Charleston City Paper - Best of Charleston 2023

EDITOR and PUBLISHER

Andy Brack

ASSISTANT PUBLISHER

Cris Temples

MANAGING EDITOR

Samantha Connors

NEWS

Staff: Skyler Baldwin, Herb Frazier, Chelsea Grinstead, Chloe Hogan, Hillary Reaves

Contributors: Michael Pham

SALES

Advertising Director: Cris Temples

Account team: Kristin Byars, Ashley Frantz, Crystal Joyner, Mariana Robbins, Gregg Van Leuven National ad sales: VMG Advertising More

DESIGN

Art Director: Scott Suchy

Art team: Déla O’Callaghan, Christina Bailey

DISTRIBUTION

Circulation team: Chris Glenn, Robert Hogg, Stephen Jenkins, David Lampley, Spencer Martin, John Melnick, Tashana Remsburg

It’s the best time of the year, y’all — Best of Charleston 2023 is here! This year, we’re taking our celebration to the streets, highlighting murals and public art. So break out your paint-splattered overalls and shake up your spray paint cans for this street art themed edition of Best of Charleston.

Congratulations to all the 2023 winners who captured the hearts (and votes) of Charleston City Paper readers. Inside this issue, you’ll find more than 400 categories with readers’ favorite people, places and businesses. We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know — from where to find the best cocktails in town and which new restaurant to try to who you should call when looking for a new pet trainer or physician — and everything in between.

Learn more about dozens of winners from our featured profiles and interviews with longtime champs and those who are new to the Best Of club. Flip through this issue to find your next favorite workout studio or a local farm to support. However you choose to use this information, tip your hat to the locals who keep our community running and make Charleston the place we know and love. —Samantha Connors

Politics, News and the Media

Best Charlestonian Darius Rucker

Best City Council Member Mike Seekings

Best City Paper Cover Story ”Our roads suck,” Aug. 24

Best Conservative Tim Scott

Best County Council Member Jenny Honeycutt

Best Do-Gooder/Activist Rob Fowler

Best Local Cause Charleston Animal Society

Best Local Instagram @holycitysinner

Best Local Radio Personality Brooke Ryan, Two Girls & a Guy on Mix 95.9

Best Local Radio Show Two Girls & a Guy on Mix 95.9

Best Local Social Media Influencer Holy City Sinner, @holycitysinner

Best Local TV Anchor Carolyn Murray, News 2

Best Local TV Sports Anchor Kevin Bilodeau, Live 5 News

Best Local TV Station Live 5 News

Best Local TV Weather Forecaster Bill Walsh, Live 5 News

Best Local Twitter Feed @Live5News

Best Local Website live5news.com

Best News Story of 2022 The Murdaugh murders

Best Newspaper Columnist Warren Peper

Best Philanthropist Anita Zucker

Best Progressive Joe Cunningham

Best Radio Station 105.5 The Bridge

Best S.C. Politician Tim Scott

Best School Board Member Carol Tempel

Best Talk/News Radio Station South Carolina Public Radio

Attractions and City Living

Best Annual Outdoor Event Holiday Festival of Lights

Best Apartment Community The Jasper Apartments

Best Attraction The Battery

Best Bed & Breakfast Post House Inn

Best Charter School James Island Charter High School

Best College College of Charleston

Best Daycare Carolina Park Academy

Best Farmers Market Charleston Farmers Market

Best Festival Charleston Wine + Food

Best Fundraising Event Cooper River Bridge Run

Best Hotel The Charleston Place

Best Neighborhood Park Circle

Best Place of Worship Seacoast Church

Best Place to Work Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)

Best Pop-up Market Holy City Vintage Market

Best Preschool The O’Quinn Schools

Best Private School Bishop England High School

Best Public School Wando High School

Best Public Space Riverfront Park

Best Sunset Spot Pitt Street Bridge

Best Sustainable Business SMART Recycling

Best Tour Company Bulldog Tours

Culture, Arts and Entertainment

Best Art Exhibit of 2022 Beyond Van Gogh

Best Art Gallery Redux Contemporary Art Center

Best Art Instruction Gibbes Museum of Art

Best Club DJ DJ Natty Heavy

Best Cultural Event Spoleto Festival USA

Best Drag Show Dudley’s on Ann

Best Female Vocalist Lauren Hall

Best House/Cover Band The Midnight City Band

Best Jazz & Blues Club The Commodore

Best Karaoke Night The Bangkok Lounge

Best Local Actor

Colin Waters, The Addams Family at Charleston Stage

Best Local Actress

Eliza Knode, The Addams Family at Charleston Stage

Best Local Author Mary Alice Monroe

Best Local Band The Midnight City Band

Best Local Comedian Laura Dixon

Best Local Podcast Lowcountry Lowlifes

Best Local Theater Company Charleston Stage, Dock Street Theatre

Best Local Visual Artist Patch Whisky

Best Male Vocalist Alan Price

Best Movie Theater Terrace Theater

Best Museum Gibbes Museum of Art

Best Music Concert of 2022

Elton John at CreditOne Stadium

Best Music Instruction Clelia’s Guitar Studio

Best Musician Charlton Singleton

Best Non-Piccolo or Spoleto Play of 2022

Steel Magnolias, The Flowertown Players

Best Party of 2022 Charleston Animal Society Applause for Paws Gala

Best Performing Arts Group Charleston Symphony

Best Piccolo or Spoleto Show of 2022 La Bohème

Best Place to See Local Hip-Hop Charleston Pour House

Best Place to See Local Music Charleston Pour House

Best Recording Studio Coast Records

Best Rock Music Club Music Farm

Best Trivia Night Charleston Sports Pub

Shops and Wares

Best Accessories Store Carolina Girls

Best Adult Toy Store Guilty Pleasures

Best Antique Store Mount Pleasant Mall

Best Art Supply Store

Artist & Craftsman Supply Charleston

Best Baby Store Southern Belles: A Children’s Clothier

Best Bookstore Blue Bicycle Books

Best Boutique Copper Penny

Best Bridal Store Bridals by Jodi

Best CBD Shop Charleston Hemp Collective

Best Children’s Clothing Retailer Southern Belles: A Children’s Clothier

Best Cigar Store Smoke ‘N Brew

Best Collegiate Store Palmetto Moon

Best Comic Book Shop Captain’s Comics and Toys

Best Consignment (Furniture) Consign Charleston

Best Consignment Store The Station Park Circle

Best Consignment Store (Children’s) Once Upon A Child

Best Corner Store Bert’s Market

Best Eyewear Boutique Jackson Davenport Vision Center

Best Florist Tiger Lily Florist

Best Frame Shop Havens Fine Framing

Best Furniture Store Celadon Home

Best Garden Store/Nursery Hyams Garden & Accent Store

Best Gift Store Palmetto Moon

Best Grocery Store Harris Teeter

Best Hardware Store Royall Ace Hardware

Best Home Accessories Store Celadon Home

Best Jewelry Store Croghan’s Jewel Box

Best Lighting Store Charleston Lighting and Interiors

Best Lingerie Store Bits of Lace

Best Local Clothing Designer Jeff Plotner and Ben Ross, Brackish

Winners list

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

Best North Charleston Restaurant Jackrabbit Filly

Best Outdoor Patio Saltwater Cowboys

Best Oysters 167 Raw Oyster Bar

Best Pitmaster John Lewis, Lewis Barbecue

Best Pizza - Gourmet EVO Pizzeria

Best Pizza - Traditional D’Allesandro’s Pizza

Best Place to Buy Local Seafood Crosby’s Seafood Co.

Best Poke Poke Bros.

Best Pop-Up Restaurant King BBQ

Best Private Chef Brett McKee

Best Raw Bar 167 Raw Oyster Bar

Best Restaurant Halls Chophouse

Best Restaurant Chef Nico Romo, NICO, Bistronomy by Nico, Laura

Best Restaurant for Vegetarians Five Loaves Cafe

Best Restaurant When Someone Else is Paying Halls Chophouse

Best Ribs Lewis Barbecue

Best Romantic Restaurant 82 Queen

Best Salad California Dreaming

Best Seafood Hank’s Seafood Restaurant

Best She-Crab Soup 82 Queen

Best Shrimp & Grits Page’s Okra Grill

Best Soul Food Nigel’s Good Food

Best Steak Halls Chophouse

Best Sub Sandwich/Hoagie Jersey Mike’s Subs

Best Sullivan’s Island Brunch The Obstinate Daughter

Best Sullivan’s Island Restaurant The Obstinate Daughter

Best Summerville Brunch Five Loaves Cafe

Best Summerville Restaurant Laura

Best Sunday Brunch Halls Chophouse

Best Sushi O-Ku

Best Tacos El Molino Supermarket

Best Tapas Barsa Tapas Lounge & Bar

Best Thai Basil

Best Tots Home Team BBQ

Best Vietnamese Little Miss Ha

Best Wait Staff Halls Chophouse

Best Waterfront Dining Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar

Best West Ashley Brunch Early Bird Diner

Best West Ashley Restaurant Home Team BBQ

Best Wings Home Team BBQ

Drinking

Best Adult Establishment King Street Cabaret

Best Authentic Pub Blind Tiger Pub

Best Bar Staff Low Tide Brewing

Best Bartender Zach Kramer, Low Tide Brewing

Best Beer Retail Selection Total Wine & More

Best Beer Selection on Tap Edmund’s Oast

Best Bloody Mary Page’s Okra Grill

Best Bottled Beer Selection Gene’s Haufbrau

Best Bouncers Recovery Room Tavern

Best Cheap Beer Deal Recovery Room Tavern

Best Cocktails Paddock & Whisky

Best Cold Beer Holy City Brewing

Best College Bar A.C.’s Bar & Grill

Best Dance Club The Commodore

Best Daniel Island Bar The Kingstide

Best Daniel Island Happy Hour The Kingstide

Best Distillery Firefly Distillery

Best Downtown Bar Blind Tiger Pub

Best Downtown Happy Hour Edmund’s Oast

Best Folly Beach Bar Chico Feo

Best Folly Beach Happy Hour Chico Feo

Best Frozen Drinks The Co-Op Frosé & Eatery

Best Happy Hour Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co.

Best IOP Bar The Windjammer

Best IOP Happy Hour The Windjammer

Best James Island Bar Bohemian Bull

Best James Island Happy Hour Bohemian Bull

Best Johns Island Bar Tattooed Moose

Best Johns Island Happy Hour Tattooed Moose

Best Late Night Bar Recovery Room Tavern

Best Local Brewery Holy City Brewing

Best Local Brewery Taproom Holy City Brewing

Best Local Cocktail Mixer Charleston Bloody Mary Mix

Best Local Spirit Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka

Best Locally Brewed Beer Low Tide Brewing, Aloha Beaches

Best Locally Brewed Gose/Sour

Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co., Strawberry Rhubarb

Best Locally Brewed IPA

Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co., Bound by Time

Best Locally Brewed Lager Munkle Brewing Co., Munkle Pils

Best Locally Brewed Porter/Stout

Holy City Brewing, Pluff Mud Porter

Best Margarita Santi’s Restaurante Mexicano

Best Martini Halls Chophouse

Best Mount Pleasant Bar Saltwater Cowboys

Best Mount Pleasant Happy Hour Red’s Ice House

Best Neighborhood Bar Moe’s Crosstown Tavern

Best New Bar Share House

Best No Frills Watering Hole The Royal American

Best North Charleston Bar Tattooed Moose

Best North Charleston Happy Hour Tattooed Moose

Best Pet Friendly Bar/Restaurant Low Tide Brewing

Best Place for a Bachelor Party Republic Garden & Lounge

Best Place for a Bachelorette Party Republic Garden & Lounge

Best Rooftop Bar The Citrus Club

Best Sommelier Femi Oyediran, Graft Wine Shop & Wine Bar

Best Sports Bar Charleston Sports Pub

Best Sullivan’s Island Bar Home Team BBQ

Best Sullivan’s Island Happy Hour Home Team BBQ

Best Summerville Bar The Icehouse

Best Summerville Happy Hour The Icehouse

Best Upscale Bar Halls Chophouse

Best Waterfront Bar Saltwater Cowboys

Best West Ashley Bar Gene’s Haufbrau

Best West Ashley Happy Hour Gene’s Haufbrau

Best Wine Bar Avondale Wine & Cheese

Best Wine Selection (Bar/Restaurant or Retail)

Graft Wine Shop & Wine Bar

Photography by Rūta Smith

Mural by: Douglas Panzone, @panzone_art

Good news folks, every legislator featured in the following section was actually a legislator in 2022 (looking at y’all Joe Cunnningham voters last year). Yes, you’ll find politicians galore in this section, but there are also plenty of other familiar faces, like Rob Fowler (Best Do-Gooder/Activist) and Anita Zucker (Best Philanthropist). There’s a bit of something for everybody here. Find your new favorite radio show or Instagram feed below, or celebrate a handful of politicians who did something right, instead of seething about those who did everything wrong. —Skyler Baldwin

Best Charlestonian Darius Rucker

RUNNER-UP: Bill Murray

Best City Council Member Mike Seekings

RUNNER-UP: Ross Appel

Best City Paper Cover Story

"Our roads suck,"

Aug. 24

RUNNER-UP:

“8 ways you can help our waters,” Jan. 12

Best Conservative Tim Scott

RUNNER-UP: Nancy Mace

Best County Council Member Jenny Honeycutt

RUNNER-UP: Kylon Middleton

Best Do-Gooder/Activist Rob Fowler, WCBD News 2

RUNNER-UP: Anita Zucker, InterTech Group

Best Local Cause Charleston Animal Society

2455 Remount Road. North Charleston (843) 747-4849 charlestonanimalsociety.org

RUNNER-UP: My Sister’s House

Darius Rucker

CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

Musician Darius Rucker gained a name for himself as a founding member of  ’90s soft rock band Hootie & the Blowfish, which started in Columbia. But he’s paved the way for a successful solo career and will embark on a new tour, Starting Fires, in June.

“No matter where life has taken me, Charleston is home,” Rucker told the City Paper. “It’s always an honor to be celebrated by the people of Charleston, and I hope they’re as proud to claim me as I am to claim our city.”

Rucker said when Hootie was coming up in the ’80s, the band played its fair share of shows at the Music Farm downtown and The Windjammer on Isle of Palms, along with local venues of yesteryear, Club Dog Alley and Cumberland’s.

Now, Rucker curates the Riverfront Revival Festival, which returns to the Riverfront Park in North Charleston Oct. 7-8 for the second year. Headlining regional acts include Band of Horses, Greensky Bluegrass and Rucker’s own Turnpike Troubadours. The lineup also includes Charleston acts Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors, Randall Fowler, Emily Curtis and Grayson Little.

“It had always been a dream of mine to bring a music festival to my hometown,” Rucker said, “and it was awesome to see the fan response with our inaugural event last year. Hopefully Riverfront Revival continues to grow to shine a light on even more great local artists and to bring even more people to visit this beautiful city.” —

Chelsea Grinstead

Best Charlestonian

Jim Wright

Best City Paper

Cover Story

"Our roads suck," Aug. 24

Editor and publisher Andy Brack reported on the quality of roads in the state

Congrats BROOKE RYAN

Celebrity Paws in the Park

Barks & Brews FESTIVAL

Saturday June 10 10 am – 3 pm Riverfront Park N. Charleston

The Barks & Brews craft beer festival is part of the 2023 Celebrity Paws in the Park, presented by Crews Subaru! Purchase pre-sale tickets now through June 9. The $25 discounted advance purchase price includes entry to both Paws in the Park and Barks & Brews, a commemorative wrist band for you and a bandanna for your dog. You’ll also receive a souvenir glass plus tastings at participating breweries. To learn more visit: CharlestonAnimalSociety.org/Barks

presented by

Live 5

Live 5 sports reporter and anchor Kevin Bilodeau said he credits this year’s Best of Charleston win to the station and team he works with.

“It’s very nice to get any kind of recognition,” he said. “But I work with an amazing team. I’ve got bosses and managers who all appreciate local sports, and I work with the best newsroom anywhere in the state.”

Working with Live 5 is Bilodeau’s third job in TV news after starting at a small station in Nebraska and later moving to Texas. His mom was born and raised in Charleston, and spending summers in the Holy City and on the beach eventually drew him in.

“I was looking for another job, and all three stations here had an opening for a sports job in 2004,” he said. “I applied for all three, but I knew this was the one I wanted.”

He made the 16-hour drive to Charleston for an interview, but the job went to Harve Jacobs, Bilodeau said, laughing. It worked out in the end, and when another position opened up later, he didn’t even have to make the drive for the interview. He’s been a Lowcountry man ever since.

“For a town this size to have the sports scene that we do, it’s just really incredible,” he said. “Just going to games is my favorite thing, and I get to do it all the time. Now we’re in a really busy time of year with high school playoffs — going to four lacrosse games a night. There’s so much here, and the people are so passionate about it, which I really get a kick out of.” —

Skyler Baldwin

Politics

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

VOTED BEST CITY COUNCIL MEMBER 13 YEARS IN A ROW!

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

Best Local Radio Show

Two Girls & a Guy on Mix 95.9

RUNNER-UP: TJ and Jessica in the Morning, 92.5 Kickin’ Country

Best Local Social Media Influencer

Holy City Sinner, @holycitysinner

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Daily, @charleston_daily

Best Local TV Anchor

Carolyn Murray, WCBD News 2

RUNNER-UP: Ann McGill, WCSC Live 5 News

Best Local TV Sports Anchor

Kevin Bilodeau, WCSC Live 5 News

RUNNER-UP: Scott Eisberg, ABC News 4

Best Local TV Station

WCSC Live 5 News

RUNNER-UP: WCBD News 2

Best Local TV Weather Forecaster

Bill Walsh, WCSC Live 5 News

RUNNER-UP: Rob Fowler, WCBD News 2

Best Local Twitter Feed

@ Live5News

RUNNER-UP: @holycitysinner

Best Local Website

Live 5 News

live5news.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston City Paper

Best Local Radio Show

Best Local TV Weather Forecaster

Bill Walsh, Live 5 News

While honored to be recognized in this year’s Best of Charleston, Live 5 chief meteorologist Bill Walsh adamantly attributed this achievement to the team he works with and the community he serves.

“I am very humbled and honored,” he said. “I am just thrilled to be nominated at all, and even more thrilled to have won. This is a very fine broadcasting company. They are awesome. I appreciate our audience and everyone who works so hard to put our shows on, and I appreciate our community because it’s really like none other. This community is so connected, and it’s just wonderful to be a part of it.”

Walsh first joined the Live 5 team in 1993 after a long list of previous positions including meteorology at other new stations and a couple stints in the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. He’s a two-time Emmy Award winner, a five-time Telly Award winner, has won the Associated Press Best Weathercaster, received a Global War on Terrorism Medal and several other awards and recognitions for his public service and community involvement.

This year celebrates the first year Walsh has won this category, but adding the Best of Charleston win to the long list of accolades hasn’t made him any less humble.

“I just do my job, and I love it, and I’m just thrilled that folks like it, too.”

Skyler Baldwin

Best

News

Story of 2022 The Murdaugh murders

RUNNER-UP:

BCSD superintendent termination

Best Newspaper Columnist Warren

Peper, ThePostandCourier

RUNNER-UP: Brian Hicks, The Post and Courier

Best Philanthropist

Anita Zucker, InterTech Group

RUNNER-UP: Ben Navarro, Sherman Financial Group

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Two Girls & a Guy on Mix 95.9

Mix 95.9’s Two Girls & a Guy hosted by Brooke Ryan, Tanya Brown and Mike Edwards is about content, content, content.

