Can we take a baby there? Charleston Restaurant Guide

Matthew and I moved {back} to Charleston when we got married in 2016, and four months later we learned our little guy was on the way. As poor newlyweds we had big plans for future date nights to experience the culinary realm that has put Charleston on the map year after year. Most of that list has remained untouched as our criteria shifted to “can we take a baby there?” and thus emerged our list of Charleston Baby-Friendly Restaurants.

We love to check out new restaurants and are thankful for our usual favorites in the lineup. Whether you’re a fellow {lucky} local or visiting for the weekend, we hope this gives you some peace of mind as you enjoy Charleston’s restaurant hospitality with your little ones in tow.

It IS possible enjoy eating out with your kids!

Holy City Brewing

The number one criteria on our list for passing the “can we take a baby there?” mark is space and escape. If a meltdown happens, how much of a scene will we create? Holy City hits the mark and blows past it when you add in the food and beer selection. With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, there is room for a stroller and large open doors for quick maneuvering. One look behind the bar and you will see the main attraction. SO MANY HOUSE BEERS ON TAP! Plus, they have a rotating housemade soda on tap – so if you’re pregnant or not a beer drinker, you still get to enjoy the local brewery experience. The menu is the perfect mix of pairs-well-with-beer bar food and those favorite Charleston flavors. Hands down my favorite item is the burger – topped with bacon, pimento cheese and a fried green tomato. I would venture to say it is my favorite burger ever.

As a bonus if you’re visiting in December, check the schedule for the holiday market. We experienced this beautiful trifecta for our son’s first visit to Santa: 1. no line, 2. no charge + a free instant photo and 3. mom and dad had a beer in hand. It. Does. Not. Get. Better. New family tradition in the books. We’re on year 2 and don’t plan to stop! Holy City Brewing is everything a brewery should be and totally baby friendly.

4155 Dorchester Rd, Charleston, SC 29405 // (843) 225-5623  holycitybrewing.com // 11-8pm Sunday-Thursday, 11-9pm Friday & Saturday

Leon’s Oyster Shop

We only recently added this to our list and we are so glad we did! Fresh seafood in a fun atmosphere is basically Charleston’s middle name – and Leon’s delivers. Converted from an old garage, Leon’s serves up oysters on the half shell, fried fish and chicken platters, healthier grilled options and frozen gin & tonics. Our number two criteria on the “can we take a baby there?” list is the noise level, AKA will they hear us?? The noise level at Leon’s is juuuusssst right to drown out any whimpers and whines without being too loud to enjoy a conversation. Free parking is available in their lot nearby which is always convenient with little ones in tow. We loved our recent visit and will surely be back soon!

698 King St, Charleston, SC 29403 // (843) 531-6500 // leonsoystershop.com 11-10 Sunday-Thursday, 11-11 Friday & Saturday

Mercantile & Mash

If we kept a tally of restaurant visits with a little one, this one would top the list for most visits. Mercantile & Mash, in the old cigar factory on East Bay, is our family’s favorite brunch spot. The food is on point (I highly recommend the Juevos Rancheros Wrap), the coffee is top notch, there is plenty of seating with high-top and low-top high chairs available (crossing off number three on our criteria list of accommodations) and as an added bonus, shopping! The “mercantile” offers a curated selection of local gifts, kitchen gadgets, and of course foods to take home. We love “The Merc” for allowing us to make our experience as quick or as leisurely as we choose.

701 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29403 // (843) 793-2636 // mercandmash.com // 7-7 Monday-Friday, 8-7 Saturday, 8-4 Sunday

5 Charleston Walks Your Kids Will LOVE

Rutledge Cab Co.

We first visited Rutledge Cab Co when I was pregnant – and their Fried Chicken Sandwich is the only food craving that persisted the remaining five months! This is another favorite brunch destination that we frequent when we’re hungry from something hearty but fresh and local. With number four on our baby criteria list being “containment”, the booths are also nice and large for that period of your dining experience when the high chair has lost its appeal, but you’re still trying to savor the last few bites of your meal. Come on, mommas, you know what I’m talking about! There’s also a huge enclosed patio, large bar with multiple TVs and the most clever finishings (i.e. antique augers on the light pendants!) I hear Rutledge Cab Co is best known for their mac ‘n cheese. I haven’t confirmed this for myself, so I guess we’ll just have to plan another trip! Oh shucks.

1300 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403 // (843) 720-1440 rutledgecabco.com // 11:30-10 Monday-Friday, 10-11 Saturday, 10-10 Sunday

The Workshop

With malls making their slow exit, I thought food courts were a thing of the past. Not so in Charleston! The Workshop is a brilliant concept that opened in 2017 on upper King in the Pacific Box & Crate complex. With six rotating kitchen + counter spaces on short term leases, new food concepts get the opportunity to share their culinary skills and test drive the restaurant business. The result is a lively location that is perfect for meeting up with other families (tons of indoor and outdoor help-yourself seating) or just a quick stop when you want quality food on a time crunch. For now we love going on Saturdays during the weekly farmer’s market, but I know this will one day be a favorite weekday dinner spot so everyone in the family can get just what they’re craving, with only one stop – since number 5 on our “can we take a baby there” list is options. Check out their website for a list of current vendors.

1503 King St, Charleston, SC 29405 // (843) 996-4500 workshopcharleston.com // 11-3 Monday, 11-9 Tuesday-Saturday, 10-9 Sunday

Flying with a little one?

Coastal Crust

If this place doesn’t scream “kid friendly” I don’t know what would! Coastal Crust offers up incredible artisan pizza, local beer, an outdoor area worthy for the big screen and A PLAYGROUND BUILT INTO A TRUCK! Yep, they did it. And it’s just as amazing as it looks. If it isn’t meal time, but you need a quick stop – Vintage Coffee is right there for your convenience.

219 Simmons St, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 // (843) 936-3199 // coastalcrust.com // 4-8 Monday-Thursday, 11-9 Friday-Saturday, 11-8 Sunday

Where family time shines

I had saved this space for our absolutely, positively favorite restaurant in Charleston – but my other half asked me not to share. It isn’t fancy, doesn’t have a seasonal menu, may make you think twice when you walk in the door, and that’s just what I love about it. They keep it simple to set the stage for our own family memories. It was the backdrop to our of first Charleston lunch date. It’s our “I don’t feel like cooking tonight, let’s eat out” answer. It’s where I get to sit across from my boys in “our booth” and share our highs and lows of the week. It checks off everything on our “can we take a baby there?” list and then some. We are forever regulars.

So where is that place for you? Where do you go time and again because the time with your people far outweighs the delight of the meal? Keep going there and don’t worry about telling the world about it. The perfect family outing doesn’t have to be Instagram worthy.

But if you haven’t quite found your spot yet – maybe something from this list will get you started. Have a favorite place that you do want to share? Comment below and we’ll be sure to check it out!!

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