Over the past decade, travel and design publications and lifestyle influencers have featured Charleston’s architecture, restaurants, and shops.
The Holy City shares similarities with its other historical port cities along the East Coast—think Savannah, Georgia; St. Augustine, Florida; Alexandria, Virginia; and Newport, Rhode Island—and naturally has a lot to offer visitors of all ages.
My fiancé and I explored Charleston during Easter and the Christmas season this year, so it’s been a great opportunity to get to know a new city outside of the Northeast.
- About Cannonborough and Elliotborough Neighborhoods in Charleston, SC
- Bar & Restaurant Recommendations in Cannonborough, Elliotborough, and Nearby
- Where to Shop in Cannonborough, Elliotborough, and Nearby
- Where to Stay in Cannonborough and Elliotborough
About Cannonborough and Elliotborough Neighborhoods in Charleston, SC
First settled in 1785, Cannonborough and Elliotborough are historic neighborhoods in Charleston, South Carolina located on the southwestern part of the peninsula near the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and easily accessible to Route 17. Cannonborough and Elliotborough are also within walking distance of the College of Charleston and King Street, the popular shopping and entertainment area.
Unlike Harleston Village and French Quarter—more developed, higher traffic areas of Charleston for the average tourist—Cannonborough and Elliotborough are in the midst of a community-led revitalization to renovate homes and shops.
This unedited, authentic approach may be attractive to travelers looking to explore Charleston through a more local lens.
Some articles refer to the area as “up and coming” and warn visitors to stay aware of their surroundings. My fiancé and I did feel safe walking through the neighborhood, but it bears repeating to exert a basic level of common sense—and this applies to anyone traveling anywhere.
Bar & Restaurant Recommendations in Cannonborough, Elliotborough, and Nearby
It was a great relief to discover that Charleston is the perfect city for foodies. Many of the recommendations have roots in the Northeast before coming to Charleston.
There was a surprising variety of cuisines and a clear and present focus on natural wines. Each restaurant felt like going into someone’s home and sitting at the table for a special meal—quite literally, since most establishments are inside historic buildings. In true southern fashion, expect a warm welcome and plates full of delicious.
Kultura
Founded by Chef Nikko Cagalanan, a James Beard Finalist, his dishes introduced Filipino food and culture to Charleston and beyond. Cagalanan understands that the south is actually an ideal place for Filipino food because of the traditional pork dishes and rich desserts, and yet it is also easy to add a modern flair with fresh, local vegetables. Be sure to make a reservation for one of the best restaurants in South Carolina!
What to order: scallop adobo, duck, and pancit
Chez Nous
The European-inspired restaurant draws influences from southern France, northern Italy, and northern Spain. The menu changes daily—two appetizers, two entrées, and two desserts for both lunch and dinner service—to ensure that the kitchen uses the most fresh ingredients available. For wine lovers, there’s no shortage of great selections, so come thirsty.
Fun Fact: The owners recently opened a wine bar, La Bonbonnette, in Le Marais in Paris, France.
What to order: whatever is on the menu
Vern’s
In an interview with Charleston Magazine, Dano and Bethany Heinze, husband-and-wife duo, shared how they refined their skills in California before returning to their native Charleston to open Vern’s. Since opening in 2022, the Heinzes created a restaurant that epitomizes the experience of fine, creative dining in a warm, casual setting.
Fun Fact: In partnership with YETI and Modern Traveler, explore Basque country with the Heinzes on an 8-day adventure in August 2025.
What to order: golden beet salad, campanelli with rabbit
Little Line Kitchen and Provisions
This is the spot for a southern-style weekend brunch in Cannonborough and Elliotborough. Owners Jeff and Wendy Gleim—yes, another successful husband-and-wife team—worked in the food and beverage industry for over two decades before opening Little Line Kitchen and Provisions, according to an interview in Edible Charleston. I will continue to dream of this buttermilk biscuit until the next time I get to Charleston.
What to order: the breakfast potato stack, the buttermilk biscuit
The Tippling House
This recommendation is for the wine geeks, beverage industry folks, and novices alike. Matthew Conway, a former New Yorker of 17 years and native Californian, opened The Tippling House in 2020 to share his passion for wine. An award-winning sommelier with national recognition, you can expect an approachable wine list and incredibly insightful stories on what’s happening in the wine world. The wine bar also serves grab-and-go lunch during the day and tasteful small plates in the evening.
