Charleston Restaurants: View

Photo credit: alnicol2000 via Visual Hunt / CC BY-NC

Now that you know which restaurants in Charleston to go to for the best food, let's talk about views. While I can honestly say that no one view is better than any other, each of the restaurants in my list provides different atmospheres which may make one location work better for you, the visitor, than another. Consider your own attitudes toward foods and views as you select which restaurants on my list are the best one for you.

At the Harbor:

1. Marina Variety Store: A homey restaurant near the harbor, come here for southern dishes that infiltrate your mind and invigorate your spirit.

2. Harborview Restaurant & Lounge: Located in the Holiday Inn Riverview, this isn't an ordinary hotel restaurant. A delicious breakfast buffet consists of hot foods served deliciously near a score of windows seducing you with Charleston city and Cooper River views. Night time calls for dinner and drinks, though, be warned, occasionally the restaurant is rented out for events. Don't be surprised to find the parking lot filled after an evening on the town.

3. Charleston Harbor Fish House: After an afternoon exploring Patriot's Point and Sullivan's Island, consider a stop here for southern and fish favorites with a view of the USS Yorktown and marina.

On the Nearby Islands:

4. Bowen's Island Restaurant: A little out of the way, near Folly Beach, this hole-in-the-wall is a favorite of locals and travelers alike with great raw (and fried) oysters, delicious key lime pie, and great views.

5. Coconut Joe's Beach Grill: Day at the beach has you hungry? Don't feel like driving into the city to fill those hunger pangs? Or maybe you just want a cool drink on a hot day whilst you look out at the ocean? If any of these fit your desires, then Coconut Joe's is the place for you. Check out the ocean waves while sipping on a margarita and chowing down on chips and salsa. You deserve it. :)

6. Blu Restaurant & Bar: Located on Folly Island at Tides Inn, this large hotel restaurant with deckside seating is a great place to enjoy the beach and eat great food too! Justin and I weren't hungry when we went and we ordered the special – a dessert of blueberry and peach cobbler and a scoop of vanilla ice cream! Aside from the biting wind (Hurricane Bonnie was coming in), and the loud music playing late into the night, we thoroughly enjoyed our night time beachside dining and look forward to the day when we can return, during daylight, and actually see the coast! :)

Downtown Charleston:

7. Market Pavilion Rooftop Bar: Scenic views of Charleston rooftops and the Cooper River, the Market Pavilion Bar also offers a pool for cooling off. Consider going in the evening, so that it isn't so hot outside.

8. Rooftop at Vendue Inn: Go early if you aren't a fan of live bands playing loud music. This rooftop bar offers multiple floors of beautiful 360º views of Charleston. Enjoy a fun drink while checking out the Cooper River or famous church steeples.

Near Shem's Creek:

9. R.B.’s Seafood Restaurant: With the opportunity to see dolphins from the viewing deck, R.B.'s can be a great place to go with family or friends on vacation. Delicious seafood in your mouth … and for you to view from your table. ;) Can you think of anything better?

This list (like my list of favorites) is in no way comprehensive. There are many, many other restaurants in the area with views that I'm hoping to check out in the future. However, if you have a desired dining view in Charleston, I've hopefully covered it! If you decide to visit any of these places (or if you've visited them in the past), be sure to let me know what you think!

Stay tuned for next week when I share my favorite breakfast places in Charleston!

Do you have any great restaurants in the area where you live that offer a beautiful view?