The BEST Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Charleston, SC (2023)
As dog owners, we understand the struggle of finding a great restaurant that also welcomes our furry friends. That's why I've put together this list of the best dog-friendly restaurants in Charleston to help my fellow puppy parents.
From casual BBQ joints to sophisticated fine dining establishments, Charleston, SC has something for every taste and budget. So grab your leash and let's go explore the delicious dining options that the city has to offer for both you and your four-legged companion.
Eli's Table
image via Eli's Table Instagram
Eli's Table is a popular restaurant located in the heart of Charleston, South Carolina along Meeting Street. The menu at Eli's Table features an array of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients prepared by the kitchen for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This high-end bar & eatery features a warm interior with great artwork and cozy wood floors.
The amazing staff keeps your drinks filled while listening to jazz in the background and deciding what to eat. The soups are always great and their take on shrimp & grits and fried chicken pirleau are must-try, too. For brunch, you have to try their fried chicken & sweet potato waffles with maple bacon syrup!
And while this spot may seem a little too high-end to bring your pooch, their dog-friendly patio is a great spot to bring your pup and enjoy great drinks and food. The patio is surrounded by trees and is exceptionally pretty at night when it's lit up.
Brown Dog Deli
image via Brown Dog Deli Instagram
The Brown Dog Deli is a beloved local spot in Charleston located on Broad street, known for its delicious sandwiches, salads, and other tasty eats. Located in a charming storefront in the heart of the city, the deli inside is small and quirky but has a welcoming atmosphere, with friendly staff and a menu that caters to a variety of tastes.
One of the standout items on the menu at Brown Dog Deli is the sandwiches, which are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and served on a variety of artisanal bread. The fried green tomato & pimiento cheese BLT and the Pig 'N Fig are among my favorites. The deli also offers a selection of salads, hot dogs, and other light fares including vegetarian options.
In addition to its tasty food and friendly service, the Brown Dog Deli is also known for its dog-friendly outdoor seating. They even have a dog menu for your pooch to dine right along with you! For a great local spot where both tourists and locals visit, you can't go wrong stopping by.
Three Little Birds Cafe & Catering
image via Three Little Birds Instagram
Three Little Birds Cafe & Catering is a popular cafe and catering company located in James Island, South Carolina tucked in behind the South Windermere Shopping Center. The cafe serves all-day breakfast and lunch items, including sandwiches, wraps, salads, and pastries. They also offer a selection of coffee, tea, smoothies, and more.
Three Little Birds also offers a range of catering options for events and parties, including corporate events, weddings, and other special occasions. The cafe is known for its cozy atmosphere, huge portions, and delicious food like its famous Peanut Butter Banana French Toast.
But what about dining with your dog? Their dog-friendly outdoor seating features six tables to choose from but plan to wait if you go during their popular Sunday Brunch.
FUEL Charleston
image via FUEL Instagram
FUEL is a low-key "island-inspired" cantina that was a filling station in its previous life. Located in downtown Charleston on Rutledge Avenue, this spot with a retro vibe was once featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives".
FUEL's menu features a pub-inspired menu with a Caribbean flavor and large portions. I recommend the fish tacos, but that's just me. But if that's not your thing, there are burgers, salads, wings, and more to choose from. And if you're in the island spirit and need to whet your whistle - try their delicious Dark + Stormy cocktail.
The restaurant has a great outdoor patio area where dogs are welcome to join their owners while they eat. Everyone who dines here heaps loads of praise on the service and prices, but pro tip: if you're looking for laid-back, avoid Trivia Night which can get a little rowdy.
Crave Kitchen & Cocktails
image via Crave Kitchen & Cocktails Instagram
Crave Kitchen & Cocktails serves what they call "American Comfort Food" in their spot on Riviera Drive in Mount Pleasant, SC. What was once the old Big Boy restaurant has now been converted to a stylish eatery with a great food selection serving lunch, dinner, and brunch on the weekends.
I highly recommend the avocado toast for brunch - served on challah bread, and topped with a poached egg - it's absolutely delicious. Other popular menu items at Crave include braised short-rib gnocchi and Scallops. The cocktails are also noteworthy - I particularly enjoyed "Virgil's Bourbon Tea."
