Medical Spa Germain Dermatology

Best Nail Salon Luxia Nail Spa

Best OBGYN Dr. Kenosha Gleaton, The EpiCentre

Best Oral Surgeon

Dr. Hunter Kennis, Solomon Family Dentistry

Best Orthodontics Practice Vincent & Bullwinkel Orthodontics

Best Orthodontist Dr. Katie Bullwinkel, Vincent & Bullwinkel Orthodontics

Best Personal Trainer

Shannon Crawford, Kor4 Elite Fitness

Best Physical Therapy Made 2 Move Physical Therapy

Best Piercer Kae Lonsberry, MoLA Body Piercing & Fine Jewelry

Best Piercing Studio

MoLA Body Piercing & Fine Jewelry

Best Pilates Studio Exhale Pilates Studio

Best Place to Give Birth

MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital and the Pearl Tourville Women’s Pavilion

Best Plastic Surgeon Dr. Clayton Crantford, Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery

Best Plastic Surgery Practice Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery

Best Primary Care Physician

Dr. Jessica Hund, MUSC Health

Best Retirement Community Bishop Gadsden

Best Tanning Salon Charleston Glow

Best Tattoo Artist J.J. Quick, Abracadabra Tattoo Club

Best Tattoo Studio Abracadabra Tattoo Club

Best Therapist Kirstin Gros, MUSC and Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center

Best Urgent Care Roper Express Care

Best Waxing Salon

Brazilian Wax and Spa By Claudia

Best Children's Clothing Retailer

Southern Belles: A Children’s Clothier

Best Children's Consignment Store

Once Upon a Child

Best Daycare The Oaks Children’s Academy

Best Dog Park James Island County Park

Best Dog Walking Service

Best Doggie Day Care

Mind Your Pees and Poos

Dog Tired Dog Enrichment Center

Best Kid-Friendly Bar or Restaurant

Holy City Brewing

Best Kids Birthday Party Place/Service

Charleston Animal Society

Best Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Isabel Driggers, Coastal Kids Dental & Braces

Best Pediatrician Dr. Aimee Goedecke, Parkwood Pediatrics

Best Pet Friendly Bar or Restaurant

Best Pet Groomer

Broken Leash Dog Park & Bar

Dog Tired Dog Enrichment Center

Best Pet Sitting

Dog Tired Dog Enrichment Center

Best Pet Supply Store Dolittle's

Best Pet Trainer Purely Positive

Best Place for Family Fun

James Island County Park

Best Place for Kids to Play

Charleston County Parks

Best Place for Kids to Splash

Whirlin' Waters Adventure Waterpark

Best Place to Adopt Pets

Charleston Animal Society

Best Preschool Charleston Collegiate School

Best Private School Charleston Collegiate School

Best Public School Springfield Elementary

Best Summer Camps Charleston Animal Society

Best Swim Lessons Charleston Swim School

Best Toy Store Wonder Works

Best Tutoring Service

Katie Reel, TheReadingReel

Best Veterinarian Patrick Veterinary Clinic

Recreation and Outdoors

Best Bike Shop Mike's Bikes

Best Boat Repair/Maintenance Hanckel Marine

Best Bowling Alley Ashley Lanes

Best Dive Shop Carolina Dive Locker

Best Fishing and Tackle Shop

Haddrell's Point Tackle

Best Outdoor Adventure/Experience

Coastal Expeditions

Best Outdoor Outfitters Half Moon Outfitters

Best Park James Island County Park

Best Party Boat Palmetto Breeze Charters

Best Place to Buy A Boat Hanckel Marine

Best Place to Buy a Golf Cart

Charleston Wholesale Golf Carts

Best Stand Up Paddleboard Company

Coastal Expeditions

Best Surf Lessons Isla Surf School

Best Surf Shop McKevlin's Surf Shop

Best Water Sports Company Coastal Expeditions

Eating

Best Acai Bowls (TIE) Beech

Best Acai Bowls (TIE) Huriyali

Best Appetizers Marbled & Fin

Best Asian Fusion Jackrabbit Filly

Best Bagels Ruby’s Bagels

Best Bakery Weltons Tiny Bakeshop

Best Bar Food The Royal American

Best Barbecue Lewis Barbecue

Best Biscuits Vicious Biscuit

Best Breakfast Millers All Day

Best Brisket Lewis Barbecue

Best Buffet Duke’s BBQ

Best Burger Heavy's Barburger

Best Burrito El Molino

Best Caterer Cru Catering

Best Charcuterie Avondale Wine and Cheese

Best Cheesesteak Berkeley's

Best Chicken Fingers Boxcar Betty's

Best Chinese Jackrabbit Filly

Best Chocolatier Christophe Artisan Chocolatier-Patissier

Best Daniel Island Brunch The Kingstide

Best Daniel Island Restaurant The Kingstide

Best Deli East Bay Deli

Best Dessert Carmella’s Cafe & Dessert Bar

Best Doughnut Shop Duck Donuts

Best Downtown Brunch Halls Chophouse

Best Downtown Restaurant Halls Chophouse

Best Fine Dining Restaurant Halls Chophouse

Best Folly Beach Brunch Lost Dog Cafe

Best Folly Beach Restaurant Chico Feo

Best French 39 Rue de Jean

Best Fried Chicken

Best Yoga Studio The Works

Kids and Pets

Best Baby Store Under the Almond Trees

Best Charter School

James Island Charter High School

Best Child Psychologist Kirstin Gros, MUSC and Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center

Best Fishing Charter RedFin Charters

Best Golf Course Ocean Course at Kiawah

Best Indoor Adventure/Experience

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

Best Kayak Company Coastal Expeditions

Best Local Sports Team Charleston RiverDogs

Best Marina

Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina

Leon's Fine Poultry & Oyster Shop

Best Fries Tattooed Moose

Best Gelato Carmella's Cafe & Dessert Bar

Best Goose Creek Restaurant MOMO Crowfield

Best Gourmet Sandwich

The Co-Op Gourmet Sandwiches

Best Greek Stella's

Best Grits Grace & Grit

Best Gyro Platia Greek Goodness

Best Hot Dogs Jack’s Cosmic Dogs

Best Ice Cream Ye Ole Fashioned

Best Indian-Pakistani Food Ma'am Saab

Best IOP Brunch Acme Lowcountry Kitchen

Best IOP Restaurant Acme Lowcountry Kitchen

Best Italian Wild Olive

Best James Island Brunch Millers All Day

Best James Island Restaurant Mondo's Italian Restaurant

Best Japanese O-Ku

Best Johns Island Brunch Sunrise Bistro

Best Johns Island Restaurant Wild Olive

Best Late Night Menu The Royal American

Best Local Artisanal Food Product Rio Bertolini’s Fresh Pasta

Best Lunch Spot Five Loaves Cafe

Best Mac and Cheese Home Team BBQ

Best Meal Value Moe's Crosstown Tavern

Best Meat & 3 Veggies Lewis Barbecue

Best Mexican Restaurant Santi's Restaurante Mexicano

Best Milkshake Ye Ole Fashioned

Best Mount Pleasant Brunch Page's Okra Grill

Best Mount Pleasant Restaurant The Post House Inn

Best Nachos Home Team BBQ

Best New Restaurant Cane Pazzo

Best North Charleston Brunch The Junction Kitchen

Best North Charleston Restaurant Jackrabbit Filly

Best Outdoor Patio Edmund's Original

Best Oysters 167 Raw

Best Pitmaster John Lewis, Lewis Barbecue

Best Pizza - Gourmet EVO

Best Pizza - Traditional (TIE) D'Allesandro's Pizza

Best Pizza - Traditional (TIE) Famulari's Pizzeria

Best Poke Poke Bros.

Best Private Chef Lauren Furey

Best Ramen Bar Weems

Best Raw Bar 167 Raw

Best Restaurant Halls Chophouse

Best Restaurant Chef

James London, Chubby Fish

Best Restaurant for Vegetarians Basic Kitchen

Best Ribs Lewis Barbecue

Best Romantic Restaurant Wild Olive

Best Salad California Dreaming

Best Savory Food Truck Smash City Burgers

Best Seafood Chubby Fish

Best She-Crab Soup 82 Queen

Best Shrimp & Grits Page’s Okra Grill

Best Soul Food

LoLA Low Country Louisiana Seafood Kitchen

Best Steak Halls Chophouse

Best Sub Sandwich / Hoagie East Bay Deli

Best Sullivan's Island Brunch The Obstinate Daughter

Best Sullivan's Island Restaurant The Obstinate Daughter

Best Summerville Brunch Page's Okra Grill

Best Summerville Restaurant Oscar's of Summerville

Best Sushi SHIKI

Best Sweets Food Truck Bebop Donut Shop

Best Tacos El Molino

Best Takeout Smash City Burgers

Best Tapas Malagón Mercado y Tapería

Best Thai Basil

Best Tots Home Team BBQ

Best Vietnamese Bon Banh Mi

Best Wait Staff Halls Chophouse

Best Waterfront Dining Bowens Island Restaurant

Best Weekend Brunch Millers All Day

Best West Ashley Brunch Early Bird Diner

Best West Ashley Restaurant Palmira Barbecue

Best Wings Home Team BBQ

Drinking

Best Activity Bar

- Pickleball, Golf, Ax Throwing, etc.

Pinky & Clyde’s Arcade Bar

Best Arcade Bar Pinky & Clyde’s Arcade Bar

Best Authentic Pub Madra Rua Irish Pub

Best Bar Staff Holy City Brewing

Best Bartender Tyler Moss, Indaco/AC's

Best Beer Selection on Tap

Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co

Best Bloody Mary The Darling Oyster Bar

Best Bottled Beer Gene's Haufbrau

Best Cheap Beer Deal Recovery Room Tavern

Best Cocktails Last Saint

Best Coffee Roaster Second State Coffee

Best Coffee Shop City Lights Eastside

Best Cold Beer Holy City Brewing

Best Daniel Island Bar

New Realm Brewing Company

Best Daniel Island Happy Hour

New Realm Brewing Company

Best Distillery Firefly Distillery

Best Downtown Bar The Royal American

Best Downtown Happy Hour

Recovery Room Tavern

Best Folly Beach Bar Chico Feo

Best Folly Beach Happy Hour Chico Feo

Best Frozen Drinks

The Co-Op Gourmet Sandwiches

Best Goose Creek Bar Charleston Sports Pub

Best Happy Hour Pearlz Oyster Bar

Best IOP Bar

Best IOP Happy Hour

Best James Island Happy Hour

Bohemian Bull James Island

Best Johns Island Bar Low Tide Brewing

Best Johns Island Happy Hour Low Tide Brewing

Best Juice / Smoothie Bar

The Co-Op Gourmet Sandwiches

Best Late Night Bar Recovery Room Tavern

Best LGBTQ Bar Dudley's on Ann

Best Local Beer Can Design

Edmunds Oast Brewing Co.

Best Local Brewery Holy City Brewing

Best Local Brewery Taproom Holy City Brewing

Best Local Cocktail Mixer

Charleston Bloody Mary Mix

Best Local Spirit Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka

Best Locally Brewed Beer

Something Cold, Edmund's Oast Brewing Co.

Best Locally Brewed Gose/Sour

Keeping It Teal, Snafu Brewing Company

Best Locally Brewed IPA

Bound By Time, Edmund's Oast Brewing Co.

Best Locally Brewed Lager Pilsner, Holy City Brewing

Best Locally Brewed Porter/Stout Pluff Mud Porter, Holy City Brewing

Best Margarita Santi's Restaurante Mexicano

Best Martini Halls Chophouse

Best Mount Pleasant Bar Red's Ice House

Best Mount Pleasant Happy Hour Red's Ice House

Best Neighborhood Bar Moe’s Crosstown Tavern

Best New Bar Johnny’s Garage

Best No Frills Watering Hole

Recovery Room Tavern

Best Non-Alcoholic Beverage

High Rise Beverage Co.

Best North Charleston Bar Holy City Brewing

Best North Charleston Happy Hour Holy City Brewing

Best Place for a Girls Night

Félix Cocktails et Cuisine

Best Rooftop Bar The Rooftop at The Vendue

Best SoBar/Non-Alcoholic Bar

Best Sommelier

The Windjammer

The Co-Op Gourmet Sandwiches

Best James Island Bar Charleston Pour House

Sweatman's Garden

Femi Oyediran, Graft Wine Shop & Bar

Best Sports Bar Charleston Sports Pub

Best Sullivan's Island Bar

The Co-Op Gourmet Sandwiches

Best Sullivan's Island Happy Hour

The Co-Op Gourmet Sandwiches

Best Summerville Bar The Icehouse

Best Summerville Happy Hour The Icehouse

Best Upscale Bar Halls Chophouse

Best Waterfront Bar The Windjammer

Best West Ashley Bar Gene's Haufbrau

Best West Ashley Happy Hour Gene’s Haufbrau

Best Wine Bar Avondale Wine & Cheese

Best Wine Selection (Bar/Restaurant)

Marbled & Fin

Attractions and City Living

Attractions and City Living

From parks and playgrounds to libraries and local businesses, living in the Holy City is dynamic, fun and easy living. With dozens of events held every day across dozens of Lowcountry attractions and locales, residents and guests alike are constantly reminded of the natural beauty that surrounds the peninsula and the vast depth of talent and generosity within those that call it home. This curated list has everything you need to know about the best life in Charleston has to offer, with longtime favorites like the South Carolina Aquarium and James Island County Park making their annual returns alongside perhaps your new favorite spots. —Skyler Baldiwn

Best Apartment Community

The Jasper

310 Broad St. Downtown (843) 973-8900 jaspercharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Atlantic on Romney

Best Attraction South Carolina Aquarium

100 Aquarium Wharf. Downtown (843) 577-3474 scaquarium.org

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Haunted Jail Tour

Best Bathroom

Off the lobby of Charleston Place

205 Meeting St. Downtown (800) 641-5545 charlestonplace.com

RUNNER-UP: City Lights Eastside

Best Bed & Breakfast

John Rutledge House Inn

116 Broad St. Downtown. (843) 723-7999 johnrutledgehouseinn.com

RUNNER-UP: Regatta Inn Bed and Breakfast

Best Charlestonian (who isn’t Bill Murray or Darius Rucker)

Warren Peper

RUNNER-UP: Bill Olson

Best City Council Member

Mike Seekings

RUNNER-UP: Jim McBride

Best College College of Charleston

66 George St. Downtown (843) 805-5507 charleston.edu

RUNNER-UP: The Citadel

Best County Council Member

Jenny Honeycutt, James Island

RUNNER-UP: Joe Boykin, Johns Island

Best Do-Gooder/Activist

Kay Hyman, Charleston Animal Society

RUNNER-UP: Anita Zucker

John Rutledge House Inn

Not only is this year’s winner of Best Bed and Breakfast a cool, relaxing place to stay, but it oozes charm and American history from every shingle and piece of ironwork.

John Rutledge, chairman of the drafting committee for the United States Constitution, built the house on Broad Street for his bride, Elizabeth Grimke, in 1763. He wrote several versions of the constitution in the second-floor drawing room, now called the Signer’s Ballroom. Today, the John Rutledge House Inn is the only former home of a Founding Father where you can spend the night — and have a great breakfast.

Another neat tidbit: The nation’s first president, George Washington, visited the house in 1791 and had breakfast with Mrs. Rutledge during his visit to the Holy City. —Andy Brack

Best Charlestonian Warren

Peper

Charleston media personality Warren Peper won numerous awards through the years as a sports anchor, news anchor and columnist. But winning Best Charlestonian (who is not Bill Murray or Darius Rucker) kind of tugs at his heart, he says. It’s special because it’s a readers’ award.

“I know it’s kind of a fun thing. And I’m very humbled by that. I’m grateful,” said Peper, 74, who now writes a monthly column in The Post and Courier. Fresh out of what was then the Baptist College at Charleston, Peper spent 31 years at WCSC’s Live 5 News, followed by four years at WCBD Count on Two. It wasn’t long before the daily newspaper asked him to write a weekly column for several years because he knew about Charleston — and Charleston knew who he was. These days, you’ll find him four days a week working at the golf course at Seabrook Island where he continues to swap stories and fun. Andy Brack

Attractions from page 12

RUNNER-UP:

RUNNER-UP:

RUNNER-UP:

Best Library Charleston County Public Library, Main Branch*

68 Calhoun St. Downtown (843) 805-9000 ccpl.org *Closed for renovations until around July 1.

RUNNER-UP: Wando Mount Pleasant Library

Best Local Cause Charleston Animal Society 2455 Remount Road. North Charleston (843) 747-4849 charlestonanimalsociety.org

RUNNER-UP: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston

Best Neighborhood Park Circle, North Charleston parkcircle.com

RUNNER-UP: Riverland Terrace

Best New Local Business (non food and beverage) Neighborly Park Circle

1042 E. Montague Ave. North Charleston (843) 343-0388 neighborlypc.com

RUNNER-UP: Island Candies

Best Outdoor Event Second Sunday on King Street

RUNNER-UP: Southeastern Wildlife Exposition

Best Place of Worship Seacoast Church

Various locations seacoast.org

RUNNER-UP: Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, West Ashley

Best Place to Take a Tourist Charleston City Market

188 Meeting St. Downtown. (843) 937-0920 thecharlestoncitymarket.com

RUNNER-UP: Folly Beach

Best Place to Work Charleston County Public Library

Various locations (843) 805-9000 ccpl.org

RUNNER-UP: Bulldog Tours

Best S.C. Politician U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C.

