Located on the coast of South Carolina, Charleston is a family-friendly destination. Spend your days exploring the distinctive landmarks, learning local history, and embarking on outdoor adventures. While your Charleston vacation rental might feature a beautiful kitchen, don’t spend every night of your relaxing vacation over a hot stove. This charming Southern town boasts many culinary choices that appeal to kids of all ages. Check out the top 10 restaurants in Charleston perfect for a family meal with your children.
1. Rio Chico
Indulge in rich sauces and ooey gooey cheese dip with a meal at Rio Chico. The staff welcomes kids of all ages and parties of all sizes and features a children’s menu that includes smaller portions and American fare. Choose between a comfy booth, or spread out at the table with room for a high chair and booster seats. After dinner, visit the park behind the shopping center and Mexican restaurant. In the two ponds, find turtles and geese that the kids can feed leftover bread from your vacation rental.
2. Morgan Creek Grill
Visit Isle of Palms and enjoy a family meal at the Morgan Creek Grill. Located on the water, this restaurant offers amazing views, and your kids can watch the boats sailing by while they chow down on fresh seafood. There are corn hole games and live music, so the whole family can enjoy some dancing. This place is also popular for brunch, so consider going in the morning and making a day of it, sightseeing on the Isle of Palms.
3. The Alley
Located on the peninsula, The Alley starts your family meal with an order of fresh-made boiled peanuts, loaded tater tots, or wings. Chow down on burger sliders, chicken sliders, and pork barbecue sliders. The food selection includes burgers, sandwiches, and other kid favorites. Finish your meal with one of your favorite desserts. After the meal, bowl a few games at the attached bowling alley or check out the selection of retro arcade games. Plan to go early, since it becomes a hot spot for the college crowd later in the evening.
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4. Fleet Landing
Charleston Harbor provides a beautiful backdrop for Fleet Landing. Ask for an outdoor table to catch glimpses of frolicking dolphins and boats headed out to sea. The kid’s menu includes favorites such as boiled shrimp, while parents enjoy fresh crab, lobster, and other seafood. After dinner, let the kids play at the Water Front Park just down the way from the restaurant.
5. Home Team BBQ
When your favorite grub is pork, choose one of the two Home Team BBQ locations. The Sullivan’s Island restaurant is within easy walking distance of the beach, and the atmosphere is laid-back enough to arrive in flip-flops after a day in the sun. Ask for a table in the outdoor courtyard at the West Ashley location, but walk slowly through the dining room to check out the colorful decorations. Featuring a menu with something for everyone, this place may become your favorite.
6. Bohemian Bull
On James Island, the Bohemian Bull features macaroni and cheese bites, burgers with all the fixings, and wings. Choose a colorful picnic table outside so the kids can play cornhole and bocce ball while the adults relax after a long day of exploring. In the fall and mild winter months, the eatery lights up the outdoor fire pit for warmth, and it makes a great place to relax with coffee after your meal while the kids play. It’s a fenced-in space, making it easier to relax.
7. Tattooed Moose
Upon arrival at the Tattooed Moose, watch your kids gasp in delight at the moose on the wall. Located on John’s Island, this restaurant offers a family-owned, down-home, casual feel that welcomes you as soon as you arrive. The special of the house is the duck fat fries that you must have with your meal. This location also offers a brunch menu, so stop in before exploring John’s Island.
8. The Butcher and Bee
After visiting the Charleston Aquarium, refuel with lunch or an early dinner at the Butcher and Bee. Featuring farm-to-table meals, this eatery offers a young, hip vibe with fresh veggies and meat from local farms. Enjoy a variety of sandwiches and delicious salads made as you wait in a cafeteria style so the kids can watch the preparation. Order sweet tea to go and watch the kids’ faces light up when it’s served in Mason jars.
9. Xiao Bao Biscuit
Enjoy a family-style meal and your choice of Asian dishes with a stop at Xiao Bao Biscuit. This bistro offers dishes from a variety of Asian countries, including Korea, China, and Thailand. Snag a picnic table outside to enjoy the beautiful year-round weather. Each season offers a new variety of meals and must-have sides. After eating, take the kids to Patriots Point to see the military subs and boats.
10. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream
Let your kids refuel and indulge their sweet tooth at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream. Known for its unique flavors and amazing taste profiles, this ice cream shop uses milk from grass-fed cows as its base. Enjoy a cone with several different flavors, or treat yourself to a sundae. Afterwards, take the kids to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens for a walk around the property and a chance to watch some wildlife.
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