“It’s all about providing relatable, funny, local content for us,” the trio told the City Paper. The Mix signed the Two Girls & a Guy radio show in 2011, and Ryan, Brown and Edwards have been with the station for more than 15 years.

The show’s 25th season rolls out this summer with plans for some surprise guests including former hosts, giveaways and “hopefully a family reunion picnic,” Edwards said.

“Charleston is still very much a vibrant radio market. People really do listen,” he added. “Our goal is to continue to serve our fans with relevant content that keeps them coming back.”

Even with the advent of streaming, Two Girls & a Guy agree that people love good radio.

“It’s always such an honor to be recognized by a community that we love being a part of,” said Ryan, who also won Best Local Radio Personality. “We love Charleston; this is our home. Our listeners are like friends. Some we’ve met, some we’ve chatted with on the air or social media, and some we’ve yet to meet. … It feels really great to have their support and their votes.”

After so many years on air, Brown said if she could give one piece of advice, it would be to relax.

“Have fun with it. Don’t overthink it. It’s been over two decades, and it took me this long to realize it. If you be yourself, you never have to pretend.” —Chelsea Grinstead

Courtesy Bill Walsh

Best Progressive

Joe Cunningham

RUNNER-UP: John Tecklenburg

Best Radio Station

105.5 The Bridge

RUNNER-UP: Mix 95.9

Best S.C. Politician

Tim Scott

RUNNER-UP: Joe Cunningham

Best School Board Member

Carol Tempel

RUNNER-UP: Courtney Waters

Best Talk/News Radio Station

South Carolina

Public Radio

RUNNER-UP:

94.3 WSC

Best School Board Member

Carol Tempel

Charleston County elected an almost entirely new board of directors last November to lead the Charleston County School District, the second-largest school district in the state. District 9 trustee Carol Tempel, an educator and former constituent board member was one of the newly appointed members, and has already made an impression.

“This is quite an honor, I hope I can live up to being the best school board member, along with my colleagues,” Tempel said. “It’s going to take a team effort. … We’re in the process of hiring a new superintendent, and I think one thing that I’m really pleased with is that all of us felt that community engagement was really important … Public education is a responsibility of all of us, and if we don’t talk to each other and hear each other’s ideas, I don’t think we can get to the point where we have the education system I believe our community deserves.”

Tempel has served the district as an educator, parent, curriculum specialist, assistant principal, principal and now a board member, giving her a unique understanding and multiple perspectives on the strengths and weaknesses of Lowcountry schools. She calls herself a staunch advocate for students, parents, teachers and schools. And she said while South Carolina schools consistently rank at the bottom of the nation, the students deserve better than “minimally adequate” classrooms, schools and districts — especially for students that often slip through the cracks.

“There’s so many things this board has to think about, and a real challenge is to stay focused on students and achievement, and how we can build our neighborhood schools to be the places they need to be for these kids and these communities. We have the data, and it shows we have a significant achievement gap between our African American students and our White students, and I feel like our board really needs to pay attention to that, and not just give it a light touch. It’s been too long, and we really need to understand things that will make a difference.”

Skyler Baldwin

Rūta Smith

Photography by Rūta Smith

Mural by: John Reese, @reese.designs

Charleston seems to have something going on every day of the week. Events we know and love, such the Spoleto Festival USA, the Cooper River Bridge Run and the Southeastern Wildlife Exhibition continue to offer exciting experiences for residents and tourists alike. As the Holy City heads into a warmer season, we are reminded of the natural beauty that surrounds our coastal town and the importance of preserving it. Public spaces, farmers markets and green businesses are highlighted in this section for their contributions to keeping Charleston beautiful. Read on to learn what our readers voted as their favorite aspects of city living, events and attractions. —Chloe Hogan

Best Annual Outdoor Event Holiday Festival of Lights

James Island County Park

871 Riverland Drive. James Island (843) 406-6990

ccprc.com/68/James-Island-County-Park

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Wine + Food

Best Apartment Community The Jasper Apartments

310 Broad St. Downtown (843) 973-8900 jaspercharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: The Guild

Best Attraction The Battery

Downtown

RUNNER-UP: Folly Beach

Best Bed & Breakfast Post House Inn

101 Pitt St. Mount Pleasant (843) 203-7678 theposthouseinn.com

RUNNER-UP: Zero George

Best Charter School

James Island Charter High School

1000 Fort Johnson Road. James Island (843) 762-2754 ccsdschools.com/jichs

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Charter School for Math & Science

Best College College of Charleston

Best Apartment Community

The Jasper Apartments

City Paper readers named luxury waterfront apartment complex

The Jasper as Charleston’s Best Apartment Community this year, and it’s easy to see why. With a history rooted in the life of World War II veteran Herman Clark, who fell in love with the Holy City while working on the construction site of the original Sergeant Jasper apartment building in 1950, this location offers views from all directions. See wide vistas of steepled skylines, rivers and the harbor, and remain close to Charleston’s historic locations, trendsetting culture and renowed cuisine.

Courtesy CHART Group Best Fundraising Event

Cooper River Bridge Run

More than 20,000 runners take to the streets during the annual 10K Cooper River Bridge Run

66 George St. Downtown (843) 805-5507 cofc.edu

RUNNER-UP: Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)

The Jasper offers more than just a living space, including several luxury conveniences such as an elevated pool, a private gym, covered on-site parking, electric vehicle charging stations and concierge services on demand. The complex recently opened Ashley Artisan Suites, a curated collection of locally owned boutiques located inside The Jasper, where hair stylists, makeup artists, trendy clothing shops and more offer their wares and services at a location convenient to residents. —Skyler

Baldwin

Rūta Smith

Best Farmers Market, Best Place to Buy Local Produce

Charleston Farmers Market

Spend a Saturday morning at the Charleston Farmers Market in Marion Square chatting in line while waiting for a fresh-squeezed lemonade or laying on the grass snacking on locally grown strawberries. Local live music serenades the crowd, and kids activities are available each week.

The market’s official season runs from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. each Saturday from the beginning of April through November.

Founded in 1989 with the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service, the farmers market is produced by the city of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the city’s parks department and special events committee. For 34 years, locals and visitors have been able to interact closely with farmers, artisans and crafters of the Charleston community during this family-friendly event.

With over 60 vendors providing a variety of products ranging from fresh produce, food and beverage options and a range of arts and crafts, the Charleston Farmers Market is a melting pot of local community workers coming together to remind us to support local and shop small. —Hillary

Reaves

Best Bed and Breakfast

Post House Inn

Situated in the heart of Mount Pleasant’s Olde Village, Post House Inn is a home away from home for staycationers and travelers alike, a charming respite from the day-to-day hustle.

Ben and Kate Towill of the Charleston-based design firm Basic Projects took over the property and restored it to its former glory, opening the restaurant and inn to the public in 2020. Built in 1896, 101 Pitt St. has a longstanding history as the neighborhood hub, Ben Towill said.

“We brought it back to life. We moved the bar to the front room. We decorated all the rooms and bathrooms with a lot of thought and care.”

Now, the Post House presents a contemporary take on the neighborhood landmark, bringing people together over food and drink, with seven charming bedrooms to stay in and a restaurant downstairs that offers seasonal fare and classic cocktails.

Towill said the experience at the Post House is special because it feels like you’re staying in someone’s home.

“When you’re a guest coming to stay with us, you check in at the host stand, and someone will take your bags up. Then you come down and have dinner with us. By the time you leave, you know everyone’s name. It’s really like staying in someone’s house,” Towill said. “And that’s what I think is special about the Post House.”

He added the Post House’s success is also because of the incredible staff behind the experience.

“There is a lot of thought and a lot of amazing people behind that, from our executive chef to head bartender, to our wine director and general manager, we have such incredible people who work for us.”

To Towill, the City Paper ’s Best Bed and Breakfast is the “ultimate accolade” to win. “We have lots of people doing staycations, and we have lots of regulars at the restaurant. So for us, to be recognized by Charleston and by the City Paper is fantastic.” —Chloe

Hogan

Attractions

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

Best Daycare

Carolina Park Academy

1251 Carolina Park Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 860-1154

carolinaparkacademy.com

RUNNER-UP: The Oaks Children’s Academy

Best Farmers Market

Charleston Farmers Market

329 Meeting St. Downtown (843) 724-7305

charlestonfarmersmarket.com

RUNNER-UP: Sunday Brunch Farmers Market at the Pour House

Best Festival

Charleston Wine + Food

Various locations (843) 727-9998

charlestonwineandfood.com

RUNNER-UP: Spoleto Festival USA

Best Fundraising Event

Cooper River Bridge Run

716 S. Shelmore Blvd. #105. Mount Pleasant (843) 856-1949 bridgerun.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Animal Society Applause for Paws Gala

Best Hotel

The Charleston Place 205 Meeting St. Downtown (888) 575-3800 charlestonplace.com

RUNNER-UP: Hotel Bennett

Best Neighborhood Park Circle

North Charleston

RUNNER-UP: Avondale

Best Place of Worship

Seacoast Church

Various locations seacoast.org

RUNNER-UP: The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

Best Place to Work Medical

171 Ashley Ave. Downtown (843) 792-2381 musc.edu

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Animal Society

Rūta Smith

Holy City

Vintage Market

Various locations

facebook.com/holycityvintagemarket

RUNNER-UP: Pickers Hullabaloo

Best Preschool

The O'Quinn Schools

761 S. Shelmore Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-8506 1567 Harborview Road. James Island (843) 795-6708 portergaud.edu/mt-pleasant-campus

RUNNER-UP: Charlestowne Montessori

Best Private School

Bishop England High School

363 Seven Farms Drive. Daniel Island (843) 849-9599 behs.com

RUNNER-UP: Porter-Gaud School

Best Public School

Wando High School

1000 Warrior Way. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-8200 ccsdschools.com/wandohigh

RUNNER-UP:

Best Sunset Spot

The Pitt Street Bridge

Built in 1898 as a trolley bridge allowing passage to and from Sullivan’s Island, the Pitt Street Bridge was once the only means of crossing the water from Mount Pleasant to the beaches. The beloved bridge was even active during the Revolutionary War. But when the Ben Sawyer Bridge opened in 1945, the Pitt Street Bridge closed.

The bridge may no longer function, but it is still enjoyed by many as a modern greenway called Pickett Park. Locals, visitors and their furry friends head to this pedestrian pier to exercise, take a leisurely stroll, enjoy a picnic, fish and of course, catch the sunset.

Take in the beautiful sights of the Lowcountry like the marshland and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge in the distance from this view. The sun sets on one side of the path and reflects onto the marsh water, revealing a breathtaking sunset that you’ll have to see to believe.

Hillary Reaves

SMART Recycling

Food waste makes up roughly 40% of trash, with a staggering 52.4 million tons of food being sent to landfills every year, according to national nonprofit ReFED. That waste takes up a ton of space and generates harmful methane gas as it decomposes.

That’s where SMART Recycling comes in. The organics and food waste hauling company located in Dorchester County services restaurants, hotels, hospitals, schools, universities and industrial facilities throughout South Carolina. SMART Recycling is committed to bridging the “tableto-farm” gap, composting food waste instead of trashing it to serve local farmers and regenerate soil with nutrients.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

SMART Recycling is recognized as a leader in the industry and was recently awarded 2019 Green Business of the Year by the Environmental Education Association of South Carolina for supporting environmental education in the state. Providing education, leading food waste recycling programs, providing efficient transportation and partnering with local producers of large amounts of food waste are just a few of the team’s paths to reaching a world with less garbage, more sustainable communities and better access to locally sourced food. —

Skyler Baldwin

Rūta Smith file photo

Attractions

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

Best Public Space

Riverfront Park

1061 Everglades Ave. North Charleston (843) 308-4746 northcharleston.org/visitors/attractions /riverfront-park

RUNNER-UP: The Battery & White Point Gardens

Best Sunset Spot

Pitt Street Bridge

Mount Pleasant

experiencemountpleasant.com/pitt-street-bridge

RUNNER-UP: Sullivan’s Island

Best Sustainable Business

SMART Recycling

3973 Ashley Phosphate Road. #430. North Charleston (888) 304-6912 smartrecyclingus.com

RUNNER-UP: Toadfish Outfitters

Best Tour Company

Bulldog Tours

18 Anson St. Downtown (843) 722-8687 bulldogtours.com

RUNNER-UP: Coastal Expeditions

Best Annual Outdoor Event

Holiday Festival of Lights

The Holiday Festival of Lights has been a favorite event for locals (Scrooges and Grinches included) since 1990. Today, the event, which is hosted by Charleston County Parks, features over 750 displays and 2 million lights, transforming the James Island County Park into a winter wonderland.

During the seasonal event, visitors are invited to cruise the threemile driving tour through the brilliantly illuminated displays.

The driving tour is sure to spark your holiday spirit and a craving for sweet treats, so stop by Santa’s Village to visit the Sweet Shoppe and explore the Enchanted Walking Trail. The village also offers an area to roast marshmallows, take photos and ride the carousel. Other entertainment includes storytelling and live music and sometimes appearances from Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

It takes the entire year to prepare for this event. Rich Raab, a park-employed electrician and maintenance technician, first created the displays in 1990, after learning the craft from an engineer, and still supervises and builds the bulk of the light show today. Raab makes each display by hand and creates new ones each year. Fan favorite displays, such as the leaping dolphins, falling snowflakes and illuminated dinosaurs, took up to 10 weeks to create. Alongside Raab and the park employees, hundreds of people volunteer annually to drape light strings along the entire route of the drive.

The dedication of so many people to create and maintain the magic of the Holiday Festival of Lights each year is enough to fill the rest of the Charleston community with the holiday spirit.

Hillary Reaves

Courtesy CCPRC

Best Actress Eliza Knode

Charleston Stage actress Eliza Knode said stepping into the shoes of various characters has helped her to better understand herself and others

Photography by Rūta Smith

Mural by: Patch Whisky, @patchwhisky

The arts are alive and well in Charleston. New theater companies have cropped up around town over the last year. Favorite shows, like sketch comedy from Rip City CHS, have returned. The Void theater company is creating space for queer artists. New art exhibition spaces, like Hed Hi Studio on King Street, have joined the ranks. And the music scene is stronger than ever with venues like Charleston Pour House and The Commodore bringing live music seven nights a week. Between drag shows at Dudley’s, improv comedy at Theatre 99, art classes and lectures at the Gibbes Museum of Art, the city has entertainment for everyone. —Chloe Hogan

Best Art Exhibit of 2022

BeyondVanGogh

5000 Coliseum Drive. North Charleston (843) 529-5000 beyondvangogh.com

RUNNER-UP: Southeastern Wildlife Exposition

Best Art Gallery

Redux Contemporary Art Center

1056 King St. Downtown (843) 722-0697 reduxstudios.org

RUNNER-UP: Meyer Vogl Gallery

Best Art Instruction Gibbes Museum of Art

135 Meeting St. Downtown (843) 722-2706 gibbesmuseum.org

RUNNER-UP: Redux Contemporary Art Center

Best Club DJ DJ Natty Heavy nattyheavy.com

RUNNER-UP: DJ SCrib

CONTINUED ON PAGE 31

Best Drag Show Dudley's on Ann

Dudley’s on Ann Street downtown has long been a late-night dance bar and local spot to sing karaoke and play pool, but if you didn’t already know, the place also hosts drag shows Thursday through Monday nights.

Drag show director Brooke Collins has performed in Charleston for the past 38 years and ran shows at the original Dudley’s that opened in 1985 on King Street.

“Being a drag performer, you really have to learn how to do everything,” Collins said. “It’s not like you’re working in a Broadway show where you have a backstage manager and a dresser — you have to make your own costumes, fix your own wigs. You have to be totally self-sufficient if you want to be a success in this business.”

Collins said it’s been refreshing to see drag shows become popularized on television and drag brunches popping up all over the place. “The Charleston community is a great supporter of drag — I’ve watched drag come to life and become very mainstream.”

She said at Dudley’s shows, there’s usually people in the crowd who are seeing a drag performance for the first time. “It’s just great to be able to bring something to someone that they’ve never seen or experienced live.

Best Jazz and Blues Club

The Commodore

The Commodore regularly hosts live music performed by local and regional acts as well as its house bands

“We created our own entertainment, and in doing so, we created a lot of stars that people in our community can look up to. It’s just become a powerhouse these days.” Chelsea Grinstead

Jonathan Boncek file photo

Brooke Collins

WE FEEL THE LOVE CHARLESTON

We can’t express how grateful we are for your overwhelming support and love for the Elton John concert of 2022. Your votes have named it the best concert of the year, and we couldn’t have done it without you.

Elton John’s music has been bringing joy and inspiration to people all around the world for decades, and we feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to witness his talent firsthand. We are honored that you chose to spend your evening with us, and it fills us with pride to see that you enjoyed it as much as we did.

Thank you for your kindness, your enthusiasm, and your unwavering support. We are deeply touched by this recognition.

Best House/Cover Band, Best Local Band

The Midnight City Band

The Midnight City Band is no stranger to winning Best Local Band and Best House/Cover Band, securing both titles for the past four years. Audiences can enjoy original music from the indie-pop act, including its 2022 EP Infinite Summer and 2019’s Heartdream . The band is currently focused on making new music and preparing for coming performances, including a show May 26 at the Music Farm.

“From playing small bars with five people in it to now selling out big venues every time and performing in front of those large crowds — singing louder than you, the adrenaline rush, the hype. The feeling is indescribable,” said guitarist/vocalist Brian Jarvis.

The Midnight City Band has been performing at venues and festivals around the area over the last 15 years and is not slowing down anytime soon.

“On Sundays, we used to play at Uptown Social, and we would play the song ‘We Found Love’ by Rihanna,” said bassist/vocalist Joel Chinloy. “The floor would start shaking so much that bottles would fall off the shelves and shatter! We were told that we couldn’t play that song ever again on the rooftop.”

Whether it’s cranking out crowd favorites or holing up in the studio to craft originals, The Midnight City Band is always evolving.

“We’re focusing on staying true to who and what we are as a band and focusing on being not your typical cover band,” said keyboardist/vocalist Taylor Jarvis. “It’s so rewarding seeing people see and hear us for the first time and that never gets old. We’re constantly working on unique mashups and intertwining new music with nostalgia.” —Chelsea Grinstead

Culture

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

Best Cultural Event

Spoleto Festival USA

Various locations. Downtown (843) 579-3100 spoletousa.org

RUNNER-UP: Black Food Truck Festival

Best Drag Show

Dudley's on Ann

42 Ann St. Downtown (843) 577-6779 facebook.com/dudleysonann

RUNNER-UP:

Edmund’s Oast Drag Brunch

Best Female Vocalist

Lauren Hall laurenhallmusic.com

RUNNER-UP: Madelyn Knight

Best House/Cover Band

The Midnight City Band themidnightcityband.com

RUNNER-UP: Groove Kitty

Best Jazz & Blues Club

The Commodore

504 Meeting St. C. Downtown. thecommodorechs.com

RUNNER-UP: Forte Jazz Lounge

Best Karaoke Night

The Bangkok Lounge

353 King St. Second floor. Downtown thebangkoklounge.com

RUNNER-UP: Tin Roof

Best Local Actor

Colin Waters in

TheAddamsFamily at Charleston Stage

charlestonstage.com

RUNNER-UP:

Matthew Willingham in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder at Footlight Players

Best Local Actress

Eliza Knode in TheAddamsFamily at Charleston Stage charlestonstage.com elizadknode.wixsite.com/mysite

RUNNER-UP:

Madelyn Knight in Misery at Footlight Players

Beyond VanGogh

Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience wowed viewers when it took over the Charleston area convention center at the North Charleston Coliseum from July through September 2022.