RUNNER-UP: Dr. Annie Andrews, D-S.C.

continued on page 18

Best New Local Business Neighborly Park Circle

You can get really neat curated gifts, crafts, furniture, local art and clothing at Neighborly Park Circle. And when you see the collection, you’ll know why City Paper readers picked it to be the area’s best new local business.

It makes sense that the business highlights lots of local goods since it was started by Jamee Haley, the co-founder and former executive director of Lowcountry Local First — a nonprofit that emphasizes buying local. Haley, also an interior designer, founded the Park Circle shop in 2024 to help people find vintage goods, neat interiors and locally-made

Best City Council Member Mike Seekings

Representing District 8 — District Great, as he likes to call it — is Mike Seekings. Longtime council member experienced his 15th win for Best City Council Member in 16 years.

With no car in the driveway, Seekings spends extra time walking downtown to see all of his community members. That constant presence has made him a familiar face to residents navigating everything from zoning issues to housing crises.

“I’ve got a front row seat to everything that goes on here in Charleston,” Seekings said. “I’m lucky enough to represent the oldest district in Charleston. Every single day is literally a new adventure.” Handling the downtown area is no easy feat, but Seekings approaches it with a friendly smile and clear understanding of the great responsibility of representing the city’s historic core. From flooding and drainage concerns to balancing development with preservation, he’s spent years focused on the everyday issues that shape life on the peninsula. —Alyssa McDowell

treasures. Among some of the local finds recently featured on the store’s website are vases, jewelry, pottery, candles and an array of cast-iron griddles, skillets and Dutch ovens.

Haley says she’s been pleasantly surprised with the reaction of people who visit the retail store near lots of eateries. People are curious and they want to see what’s been going on and people have been very supportive,” she said last year. “It’s sort of given me a new hope for humanity because everyone has been so thoughtful and kind when they come in.”

Andy Brack

Best Sunset Spot Pitt Street Bridge

The Pitt Street Bridge got started before the Revolutionary War as a plank bridge built on barrels to allow traffic to get across Cove Inlet between Mount Pleasant and Sullivan’s Island. By 1898 and until 1927, it operated as a trolley bridge, according to the Charleston Museum. In 1923, area leaders widened the bridge to accommodate cars. But by the end of World War II when the Ben Sawyer Bridge opened, the Pitt Street Bridge closed.

According to City Paper readers this year, it’s the best place in the Lowcountry to watch a great sunset. It’s also a good place to fish, relax and catch a few rays.

Looking west at the end of a sultry summer day, it generally doesn’t take long to see an awe-inspiring rich sky of creamy oranges and deep roses with lavender peeking through. Be careful, though, not to open your mouth too long saying, “Ooooh.” You don’t want bugs getting in! —Andy Brack

LOCAL

and

Culture and Entertainment

Culture and Entertainment

If 2025 proved anything, it’s that Charleston’s art scene vibrantly abides, morphing and amping up even as artists and practitioners navigate new hurdles. Local performing arts wowed culture lovers with newly commissioned works at venues like Charleston Gaillard Center and Southeast premieres and lively revivals at theater companies like PURE Theatre, Charleston Stage and others. The local music scene continues its sonic profusion, with a concert every night, ranging in size and volume — from popular spots like Charleston Pour House and The Commodore to larger locales including Charleston Music Hall, Credit One Stadium and North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center. All in all, the city held fast and furthered its renown as a cultural town.

Maura Hogan

Best Art Exhibit of 2025 Kulture Klash

Building 64, Navy Yard Charleston 2301 Noisette Blvd. North Charleston kultureklashchs.com

RUNNER-UP: Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibition

Best Art Gallery Public Works

Art Center

135 W. Richardson Ave. Summerville (843) 900-3225 publicworksartcenter.org

RUNNER-UP: Redux Contemporary Art Center

Best Art Instruction Public Works Art Center

135 W. Richardson Ave. Summerville (843) 900-3225 publicworksartcenter.org

RUNNER-UP: Palmetto City Ballet

Best Cultural Event Kulture Klash

Building 64, Navy Yard Charleston 2301 Noisette Blvd. North Charleston kultureklashchs.com

RUNNER-UP: Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibition

Best Drag Performer Patti O’Furniture allaboutpatti.com

RUNNER-UP: Mercy Madison

Best Drag Show Dragified at Dudley’s on Ann

42 Ann St. Downtown (843) 577-6779 facebook.com/dudleysonann

RUNNER-UP: Lemon Squares Burlesque at Tin Roof

Best Female Vocalist Erin Haggerty erin-haggerty.com

RUNNER-UP: Lauren Hall

Executive Director

Jana Riley

Best

Public Works Art Center

With its growing footprint and fanbase emanating from Main Street in Summerville, Public Works Art Center has become a community go-to, gathering residents of the town and art lovers from elsewhere too around its abundant offerings of exhibitions, block parties, workshops and more.

Its perch on the top of this year’s Best of is proof positive that it is serving its community and Charleston, so much so that it will soon expand as well. In a recent interview Public Works Art Center executive director Jana Riley said plans are underway. The Center has just begun a capital campaign to be able to expand and renovate both a new building and its current one.

The aim of the new square footage? “Our expansion will allow us to further solidify our place as a premier arts destination in the Lowcountry, featuring hundreds of artists annually over 20+ exhibitions and welcoming over 30,000 visitors, free of charge, every year.”

In other words, the best for this Best Of winner is yet to come.

Maura Hogan

Best House/Cover Band

The Midnight City themidnightcityband.com

RUNNER-UP: JamiSun

Best Jazz & Blues Club

The Commodore 504 Meeting St., Suite C. Downtown thecommodorechs.com

RUNNER-UP: Forte Jazz Lounge

Best Karaoke Night

Bangkok Lounge

353 King St. Downtown thebangkoklounge.com

RUNNER-UP: Tin Roof

Best Local Actor Who Performed in 2025

Matthew Willingham, Cabaret (Footlight Players)

RUNNER-UP: Zach Henderson, Shrek the Musical (Flowertown Players)

Best Local Actress Who Performed in 2025

Giulia Dalbec, Cabaret (Footlight Players)

RUNNER-UP: Krissi Hardy, Shrek the Musical (Flowertown Players)

Best Local Author

Mary Alice Monroe

RUNNER-UP: Angie Mizzell

Best Local Band

The Midnight City themidnightcityband.com

RUNNER-UP: Erode the Dream

Best Local Comedian Sara Meagan

@hate_the_h

RUNNER-UP: Jayson Lee Rose

Best Local Foodie Influencer

Lowcountry Eat Out!

@lowcountryeatout

RUNNER-UP: Cookin’ With Booze

Best Local Lifestyle Influencer MPeacock Media

@mpeacockmedia

RUNNER-UP: Bill Olson

Best Local Podcast Charleston Time Machine

ccpl.org/charleston-time-machine

RUNNER-UP: Snackin’ & Yakkin’

Best Local Poet Marcus Amaker

RUNNER-UP: Joey Tucker, Mr. Enlightenment

Best Local Radio Personality Brooke Ryan

RUNNER-UP: The Critic

Best Local Radio Show Two Girls and a Guy, Mix 95.9

RUNNER-UP: The Critic Sunday

Best Local Theater Company Theatre 99

280 Meeting St., Suite B. Downtown (843) 853-6687 theatre99.com

RUNNER-UP: Flowertown Players

Best Local Theater Production of 2025

Legally Blonde, Charleston Stage

RUNNER-UP: Cabaret (Footlight Players)

Best Local TV Anchor Carolyn Murray, WCBD News 2

RUNNER-UP: Ann McGill, Live 5 News

Best

Night Publik Education at Commonhouse Aleworks

In recent years, trivia nights are far from trivial in Charleston these days, with a slew of contenders for Best of Awards that demonstrate this city still indulges in a fondness for facts of every imaginable category. Here’s a new fact: Last year’s runner up, Publik Education Trivia at Commonhouse Aleworks, has this year moved into the coveted top spot, likely on account of its frothy, pub-style mix of convivial factwhacking washed down with superior suds.

And it’s all in keeping with proprietor Pearce Fleming’s guiding ethos for his popular Park Circle brewery. Since opening in 2018, it has regularly brought Charleston together in a spirited exchange of all kinds over a cold one and good company, too.

“Celebrating what we all share in common and making a positive impact in the communities we serve is what drives our team,” he told Charleston City Paper in 2024. —Maura Hogan

Best Local Visual Artist Heidi Oates Art heidioatesart.squarespace.com

RUNNER-UP: John Reese

Best Male Vocalist JamiSun jamisun.com

RUNNER-UP: John Price

RUNNER-UP:

RUNNER-UP:

Best Movie Theater Terrace Theater 1956 Maybank Highway. James Island (843) 762-9494 terracetheater.com

RUNNER-UP: Citadel Mall Stadium 16

continued on page 24

It’s official.

Best fest in Charlest

Fresh off our twentieth anniversary festival, we’re honored to take home the title of Best Festival from City Paper! A huge thank you to everyone who has joined the CHSWF family over the last two decades to make this culinary magic possible. Ready f Sec ds?

CHSWF brings a season of bar takeovers, signature dinners, and hands-on classes that keep the energy going all summer long. The ‘26 festival set the stage, and Summer Sizzle is the ultimate summer celebration.

Summer Sizzle tickets on sale May 2026 at chswf.org

Best Female Vocalist Erin Haggerty

A past nominee in the Best Female Vocalist category, Erin Haggerty’s tremendous, blues-infused vocals Haggerty have powered local bands like S.C. Girls, a duo with Jael B. Gadsden that performs original songs, and Mr. Fahrenheit, a Queen tribute band, as well as in projects like JP and the Moonshine Boys and Haggerty’s Heroes. You can find Haggerty serenading folks in haunts like Rita’s on Folly Beach swaying countless locals with those unparalleled vocals.

In addition to original music, the artist has been known to belt out crowd-pleasers like Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” and Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’ ” — all moving listeners to elevate her to the number-one spot in this year’s awards. When Haggerty offers “don’t stop believing” in the form of soaring vocals, it applies to her, too, as she continues to inspire more audiences to believe in the awe-inspiring beauty of her vocal artistry.

Maura Hogan

22

Best Museum International African American Museum 14 Wharfside St. Downtown (843) 872-5352

iaamuseum.org

RUNNER-UP: Gibbes Museum of Art

Best Music Concert of 2025 Dave Matthews Band at Credit One Stadium Credit One Stadium 7596, 161 Seven Farms Drive. Daniel Island creditonestadium.com (843) 856-7900

RUNNER-UP: Creed at Credit One Stadium

BOOKS CONNECT US!

For 10 years, YOU have shown up for stories, for conversation, for community.

To our fellow independent booksellers, we celebrate you! To our friends and readers who choose to shop local, we appreciate you!

Thank you for the honor, Charleston. This recognition belongs to all of us.

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS!

BROOKE RYAN

TWO GIRLS & A GUY

Best Music Instruction School of Rock

1907 N. Highway 17, Suite 102. Mount Pleasant (843) 258-1181 schoolofrock.com/locations/ mountpleasant

RUNNER-UP: Clelia’s Guitar Studio

Best Musician JamiSun

jamisun.com

RUNNER-UP: Alan Price

Best Party of 2025

Best of Charleston at Building 64

Navy Yard Charleston charlestoncitypaper.com

RUNNER-UP: Skinful Halloween

Best Performing Arts Group

Charleston Symphony

480 E Bay St., Suite F. Downtown (843) 723-7528

charlestonsymphony.org

RUNNER-UP: Flowertown Players

Best Piccolo or Spoleto Show of 2025

Piccolo Spoleto Juried Art Exhibition

Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs. Various locations. Downtown (843) 724-7305

piccolospoleto.com

RUNNER-UP: Eurydice (Flowertown Players)

Best Place to See Local Hip Hop

Music Farm

32 Ann St. Downtown (843) 408-1599 musicfarm.com

RUNNER-UP: Building 64, Navy Yard Charleston

continued on page 28

Best Male Vocalist JamiSun

It’s not only the phenomenal, globe-trotting guitar prowess that makes the versatilely voiced JamiSun a standout, both in the local music scene and well beyond. Performing in any genre that suits a crowd’s mood, among them rock, reggae, world music, country and pop, the powerhouse performer and songwriter has the pipes, too.

With such gifts, he draws a host of regulars and constantly makes new fans all over the world, sharing stages with heavy hitters like Zac Brown, Slightly Stoopid, Steel Pulse, Edwin McCain and Cracker.

“Music is like meditation for me,” the artist once told the Charleston City Paper. “Music has saved my life [and] helped me say things I couldn’t say with just words. It’s a beautiful way to unite rooms full of strangers with songs they know and love and bring them together as friends.”

His enlightened talents are resonating, too, as evidenced by this year’s win. —Maura Hogan

To the fans who filled every seat, sang loud and made the night unforgettable, dancing, laughing and holding onto every note.

Because of you, Dave Matthews Band at Credit One Stadium is the Best Concert of 2025. Your energy. Your voices. Your love of live music made it magic.

THE SOUNDTRACK TO YOUR SUMMER LIVES HERE.

The 2026 Lexus Concert Series returns to Credit One Stadium with an eclectic mix of rock, indie, pop, country and rap.

Local Actor and Actress

Matthew Willingham and Giulia Dalbec

Anyone who made it to the Queen Street Playhouse for the Footlight Players’ sizzling season 2025-26 opener of the acclaimed Cabaret can attest to the outsize theatrical chops of both of this year’s dynamic duo, actor Matthew Willingham and actress Guilia Marie Dalbec, who both bested the 2026 awards for actor and actress.

As Sally Bowles, Dalbec offered her own singular, searing interpretation of the show’s celebrated songs, captivating audiences with a performance that had particular resonance in a reeling world today. In a previous Footlight Players role in the play Proof, Dalbec said the part was a “challenge and a reward,” which certainly applies to the relentless demands of the Cabaret lead, too.

Willingham’s deliciously louche Emcee was equally charged, captivating crowds with its unapologetic zeal.

“I feel so lucky and honored to have won for a production that means so much to me,” he said. “The Emcee in Cabaret was one of my dream roles and to have gotten to play him with an incredible company, alongside one of my best friends (and fellow winner!) was a memorable experience and winning this award is truly the cherry on top!” —Maura Hogan

From page 26

BEST POP-UP MARKET: Feminist Magic Market

Shops and Wares

|

Shops and Wares

Charleston’s shopping scene is as unique as the city itself, blending locally rooted business with longtime staples. From King Street gems like Croghan’s Jewel Box to Mount Pleasant hubs like Towne Centre, the Shops & Wares category highlights the places where locals and tourists alike go to find something memorable. Whether its handcrafted goods, fresh local produce or one-of-a-kind vintage finds, these winners reflect the character and charm that Charleston is best known for. Together, they represent not just where Charlestonians love to shop, but where they feel seen, appreciated and inspired. —Alyssa McDowell

Best Accessories

Palmetto Moon

Various locations (843) 849-8122 palmettomoononline.com

RUNNER UP Lounge With Us

Best Adult Toy Store

Guilty Pleasures

2992 Ashley Phosphate Road. North Charleston (843) 767-0690 guiltypleasuressc.com

RUNNER UP Badd Kitty

Best Antique Store

Mount Pleasant Mall

708 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Mount Pleasant 843) 388-8575 mtpantiquemall.com

RUNNER UP

The Station Park Circle

Best Art Supply Store

Artist & Craftsman

Supply

981 King St. Downtown (843) 937-5199 artistcraftsman.com

RUNNER UP

The Paper Canopy

Best Auto Dealer (Domestic) Rick Hendrick Chevrolet

1500 Savannah Highway. West Ashley (843) 410-3819 rickhendrickchevrolet.com

RUNNER UP Crews Chevrolet

Best Auto Dealer (Imports) Fred Anderson Toyota

2100 Savannah Highway. West Ashley (843) 203-9006 fredandersontoyota.com

RUNNER UP Crews Subaru

Best Beer Retail Selection Bottles Beverage Superstore

610 Coleman Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 849-9463 bottleschs.com

RUNNER UP

Jadoon’s Park Circle Market

Best Bookstore (Local) Buxton Books

160 King St. Downtown (843) 723-1670 buxtonbooks.com

RUNNER UP Blue Bicycle Books

Best Butcher Shop Burbage Meats

It’s not often you meet a family in the same line of work since the ‘50s, but Burbage Meats is a third-generation butcher shop going strong in West Ashley. The shop started in 1953 with W.A. Burbage Jr. and his wife and is now operated by their grandchildren, sisters Melissa Burbage and Felecia Burbage-Hodges.