What to drink: whatever the staff recommends
Philosophers & Fools
An independent bookstore that also serves wine and beer? And also open late? Yes and yes. I was so thrilled to find this local gem while staying in Charleston.
What to order: a good read, a glass of wine, and a side of popcorn
Bedford Falls
If you’re visiting a city and plan on going out, it’s always important to know which restaurants keep their kitchens open late. My fiancé and I found Bedford Falls after landing in Charleston before midnight—thankfully the kitchen remains open until 12:30 AM. The family-owned restaurant, run by brothers Brendan and Brian Kirkpatrick, is a great spot to enjoy from lunch through late at night. The large patio, several big-screen televisions, and central location make it a perfect place to gather with friends.
Fun Fact: If you’re looking for a casual bar to catch the game or grab a few pints, visit the original Bedford Falls location in New York City’s Upper East Side at E 63rd and 3rd Avenue.
Holey City Bagels
Owners Greg and Bridget Odachowski grew up going to local bagel shops in New Jersey, so it only made sense to fulfill the need for good bagels in Charleston. Greg started Holey City Bagels in 2017 at the Charleston Farmers’ Market and has been at 43 Cannon Street since 2022. The bagel and coffee shop fills up fast, but it’s worth the wait.
What to order: asiago cheese bagel with butter; sausage, egg, and cheese on a jalapeno bagel
Caviar and Bananas
The local market and café based near King Street opened a new location right across from the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). While this is more of a grab-and-go establishment, this is great to keep in your back pocket for a quick coffee and breakfast during the week. Head to the original location on George Street on the weekend!
Porchetta
Another pick near the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) campus, the Italian sandwich shop serves all of its creations on fresh, fluffy focaccia bread. When you enter, walk towards the rear of the restaurant to give your order, then pay at the cashier.
Fun Fact: Check out Porchetta’s sister restaurants, Le Farfalle in downtown Charleston and Da Toscano in New York City’s Greenwich Village.
Legami
Located on upper King Street, Legami marks the first venture outside of New England for Washington Street Hospitality, the family-run restaurant group based in Newport, Rhode Island. According to Eater, the Ropolo family has roots in Turin, Italy, and Chef Andrea Congiusta, who hails from Rome, heads the restaurant concept driven by modern Italian with a touch of French influence.
What to order: beef cheek, ravioli, and a cocktail
Where to Shop in Cannonborough, Elliotborough, and Nearby
While Cannonborough and Elliotborough are continuing to develop, there aren’t too many shops that are geared towards short-stay visitors. Remember to include Philosophers and Fools in this lineup!
Pick up beautiful stationery and paper goods at The Paper Canopy. If you’re looking to write home or journal about your travels, you will find a beautiful card or stationery set as well as a selection of books and gifts. There’s a good selection for crafts and books for children as well.
Cheer up with a floral arrangement from Flowershop. If you find yourself in Charleston, South Carolina to visit a patient at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), I would strongly recommend calling ahead or stopping into Flowershop to buy a small floral arrangement. I didn’t know where to find flowers, but I was lucky enough to walk by Flowershop in the morning to get a custom piece. Even though the business is more focused on creating arrangements for weddings and events, this is well worth keeping in mind!
Head to King Street for shopping designer brands and local boutiques. If you head to King Street, you are guaranteed to find something. There’s Louis Vuitton and Gucci as well as souvenir shops, antiques, and plenty of other familiar brands. Feel free to wander along the sidestreets to discover more local gems for shopping and dining.
Where to Stay in Cannonborough and Elliotborough
Finding the right place to stay can make a significant positive difference, especially for longer visits.
In this case, my fiancé and I were in the area to visit a family member undergoing major surgery at MUSC, so we were looking for a place that was within walking distance of the hospital.
I discovered Town & Island Company properties while browsing on Expedia and found one of the properties in the Cannonborough and Elliotborough neighborhoods. The Cove property is a one-bedroom first-floor apartment with a spacious kitchen and comfortable king-size bed. We would definitely rebook this property again and look into Town & Island Company’s other properties in Nantucket, Aspen, or Telluride.
New England Parisienne 