Charleston Brunch Restaurants: Top Spots for a Weekend Meal

Charleston’s raved about food scene has earned the city accolades among the best American cities for foodies by Conde Nast Traveler. The city houses hundreds of award-winning restaurants, and what better way to try some than with a special brunch? Read on to see which spots ranked among the best Charleston brunch restaurants.

Top Charleston Brunch Restaurants Families Can’t Miss

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Hominy Grill

This neighborhood favorite features Low Country flavors combined with a homestyle approach. Hominy Grill serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Start with something light and try homemade bread or fried green tomatoes with ranch dressing. Those with hearty appetites should order shrimp and grits, Charleston Nasty Biscuit – a Hominy staple with fried chicken breast – or Low Country omelet with red rice.

In addition, the restaurant serves traditional favorites, such as buttermilk pancakes, country-style breakfast, and granola with bananas and yogurt.

Poogan’s Porch

Another Southern favorite is Poogan’s Porch, one of Charleston’s oldest independent restaurants. For over 40 years, this restaurant has welcomed everyone, including celebrities, to enjoy comfort food in an elegant setting. Poogan’s serves brunch seven days a week: Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Guests can keep it simple with a pimiento BLT or chicken and waffles. To fill up, order Ike’s down-home breakfast, pulled pork Benedict, or delectable French toast topped with champagne macerated raspberries, mascarpone cheese and toasted almonds.

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Five Loaves Cafe

With a focus on healthy dishes, Five Loaves Cafe offers brunch dishes in a casual, friendly setting. Five Loaves feels more like a neighborhood cafe, and each menu item is made fresh every day using locally sourced ingredients.

The restaurant serves Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering a large menu for most diet types. Salads and sandwiches are always a popular choice, but Five Loaves also has chef’s brunch specialties. A few options include country skillet, Southern Benny and omelet of the day. In addition, Five Loaves ranks among the best Charleston brunch restaurants for children. Young eaters can select from waffles, sandwiches, egg plates and grilled chicken strips.

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Halls Chophouse

Family-owned and -operated Halls Chophouse has a long-standing reputation among the best Charleston brunch restaurants, and ranks high on TripAdvisor and OpenTable for fine dining. For starters, try she crab soup, Lowcountry fried green tomatoes or oysters Rockefeller. Those looking for hearty servings should try Chophouse omelet, farmers omelette or crabcake Benedict.

Halls Chophouse is also one of the top steakhouses in Charleston, with those brunch options including ribeye Benedict, filet mignon and barbecue ribs. Want something sweet? Try sweet potato pancakes or French toast.

High Cotton

The Hall Family, owners of Halls Chophouse, also own High Cotton, which serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., complete with live music. The High Cotton brunch menu features she crab soup and buttermilk fried oysters to start. Entrees include Carolina shrimp and grits, High Cotton burger, and farmers market omelet.

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Magnolias

For over 25 years, Magnolias has served upscale Southern cuisine with traditional ingredients and a modern twist. This longtime favorite has even earned press from the Food Network and Food and Wine.

Visitors enjoy brunch on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., with a full menu from which to choose. Appetizers include salmon deviled eggs, down south egg rolls and peach fritter poppers. Other options showcase classics, such as shrimp gumbo omelette, Magnolia’s filet frittata and shellfish over grits.

Visiting with the family? Check out these top kids activities in Charleston. Or book a family-friendly Charleston vacation rental.