“It’s that expertise and knowledge in butchery that we are able to best serve our customers,” said co-owner Scott Hodges, Felicia’s husband.

Every piece of meat is hand-selected to maintain quality. Most pork, poultry, and beef carried is sourced from ranchers the Burbage family knows and trusts.

“We often say, ‘We do not carry anything that we would not feed our own family,’ and we stand by that,” Scott Hodges said.

The shop also focuses on using everything from the “nose to tail” to reduce waste. The no-waste policy also creates more unique cuts that might not be seen at your typical grocery store. —Alyssa McDowell

Best Boutique Copper Penny

Various locations (843) 723-2999 copperpennyshop.com

RUNNER UP Rebecca Illustrated

Best Bridal Store

Bridal House of Charleston

1055 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite 20. Mount Pleasant

(843) 971-1477

bridalhouseofcharleston.com

RUNNER UP Bridals by Jodi

Best Butcher Shop Burbage Meats

1033 Wappoo Road, Suite A.

West Ashley (843) 789-4400

burbagemeats.com

RUNNER UP Ted’s Butcherblock

continued on page 32

Best CBD Shop Charleston

Hemp Collective 1989 Maybank Highway. James Island 473 King St. Downtown (843) 305-4367 charlestonhempcollective.com

RUNNER UP Smoke n Brew

Best Collegiate Store Palmetto Moon

Various locations (843) 849-8122 palmettomoononline.com

RUNNER UP College of Charleston Bookstore

Best Comic Book Shop Captain’s Comics & Toys

1209 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. West Ashley (843) 766-6611 captainscomicsandtoys.com

RUNNER UP Park Circle Comics

Best Consignment (Furniture)

Consign Charleston

1610 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. West Ashley (843) 225-9055 consigncharleston.com

RUNNER UP Next to New

Best Consignment Consign Charleston

1610 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. West Ashley (843) 225-9055 consigncharleston.com

RUNNER UP Reinvented Upscale Resale

Best Corner Store Bert’s Market

202 E. Ashley Ave. Folly Beach (843) 588-9449 bertsmarket.com

RUNNER UP Jadoon’s Park Circle Market

Best Eyewear Boutique Shades of Charleston

Various locations (843) 388-4369 shadesofcharleston.com

RUNNER UP SEE Eyewear

Best Florist Roadside Blooms

4491 Durant Ave. North Charleston (843) 225-7277 roadsideblooms.com

RUNNER UP Tiger Lily Florist

Best Furniture Store Celadon

1015 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Mount Pleasant 2221 Noisette Blvd. North Charleston (843) 884-7005 celadonathome.com

RUNNER UP Neighborly Park Circle

Best Garden Store/Nursery Hyams Garden Center and Accent Store

870 Folly Road. James Island (843) 795-4570 hyamsgardencenter.com

RUNNER UP Roots and Shoots Nursery

Bridal House of Charleston

The happiest day of a bride’s life is so often the day she finds her perfect dress. Bridal House of Charleston recognizes the significance of having a garment that makes brides feel like a princess on their wedding day.

Team members are trained to support brides-to-be and tailor each appointment to their needs and vision. No bride is the same, and neither is their shopping experience.

“Everybody shops differently. Everybody makes decisions differently, so we really try to listen to what each bride wants,” owner Tierney Jutzi said.

Bridal House of Charleston appreciates the honor that is serving each bride in anticipation of their day of holy matrimony.

“It’s not just a sale to us,” Jutzi said. “The combination of pure joy and relief when you see a bride realize this is their dress is the most rewarding part.” —Alyssa McDowell

Best Gift Store

Palmetto Moon

Various locations (843) 849-8122 palmettomoononline.com

RUNNER UP Old Whaling Company

Best Grocery Store

Harris Teeter

Various locations harristeeter.com

RUNNER UP Publix

Best Hardware Store

Lowcountry

Ace Hardware

James Island

1411 Folly Road, Suite 200. James Island (843) 572-1223 acehardware.com

RUNNER UP East Bay Hardware

Best Home Accessories Store Neighborly Park Circle 1080 E. Montague Ave. North Charleston (843) 343-0388 neighborlypc.com

RUNNER UP Antiques and Artisans Village Best Jewelry Store Croghan’s Jewel

308 King St. Downtown (843) 723-3594 croghansjewelbox.com

RUNNER UP Polly’s Fine Jewelry

Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Mt. Pleasant 843-971-1477

Local Clothing Designer

Brackish

Good outfits have great accessories. It’s the small details that pull a look together. That’s where Brackish, an accessories brand built from a single feather bowtie, comes in.

Co-founder Ben Ross created the iconic piece as a gift to his groomsmen. It quickly became a symbol of the brand’s identity: craftsmanship, ethically sourced materials and thoughtful design. In alignment with these ideas, Brackish handcrafts everything here in Charleston, with in-house artisans creating every piece.

“Being able to create something so unique for our locals and beyond is so important to us,” said Mikayla Ceraso, the company’s head of marketing and e-commerce.

From belts to purses to the signature Brackish bowties, pieces are made with intentionality. Each feather used is hand-picked and every material is meticulously shaped with care.

“The quality and craftsmanship that goes into these pieces make them unique. They’re truly one of a kind.” —Alyssa McDowell

From page 33

675 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Mount Pleasant 7179 Bryhawke Circle. North Charleston 1903 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. West Ashley (843) 531-5147 plugsappliance.com

Earth Fare

If Whole Foods is a step above Harris Teeter, Earth Fare is three steps above both. The gourmet grocery store has a very unique process when picking items to live on its shelves.

Every product in the store follows a very strict food philosophy and contains nothing on Earth Fare’s “boot list” which features hundreds of ingredients banned from the store. Including but certainly not limited to added hormones, artificial sweeteners and high fructose corn syrup.

“Our goal is to make it easy for Lowcountry families to choose better-for-you options without the usual hassle or compromise,” said Laurie Aker, director of marketing for Earth Fare.

If you’ve been looking for healthier options, Earth Fare should be on your list. With hundreds of products picked with meticulous care, the store welcomes customers to a clean and stress-free grocery shopping experience.

Alyssa McDowell

From page 34

Best Local Clothing Designer Brackish

1854 Wallace School Road, Suite B. West Ashley (843) 469-8833 brackish.com

RUNNER UP Black Octopus Mercantile

Best Local Farm Boone Hall Farms 2434 N. Highway 17. Mount Pleasant (843) 856-5366 boonehallplantation.com

RUNNER UP Legare Farms

Best Local Gourmet Grocery Store

Earth Fare 74 Folly Road. West Ashley (843) 277-0001 earthfare.com

RUNNER UP The Veggie Bin

VOTED

Best Local Liquor Store

Bottles Beverage

Superstore

610 Coleman Blvd.

Mount Pleasant (843) 849-9463

bottleschs.com

RUNNER UP Burris Liquor Store

Best Local Wine Shop

Graft Wine Shop

700 King St. Downtown (843) 718-3359

graftchs.com

RUNNER UP The Wine Shop Of Charleston

Best Locally Based Cannabis Product

High Rise Beverage Co. (843) 256-6507 highrisebevco.com

RUNNER UP Levity Cannabis Spirit

BORN IN

LOCAL SINCE 2002

Best Mall/Shopping Center

Mount Pleasant

Towne Centre

1218 Belk Drive. Mount Pleasant (843) 216-9900

mtpleasanttownecentre.com

RUNNER UP Tanger Outlets

Best Men’s Clothing Store

M. Dumas & Sons

294 King St. Downtown (843) 723-8603

mdumasandsons.com

RUNNER UP Palmetto Moon

Best Musical Instrument Store

Fox House of Music 4248 Dorchester Road. North Charleston (843) 740-7200 foxmusichouse.com

RUNNER UP Ye Olde Music Shoppe

Best Paint Store

Sherwin-Williams

Various locations

sherwin-williams.com

RUNNER UP Spectrum Paint

Best Pawn Shop Money Man Pawn

Various locations (843) 762-7999 moneymanpawn.com

RUNNER UP Gene’s Jewelry and Pawn

Best Place to Buy A New Car Crews Subaru

8199 Rivers Ave. North Charleston (843) 820-4200 crewssubaru.com

RUNNER UP Fred Anderson Toyota of Charleston

Best Place to Buy A Used Car CarMax

712 Savage Road. West Ashley (843) 766-2155

carmax.com

RUNNER UP Crews Chevrolet

Best Place to Buy Local Produce

Charleston

Farmers Market

Marion Square. Downtown (843) 724-7305 charlestonfarmersmarket.com

RUNNER UP The Veggie Bin

Best Place to Buy Local Seafood

Crosby’s Fish & Shrimp Co.

2223 Folly Road. James Island (843) 795-4049 crosbysfishshrimp.com

RUNNER UP CudaCo. Seafood Company continued on page 38

Vintage Clothing Store

Station Park Circle

More than 60 local artists, craftspeople, pickers and vendors offer a mammoth array of vintage clothing, thrifted goods, tunes, books, furniture, plants, jewelry, art and much more at this North Charleston mainstay on Spruill Avenue.

One of the store’s curators highlights how secondhand finds from furniture to clothing give new lives to things and keep them out of landfills.

“There’s enough clothing in the world for the next six generations,” she said recently on social media. “Buying a secondhand shirt saves 700 gallons of water and buying a secondhand pair of jeans saves 2,000 gallons of water. Buying secondhand reduces climate impact by up to 42% and energy consumption by 90%.”

But there’s something else you quickly learn as you stroll among the ever-changing array of neat things at The Station Park Circle — this is a place to find all sorts of cool treasures and great vintage stuff that you just don’t see in malls. —Andy Brack

80 Folly Road Blvd. James Island 280 W. Coleman Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 763-1000 phillipsshoes.com

RUNNER UP Fleet Feet

815 Folly Road. James Island (843) 501-7979 smokenbrew.com RUNNER

93 Spring St. Downtown (843) 974-5252 thepapercanopy.com RUNNER UP

Best Thrift/Resale Shop

ReStore:

Sea Island Habitat for Humanity

3304 Maybank Highway. Johns Island (843) 559-4009 seaislandhabitat.org

RUNNER UP Closet Case Thrift

Best Tire Store

Gerald’s Tires & Brakes

Various locations (843) 566-1910 geraldstires.com

RUNNER UP Hay Tire

Best Tobacco/Cigar Store

Smoke ‘N Brew

815 Folly Road. James Island (843) 501-7979 smokenbrew.com

RUNNER UP Cigars on Maybank / Cigars On 17

Best Vape Shop

Smoke ‘N Brew

815 Folly Road. James Island (843) 501-7979 smokenbrew.com

RUNNER UP Airavata Vapors

Best Vintage Clothing Store

The Station Park Circle

4610 Spruill Ave. North Charleston (843) 225-1130 thestationparkcircle.com

RUNNER UP Exchange Factor

Best Vintage Marketplace

The Station Park Circle

4610 Spruill Ave. North Charleston (843) 225-1130 thestationparkcircle.com

RUNNER UP Antiques & Artisans Village

continued on page 40

Founded in 2019, Feminist Magic Market is a pop-up shop hosting vendors dedicated to exactly what the name entails — creating a safe space for all identities to experience the magic of hand-crafted goods in the Lowcountry.

It started as the Witchy Woman Market, an event hosted every full moon, as a way to embrace femininity and celebrate women. The market grew and moved to hours hosted in daylight, but remains connected to its roots.

“It started as a celebration of women owned businesses, but it’s grown,” said Rae Sumlin, director of Feminist Magic Market. “It’s become more of a community space for people who believe in equality and representation of communities that wouldn’t necessarily get that representation in the South.”

Shoppers can find the quarterly pop-up market in the backyard Itinerant Literate Bookstop in Park Circle.

Alyssa McDowell

Place to Buy a New Car Crews Subaru

Buying a car is often one of the most stressful purchases a person can make. But Crews Subaru prides itself on making the process as smooth as possible. The customer-first dealership has a focus on building relationships, not just pushing sales.

“It’s always a conversation, not a sale,” said Ken French, marketing and events coordinator at Crews Subaru.

Anyone who has bought a car recently knows how much pressure car salesmen can put on you. Crews Subaru tries to do the opposite.

“We don’t need an answer today. We just want you to have all the information,” French said. “When you walk out of the dealership, you’ll know the price of that car and all of your options.”

French also accredited the win to Subaru’s product and the people on his team that make customers feel welcome and at ease.

Alyssa McDowell

BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER: Ryan-Marie Design and Decor

Services

Separating the old Services section into two parts was such a hit last year, we decided to keep it that way.

In the first half, you’ll find Home Services, where we shine a spotlight on your favorite interior designers, handyman services and roofers. In the second, you’ll find the Lowcountry’s best attorneys, wedding planners and real estate companies. That’s right, for every big moment — from getting married to buying a new home to needing a bit of legal help — we have you covered with vital services to make them easy and memorable. —Skyler Baldwin

HOME SERVICES

Best Carpet Cleaning Company

ServiceMaster

3228 Industry Drive. North Charleston (843) 970-2215 servicemasterrestore.com

RUNNER-UP

Cane Bay Carpet Cleaning

Best Cleaning Service

Christi’s Cleaning Service (843) 442-7276 christiscleaning.com

RUNNER-UP

Lucky’s Wash Co.

Best Closet/Cabinet Company

A to Z Custom Woodworks

1951 Belgrade Ave. West Ashley (843) 793-3923

atozcustomwoodworks.com

RUNNER-UP

Closets by Design — Coastal South Carolina

Best Electrician/Company Charleston Electric and Air

412 E. 5th North St. Summerville (843) 408-0245 charleston-electric.com

RUNNER-UP

MJK Electric

Best Fencing Superior Fence and Rail

7710 Southrail Road. North Charleston (843) 225-9051 superiorfenceandrail.com/ charleston

RUNNER-UP

DiCarlo Fencing

Best Flooring/Carpet Installation

Carpet Baggers

3196 Marginal Road. West Ashley (843) 410-2680 carpetbaggerscarpetone.com

RUNNER-UP

J+J Flooring

Best Foundation Repair Company

Cantey

4225 Piggy Wiggly Drive. North Charleston (843) 261-5651 canteycanfixit.com

RUNNER-UP Mount Valley Foundation Services

Best General Contractor New Beginnings Construction, Inc. 1064 Gardner Road, Suite 308. West Ashley (843) 789-4604 nbc-sc.com

RUNNER-UP Carolina Construction Company

Best Closet/Cabinet Co.

A to Z Custom Woodworks

At A to Z Custom Woodworks, closets and cabinets are really just the tip of the iceberg. The team takes pride in doing more than ordering pieces and parts — every element is handcrafted, ensuring that every piece of furniture is a work of art.

A to Z works to stay ahead of industry trends, including materials and techniques. The team is at the forefront of the woodworking industry, consistently delivering products that not only meet, but surpass its clients’ expectations.

“With our hands-on approach to crafting every component, you can trust that your project will receive the attention to detail and the personal touch it deserves,” A to Z’s website reads. “Each piece we create is a testament to our dedication to the art of woodworking and our passion for delivering customized excellence to our valued clients.”

Need an estimate for new high-end kitchen cabinets? Looking for advice on what color to go with? A to Z has you covered with all that and more. —Skyler Baldwin continued on page 44

ENJOY LIFE BANKING ON THE BEST

Thank you for voting South Carolina Federal Credit Union the Best Financial Institution! Since 1936, we have provided comprehensive financial solutions and unparalleled service to our members across the Lowcountry. Let us do the same for you, because you deserve to bank on the best.

Best Cleaning Service Christi’s Cleaning Service

Christi’s Cleaning Service is a commercial cleaning company that offers the kind of high quality, detailed cleaning that helps businesses stay focused on business. As a fully licensed and bonded company, Christi’s Cleaning has experience from occupied office buildings to post-construction facilities to community centers. No space is too big or too small. Customers can request a walk-through online and work with the team to decide what service is best for them, whether it’s daily, weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. The best part — Christi’s Cleaning Service doesn’t

require contracts, so you are not locked in if your business needs to make a change to your service level.

And to avoid that “hospital smell,” Christi’s Cleaning uses high-quality cleaners with better scents, letting property owners enter a space and breathe in deep, knowing it has been cleaned with real care for the details.

Christi’s Cleaning has industrial cleaning equipment, including a commercial grade steamer, scrubber and waxer. It also has tools for high-ceiling dusting and care. —Skyler Baldwin

Best Home Painter

Charleston Painting Contractors

3520 MEek’s Farm Road, Suite A.

Johns Island (843) 737-5770 chspaint.com

RUNNER-UP

Fresh Start Paint Pros

Best Home Remodeler

New Beginnings Construction, Inc.