More than 300 iconic Van Gogh pieces were projected onto surfaces and set to a symphonic score using the artist’s writings. Instantly recognizable classics such as “The Starry Night,” “Sunflowers” and “Cafe Terrace at Night” flowed across the walls and floors of the space.

The exhibition was created by French-Canadian creative director Mathieu St-Arnaud and was brought to Charleston by concert promotion company Outback Presents.

Amy Helberg, the director of the Atlanta operations of Outback Presents, described the exhibition as a huge immersive room in which “you feel like you’re floating” in Van Gogh’s paintings. She told the City Paper Outback Presents worked hand-in-hand with Frank Lapsley, the general manager at the North Charleston Convention Center, and they hope to work with him and his team again to bring more exhibits like this one to Charleston. —Chloe Hogan

Best Art Exhibit

Courtesy of Paquin Entertainment Group

Best Local Actress Eliza Knode

When Eliza Knode was growing up, the theater provided her with a sense of home. As the daughter of a diplomat, Knode finds the question, “Where are you from?” to be complicated. She’s lived in Malaysia, Japan, Hungary, New York and Brazil. In every new place she moved, Knode said, she would always join the drama club or choir to connect with other creatively minded students.

Knode moved to Charleston last year to work with Charleston Stage, where she portrayed the iconic character Morticia Addams in The Addams Family last October.

“My favorite part about theater is just being able to work together with new people,” she said. “That collaborative aspect of it is my favorite part — to work with people to create a story, and then to share that with people in the audience. It’s a way to connect with others.”

Knode is grateful to have found a new home at Charleston Stage, which she called a “wonderful community of people.” She said she is ecstatic to have been invited back for the next season, and is deeply honored to have won the City Paper ’s Best Local Actress.

“I would just like to emphasize how grateful I am to win this award. I also want to encourage people to pursue creative paths. It was so essential for me growing up to be a part of these different communities. The arts created a magical community and home for me.” —Chloe

Hogan

Culture

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

Best Local Author Mary Alice Monroe

maryalicemonroe.com

RUNNER-UP: Marcus Amaker

Best Local Band

The Midnight City Band

themidnightcityband.com

RUNNER-UP: Wildflower Station Band

Best Local Comedian

Laura Dixon

linktr.ee/lauramdixon

RUNNER-UP: Henry Riggs

Best Local Podcast

Lowcountry Lowlifes

heliumpresents.com/lowcountry-lowlifes

RUNNER-UP: Effin B Radio

Best Local Theater Company

Charleston Stage, Dock Street Theatre

135 Church St. Downtown

(843) 577-5967

charlestonstage.com

RUNNER-UP: Theatre 99

Best Local Visual Artist Patch Whisky

4431 Spruill Ave. North Charleston patchwhisky.com

RUNNER-UP: Scott Penegar

Best Male Vocalist

Alan Price

alanpricesings.com

RUNNER-UP: Ben Whitney

CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

Best Male Vocalist Alan Price

Singer-songwriter and guitarist Alan Price debuted his LP Goodlow in 2021, displaying his eclectic stylings that traverse rock, synth and country music. He’s been playing in Charleston since he was in high school in the late 1990s.

“It’s nice to feel like all the hours and miles are being noticed in my hometown,” Price told the City Paper. Price debuted on May 10 his act Alan Price & The Modern Day’s new single and music video “Back to Carolina,” a song about fighting to hold onto the important things that could slip away. The band consists of guitarist Jesse Triplett and bassist Will Turpin of rock band Collective Soul and drummer Thomas O’Brien.

“The past few years have been spent mostly as a solo performer, exploring my newly found voice as a singer and a songwriter,” Price said. “This song marks the beginning of a new chapter in my story. I was incredibly blessed to reintroduce the energy of a band into my life as we set into the studio to record this new music in Atlanta.”

Besides several singles on the way from The Modern Day, the band is working on another album with producer Eric Bass at Big Animal Studio on Johns Island. Chelsea Grinstead

Rūta Smith

Best Comedian Laura Dixon

Writer and comedian Laura Dixon loves to laugh at uncomfortable parts of life. In her comedy, she talks about mental illness, addiction and her personal struggle with borderline personality disorder.

“It’s been a way for me to transmute pain into joy,” she said. “It’s the whole Jimmy Buffett thing, you know, if we couldn’t laugh, we would all go insane.”

Born in Summerville and now living in West Ashley, the Charleston native started her stand-up career at The Sparrow in Park Circle in the summer of 2019.

“I always joke that I started doing comedy because I had a nervous breakdown,” Dixon said. “I was working a job that took up all my time, and all my friends were there, and my whole social life revolved around it. When there was a mutual parting of the ways from that job, I was really upset about it. And I was like, well, I can either get sad, or I can get weird. I gave myself a week to cry, then I was like, ‘You know what? I’ve always wanted to try stand up.’”

After her first open mic, she was bitten by the comedy bug and has not stopped writing and performing since.

During the lockdown in 2020 with a standstill on live performances, Dixon put her comedy online in the form of a podcast called Your Wino Friends Talk Shit, where she and Kayti Fletcher chat about topics like reality TV, the “horrors of your 30s,” pop culture and bad advice.

Though she’s back on stage performing regularly, Dixon still brings her comedy online in the form of Instagram videos critiquing fashion in The Sopranos. She hopes to continue growing her social media presence and trying new material during weekly performances at Tin Roof and other venues.

“Comedy is one of those things that’s always evolving. You have to keep trying new things.” —Chloe Hogan

Rūta Smith

Best Visual Artist

Patch Whisky

Patch Whisky has been painting the town with his cute, colorful characters since his move to Charleston in 2011. This year marks the second consecutive year City Paper voters named Patch Whisky Best Visual Artist.

Whisky, a pen name the artist created when he was a 12-year-old growing up in the small town of Princeton, West Virginia, said it’s exciting to receive the award and get love from Charleston.

“It feels good. It’s exciting,” he said. “I’m super humbled by people even acknowledging my existence.”

His primary medium is aerosol and acrylic paint. His murals and canvases are covered in his signature style of pop surrealism, complete with expressive, bug-eyed monster-esque characters inspired by Nintendo and Tim Burton.

His murals can be seen on walls from New York City to Los Angeles, in Miami and Honolulu. You can find local work by Whisky downtown outside of Hed Hi Studio on King Street and in Avondale covering the walls of Lava Salon and Tin Roof, among many other Charleston-area spots where his eccentric characters appear. Whisky said part of his love for painting murals is the aspect of accessibility.

“You don’t have to go to an art gallery — sometimes art galleries are kind of snooty-patootie, almost like a sterile environment,” he said. “When I paint out on the streets, I get to interact with the neighborhood. I get to go to different places and try out their foods and stuff like that. It’s really cool to see people interact with it. Right now, everybody wants to get selfies and photographs and videos, and it’s cool to see that stuff pop up on my social media.” —Chloe

Hogan

Culture

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32

Best Movie Theater

Terrace Theater

1956 Maybank Hwy. James Island (843) 762-9494 terracetheater.com

RUNNER-UP: Citadel Mall Stadium 16

Best Museum

Gibbes Museum of Art

135 Meeting St. Downtown (843) 722-2706 gibbesmuseum.org

RUNNER-UP: The Charleston Museum

Best Music Concert of 2022

Elton John at CreditOne Stadium

7596, 161 Seven Farms Drive. Daniel Island (843) 856-7900

RUNNER-UP: High Water Festival at Riverfront Park

Best Music Instruction

Clelia's Guitar Studio

856 Dupont Road. B. West Ashley (843) 556-6765 cleliasguitar.com

RUNNER-UP: White Key Studios

Best Musician

Charlton Singleton

charltonsingleton.com

RUNNER-UP: Alan Price

Best Non-Piccolo or Spoleto Play of 2022

SteelMagnolias, The Flowertown Players

133 S. Main St. Summerville (843) 875-9251 flowertownplayers.org

RUNNER-UP: The Full Monty, Footlight Players

Best Party of 2022

Charleston Animal Society Applause for Paws Gala

2455 Remount Road. North Charleston (843) 747-4849

charlestonanimalsociety.org

RUNNER-UP: Sea Life by Starlight at South Carolina Aquarium

Best Performing Arts Group

Charleston Symphony

95 Calhoun St. Downtown (843) 723-7528 charlestonsymphony.org

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Stage

Best Piccolo or Spoleto Show of 2022

LaBohème

(843) 579-3100 spoletousa.org

RUNNER-UP: Omar

CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

Best Museum

Gibbes Museum of Art

The Gibbes Museum of Art is a cornerstone of Charleston’s art community with regular exhibitions, events and more

Rūta Smith file photo

JB McCabe

Clelia's Guitar Studio

Clelia’s Guitar Studio in West Ashley has been operating for 32 years, and owner Clelia Reardon has been teaching music for 34 years. She teaches string instruments such as guitars of all styles, bass, mandolin, ukulele and banjo. She said being voted Best Music Instruction in Charleston is a high point for her.

“I’m so thrilled because we’ve never been able to get this win — it was on my bucket list,” Reardon said.

She was born in Huntsville, Alabama, but relocated to the Holy City in the first grade. She started playing the guitar at age 13. By the time she was 16, she was being hired in professional bands and was selected to perform in a European tour at age 17. Since then, Reardon has performed in more than 30 Broadway shows and worked extensively as a gigging musician in the Charleston wedding circuit for 40 years.

After working in music retail, she realized her dream of opening a studio that focused on teaching. She said all her current students range widely in age and experience.

“It’s a real joy when a student gets something or they surprise themselves, or they have what I call that ‘aha moment’ where something just clicks and their whole expression changes.”

She said persistence is key to being a music teacher, like it is with most things.

“My success is being myself — not trying to fashion my teaching. I’m not teaching like anybody else. My personality, as well as my creative identity and the way that I teach — I’ve got to make it fun.” —Chelsea Grinstead

Rūta Smith

Culture

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 34

Best Place to See Local Hip-Hop Charleston Pour House

1977 Maybank Hwy. James Island (843) 571-4343

charlestonpourhouse.com

RUNNER-UP: The Royal American

Best

Place to See Local Music

Charleston Pour House

1977 Maybank Hwy. James Island (843) 571-4343

charlestonpourhouse.com

RUNNER-UP: The Windjammer

Best Recording Studio Coast Records

coast-records.com

info@coast-records.com

RUNNER-UP: The Lab

Best Rock Music Club Music Farm

32 Ann St. Downtown (843) 408-1599 musicfarm.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Pour House

Best Trivia Night Charleston Sports Pub

Various locations

charlestonsportspub.com

RUNNER-UP: Dog and Duck

BEST PERFORMING ARTS GROUP

Best Podcast

Lowcountry Lowlifes

Local comedian Josh Bates and fellow comic Dan Sweeney started Lowcountry Lowlifes in 2019, with some of its most popular episodes featuring interviews ranging from famous comics to Bates’ high school crush he hadn’t spoken to in 20 years. As you can tell, it’s a bit of a wild ride.

“It’s awesome,” Bates said. “Any chance to get even one more listener to give us a shot is a huge win, so we’re super excited about this [win]. Not only that, but we started with one crappy microphone, and now we have a studio and are a part of Helium Podcast Network.”

The local comedy scene is blowing up, Bates said. He runs Comedy at The Sparrow in North Charleston which holds open-mic nights twice a week. Both nights, he said, have lines of about 30 people waiting to sign up.

“It was Charleston’s best kept secret for a while,” he said. “And now people are starting to hear about it.”

His own comedy background plays heavily into the podcast, he said.

“I actually treat it almost the same. We don’t do a lot of edits — we hit play, and we hit stop. We try to keep that impromptu conversation as real as we can. There’s a different business side of it. … There’s hundreds of millions of podcasts, literally, and you have to figure out a way to stand out in a crowd.”

Skyler Baldwin

Rūta Smith

Store manager Katie Bailey (right) and assistant manager Jordan Carrier said finding the right wedding dress is about understanding the bride’s style and vision

Photography by Rūta Smith

Mural by: Maggie Mazza, @maggels_

If you’re in the mood for a shopping trip, you’ll want to check out some of City Paper readers’ favorite choices around town. If you’re seeking a new cookbook recipe, Blue Bicycle Books (Best Book Store) has a few. Or perhaps you’ve run out of time to prepare a dish for your friend’s potluck and need to grab a bottle of wine from Avondale Wine & Cheese (Best Wine Shop). Maybe you want to spice up your Friday night, so you swing by Bits of Lace (Best Lingerie Store) for something special. Whatever you’re looking to buy, shopping local is always a good way to discover new items and support the community. Head out and show your favorite Charleston shops some love.

Hillary Reaves

Best Accessories Store

Carolina Girls

1890 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. #119. West Ashley (843) 763-3006 shopcarolinagirls.com

RUNNER-UP: Two Cumberland

Best Adult Toy Store

Guilty Pleasures

2992 Ashley Phosphate Road. North Charleston (843) 767-0690 guiltypleasuressc.com

RUNNER-UP: Badd Kitty

Best Antique Store

Mount Pleasant Mall

708 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 388-8575 mtpleasantmall.com

RUNNER-UP: The Station Park Circle

Best Art Supply Store

Artist & Craftsman

Supply

981 King St. Downtown (843) 937-5199 artistcraftsman.com

RUNNER-UP: Hobby Lobby

Best Baby Store

Southern Belles: A Children's Clothier

Best Frame Shop

Havens Fine Framing

As a 50-year-old, family-owned custom picture frame shop, Havens Fine Framing is known for top-notch customer service, high attention to detail, breadth of knowledge and expertise in handling valuable, fragile, sentimental and oversized artworks

280 W. Coleman Blvd. J. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-1741 southernbelleschildren.com

RUNNER-UP: Under the Almond Trees

Store

Queen Street Grocery

Queen Street Grocery has long played a vital role in the Charleston community — for 100 years, in fact. The business celebrated its milestone anniversary last January, but current owner Rob Bouton has helmed the operation for 10 years.

As an actor living in New York City in the early 2000s, Bouton made frequent trips to classic delis and corner stores on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. When he decided to move away from the big city to a place with a slower pace, he chose Charleston.

“I didn’t really have a reason,” he said. “Selfishly, I just wanted to own a corner store.” When Queen Street Grocery went up for sale, he took the opportunity and purchased it, keeping the century-old establishment alive and well.

“A lot of folks that are visiting Charleston want a very authentic experience,” he said. “We’re in a 250-year-old building. That is about as authentic as it gets. Our bathroom is an outhouse. It’s just a very quirky, unique space.” Bouton said in addition to what the corner store offers, he loves the authenticity.

“We have a little bit of everything at the store,” Bouton said. “People come in from age 3 to 93. It’s really just a great local neighborhood store. It’s kind of the fabric of the neighborhood that really brings a lot of different people in from all over the world, as well as all over the peninsula and greater Charleston.” —Michael

Pham

Best Local Gourmet Grocery

Rūta Smith

Rūta Smith

Shops

Best Bookstore

Blue Bicycle Books

420 King St. Downtown (843) 722-2666

bluebicyclebooks.com

RUNNER-UP: Mr. K’s Used Books, Movies and More

Best Boutique

Copper Penny

311 King St. Downtown (843) 723-2999

280 W. Coleman Blvd. M. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-3497 shopcopperpenny.com

RUNNER-UP: II Brunettes

Best Bridal Store

Bridals by Jodi

823 St. Andrews Blvd. West Ashley (843) 863-8400 bridalsbyjodi.com

RUNNER-UP: The Bridal House of Charleston

Best CBD Shop

Charleston Hemp

RUNNER-UP: I Heart CBD

Best Children’s Clothing Retailer

Southern Belles: A Children's Clothier

280 W. Coleman Blvd. J. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-1741

southernbelleschildren.com

RUNNER-UP: Palmetto Moon

Best Cigar Store

Smoke 'N Brew

815 Folly Road. James Island (843) 501-7979

smokenbrew.com

RUNNER-UP: Charlestowne Tobacco & Wine

Best Collegiate Store

Palmetto Moon

1632 Palmetto Grande Drive. Mount Pleasant (843) 849-8122

4840 Tanger Outlet Blvd. #801. North Charleston (843) 763-7444

2150 Northwoods Blvd. North Charleston (843) 553-0552

416 Azalea Square Blvd. Summerville (843) 871-7727 palmettomoononline.com

RUNNER-UP: College of Charleston Bookstore

Shops

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 40

Best Comic Book Shop Captain's Comics and Toys

1209 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. D. West Ashley (843) 766-6611 captainscomics.com

RUNNER-UP: Soundwave Comics

Best Consignment (Furniture) Consign Charleston

1610 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. West Ashley (843) 225-9055 consigncharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Next to New

Best Consignment Store

The Station Park Circle

4610 Spruill Ave. North Charleston (843) 225-1130 facebook.com/thestationparkcircle

RUNNERS-UP: Consigning Women

Best Corner Store

Bert's Market

202 E. Ashley Ave. Folly Beach (843) 588-9449

bertsmarket.com

RUNNER-UP: Queen Street Grocery

Best Eyewear Boutique Jackson Davenport

Vision Center

379 King St. Downtown (843) 722-4416

jacksondavenportvision.com

RUNNER-UP: SEE Eyewear

Best Florist

Tiger Lily Florist

131 Spring St. B. Downtown 1614 Camp Road. James Island (843) 723-2808

tigerlilyflorist.com

RUNNER-UP: Roadside Blooms

Best Frame Shop

Havens Fine Framing

Best Consignment

(Children’s) Once Upon a Child

946 Orleans Road. F1. West Ashley (843) 724-9160

7800 Rivers Ave. #1440. North Charleston (843) 824-1242 onceuponachild.com

RUNNER-UP: Tiny Tadpoles

1070 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-1543

havensfineframing.com

RUNNER-UP: Frames Unlimited

CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

Best Bridal Store

Bridals by Jodi

West Ashley shop Bridals by Jodi has helped soon-to-be brides select their perfect wedding gowns since 2001. While the store remains a staple in the community, bridal styles have changed over time.

“There isn’t so much of a ‘Charleston bride’ anymore, which is what makes our job so fun,” said Katie Bailey, store manager. “It’s really about finding the bride’s personality and vision for the wedding and literally marrying them together.”

Brides are seeking unique styles, said Bailey and assistant manager Jordan Carrier, including different patterns and even different colors.

Several aspects set Bridals by Jodi apart: Clients are free to browse the entire store as soon as they come in, and the store carries a variety of sizes ranging from bridal size 6 to 26. “I really like the feedback we’ve gotten from our brides,” Carrier said. “We seem to be one of the most size-inclusive stores, and we get a lot of girls who are excited they can actually try things on.”

Carrier and Bailey said the average budget for a dress from the shop is between $1,000 and $3,000.

“We do our best to kind of become the bride’s best friend throughout the process,” Bailey said.

Carter added, “We can give an unbiased opinion. I don’t have an agenda going into it. I’m here for you and you only, and I think those are the most special appointments when you feel like you really bonded with the bride.”

