Burbage’s Grocery
Open since 1946, this corner grocery is a long-time favorite of residents. Locals head here for a cold glass-bottle Coke and never leave without lunch (barbecue sandwich, anyone?). 157 Broad St.; 843-723-3231
Brown’s Court Bakery
The classics—pillowy brioche, crusty baguettes, tangy sourdough boules—are well represented. But it’s head baker David Schnell’s creations such as Sriracha croissants, benne seed hamburger buns, and porter pretzel breads that you won’t find at just any bakery. 199 St Philip St.; brownscourt.com
Chez Nous
With only five tables downstairs and nine up, Chez Nous builds on the success of co-owners Patrick and Fanny Panella’s much-loved just-north-of-Broad wine bar, Bin 152, with adventurous French-focused fare. The menu changes daily, and, like the space, it’s small: two appetizers, two entrées, and two desserts. 6 Payne Ct.; cheznouschs.com
Elliotborough Mini Bar
Though this out-of-the-way salon is too small for a full kitchen, locals know to stop by on Tuesday nights for the intimate weekly pop-up dinners, hosted by a rotating cast of in-town guest chefs. But near-nightly live music, a diverse wine list, and a cozy corner table are reasons enough to come any evening. 18 Percy St.; elliotboroughminibar.com
Gaulart & Maliclet
Both suits and slackers find a steady flow of French-pressed coffee and croissants at Gaulart & Maliclet, also called Fast & French. 98 Broad St.; fastandfrenchcharleston.com
Martha Lou’s Kitchen
For more than twenty-five years, Martha Lou Gadsden has served lunch and dinner from this pink cinder-block hut by the railroad tracks. With eight dinner plates and twenty-six sides to choose from, there are plenty of tempting options, but the stewed cabbage with ham hock and red pepper makes you realize there’s more to life than collards. 1068 Morrison Dr.; marthalouskitchen.com
Moe’s Crosstown Tavern
Tucked away near Hampton Park, Moe’s Crosstown is a beer and burger institution. A great spot for sports fans, including those who want to watch the game and those who want to hustle on the pool table in the back. 714 Rutledge Ave.; moescrosstowntavern.com
The Park Cafe
Good food made with fresh regional ingredients doesn’t have to come with a fine-dining price tag. Let restaurateur Karalee Nielsen prove it to you at her full-service neighborhood café in Wagener Terrace. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the tucked-away eatery sits adjacent to Hampton Park. 730 Rutledge Ave.; theparkcafechs.com
Xiao Bao Biscuit
In the land of shrimp and grits, authentic Asian cuisine was pretty hard to come by until the husband-and wife team Joshua Walker and Duolan Li began serving their down-home brand of pan-Asian comfort food. 224 Rutledge Ave.; xiaobaobiscuit.com
