If you are visiting the charming city of Charleston with your family, then tasting the best of southern cuisine should rank high on your bucket list. But are you worried that eateries located in historical buildings might not allow strollers? Or a fancy upscale restaurant might frown upon a toddler and his tantrums? These are legit questions that plague every parent. In that case, keep our list of top kid-friendly restaurants in Charleston SC handy. With our thoughtfully selected restaurants, picking your dining destination for any time of the day will be a mere cakewalk. Let’s dive right in!
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1. Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit, King Street
Begin your day with a scrumptious slice of history done in a dozen ways! Callie’s is a spot to have your local fill of southern biscuits in Charleston. They are famously handmade from scratch. They range from sweet to savory with various flavor combos like black pepper & bacon, buttermilk, country ham, cinnamon, and shortbread, etc. On special days, you can even get a biscuit bowl of shrimp and grits for that full southern kick.
Known for their cute grab-and-go counters peppered around the peninsula, parents can order ahead online. Pick up the biscuits if you’re on a tight clock and want to skip the line. What makes the King Street outlet of Callie’s one of the most family-friendly restaurants in Charleston SC is the convenience of stroller parking, counter service, and open kitchen. If you are unsure about whether your kids will like their biscuits or not, smartly opt for their smaller 2 X 2 inches ones that come in assorted flavors. But a sure-shot way to win your kid’s heart is to get them the Oreo crème cookie. Even the adults swear by it.
Website: https://calliesbiscuits.com/ Address: 476 1/2 King St, Charleston, SC 29403, United States Hours: Mon-Sun – 7 am – 2 pm Cost: $$
2. Daps Breakfast & Imbibe
If ample space is a deciding factor on your hunt for kid-friendly restaurants in Charleston SC, drop by Daps. Located away from the hustle-bustle of the main street, this laidback joint aptly upholds the Lowcountry vibe. Hog a table outside where you can chow down in peace with your little nomad running around on the patio. Come early as the place fills up pretty quickly with locals.
The atmosphere is relaxed, the staff is friendly, and the food is creative to boot. Please your budding gourmand with delicious breakfast choices like their fruity pebbles or a captain crunch pancake. And you focus on devouring tasty savory items like the fully loaded hashes, sumptuous sandwiches, or the breakfast burrito, a Daps’ classic. Get ready to split it with your partner as the portion sizes are generous. If boozy breakfast is your thing or you are a certified brunch lover, order some of their canned cocktails. You can also choose breakfast beers to liven things up.
Website: http://dapsbreakfast.com/ Address: 280 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC 29403, United States Hours: Mon – Sun – 8 am – 2 pm Wed- Closed Cost: $
3. Marina Variety Store Restaurant
No family trip to the city is ever complete without a visit to their stunning South Carolina aquarium. And for a delish dining option nearby, ahead of your visit or later, don’t look past Marina. Situated at a stone’s throw distance from the aquarium, Marina is a much sought-after kid-friendly restaurant in Charleston SC. Sample the coastline of Charleston as you sink your teeth into juicy grilled blue crab cakes and other freshly caught local seafood.
For a pocket-friendly Lowcountry cuisine experience, try their much-loved southern fares like crunchy fried green tomatoes or stone-ground grits. Children can be kept busy spotting sailboats or just reading quirky South Carolina facts on their colorful paper placemats. Alternately, you can also request crayons, and the staff will happily provide them. Gorge on some gorgeous marina views over the Ashley River as you revel in the old-school charm of the establishment.
Website: https://www.varietystorerestaurant.com/ Address: 9 Lockwood Dr, Charleston, SC 29401, United States Hours: Wed-Sun – 7 am to 9 pm Mon – Tues - Closed Cost: $$
4. Coastal Crust at Vintage Coffee Cafe
Here on Mt. Pleasant, a perfectly decked up, cute, and downright adorable 1930s vintage cottage awaits your arrival. It’s ideal for time traveling in a city already steeped in history. As the adults gather around the picnic tables munching on their thin-crust wood-fired pizzas in between sips of beer or wine, the little ones can make a beeline for the backyard.
This is one of those kid-friendly restaurants in Charleston that has struck a mindful balance between a child’s need and an adult’s passion for restoring retro cars. The owner has lovingly retrofitted a 1953 Chevy with slides. There’s a fire pole, and a rock-climbing wall that serves as a play area for the kiddos. When they run out of energy, fill them up with renewed gusto from an all healthy, fresh food menu. Just like their pizzas, the atmosphere of this place is indeed easy and light!
Website: https://www.coastalcrust.com/mount-pleasant Address: 219 Simmons St, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, United States Hours: Mon-Wed – 4 pm – 9 pm Thurs & Sun – 11 am – 9 pm Fri & Sat – 11 am – 10 pm Cost: $$
5. Mex 1 Coastal Cantina
Have you had your Lowcountry food fill and looking on the sides for something to break the monotony? We feel you and that’s why we have kept our recommendations for kid-friendly restaurants in Charleston SC a mixed-bag of cuisines and themes. Spike up your food time with the family with some premium infused tequila accompanied by a Baja Mexican fare in this surf-themed restaurant. They have three outlets – West Ashley, Sullivan’s Island and Park West, Mount Pleasant, and each one is praiseworthy.
They have successfully conjured up the spirit of a laidback coast cantina from the Baja peninsula with thoughtful beach-inspired installations. One outlet uses authentic surfboards while another has reclaimed an old boat for its custom woodwork. As part of their expansive food and drink menu, they offer melt-in-your-mouth margaritas, stellar microbrews, quesadillas, rice bowls, and tacos. They feature special kids menu designed around their palette and nutritional needs. All their restaurants are optimally boisterous and lively, and by that, we mean you don’t have to cringe if your kids have a meltdown in the middle of a meal. That and the tequila will see you through the mealtime.