Samantha Connors

Best Furniture Store

Celadon Home

1015 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 884-7005

celadonathome.com

RUNNER-UP: The Station Park Circle

Best Garden Store/Nursery

Hyams Garden & Accent Store

870 Folly Road. James Island (843) 795-4570

hyamsgardencenter.com

RUNNER-UP: Abide A While Garden Boutique

Best Gift Store

Palmetto Moon

1632 Palmetto Grande Drive. Mount Pleasant (843) 849-8122

4840 Tanger Outlet Blvd. #801. North Charleston (843) 763-7444

2150 Northwoods Blvd. North Charleston (843) 553-0552

416 Azalea Square Blvd. Summerville (843) 871-7727

palmettomoononline.com

RUNNER-UP: Old Whaling Company

Best Grocery Store

Harris Teeter

Various locations harristeeter.com

RUNNER-UP: Publix

Best Hardware Store

Royall Ace Hardware

883 Ben Sawyer Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 884-2551

royallhardware.com

RUNNER-UP: West Ashley True Value

Best Home Accessories Store

Celadon Home

1015 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 884-7005

celadonathome.com

RUNNER-UP: GDC Home

Best Jewelry Store

Croghan's Jewel Box

308 King St. Downtown (843) 723-3594 croghansjewelbox.com

RUNNER-UP:

Polly’s Fine Jewelry

Best Lighting Store

Charleston Lighting and Interiors

1640 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. West Ashley (843) 305-7364 charlestonlightingandinteriors.com

RUNNER-UP: Circa Lighting

Best Lingerie Store

Bits of Lace

453 W. Coleman Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 531-6625 bitsoflace.com

RUNNER-UP: Guilty Pleasures

Best Local Clothing Designer

Best Local Clothing Designer

Jeff Plotner and Ben Ross, Brackish

Jeff Plotner

and Ben Ross, Brackish

brackish.com

RUNNER-UP: Missy Johnson, Black Octopus Mercantile

Best Local Farm

Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens

1235 Long Point Road. Mount Pleasant (843) 884-4371 boonehallplantation.com

RUNNER-UP: Legare Farms

Best Local Gourmet Grocery Store

Queen Street Grocery

133 Queen St. Downtown (843) 723-4121 queenstreetgrocerycafe.com

RUNNER-UP: Wisconsin Meat and Cheese

Brackish began with a singular feather bow tie designed by Ben Ross and gifted in November 2007 to his groomsman, Jeff Plotner. Since its inception, the brand has blossomed into a full line of men’s and women’s accessories designed and handcrafted in Charleston with each piece focused on honoring the beauty found in nature.

Five years after the wedding, Plotner saw an opportunity in what Ross had created, and the two partnered together to launch Brackish.

For the next several years, they worked together to scale the growth of Brackish while staying true to the very first core value of the company: respectfully repurposing the beauty of nature. The company’s women’s collection, launched in the fall of 2019, includes feather-adorned earrings, cuff bracelets and necklaces in a variety of eye-catching designs and trend-setting silhouettes. —Herb Frazier

Whole Foods

1125 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 329-6540 923 Houston Northcutt Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 971-7249 wholefoodsmarket.com

RUNNER-UP: Earth Fare

Best Local Liquor Store

610 Coleman Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 849-9463 1110 N. Main St. Summerville (843) 875-6666 shopbottles.com

RUNNER-UP: East Bay Wine & Spirits

Rūta Smith file photo

THANKS FOR VOTING US

Shops CONTINUED FROM PAGE 44

Best Local Wine Shop

Avondale

Wine & Cheese

813 Savannah Hwy. B. West Ashley (843) 769-5444

avondalewc.hrpos.heartland.us/menu

RUNNER-UP: Bottles Beverage Superstore

Best Mall/Shopping Center

Mount Pleasant Towne Centre

1218 Belk Drive. Mount Pleasant (843) 216-9900 mtpleasanttownecentre.com

RUNNER-UP: Tanger Outlets

Best Men’s Clothing Store

M. Dumas & Sons

294 King St. Downtown (843) 723-8603 mdumasandsons.com

RUNNER-UP: Berlin’s For Men

Best Motorcycle Shop

Low Country

Harley-Davidson

4707 Dorchester Road. North Charleston (843) 554-1847 lowcountryharley.com

RUNNER-UP: American Biker

Best Musical Instrument Store

Fox Music House

4248 Dorchester Road. North Charleston (843) 740-7200 foxmusichouse.com

RUNNER-UP: Ye Olde Music Shop

Best Paint Store

Sherwin-Williams

Various locations sherwin-williams.com

RUNNER-UP: Spectrum Paint/Benjamin Moore

Best Pawn Shop

Money Man Pawn

Various locations

facebook.com/BamTheMoneyMan

RUNNER-UP: Gene’s Jewelry & Pawn

Best Pet Store

Dolittle's

22 Windermere Blvd. F. West Ashley (843) 852-5811 dolittles.com

RUNNER-UP: Hairy Winston

Best Place to Buy a New Car

Hendrick Toyota

North Charleston

7151 Rivers Ave. North Charleston (843) 804-6648

hendricktoyotanorthcharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Fred Anderson Toyota

Best Place to Buy a Used Car

CarMax

712 Savage Road. West Ashley (843) 769-7102 carmax.com

RUNNER-UP: Fred Anderson Toyota

Best Place to Buy Local Produce

Charleston Farmers Market

329 Meeting St. Downtown (843) 724-7305

charlestonfarmersmarket.com

RUNNER-UP: Mount Pleasant Farmers Market

Best Record Store

Monster Music & Movies

946 Orleans Road. West Ashley (843) 571-4657 monstermusicsc.com

RUNNER-UP: Gray Cat Music

Carolina Girls

Carolina Girls opened 20 years ago with the goal to represent local artisans, up-and-coming brands and the colorful styles of the Lowcountry

Rūta

Best CBD Shop, Best Wellness Product Charleston Hemp Collective

Matt and Libiss Skinner opened Charleston Hemp Collective on King Street in 2019 after seeing the benefits of using CBD firsthand. In the years since, the couple has expanded the store’s product offerings from tinctures, balms, lotions, Bloody Mary mix and more, to now include a cannabis-derived seltzer, High Rise, which also won Best Wellness Product this year.

“To win Best Wellness Product in Charleston shows how much people’s minds are opening to this plant,” said Matt Skinner. “It’s been quite a humbling year for me in this space. Not only to win Best of Charleston, but to see the support that’s come out over the last year.”

You can find High Rise seltzers in more than 200 bars, restaurants and retail spaces around town — and it’s about to get even easier to find with Hemp Collective’s new map designating High Rise retail locations.

The shop will also be expanding to James Island with a new location opening this June next to the Charleston Pour House. The space represents a big moment for the Skinners and the South Carolina cannabis industry as a whole because this location will also have the first dry cannabis bar in the state. Skinner said the bar will remain open until 1 a.m. and feature creative mocktails made with High Rise. —Samantha

Connors

Best Shoe Store

Phillips Shoes

80 Folly Road Blvd. West Ashley (843) 763-1000

philipsshoes.com

RUNNER-UP:

Shoes on King

Best Smoke Shop

I Heart CBD

423 W. Coleman Blvd. A. Mount Pleasant

(843) 823-5293

1722 Ashley River Road. West Ashley (843) 576-4440

1083 E. Montague Ave. C. North Charleston (843) 203-4243

8510 Rivers Ave. F. North Charleston (843) 996-4165

facebook.com/Iheartcbd843

RUNNER-UP: Smoke ‘N Brew

Best Sporting Goods Store DICK'S Sporting Goods

2070 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. West Ashley (843) 573-0891

114 Bowman Road. Mount Pleasant

(843) 800-3032

355 Azalea Square Blvd. Summerville (843) 873-4065

dickssportinggoods.com

RUNNER-UP: Fleet Feet

Best Stationery Store The Scratch Pad

409 Mill St. Mount Pleasant (843) 884-3433

facebook.com/scratchpadmp

RUNNER-UP: Ink Meets Paper

ON PAGE 48

For Voting Us BEST PAWN SHOP

Best Local Farm

Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens

Founded in 1681, Boone Hall is one of America’s oldest operating plantations. Today, the agricultural section of the property known as Boone Hall Farms grows a wide variety of fresh produce sold in season at the Boone Hall Farms Roadside Market. Crops, such as peaches, pumpkins and grapes are spread out across 120 acres of the coastal farmland. The wide variety of produce has become an essential part of restaurant menus and family dinner tables across the area. The farm is also well known for its Avenue of Oaks, a 0.75-mile stretch of 280-year-old live oaks. Throughout the year, the farm opens its U-Pick fields and allows locals and visitors to pick their own produce such as strawberries, blueberries and tomatoes. Throughout the year, the farm hosts various events and festivals including the Strawberry Festival in the spring, the Pumpkin Patch and Fright Nights in the fall and the Lowcountry Oyster Festival in the winter. The farm also offers educational opportunities for school students and tours for the general public in addition to areas of the property that can be used as a wedding venue. —Hillary

Reaves

Shops

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 47

Best Thrift/Resale shop

Charleston Animal Society Second Chance Resale and Adoption Center

5101 Ashley Phosphate Road. North Charleston (843) 225-4193 secondchanceresale.org

RUNNER-UP: Goodwill

Best Tire Store

Gerald's Tires & Brakes

1 Magnolia Road. West Ashley (843) 566-1910

3900 Dorchester Road. North Charleston

(843) 747-4011

4900 Rivers Ave. North Charleston

(843) 744-3285

5646 Rivers Ave. A. North Charleston (843) 747-2433 geraldstires.net

RUNNER-UP: Hay Tire Pros

Best Tobacco Shop

Smoke 'N Brew

815 Folly Road. James Island (843) 501-7979 smokenbrew.com

RUNNER-UP: King’s Leaf

Best Toy Store

Wonder Works

188 Meeting St. Downtown (City Market) (843) 577-2422

624 Long Point Road. Mount Pleasant (843) 849-6757 wonderworkstoys.com

RUNNER-UP: Hollipops Fine Toys and Gifts

Best Vape Shop Smoke 'N Brew

815 Folly Road. James Island (843) 501-7979 smokenbrew.com

RUNNER-UP: Airavata Vapors

Best Vintage Clothing Store Red Rose Vintage (888) 250-9130 redrosevintage.com

RUNNER-UP: The Exchange Factor

Best Wellness Product High Rise

Seltzers

highrisebev.com

RUNNER-UP: Dalai Sofia

Best Women’s Clothing Store

Gwynn's of Mount Pleasant

916 Houston Northcutt Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 884-9518

gwynns.com

RUNNER-UP: II Brunettes

Photography by Rūta Smith

Mural by: Jonathan Rypkema, @jonathanrypkema

Best Stationery Store

Whether you’re making that dreaded call to an attorney or a home repair service — or an excited and hopeful call to a wedding venue or pet trainer — it feels good to know that the person on the other end of the line knows what they’re doing. From the Best Criminal Defense Attorney (Andy Savage) and Best Roofing Company (New Beginnings Construction) to the Best Wedding Photographer (Justin Falk) and Best Pet Groomer (Dog Tired Pet Services), we have you covered with just about any service you can think of. So before you pick up the phone, make sure you pick up the City Paper. —Skyler Baldwin

Best Alterations

Mr. Le Alterations

120 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 763-6888

RUNNER-UP: Your Alteration Shoppe

Best Attorney (Criminal Defense)

Andy Savage, Savage Law Firm

15 Prioleau St. Downtown (843) 720-7470 savlaw.com

RUNNER-UP: Nick Thomas, Law Office of Nick Thomas

Best Attorney (DUI)

Jerod Frazier, Frazier Law Offices

8420 Dorchester Road. #202. North Charleston (843) 900-4529

RUNNER-UP: Joe Good, Joe Good, Attorney at Law

Best Attorney (Family Law)

Colleen Condon, Condon Family Law

4840 Chateau Ave. North Charleston (843) 225-7288 condonfamilylaw.com

RUNNER-UP: Sara Turner, The Law Office of Sara A. Turner

Best Attorney (Personal Injury)

Jerod Frazier, Frazier Law Offices

8420 Dorchester Road. #202. North Charleston (843) 900-4529

RUNNER-UP: John Price, John Price Law Firm

Best Auto Body Shop

Caliber Collision

Various Locations caliber.com

RUNNER-UP: Ascue’s Auto Body & Paint Shop

Best Auto Service

Gerald's Tires & Brakes

Various locations geraldstires.net

Colleen Condon, Condon Family Law

Colleen Condon has practiced law for more than 20 years and handles family law, mediation and issues pertaining to LGBTQ families

RUNNER-UP: Richard’s Automotive

Rūta Smith file photo Best Attorney (Family Law)

Best Home Builder New Leaf Builders

Established in 2010, New Leaf Builders is a local, awardwinning builder with communities throughout the Charleston and Wilmington, North Carolina, areas. Founded by Grant Zinkon and Adam Baslow (left), New Leaf takes a thoughtful, hands-on approach to every project, each rooted in environmentally responsible building techniques.

Whether the company designs the entire neighborhood or takes on a few lots in an established community, it strives to create a unique and individual home, which fits well with the feel of the community.

“New Leaf Builders is honored to have been chosen as the winner of the Best Home Builder in Charleston,” said Katherine Kornegay, the company’s marketing manager. “Our team works tirelessly to provide excellent quality and exceptional service, and it is truly a testament to the level of dedication of our entire organization.” —

Herb Frazier

Adam Baslow

Best Attorney (DUI), Best Attorney (Personal Injury) Jerod Frazier

Frazier Law Offices was founded in 2017. Since then, the practice has grown and experienced successes grounded in a commitment to serve clients well. Jerod Frazier has deep roots in a community that he services in a variety of ways. As a former police officer, Frazier has an acute eye in resolving criminal issues, and he is particularly savvy in handling civil action against the law enforcement agencies.

“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by our community,” Frazier said. “We never take it lightly when someone thinks enough of us to recognize our efforts. I would have never imagined winning a category with such great attorneys, but being considered, then winning in two different categories is overwhelming! Thank you, Charleston, and thank you, Charleston City Paper.” —Herb Frazier

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 50

Best Cab Company

Charleston Black Cab Company

1529 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. #2B. West Ashley (843) 216-2627 charlestonblackcabcompany.com

RUNNER-UP: Yellow Cab

Best Car Wash

Various Locations finswash.com

RUNNER-UP: In & Out Car Wash

Best Cell Phone Repair

1750 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 766-8778

3620 Ashley Phosphate Road. North Charleston

843-297-8641

75 Old Trolley Road. Summerville (843) 419-6380 idoctorsc.com

RUNNER-UP: CPR Cell Phone Repair

Best Cleaning Service

3228 Industry Drive. North Charleston (843) 760-0404

servicemasterofcharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Southern Comfort Cleaning

Best Disaster Recovery Company

3228 Industry Drive. North Charleston (843) 760-0404

servicemasterofcharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: ServPro

Best Doggie Day Care

Dog Tired Pet Services

1233 Camp Road. James Island 1989 River Road. Johns Island (843) 633-1032 • dogtiredsc.com

RUNNER-UP: My Three Dogs

Best Door and Window Installation

Charleston Window & Glass

4600 Ruff Road. D. North Charleston (843) 518-2283

RUNNER-UP: New Beginnings Construction

Best Dry Cleaner

Lyerly's Dry Cleaners

Various Locations

(843) 377-6994 • lyerlys.com

RUNNER-UP: Chris’ Dry Cleaning

Best Electrician/Company

Charleston Electric

1524 Shandon St. James Island

(843) 408-0245 • charleston-electric.com

RUNNER-UP: Amped Electric

Best Event Planner

Abby Frye, PPHG

Peninsula Events

456 King St. Downtown (843) 853-1810 • pphgcharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Blue Steel Promotions

Best Financial Institution

South Carolina

Federal Credit Union

Various locations

(800) 845-0432 • scfederal.org

RUNNER-UP: South State Bank

Services

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 54

Best Financial Planner

Heath Johnson, Bera Wealth Advisors

235 Magrath Darby Blvd. #120. Mount Pleasant (843) 459-3096 berawealth.com

RUNNER-UP: Michael P. Green, Apollon Wealth

Best Flooring Installation

Carpet Baggers

Flooring

3196 Marginal Road. West Ashley (843) 410-2680

carpetbaggerscarpetone.com

RUNNER-UP: John Griffiths Hardwood Flooring

Best Heating & Air Company

Morelli Heating & Air Conditioning

2470 Faber Road. North Charleston (843) 554-8600 morelliair.com

RUNNER-UP: Carney & Son 72 Degrees

Best Home Builder

New Leaf Builders

3421 Maybank Hwy. Johns Island (843) 400-0280 newleafsc.com

RUNNER-UP: Crescent Homes

Best Home Painter Old Charleston

Painting Company

4805 Shady Tree Lane. Summerville (843) 906-2272 ocpcllc.com

RUNNER-UP: Jill of All Trades

Best Home Remodeler

New Beginnings

Construction

928 Savage Road. West Ashley (843) 789-4604

newbeginningsconstructioninc.com

RUNNER-UP: Pear Tree Homes

Best Home Security Agency ADT

Various locations (800) 716-3640 adt.com

RUNNER-UP: CPI Security

ENJOY LIFE BANKING ON THE “BEST”

Best Insurance Agency State Farm

Various Locations statefarm.com

RUNNER-UP: KSA Insurance

Best Kitchen and Bath Design Signature Kitchens & Baths of Charleston, Inc.

1926 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 571-5720 • signaturekitchens.net

RUNNER-UP: South East Kitchens

Provided

Simply Stefanee Photography

Simply Stefanee Photography is a passion project fueled by owner and photographer Stefanee Dixon’s proclivity to capture moments and a desire for a more flexible career path. Around Christmas 2019, Dixon quit her day job as a nurse and offered Christmas photo shoots for families. At the beginning of 2020, Dixon dove head first into her new business. Despite the pandemic, she maintained a steady stream of clients. Dixon said she “didn’t ever really expect [the business] to be as big as it got.”

As Dixon built her business over the past couple of years, she said she has photographed families, couples, maternity pictures — and then began dabbling into boudoir. She realized boudoir married her passion for photography and desire to help women feel empowered in their own skin.

Dixon’s boudoir shoots are considered a luxury experience. Upon arriving at the studio, clients are treated to drinks like mimosas and some snacks before hair and makeup artists get to work. Dixon said her favorite part of a shoot like this is showing her client a few of the photos mid-shoot and seeing their reaction of disbelief. Suddenly, there’s a shift and the women are filled with self esteem, Dixon said. With her creative eye and love for building up women’s confidence, Dixon now exclusively books boudoir photography shoots.

As for her first time winning Best of Charleston, she said: “I was up against some really good photographers, so I was just very humbled by the win, especially not having been in the business for very long. It makes me happy.”

Hillary Reaves

Best Photographer (Portrait)

Best Dog Day Care, Best Dog Groomer Dog Tired Pet Services

First-time Best of Charleston winner Dog Tired calls itself an enrichment center for dogs, and with good reason — founder and president Gray Moore said for the past 14 years the pet care provider has prioritized pets’ wellness above all else. It offers daycare, boarding, grooming, in-home pet sitting, dog walking and training and even wedding nanny services.

“Charleston is a pet-crazed city,” Moore said. “We love that everyone wants to bring their pets with them wherever they go! We want to continue to educate the public on the importance of quality pet care by knowing what to look for in a reputable pet care company.”

