Here are two of my sons two favorites
Husk
Order the Fried Chicken Skins with hot sauce and honey; The Husk Burger, quite possibly the finest example of a hamburger in the South; and a side of skillet cornbread with Allan Benton’s bacon. Oh, and the veggie plate. Honestly, this is the perfect opportunity to #ordereverything.
XIAO BAO BISCUIT
Tucked in an old gas station in Charleston, Xiao Bao Biscuit has given the Peninsula a new take on the lunch counter with their Asian comfort foods, such as Tenri-style ramen (thin, straight noodles in a soy-based broth) with pork belly, kimchi, stewed greens, and a slow-cooked farm egg.
Absolutely the best steaks and chops in Charleston
https://hallschophouse.com
Have not been here but high on Travellin Dave's list
https://magnoliascharleston.com
A must try Lowcountry food establishment
http://hominygrill.com
Excellent choice
http://www.poogansporch.com/#_=_
And I can give you at least a dozen more
Agree, there is no shortage in Charleston and surrounding area.
My favorite upscale is probably Magnolia's
Then
McCrady's
Circa 1886
Poogan's Porch / Smokehouse (two different sites)
SNOB (Slightly North of Broad)
Husk
Red Drum (surprised Tex didn't mention this one as it has a Texas influence)
High Cotton
No frills:
Bowens Island
Fat Hen
Roadside Seafood
Leon's Oyster Shop
Tattooed Moose
Can't ever list them all because they open more so fast! Red Drum is actually in Mt Pleasant but it is outstanding, not too kid friendly or wallet friendly though. Had my 60th birthday party there.
Most of the better places in downtown Charleston are neither very kid friendly or wallet friendly. But there are a number of good places in Mt Pleasant that are kid friendly and have good food.
Another very good place in Mt Pleasant with a TX Flare. Sol Southwest Kitchen, fabulous shrimp & Grits using fried grits cakes. Very kid friendly and not too bad on the wallet.