Where Are the Best Breakfast Spots in Charleston, SC?

There is no better way to begin a day in Charleston than with a freshly cooked breakfast. Fortunately, those living or visiting in the city will find many delicious breakfast spots. From quaint cafés to simple diners, there are plenty of places to get breakfast in Charleston, South Carolina.

Another Broken Egg Café

Address: Another Broken Egg Café, 99 S Market St, Charleston, SC 29401

Another Broken Egg Café is a Charleston establishment with chef-inspired breakfast meals for those who want to start their day off with a creative yet filling meal. This favorite breakfast spot appeals to families because the extensive menu has a wide variety of options for adults and kids. The menu is filled with classic breakfast meals that all children love. Of course, the brunch and breakfast cocktails are a popular way to top off the weekend meal. This restaurant opens daily at 7 am, allowing people to indulge in their favorite meal and a cup of coffee as soon as they wake up for the day.

Fast & French

Address: Fast & French, 98 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401

Fast & French specializes in French cuisine. On the menu, indulge in French-inspired breakfast choices, including filled croissants or fresh fruit and goat cheese. Try the signature breakfast plate with sliced ham, Swiss cheese, baguette, and fresh fruit. Located near the city market, this café has been a staple in the city since 1984. It opens Monday through Saturday at 8 am. Expect a beautifully decorated, intimate venue where the focus is on enjoying quality, not speed.

Early Bird Diner

Address: Early Bird Diner, 1644 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407

The Early Bird Diner is the Charleston spot for breakfast that combines the tradition of a classic diner with the demands of contemporary customers. Discover an eclectic menu that takes a modern twist on many Southern breakfast favorites. While every meal served at this restaurant is delicious, many find the chicken and waffles are the most popular items on the menu. And how can you go wrong with pecan-fried chicken tenders? Early Bird also brings in daily specials and seasonal items.

Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit

Address: Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit, 476 1/2 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

Not everyone wants to start off the day with a large entrée that includes several side dishes. Those searching for grab-and-go Southern breakfast will love Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit. Its breakfast menu is full of Southern classics. This Charleston restaurant specializes in homemade buttermilk breakfast biscuits and biscuit breakfast sandwiches. Sweet treats and savory options are available so that people of all tastes and preferences can find something they love. This restaurant opens at 8 am Thursday through Sunday, so it’s a popular weekend breakfast spot, always offering fresh ingredients. Try creations like the goat cheese biscuit, or go classic with sausage gravy.

Toast! All Day

Address: 453 King Street Charleston, SC 29403

Local favorite chain, Toast! All Day has six area locations, including Summerville and Mt. Pleasant. This award-winning breakfast joint celebrates the opulence of Southern cuisine with twists on all the classic favorites. Fried Sweet Tea Chicken? Surf and Turf on a biscuit? Who would have thought? It opens at 6 a.m. for the early risers who may need a cup of coffee and whips up one stellar brunch on the weekends. The extensive menu includes a kid section and a to-go menu. Go online to see wait times and join the waitlist queue.

Daps Breakfast & Imbibe

Address: 280 Ashley Ave Charleston, SC 29403

At the intersection of Shaley Ave and Nuna St, Daps Breakfast & Imbibe is a neighborhood coffee shop and all-day breakfast joint serving classic brunch dishes with a side of Southern charm. Expect comforting menu items and a variety of morning drinks—shout out to their breakfast wines, but you can also find classic mimosas and signature cocktails like their sake-infused bloody marys. Try Daps Breakfast & Imbibe’s fluffy pancakes, breakfast burritos, and French toast.