1064 Gardner Road, Suite 308. West Ashley (843) 789-4604 nbc-sc.com

RUNNER-UP

Carolina Construction of Charleston

Best Interior Designer

Ryan-Marie Design & Decor

(843) 480-4472 ryanmariedesigndecor.com

RUNNER-UP

1064 Gardner Road, Suite 308. West Ashley (843) 789-4604 nbc-sc.com

RUNNER-UP

Mary Welch Fox Design Best Kitchen and Bath Design

4144 Rivers Ave. North Charleston (843) 452-3652 newleaflc.com RUNNER-UP ShoreCut Lawn Service continued on page 46

Best Mortgage Company Benchmark Mortgage

858 Lowcountry Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 216-8997 benchmark.us

RUNNER-UP

Alliance Mortgage

Best Moving Company MoveMo

237 King St. Downtown 4221 Atkins St. North Charleston (844) 439-7866 stomostorage.com

RUNNER-UP All My Sons Moving

Best Pest Control Carolina

Exterminating

948 Wappoo Road. West Ashley (843) 225-9990

carolinaexterminating.com

RUNNER-UP

Ledford’s Termite & Pest Control

Best Plumber/Company

Blitch Plumbing

407 Fleming Road. James Island (843) 795-9674

blitchplumbing.com

RUNNER-UP

1st Choice AC Heating Plumbing & Gas

Best Pool Builder Blue Haven Pools & Spas

7475 Peppermill Parkway, Suite A. North Charleston (843) 552-6000

bluehaven.com

RUNNER-UP

Charleston Pools and Service

Best Roofing Company

New Beginnings Construction, Inc.

1064 Gardner Road, Suite 308. West Ashley (843) 789-4604 nbc-sc.com

RUNNER-UP Revive Roofing & Exteriors

Best Stone & Marble Company

Granite Depot of Charleston, LLC

7318 Rab Drive. North Charleston (843) 940-7492

2491 Clements Ferry Road, Suite B. Daniel Island (843) 202-4902

granitedepotcharleston.com

RUNNER-UP

Palmetto Surfacing

Best Storage Company StoMo Mobile Storage

237 King St. Downtown (843) 439-7866

stomostorage.com

RUNNER-UP Main Road Self Storage

Best Tree Care Company Bartlett Tree Experts

2285 Technical Parkway. North Charleston (843) 556-8696

bartlett.com

RUNNER-UP Island Tree & Property Care

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Best Accounting Firm

Parmar Accounting Service (803) 339-9488

parmaraccountingservice.com

RUNNER-UP

Brian Kurtz, CPA

Best Attorney Mark Peper, Peper Law Firm

548 Savannah Highway. West Ashley 1050 E. Montague Ave., Suite D. North Charleston (843) 225-2520

peperlawfirm.com

RUNNER-UP

Jeffrey Ward, The Thumbs Up Guys

continued on page 48

Low Tide Home Services

This year’s winner of Best Handyman asked who he could send his “Thank you”s to, and when we told him how many votes were cast in this year’s contest, he was blown away.

“I just never really expected this,” said Low Tide Home Services owner Steven Lusby. “I’m very appreciative, and I feel really blessed.” Lusby said he started the business in 2024, but he had been handymanning around his own place for several years before that. “My wife always told me I was handy and that I ought to get paid for it,” he said. And one quick career change later, that’s exactly what happened. His customer service is what ultimately sets him apart in the Lowcountry, he said. “You pick up your phone, and you call people back. You show up when you say you’re going to show up, and you get the job done when you say you’re going to get the job done.”

From home renovations to honey-do lists, working with property managers, renters and homeowners, Lusby keeps his calendar full and toolbox open. —Skyler Baldwin

Best Attorney (Estate Planning)

Brenna D. Wiles, Peper Law Firm

548 Savannah Highway. West Ashley 1050 E. Montague Ave., Suite D. North Charleston (843) 225-2520 peperlawfirm.com

RUNNER-UP Ashley Andrews, LaFond Law

Best Attorney (Family Law) The Law Office of Sara Turner

165 King St., Suite 2. Downtown (843) 277-2431 saraturnerlaw.com

RUNNER-UP

Colleen Condon, Condon Family Law

Best Attorney (Personal Injury) Mark Joye, Joye Law Firm

5861 Rivers Ave. North Charleston (843) 508-9015 joyelawfirm.com

RUNNER-UP

John Price, John Price Law Firm

Best Attorney (Real Estate) Catherine LaFond, LaFond Law Group, PA 544 Savannah Highway. West Ashley (843) 762-3554 lafondlaw.com

RUNNER-UP Doug Laflin, Laflin Law

Best Auto Body Shop Crews Collision Center 8199 Rivers Ave. North Charleston (843) 820-7815 crewschevrolet.com

RUNNER-UP Ascue’s

Best Auto Service Brothers Automotive Repair

1990 Raoul Wallenberg Blvd. West Ashley (843) 763-0082

RUNNER-UP Swifts Garage

Best Disaster Recovery Company ServiceMaster of Charleston

3228 Industry Drive. North Charleston (843) 760-0404 servicemasterrestore.com

RUNNER-UP Boss Disaster Restoration

Best Interior Designer Ryan-Marie Design and Decor

Ryan-Marie Preuss, owner and lead designer behind her namesake interior design business, said her journey into design started well before she launched the business — it was a lifelong passion that naturally evolved into a career.

Preuss was born and raised in Southern California, but in 2020, her family made the move to Charleston. She calls it a dream put on fast-forward. Living on both coasts shaped her design style, building a relaxed coastal aesthetic with refined, livable elegance.

“I believe that great design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating functional spaces that enhance everyday life,” Preuss said on her business’ website. “My goal is to transform your home into a place that feels both inviting and uniquely yours.”

Through her interior design business, Preuss serves the whole Lowcountry, offering full-service design, construction consulting and hands-on assistance throughout the process. From choosing paint colors and arranging furniture to designing a new space with the coastal climate in mind, Preuss has you covered. —Skyler Baldwin continued on page 52

Best Driving School

A-Lord Ashley Driving School

205 N. Goose Creek Blvd., Suite 113. Goose Creek (843) 824-2040 alordashley.com

RUNNER-UP

Tom Hatley’s All-American Driving School

Best Dry Cleaner

Lyerly’s Cleaners

401 W. Coleman Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-0093

RUNNER-UP

Charleston Prestige

Best Event Planner The Event Cooperative theeventcooperative.com

RUNNER-UP

Elizabeth Elkins Weddings & Events

Best Financial Institution

South Carolina

Federal Credit Union

Various locations (800) 845-0432

scfederal.org

RUNNER-UP

Navy Federal Credit Union

Best Financial Planner

Charlie Capasso, Capasso Planning Partners

635 E. Bay St., Suite C. Charleston (843) 608-8487

capassoplanningpartners.com

RUNNER-UP

Money Moods with Jenne Sevilla

Best Funeral Home

J. Henry Stuhr

Various Locations jhenrystuhr.com

RUNNER-UP

McAlister Smith

continued on page 54

Best Driving School

A-Lord Ashley Driving School

You only learn to drive once — well, hopefully — so make it a safe, smooth and confidence-building experience with A-Lord Ashley Driving School.

A-Lord Ashley Driving School has been in business since 1954, helping students do more than simply pass their driving test. Instructors are dedicated to instilling the essential principles of defensive driving, and we all know just how important those are on the Holy City streets.

Many driving schools have started relying heavily on simulators, but the team behind A-Lord says defensive driving is best mastered in the real world. Its highly trained, patient instructors focus on situational awareness and proactive decision-making, ensuring every new driver, whether they’re a teen or adult, builds the right safety habits from day one.

Instructors bring their expertise to students across all over the Lowcountry from Summerville and Moncks Corner to Daniel Island and Mount Pleasant. A-Lord offers beginner-level instruction as well as refreshers and point reduction courses. —Skyler Baldwin

Best Photographer (Portrait) Simply Stefanee

1020 E. Montague Ave., Unit B. Park Circle (843) 300-7512 simplystefanee.com

RUNNER-UP: Justin Falk Photography

Best Photographer (Wedding) Valerie & Ed Photography

334 East Bay St., Suite 243. Downtown (843) 882-7009 valerieanded.com

RUNNER-UP Justin Falk Photography

Best Property Management Company (Apartments)

Greystar

465 Meeting St., Suite 500. Downtown greystar.com

RUNNER-UP MAA

Best Property Management Company (Commercial)

Beach Company

320 Broad St., Suite 600. Downtown (843) 722-2615 thebeachcompany.com

RUNNER-UP Palmetto Commercial Properties

Best Property Management Company (Residential) TeamWork Property Management

1184 Clements Ferry Road, Suite D1. Daniel Island (843) 483-8976 teamworkproperties.com

RUNNER-UP Yellow Door Property Management

Best Property Management Company ( Vacation/Shortterm Rentals)

YOURPAD Vacation Rentals

34 Radcliffe St., Suite B. Downtown (843) 410-8991 yourpadbookings.com

RUNNER-UP Stay Duvet Vacation Rentals

Best Real Estate Company Carolina One Real Estate Various locations carolinaonerealestate.com

RUNNER-UP

Akers Ellis Real Estate

Best Realtor

Bill Olson

451 Folly Road, Suite 106. James Island (843) 580-8010 livinginchs.com

RUNNER-UP Sandy Trockel, REAL Broker, LLC

continued on page 58

Best

Event Planner

The Event Cooperative

Maryann Mazurek started The Event Cooperative in 2011 as a way to house her own freelance activities and shop her own hosted markets. Looking back, the first-time winner said it’s crazy to see how far she’s come and how large the business has grown.

The biggest event of the year for Mazurek is the recurring Holy City Holiday Market, which brings over 10,000 people each day of the weekend festival, and more than 200 businesses participate. And every year, it just gets bigger. Last year, the festival expanded to include the outdoor space at Firefly Distillery and The Station. This year, the plan is to consolidate back to Firefly and partner with the city of North Charleston.

“My favorite thing about hosting these events is getting to meet all the people,” Mazurek said. “Working with the vendors in our community is very inspiring. These are passionate people pursuing their dream, everything from a rental vendor to real creatives and artists and makers. It’s just a beautiful way to see our community.” —Skyler Baldwin

Best Videographer

Koz Films (609) 350-3250 kozfilms.com

RUNNER-UP

Daniel Green — Art of Daniel Green

Best Wedding Planner Goldbug Events

goldbugevents.com

RUNNER-UP

Charleston Premier Events

Best Wedding Venue Lowndes Grove

266 St. Margaret St. Downtown (843) 853-1810 pphgcharleston.com

RUNNER-UP

Boone Hall Plantation

Best Wedding Videographer Frankie Gilmore (843) 800-1116 frankiegilmore.com

RUNNER-UP

Francis West Studios

Best Realtor Bill Olson

Charleston Realtor Bill Olson said helping people across the Lowcountry not only find their homes, but find an area that they connect with, is the best part of the job. “I love it, because everything is just so different,” he said.

But more than that, Olson said, he offers something that most other realtors don’t.

“I don’t have the most sales or anything, but I have an obsession with what is happening, not just in the real estate market but elsewhere, too,” he said. “What’s being built, what’s changing? I have a following of almost 50,000 on Instagram of people who just want to keep up with what’s happening.”

Olson said that interest and connectivity helps build partnerships with his clients. It also gives them more knowledge about the area they’re thinking about settling down in.

He’s already looking ahead toward big impacts on the peninsula and beyond. The Lowcountry Lowline project, he said, stands to connect a lot of overlooked neighborhoods on the northern end of the peninsula to the rest of downtown. The Lowcountry Rapid Transit project, he said, will connect the peninsula entirely to areas in North Charleston and beyond. —Skyler Baldwin

Thank You, Charleston

Health and Beauty

Health and Beauty

Like so many strongly correlated qualities — intelligence, education and wisdom, for instance — health, beauty and fitness are distinct in theory but often inseparable in practice. That’s why we’ve grouped your 2026 favorites across all three here, with categories ranging from acupuncture to nail care to yoga. And as you read on, don’t forget: Sincere resolutions count just as much on a random Tuesday in July as they do on New Year’s Day. —Jack O’Toole

Best Acupuncture Practice Blue Heron

Acupuncture and Apothecary

1819 Meeting St. Downtown (843) 937-6890 blueheroncharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Serenity Wellness

Best Acupuncturist

Dr. Brittney Epps, Serenity Wellness

29 Leinbach Drive, Suite D3. West Ashley (843) 261-4038 serenitywellcenter.com

RUNNER-UP: Dr. Lisa Abernathy, Blue Heron

Best Aesthetic Injector Dr. Marguerite Germain, Germain Dermatology

Various locations (843) 881-4440 germaindermatology.com

RUNNER-UP: Rachel Fedarovich, Sweetgrass Plastic Surgery

Best Aesthetician Lea Cates, Sweetgrass Plastic Surgery & Spa

218 Brighton Park Blvd., Suite 101. Summerville

20 Fairchild St., Suite 102. Daniel Island

404 Coleman Blvd.

Mount Pleasant (843) 471-1135

sweetgrassplasticsurgery.com

RUNNER-UP: Danielle Cios, O’Neill Plastic Surgery

Best Allergy & Asthma

Charleston ENT

Various locations (843) 766-7103 charlestonent.com

RUNNER-UP: MUSC Health

Best Assisted Living Community

Bishop Gadsden

1 Bishop Gadsden Way. James Island (843) 762-3300

bishopgadsden.org

RUNNER-UP: Franke at Seaside

Best Barber Shop

Barrelli Barber

Various locations (843) 414.7457 barrellibarber.com

RUNNER-UP: The Barber & Shave Shoppe

Best Barre Studio

Pure Barre

Various locations (843) 732-1727

purebarre.com

RUNNER-UP: Barre 3

Best Acupuncture Practice Blue Heron Acupuncture and Apothecary

Blue Heron founder Dr. Lisa Abernathy discovered Eastern medicine in 2006, when a part-time administrative job at an acupuncture school changed her life.

“I had no interest in acupuncture whatsoever,” she said. “And I was terrified of needles. But then my bosses finally talked me into trying it — and I was amazed at how good I felt, and how quickly I recovered from an illness I had at the time.”

What followed was years of intensive study into what Abernathy calls the “art and science” of healing, and later the opening of Blue Heron Acupuncture, a small group practice here in Charleston. And it’s that collaborative group dynamic that’s key to Blue Heron’s success, she says.

“There’s something about working with others that lifts each of us up and enhances the quality of our work,” she said. “Every one of our practitioners has tremendous dedication — and it’s really special and synergistic when we work together.” —Jack O’Toole

& Rehab

2 Carriage Lane. West Ashley (843) 571-3100 westashleywellness.com

RUNNER-UP: Dr. Stephen Khouri, Khouri Chiropractic Best Cosmetic Dentist Solomon Family Dentistry

Various locations (843) 863-8634 solomondentistry.com

RUNNER-UP: Dr. Vicki Tatum, Tatum Dentistry

Celebrating 20 years as

Best Cycling Studio The Works Cycle

465 Meeting St., Suite 150. Downtown

1440 Ben Sawyer Blvd., Suite 1503. Mount Pleasant (843) 648-0102

theworkscycle.com

RUNNER-UP: Hot Girl Cycle Club

Best Day Spa Woodhouse

Day Spa

10 Westedge St., Suite 150. Downtown 141 Wentworth St. Downtown 725 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 203-1772

woodhousespas.com

RUNNER-UP: Urban Nirvana

Best Cosmetic Dentist Best Dental Practice

Solomon Family Dentistry

With eight offices across the Lowcountry and hours that run till 8 p.m., Solomon Family Dentistry is committed to meeting patients where they are — a philosophy that extends to their cosmetic work.

“The options are enormous, and expanding every day,” Dr. Seana Powers, a dentist at Solomon’s Mount Pleasant practice told the City Paper “Cosmetic services can range from little to no tooth preparation all the way to complete restorative dentistry that entirely remodels someone’s smile.”

But none of those smile transformations, large or small, can happen until the patient is ready to share their feelings, she noted.

“What I’d encourage folks to do is to talk about any cosmetic concerns they might have with their dentist, instead of shying away from the conversation,” Powers said.

As for why she loves her work, Powers said it “provides a unique opportunity” to make people healthier and happier.

“Having the ability to improve someone’s smile is just a huge gift,” she said. —Jack O’Toole

Dentistry AN HONEST REVIEW SAYS IT ALL... An honest verdict 4 9 stars, average 13,000+ reviews CHARLESTON SPOKE, WE LISTENED.

For 47 years, we ’ ve been listening to our patients For 47 years, we’ve been listening to our patients and growing our practice with care and and growing our practice with care and dedication. What started as a family-focused dedication. What started as family-focused practice with Dr Fred Solomon has grown into a practice with Dr. Fred Solomon has grown into a place where every patient is treated like family place where every patient is treated like . We’re honored to serve this community and make We’re honored to serve this community and make every smile feel at home every smile at home. listening What family-focused Dr grown like home

VOTED best PLASTIC SURGERY PRACTICE

3 YEARS IN A ROW

DR. CLAYTON CRANTFORD

VOTED best PLASTIC SURGEON

2 YEARS IN A ROW

Best Massage Therapist

Britney Franklin, Awaken Massage

Talking with Awaken Massage founder Britney Franklin, you know right away that she’s not just good at what she does — she’s genuinely passionate about it.