Caring for pets is a 24/7 job, and Moore said Dog Tired also prioritizes a work-life balance for its staff members as well as continuing education opportunities to keep them up-to-date on the latest in pet grooming health and safety. Dog Tired is currently located on James and Johns islands, but Moore also hopes to expand the business soon. —Chelsea Grinstead

RUNNER-UP: Brent Heist, Heist Law Firm

Best Limo/Party Bus

1529 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. #2B. West Ashley (843) 216-2627 charlestonblackcabcompany.com partybuscharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Carolina Limousine

Best Marketing and PR Firm

Matchstick Social

58 Folly Road Blvd. #300. West Ashley (843) 631-6273 • matchsticksocial.com

RUNNER-UP: Creativ Social + Marketing

Best Mortgage Company

Carolina One Mortgage

Various Locations • carolinaonemtg.com

RUNNER-UP: SweetGrass Capital

Rūta Smith

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST DOOR & WINDOW INSTALLATION

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 60

Best Moving Company

(843) 352-8696

movepmc.com

RUNNER-UP: Smooth Move

Best

Palmetto Exterminators

624 Orleans Road. West Ashley (800) 585-8019 720 North Gum St. Summerville (843) 873-7997

RUNNER-UP: HomeTeam Pest Defense

Best Pet Groomer

Dog Tired Pet Services

1233 Camp Road. James Island 1989 River Road. Johns Island (843) 633-1032 • dogtiredsc.com

RUNNER-UP: Barks N Bubbles

Best Pet Trainer

K9 Control Training

1731 Signal Point Road. James Island (843) 901-9499

k9controltraining.com

RUNNER-UP: DOG DAZE

Best Photographer (Portrait)

Simply Stefanee Photography

(843) 330-5568 • simplystefanee.com

RUNNER-UP: Victorious Photography

Best

Professional Movers of Charleston

Professional Movers of Charleston offers a convenient solution to Citadel graduates looking to fill their transition time before starting a career or military service. These graduates, and even some cadets, can join the moving team to earn money before moving into their careers or stick around to grow within the company, said team leader Chris Proveaux.

Professional Movers of Charleston launched in 2018 to change the game for moving companies in the Charleston area. Using military discipline learned at The Citadel, the graduates pride themselves on punctuality, presentability and professionalism while on the job.

“I feel like some of us had experience with the moving industry, and we felt like the bar was set kind of low. We’re not reinventing the wheel,” Proveaux said, they just want to provide a higher level of moving service to the Charleston area. —Michael

Pham

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US

BEST PLASTIC SURGEON

FOR 10 YEARS RUNNING

& BEST PLASTIC SURGERY PRACTICE

PLUS RUNNER UP BEST MED SPA AND RUNNER UP BEST AESTHETICIAN DANIELLE CIOS

SPRING SPECIALS

$ 50 OFF A PURCHASE OF $ 200 OR MORE

Not valid for surgical procedures. Cannot be combined with other offers

AESTHETIC & LASER CENTER

Botox and Dysport | Fillers | Facials

Skin Rejuvenation | Laser Hair Removal

Melasma Treatment | Tattoo Removal

Brown Spot Reduction | Skincare

CoolSculping | Morpheus8 | Hydrafacial

COSMETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE

FACE

FaceTite | Facelift | Eyelid Lift | Brow Lift

Nose Reshaping | Ear Reshaping & Repair

BREAST

Breast Enlargement | Breast Lift

Breast Reduction | Breast Reconstruction

BODY

Body Lift | BodyTite

Liposuction | Tummy Tuck

Mommy Makeover | Laser Resurfacing

Removal of moles and other lesions

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST KITCHEN AND BATH DESIGN

Best Videographer Palmetto Wedding Films

With the Lowcountry’s historic venues and scenic vistas, the wedding industry here is unlike any other, and any couple planning their big day in Charleston will want to make sure every moment from sunrise to sunset is captured and kept. From first inquiry to photo delivery, Jessie Smith, owner and founder of Charlestonbased wedding videography studio Palmetto Wedding Films, acts as the main point of contact for couples on their big day, guiding them through the entire process and ensuring every detail is covered. With a small team including herself and a second videographer, they work alongside other photography studios to ensure the experience is stress-free and fun. Smith guarantees couples will have their footage edited, packaged and delivered two months after their wedding date, letting them relive all the special moments over again.

Skyler Baldwin

Services

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 62

Best Photographer (Wedding)

Justin Falk

Photography

4043 Prosperity Road. Johns Island (843) 364-2577 justinfalkphotography.com

RUNNER-UP: Molly Joseph Photography

Best Plumber/Company

Blitch Plumbing

407 Fleming Road. James Island (843) 795-9674 blitchplumbing.com

RUNNER-UP: Belle Plumbing

Best Pool Company

Atkinson Pools & Spas

454 Jessen Lane. Daniel Island (843) 881-3068 • atkinsonpools.com

RUNNER-UP: Sweetwater Pools

Best Property Management Company

Southeastern Management Group

151 King St. Downtown

(843) 577-8595 • semgsc.com

RUNNER-UP:

Daniel Ravenel Real Estate

Best Property Management Company (Apartments)

Greystar

465 Meeting St. #500. Downtown (843) 579-9400 • greystar.com

RUNNER-UP:

CREC Property Management

RUNNER-UP:

MAA, Rivers Walk Apartments

Best Realtor

Shana Rochelle Swain

(843) 224-8400 • shanaswainrealtor.com

RUNNER-UP: Del Shaffer

Jessie Branding

843-412-1401

I hired Joe for a DUI charge I received while on vacation. Joe was outstanding with keeping me at ease and keeping me updated throughout the proceedings. Joe was patient and took the time to explain things to me if I didn’t understand. I highly recommend Joe and would give him 10 stars if I could. Charles

Best Realty Company

Carolina One

Real Estate

Various locations carolinaonerealestate.com

RUNNER-UP: Lively Charleston Properties

Best Roofing Company

New Beginnings

Construction

928 Savage Road. West Ashley (843) 789-4604 newbeginningsconstructioninc.com

RUNNER-UP: Roofing USA

Best Shoe Repair Store

Peter & Sons

42 Windermere Blvd. West Ashley (843) 766-3277 peterandsons.com

RUNNER-UP: Alex’s Shoe Repair & Sales

Best Storage

Stomo Mobile

Self Storage

(844) 439-7866 • stomostorage.com

RUNNER-UP: Go-Store It

Best Videographer Liam Brennan

RUNNER-UP: Art of Daniel Green

Best Wedding Venue Lowndes Grove

266 St. Margaret St. Downtown (843) 853-1810

pphgcharleston.com/venues/lowndes-grove

RUNNER-UP: Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens

Best Wedding Videographer

Palmetto

Wedding Films

(843) 580-3636

palmettoweddingfilms.com

RUNNER-UP: Jodi Lee Films

Moxie Park is a collective of women helping others realize their true beauty. We can’t wait to help you discover your inner

Best Hair Stylist CrystalMitchell, CovenHaircraft

In her 12 years as a hair stylist, Crystal Mitchell said she’s learned it’s all about connecting with people

Photography by Rūta Smith

Mural by: Janeva Tyree, @janevatyree

Readers of the Charleston City Paper voted for their favorite places to go for a day of pampering or to receive essential medical care. Whether you need a good acupuncturist, day spa or OBGYN, this section has got you covered. Maybe you want to try a new workout class at The Works Cycle studio or HYLO Fitness. Or perhaps you’re looking for a more adventurous outing to the Museum of Living Arts piercing studio or Broken Lantern Tattoo. No matter what’s on your self-care list, these winners will point you in the right direction. —Chelsea

Grinstead

Best Acupuncture Practice Blue Heron Acupuncture & Apothecary

711 St. Andrews Blvd. West Ashley (843) 937-6890 blueheroncharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Serenity Wellness

Best Acupuncturist

Dr. Brittney Epps, Serenity Wellness

1019 Physicians Drive. C. West Ashley (843) 261-4038 serenitywellcenter.com

RUNNER-UP: Sarah Stowers, Charleston Acupuncture

Best Aesthetician Stefanie Sudduth, Germain Dermatology

612 Seacoast Pkwy. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-4440 germaindermatology.com

RUNNER-UP: Danielle Cois, O’Neill Plastic Surgery

Best Assisted Living Community

Bishop Gadsden

1 Bishop Gadsden Way. James Island (843) 762-3300 bishopgadsden.org

RUNNER-UP: Franke at Seaside

CONTINUED ON PAGE 74

Dr. Brittney Epps

Dr. Brittney Epps said she practices acupuncture because she wants to address the root causes of ailments instead of just treating the symptoms.

Originally from Lake City, Epps started her practice Serenity Wellness in North Charleston in October 2020. As her practice grew, she moved into a larger space in West Ashley, where she specializes in acupuncture and other traditional Chinese medicine modalities, like cupping, gua sha and more.

“When I was in undergrad, I attended a seminar about chiropractic acupuncture. After attending the seminar, I went home and did some research on acupuncture, and I fell in love with it,” she said. “Acupuncture is more of a wholebody approach, along with other traditional Chinese medicine modalities.”

Epps often treats patients for pain management as well as women who are looking for fertility support.

“Acupuncture focuses on understanding the root cause of the problem instead of just focusing on the symptoms. If you understand the root cause, then you’re able to fix that, and the symptoms will alleviate themselves.”

Epps said she is honored to win the City Paper ’s Best Acupuncturist.

Best Therapist

Elise Richard, Avondale Therapy

Richard has worked in mental health for 16 years in settings like an inpatient hospital unit, academic research, outpatient facilities and private practice

“It’s hard to put it into words how I feel. I just feel really good and excited to be recognized for my work with helping people. I would say hard work pays off.” —Chloe Hogan

Best Acupuncturist

Rūta Smith

Rūta Smith

Best Hair Stylist

Crystal Mitchell, Coven Haircraft

When Charleston native Crystal Mitchell first became a hair stylist 12 years ago, she said the industry was very different. Fewer salons existed then, but many of today’s experienced stylists in Charleston started together at the same salon.

“There was a very big group of us that all grew together and learned from one another,” Mitchell said. “We’ve all kind of gone separate ways, opened new salons or been part of opening a salon, but we’re more like a community or a family then competitors.”

Mitchell knew she wanted to be a hair stylist from the time she was in high school. She said a combination of her creativity and her love for getting her own hair done melded together perfectly for this career.

“I think it’s good to take care of yourself and [practice] self love, even if it’s just getting a trim,” she said. “It makes you feel good about yourself. And I think the biggest thing I’ve learned now is that it’s all about making connections with people. I have amazing clients, some who have been with me for 12 years.”

Mitchell’s clientele spans all ages and genders. Some of her clients even travel from places out-of-state like Charlotte and areas of Georgia. Though she said she enjoys offering a range of different hair services, she is highly experienced in working with blonde and fashion colors. —Samantha

Connors

Rūta Smith

Best Fitness Studio

KOR4 Elite Fitness

Owners Keith Hardwick and Riley Phelps first launched KOR4 Elite Fitness in April 2021 by offering outdoor workouts. Hardwick said the concept for KOR4 comes from his “huge passion for group fitness” and brings together the best parts of Crossfit, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and other workouts.

The current fitness studio is located on Sam Rittenberg Boulevard in West Ashley and offers heated HIIT classes, strength training and more.

“We started out by running outdoor workouts, and we built a membership base from there,” Hardwick said. “After about eight weeks, we moved into a temporary space, which is next door from where we are now, and we just grew month to month.”

The community at KOR4 is strong because of the safe space the studio provides for people to feel supported in their fitness journey, Hardwick said.

“Our community is people who show up knowing that we expect their best effort. They know that we know who each and every one of them are. Our community is really one big family, and we want people to feel supported in their fitness journey. So whether your goal is weight loss, strength gain or just maintaining a healthy lifestyle, we want to be that space where you feel excited to come and work out.” —Chloe

Hogan

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Health

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 74

Best Chiropractor

Dr. Stephen Khouri, Khouri Chiropractic & Health Solutions

149 E. Bay St. Downtown (843) 853-2225 khourichiropractic.com

RUNNER-UP: Dr. Brantley Meier, The Bridge Chiropractic

Best Cycling Studio

The Works Cycle

465 Meeting St. #160. Downtown 1421 Shucker Circle. Mount Pleasant (843) 718-3386 theworkschs.com

RUNNER-UP: Jibe Cycling Studio

Best Day Spa

Woodhouse Spa

10 Westedge St. #150. Downtown 725 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 203-1772 woodhousespas.com

RUNNER-UP:

Urban Nirvana

Best Dental Practice

Solomon Family Dentistry

110 Parish Farms Drive. Summerville (843) 300-1635

1971 North Main St. Summerville (843) 695-9236

497 W. Butternut Road. Summerville (843) 970-7299 3102 N. Hwy. 17. Mount Pleasant (843) 970-7292 solomondentistry.com

RUNNER-UP: Cooper Cosmetic & Family Dentistry

Best Dentist

Dr. Jessica Peele, Cooper Cosmetic & Family Dentistry

4830 Chateau Ave. North Charleston (843) 225-8718 cooperfamilysmiles.com

RUNNER-UP: Dr. Thomas Weir, James Island Dental Associates

Best Dermatologist

Dr. Marguerite Germain, Germain Dermatology

612 Seacoast Pkwy. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-4440 germaindermatology.com

RUNNER-UP: Dr. Stephanie Smith Phillips, Mt. Pleasant Dermatology

Best Dermatology Practice

Germain Dermatology

612 Seacoast Pkwy. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-4440

1814 Crowne Commons Way. E7. Johns Island (843) 881-4440

602 N. Main St. Summerville (843) 881-4440 germaindermatology.com

RUNNER-UP: Mt. Pleasant Dermatology

Best Exercise Studio

KOR4 Elite Fitness

1561 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. West Ashley (843) 416-9080 kor4elite.com

RUNNER-UP: Grit Box Charleston

Best Eye Doctor

Dr. Kerry Solomon, Carolina Eyecare Physicians

1101 Clarity Road. Mount Pleasant 2060 Charlie Hall Blvd. #201. West Ashley (843) 881-3937 drkerrysolomon.com

RUNNER-UP: Dr. Elyse DeWitt, Draisin Vision Group

Best Eyelash/Eyebrow Salon

Anne Bonny's Lash & Skin Boutique

829 Savannah Hwy. Second floor. West Ashley (843) 225-2054

3509 Meeks Farm Road. Johns Island (843) 469-3490 annebonnystudio.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Lash and Brow

Best Fertility Clinic

Coastal Fertility

Specialists

1375 Hospital Drive. Mount Pleasant (843) 883-5800

342 Brighton Park Blvd. Summerville (843) 972-9444 coastalfertilityspecialists.com

RUNNER-UP: Adore Fertility

Best Gym/Health Club

HYLO Fitness

880 Allbritton Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 606-2723

466 Savannah Hwy. A. West Ashley (843) 606-5267 hylofitness.com

RUNNER-UP: MUSC Wellness Center

Best Hair Salon

Moxie Park Salon

45 Romney St. #200. Downtown (843) 730-3102 moxieparksalon.com

RUNNER-UP: Stella Nova

Best Hair Stylist

Crystal Mitchell, Coven Haircraft

157 Market St. Downtown (843) 530-0728 covenhaircraft.com

RUNNER-UP: Gabriella Guidobono, IX Artistry

Best Hospital Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)

171 Ashley Ave. Downtown (843) 792-1414 muschealth.org

RUNNER-UP: Roper St. Francis

Dr. Kenosha Gleaton, The EpiCentre/Roper St. Francis

Though Dr. Kenosha Gleaton has been a practicing OBGYN since 2010, she only recently opened her private practice, The EpiCentre, which celebrated its second year in February.

“It’s a huge honor for me when I think about how things have progressed,” Gleaton said. After attending College of Charleston for her undergraduate and the Medical University of South Carolina for medical school, she moved to Charlotte for her residency. When she returned to Charleston, she wanted to open a practice that put patients first.

“I found that my heart was more focused on patient well-being, patient outcomes and patient satisfaction,” she said. “I really try to delve a little deeper into patients. They come to me for their physical needs, but I try to address their mental and emotional well-being as well because it’s sometimes just as important, if not more so, than physical well being. I always tell my staff, remember this is ministry, we are ministering to these patients.”

Gleaton operates The EpiCentre on Charlie Hall Boulevard in West Ashley in addition to delivering babies at Roper St. Francis. “When I’m delivering a baby, I consider those moments sacred. It’s just almost an honor for me to be invited to such a special moment,” she said.

This year’s Best OBGYN win is an important moment for Gleaton, who praised her staff for helping create a successful private practice.

Rūta Smith

“This is not an individual effort,” she said. “The EpiCentre and my team have shown an incredible amount of dedication and loyalty to our practice. It’s not easy with a startup company. … It’s a team effort, and I really put the honor back on them because they helped me make it happen.” —Samantha Connors

What sport made its first home in the colonies in Charleston?

What American opera is an homage to Charleston?

Charleston County is larger than which U.S. state?

Kate Burns, Exotic Impressions

Kate Burns learned how to pierce 12 years ago when she landed an apprenticeship with Exotic Impressions, the shop she still works at today. Part of the reason she was interested in becoming a body piercer is because she loves piercings.

“It’s a really fun form of self expression,” she said. “It allows me to be creative and allows the person who’s getting it done to have a lot of fun with their own personal image.”

Some of Burns’ favorite piercing appointments include ear curations, which involve Burns building a look around a client’s vision, typically with multiple piercings. But she has done many different piercings over the years.

For those interested in getting a piercing who have never done it before, she had some advice: “Research. Don’t watch YouTube videos because those are gonna be scary. They only put the entertaining ones up. But look at pictures and see what aesthetic you’re going for. Bring reference photos. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.”

This year’s Best of Charleston win marks the third year in a row City Paper readers named Burns Best Body Piercer.

“I’m super excited about the win,” she said. “My dad joked when I got nominated again this year that three years in a row will be considered a dynasty, so he’s going to be excited when he finds out.” Though Burns said her dad is a big supporter of her career, he’s not very interested in piercings himself. “His motto is don’t mess with perfection,” Burns said, laughing. Samantha Connors

350 Facts About Charleston by Andy Brack and the staff of Charleston City Paper

Best Body Piercer

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Health

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 78

Best In-Home Health Care Company

Interim HealthCare

3820 Faber Place Drive. #200. North Charleston (843) 569-5510 charlestonsc.interimhealthcare.com

RUNNER-UP: Amedisys

Best LASIK Provider

Dr. Kerry Solomon, Carolina Eyecare Physicians

1101 Clarity Road. Mount Pleasant 2060 Charlie Hall Blvd. #201, West Ashley (843) 881-3937 drkerrysolomon.com

RUNNER-UP: Dr. David O’Day, Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery

Best Local Pharmacy

Dottie's Pharmacy

325 Folly Road. #101. James Island (843) 501-9500 dotspharmacy.com

RUNNER-UP: Sweetgrass Pharmacy

Best Massage Therapist

Robbin Wells, Urban Nirvana

636D Long Point Road. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-1160 urbannirvana.com

RUNNER-UP: Britney Franklin, Awaken Massage

Best Medical Spa

Germain Dermatology

612 Seacoast Pkwy. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-4440 germaindermatology.com

RUNNER-UP:

O’Neill Plastic Surgery Aesthetic and Laser Center

Best Nail Artist

Tony, Ocean Nails & Spa

1303 Ben Sawyer Blvd. #8. Mount Pleasant (843) 557-3767 oceannailsandspamtp.com

RUNNER-UP: Anna Penegar, Obsidian Nails

Best Nail Salon

Nails So Dep!

