A South Carolina Dining Experience so Exceptional, It’s Nationally Recognized

South Carolinians know their Southern food. From Lowcountry delights like shrimp and grits and she-crab soup to barbecue, fried catfish, and sweet tea, you'll never go hungry in the Palmetto State. One Charleston, South Carolina, restaurant has remained a leader in Southern cuisine for decades, so much so that it has won some impressive national awards. Magnolias on East Bay Street won Trip Advisor's Travelor's Choice Award in 2024 and has held a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence since 1997.

Magnolias opened in 1990, serving traditional Southern food with an upscale, modern finesse. The restaurant's chef, Don Drake, began working there in 1991 as a sous chef. Drake published a book, Magnolias Classic Southern Cuisine: Collected Recipes from the Heart of Charleston, in 2023, with more than 100 of the restaurant's recipes.

Magnolias serves lunch, dinner, and brunch. The lunch menu features appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, and entrees, one sounding more delicious than the next. The Original Simmons, a fried chicken sandwich with pimento cheese and jalapeno-peach coleslaw, sounds absolutely delicious. The Blue Crab Bisque and Salmon BLT Salad, with beefsteak tomatoes, smoked bacon, and arugula, would make a truly spectacular lunch. The dinner menu includes an array of appetizers like Fried Green Tomatoes, Deviled Eggs, and Pan Seared Sea Scallops. Entrees include a Bourbon BBQ Glazed Pork Chop and Parmesan Crusted Market Catch, a mouthwatering combination of shrimp, asparagus, and a sweet corn and tomato salad. The brunch menu includes delectable breakfast items like Huevos Rancheros, Crab Benedict, and Pumpkin Latte French Toast.

Magnolias' atmosphere is comfortable and refined. The space is bright and inviting, with wooden floors, beamed ceilings, and large windows. The tables have white tablecloths, shiny silverware, and sparkling glassware. The restaurant's exterior exudes Southern charm with white woodwork and full-to-bursting flower boxes. Magnolias takes reservations and offers private dining in its Upper-Level Gallery, with two stunning dining rooms and a separate entrance.

For more details or reservations, visit Magnolias' website.

Charleston is one of South Carolina's best cities to visit. There are many unique things to do. The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon is a museum that was once a Revolutionary prison. There's also the South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston City Market, and the Fort Sumter National Monument. The area has many incredible hikes, including the West Ashley Greenway and the Low Battery Trail.

If you're interested in planning a getaway to the fantastic city of Charleston, consider staying at The Palmetto Hotel. The beautiful hotel is located in the city's historic district and offers a continental breakfast with each stay.