“From a really young age, I’ve had kind of an obsession with how the human body works and how to make it feel its best,” she said. “I started doing massage 13 years ago, and every day that passes, I just fall in love with it a little bit more.”

And that passion, she says, is rooted in the “amazing people” she meets, the strong sense of family that’s developed within Awaken since it opened in 2021, and the very real health benefits that come with professional massage.

“It makes people feel better physically and also emotionally,” she said. “It’s really something that could be considered health care. So, yes, it’s definitely a ‘treat yourself’ moment, but it’s also so much more than that. It’s a really special field.” —Jack O’Toole

Best Dental Practice Solomon Family Dentistry

Multiple locations (843) 863-8634 solomondentistry.com

RUNNER-UP: James & Johns Island Dental Associates

Best Dentist Dr. James Thomas III, James and Johns Island Dental Associates 113 Wappoo Creek Drive, Suite 5. James Island (843) 396-1974 3201 Maybank Highway. Johns Island (843) 428-8346 smilesforcharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Dr. Jessica Peele, Cooper Cosmetic & Family Dentistry From page 64

5101 Ashley Phosphate Rd. #104 North Charleston, SC 29418 (843) 833-5540

(843)

Best Dermatologist

Dr. Marguerite

Germain,

Germain Dermatology

Multiple locations (843) 881-4440 germaindermatology.com

RUNNER-UP: Carrie Zipperer, PA, Lowcountry Dermatology

Best Dermatology Practice Germain Dermatology

Multiple locations (843) 881-4440 germaindermatology.com

RUNNER-UP: Mount Pleasant Dermatology

Best Exercise Studio HYLO Fitness

466 Savannah Highway, Suite A. West Ashley (843) 606-5267

880 Allbritton Blvd. Mount Pleasant

(843) 606-2723

424 Brighton Park Blvd., Suite A. Summerville (843) 376-9369 hylofitness.com

RUNNER-UP: KOR4 ELITE FITNESS

Best Eye Doctor Dr. George Waring, Waring Vision Institute

735 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite 101. Mount Pleasant (843) 592-3955 waringvision.com

RUNNERS-UP (TIE): Dr. Elyse DeWitt, OD, Draisin Vision Group and Dr. Kerry Solomon, Carolina Eyecare Physicians

continued on page 70

Best Eyelash/Eyebrow Salon Glow Studio Esthetics

107 Pitt St. Mount Pleasant (843) 284-3460 glowstudioesthetics. glossgenius.com

RUNNER-UP: Butterfleye Effect

Best Gym/Health Club HYLO Fitness

466 Savannah Highway, Suite A. West Ashley (843) 606-5267 880 Allbritton Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 606-2723 424 Brighton Park Blvd., Suite A. Summerville (843) 376-9369 hylofitness.com

RUNNER-UP: Ethos Athletic Club

Best Hair Salon Coven Haircraft

1630 N. Meeting Street Road, Suite 308. Downtown (843) 530.0728 covenhaircraft.com

RUNNER-UP: Moxie Park Salon

Best Hair Stylist Audrey Lee, Stella Nova

701 East Bay St. Downtown (843) 641.0944 1320 Theatre Drive. Mount Pleasant (843)884.3838 2048 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. West Ashley (843) 766.6233 stella-nova.com

RUNNER-UP: Skyler Biller Stubbs, Sky’s the Limit

Best Hospital MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital 10 McClennan Banks Drive. Downtown (843) 792-2300 children.muschealth.org

RUNNER-UP: Bon Secours Roper St. Francis

Best In-Home Healthcare Company Holy City Healthcare Consultants (843) 983-2870 holycityhc.com

RUNNER-UP: homeRN Charleston

Best LASIK Provider Dr. Kerry Solomon, Carolina Eyecare Physicians

1101 Clarity Road. Mount Pleasant 2060 Charlie Hall Blvd., Suite 201. West Ashley (843) 620-2020

drkerrysolomon.com

RUNNER-UP: Dr. George Waring, Waring Vision Institute

Best LGBTQ Counselor/ Therapist Chandler Massengale, Park Circle Counseling parkcirclecounseling.com

RUNNER-UP: Alandria Mustafa, LPC with Sula Counseling

Best Local Pharmacy Dottie’s Pharmacy 325 Folly Road, Suite 101. James Island (843) 501-9500 dotspharmacy.com

RUNNER-UP: Sweetgrass Pharmacy

continued on page 72

Best LGBTQ Counselor Chandler Massengale, Park Circle Counseling

With degrees in psychology and social work from the College of Charleston and Louisiana State University, Chandler Massengale brings both professional expertise and their own personal perspectives and background to their work with LGBTQ patients.

“I really believe in using our lived experience as a person to shape the way we do therapy, because we connect with people who understand us on a fundamental level,” they said. “Working with LGBTQ people in graduate school, for example, helped me come into my own LGBTQ identities and understand myself better, which helps me in my practice.”

Massengale says it’s “amazingly rewarding” to be able to work with their clients, many of whom are young and neurodiverse, while helping them to find the tools they need to become “really cool adults.”

“We always talk about the things we didn’t have as kids,” Massengale said. “And I’m hopeful I can help provide those things for my younger clients for sure.”

Jack O’Toole

Kae Lonsberry, MoLA Body Piercing & Fine Jewelry

Kae Lonsberry says the most rewarding part of piercing is the deep bond they develop with so many of their clients.

“One of my favorite things is that I get to walk through a lot of different life experiences with people,” Lonberry told the City Paper. “I get to hold their hand through some of the rougher stuff in their lives, and really be there to support them. It’s a really intimate thing.”

Asked what might surprise people most about body piercing, Lonsberry didn’t hesitate. First, they said, piercing isn’t just for young adults. In fact, they have clients as young as five, and as old as 100. And second, it really, seriously, “doesn’t hurt as much as you think it does.”

“It’s always scary before you get in the chair,” Lonsberry said. “And then afterwards, everybody’s like, ‘It wasn’t even that bad!’ ”

Then Lonsberry laughed and added, “That’s why I have job security.”

Jack O’Toole

Massage Therapist

Franklin,

Massage 720 Magnolia Road, Suite 3. West Ashley (843) 619-8079 awaken-charleston.com RUNNERS-UP (TIE): Abigail Morrow, The Massage Room and Amanda Chandler, Touch of Tranquility Massage

881-4440

Best Nail Salon

Luxia Nail Spa

1200 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., Suite B1. West Ashley (843) 766-6399

luxianailspasc.com

RUNNER-UP: Nailz by Mealz

Best OBGYN

Dr. Kenosha Gleaton, The EpiCentre

2048 Charlie Hall Blvd. West Ashley (843) 804-6010

epicentrecharleston.com

RUNNER-UP:

Dr. Ashlyn Savage, MUSC Health

Best Oral Surgeon

Dr. Hunter Kennis, Solomon Family Dentistry

Varius locations (843) 863-8634

solomondentistry.com

RUNNER-UP:

Dr. Jason Hehr, Hehr Oral Surgery

Best Orthodontics Practice Vincent & Bullwinkel Orthodontics

125-H Wappoo Creek Drive, Suite B.

James Island (843) 762-2304

smilelowcountry.com

RUNNER-UP: Coastal Family Orthodontics

Best Orthodontist Dr. Katie Bullwinkel, Vincent & Bullwinkel Orthodontics

125-H Wappoo Creek Drive, Suite B. James Island (843) 762-2304

smilelowcountry.com

RUNNER-UP:

Dr. Rebekah Anderson, Holy City Orthodontics

Best Personal Trainer Shannon Crawford, Kor4 Elite Fitness

1561 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. West Ashley (843) 416-9080

627 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite 103. Mount Pleasant (843) 790-2662 kor4elite.com

RUNNER-UP: Cat Kester, Kor4 Elite Fitness

Best Physical Therapy Made 2 Move Physical Therapy

311 Huger St. Downtown 885 Island Park Drive, Suite C. Daniel Island (843) 640-5244 made2movept.com

RUNNER-UP: ATI Physical Therapy/Roper

Best Piercer Kae Lonsberry, MoLA Body Piercing & Fine Jewelry

47 Spring St., Suite A. Downtown (843) 937-5300

1595 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. West Ashley (843) 225-7127

charlestonpiercing.com

RUNNER-UP: Kate Burns, Exotic Impressions

Best Piercing Studio MoLA Body Piercing & Fine Jewelry

47 Spring St., Suite A. Downtown (843) 937-5300

1595 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. West Ashley (843) 225-7127

charlestonpiercing.com

RUNNER-UP: Exotic Impressions continued on page 74

Best Pilates Studio Exhale Pilates Studio

1410 Shucker Circle, Suite 1106. Mount Pleasant 3475 Park Ave Blvd., Suite 103. Mount Pleasant (843) 310-8713 exhalepilateschs.com

RUNNER-UP: HYLO Fitness

Best Place to Give Birth MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital and the Pearl Tourville Women’s Pavilion

10 McClennan Banks Drive. Downtown (843) 792-2300 children.muschealth.org

RUNNER-UP: East Cooper Medical Center

Best Plastic Surgeon Dr. Clayton Crantford, Crantford

Costa Plastic Surgery

247 Calhoun St. Downtown (843) 755-6591 ccplastics.com

RUNNER-UP: Dr. Patrick O’Neill, O’Neill Plastic Surgery

Best Plastic Surgery Practice Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery

247 Calhoun St. Downtown (843) 755-6591 ccplastics.com

RUNNER-UP: O’Neill Plastic Surgery

Best Primary Care Physician Dr. Jessica Hund, MUSC Health

864 Island Park Drive, Suite 101. Daniel Island (843) 876-7975 muschealth.org

RUNNER-UP: Dr. Beth Hughes, Roper St. Francis Physician Partners Primary Care

Best Retirement Community Bishop Gadsden

1 Bishop Gadsden Way. James Island (843) 762-3300 bishopgadsden.org

RUNNER-UP: Franke at Seaside

Best Tanning Salon Charleston Glow

1233 Ben Sawyer Blvd., Suite 200. Mount Pleasant (843) 277-0924 charlestonglow.com

RUNNER-UP: Glow Bar CHS

Best Tattoo Artist

J.J. Quick, Abracadabra

Tattoo Club

3219 S. Live Oak Drive. Moncks Corner (843) 719-9919 abracadabratattooclub.com

RUNNER-UP: Glenn Collins, Broken Lantern Tattoo

Best Tattoo Studio Abracadabra

Tattoo Club

3219 S. Live Oak Drive. Moncks Corner (843) 719-9919 abracadabratattooclub.com

RUNNER-UP: Broken Lantern Tattoo

continued on page 76

MUSIC LIVE LOCAL

Locally owned and operated since 2006, Exhale was one of the first reformer Pilates studios in the Charleston area.

Structured around the reformer machine, which provides a low-impact, full-body workout to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility and more, the training regimen has been touted by health and exercise experts since Joseph Pilates invented it during World War I.

Our Best of Charleston winner, Exhale Pilates, offers the workout in three basic flavors: mixed group classes that move at a steady pace, semi-private classes for groups of two to five, and private classes featuring one-on-one attention throughout the class.

Exhale owner Katie Williams says she first arrived at the studio as a newcomer to Pilates in 2017 and knew right away it was right for her, soon becoming a certified instructor and eventually buying the studio in 2022.

“I fell in love with it my first class,” Williams said recently. “And I never looked back.” —Jack O’Toole

8252 Rivers Ave., Suite E. North Charleston (843) 270-1705 brazilianwaxandspabyclaudia.com

RUNNER-UP: Pretty Kitty Charleston Best Yoga Studio

465 Meeting St., Suite 160. Downtown 1421 Shucker Circle, Suite 1116. Mount Pleasant (843) 718-3386 theworkschs.com

RUNNER-UP: Community Yoga Charleston

Kids and Pets

Kids and Pets

Welcome back to your one-stop shop for all your family- and furry friend-friendly winners this year. For a lot of folks, their pets are members of the family, too — just maybe a bit hairier — so we threw them together in this category full of pet-sitters and daycares (basically the same thing) and pet stores and children’s clothiers (actually a little different). Raise a glass of apple juice and a bowl of kibble to this year’s new winners and give a totally not serious “Drop it!” to our mainstay winners that just won’t let go of that top spot. —Skyler Baldwin

Best Baby Store Under the Almond Trees

190 King St. Downtown (843) 937-6144 underthealmondtrees.com

RUNNER-UP: Southern Belles

Best Charter School James Island Charter High School

1000 Fort Johnson Road. James Island (843) 762-2754 jichs.ccsdschools.com

RUNNER-UP: Orange Grove Charter School

Best Child Psychologist Dr. Kirstin Gros, MUSC/Ralph H. Johnson VAMC

67 President St. Downtown (843) 792-7067

RUNNER-UP: Emily Howard

Best Children’s Clothing Retailer

Southern Belles: A Children’s Clothier

280 W. Coleman Blvd.

Mount Pleasant (843) 881-1741 southerbelleschildren.com

RUNNER-UP: Under the Almond Tree

Best Children’s Consignment Store

Once Upon a Child

7800 Rivers Ave., Suite 1440.

North Charleston (843) 824-1242

946 Orleans Road, Suite F1. West Ashley (843) 724-9160 onceuponachild.com

RUNNER-UP: Tiny Tadpoles

Best Daycare

The Oaks Children’s Academy

2243 Glendale Drive. West Ashley (843) 766-6382 8695 Dorchester Road. North Charleston (843) 207-3061 theoaksacademy.com

RUNNERS-UP (TIE): Riverpointe Christian Academy and The Little Sage School

Best Dog Park

James Island County Park

871 Riverland Drive. James Island (843) 406-6990 ccprc.com

RUNNER-UP: Broken Leash Dog Park & Bar

Best Pet Trainer

Purely Positive

You want to enjoy a relaxing walk with your dog to escape an endless to-do list, but your dog has other plans that frustrate you. Thankfully, Purely Positive offers training for the best outcomes.

The best results come from a deep understanding of behavior, psychology and connection.

The Purely Positive team, led by founder Susan Marett, combines diverse professional backgrounds with more than a half century of collective experience to give you and your pup effective, science-based and compassionate training.

Since 1997, Marett has been a go-to source for local dog owners as well as gaining the trust of the veterinary and pet care community.

Marett specializes in helping fearful and anxious dogs recover, and she trains the people who care for them. —Herb Frazier

Best Dog Walking Service

Mind Your Pees and Poos (512) 791-5503

mindyourpeesandpoos.com

RUNNER-UP: Dog Tired

Best Doggie Day Care Dog Tired Dog Enrichment Center

Various Locations dogtiredsc.com

RUNNER-UP: My Three Dogs

Best Kid-Friendly Bar or Restaurant

Holy City Brewing 1021 Aragon Ave. North Charleston (843) 459-2948 holycitybrewing.com

RUNNER-UP: Coastal Crust

Best Kids Birthday Party Place/Service Charleston

Animal Society 2455 Remount Road. North Charleston (843) 747-4849 charlestonanimalsociety.org

RUNNER-UP: Urban Air Adventure Park

Best Pediatric Dentist Dr. Isabel Driggers, Coastal Kids Dental & Braces coastalkidsdental.com

RUNNER-UP: Dr. Paul Galloway, Cornerstone Children’s Dentistry

Best Pediatrician

Dr. Aimee Goedecke, Parkwood Pediatrics 1243 Savannah Highway. West Ashley (843) 556-8110 parkwoodpeds.com

RUNNERS-UP (TIE): Dr. Todd Vasko, Neighbors Pediatrics

and Dr. Arlene Shawinsky-Rosenthal, MUSC Children’s Health

Best Pet Friendly Dog Bar or Restaurant Broken Leash

Dog Park & Bar

8811 Old University Blvd. North Charleston (854) 900-3839 thebrokenleash.com

RUNNER-UP: Dog & Duck Family Pubs

Best Pet Groomer Dog Tired Dog Enrichment Center

Various Locations

dogtiredsc.com

RUNNER-UP: Island Dog Pet Wash & Market

Best Pet Sitting Dog Tired Dog Enrichment Center

Various Locations

dogtiredsc.com

RUNNER-UP: Mind Your Pees and Poos

Best Pet Store Dolittle’s

22 Windermere Blvd., Suite F. West Ashley (843) 852-5811 976 Houston Northcutt Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 971-8650 dolittles.com

RUNNER-UP: Pet Supplies Plus

Best Pet Trainer Purely Positive

1985 Riviera Drive, Suite 103.

Mount Pleasant (843) 532-8154 purelypositive.com

RUNNER-UP: Au Pair for Paws Dog

& Runner-up for best Pet Sitting

Overnight pet sitting, dog walking, drop-in visits, and pet daycare tailored to your furry (or feathered!) friend

Charleston Collegiate School

Athletic fields and walking trails on the Charleston Collegiate School sprawling campus inspires students’ creative learning, connection to the outdoors and commitment to others.