601 Meeting St. #100. Downtown (843) 737-5453

RUNNER-UP: The Nail Place of Charleston

Best OBGYN

Dr. Kenosha Gleaton, The EpiCentre /Roper St. Francis

2048 Charlie Hall Blvd. West Ashley (843) 804-6010 epicentrecharleston.com

RUNNER-UP:

Dr. Lauren Hamilton, Roper St. Francis

Best Orthodontist

Dr. Michael Cox, Cox Orthodontics

108 Parish Farms Drive. Summerville (843) 553-4400

491 W. Butternut Road. Summerville (843) 875-3900

5401 Netherby Lane. #400. North Charleston

(843) 266-0070

103 Greenland Drive. Goose Creek (843) 553-4400 charlestonorthodontics.com

RUNNER-UP:

Dr. Reese McElveen, Reese Orthodontics

Best Orthodontics Practice

Coastal Kids Dental & Braces

Various locations coastalkidsdental.com

RUNNER-UP: Reese Orthodontics

Best Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Isabel Driggers, Coastal Kids Dental & Braces

Various locations

(843) 396-1191 coastalkidsdental.com

RUNNER-UP:

Dr. Jennifer Patterson, Smiles Pediatric Dentistry

Best Pediatrician

Dr. Arlene Shawinski, Coastal Pediatric Associates

2067 Charlie Hall Blvd. West Ashley

(843) 573-2535

776 Daniel Ellis Drive. James Island

(843) 795-8100

1952 Long Grove Drive. #202. Mount Pleasant

(843) 971-2992

2015 2nd Ave. #101. Summerville

(843) 737-9465

cpakids.com

RUNNER-UP:

Dr. Lauren Tipton, Parkwood Pediatrics

Best Personal Trainer Chandler Frisbie, The Works

465 Meeting St. #160. Downtown

1421 Shucker Circle. #1116 Mount Pleasant

(843) 718-3386

theworkschs.com

RUNNER-UP: Storm Squires, Grit Box Fitness

Health

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 81

Best

Physical Therapy

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)

171 Ashley Ave. Downtown

RUNNER-UP:

Roper St. Francis / ATI Physical Therapy

Best Physician

Dr. Douglas Gleaton, Liberty Doctors

418 Folly Road. A. James Island

(843) 795-5362

2175 Ashley Phosphate Road. D. North Charleston (843) 764-0770 libertydoctors.com

RUNNER-UP: Dr. Cary Hickman, Roper St. Francis

Best Piercing Studio Museum of the Living Arts

47 Spring St. Downtown (843) 937-5300

1595 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. West Ashley (843) 225-7127 charlestonpiercing.com

RUNNER-UP: Exotic Impressions

Best Pilates Studio

Pilates of Charleston

778 S. Shelmore Blvd. #104. Mount Pleasant (843) 608-8660

RUNNER-UP: Exhale Pilates Studio

Best Place to Give Birth

Roper St. Francis

316 Calhoun St. Downtown

RUNNER-UP: Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)

Best

Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Patrick O'Neill, O'Neill Plastic Surgery

245 Seven Farms Drive. #210. Daniel Island (843) 881-2130 oneillplasticsurgery.com

RUNNER-UP: Dr. Clayton Crantford, Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery

Best Plastic Surgery Practice

O'Neill Plastic Surgery

245 Seven Farms Drive. #210. Daniel Island (843) 881-2130 oneillplasticsurgery.com

RUNNER-UP: Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery

Best Retirement Community Bishop

Gadsden

1 Bishop Gadsden Way. James Island (843) 762-3300 bishopgadsden.org

RUNNER-UP: Del Webb at Cane Bay

Best Tanning Salon

Charleston Glow

1233 Ben Sawyer Blvd. #200. Mount Pleasant (843) 277-0924

412 Nexton Square Drive. Summerville (843) 277-0924 charlestonglow.com

RUNNER-UP: Glow Bar

Best Tattoo Artist

Glenn Collins,

Broken Lantern Tattoo

1931 Belgrade Ave. West Ashley (843) 637-4999 brokenlanterntattoo.com

RUNNER-UP: Brad Grimes, Blu Gorilla Tattoo

Best Tattoo Studio

Broken Lantern Tattoo

1931 Belgrade Ave. West Ashley (843) 637-4999

RUNNER-UP: Blu Gorilla Tattoo

Best Therapist

Elise Richard, Avondale Therapy

815 Savannah Hwy. #101. West Ashley (843) 870-0278

avondaletherapy.com

RUNNER-UP: David Kalergis, Lowcountry Family & Children

Best Veterinarian

Patrick Veterinary Clinic

667 Meeting St. Downtown (843) 722-4470 • patrickvet.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Harbor Veterinarians

Best Waxing Salon

European Wax Center

1739 Maybank Hwy. James Island (843) 790-4375

1308 Theater Drive. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-7667 • waxcenter.com

RUNNER-UP: Waxed Salon

Best Yoga Studio The Works

465 Meeting St. #160. Downtown

1421 Shucker Circle. #1116. Mount Pleasant (843) 718-3386 • theworkschs.com

RUNNER-UP: Holy Cow Yoga Center

Best Bowling Alley

The Alley

Owner David Crowley said The Alley is not your typical bowling alley as it has something for everyone — arcade games, a delicious food menu and more

Photography by Rūta Smith

Mural by: Douglas Panzone, @panzone_art

Charleston is known for its scenic marshland, pristine beaches and unique forest landscape. So it’s no surprise that the Holy City is rife with exciting outdoor activities — from kayaking adventures with Coastal Expeditions (Best Stand Up Paddleboard Company/Best Water Sports Company) to tee time at Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s Ocean Course (Best Golf Course). For those who like to get out on the water and fish, you’ll find City Paper readers’ go-to picks for Best Fishing Charter, Best Fishing and Tackle Shop and more in this section. Break out your sunscreen and bug spray and discover your next Charleston adventure. —Samantha Connors

Best Bike Shop

Mike's Bikes

808 Folly Road. James Island (843) 795-3322 mikesbikescharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Second Chance Bikes

Best Bowling Alley

The Alley

131 Columbus St. Downtown (843) 818-4080 thealleycharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Ashley Lanes Bowling Center

Best Dive Shop

Carolina Dive Locker

303 Ben Sawyer Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 884-1500 carolinadivelocker.com

RUNNER-UP: Joe’s Scuba

Best Fishing and Tackle Shop

Haddrell's Point

Tackle and Supply

47 Windermere Blvd. West Ashley (843) 573-3474 haddrellspoint.com

RUNNER-UP: Palmetto State Armory

Best Fishing Charter

RedFin Charters

145 Lockwood Drive. Downtown (843) 277-5255 inshorefishingcharters.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Outdoor Adventures

Best Golf Course

The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island

Golf Resort

1 Sanctuary Beach Drive. Kiawah Island (843) 768-2121 kiawahresort.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Municipal Golf Course

Best Kayak Company

Coastal Expeditions

514 Mill St. Mount Pleasant 50 41st Ave. Isle of Palms (843) 884-7684 coastalexpeditions.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Outdoor Adventures

Best Local Athlete

Raven Saunders

RUNNER-UP: Shelby Rogers

Best Local Sports Team Charleston RiverDogs

360 Fishburne St. Downtown (843) 723-7241 milb.com/charleston

RUNNER-UP: South Carolina Stingrays

Best Marina Charleston

Harbor Marina

24 Patriots Point Road. Mount Pleasant (843) 284-7062 charlestonharbormarina.com

RUNNER-UP: Bohicket Marina & Market

Best Bike Shop

Mike's Bikes

In an active city like Charleston, having access to a reliable bike shop is always important — whether you’re a serious rider who commutes on your bike daily or a casual enthusiast who enjoys a weekend ride along the West Ashley Greenway or around Hampton Park downtown.

Year after year, City Paper readers have voted Mike’s Bikes on James Island as the Best Bike Shop to take care of all your bicycle-related needs. Owner Mike Keck originally opened the bike shop in 1987 in a 400-square-foot space downtown specializing in repairs and used bikes.

Today, the James Island shop is a major expansion from the shop’s first downtown iteration now with 4,500-square-feet of cycling gear and accessories. The friendly staff can help you find the perfect bike in any price range, in addition to offering repairs and bicycle rentals. —Samantha Connors

Best Outdoor Outfitters

Half-Moon Outfitters

RUNNER-UP: Sewee Outpost

Best Park James Island County Park

871

ccprc.com/68/James-Island-County-Park

RUNNER-UP: Riverfront Park in North Charleston

Rūta Smith

Best Surf Shop McKevlin's Surf Shop

Abeloved staple in the Charleston community, McKevlin’s Surf Shop has secured the title of Best Surf Shop 26 years in a row — that’s every year since Best of Charleston was created.

It’s no surprise that McKevlin’s nabs the title every time as it is the longest established surf shop in South Carolina. Located on Folly Beach’s Center Street, the surf shop has provided goods and services to local and visiting surfers and outdoor enthusiasts since 1965.

Opened by Dennis McKevlin and his eldest son Ted, the shop’s first location was actually in the storage room of the former Folly Beach Bowling Center and offered only a handful of products. As the list of available products grew, so did the services provided. McKevlin’s is known as the first shop in South Carolina to offer a call-in surf report.

The shop quickly became a haven for pioneer surfers. Now 58 years later, the shop continues to be a trusty oasis for locals and visitors alike. It still pro vides a daily call-in surf report along with live surf cams. McKevlin’s supports local and independent professionals by offering surf lessons, and it’s home to the longest established surf team in South Carolina.

An impressive business built by passionate innovators and leaders in our community, we congratulate McKevlin’s Surf Shop on yet another Best of Charleston win. —Hillary

Reaves

Recreation

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 84

Best Place for Family Fun James Island County Park

871 Riverland Drive. James Island

(843) 406-6990

ccprc.com/68/James-Island-County-Park

RUNNER-UP: South Carolina Aquarium

Best Place for Kids to Play James Island County Park

871 Riverland Drive. James Island (843) 406-6990

ccprc.com/68/James-Island-County-Park

RUNNER-UP: Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park

Best Place to Buy A Boat

Hanckel Marine

2445 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 556-2550

hanckelmarine.com

RUNNER-UP: Seel’s Outboard

Best Stand Up Paddleboard Company

Coastal Expeditions

514 Mill St. Mount Pleasant 50 41st Ave. Isle of Palms (843) 884-7684

coastalexpeditions.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Outdoor Adventures

CONTINUED ON

Best Bowling Alley

The Alley

Since The Alley opened downtown on Columbus Street 11 years ago, City Paper voters every year have named it Best Bowling Alley.

“It’s been an incredible journey,” said owner David Crowley. “We’ve persevered through many challenging times in the past 11 years, but it’s always rewarding to continue to be recognized by our customers for their positive experiences here at The Alley.”

The Alley remains a beloved space in Charleston for its versatility. Inside the large building, you’ll find a wide range of games. Arcade games line the walls of the main bar and seating area where you can order drinks and food, like loaded tots and fries, chicken wings or sliders. The Alley also regularly hosts large-scale events like its annual Studio 300 New Year’s Eve party.

Enter the back half of the establishment, and you’ll find the bowling alley bearing bright orange walls, filled with the clash of bowling pins and laughter from other bowlers over jubilant music.

“We don’t really consider ourselves as your typical ‘bowling alley’ with only eight lanes,” Crowley said. “We consider The Alley as a place that truly caters to all. Outside of bowling, there is a lot to offer. ... I believe it’s important to have a venue with many offerings where anyone and everyone can feel comfortable.” —

Michael Pham

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 86

Best Surf Shop

McKevlin's Surf Shop

8 Center St. Folly Beach

(843) 588-2247

mckevlins.com

RUNNER-UP: Parrot Surf & Skate

Best Water Sports Company

Coastal Expeditions

514 Mill St. Mount Pleasant

(843) 884-7684

50 41st Ave. Isle of Palms

(843) 884-7684 coastalexpeditions.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Outdoor Adventures

Best Local Sports Team

Charleston RiverDogs

The Charleston RiverDogs have entertained fans with family-friendly events and a full season of baseball since 1997 at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park, called The Joe, so it’s no surprise the team was once again named Best Local Sports Team by City Paper voters.

The RiverDogs, the Carolina League’s Single-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, are known across the country for a commitment to promotions, entertainment and unique foods in a beautiful setting along the Ashley River. The team annually sets attendance records. In 2022, the team won its second consecutive league championship.

Equally important is the team’s commitment to partner with and support an array of nonprofit organizations and community groups. The RiverDogs also operate the high-end Segra Club private event space in the ballpark, and outside The Joe, the RiverDogs Food Truck travels the Lowcountry.

Ben Abzug, the team’s senior vice president, said locals aren’t surprised that Sports Business Journal in 2022 ranked Charleston as the nation’s No. 1 minor-league market in its biennial study.

“Between the RiverDogs, Stingrays and Battery,” Abzug said, “you have three franchises who are leaders in their respective leagues and community leaders here at home.” —Herb Frazier

Best Place to Buy a Boat Hanckel Marine

Hanckel Marine is a full-service boat dealership that offers new and pre-owned boat models including sport fishing, fish ‘n ski, walk around, dual console, deck, flats, skiffs, center console and bay. Hanckel is the exclusive dealer for Sportsman, Monterey and Blackfin boats powered by Yamaha outboard motors. Since its founding over a decade ago, Hanckel’s goal has been to assist the boating enthusiast in selecting boats with a world-class reputation for quality sales, service, strength, durability and value. Hanckel Marine is also one of the Lowcountry’s largest parts and service departments with the distinction of being Yamaha five-star certified.

Herb Frazier

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11 Locations TO SERVE YOU

Best Pitmaster John Lewis, Lewis Barbecue

Known for bringing Texas-style barbecue to the Lowcountry, John Lewis uses customdesigned smokers at Lewis Barbecue

Mural by: Maggie Mazza, @maggels_

Photography by Rūta Smith

It’s safe to say Charleston isn’t starving for food options — quite the opposite, in fact. The city’s bursting at the seams with all kinds of dining experiences from casual counter service and food trucks or pop-ups to tasting menus and at-home private chefs. There’s an option for everyone and a multitude of different cuisine styles to try. Craving sushi? O-Ku (Best Sushi) has you covered. Feeling French? Check out 39 Rue de Jean (Best French). Looking for the Best New Restaurant in town? Reserve a table at Rancho Lewis. The list of where to eat is never-ending, but a list of City Paper readers’ favorite establishments is a good start. —

Michael Pham

Best Acai Bowls

Huriyali Gardens

401 Huger St. Downtown (843) 207-4436 huriyali.com

RUNNER-UP: Beech

Best Asian Fusion

Jackrabbit Filly

4628 Spruill Ave. North Charleston (843) 460-0037 jackrabbitfilly.com

RUNNER-UP: Xiao Bao Biscuit

Best Bagels Ruby's New York Style Bagels

280 W. Coleman Blvd. Mount Pleasant (854) 227-5866 rubysnybagels.com

RUNNER-UP: Bagel Nation

Best Bakery

Baguette Magic

792 Folly Road. A. James Island (843) 471-5941 baguettemagicchs.com

RUNNER-UP: Saffron Restaurant & Bakery

Best Barbecue

Lewis Barbecue

464 N. Nassau St. Downtown (843) 805-9500 lewisbarbecue.com

RUNNER-UP: Home Team BBQ

Best Biscuits

Vicious Biscuit

409 W. Coleman Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 388-7362 viciousbiscuit.com

RUNNER-UP: Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit

Best Breakfast

Millers All Day

120 King St. Downtown (843) 501-7342

1956 Maybank Hwy. Unit A. James Island (843) 410-1553 millersallday.com

RUNNER-UP: Early Bird Dinner

Best Brisket

Lewis Barbecue

464 N. Nassau St. Downtown (843) 805-9500 lewisbarbecue.com

RUNNER-UP: Home Team BBQ

Best Bubble/Boba Tea

Poke Tea House

441 Meeting St. Unit E. Downtown (854) 444-3591 poketeahouse.com

RUNNER-UP: Ding Tea Ha Long Cafe

Best Buffet

Dukes Barbecue

331 Folly Road. James Island (843) 789-4801

4428 Spruill Ave. Unit B. North Charleston (843) 554-1110

RUNNER-UP: Nirlep

Best Chinese Red Orchids China Bistro

Despite winning City Paper ’s Best Chinese category nearly every one of the 20 years Red Orchids was open, this year’s win is a little different. With a heavy heart, we said goodbye to the beloved restaurant owned by Kelly and Tony Chu when it closed this April. For two decades, Red Orchids China Bistro has served up delicious Chinese cuisine to the West Ashley community.

“It’s really bittersweet seeing all these people here,” Kelly Chu told the City Paper in the last few days the restaurant was still serving customers. The dining room was flooded with adoring fans in the wake of the April announcement, each wishing the owners well and hoping for an answer to what comes next for the Chus.

For now, the couple is taking a well-deserved break. “I’ll finally have a weekend off,” Kelly Chu said, laughing. But, just because Red Orchids will no longer be in West Ashley doesn’t mean this is the last we’ll see of the couple. Kelly Chu still operates Cirsea Ice Cream, which can be found in more than 40 locations across the Lowcountry, including Burbage’s, Red’s Ice House, The Kingstide and many more. —

Michael Pham

Best Burger

Poe's Tavern

2210 Middle St. Sullivan’s Island (843) 883-0083 poestavern.com

RUNNER-UP: Little Jack’s Tavern

Best Caterer

Home Team BBQ

1205 Ashley River Road. West Ashley 126 Williman St. Downtown 2209 Middle St. Sullivan’s Island 3563 Hwy. 17. Mount Pleasant. (843) 225-7427 hometeambbq.com

RUNNER-UP: Hamby Catering

Rūta Smith

THANK

10 HAYNE STREET, DOWNTOWN | 843.723.FISH

Eating

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 92

Best Charcuterie

goat.sheep.cow.

106 Church St. Downtown (843) 480-2526

804 Meeting St. #102. Downtown (843) 203-3118 goatsheepcow.com

RUNNER-UP: Avondale Wine & Cheese

Best Cheap Meal

Santi's Restaurante

Mexicano

1302 Meeting St. Downtown (843) 722-2633

1471 Ben Sawyer Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 388-3146 santisrestaurantemexicano.com

RUNNER-UP: El Molino Supermarket

Best Cheesesteak

DB's Cheesesteaks

Hoagies & More

2 Avondale Ave. West Ashley (843) 225-3231 dbscheesesteak.com

RUNNER-UP: Jersey Mike’s

Best Chicken Fingers

Boxcar Betty's

1922 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 225-7470

7800 Rivers Ave. North Charleston (843) 990-9804

1701 Shoremeade Road. Mount Pleasant (843) 227-5198 boxcarbettys.com

RUNNER-UP: Raising Canes

Best Chinese

Red Orchids

China Bistro

Now closed

RUNNER-UP: Jackrabbit Filly

Best Chocolatier

Christophe Artisan

Chocolatier

90 Society St. Downtown (843) 297-8674

1901 Ashley River Road. #2A. West Ashley (843) 225-9133 christophechocolatier.com

RUNNER-UP: Remy Funfrock at Hotel Bennett’s La Pâtisserie

Best Coffee House

Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer

4 Vanderhorst St. Downtown (843) 853-7186 facebook.com/kuducharleston

RUNNER-UP: The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery

Best Daniel Island Brunch

The Kingstide

32 River Landing Drive. Daniel Island (843) 216-3832

thekingstide.com

RUNNER-UP: Blondies Bagels & Cafe

Best Daniel Island Restaurant

The Kingstide

32 River Landing Drive. Daniel Island (843) 216-3832 thekingstide.com

RUNNER-UP: Sermet’s Courtyard

Best Deli

East Bay Deli

Various locations

eastbaydeli.com

RUNNER-UP: Mozzo Deli

Best Dessert Specialty Cafe

Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar

198 E. Bay St. #100. Downtown (843) 722-5893 carmellasdessertbar.com

RUNNER-UP: Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe

Best Desserts at a Restaurant

Halls Chophouse

434 King St. Downtown (843) 727-0090

300 Nexton Square Drive. Summerville (843) 900-6000 hallschophouse.com

RUNNER-UP: Peninsula Grill

Best Doughnut Shop

Duck Donuts

1812 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. #16B. West Ashley (843) 724-9917 duckdonuts.com

RUNNER-UP: Hero Doughnuts and Buns

Best Downtown Brunch

Halls Chophouse

434 King St. Downtown (843) 727-0090

300 Nexton Square Drive. Summerville (843) 900-6000 hallschophouse.com

RUNNER-UP: Millers All Day

Best Downtown Restaurant

Halls Chophouse

434 King St. Downtown (843) 727-0090

300 Nexton Square Drive. Summerville (843) 900-6000 hallschophouse.com

RUNNER-UP: FIG

Best Daniel Island Brunch, Best Daniel Island Restaurant

The Kingstide

At the Kingstide on Daniel Island, executive chef Kevin Getzewich serves up seafood in a variety of ways — from raw to woodfired. The restaurant, which is part of Indigo Road Hospitality, overlooks the Wando River, which makes for a relaxing dining experience whether you’re enjoying brunch with friends or a date night dinner meal.