Lost Dog Cafe

Address: 106 W Huron Ave Folly Beach, SC 29439

If you’re a hungry pet lover roaming Folly Beach, all roads lead to Lost Dog Cafe. This laid-back beach breakfast spot serves locals and tourists a gathering place with friendly service and mouthwatering locally-sourced food. To treat your tastebuds, their very own huevos rancheros, the whistlin’ dixie shrimp and grits, or the very Southern biscuits & homemade sausage gravy are solid choices. On the go? Grab the quickest breakfast items, like the cream cheese bagel. To drink, go with Brunch options like Bloody Marys and mimosas or something from the coffee & tea menu.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Breakfast Restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina

What is Charleston’s signature food?

Charleston’s signature food is, wthout a doubt, the shrimp and grits, a classic deeply rooted in the Lowcountry culinary tradition. This iconic, delicious plate of food tells the area’s history by combining fresh ingredients: locally sourced shrimp and creamy, stone-ground grits. The dish that started its days as a simple yet sturdy fisherman’s breakfast made its way into many of Charleston’s top restaurants. Its variations include additions like homemade sauces and bacon.

Is Charleston a foodie town?

Charleston is recognized as a foodie town, earning national fame for its avant-garde culinary scene. The city has many oyster shacks and barbecue joints but also high-end restaurants, including several James Beard Award-winning locales. Places like Husk, FIG, and The Ordinary often get first spots in “best of” lists in food publications. The local cuisine is celebrated for its innovative takes on traditional Southern and Lowcountry preparations. There are also food festivals taking place in Charleston every year, including the Charleston Wine + Food Festival.

What is the best street in Charleston for restaurants?

Looking for where to eat in South Carolina? These are the best streets in Charleston, SC, for food enthusiasts looking to try delicious meals:

1. King Street: This iconic street has a vibrant culinary scene. It mixes upscale dining, trendy eateries, and casual spots. Notable restaurants along King St include The Ordinary, Husk, and Fig.
2. East Bay Street: East Bay Street is near the waterfront and is famous for its historic charm and mouthwatering seafood. Top restaurants include High Cotton, Fleet Landing, and SNOB (Slightly North of Broad).
3. Queen Street: This street is known for being the home to some of Charleston’s most beloved eateries: Poogan’s Porch and 82 Queen. Both restaurants offer traditional Lowcountry cuisine. There are also cozy cafes and restaurants with breakfast menus here.
4. Market Street: Near the Charleston City Market, this street has everything from casual spots to fine dining. Hank’s Seafood Restaurant and Peninsula Grill are some options in the area.
5. Meeting Street: Another celebrated street among foodies, Meeting Street’s dining options include The Grocery and Charleston Grill, known for its elegant Southern cuisine.

What are popular breakfast dishes in South Carolina?

Southern-style breakfast dishes are commonly a blend of traditional favorites with creative twists in SC. Fluffy biscuits served with sausage gravy or as part of a hearty breakfast sandwich (often chicken biscuit sandwich), often accompanied by pimento cheese, are Southern favorites of the breakfast cuisine. Other local breakfast dishes are the shrimp and grits, a Lowcountry classic, and breakfast burritos with Southern flair. Creative coffee and boozy breakfast drinks and beverages are common, often enjoyed with classic dishes like avocado toast, salmon toast, or a hot-pressed breakfast sandwich. All-day breakfast joints are also a thing in Charleston. Banana bread, cream cheese style bagels or French toast is a great choice for those with a sweet tooth, paired with a French press coffee. A popular choice in the local Brunch menus.

Why is Folly Beach so popular?

Folly Beach is popular for its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful shoreline, and diverse recreational activities. Just a short drive from downtown Charleston, it offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and vibrant beach culture. Visitors flock to Folly Beach for its expansive, sandy beaches, ideal for sunbathing, surfing, and fishing.

Breakfast in Charleston

For those who live and work in Charleston, plenty of perfect spots for breakfast in the city serve quick, convenient, and nourishing meals. Start your day at any of these welcoming breakfast restaurants, where everything is served with a heaping side of Southern hospitality and plenty of Southern charm. Not looking for breakfast? Check out our picks for the best lunch and dinner spots in Charleston.

Updated February 2024