The school guides decision-making, allocation of resources, and the building of community alongside a philosophy to educate wellrounded citizens who are prepared for future opportunities.

With a rigorous academic curriculum, the school not only develops the whole person, but we also nurtures students’ intrapersonal and interpersonal skills.

Within its community core is the concept of diversity and an understanding to embrace and celebrate it.

“This diversity among the students, faculty, staff, families and trustees of Charleston Collegiate allows us to meet the multifaceted challenges we face in seeking to provide the best education possible,” the school’s website reads. —Herb Frazier

Best Preschool Charleston

Collegiate School

2024 Academy Road. Johns Island (843) 559-5506

charlestoncollegiate.org

RUNNER-UP: The Oaks Children’s Academy

Best Private School Charleston

Collegiate School

2024 Academy Road. Johns Island (843) 559-5506 charlestoncollegiate.org

RUNNER-UP: Porter Gaud Best Public School

2130 Pinehurst Ave. Charleston (843) 763-1538 springfield.ccsdschools.com

RUNNER-UP: Harbor View Elementary

At The Oaks, we believe childhood should be full of joy, curiosity, comfort, and discovery. Our goal is to create a safe, supportive space where kids feel loved, encouraged, and free to grow at their own pace. We offer high-quality, ageappropriate early learning experiences that help children build confidence, connect with others, and develop socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually Because here at The Oaks, we know that from tiny acorns, mighty oaks grow.

Best Summer Camps

Charleston

Animal Society — BARK Camps

2455 Remount Road. North Charleston (843) 747-4849 charlestonanimalsociety.org

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Collegiate School

Best Swim Lessons

Charleston Swim School

1444 Folly Road. James Island (843) 310-9069 charlestonswimlessons.com

RUNNER-UP: LowCountry Swim School, LLC

Best Toy Store

Wonder Works

188 Meeting St. Downtown (843) 577-2422

624 Long Point Road.

Mount Pleasant (843) 849-6757 1662 Savannah Highway, Suite 260. West Ashley (843) 573-9300 wonderworkstoys.com

RUNNER-UP: Hollipops Fine Toys & Gifts

Best Tutoring Service Katie Reel, TheReadingReel thereadingreel.com

RUNNER-UP: Sylvan Learning of Mount Pleasant

Best Veterinarian Patrick Veterinary Clinic

667 Meeting St. Downtown (843) 722-4470 patrickvet.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Harbor Veterinarians

Recreation and Outdoors

Recreation and Outdoors

The sun is shining and the weather is finally warming up — that’s right, Lowcountry, it’s almost summer! Pack those coats and scarves away, break out the shorts and swimsuits and look no further for a new outdoor adventure in the Holy City. Charleston has more than you could ever ask for for a summer season full of hiking, bird-watching, kayaking, jumping and more. Congratulate some of the newest members of the Best of Charleston club and celebrate our longtime favorites that have been with us for years. From fishing and surfing to trampoline parks and axe-throwing, our winners have you covered as always. —Skyler Baldwin

Best Bike Shop

Mike’s Bikes

808 Folly Road. James Island (843) 795-3322 mikesbikescharleston.com

RUNNER-UP

SpokeWorks Bicycle Workshop

Best Boat Repair/ Maintenance

Hanckel Marine, LLC

2445 Savannah Highway. West Ashley (843) 556-2550 hanckelmarine.com

RUNNER-UP

Seel’s Outboard

Best Bowling Alley

Ashley Lanes Tavern 1568 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. West Ashley (843) 766-9061 ashley-lanes.weeblyte.com

RUNNER-UP Stars & Strikes

Best Dive Shop

Carolina Dive Locker 1303 Ben Sawyer Blvd., Suite 10. Mount Pleasant (843) 884-1500 calorinadive lockersc.com

RUNNER-UP

One More Chance Scuba, LLC

Best Fishing and Tackle Shop Haddrell’s Point and Tackle

885 Ben Sawyer Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-3644 haddrellspoint.com

RUNNER-UP

Charleston Bait & Tackle

Best Fishing Charter Redfin Charters

145 Lockwood Drive. Downtown (843) 277-5255 inshorefishingcharters.com

RUNNER-UP

Captain Connor Charters

Best Golf Course Ocean Course at Kiawah Island

1000 Ocean Course Drive. Kiawah Island 800-654-2924 kiawahresort.com/golf

RUNNER-UP

Charleston Municipal

Best Indoor Adventure/ Experience Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

7800 Rivers Ave.

North Charleston (843) 737-6775

and Adventure Park

Urban Air is the ultimate indoor adventure park where high-energy players can defy gravity and experience gaming, blasters and tunnel slides.

This is not your grandfather’s quiet time with a napping toddler. Urban Air is a large, dark and noisy indoor adventure space that supports play on trampolines, bumper-car collisions and climbingstyle attractions.

As summer temperatures rise, Urban Air is a great option to keep children active while staying indoors and out of the Lowcountry heat. With side rooms for small groups, it is also a good venue for family gatherings and birthday parties.

Cafe perks and tasty treats are also available. —Herb Frazier

urbanair.com/south-carolinanorth-charleston

RUNNER-UP

Bearded, A Social Tavern

Best Kayak Company Coastal Expeditions

Various Locations coastalexpeditions.com

RUNNER-UP

Charleston Outdoor Adventures

Best Local Sports Team

Charleston RiverDogs

360 Fishburne St. Downtown (843) 723-7241

milb.com/Charleston

RUNNER-UP

South Carolina Stingrays

Best Marina

Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina

20 Patriots Point Road.

Mount Pleasant (843) 856-0028

charlestonharborresort.com

RUNNER-UP

Bohicket Marina

Best Outdoor Adventure/ Experience Coastal Expeditions

Various Locations

coastalexpeditions.com

RUNNER-UP

Charleston Aqua Park

Best Outdoor Outfitters

Half Moon

Outfitters

280 King St. Downtown (843) 853-0990

halfmoonoutfitters.com

RUNNER-UP

Carolina Salt

Best Park

James Island County Park

871 Riverland Drive. James Island (843) 406-6990

ccprc.com

RUNNER-UP

Park Circle Park

Best Party Boat Palmetto Breeze Charters

1 Shrimp Boat Lane. Mount Pleasant (843) 338-2930

palmettobreeze.com

RUNNER-UP

Tiki Tours of Charleston

Best Place to Buy a Boat Hanckel Marine

2445 Savannah Highway. West Ashley (843) 556-2550

hanckelmarine.com

RUNNER-UP

Coastal Carolina Yachts

continued on page 90

Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina

The Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina is a stunning, award-winning waterfront resort with chic accommodations and unparalleled amenities. It is a haven where Southern hospitality meets coastal inspiration of luxury, relaxation and adventure to create cherished memories

Charleston Harbor Resort offers a 30,000 square-foot tropical pool deck, Charleston’s only waterfront Tiki bar, an educational and interactive children’s program, with an array of water activities for the family within steps of marina’s docks.

The spa and wellness center is a place to indulge, break a sweat and rejuvenating treatment. Walk or run along a nearby jogging path or nature trail or trek across the Ravenel Bridge. Rent a bike to explore the resort and Mount Pleasant.

An indoor fitness center includes cardio and resistance machines, cycles and free weights.

Send the youngsters off for their own adventure while you get some well-deserved time for yourself. For corporate groups, break down barriers, build camaraderie and connect with your team outside of the boardroom. —Herb Frazier

Best Place to Buy a Golf Cart

Charleston Wholesale Golf Cart

Charleston Wholesale Golf Cart came back with a vengeance this year after coming in as the 2025 runner-up, according to our readers.

Golf carts aren’t just for the neighborhood kids on their way to the community pool or golfers who are getting too old to walk — now you can hit the road. Charleston Wholesale Golf Car has street-legal carts decked out with all of the requirements for a drive on public roads.

Best Party Boat Palmetto Breeze

Palmetto Breeze combines comfort and speed. Locally built, she is the ultimate sailing catamaran for birthdays, weddings, corporate outings, school eco tours and really, just about any celebratory fling you can think of.

From the Palmetto Breeze’s spacious wooden deck, you can explore Charleston’s iconic landmarks up close and uncover the stories that shaped this historic city.

Seated in the covered area by the “barefoot” bar, you can experience the thrill of sailing the open waters with hands-on lessons that inspire curiosity and teamwork.

Best Place to Buy a Golf Cart Charleston Wholesale Golf Carts

2466 Clements Ferry Road, Suite 101. Daniel Island (843) 885-8100 charlestoncarts.com

RUNNER-UP Carolina Rides

Best Stand Up Paddleboard Company Coastal Expeditions

Various Locations coastalexpeditions.com

RUNNER-UP Charleston SUP Safaris

Best Surf Lessons Isla Surf School

301 W. Ashley Ave. Folly Beach (843) 813-7897

islasurfschool-charleston.com

RUNNER-UP

Shaka Surf School

Best Surf Shop McKevlin’s Surf Shop

8 Center St. Folly Beach (843) 588-2247

mckevlins.com

RUNNER-UP Parrot Surf and Skate

Best Water Sports Company Coastal Expeditions

Various Locations coastalexpeditions.com

RUNNER-UP Charleston Outdoor Adventures

Eating

Eating

There’s a reason Charleston is one of the best food towns in the country. The city is home to a variety of cuisines and you’re just as likely to find the perfect poke bowls as you are a delicious donut. Are bagels your thing? Ruby’s New York Style Bagels has various locations where you can scratch that itch. If you’re searching for the best charcuterie, head to Avondale Wine & Cheese. Craving a cheesesteak? Berkeley’s is your spot. Whether you’re looking to visit a tried-and-true favorite or want to try something new, reference the below list to see Charlestonians’ favorites.

—Becky Lacey

Best Acai Bowls (TIE) Beech

Various locations

beechrestaurants.com and Huriyali

401 Huger St. Downtown 2016 Wappoo Drive. James Island (843) 207-4436 huriyali.com

RUNNER-UP: Playa Bowls

Best Appetizers

Marbled & Fin

480 East Bay St. Downtown (843) 278-5488 marbledandfin.com

RUNNER-UP: Saltwater Cowboys

Best Asian Fusion

Jackrabbit Filly 1083 E. Montague Ave. North Charleston (843) 460-0037 jackrabbitfilly.com

RUNNER-UP: Zen Asian Fusion

Best Bagels

Ruby’s Bagels

Various Locations rubysnybagels.com

RUNNER-UP: Bagel Nation

Best Bakery Welton’s

Tiny Bakeshop

684 King St. Downtown (843) 666-7277 weltonstinybakeshop.com

RUNNER-UP: Baguette Magic

Best Bar Food

The Royal American

970 Morrison Drive. Downtown (843) 817-6925 theroyalamerican.com

RUNNER-UP: Moe’s Crosstown Tavern

Best Barbecue

Lewis Barbecue

464 N. Nassau St. Downtown (843) 805-9500 lewisbarbecue.com

RUNNER-UP: Home Team BBQ

Best Biscuits

Vicious Biscuit

409 W. Coleman Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 388-7362 viciousbiscuit.com

RUNNER-UP: Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit

Best New Restaurant Cane Pazzo

Cane Pazzo has taken the Charleston dining scene by storm since opening June 2025, ushering in a whole new world of dining in Hanahan. A neighborhood osteria, the restaurant is led by Chef and Owner Mark Bolchoz, a Lowcountry native, together with his wife, Ariana. Cane Pazzo is a testament to Mark’s Charleston roots, his commitment to family and his experience in top Italian kitchens, most recently overseeing Italian concepts as Culinary Director for the Indigo Road Hospitality Group.

Bolchoz said the win is validating after a huge effort from a big team of people.

“It feels good after the work,” Bolchoz said. “It’s been a huge push and there was a lot of effort and a lot of energy. There was a big team involved. It’s great because it’s a peoples’ choice. It feels real and appropriate for us because it’s the community and the locale for the restaurant has been a big part of it.”

A meal at Cane Pazzo gives you hit after hit with a menu full of handmade pastas, wood-fired proteins and shareable plates. Beef and pork meatballs come with spicy tomato, polenta and parmesan, and the crispy mozzarella is one of the best mozzarella sticks you will ever have. The menu changes with the season and you might find lumache pasta with sausage ragu, tomato, cream, peas, parmesan and basil and a killer dry-aged KC strip steak with wild ramp chimichurri.

When reflecting on the first year, Bolchoz has not taken the success lightly. And this sense of community extends to every diner who walks through the Cane Pazzo doors.

“I have a lot of favorite moments every week,” he said. “Being a mile from my house and having my kids around in the morning and my wife in and out. All that stuff is pretty fun and pretty cool.” —Becky Lacey

Merci Charleston!!

Donut Shop

The menu for the Bebop Donut Shop food truck will make tastebuds sweat for any lover of sugar.

Savor Willy Wonka thoughts of popping some of these mini-doughnuts into your mouths: Fruity Pebbles, French toast, strawberry shortcake, cinnamon sugar, glazed, drizzled cinnamon roll, Oreo crumble, vanilla or chocolate with sprinkles.

And then there are the dirty sodas, such as the Bebop (Dr. Pepper with vanilla and coconut syrup, strawberry puree, half and half) and the Sprite Club (Sprite with creme de banana, pineapple, strawberry and coconut syrup).

The familiar teal food truck with pink logo branding also has creamy smoothies, icy frappes, refreshing slushes and, as you would hope, coffee with a twist. —Andy Brack

From page 92

King St. Downtown (843) 501-7342 1956 Maybank Highway., Suite. A. James Island (843) 410-1553 millersallday.com RUNNER-UP: Early Bird Diner

331 Folly Road. James Island (843) 789-4801

4428 Spruill Ave., Suite B. North Charleston (843) 554-1110

RUNNER-UP: Los Reyes Mexican Restaurant

Burger

Barburger 1137 Morrison Drive. Downtown (843) 212-3302

464 N. Nassau St. Downtown (843) 805-9500 lewisbarbecue.com

RUNNER-UP: Home Team BBQ

891 Island Park Drive. Daniel Island (843) 377-8058 heavysbarburger.com

RUNNER-UP: Sesame Burgers & Beer

JOHNS ISLAND’S BEST BRUNCH

West Ashley Restaurant Palmira Barbecue

In a crowded barbecue scene in both South Carolina and all over the South, you must be truly special to rise to the top. Palmira’s Pitmaster Hector Garate has set himself apart with food that honors the great barbecue traditions from South Carolina to Texas, peppered with the customs and flavors of his native Puerto Rico.

And when he was looking for a place to open his brick-and-mortar back in 2024, he was very deliberate in picking a location.

“We love being a part of the West Ashley community,” Garate said. “When looking for a space for Palmira, it was important to us to open in a neighborhood where we could connect with locals, and we’ve been so grateful to our neighbors for their support.”

From house sausage to hot honey belly ribs to whole hog, you can’t go wrong with the menu at Palmira. Sides include Puerto Rican beans, mustard slaw and collard greens, and the barbacoa sandwich is a can’t miss. And it is not just the throngs of diners who have taken notice. The New York Times named the smoked beef cheeks one of the 23 best dishes they ate in 2025, and Palmira is one of Southern Living ’s top BBQ joints in the South. —Becky Lacey

RUNNER-UP:

CULPRIT IDENTIFIED

MATCH CONFIRMED

Based on the evidence, victims have been known to disappear without a trace.

WRAPS

Best Charcuterie Avondale Wine and Cheese

813 Savannah Highway. West Ashley. (843) 603-0280 avondalechs.com

RUNNER-UP: goat.sheep.cow.