“We’re open every day for breakfast,” Getzewich said. “What I like about [serving] breakfast is most people don’t do breakfast very well.”

This gives Getzewich the opportunity to create delicious breakfast dishes that impress, alongside standout dinner entrees. For brunch/breakfast, The Kingstide offers pastries, muffins and croissants in addition to breakfast sandwiches and, Getzewich’s favorite, the soft scramble.

“It’s just delicious,” he said. “It’s got burrata, basil, oil and sourdough. I love scrambled eggs done the right way … I also love bread, so anything that has bread involved, I’m all in.

But for Getzewich, the dining experience is about more than just food. It’s about ambience.

“I like something really casual, not too pretentious,” he said. “Just really low-key foods and cool music. It doesn’t need to have tablecloths or like fine dining service. Don’t take it too seriously.” —Michael Pham

Best Folly Beach Brunch Lost Dog Cafe

106 W. Huron Ave. Folly Beach

(843) 588-9669

lostdogfollybeach.com

RUNNER-UP: Rita’s Seaside Grill

Best Folly Beach Restaurant Jack of Cups Saloon

34 Center St. Folly Beach

(843) 633-0042

jackofcupssaloon.net

RUNNER-UP: Rita’s Seaside Grill

Rūta Smith file photo

Best Folly Beach Restaurant Jack of Cups Saloon

W“e’re not mainstream,” said Lesley Carroll, co-owner and chef of Jack of Cups Saloon. “And I’m happy with that.” But the restaurant’s quirky dishes and unexpected twists are part of the reason Carroll was surprised the restaurant won Best Folly Beach Restaurant for the first time this year.

“There are so many deserving places on Folly, I was just not expecting this,” she said.

Carroll opened Jack of Cups with her longtime partner Nick Della Penna nine years ago, almost on a whim. A friend of the couple told them that the restaurant’s current location at 34 Center St. was for sale — a rare find on Folly Beach. “We drove down there that day, and two days later, we were locked in,” Carroll said. “We just thought, ‘We’ll never get this opportunity again. We have got to just jump on this space and figure it out later.’ Nick and I are both insane people like that.”

And figure it out they did.

Since opening, the restaurant has undergone a major renovation, expanding the back patio and creating more space for the inside bar — most of which Della Penna did himself. “He’s literally built everything you sit on or touch at Jack of Cups,” Carroll said, “including the bar and the benches.”

While Della Penna is the resident handyman, Carroll handles creating innovative recipes for the restaurant’s ever-changing menu, including items like Cap’N Crunch deviled eggs, red curry mac and cheese, pad thai gnocchi and even a dill pickle soup.

“I think it’s a fun thing,” she said of the soup. “What I really love is sometimes people do think it’s weird, but they order it anyway, and they try it, and then they decide if they like it. I’m sure some people are like, ‘What were they thinking?’ But there’s just as many people who liked it, and it’s something they can’t get anywhere else.”

To Carroll, coming up with new culinary creations is a vehicle of self expression, and while she acknowledges that her unconventional menu isn’t for everyone, she’s grateful for people’s willingness to try something new.

“There are two things that got me where I am today: Nick Della Penna and the Folly Beach community and Charleston community at-large,” she said. “The support we’ve gotten and the trust we’ve gotten from people to try us out has been huge. The support we feel all the time is just really overwhelming, honestly, in the best way.” —Samantha Connors

Eating

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 95

Best Food Truck

Roti Rolls

(843) 822-5070 eatrotirolls.com

RUNNER-UP: BlackOut Burger

Best French

39 Rue de Jean

39 John St. Downtown (843) 722-8881 holycityhospitality.com/39-rue-de-jean

RUNNER-UP: NICO Oysters + Seafood

Best Fried Chicken

Leon's Fine Poultry & Oyster Shop

698 King St. Downtown (843) 531-6500 leonsoystershop.com

RUNNER-UP: Boxcar Betty’s

Best Fries

Tattooed Moose

3328 Maybank Hwy. Johns Island (843) 952-7591 4845 Chateau Ave. North Charleston (843) 277-2990 tattooedmoose.com

RUNNER-UP: Felix Cocktail et Cuisine

Best Gelato

Carmella's Cafe

and Dessert Bar

198 East Bay St. #100. Downtown (843) 722-5893 carmellasdessertbar.com

RUNNER-UP: Beardcat’s Sweet Shop

Best Gourmet Sandwich

Five Loaves Cafe

1055 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. #100. Mount Pleasant (843) 849-1043 214 N. Cedar St. Summerville (843) 804-9410 fiveloavescafe.com

RUNNER-UP: Brown Dog Deli

Best Greek

Stella's

114 St. Philip St. Downtown (843) 400-0026 stellascharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Kairos Mediterranean

Best Grits

Grace & Grit

320 Wingo Way. Mount Pleasant (843) 698-4748 gracegrit.com

RUNNER-UP: Page’s Okra Grill

Best Gyro

Kairos Mediterranean

975 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 376-2011

1100 Bowman Road. Mount Pleasant (843) 606-9314

eatkairos.com

RUNNER-UP: My Big Fat Greek Trailer

Best Hot Dogs

Jack's Cosmic Dogs

2805 N. Hwy 17. Mount Pleasant (843) 884-7677 jackscosmicdogs.com

RUNNER-UP: Ye Ole Fashioned Ice Cream & Sandwich Cafe

Best Ice Cream

Ye Ole Fashioned Ice

Cream & Sandwich Cafe

Various locations

yeolefashioned.com

RUNNER-UP: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream

Best Indian/Pakistani

Malika Canteen

1333 Theater Drive. Mount Pleasant (843) 388-5178

1977 Maybank Hwy. James Island malikacanteen.com

RUNNER-UP: Nirlep

Best IOP Brunch

Acme Lowcountry

Kitchen

31 J.C. Long Blvd. Isle of Palms (843) 886-3474 acmelowcountrykitchen.com

RUNNER-UP: Sea Biscuit Cafe

Best IOP Restaurant

Acme Lowcountry Kitchen

31 J.C. Long Blvd. Isle of Palms (843) 886-3474 acmelowcountrykitchen.com

RUNNER-UP: Coda del Pesce

Best Italian Wild Olive

2867 Maybank Hwy. Johns Island (843) 737-4177

wildoliverestaurant.com

RUNNER-UP: Melfi’s

Best James Island Brunch

Millers All Day

120 King St. Downtown (843) 501-7342

1956 Maybank Hwy. Unit A. James Island (843) 410-1553 millersallday.com

RUNNER-UP: Baguette Magic

Rūta Smith

Best James Island Restaurant

Kwei Fei

1977 Maybank Hwy. James Island

kweifei.com

RUNNER-UP: Mondo’s

Best Japanese

O-Ku

463 King St. Downtown (843) 737-0112

o-kusushi.com

RUNNER-UP: Shiki

Best Johns Island Brunch

Tattooed Moose

3328 Maybank Hwy. Johns Island

(843) 952-7591

4845 Chateau Ave. North Charleston (843) 277-2990

tattooedmoose.com

RUNNER-UP: Sunrise Bistro

Best Johns Island Restaurant

Wild Olive

2867 Maybank Hwy. Johns Island (843) 737-4177

wildoliverestaurant.com

RUNNER-UP: The Royal Tern

Best Juice/Smoothie Bar

Huriyali Gardens

401 Huger St. Downtown

(843) 207-4436

huriyali.com

RUNNER-UP: Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant

Home Team BBQ

1205 Ashley River Road. West Ashley

126 Williman St. Downtown

2209 Middle St. Sullivan’s Island

3563 Hwy. 17. Mount Pleasant

(843) 225-7427

hometeambbq.com

RUNNER-UP: Coastal Crust

Best Late Night Menu

Tattooed Moose

3328 Maybank Hwy. Johns Island

(843) 952-7591

4845 Chateau Ave. North Charleston

(843) 277-2990

tattooedmoose.com

RUNNER-UP: The Royal American

CONTINUED ON PAGE 100

Best Greek Stella's Stella’s serves up authentic Greek meals like this grilled octopus dish, along with other classics like spanakopita, moussaka and more

Rūta Smith file photo

Merci

Eating

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 99

Best Local Artisanal Food Product

Booze Pops

424 King St. (843) 200-8422 boozepop.com

RUNNER-UP: Marsh Hen Mill Grits

Best Mac and Cheese

Home Team BBQ

1205 Ashley River Road. West Ashley 126 Williman St. Downtown 2209 Middle St. Sullivan’s Island 3563 Hwy. 17. Mount Pleasant (843) 225-7427 hometeambbq.com

RUNNER-UP: Lewis Barbecue

Best Meat & 3 Veggies

Lewis Barbecue

464 N. Nassau St. Downtown (843) 805-9500 lewisbarbecue.com

RUNNER-UP: Page’s Okra Grill

Best Mexican Restaurant

Santi's Restaurante

Mexicano

1302 Meeting St. Downtown (843) 722-2633

1471 Ben Sawyer Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 388-3146 santisrestaurantemexicano.com

RUNNER-UP: Rancho Lewis

Best Milkshake

Ye Ole Fashioned Ice Cream & Sandwich Cafe

Various locations

yeolefashioned.com

RUNNER-UP: The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar

Best Mount Pleasant Brunch

Page's Okra Grill

302 Coleman Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-3333 pagesokragrill.com

RUNNER-UP: Vicious Biscuit

Best Mount Pleasant Restaurant

NICO Oysters + Seafood

201 Coleman Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 352-7969 nicoshemcreek.com

RUNNER-UP: Page’s Okra Grill

Best Nachos

Home Team BBQ

1205 Ashley River Road. West Ashley 126 Williman St. Downtown 2209 Middle St. Sullivan’s Island 3563 Hwy. 17. Mount Pleasant (843) 225-7427 hometeambbq.com

RUNNER-UP: Saltwater Cowboys

Best New Restaurant

Rancho Lewis

1503 King St. Downtown (843) 996-4500 rancholewischs.com

RUNNER-UP: Vern’s

Best New Restaurant Rancho Lewis

Barbecue pitmaster extraordinaire John Lewis, known for bringing tasty Texas brisket to Charleston with his restaurant Lewis Barbecue, opened his new Tex-Mex joint, Rancho Lewis, last April. Lewis’ inspiration for the restaurant was his childhood in El Paso. The restaurant pays homage to the culture and cuisine of West Texas and New Mexico.

“It’s a reflection of my past and a way to honor the ingredients and techniques that I’ve admired since childhood,” he said. “We’ve put a lot of thought and intention into the menu and design.”

Rancho Lewis evolved from Lewis’ former food truck Juan Luis, which also held a spot in the former food hall, Workshop, the very same place where Rancho Lewis is now located. Described by Lewis as “border-food-meetscowboy-cookin’,” the menu is Lewis’ interpretation of childhood meals, highlighting regional ingredients including red and green Hatch chiles, pinto beans, mesquite firewood and beef.

“This was the eventual goal,” Lewis said. “And I think this is just an awesome spot because there’s loads of parking up there, which you don’t really get downtown — big outdoor areas, green space and stuff to do with families in town and kids can run around and stuff like that, too. We’ve been reaching a lot of people and I think made something that’s a little more casual, you know? We’re more accessible to everyone.” —Michael Pham

Best Fried Chicken

Leon's Fine Poultry & Oyster Shop

Located inside an old body shop, Leon’s is known for its tasty fried chicken as well as oysters, cocktails and excellent service

Best North Charleston Brunch

Jackrabbit Filly 4628 Spruill Ave. North Charleston (843) 460-0037

jackrabbitfilly.com

RUNNER-UP: The Junction Kitchen and Provisions

Best North Charleston Restaurant

Jackrabbit Filly

4628 Spruill Ave. North Charleston (843) 460-0037

jackrabbitfilly.com

RUNNER-UP: EVO Pizzeria

Best Outdoor Patio

Saltwater Cowboys

130 Mill St. Mount Pleasant (843) 856-0700

saltwater-cowboys.com

RUNNER-UP:

RUNNER-UP: Crust Wood Fired Pizza

Best Pizza - Traditional D'Allesandro's Pizza

229 St. Philip St. Downtown

(843) 853-6337

414 Nexton Square Drive. Summerville (843) 900-3593 dalspizza.com

RUNNER-UP: Famulari’s Pizzeria

Best Place to Buy Local Seafood

Crosby's Seafood Co.

2223 Folly Road. James Island (843) 577-3531 crosbysseafood.com

RUNNER-UP: Mt. Pleasant Seafood

Best Poke Poke Bros.

5070 International Blvd. North Charleston (843) 718-1354

644-H1 Long Point Road. Mount Pleasant (843) 800-5600

1305 N. Main St. Summerville (843) 285-9053 eatpokebros.com

RUNNER-UP: Beech

Jonathan Boncek file photo

Eating

Best Restaurant for Vegetarians

Five Loaves Cafe

Best Pop-up Restaurant

King BBQ

Eatkingbbq.com

Instagram: @kingbbqchs

RUNNER-UP: Seol Ah’s Korean Fusion Food

Best Private Chef

Brett McKee

(843) 814-0167

brettmckee.com

RUNNER-UP: Lauren Furey

Best Raw Bar

167 Raw Oyster Bar

193 King St. Downtown (843) 579-4997

167raw.com/charleston

RUNNER-UP: NICO Oysters + Seafood

Best Restaurant

Halls Chophouse

434 King St. Downtown (843) 727-0090

300 Nexton Square Drive. Summerville (843) 900-6000 hallschophouse.com

RUNNER-UP: Peninsula Grill

Best Restaurant Chef Nico Romo, NICO Oysters + Seafood,

Bistronomy by Nico and Laura

RUNNER-UP: James London, Chubby Fish

1055 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. #100. Mount Pleasant (843) 849-1043

214 N. Cedar St. Summerville (843) 804-9410

fiveloavescafe.com

RUNNER-UP: Neon Tiger

Best Restaurant

When Someone Else is Paying

Halls Chophouse

434 King St. Downtown (843) 727-0090

300 Nexton Square Drive. Summerville (843) 900-6000 hallschophouse.com

RUNNER-UP: FIG

Best Ribs

Lewis Barbecue

464 N. Nassau St. Downtown (843) 805-9500 lewisbarbecue.com

RUNNER-UP: Rodney Scott’s BBQ

Best Romantic Restaurant

82 Queen

82 Queen St. Downtown (843) 723-7591

82queen.com

RUNNER-UP: Chez Nous

Best Salad

California Dreaming

1 Ashley Point Drive. West Ashley (843) 766-1644 californiadreaming.rest

RUNNER-UP: Verde

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 101 CONTINUED

Best Tacos

El Molino Supermarket

If you’re looking for a quick, affordable and delicious meal, look no further than El Molino Supermarket’s taqueria. Taco fillings, such as barbacoa, pastor, carne asada, fish, veggies and more, are accompanied by onions, cilantro, a side of salsa and slices of radish and cucumber. These simple ingredients create big flavors.

Owners Jaime Tinoco and Pamela Sierra first opened the West Ashley market and taqueria in 2020, serving up Mexican cuisine and groceries. Now, it’s become a hugely popular taco

spot, landing its first title as Best Tacos as voted by City Paper readers. If you’re feeding a large group (or you and your friends are super hungry), opt for the taco box, which includes 15 tacos for about $50. On Taco Tuesdays, taco boxes are $35 plus tax. Though the tacos are clearly a popular item, if you’re craving something else, try a quesadilla, burrito or torta. You can also find El Molino food and goods at its recently opened second location on Rivers Avenue in North Charleston. —Michael Pham

Eating

FROM

Best Seafood

Hank's Seafood Restaurant

10 Hayne St. Downtown (843) 723-3474

hanksseafoodrestaurant.com

RUNNER-UP: Chubby Fish

Best She-Crab Soup

82 Queen

82 Queen St. Downtown (843) 723-7591

82queen.com

RUNNER-UP: Fleet Landing

Best Shrimp & Grits

Page's Okra Grill

302 Coleman Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-3333 pagesokragrill.com

Best Soul Food

Nigel's Good Food

3760 Ashley Phosphate Road. North Charleston (843) 552-0079

9616 Hwy. 78. #11. Ladson (843) 718-1759

7000 Bowen Pier Drive. #2. Hanahan nigelsgoodfood.com

RUNNER-UP: Page’s Okra Grill

Best Steak

Halls Chophouse

434 King St. Downtown (843) 727-0090

300 Nexton Square Drive. Summerville (843) 900-6000 hallschophouse.com

RUNNER-UP: Oak Steakhouse

Best Sub Sandwich / Hoagie

Jersey Mike's Subs

Various Locations

jerseymikes.com

RUNNER-UP: East Bay Deli

Best Sullivan’s Island Brunch

The Obstinate Daughter

2063 Middle St. Sullivan’s Island (843) 416-5020

theobstinatedaughter.com

RUNNER-UP: Poe’s Tavern

Best Sullivan’s Island Restaurant

The Obstinate Daughter

2063 Middle St. Sullivan’s Island (843) 416-5020

theobstinatedaughter.com

RUNNER-UP: Poe’s Tavern

Best Summerville Brunch

Five Loaves Cafe

1055 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. #100. Mount Pleasant (843) 849-1043

214 N. Cedar St. Summerville (843) 804-9410

fiveloavescafe.com

RUNNER-UP: Vicious Biscuit

Best Summerville Restaurant Laura

101 N. Main St. Summerville (843) 738-6988

laurasummerville.com

RUNNER-UP: Oscar’s

Best Sunday Brunch

Halls Chophouse

434 King St. Downtown (843) 727-0090

300 Nexton Square Drive. Summerville (843) 900-6000 hallschophouse.com

RUNNER-UP: Millers All Day

CONTINUED

Rūta Smith

Best Soul Food

Nigel's Good Food

Nigel and Louise Drayton first opened Nigel’s Good Food 11 years ago at 3760 Ashley Phosphate Road, bringing their soul food to the North Charleston area.

“I needed to pay some bills,” Nigel Drayton joked when asked why they opened the spot. Since then, the couple has opened two more locations in addition to the Slaughter House BBQ & Brew in Ladson. For Drayton, running a restaurant has become more of a way to share his passion and culture with people.

