Finding the best restaurant in Charleston means discovering Poogan’s Porch, where a restored Victorian home serves authentic Lowcountry cuisine named after a beloved neighborhood pup.
This French Quarter location at 72 Queen Street earned a 4.1-star rating on Yelp with over 5,000 reviews, serving Southern hospitality since 1976.
The Fried Chicken with 1,008 reviews became legendary as “the best I’ve ever had” according to multiple reviewers discovering Charleston’s soul food.
The Poogan’s Porch success comes from warm hospitality and authentic Southern cuisine served in a beautifully restored home steeped in Lowcountry tradition and ghostly tales.
What Makes Poogan’s Porch the Best Restaurant in Charleston
The secret to earning the title of best restaurant in Charleston lies in serving authentic Southern cuisine in a Victorian home creating unforgettable dining experiences.
The Pimento Cheese Fritters with 320 reviews showcase Lowcountry classics elevated through bacon jam creating perfect sweet-savory combinations.
At moderate prices for historic Charleston, generous portions and quality ingredients justify dining in one of the city’s oldest restaurant locations.
The seating spans main floor and second story rooms, with each space offering different charm from fireplace rooms to bright window seats.
The complimentary biscuits arrive hot and fluffy upon check-in, setting the Southern hospitality tone immediately.
The ghost stories and celebrity photos create authentic Charleston atmosphere where history lives alongside contemporary dining.
Signature Dishes That Define Lowcountry
The She Crab Soup with 449 reviews represents classic Charleston preparation with rich, creamy broth featuring local crab.
One Columbus Elite reviewer declared the Shrimp and Grits “the best I’ve ever had, I truly mean it” after trying versions throughout Charleston.
The Pulled Pork Benedict with 211 reviews combines Southern BBQ with brunch classics, creating unique fusion honoring regional flavors.
The Fried Pork Chop with 110 reviews demonstrates proper Southern frying technique creating crispy exteriors with juicy interiors.
The Crab Cakes with 154 reviews showcase fresh local seafood prepared simply, letting quality ingredients shine.
These signature items prove Poogan’s executes both traditional Lowcountry classics and creative Southern innovations.
The Best Restaurant in Charleston Story
Poogan’s Porch opened in 1976, establishing itself as Charleston’s destination for authentic Southern cuisine and warm hospitality.
The restaurant took its name from Poogan, the beloved neighborhood dog who frequented the Victorian home before it became a restaurant.
The beautifully restored Victorian location in Charleston’s historic district provided perfect setting for Southern dining steeped in tradition.
Building a Charleston Institution
Nearly 50 years of operation created deep roots in Charleston’s dining scene, welcoming generations of families and visitors.
The ghost stories surrounding the Victorian home add mystique, with some guests hoping to encounter resident spirits during meals.
The celebrity photos throughout showcase decades of famous visitors, from politicians to entertainers discovering Charleston through Poogan’s.
Poogan’s Hospitality Group expanded the concept while maintaining the original location’s authentic charm and quality standards.
The group created multiple fine Southern brands while keeping Poogan’s Porch as the flagship demonstrating Lowcountry excellence.
This expansion proved the Southern hospitality model works when executed with genuine care and quality ingredients.
Why Charleston Loves Poogan’s
One Statesville Elite reviewer makes Poogan’s “a must stop for brunch each year” visiting Charleston, specifically requesting the fireplace room.
The staff greets guests “as if I was an old friend returning home” creating genuine care for experiences according to one local reviewer.
The accommodating service handles large parties, toddlers, and dietary restrictions while maintaining efficiency and friendliness.
The gluten-free options allow those with restrictions to enjoy Southern cuisine without sacrificing authentic flavors.
The outdoor seating welcomes dogs, honoring the restaurant’s namesake by making pooches feel as welcome as people.
The free street parking nearby provides rare convenience in downtown Charleston when lucky timing aligns.
