Stunter’s Holy City Handbook
By: Stunter S. Thompson @StephenASpliff1
Ah shit, here we go again. Another lap to the Lowcountry for a weekend run in the Holy City. Charleston is an incredibly colorful place—from Rainbow Row to the mannequins on King Street, southern fare and flair are on full display year-round for locals and tourists alike. Chucktown boasts a diverse, historic, and reputable hospitality portfolio. Establishments like FIG and Husk have brought home brass from the James Beard Foundation. Institutions like Hyman’s Seafood and Poogan’s Porch have provided generations of Americans with fresh chow to ease their troubled minds. Charleston is an incredibly rich place in more ways than one.
In an ode to a town I admire, enjoy, and frequent, I wanted to highlight a few phenomenal options for individuals who are new to town—or maybe just looking for something new. By no means is this list the end-all be-all of the Holy City, and I would love to hear your favorite spots in the comment section below. The barstool rodeo is in town!
Blind Tiger Pub
36-38 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29403
This pub has kept me fed, my glass full, and my heart happy for years. The name of the pub is derived from the name given to illegal drinking and gambling establishments in the late 1800s. The first “Blind Tiger” opened its doors in Charleston back in 1893, and since 1992 the Blind Tiger Pub has been a staple of downtown Charleston. I ate some of the best duck I’ve ever had at this bar after a snowstorm (yes, they can happen in SC). My friends and I drank immaculate frozen transfusions at this pub before the Saturday show of the 2023 run. Boy, that Donato character sure can play a guitar. What an awesome run!
Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ
1205 Ashley River Rd, Charleston SC 29407
A Charleston write-up for a Widespread Panic-centric publication would not be complete without discussing Home Team BBQ. The address for the first location is listed above; however, this fan favorite now has multiple locations across the Charleston area, so look for the spot closest to your Airbnb/hotel. Since 2006, Aaron Siegel and friends have been churning out a slew of South Carolina staples while growing across the state and country. Also, check their Instagram story before you order to make sure you do not miss out on any daily specials. Get a Gamechanger, and order the large one—you’re on vacation, act like it! You cannot go wrong with any items on their menu. Whenever friends come to visit and they want BBQ, we go to Home Team for Fried Ribs, Wings, Pork, Turkey, Hash & Rice, and a lot of Cerveza.
Shem Creek
Mount Pleasant, SC
This recommendation will be a little bit different compared to the first two, as I will be using the geographical area of Shem Creek instead of a specific restaurant or bar. This waterfront strip is ripe with great libations and views. This area might truly have one of the best sunsets in Charleston, so be sure to stop by the next time you are in town to check that out! I have had great meals at Saltwater Cowboys, and Red’s Ice House is the perfect pregame spot for any event in life—like Zac and Sydney’s rehearsal party! I hope you have a blast at the shows this weekend, and congratulations on the baby!
Holy City Brewing
1021 Aragon Ave, Charleston, SC 29405
This is, without a doubt in my mind, the best brewery in Charleston. Those are fighting words in the Lowcountry, as there are a plethora of phenomenal breweries—but I do not care. Holy City makes some of the best beer in the South—the Hazy Dice IPA stands out in a clouded IPA field. The Paradise Session beer is perfect 24/7, 365. I like to start with the Painkiller first in the taproom, then I’ll move to one of the aforementioned beers, and the Pilsner is in constant rotation at my home. You truly cannot go wrong with any of the beer selections. Did I mention they have a raw bar?
So, what’s on your Chucktown itinerary? Which spots have you bookmarked via IG reels and Twitter? I’d love to hear everyone’s favorite places to hangout…
Til next time! Safe travels everybody!
-Stunter