He described the origins of soul food as using “the lowest quality of foods” for ingredients, which needed to be well-seasoned and cooked with the right technique to make the food tasty. Ingredients like chicken feet and gizzards were used as main proteins back in the day, he said, but nowadays, soul cooks serve up classics like fried chicken and black-eyed peas.

“Over the years, I believe it’s changed because the conveniences of certain things that you can get are more available,” he said.

Nigel’s Good Food offers more modern cuisine, including barbecue, fried and stewed chicken; pork chops; turkey wings; and fried fish, shrimp and oysters.

Best Sushi

463 King St. Downtown (843) 737-0112

o-kusushi.com

RUNNER-UP: Locals

Best Tacos

El Molino Supermarket

1610 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. #301. West Ashley (843) 225-8244 5900 Rivers Ave. North Charleston (843) 261-8260

facebook.com/elmolinosupermarket

RUNNER-UP: Taco Boy

Best Tapas

Barsa Tapas Lounge & Bar

630 King St. Downtown (843) 577-5393 barsacharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Malagon

Louise Drayton came up with the name “Nigel’s Good Food” and the slogan “just what your soul needs” as a message to diners that each meal is prepared with love and care. —

Michael Pham

Rūta Smith

Best Thai Basil

1070 E. Montague Ave. North Charleston (843) 225-8161

1465 Long Grove Drive. Mount Pleasant (843) 606-9641

eatatbasil.com

RUNNER-UP: Taste of Thai

Best Tots

Home Team BBQ

1205 Ashley River Road. West Ashley

126 Williman St. Downtown

2209 Middle St. Sullivan’s Island 3563 Hwy. 17. Mount Pleasant. (843) 225-7427

hometeambbq.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Sports Pub

Best Vietnamese Little Miss Ha

915 Houston Northcutt Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 388-7251 littlemissha.com

RUNNER-UP: Pink Bellies

Best Wait Staff Halls Chophouse

434 King St. Downtown (843) 727-0090

300 Nexton Square Drive. Summerville (843) 900-6000 hallschophouse.com

RUNNER-UP: The Royal Tern

Best Waterfront Dining Fleet Landing

Restaurant & Bar

186 Concord St. Downtown (843) 722-8100 fleetlanding.net

RUNNER-UP: Tavern & Table

Best West Ashley Brunch

Early Bird Diner

1644 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 277-2353 earlybirddiner.com

RUNNER-UP: Three Little Birds

Best West Ashley Restaurant Home Team BBQ

1205 Ashley River Road. West Ashley

126 Williman St. Downtown

2209 Middle St. Sullivan’s Island

3563 Hwy. 17. Mount Pleasant. (843) 225-7427

hometeambbq.com

RUNNER-UP: The Glass Onion

Best Wings Home Team BBQ

1205 Ashley River Road. West Ashley

126 Williman St. Downtown

2209 Middle St. Sullivan’s Island

3563 Hwy. 17. Mount Pleasant. (843) 225-7427

hometeambbq.com

RUNNER-UP: Swig & Swine

Photography by Rūta Smith

Mural by: Karl Zurfluh, @karlzurfluh

Charleston’s known as a foodie town, but what’s a delicious meal without a tasty drink? Fortunately, Charleston’s cocktail, beer and wine game is just as strong as its food scene. Locals and tourists alike can find refreshing cocktails at bars like Paddock & Whisky on James Island and in Park Circle (Best Cocktails) or downtown’s Share House (Best New Bar) and ice cold beers at Holy City Brewing (Best Local Brewery) or Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co. (Best Happy Hour). From the tip of the peninsula to Summerville and Daniel Island, there’s always someplace great to try. Stay hydrated, thank your bartenders and raise a glass to this year’s winners.

Michael Pham

Best Adult Establishment

King Street Cabaret

1337 King St. Downtown (843) 789-4488 kingstreetcabaret.com

RUNNER-UP: Cheetah Gentleman’s Club

Best Authentic Pub

Blind Tiger Pub

36-38 Broad St. Downtown (843) 872-6700 blindtigerchs.com

RUNNER-UP: Madra Rua Irish Pub

Best Bar Staff

Low Tide Brewing

2863 Maybank Hwy. Johns Island (843) 576-9194

lowtidebrewing.com

RUNNER-UP: Halls Chophouse

Best Bartender

Zach Kramer, Low Tide Brewing

2863 Maybank Hwy. Johns Island (843) 576-9194 lowtidebrewing.com

RUNNER-UP: Amanda Phelps, Frannie & The Fox

Best Beer Retail Selection

Total Wine & More

1820 Ashley River Road. West Ashley (843) 763-7034 1501 N. Hwy. 17. Mount Pleasant (843) 375-8999 totalwine.com

RUNNER-UP: Edmund’s Oast Exchange

Best Beer Selection on Tap

Edmund's Oast

1081 Morrison Drive. Downtown (843) 727-1145

Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co.

1505 King St. #115. Downtown (843) 718-3224

edmundsoast.com

RUNNER-UP: Low Tide Brewing

Best Bloody Mary Page's Okra Grill

Zach Kramer, Low Tide Brewing

Charleston City Paper readers voted Kramer Best Bartender for the second

302 Coleman Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-3333

pagesokragrill.com

RUNNER-UP: The Darling Oyster Bar

Rūta Smith file photo Best Bartender

year in a row

Thank You for Voting Us

BEST MT. PLEASANT BAR BEST WATERFRONT BAR and BEST OUTDOOR PATIO

Holy City Brewing

With 52 indoor taps, a spacious outside patio overlooking Noisette Creek and full food menu, it’s no surprise the readers of the City Paper named Holy City Brewing the best in four different categories. The brewery celebrates its 12th year in business this July. Originally, Holy City Brewing was located off of Dorchester Road before relocating to its current Park Circle location in 2019.

“This Park Circle area has been really great to us,” said Chris Brown, production manager and one of the brewery’s owners. “We get a lot of walking, biking, golf-carting traffic. So, the past four years have really been focused on building out the new location and developing the taproom into what it is.”

The current location is perfect for hosting regular events, with a huge indoor space that can hold more than 300 people and beautiful outdoor area with another small bar. On Sundays, peruse vendor booths during the weekly market or head to the brewery early for Sunday morning yoga. Check out the events calendar for information about larger events like last year’s Halloween party and haunted house or its coming July anniversary party.

The brewery is well-loved not just for its space but also, unsurprisingly, its brews. The Pluff Mud Porter, which won Best Locally Brewed Porter/Stout, was actually the first beer Holy City ever brewed.

“It was at the first release party back in July 2011,” Brown said. “The goal with that beer was really to have something that was a dark beer but also drinkable throughout the whole year, even in summer when it’s hot in Charleston. … It’s probably won more beer competition medals than any other beer we’ve ever had.” And now, it has another accolade to add to the list. Kudos to you, Holy City brewers and staff! —Samantha Connors

Best Local Brewery, Best Local Brewery Taproom, Best Cold Beer, Best Locally Brewed Porter/Stout

Rūta Smith

THANKS FOR CHOOSING US ON GAME DAYS!

Drinking

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 110

Best Bottled Beer Selection

Gene's Haufbrau

817 Savannah Hwy. Charleston (843) 225-4363

RUNNER-UP: The Whale

Best Bouncers

Recovery Room Tavern

685 King St. Charleston (843) 727-0999 recoveryroomtavern.com

RUNNER-UP: A.C.’s Bar & Grill

Best Cheap Beer Deal

Recovery Room Tavern

685 King St. Downtown (843) 727-0999 recoveryroomtavern.com

RUNNER-UP: A.C.’s Bar & Grill

Best Cocktails

Paddock & Whisky

1074 E. Montague Ave. North Charleston (843) 203-4238

1962 Maybank Hwy. James Island (843) 225-5877

RUNNER-UP: The Cocktail Club

Best Cold Beer

Holy City Brewing

1021 Aragon Ave. North Charleston (843) 459-2948

holycitybrewing.com

RUNNER-UP: Low Tide Brewing

Share House

Taking the title of Best New Bar is no small feat, but Share House has clearly captured Charlestonians’ attention. Helmed by the same people behind popular sandwich joint Bodega and King Street bar Uptown Social, Share House knows how to get the party started — and keep it going all night long. Located on Ann Street, the bar features a large dance floor and garage doors that open to the outdoor patio. Share House regularly hosts events like karaoke, silent discos and music from local bands and DJs. Stop by for a happy hour drink from 4-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and enjoy some appetizers like Calabrian chili hummus, tuna poke nachos and more, or opt for something more filling like a burger or quesadilla. —Samantha Connors

Best New Bar

Rūta Smith

CHEERS CHARLESTON!

Drinking

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 116

Best College Bar

A.C.'s

Bar & Grill

467 King St. Downtown (843) 577-6742 acsbar.com

RUNNER-UP: Uptown Social

Best Dance Club

The Commodore

504 Meeting St. Downtown thecommodorechs.com

RUNNER-UP: Trio

Best Daniel Island Bar

The Kingstide

32 River Landing Drive. Daniel Island (843) 216-3832 thekingstide.com

RUNNER-UP: New Realm Brewing Co.

Best Daniel Island Happy Hour

The Kingstide

32 River Landing Drive. Daniel Island (843) 216-3832 thekingstide.com

RUNNER-UP: New Realm Brewing Co.

Best Distillery

Firefly Distillery

4201 Spruill Ave. North Charleston (843) 557-1405 fireflydistillery.com

RUNNER-UP: High Wire Distillery

Best Downtown Bar

Blind Tiger Pub

36-38 Broad St. Downtown (843) 872-6700 blindtigerchs.com

RUNNER-UP: The Royal American

Best Downtown Happy Hour

Edmund's Oast

1081 Morrison Drive. Downtown (843) 727-1145

edmundsoast.com

RUNNER-UP: The Royal American

Best Folly Beach Bar

Chico Feo

122 E. Ashley Ave. Folly Beach (843) 906-2710

chicofeos.com

RUNNER-UP: Rita’s Seaside Grille

Best Folly Beach Happy Hour

Chico Feo

122 E. Ashley Ave. Folly Beach (843) 906-2710 chicofeos.com

RUNNER-UP: Jack of Cups Saloon

Best Frozen Drinks

The Co-Op Frosé & Eatery

2019 Middle St. Sullivan’s Island (843) 882-8088

1515 Palm Blvd. Isle of Palms (843) 242-8366

1505 King St. Ext. Downtown thecoopsi.com

RUNNER-UP: Home Team BBQ

Best Happy Hour

Edmund's Oast

Brewing Co.

1505 King St. #115. Downtown (843) 718-3224

edmundsoast.com

RUNNER-UP: Pearlz Oyster Bar

Best James Island Bar, Best James Island Happy Hour

Bohemian Bull Owner Chad Biel celebrates Bohemian Bull’s first year winning Best James Island Bar and Happy Hour categories

Best Margarita, Best Mexican Restaurant, Best Cheap Meal Santi's

Restaurante Mexicano

Nothing hits the spot like a cold, tangy margarita. And nowhere makes a margarita quite like Santi’s Restaurante Mexicano according to readers of the City Paper, who have voted Santi’s as Best Margarita for years. Whether you like it spicy, on the rocks, frozen or any way in between, the margaritas at Santi’s have a reputation for being strong — just the way we like ‘em. If you’re in need of more than one or you’re willing to share, order an entire pitcher. Stop by the restaurant between 4-6 p.m. Monday through Friday for happy hours specials, including $3.50 margs. Cheers to that!

Samantha Connors

Rūta Smith

Best IOP Bar

The Windjammer

1008 Ocean Blvd. Isle of Palms (866) 540-3548

the-windjammer.com

RUNNER-UP: The Dinghy

Best IOP Happy Hour

The Windjammer

1008 Ocean Blvd. Isle of Palms (866) 540-3548

the-windjammer.com

RUNNER-UP: The Co-Op Frose & Eatery

Best James Island Bar

Bohemian Bull

1531 Folly Road. James Island (843) 225-1817

bohemianbull.com

RUNNER-UP: Paddock & Whisky

Best James Island Happy Hour

Bohemian Bull

1531 Folly Road. James Island (843) 225-1817

bohemianbull.com

RUNNER-UP: Bar George

Best Johns Island Bar

Tattooed Moose

3328 Maybank Hwy. Johns Island (843) 952-7591

4845 Chateau Ave. North Charleston (843) 277-2990

tattooedmoose.com

RUNNER-UP: Low Tide Brewing

Best Johns Island Happy Hour

Tattooed Moose

3328 Maybank Hwy. Johns Island (843) 952-7591

4845 Chateau Ave. North Charleston (843) 277-2990

tattooedmoose.com

RUNNER-UP: Low Tide Brewing

Blind Tiger Pub

Though the Blind Tiger Pub has cycled through different owners since it opened in 1992, it is a mainstay in the Charleston bar scene. Located on Broad Street, the building pays homage to Broad Street’s notoriety as home to illegal gambling and drinking joints. These “Blind Tigers,” as they were called, sprung up as a result of former Gov. Benjamin Tillman’s 1893 law privatizing alcohol sales in South Carolina.

Today, the Blind Tiger is touted as one of Charleston’s haunted establishments, with employee reports of strange occurrences and sounds. After a change of ownership and large-scale renovation in 2016, tunnels dating back to the late 1800s were discovered beneath a latched door in a back room. If the building’s unique history isn’t enough to entice you, check out the menu and drink list. This go-to spot for brunch, lunch and dinner, has a spacious outdoor patio surrounded by unique brick walls. Order a beer or a cocktail from the outdoor bar, find a table or a seat at the shared couches and soak in the ambience.

—Samantha Connors

Rūta Smith

Hwy. Johns Island

(843) 576-9194

lowtidebrewing.com

RUNNER-UP:

Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co., Bound by Time

Best Locally Brewed Gose/Sour

Edmund's Oast Brewing Co., Strawberry Rhubarb

1505 King St. #115. Downtown

(843) 718-3224

edmundsoast.com

RUNNER-UP:

Low Tide Brewing, Creamsicle

Best Locally Brewed IPA

Edmund's Oast

Best Locally Brewed Lager

Munkle Brewing Co., Munkle Pils

1513 Meeting Street Road. Downtown (843) 789-3109 munklebrewing.com

RUNNER-UP: Low Tide Brewing, Beer Flavored Beer

Best Locally Brewed Porter/Stout Holy

City Brewing, Pluff Mud Porter

1021 Aragon Ave. North Charleston (843) 459-2948 holycitybrewing.com

RUNNER-UP: Low Tide Brewing, Brunch with Santa

Best Margarita

Santi's Restaurante

Mexicano

302 Meeting Street Road. Charleston (843) 722-2633

1471 Ben Sawyer Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 388-3146 santisrestaurantemexicano.com

RUNNER-UP: Mex 1 Coastal Cantina

Best Martini

Halls Chophouse

434 King St. Downtown (843) 727-0090

300 Nexton Square Drive. Summerville (843) 900-6000 hallschophouse.com

RUNNER-UP: The Belmont

Best Mount Pleasant Bar

Saltwater Cowboys

130 Mill St. Mount Pleasant (843) 856-0700

saltwater-cowboys.com

RUNNER-UP: Red’s Ice House

Best Mount Pleasant Happy Hour

Red's Ice House

98 Church St. Mount Pleasant (843) 388-0003 redsicehouse.com

RUNNER-UP: Saltwater Cowboys

Best Neighborhood Bar

Moe's Crosstown Tavern

714 Rutledge Ave. Downtown (843) 641-0469 moescrosstowntavern.com

RUNNER-UP: Gene’s Haufbrau

Brewing

Co., Bound by Time

1505 King St. #115. Downtown

(843) 718-3224

edmundsoast.com

RUNNER-UP: Low Tide Brewing, Tide Chaser

Best New Bar

Share House

23 Ann St. Charleston (843) 297-4806 sharehousechs.com

RUNNER-UP: Last Saint

Drinking CONTINUED FROM PAGE 121

Best No Frills Watering Hole

The Royal American

970 Morrison Drive. Downtown (843) 817-6925 theroyalamerican.com

RUNNER-UP: Recovery Room Tavern

Best North Charleston Bar

Tattooed Moose 4845 Chateau Ave. North Charleston

RUNNER-UP: Paddock & Whisky

Best North Charleston Happy Hour

Tattooed Moose 4845 Chateau Ave. North Charleston

RUNNER-UP: DIG In The Park

Best Pet Friendly Bar/Restaurant

Low Tide Brewing

2863 Maybank Hwy. Johns Island (843) 576-9194 lowtidebrewing.com

RUNNER-UP: Red’s Ice House

Best Place for a Bachelor Party Republic Garden & Lounge

462 King St. Charleston (843) 724-7400 republicreign.com

RUNNER-UP: Uptown Social

Best Place for a Bachelorette Party Republic

Garden & Lounge

462 King St. Charleston (843) 724-7400 republicreign.com

RUNNER-UP: Uptown Social

Best Rooftop Bar

The Citrus Club

334 Meeting St. Eighth floor. Downtown (843) 872-9063 thedewberrycharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: The Rooftop at Vendue

Best Rooftop Bar The Citrus Club

Though the Citrus Club is located in the heart of downtown on Meeting Street, it feels like a secret haven. Enter the front doors of The Dewberry hotel and head to the eighth floor where you can opt to sit at the small indoor bar or venture out to the expansive rooftop patio with beautiful views of downtown and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.

Bar manager Kate Proudy, who joined the team in July 2022, said a big part of the bar’s apparel is the gorgeous view.

“But, I think more than that, it is just a hidden oasis in downtown Charleston,” she said. “And to create a bar program that matches that incredible view with a staff that’s so excited to be there and really cares is definitely what sets us a little bit above.”

Since Proudy came onboard, the Citrus Club has completely revamped its cocktail menu.

“Every single one of my bartenders up there has a cocktail on the menu that they came up with, they know the story of and they’re so excited for each other. It’s just been amazing watching them create their bar program.”

Samantha Connors

Andrew Cebulka

Tavern

Best Summerville Bar

The Icehouse

104 E. Doty Ave. Summerville (843) 261-0360 theicehousesc.com

RUNNER-UP: Montreux Bar and Grill

Best Summerville Happy Hour

The Icehouse

104 E. Doty Ave. Summerville (843) 261-0360 theicehousesc.com

RUNNER-UP: Dog and Duck

Best Upscale Bar

Halls Chophouse

434 King St. Downtown (843) 727-0090

300 Nexton Square Drive. Summerville (843) 900-6000 hallschophouse.com

RUNNER-UP: Felix Cocktails et Cuisine

Best Downtown Happy Hour

Edmund's Oast

Edmund’s Oast offers happy hour specials on food and drinks from 3-5 p.m. Monday through Friday

Best Waterfront Bar

Saltwater Cowboys

130 Mill St. Mount Pleasant (843) 856-0700 saltwater-cowboys.com

RUNNER-UP: Red’s Ice House

Best West Ashley Bar

Gene's Haufbrau

817 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 225-4363

RUNNER-UP: The Roost Bar and Grill

Best West Ashley Happy Hour

Gene's Haufbrau

817 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 225-4363

RUNNER-UP: Pearlz Oyster Bar

Best Wine Bar

Avondale Wine & Cheese

813 Savannah Hwy. B. West Ashley (843) 769-5444 avondalewc.hrpos.heartland.us/menu

RUNNER-UP: Graft Wine Shop & Wine Bar

Best Wine Selection (Bar/Restaurant or Retail)

Graft Wine Shop

& Wine Bar

700B King St. Downtown (843) 718-3359 graftchs.com

RUNNER-UP: Avondale Wine & Cheese

Rūta Smith