Local’s Guide: Best Brunch in Charleston

best brunch charleston sc

No matter the weather, Charleston is always a brunch town. Sunday mornings are dedicated to the art of the perfect brunch, whether that includes bottomless mimosas or cheesy grits that can cure any ailment. Here are our top 5 favorite brunches to enjoy on your Sunday morning in Charleston.

 

Saffron Bakery

Saffron Bakery has been the go-to local neighborhood Grill and Bakery since 1986. The saying, “Fresh out of the oven” is a reality thanks to the constant freshly baked bread and delicious pastries coming out of their kitchen. 

 

For over three decades, Saffron has stayed a constant in the community. Since the doors first opened, they have used local farmers and vendors whenever possible and continue to use the same tried and true recipes. Every Sunday, Saffron rolls out their Brunch Buffet, where you can find all of your favorite breakfast foods made fresh for only $14.95 a person! Before you leave, make sure to grab a few pastries to last you until your next visit!

 

Miller’s All Day

Why limit brunch hours? That’s the question Miller’s All Day answered when it opened. If the name is any indication, they focused on their belief that the best days start and end with a great breakfast and a great cocktail.

 

Upon entering Miller’s, you’ll go back in time to an old-school soda counter, with a prescriptions counter serving as a bar. Their specialty is their unicorn grits, thanks to their rarity and pink color. To pair with your breakfast meal, you can have your choice of classic breakfast beverages or try one of the cocktails meant (of course) for all times of the day! If cocktails aren’t your thing, a few Miller High Life Ponies to pay homage to the name should do the trick!

 

Page’s Okra Grill 

Page’s Okra Grill has been a classic Mount Pleasant institution since the beginning. Every year it comes as no surprise when they rack up rewards like; the best place for fried chicken and best place to take out-of-town guests.  

 

Page’s is located right off Shem Creek where you can start your day of fun with a true Charleston brunch! Southern Comfort is their specialty, with an emphasis on using local fares. The kitchen partners with local farms and seafood suppliers to create dishes that represent what is currently in season. The Bartenders use local spirits and create fresh house mixers to make various award-winning cocktails. There’s a reason the homemade Bloody Mary is continually awarded the title of “Charleston’s Best Bloody Mary”! 

 

Black Magic Cafe

Folly Beach for years has touted itself as “Charleston’s Beach Town”, cultivating a haven for hippies and beach lovers. This was where the creators of Black Magic Cafe saw an opportunity. There were no brunch and coffee shops on Folly, so they decided to create their own. 

 

The current black magic cafe on James Island is built from the ground up. The tables, the food, and everything in between were made from scratch. There is no shortage of color, which lends a happy atmosphere that makes you feel like family as soon as you step in the doors. On the weekends, you can always find a line out the door, but one that is always worth the wait when you can have a delicious cup of their coffee in your hand! You’ll find the menu packed with classic brunch items and an extensive cocktail list that changes with the seasons! There truly is something for everyone at Black Magic Cafe. 

 

Early Bird Diner

When it comes to a Sunday morning brunch there is nothing more classic than a diner. Early Bird Diner in West Ashley is one of the few found in Charleston and comes so highly rated that it was featured on an episode of Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives! 

 

Early Bird is all about the authentic diner feel; from the decor to the menu, you’ll have a hard time believing they’ve only been open since 2009! Early Bird is known as one of the best-fried chicken stops in Charleston, and it’s hard to escape without trying their take on chicken and waffles. Guy Fieri himself described all the flavors as “seeming so wrong, but are all so right”. The best part? You don’t have to limit yourself to brunch time here; order up your favorites at breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Make sure you squeeze in some room for their famous banana bread pudding or take the massive portion home for a midnight snack!