Finding the best restaurant in Charleston means discovering Poogan’s Porch, where a restored Victorian home serves authentic Lowcountry cuisine.
This French Quarter location at 72 Queen Street has served Southern hospitality since 1976 named after a beloved neighborhood pup.
The Fried Chicken became legendary as “the best I’ve ever had,” according to multiple reviewers discovering Charleston’s soul food.
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.
The Pimento Cheese Fritters showcase Lowcountry classics elevated through bacon jam, creating perfect sweet-savory combinations throughout every bite.
At moderate prices for historic Charleston, generous portions and quality ingredients justify dining in one of the city’s oldest locations.
The Story Behind Charleston’s Best Restaurant
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.
Nearly 50 years of operation created deep roots in Charleston’s dining scene, welcoming generations of families and visitors throughout the decades.
Charleston’s Favorite Menu Items
Food Highlights
- Fried Chicken: The legendary dish earns recognition as “the best I’ve ever had” from multiple reviewers with a perfectly seasoned, crispy coating. Hot chicken strips adorn the chicken and waffles plate, large enough to share, representing Southern frying mastery executed at the highest level. 🍗
- Pimento Cheese Fritters: Creative appetizers feature gooey pimento cheese inside golden crispy exteriors at reasonable prices with bacon jam topping. The combination of Southern staples creates addictive bites, showcasing Lowcountry ingredients elevated through creative preparation throughout. 🧀
- She Crab Soup: Classic Charleston preparation features rich, creamy broth with local crab and a traditional sherry flavor profile. When prepared properly, this represents definitive Charleston soup, providing comfort while showcasing local seafood beautifully. 🦀
- Shrimp and Grits: Declared “the best Shrimp and Grits I’ve ever had” after trying versions throughout Charleston with andouille sausage. The combination of creamy grits with perfectly cooked shrimp creates a textural contrast worth visiting specifically for. 🍤
- Pulled Pork Benedict: Creative brunch fusion combines Southern BBQ with eggs Benedict at reasonable prices with tender pulled pork. The hollandaise sauce complements smoky pork flavors, representing innovative Southern cooking respecting both traditions throughout preparation. 🥓
- Chicken and Waffles: Peach slices, pecans, and gooey syrup top waffles with hot chicken strips, creating sweet-savory perfection. The plate arrives large enough to share comfortably, with this Southern brunch staple executed with quality ingredients. 🧇
Additional Highlights
- French Toast: Brunch favorite provides a sweet option for those wanting a traditional breakfast with proper texture without sogginess. Good for splitting alongside savory entrées throughout the meal. 🍞
- Fried Green Tomatoes: Southern classic prepared properly with crispy coating and tangy tomatoes showcasing regional ingredients through traditional techniques. These represent Lowcountry cuisine executed authentically every time. 🍅
- Lemongrass-Crusted Swordfish: A creative dinner option combines sweet potato with spicy peanut butter gravy, creating African diaspora flavors. The gluten-free accommodations allow enjoying despite dietary restrictions, proving innovation beyond traditional Southern offerings. 🐟
- Banana Pudding: Southern comfort dessert earns mentions as a take-home option with classic preparation creating nostalgic flavors throughout. Ordered to-go “because we’re not stupid people,” according to satisfied diners. 🍌
Atmosphere
The restaurant occupies a beautifully restored Victorian home at 72 Queen Street in Charleston’s historic French Quarter neighborhood.
Inside, multiple rooms create intimate spaces with fireplaces, large windows, and charming period details throughout the home.
The outdoor patio provides accessible seating, welcoming dogs in honor of the restaurant’s namesake, Poogan, always.
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 rave reviews, pimento cheese fritters with bacon jam, and Southern hospitality greeting guests like old friends.
Nearly 50 years of serving Charleston prove that authentic Southern soul food in historic settings creates unforgettable experiences every time. 🌟
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