Charleston’s Favorite Best Restaurant in Charleston Menu Items
Food Highlights
- Fried Chicken: The legendary dish with 1,008 reviews earns recognition as “the best I’ve ever had” from multiple reviewers. The perfectly seasoned, crispy coating protects juicy meat inside. One Avondale Estates Elite reviewer notes hot chicken strips adorning the chicken and waffles plate large enough to share. The Country Fried Chicken version provides substantial portions. This represents Southern frying mastery executed at the highest level. 🍗
- Pimento Cheese Fritters: Creative appetizers with 320 reviews feature gooey pimento cheese inside golden crispy exteriors at reasonable prices. The bacon jam topping adds perfect sweetness according to one Charleston Elite reviewer. One Oklahoma City reviewer specifically praised these on bacon jam as “oh my goodness.” The combination of Southern staples creates addictive bites. These showcase Lowcountry ingredients elevated through creative preparation. 🧀
- She Crab Soup: Classic Charleston preparation with 449 reviews features rich, creamy broth with local crab. The addition of sherry creates traditional flavor profile, though some prefer without. One Winston-Salem Elite reviewer received lukewarm soup requiring replacement, showing quality control matters. When prepared properly, this represents definitive Charleston soup. The richness provides comfort while showcasing local seafood. 🦀
- Shrimp and Grits: One Columbus Elite reviewer declared this “the best Shrimp and Grits I’ve ever had” after trying versions throughout Charleston. The andouille sausage adds Cajun influence to Lowcountry classic. The combination of creamy grits with perfectly cooked shrimp creates textural contrast. This dish earned enough praise to make Poogan’s worth visiting specifically for it. 🍤
- Pulled Pork Benedict: Creative brunch fusion with 211 reviews combines Southern BBQ with eggs benedict at reasonable prices. The tender pulled pork replaces traditional ham or Canadian bacon. The hollandaise sauce complements smoky pork flavors. This represents innovative Southern cooking respecting both traditions. Good for those wanting adventurous brunch beyond standard offerings. 🥓
- Chicken and Waffles: Peach slices, pecans, and gooey syrup top waffles with hot chicken strips creating sweet-savory perfection. One Avondale Estates Elite reviewer recommends requesting syrup on side to prevent soggy waffles. The plate arrives large enough to share comfortably. This Southern brunch staple gets executed with quality ingredients and generous portions. 🧇
Additional Highlights
- French Toast: Brunch favorite with 183 reviews provides sweet option for those wanting traditional breakfast. The preparation maintains proper texture without sogginess. Good for splitting alongside savory entrées. 🍞
- Fried Green Tomatoes: Southern classic prepared properly with crispy coating and tangy tomatoes. The preparation showcases regional ingredients through traditional techniques. These represent Lowcountry cuisine executed authentically. 🍅
- Lemongrass-Crusted Swordfish: Creative dinner option combines sweet potato with spicy peanut butter gravy creating African diaspora flavors. One Summerville Elite reviewer praised this as “chef’s kiss perfection” with beautiful plating. The gluten-free accommodations allow enjoying despite dietary restrictions. This proves Poogan’s innovates beyond traditional Southern offerings. 🐟
- Pecan Pie: Classic Southern dessert with 97 reviews provides proper ending to meals. The traditional preparation honors regional baking traditions. Good for those wanting authentic Southern sweets. 🥧
- Banana Pudding: Southern comfort dessert earns mentions as take-home option. The classic preparation creates nostalgic flavors. One Oklahoma City reviewer ordered this to-go “because we’re not stupid people.” 🍌
Atmosphere
The restaurant occupies a beautifully restored Victorian home at 72 Queen Street in Charleston’s historic French Quarter.
Inside, multiple rooms create intimate spaces with fireplaces, large windows, and charming period details throughout.
The upstairs dining rooms feature bright natural light during brunch with well-decorated spaces creating comfortable elegance.
The outdoor patio provides accessible seating welcoming dogs in honor of the restaurant’s namesake Poogan.
The creaky floors, autographed celebrity photos, and Old Charleston charm transport diners through the city’s culinary history.
Moderate noise levels allow conversation while maintaining lively Southern hospitality atmosphere.
Service receives overwhelming praise for friendliness and attentiveness, with servers mentioned by name across reviews.
The staff accommodates large parties, dietary restrictions, and special occasions with genuine care and flexibility.
The warm greetings make guests feel like returning friends rather than transactions, embodying Southern hospitality authentically.
Reservations through the website strongly recommended, especially during peak times and holidays.
The parking situation varies, with nearby street parking and paid lots requiring arrival 15 minutes early for reservations.
Hours run 9 AM to 3 PM for brunch and 4:30-9:30 PM for dinner daily, accommodating both meal periods.
Bottom Line
Visit Poogan’s Porch for the best restaurant in Charleston featuring authentic Lowcountry cuisine in a Victorian home since 1976, legendary fried chicken earning 1,008 rave reviews, pimento cheese fritters with bacon jam, and Southern hospitality greeting guests like old friends returning home.
Nearly 50 years serving Charleston proves authentic Southern soul food in historic settings creates unforgettable experiences. 🌟
Address: Poogan’s Porch
72 Queen St, Charleston, SC 29401 (French Quarter)
📞 (843) 829-4332
🕔 Every Day: Brunch 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Dinner 4:30 PM – 9:30 PM