While the restaurant is on the smaller side, their year-round patio is the perfect place to enjoy a meal with a furry friend, not to mention their friendly staff makes dogs and humans alike feel right at home.
39 Rue de Jean
image via 39 Rue de Jean Instagram
39 Rue de Jean is a quaint French cafe in Charleston between Meeting and King streets, right around the corner from The Dewberry hotel. The place has a sophisticated and intimate atmosphere with a Parisian ambiance, and the food is top-notch. The menu at 39 Rue de Jean features a variety of traditional French dishes, including escargot, Croque madame, and coq au vin but there are tons of other tough-to-choose dishes on the menu.
I usually go for the onion soup - it's rich and flavorful, and the cheesy, toasty bread on top is yummy. The steak frites are also a standout dish - the steak is cooked to perfection and there are a bunch of sauces to choose from.
The bar's sidewalk patio is dog-friendly and your furry companion gets a water bowl right alongside your water from the outstanding waitstaff. While they take walk-ins, I suggest a reservation unless you're ok with waiting for your table.
Ellis Creek Fish Camp
image via Ellis Creek Fish Camp Instagram
Ellis Creek Fish Camp is a marsh-side restaurant located on Harbor View Road in James Island, South Carolina. The atmosphere is a laid-back/casual vibe and the menu features a variety of seafood dishes, including oysters, shrimp, and fish.
One of my favorites on the menu at Ellis Creek Fish Camp is the shrimp plate with fries - the shrimp are as fresh as can be and go great with a cold beer. But the menu features a wide selection that has something for everyone - even your dog - there's a dog menu just for them!
The outdoor seating is large and dog-friendly with picnic tables and booths, as well as marsh side spots that offer plenty of room for your entire group.
Taco Boy
image via Taco Boy Instagram
The Taco Boy location in downtown Charleston has been and continues to be a great place to take your dog when you're craving great Mexican fare. The atmosphere is fun and lively, and the food and drinks are always delicious.
If you've read any reviews for Taco Boy, you know the margaritas are top-notch so if you're in the market - this should be your go-to spot.
One of the best things about Taco Boy is the dog-friendly outdoor patio. This is such a great feature for dog owners, and it adds to the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant. Umbrellas and trees offer plenty of shady spots to keep the pup cool and staff are more than happy to provide a dog bowl of water when requested.
Ms. Rose's Fine Food & Cocktails
image via Ms. Rose's Fine Food Instagram
The outdoor patio is the place to be for dog-friendly dining at Ms. Rose's Fine Food & Cocktails.
This spot located in West Ashley, SC frequently holds events like Mimosas & Mutts and costume contests that only add to the dog-friendly vibe here.
While your pup enjoys a big bowl of water, you can enjoy an amazing menu from Ms. Rose's filled with southern-inspired dishes and some great craft cocktails for the friendly and attentive staff. Order yourself a plate of their famous fried chicken with mac-n-cheese, and don't forget the bloody mary bar if you're there at brunch.
Lost Dog Cafe
Lost Dog Cafe is a charming restaurant located in the popular beach town of Folly Beach, South Carolina serving breakfast and lunch. With its name, its walls lined with pics of dogs, and a large covered outdoor patio, how could this place NOT be dog-friendly?!
The food here is always amazing and a cup of coffee and a plate of biscuits and gravy to start the day is just what the doctor ordered before beach bum-ing your heart out. But if you're looking for something less heavy, the menu at Lost Dog Cafe has plenty of deliciousness to choose from. The staff is super attentive to guests and their pups, providing water bowls and lots of attention.
Saturdays are the busiest and during tourist season, be prepared for a small wait on just about any day but it's well worth it!
Conclusion
The Charleston area offers a wide variety of dog-friendly restaurants for those who want to enjoy a meal out with their furry companions. So, if you've been wanting to visit but couldn't bear the thought of leaving your furkid at home - not to worry, go ahead and bring fido! There are tons of options from Mount Pleasant, to West Ashley, to Folly Beach, and more.
And, if you've been considering moving to Charleston and are a dog owner, you can rest assured there are plenty of options for dining out with your pooch. If you have any questions about the area or are looking for more information, don't hesitate to get in touch!
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