Gluten Free Guide to Eat: Charleston
This past week dad turned the big 5-0! It also happened to fall on Easter weekend this year, so the whole family converged upon Charleston to have a long weekend together. I have been to Charleston before but the rest of the family experienced this sweet Southern town for the first time. I love Charleston for it's culture, it's history but most importantly...it's food! If you're a foodie you have to make Charleston a top destination. Even if you're cursed with a lovely gluten intolerance like me, you'll find some amazing options for you as well!
Here is a list of some gluten-free or gluten-free places to stop in Charleston
Fleet Landing
186 Concord St. Charleston, SC 29401
What to get: seafood with a view
Menu - they have a specific "gluten free" menu in house, just ask!
If you're here in the spring, bring a jacket and sit outside on one of the only waterfront restaurants in Charleston. Their menu is predominately
seafood but they do have a chicken, pasta and red meat option for those who aren't sea-dwellers.
Another Broken Egg Cafe
99 Market Street #4, Charleston, SC 29401
What to get: gluten free pancake
Menu - they have 'gluten free' items on the menu
Another Broken Egg is a chain in the South, great traditional Southern breakfast staples. I've found that each one is a tad different with their gf options, so just ask; some have gluten free bread and others don't. However the pancake was as big as the plate- literally HUGE! I couldn't finish the whole thing, so you may want to split it.
Magnolia
185 E Bay St. Charleston, SC 29401
What to get: shrimp and grits -- some of the BEST I've ever had
Menu - they have a physical gluten free menu and went above and beyond to make sure my meal was safe, the chef even came out to my table! A++
Literally can NOT recommend this place enough. The atmosphere is charming and elegant with Southern touches. The food was phenomenal and the staff was outstanding. Pricey but worth a splurge if you're looking for an amazing evening out in Charleston.
Five Loaves Cafe
Multiple locations
Bakery Downtown: 43 Cannon Street, Charleston, SC 29403
Cafe: 1055 Johnnie Dodds Blvd #100, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
What to get: 1/2 a gluten free sandwich and 1/2 a fabulous salad and save room for their yummy desserts- get the blondie if they have it that day
Menu - They have daily specials + normal menu items. Salads, sandwiches (with gluten free bread options)
We drove to the Mt. Pleasant location (just a short 5-10 minute drive from downtown) and it was an absolutely adorable location. The cafe is so funky and zen complete with outdoor seating. Even my non-gluten free people found things they enjoyed as they have 'normal' bread options as well. I love that you can do 1/2 and 1/2 with gluten free bread, salads, soup etc. so you can try a little bit of both.
Nothing Bundt Cake
1145 Johnnie Dodds Blvd #105 Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
What to get: Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Bundt
Menu - only one option, but that's better than none right?!
Nothing Bundt Cake is a national chain I discovered about a year ago and they only have one gluten free option at the moment (chocolate chip bundt) but it is d-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s! Seriously, you wouldn't know it's gluten free in my opinion (or maybe I just don't remember what gluten stuff tastes like anymore). It's right next to Five Loaves Cafe so it's worth it to bop in and grab one for later!
Hominy Grill
207 Rutledge Ave. Charleston, SC 29403
What to get: the "vegetable" plate with gluten-friendly choices (which a.k.a are so not 'healthy' veggies but so good)
Menu: They had a specific GF menu so ask for that when you sit down
We walked from downtown which was about a mile walk (you can walk it but warning, you may walk through some not-so-great parts of town). Get there for a cocktail outside on the patio while you wait for your table to be ready. It's a perfect spring evening spot. Inside is rustic, Southern and country. I love it!
Palmetto Cafe (Brunch)
Inside the Belmond Hotel - 205 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401
What to get : We did Sunday brunch which had plenty of gf options for morning including mimosa's!
Menu - Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch only
I've been eyeing this place for a while to try, and Easter brunch seemed like the perfect opportunity to try it. I'm glad we did. Brunch was a tad pricey but the atmosphere is breath-taking, the food was delicious and the staff was friendly and attentive. I'd recommend a nice dress attire: men in slacks and button up, women in something other than workout clothes or jeans. Not required, but recommended!
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You could spend months and months here and not try every amazing restaurant they have on King Street and East Bay Street (and everywhere else in between) but I hope this helps give you a little insight to some great finds! You can be gluten free and not have to sacrifice flavor or options!