Best Cheesesteak

Berkeley’s

624 1/2 Rutledge Ave. Downtown (843) 501-7779 eatatberkeleys.com

RUNNER-UP: Yous Guys

Best Chicken Fingers Boxcar Betty’s

1922 Savannah Highway. West Ashley (843) 225-7470

7800 Rivers Ave. North Charleston (843) 990-9804 1701 Shoremeade Road.

Mount Pleasant (843) 227-5198

boxcarbettys.com

RUNNER-UP: Kickin’ Chicken

Best Chinese Jackrabbit Filly 1083 E. Montague Ave. North Charleston (843) 460-0037

jackrabbitfilly.com

RUNNER-UP: Chef Loong

Best Chocolatier

Christophe Artisan Chocolatier-Patissier

90 Society St. Downtown (843) 297-8674

1901 Ashley River Road, Suite 2A. West Ashley (843) 225-9133

christophechocolatier.com

RUNNER-UP: Remy Funfrock, Hotel Bennett

Best Daniel Island Brunch The Kingstide

32 River Landing Drive. Daniel Island (843) 216-3832 thekingstide.com

RUNNER-UP: The DIME

Best Daniel Island Restaurant The Kingstide

32 River Landing Drive. Daniel Island (843) 216-3832 thekingstide.com

RUNNER-UP: Heavy’s Barburger

Best Deli East Bay Deli

Various locations eastbaydeli.com

RUNNER-UP: The Co-Op Gourmet Sandwiches

Best Dessert Carmella’s Cafe & Dessert Bar

198 East Bay St. Downtown (843) 722-5893

carmellasdessertbar.com

RUNNER-UP: Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe

Best Doughnut Shop Duck Donuts

1812 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. West Ashley (843) 724-9917 duckdonuts.com

RUNNER-UP: BKeDSHoP

Best Downtown Brunch Halls Chophouse

434 King St. Downtown (843) 727-0090

300 Nexton Square Drive. Summerville (843) 900-6000 hallschophouse.com

RUNNER-UP: Millers All Day

continued on page 100

Best Downtown Restaurant Halls Chophouse

434 King St. Downtown (843) 727-0090

300 Nexton Square Drive. Summerville (843) 900-6000

hallschophouse.com

RUNNER-UP: Chubby Fish

Best Fine Dining Restaurant Halls Chophouse

434 King St. Downtown (843) 727-0090

300 Nexton Square Drive. Summerville (843) 900-6000

hallschophouse.com

RUNNER-UP: Marbled & Fin

Best Folly Beach Brunch

Lost Dog Cafe

106 W. Huron Ave. Folly Beach (843) 588-9669

lostdogfollybeach.com

RUNNER-UP: Rita’s Seaside Grille

Best Folly Beach Restaurant Chico Feo

122 E Ashley Ave. Folly Beach (843) 906-2710

chicofeos.com

RUNNER-UP: Jack of Cups Saloon

Best French 39 Rue de Jean

39 John St. Downtown (843) 722-8881

holycityhospitality.com/39-ruede-jean

RUNNER-UP: Chez Nous

Best Fried Chicken Leon’s Fine Poultry & Oyster Shop

698 King St. Downtown (843) 531-6500

leonsoystershop.com

RUNNER-UP: Boxcar Betty’s

Best Fries

Tattooed Moose

3328 Maybank Highway. Johns Island (843) 952-7591 4845 Chateau Ave. North Charleston (843) 277-2990 tattooedmoose.com

RUNNER-UP: Moe’s Crosstown Tavern

Best Gelato Carmella’s Cafe and Dessert Bar

198 East Bay St., Suite 100. Downtown (843) 722-5893 carmellasdessertbar.com

RUNNER-UP: Beardcat’s Sweet Shop

Best Goose Creek Restaurant

MOMO Crowfield

300 Hamlet Circle. Goose Creek (843) 709-9299 crowfieldgolf.com

RUNNER-UP: Sapphire’s Bar & Grill

Best Gourmet Sandwich

Various locations thecoopsi.com

RUNNER-UP: Da Toscano Porchetta Shop

Best Greek Stella’s

114 St. Philip St. Downtown (843) 400-0026 stellascharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Kairos Mediterranean

Best Grits

Grace & Grit

320 Wingo Way. Mount Pleasant (843) 698-4748 gracegrit.com

RUNNER-UP: Poogan’s Porch continued on page 102

Best Gyro Platia Greek Goodness

5060 Dorchester Road, Suite 230. North Charleston (843) 864-1273

platiagreekfood.com

RUNNER-UP: Kairos Mediterranean

Best Hot Dogs Jack’s Cosmic Dogs

2805 N. Highway 17. Mount Pleasant (843) 884-7677

jackscosmicdogs.com

RUNNER-UP: Bert’s Market

Best Ice Cream Ye Ole Fashioned

Various locations

yeolefashioned.com

RUNNER-UP: Off Track Ice Cream

Best Indian/Pakistani Ma’am Saab

251 Meeting St. Downtown (843) 259-2660 maamsaabchs.com

RUNNER-UP: Spice Palette Indian Cuisine

Best IOP Brunch

Acme Lowcountry Kitchen

31 J. C. Long Blvd. Isle of Palms (843) 886-3474 acmelowcountrykitchen.com

RUNNER-UP: Sea Biscuit Café

Best IOP Restaurant

Acme Lowcountry Kitchen

31 J. C. Long Blvd. Isle of Palms (843) 886-3474 acmelowcountrykitchen.com

RUNNER-UP: The Boathouse

Best Italian Wild Olive

2867 Maybank Highway. Johns Island (843) 737-4177 wildoliverestaurant.com

RUNNER-UP: Mondo’s Italian Restaurant

Best James Island Brunch Millers All Day 120 King St. Downtown (843) 501-7342 1956 Maybank Highway, Suite A. James Island (843) 410-1553 millersallday.com

RUNNER-UP: Baguette Magic

Best James Island Restaurant

Mondo’s Italian Cuisine

915 Folly Road. James Island (843) 795-8400 eatatmondos.com

RUNNER-UP: Kwei Fei

Best Japanese O-Ku

463 King St. Downtown (843) 737-0112 o-kusushi.com

RUNNER-UP: SHIKI

Best Johns Island Brunch Sunrise Bistro 1797 Main Road. Johns Island (843) 718-1858 sunrise-bistro.com

RUNNER-UP: KISS Cafe

Best Johns Island Restaurant

Wild Olive

2867 Maybank Highway. Johns Island (843) 737-4177

wildoliverestaurant.com

RUNNER-UP: Lost Isle Johns Island

Lauren Furey

It didn’t hurt private chef Lauren Furey that she landed a righteous gig last year to record short online episodes of a new cooking show called Now We’re Cookin. SCETV aired eight short episodes last year, creating a lot of attention and free publicity. But that zoomed to another level this spring when the network ordered another eight shows. This fall, they’ll be packaged and aired on television — just like the shows of her mentor, the late Southern cooking queen Nathalie Dupree.

Furey, 28, has been private cheffing around the Lowcountry since 2019. She’s tickled pink to have been picked as best private chef by readers, ousting longtime personality Brett McKee from a streak of wins.

“This means the world to me,” Furey said. While at the College of Charleston as a junior in 2018, this longtime City Paper lover apprenticed for Dupree at her home with the late historian Jack Bass. On the first day, they made bread — and Dupree got Furey to draw a map of the kitchen to learn where everything was.

While Furey moved here from Pennsylvania in 2015, she’s become local, working large and small culinary jobs with lots of people to master her craft. She’s traveled. And she’s asked questions. And she’s learning more every day about creating tantalizing treats and memorable meals.

Andy Brack

Best Late Night Menu

The Royal American

970 Morrison Drive. Downtown (843) 817-6925 theroyalamerican.com

RUNNER-UP: Smash City Burgers

Best Local Artisanal Food Product

Rio Bertolini’s

Fresh Pasta (843) 343-2418 riobertolinispasta.com

RUNNER-UP: Lowcountry Lumpia

Best Lunch Spot

Five Loaves Cafe

1055 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite 100. Mount Pleasant (843) 849-1043

214 N. Cedar St. Summerville (843) 804-9410 fiveloavescafe.com

RUNNER-UP: The Co-Op Gourmet Sandwiches

Best Mac and Cheese

Home Team BBQ

Various Locations (843) 225-7427 hometeambbq.com

RUNNER-UP: Lewis Barbecue

Best Meal Value

Moe’s Crosstown

Tavern

714 Rutledge Ave. Downtown. (843) 641-0469 moescrosstowntavern.com

RUNNER-UP: Dog & Duck

Best Meat & 3 Veggies

Lewis Barbecue

464 N. Nassau St. Downtown (843) 805-9500 lewisbarbecue.com

RUNNER-UP: Home Team BBQ

Best Mexican Restaurant Santi’s Restaurante Mexicano

1302 Meeting St. Downtown (843) 722-2633

1471 Ben Sawyer Blvd.

Mount Pleasant (843) 388-3146

santisrestaurantemexicano.com 1660 Savannah Highway.

West Ashley (843) 310-6148

RUNNER-UP: El Molino

Best Milkshake Ye Ole Fashioned

Various locations yeolefashioned.com

RUNNER-UP: Kaminsky’s

Best Mount Pleasant Brunch Page’s Okra Grill

302 Coleman Blvd.

Mount Pleasant (843) 881-3333

pagesokragrill.com

RUNNER-UP: Five Loaves Café

Best Mount Pleasant Restaurant

The Post House Inn

101 Pitt St. Mount Pleasant theposthouseinn.com

RUNNER-UP: NICO Oysters + Seafood

Best Nachos Home Team BBQ

Various Locations (843) 225-7427

hometeambbq.com

RUNNER-UP: Saltwater Cowboys

Best New Restaurant Cane Pazzo

1276 Yeamans Hall Road. Hanahan (843) 974-3647

canepazzorestaurant.com

RUNNER-UP: Bar Weems

Chico Feo

There’s a very good reason that Chico Feo has won Best Folly Beach Restaurant multiple times in Best of Charleston. If you’re covered with salt and sand after a day at the beach or you need to fuel up before taking an ocean dip, nothing hits the spot quite like a visit to Chico Feo. Whether you want a cold beer, fish tacos or one of the best Cuban sandwiches in town, Chico Feo delivers as the quintessential beach bar.

From painting classes to live music to a Fourth of July hot dog eating contest, there is always some-

North Charleston Brunch

Junction Kitchen

4438 Spruill Ave. North Charleston (843) 745-9189 thejunctionkitchen.com

RUNNER-UP: Odd Duck Market Best North Charleston Restaurant Jackrabbit Filly

1083 E. Montague Ave. North Charleston (843) 460-0037 jackrabbitfilly.com

RUNNER-UP: Sesame Burgers and Beer

thing fun to do at this Folly Beach institution. And Chico Feo’s impact is not just through its food and drink. Active community members, the restaurant’s team supports important causes like fighting offshore oil drilling.

And you never know who you might run into during a visit here. The outdoor space is a self-proclaimed “beer jungle oasis” and you will break bread with surfers and clink a beer with locals. In an age and a town where it often feels like trends are king, Chico Feo is as authentic as they come. —Becky Lacey

Best Outdoor Patio Edmund’s Original 1081 Morrison Dr. Downtown. (843) 727-1145 edmundsoriginal.com

RUNNER-UP: Home Team BBQ Best Oysters 167 Raw 193 King St. Downtown (843) 579-4997 167raw.com/charleston

RUNNER-UP: Bowen’s Island

Best Pitmaster John Lewis, Lewis Barbecue

464 N. Nassau St. Downtown (843) 805-9500 lewisbarbecue.com

RUNNER-UP: Rodney Scott, Rodney Scott’s BBQ

Best Pizza — Gourmet EVO

1075 E. Montague Ave. North Charleston (843) 225-1796 evopizza.com

RUNNER-UP: Tutti Pizza

Best

Takeout | Best

Savory Food Truck Smash City Burgers

A brand-new category to the Best Of awards, the inaugural winner of Best Takeout is no newbie to victory. Smash City Burgers was the 2025 Best Of winner for Best Burger and is a two-time winner of the City Paper Burger Throwdown. While the Eastside location is fantastic to dine in with its vinyl-covered walls, its food is just as delicious delivered, which is no easy feat when it comes to burgers and fries.

Owner Jeremy Reynolds put a lot of thought into keeping his food consistent when delivered, doing test runs of fries in different to-go containers. And that thoughtfulness clearly resonated with City Paper voters. If you’re the type that prefers to dine in your pajamas on the couch or you don’t have the energy to fire up the grill when you’re having a group over to watch a game, hit up Uber Eats or Door Dash and let Smash City do all the work bringing you the Best Takeout in Charleston. —Becky Lacey

Best Private Chef

Lauren Furey (610) 312-6622

laurenfurey.com

RUNNER-UP: Anna Choiniere, Raising Rose Kitchen

Best Ramen Bar Weems

@weemsramen

RUNNER-UP: Katsubō

Best Raw Bar

167 Raw

193 King St. Downtown (843) 579-4997

167raw.com/charleston

RUNNER-UP:

Pearlz Oyster Bar

Best Restaurant

Halls Chophouse

434 King St. Downtown (843) 727-0090

300 Nexton Square Drive. Summerville (843) 900-6000

hallschophouse.com

RUNNER-UP: Chubby Fish

Best Restaurant Chef

James London, Chubby Fish

252 Coming St. Downtown (854) 222-3949

chubbyfishcharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Chef Nikko Calaganan, Kultura

Best Restaurant for Vegetarians

Basic Kitchen

82 Wentworth St. Downtown (843) 789-4568

basickitchen.com

RUNNER-UP: Five Loaves Cafe

Best Ribs

Lewis Barbecue

464 N. Nassau St. Downtown (843) 805-9500

lewisbarbecue.com

RUNNER-UP: Home Team BBQ

Best Romantic Restaurant

Wild Olive

2867 Maybank Highway. Johns Island (843) 737-4177 wildolive.com

RUNNER-UP: Chez Nous

Best Salad California Dreaming

1 Ashley Point Drive. West Ashley (843) 766-1644 californiadreaming.rest

RUNNER-UP: Five Loaves Cafe

Best Savory Food Truck

Smash City Burgers

47 Cooper St. Downtown (843) 732-2510 smashcityburgers.com

RUNNER-UP: Roti Rolls

Best Seafood Chubby Fish

252 Coming St. Downtown (854) 222-3949

chubbyfishcharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar

Best She-Crab Soup

82 Queen

82 Queen St. Downtown (843) 723-7591

82queen.com

RUNNER-UP: Fleet Landing

Best Shrimp & Grits

Page’s Okra Grill

302 Coleman Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-3333

pagesokragrill.com

RUNNER-UP: Slightly North of Broad

Best Soul Food LoLA Low Country Louisiana Seafood Kitchen

4830 O’Hear Ave. North Charleston (843) 990-9416 lolaparkcircle.com

RUNNER-UP: Bertha’s Kitchen

Best Steak Halls Chophouse

434 King St. Downtown (843) 727-0090

300 Nexton Square Drive. Summerville (843) 900-6000

hallschophouse.com

RUNNER-UP: Marbled & Fin

Best Sub Sandwich / Hoagie East Bay Deli Various locations

RUNNER-UP: Brown Dog Deli

Best Sullivan’s Island Brunch The Obstinate Daughter

2063 Middle St. Sullivan’s Island (843) 416-5020 theobstinatedaughter.com

RUNNER-UP: The Co-Op Gourmet Sandwiches

Best Sullivan’s Island Restaurant The Obstinate Daughter

2063 Middle St. Sullivan’s Island (843) 416-5020 theobstinatedaughter.com

RUNNER-UP: The Co-Op Gourmet Sandwiches

Best Summerville Brunch Page’s Okra Grill

142 Brighton Park Blvd. Summerville (843) 900-3925

pagesokragrill.com

RUNNER-UP: Halls Chophouse Nexton

Best Summerville Restaurant Oscar’s of Summerville

207 W. 5th N. St. Summerville (843) 871-3800

oscarsofsummerville.com

RUNNER-UP: Laura

Best Sushi SHIKI

334 East Bay St. Downtown. (843) 720-8568 shikicharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Locals Sushi & Sports Pub

Best Sweets Food Truck Bebop Donut Shop

Instagram: @bebopdonutshop

RUNNER-UP: LowCountry Cannoli & Coffee

Best Tacos El Molino 1610 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., Suite 301. West Ashley (843) 225-8244 5900 Rivers Ave. North Charleston (843) 261-8260 molinosupermarket.com

RUNNER-UP: Rebel Taqueria

Best Takeout Smash City Burgers

47 Cooper St. Downtown (843) 732-2510 smashcityburgers.com

RUNNER-UP: Berkeley’s

Best Tapas Malagon

33 Spring St. Downtown (843) 926-0475

malagonchs.com

RUNNER-UP: Pelato

Best Thai Basil

1070 E. Montague Ave. North Charleston (843) 225-8161

1465 Long Grove Drive. Mount Pleasant (843) 606-9641 eatatbasil.com

RUNNER-UP: Taste of Thai

BEST SUSHI: SHIKI

Chef James Park sources fish from abroad to get the best of the best

Best Tots

Home Team BBQ

Various Locations (843) 225-7427 hometeambbq.com

RUNNER-UP: Bay Street Biergarten

Best Vietnamese Bon Banh Mi

162 Spring St. Downtown (843) 414-7320 1440 Ben Sawyer Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 388-7080 1100 Oakland Market Road. Mount Pleasant (843) 352-2082 bonbanhmi.com

RUNNER-UP: Pink Bellies

Best Wait Staff

Halls Chophouse 434 King St. Downtown (843) 727-0090 300 Nexton Square Drive. Summerville (843) 900-6000 hallschophouse.com

RUNNER-UP: Marbled & Fin

Best Waterfront Dining Bowen’s Island Restaurant

1870 Bowens Island Road. James Island (854)-222-4647 bowensisland.com

RUNNER-UP: Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar

Best Weekend Brunch Millers All Day

120 King St. Downtown (843) 501-7342

1956 Maybank Highway, Suite A.

James Island (843) 410-1553 millersallday.com

RUNNER-UP: Halls Chophouse

Best West Ashley Brunch Early Bird Diner 1644 Savannah Highway. West Ashley (843) 277-2353 earlybirddiner.com

RUNNER-UP: Three Little Birds

Best West Ashley Restaurant Palmira BBQ 2366 Ashley River Road. West Ashley (843) 396-3473 palmirabbq.com

RUNNER-UP: Home Team BBQ

Best Wings Home Team BBQ

Various Locations (843) 225-7427 hometeambbq.com

RUNNER-UP: Low Country Royal

Drinking

Drinking

The Holy City is blessed with an embarrassment of riches when it comes to watering holes. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor drinking spot, a great happy hour deal or the best brew, you’ll find many great spots in Charleston. Want to hang with Charleston’s best bartender? Head to Indaco or AC’s to see Tyler Moss. Want the best cocktail in town? Last Saint is your spot. Want to plan a girl’s night out? Plan a visit to Félix Cocktails et Cuisine.