Website: https://mex1coastalcantina.com/ Address: 817 St Andrews Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407, United States Hours: Mon – Sun – 11 am – 10 pm Cost: $$
6. Home Team BBQ, West Ashley
Needless to say, Charleston is dotted with BBQ joints, and picking one up for upscale yet casual dining is not a mean feat. On top of that, how can you be sure that it also falls in the category of kid-friendly restaurants in Charleston SC? Well, Home Team BBQ sure checks all the right boxes. Not only does it dish out a delightful array of perfectly smoked meat but each of their outlets offers something unique for the kids as well.
When it comes to BBQ, they rank easily in the top 5. Both locals and tourists can’t have enough of their fatty briskets, juicy pulled pork sandwiches, and smoky sausages as well as their Mac and Cheese, nachos, and collard greens. Kids can have their pick from a special menu of PBJs or cheese sandwiches, chicken tenders, or chicken wings. Kick back after a day of walking tours across the historical district, guzzle down some fine beer and watch your kids play under the shade of an oak tree as you make your way through some great BBQ.
Website: https://hometeambbq.com/ Address: 1205 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29407, United States Hours: Mon – Sun – 11 am – 12 am Cost: $$
7. Fleet Landing
You know what the Food-Fairy Godmother just whispered into the ears of the eager parents? They can have it all, after all! A complete experience of scrumptious food, crafty cocktails, speedy service, kids’ special menu, dollops of history, a nearby walking trail by the water, and some stunning views to top it all off with. Can they ask for anything more?
Overlooking the Charleston Harbour lays this retired naval building from the 1940s that houses this city-frequented restaurant. Because of all the magnificence that it offers, it makes for a nifty competitor to all the family-friendly restaurants in Charleston SC. Don’t miss out on their sustainably sourced local seafood, a great accompaniment to their equally yummilicious waterfront views from the wrap-around deck. Enjoy the sunset or moonrise with a sundowner as your kids busy themselves up with trying to spot local marine and wildlife in the nearby marshland.
Website: https://fleetlanding.net/ Address: 186 Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States Hours: Mon-Sun – 11 am – 10 pm Cost: $$
8. Magnolias
Dreaming for romantic dining with your S.O. but secretly dreading the kid who will tag along and mess with your elegant evening with no prior warning? Fear not! Park your woes with Magnolias. It provides an upscale setting with a mix of casual, spacious seating spread over multiple floors, a table laden with sophisticatedly plated Southern fare, quality bites for children from a packed kids menu, and reasonably priced plentiful portions that will make your pocket very happy. Can you think of any other kid-friendly restaurants in Charleston that meet parental demands with such style and substance?
This convenient Downtown Charleston restaurant is known for its contemporary interpretation of traditional southern-style food where the ingredient is the king. Shellfish over grits, Down South Egg Roll, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, she-crab soup, flounders, steaks, and seafood rice are a must-try. Pair it with their fantastic selection of alcoholic beverages. Don’t forget to reserve some tummy space for their phenomenal desserts though. Grab a seat on the second floor for a great view of the glorious Arthur Ravenel Bridge.
Website: https://magnoliascharleston.com/ Address: 185 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States Hours: Mon-Thurs – 11:30 am to 9 pm Fri – Sat – 11:30 am to 10 pm Sun – 11 am to 9 pm Cost: $$$
9. Tattooed Moose, Downtown Charleston
Have food take over your discipline duties for once (by keeping your kids’ mouths occupied with their yumminess) and unwind in peace with Tattooed Moose on your next dine-out! The kid’s menu here is the best amongst all the kid-friendly restaurants in Charleston SC. With their varied and fun choices like corn dogs, pulled pork, BLT, and other children’s regulars like chicken wings and fingers, this restaurant has aptly shown how to treat kiddo clientele with respect. Awww!
Besides their culinary adventures, there are tonnes of other things to keep the family busy here. The kids can play on pinball machines, explore video games or board games and write their names on the graffiti wall. The atmosphere here is rustic and relaxed with an eclectic and clean dive bar feel that is fit for a family. If indoor looks too crammed up, opt to sit outside at the picnic tables where kids can also run around freely.
Website: https://tattooedmoose.com/ Address: 1137 Morrison Dr, Charleston, SC 29403, United States Hours: Mon-Sun – 11:30 am – 2 am Happy Hours: 4 – 7 pm Cost: $
10. Amen Street Fish and Raw Bar
A seafood joint operating out of an architectural wonder dating back to the 1800s. You just can’t go wrong when you are dining at this French Quarter gem. After all, when you are in an area that is known for its fresh seafood, ignoring them is completely criminal. So don’t delay and show some love to the local fish & seafood industry by tucking into their day’s catch of plump shrimps, clams, mussels, oysters, and all the other underwater goodies.
And if you are anxious that your children’s raw bar or fish experience might stink, Amen has got a delightful and inexpensive children’s menu up its sleeve. No doubt that’s why they are a top choice when it comes to kid-friendly restaurants in Charleston for all the seafood lovers with families out there. Food aside, the interior is bright with a high ceiling and an elegant marble bar. They also offer booth seating and their staff are pretty attentive and accommodating.
Website: http://amenstreet.com/ Address: 205 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States Hours: Sun – Fri – 11:30 am - 9 pm Sat – 11 am – 9 pm
Conclusion
Charleston is a hub of the holy trinity (besides being THE Holy City) – history, culture, and Mother Nature’s bounty. And a lot of it is captured delightfully by the city on its plate. It is a great place to introduce your children to the warm hugs of southern hospitality. We hope with our selection of family-friendly restaurants in Charleston SC, you will have a worry-free time food hopping with your toddler in tow.
Suggested: Charleston With Kids: The Ultimate Travel Guide
