The 20 Best American Restaurants in South Carolina

Circa 1886 Restaurant offers refined cuisine in an elegant, historic setting that reflects the charm of Charleston. Thoughtfully prepared dishes and a well-considered wine selection are paired with attentive, knowledgeable service. The intimate ambiance and gracious staff make it a popular choice for memorable evenings and special occasions.

Stella's Southern Bistro offers refined Southern-inspired cuisine with thoughtful, creative touches, such as seasonal seafood preparations and inventive game dishes. Guests highlight consistently well-prepared food, from starters to mains, alongside a well-curated bar and wine selection. Attentive, personable service and a welcoming dining room create a comfortable setting for relaxed meals and special occasions alike.

Truffles Cafe offers a varied American menu with coastal touches, featuring items such as coconut shrimp, hearty salads, sandwiches, and housemade desserts like key lime pie. Guests note consistently flavorful dishes and freshly baked bread. Prompt, professional service and a comfortable, welcoming setting create an enjoyable dining experience.

The Establishment offers a refined, seafood-forward menu that highlights seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Dishes such as Thai curry stew and fresh local fish showcase thoughtful flavor combinations and careful preparation. A concise, creative menu, well-chosen wine list, and attentive, knowledgeable service contribute to a polished dining experience.

Burwell's Stone Fire Grill - Prime Steak & Fresh Seafood offers a polished steak and seafood experience in a lively, comfortable setting. Guests highlight expertly cooked steaks, fresh seafood such as grouper, and an interactive hot rock preparation that lets diners finish their meat at the table. Attentive, personable service and thoughtful touches contribute to an engaging, social meal.

Hot Fish Club offers coastal seafood dishes in a lively, welcoming setting. Guests highlight specialties such as lobster pot pie, a generous seafood platter, creative seafood cakes, and house-made key lime pie. A well-stocked bar and attentive staff add to the experience, with an enclosed patio providing a quieter option with scenic views.

Mill Pond Steakhouse offers refined Southern cuisine with touches of traditional colonial favorites in an intimate, comfortable setting. Steaks are a highlight, complemented by dishes such as lamb with peppermint jelly, as well as well-prepared cocktails and desserts. Attentive, knowledgeable service and pleasant views contribute to a relaxed yet polished dining experience.

Breakwater Restaurant & Bar offers contemporary Southern-inspired cuisine with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood, from she-crab soup and shrimp and grits to nightly fish specials. Skillfully prepared dishes such as sea scallops with an Asian-style glaze and lamb meatloaf show a creative approach in the kitchen. Attentive service and thoughtful touches create a polished, welcoming dining experience in downtown Beaufort.

Anson Restaurant offers polished Lowcountry-inspired cuisine, featuring seafood specialties, steak, and regional classics like she-crab soup and fried green tomatoes. Guests appreciate the cozy interior with historic architectural details and appealing upstairs seating. Attentive, welcoming service and a well-regarded wine selection contribute to a relaxed yet refined dining experience.

Soby's offers polished American cuisine with carefully prepared seafood, steaks, and seasonal salads. Guests highlight well-executed dishes such as crab cakes, snapper, and filet, along with thoughtfully composed starters like beet salad and calamari. Service is attentive and accommodating, including for special dietary needs, and the energetic bar and welcoming staff contribute to an engaging dining atmosphere.

Located on the Clemson University campus, 55 Exchange specializes in house-made ice cream crafted with products from the agricultural program. Classic and creative flavors are served by student staff in a simple, nostalgic setting. The shop also offers the university’s well-known blue cheese, including traditional cuts and curds.

Well Hung Vineyard - Restaurant pairs its wines with a bistro-style menu in a comfortable setting offering both indoor and outdoor seating. Staff are noted for their knowledge of the wine list and their attentive, accommodating approach. Guests highlight sharable boards alongside dishes such as blackened salmon and tender short ribs, creating a relaxed setting for both small parties and larger groups.

Oscar's offers a menu of American comfort fare with a focus on seafood, including popular shrimp and grits and baked scallops. Guests describe the food as well-prepared, from hearty chef’s specials to classic desserts like crème brûlée. Attentive, personable service and comfortable booth seating contribute to an inviting dining experience.

Rudy Royale offers a modern take on Southern comfort cooking, featuring dishes like crisp fried chicken, creamy macaroni and cheese, and seasonal appetizers such as fresh peaches. Guests describe the food as flavorful and thoughtfully prepared, from sides and salads to rich desserts like chocolate buttermilk pie. A warm, inviting dining room and attentive, knowledgeable service create a relaxed experience in a convenient downtown location.

Skull Creek Dockside offers coastal and Lowcountry-inspired seafood with scenic dock and sunset views. Guests choose between indoor comfort and breezy outdoor seating in a casual, lively setting. Dishes such as fish and chips or stuffed trout with crab are noted for their flavor, and service is described as prompt and welcoming.

Braza Do Sul Brazilian Steakhouse offers a traditional Brazilian steakhouse experience highlighted by richly seasoned meats and an abundant selection of dishes. Guests note the kitchen’s flexibility with special requests and the consistently flavorful preparations, including festive holiday offerings. Courteous, attentive staff help create a polished yet welcoming dining experience.

42nd Street Bar and Grill offers modern American cuisine with an emphasis on seafood, steaks, and smoke-infused dishes presented under glass domes. Guests highlight flavorful preparations such as duck, grouper, salmon, and rich desserts like caramel cheesecake. Creative cocktails, including signature martinis, complement the meal. Attentive service and an inviting atmosphere round out the experience.

Truffles Cafe offers an upscale dining experience with a broad selection of dishes, from beef and chicken to seafood and pasta. Guests highlight consistently well-prepared, thoughtfully presented plates made with fresh ingredients. The polished, comfortable setting and attentive, knowledgeable service contribute to a reliable, refined meal, with desserts such as key lime pie often noted.

Fish Market offers a seafood-focused menu with options such as shrimp and grits, scallops, and seasonal fish, alongside salads and shared starters. Guests note the appealing brunch selection and well-prepared entrees. Set in a distinctive, house-like building in Baxter Village, it features both indoor seating with a bar and an inviting outdoor patio. Attentive service and a relaxed atmosphere contribute to a pleasant dining experience.