City Paper readers have voted, and the results are in for your favorite places to drink in our beautiful city. —Becky Lacey

Best Activity Bar

- Pickleball, Golf, Ax Throwing, etc.

Pinky & Clyde’s

Arcade Bar

1044 E. Montague Ave.

North Charleston (843) 471-2413

RUNNER-UP

Bearded, A Social Tavern

Best Arcade Bar

Pinky & Clyde’s

Arcade Bar

1044 E. Montague Ave. North Charleston (843) 471-2413

RUNNER-UP

Garage 75

Best Authentic Pub

Madra Rua Irish Pub 1034 East Montague Ave. North Charleston (843) 554-2522

2066 North Main St. Summerville (843) 821-9434 madraruapub.com

RUNNER-UP

Gene’s Haufbrau

Best Bar Staff

Holy City Brewing 1021 Aragon Ave. North Charleston (843) 459-2948 holycitybrewing.com

RUNNER-UP

Moe’s Crosstown Tavern

Best Bartender Tyler Moss,

Indaco/AC’s

RUNNER-UP

Shaun Waszena, Bohemian Bull James Island

Best Beer Selection on Tap Edmund’s Oast 1081 Morrison Drive. Downtown (843) 727-1145

Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co. & Taproom

1505 King St., Suite 115. Downtown (843) 718-3224 edmundsoast.com

RUNNER-UP Holy City Brewing

Best Bloody Mary The Darling Oyster Bar 513 King St. Downtown. (843) 641-0821 thedarling.com

RUNNER-UP Pearlz

Best Bottled Beer

Gene’s Haufbrau 817 Savannah Highway. West Ashley (843) 225-4363 genescharleston.com

RUNNER-UP

A.C.’s Bar & Grill

Best Coffee Shop City Lights Eastside

This hip little coffee shop with old wood, a marble bar and schoolhouse lights on Line Street in Charleston’s Eastside is a place where you can see the community bloom before your eyes. Amidst sweet and earthy smells of coffee to a luscious display of pastries and treats, you’ll see a mix of young and old treating people like you would want to be treated — civilly with respect and warmth.

If you’re looking for occasional nose rings or tattoos, you’ll find them. But you’ll also find retired regulars, business people swinging by for a breakfast burrito and neighbors visiting for a chat with co-owners Candace Patterson and Gregg Lambton-Carr, a South African who occasionally whips up specialties from his homeland.

Opened in 2024, you can get your jolt of java here every day of the week. And be on the lookout for specialty events, such as art openings and periodic live events. —Andy Brack continued on page 116

Best Cheap Beer Deal Recovery Room Tavern

685 King St. Downtown (843) 727-0999 recoveryroomtavern.com

RUNNER-UP

A.C.’s Bar and Grill

Best Cocktails Last Saint 472 Meeting St. Downtown. No listed phone number lastsaintchs.com

RUNNER-UP

Félix Cocktails et Cuisine

Best Coffee Roaster

Second State Coffee Various locations secondstatecoffee.com

RUNNER-UP

Prophet Coffee Roaster

Best Coffee Shop City Lights Eastside 12 Line St. Downtown. citylightseastside0542. s4shops.com

RUNNER-UP Prophet Coffee

Best Cold Beer Holy City Brewing RUNNER-UP Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co.

Best Daniel Island Bar New Realm Brewing Company 880 Island Park Drive. Daniel Island (843) 471-1130 newrealmbrewing.com

RUNNER-UP The Kingstide

Best Daniel Island Happy Hour

New Realm

Brewing Company

880 Island Park Drive. Daniel Island (843) 471-1130

newrealmbrewing.com

RUNNER-UP

The Kingstide

Best Distillery

Firefly Distillery

4201 Spruill Ave. North Charleston (843) 557-1405

fireflydistillery.com

RUNNER-UP

High Wire Distilling

Best Downtown Bar

The Royal American

970 Morrison Drive. Downtown (843) 817-6925 theroyalamerican.com

RUNNER-UP

Burns Alley

Best Downtown Happy Hour Recovery Room

Tavern

685 King St. Downtown (843) 727-0999 recoveryroomtavern.com

RUNNER-UP

The Archer

Best Folly Beach Bar Chico Feo

122 E. Ashley Ave. Folly Beach (843) 906-2710

chicofeos.com

RUNNER-UP Lowlife Bar

Best Folly Beach Happy Hour

Chico Feo

122 E. Ashley Ave. Folly Beach (843) 906-2710

chicofeos.com

RUNNER-UP Bounty Bar

Best Frozen Drinks

The Co-Op Gourmet Sandwiches

Various locations thecoopsi.com

BRINGING YOU THE BEST IN SPIRITS!

Tyler Moss, Indaco / A.C.’s Bar & Grill

Charlestonians don’t mess around when it comes to cocktails, so you know that anyone crowned Best Bartender here is going to be the crème de la crème. Tyler Moss is this year’s winner and lucky for you, you have two ways to experience his talents since you can find him behind the bar at both Indaco and A.C.’s Bar & Grill.

“I love being able to bartend in Charleston,” Moss said. “It’s such a unique and exciting experience because I get to meet new people every day from all over. Being able to learn something new every day and continue to grow and improve is one of my favorite things. I truly love my job and this city.”

Moss’s versatility is one of the reasons he has such a devoted following. He is just as comfortable and agile at AC’s, King Street’s favorite dive bar, as he is mixing things up to complement Indaco’s Italian cuisine.

At the latter, you can try The Palmetto, made with cucumber-infused vodka, Lillet blanc, lime and mint simple syrup or Tropic Like It’s Hot, using Ten to One white rum, Meletti amaro, tangerine, lemon and vanilla. And while he can certainly shake you up something great at AC’s, there isn’t much better than chatting with Moss over a nice, cold beer. —Becky Lacey

Best IOP Bar

The Windjammer

1008 Ocean Blvd. Isle of Palms (866) 540-3548

the-windjammer.com

RUNNER-UP

The Co-Op Frose & Eatery

Best IOP Happy Hour The Co-Op Gourmet Sandwiches

Various locations thecoopsi.com

RUNNER-UP

The Windjammer

Best James Island Bar

Charleston

Pour House

1977 Maybank Highway. James Island (843) 571-4343

charlestonpourhouse.com

RUNNER-UP

Bar George

Best James Island Happy Hour

Bohemian Bull

James Island

1531 Folly Road. James Island (843) 225-1817

bohemianbull.com

RUNNER-UP

Locals Sushi & Sports Pub

Best Johns Island Bar

Low Tide Brewing

2863 Maybank Highway. Johns Island (843) 576-9194 lowtidebrewing.com

RUNNER-UP

Tattooed Moose

Best Johns Island Happy Hour

Low Tide Brewing

2863 Maybank Highway. Johns Island (843) 576-9194 lowtidebrewing.com

RUNNER-UP

Seanachai Whiskey and Cocktail Bar

Best Juice/Smoothie Bar The Co-Op Gourmet Sandwiches

Various locations thecoopsi.com

RUNNER-UP Huriyali

Best Late Night Bar

Recovery Room

Tavern

685 King St. Downtown (843) 727-0999 recoveryroomtavern.com

RUNNER-UP

Burns Alley Tavern

Best LGBTQ Bar

Dudley’s on Ann

42 Ann St. Downtown (843) 577-6779 dudleys42ann.com

RUNNER-UP Bar Polari

Best Local Beer Can Design

Edmund’s Oast Brewing Company

1505 King St., Suite 115. Downtown (843) 718-3224

edmundsoast.com

RUNNER-UP

Holy City Brewing

Best Local Brewery

Holy City Brewing

1021 Aragon Ave. North Charleston (843) 459-2948

holycitybrewing.com

RUNNER-UP

Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co.

Best Local Brewery Taproom

Holy City Brewing 1021 Aragon Ave. North Charleston (843) 459-2948

holycitybrewing.com

RUNNER-UP

Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co.

continued on page 124

incredibly grateful to be recognized as part of Best of Charleston and we’re honored to be included among so many great businesses. We must acknowledge the people who grow and source these coffees, the incredible teams behind our counters, those who share our coffee, those who come through our doors, and those who keep pushing us toward our betterment — our ‘Second’ State — every day. Without you, we would not exist. We can’t wait to bring you the same dedication to excellence and the same good times to the new Navy Yard location. See you soon!

The Co-Op Gourmet Sandwiches

Jenny Beckham, marketing director at Co-Op, says that with a house specialty like frosé — a frozen rosé wine concoction that comes in 60 homemade flavors — it’s “happy hour all day, every day” at the muchloved island eatery.

Of course, that doesn’t mean they won’t be resuming their traditional happy hour festivities, including live music, when their extended summer hours kick in as beach weather returns to the area

“People love our happy hour,” Beckham said of the IOP location, one of five across the Lowcountry. “We’re so close to the beach, with indoor and outdoor seating. A perfect spot for locals and visitors to enjoy a frosé, or even take one to go.”

As for the frosé itself, Beckham describes it as a refreshing blend of dry rosé wine, lemon juice and a touch of simple syrup, with the consistency of a slushy.

“It’s the perfect drink to enjoy after a day on the beach or before heading out to watch the sunset,” Beckham said. —Jack O’Toole

Best Local Cocktail Mixer Charleston Bloody Mary Mix

charlestonmix.com

RUNNER-UP

Sweatman’s Garden Tonic

Best Local Spirit Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka

4201 Spruill Ave. North Charleston (843) 557-1405

fireflydistillery.com

RUNNER-UP

Early Bird Cold Brew Coffee Vodka

Best Locally Brewed Beer

Something Cold, Edmund’s Oast

Brewing Company

1505 King St. Suite 115. Downtown (843) 718-3224 edmundsoast.com

RUNNER-UP

Aloha Beaches, Low Tide Brewing

Best Locally Brewed Gose/Sour Keeping It Teal, Snafu Brewing Company

3280 Industry Drive, Suite A. North Charleston (843) 767-4121 snafubrewingcompany.com.

RUNNER-UP

Sparkly Princess, Holy City Brewing

Best Locally Brewed IPA Bound by Time, Edmund’s Oast Brewing Company

1505 King St. Suite 115. Downtown (843) 718-3224 edmundsoast.com

RUNNER-UP

Overly Friendly IPA, Holy City Brewing

Best Locally Brewed Lager Pilsner, Holy City Brewing

1021 Aragon Ave.

North Charleston (843) 459-2948

holycitybrewing.com

RUNNER-UP Mexican Lager, LO-Fi Brewing

Best Locally Brewed Porter/Stout

Pluff Mud Porter, Holy City Brewing

1021 Aragon Ave.

North Charleston (843) 459-2948

holycitybrewing.com

RUNNER-UP Fam’s Brewing Co Skinny Vanilla Latte

Best Margarita Santi’s Restaurante Mexicano

302 Meeting Street Road. Downtown (843) 722-2633

1471 Ben Sawyer Blvd.

Mount Pleasant (843) 388-3146

1660 Savannah Highway. West Ashley (843) 823-2671 santisrestaurantemexicano.com

RUNNER-UP Rebel Taqueria

Best Martini Halls Chophouse

434 King St. Downtown (843) 727-0090

300 Nexton Square Drive. Summerville (843) 900-6000 hallschophouse.com

RUNNER-UP Félix Cocktails et Cuisine

Best Mount Pleasant Bar Red’s Ice House

98 Church St. Mount Pleasant (843) 388-0003

redsicehouse.com

RUNNER-UP Saltwater Cowboys

Best Mount Pleasant

Happy Hour

Red’s Ice House

98 Church St. Mount Pleasant (843) 388-0003 redsicehouse.com

RUNNER-UP

Water’s Edge

Best Neighborhood Bar

Moe’s Crosstown

Tavern

714 Rutledge Ave. Downtown (843) 641-0469 moescrosstowntavern.com

RUNNER-UP

Pinky & Clyde’s Arcade Bar

Best New Bar

Johnny’s Garage

1256 Yeamans Hall Road. Hanahan johnnysfullservice.com

RUNNER-UP

Wyrd Sisters Taphouse and Brewery

Best No Frills Watering Hole

Recovery Room

Tavern

685 King St. Downtown (843) 727-0999 recoveryroomtavern.com

RUNNER-UP Moe’s Crosstown

Best Non-Alcoholic Beverage

High Rise Beverage Co.

5700 Dorchester Road. North Charleston (843) 256-6507 highrisebev.com

RUNNER-UP Levity Cannabis Spirit

Best North Charleston Bar

Holy City Brewing 1021 Aragon Ave. North Charleston (843) 459-2948

holycitybrewing.com

RUNNER-UP Tattooed Moose

Best North Charleston

Happy Hour

Holy City Brewing 1021 Aragon Ave. North Charleston (843) 459-2948

holycitybrewing.com

RUNNER-UP Tattooed Moose

Best Place for a Girls Night

Félix Cocktails et Cuisine

550 King St. #100. Downtown (843) 203-6297

felixchs.com

RUNNER-UP All My Exes

Best Place for a Girls Night Félix Cocktails

et Cuisine

There are several outstanding reasons that City Paper readers picked Felix Cocktails et Cuisine as the best place for a girls night out. Here are six:

1. It has a great wine list.

2. Its Espresso Martini is the first drink listed on the cocktail menu, making decisions during the night out less difficult.

3. The Felix dessert menu includes the Espresso Martini, plus a tasty chocolate torte.

4. The food is really good.

5. Not only can patrons get extremely tasty small bites to complement wine, martinis and other cocktails, the brunch, lunch and dinner menus have enough substance to fuel the party as it spills out into the multiple hot spots in the upper King Street neighborhood.

6. The atmosphere is bright, perky and perfect for an evening to remember. —Andy Brack

ISLAND BAR

Marbled & Fin

Since opening in 2024, modern steakhouse Marbled & Fin has collected a legion of fans with its creative steakhouse menu and heavy hitter wine list. While the price tag might be large, it’s one of the best places to go when you’re looking to splurge in the Holy City.

From a raw bar featuring Hamachi crudo and prime beef tartare to a foie gras bombe, broiled oysters with bone marrow and a selection of wagyu, this decadent menu is just calling for great wine pairings.

“At Marbled & Fin, the wine program is part of the fabric of the concept and the centerpiece of the design of the space, with our wine on display for everyone to celebrate and enjoy,” said Kenny Lyons, president of the Neighborhood Dining Group. “Our wine program

was top of mind from day one and part of our earliest discussions. With a healthy investment in wine, our goal is to have a balance of wines that complement and contrast both steak and seafood.”

And the 26-page wine list does not disappoint. Over 90% of the wines on the list use sustainable, organic, biodynamic and regenerative farming practices. Marbled and Fin also has the Angel Oak label, composed of wines from its own vineyard in the Valle de Uco, located southwest of Mendoza, Argentina.

And for those looking to dip a toe, the wine-bythe-glass offering is extensive, so you can enjoy the vino program without making a huge commitment.

Becky Lacey

Best Summerville Bar

The Icehouse

104 E. Doty Ave. Summerville (843) 261-0360

theicehousesc.com

RUNNER-UP

Montreux Bar and Grill

Best Summerville Happy Hour

The Icehouse

104 E. Doty Ave. Summerville (843) 261-0360

theicehousesc.com

RUNNER-UP

The Knot Burger Pub

Best Upscale Bar Halls Chophouse

434 King St. Downtown (843) 727-0090

300 Nexton Square Drive. Summerville (843) 900-6000

hallschophouse.com

RUNNER-UP

Frannie & The Fox

continued on page 130

Best New Bar

Johnny’s Garage

The team from the Royal American and the Bounty Bar dreamed up your Best New Bar. Earning another win for the burgeoning Hanahan food and beverage scene, you — our devoted readers — have selected Johnny’s Garage as your new favorite.

Located in a former gas station, this neighborhood spot comes from the team who gave our fine city the Royal American and the Bounty Bar. Bites featuring Northeast-style pizza (aka thin-crust), sandwiches and burgers. And to drink, you can find everything from the basics to boozy milkshakes to “dirty sodas” (non-alcoholic soda with cream, fruit juices and syrups). Johnny’s scratches every bar lover’s itch.

A vintage Ms. Pac-Man arcade game resides at the bar and every Friday and Saturday you’ll find live music starting at 6 p.m. on the outdoor patio, so it’s not just about the food and drink at Johnny’s. It’s about the whole experience. —Becky Lacey

VOTED BEST BAR