BEST BRUNCH || CHARLESTON, SC
Weekend brunch really is the best! You have endless options, starting with the classic, savory avocado toast and ending with sweet, warm pancakes amidst a bed of fruit compote. To add to all the hype about brunch, I whipped together a post featuring my favorite brunch spots in Charleston!
Whenever I'm searching for a restaurant to eat at, I look for a place that offers plentiful vegan options with a modern/electric vibe, as I often find that these places typically offer wholesome foods made with fresh and few ingredients; i.e., no preservatives and names of ingredients that you can't pronounce. I enjoy healthy, guilt-free foods as I think they're better than the not-so-good alternatives, although I know that's quite controversial.
One of the first spots I popped into while visiting Charleston (before moving here) was The Park Cafe. Now only open for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, this hip spot emphasizes on local ingredients by offering trendy menu options such as avocado toast, veggie omelets with ~you guessed it~ avocado on top, house made granola paired with yogurt and, truly, the best fruit I've ever had, french toast, and creamy kale toast. This bright, airy spot featuring modern fixtures in a laid back setting with plentiful white tables and chairs has never disappointed me service or food wise.
The infamous Butcher and Bee is a spot not to be missed as it offers a rotating menu with seasonal, sustainable ingredients. Located just off Meeting Street and far enough away from the hustle and bustle from downtown, this hip spot has become my absolute favorite restaurant in Charleston. Never lacking variety, Butcher and Bee creates their menu by selecting only the freshest, finest ingredients. Each dish pops with wholesome flavor. Some of my yet-to-try menu items include any of their cold-pressed juices, brown rice bowl featuring seasonal veggies and almond butter, grits & greens, and zucchini & tomato on 7-grain bread! They all sound so lush.
New kid on the block, The Harbinger is, hashtag, goals. I mean this place is absolutely lush from the adorable ridged floral coffee cups to the bathroom wallpaper! I mean just look at it - it's absolutely stunning. Located at the north end of King Street where one can actually find (free) street parking, this modern, lively cafe & bakery is to die for. Apart from the fact that I could sit in here and take ~Instagrams~ all day long, the wholesome, healthy food is absolutely divine. Open daily, The Harbinger offers everything from sweet, rotating scones with cinnamon maple glaze to chia pudding infused with spirulina to savory savory salads, even alcoholic beverages, and of course house-made coffee and tea. I've yet to try their salads and scones, but the range of options is seemingly endless with filling, yet healthy toppings. Can you choose between the classic, savory "The Harbinger" frittata with herbs, white cheddar, and pickled jalapeños on ciabatta and the "June Bug" with strawberry chia compote, nut butter, and seeds on a ciabatta roll? This eclectic café offers everything from chia pudding, to cookies, to scones, to their infamous "Sunshine Bar" with a crust made of a fusion of sweet dates and savory almonds paired with a lemon coconut filling. Of course don't walk out without trying a maple latte made with almond milk at no extra charge. I could talk this place up all day long but I'll let you try it for yourself.
To top off my short list of my favorite brunch spots in Charleston, here is Huriyali Gardens. If you're feeling a super healthy, yet vibrant brunch, this is for sure the place to go. With filling açaí bowls made with your choice of classic açaí, dragon fruit, banana infused with avocado, or açaí paired with cacao and nut butter. From nutritious juices and smoothies to savory sandwiches, like the burrito made that can be made vegan (with chickpea mash) or vegetarian style (with classic eggs) filled with beans, cashier sour cream, peppers, avocado, and pineapple salsa this turquoise colored building owned by a couple that understands the fundamentals of wholesome eating is certainly a must-visit spot. You can even sit out in the outdoor garden and eat in a secluded spot encompassed with ever-present nature. Lovely.
Of course there are still so many brunch places I want to try out here in Charleston, and if you have suggestions, I'd love to read about them in the comments! What are your favorite brunch menu items?
