Charleston City Paper - Best of Charleston 2024

Scott Suchy photo illustration

Staff: Skyler Baldwin, Herb Frazier, Connelly Hardaway, Chloe Hogan, Hillary Reaves

Intern: Blakelyn Faia

Cartoonists: Robert Ariail, Steve Stegelin

Photographers: Rūta Smith, Ashley Stanol

Contributors: Amethyst Ganaway, Vincent Harris, Helen Mitternight, Kyle Petersen, Michael Pham, Tiare Solis, Abby Tierney, Kevin Wilson

READERS’ PICKS

This year, we’re kicking it old school. That’s right, it’s time yet again — Best of Charleston 2024 is here, and we’re going to party like it’s 1989. A heartfelt congratulations to all of our winners this year, from classic categories (with new twists) like Best Charlestonian (who isn’t Bill Murray or Darius Rucker) to plenty of new ones (38 new categories this year!) like Best Drag Queen, Best Locally Based Cannabis Product and Best Solar Panel Company. You’ll also notice some changes, namely the removal of our oh-so popular Politics, News and Media section, but don’t panic, its categories were moved to new homes elsewhere. Whether you’re skimming through to look for your next favorite restaurant or turning page-by-page, we hope you remember to thank the local businesses and community leaders that keep the Holy City special. And as always, see you next year! —Skyler Baldwin

Attractions and City Living

Best Annual Outdoor Event Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE)

Best Apartment Community The Haven at Indigo Square

Best Attraction South Carolina Aquarium

Best Bathroom

Off the lobby of The Charleston Place

Best Bed & Breakfast The Post House Inn

Best Charlestonian (who isn’t Bill Murray or Darius Rucker) Rob Fowler

Best Charter School

Charleston Charter School for Math and Science

Best City Council Member Robert Mitchell

Best City Paper Cover Story (TIE) Best of Charleston 2023 and Fentanyl Impact

Best College College of Charleston

Best Conservative U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C.

Best County Council Member Jenny Honeycutt, James Island

Best Daycare The Little Sage School

Best Do-Gooder/Activist Rob Fowler

Best Farmers Market

Charleston Farmers Market

Best Festival Spoleto Festival USA/ Piccolo Spoleto Festival

Best Cultural Event Spoleto Festival USA

Best Drag Show Dudley’s on Ann

Best Drag Queen Patti O’Furniture

Best Female Vocalist Lauren Hall

Best House/Cover Band The Midnight City Band

Best Jazz & Blues Club Forte Jazz Lounge

Best Karaoke Night Bangkok Lounge

Best Local Actor Who Performed in 2023 Ryan Pixler, The Prom (Charleston Stage)

Best Local Actress Who Performed in 2023

Jhonika Wright, The Prom (Charleston Stage)

Best Local Author Jonathan ‘Mookie’ Morant

Best Local Band The Midnight City Band

Best Local Comedian Josh Bates

Best Local Instagram Chucktown Memes

Best Local Podcast Midnight Terrors Podcast

Best Local Poet Marcus Amaker

Best Local Radio Personality Brooke Ryan

Best Local Radio Show Two Girls and a Guy, Mix 95.9

Best Local Social Media Influencer Christine England with Lowcountry Eat Out!

Best Local Theater Company Theatre 99

Best Local TV Anchor Ann McGill, Live 5 News

Best Trivia Night Tip of the Tongue Trivia - Keegan Shelton, Frothy Beard Brewing Company

Health and Beauty

Best Acupuncture Practice

Clinic of Acupuncture

Best Acupuncturist Dr. Zeyi Chen, Clinic of Acupuncture

Best Aesthetic Injector

Dr. Marguerite Germain, Germain Dermatology

Best Aesthetician Stefanie Sudduth, Germain Dermatology

Best Assisted Living Community

Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community

Best Barber Shop

Ed’s Barber Shop in West Ashley

Best Barre Studio Pure Barre

Best Body Piercer

James Dunn, Piercing Perfection

Best Body Piercing Studio Exotic Impressions

Best Child Psychologist Dr. Emily Belknap

Best Chiropractor Dr. Mark Luckie, West Ashley Wellness and Rehab

Best Cycling Studio The Works Cycle

Best Fundraising Event

Charleston Animal Society Applause for Paws Gala

Best Hotel Hotel Bennett

Best Local Cause Charleston Animal Society

Best Neighborhood Park Circle

Best Place of Worship Seacoast Church

Best Place to Work Bulldog Tours

Best Preschool The Oaks Children’s Academy

Best Private School

Bishop England High School

Best Progressive U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C.

Best Public School

Charleston County School of the Arts

Best Public Space Joe Riley Waterfront Park

Best S.C. Politician U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C.

Best Summer Camps

Charleston Animal Society BARK Camps

Best Sunset Spot Folly Beach

Best Sustainable Business SMART Recycling

Best Tour Company Bulldog Tours

Culture, Arts

and Entertainment

Best Art Exhibit of 2023

Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibition

Best Art Gallery Hagan Fine Art Gallery

Best Arts Instruction Dance Conservatory of Charleston

Best Local TV Sports Anchor Summer Huechtker, Live 5

Best Local TV Station Live 5 News, WCSC

Best Local TV Weather Forecaster Rob Fowler, WCBD News 2

Best Local Visual Artist Scott Penegar

Best Local Website Live5news.com

Best Local X Feed Holy City Sinner

Best Male Vocalist Ronnie Johnson

Best Movie Theater Terrace Theater

Best Museum International African American Museum

Best Music Concert of 2023

Chris Stapleton at Credit One Stadium

Best Music Instruction Clelia’s Guitar Studio

Best Musician Charlton Singleton

Best Non-Piccolo or Spoleto Play of 2023

Finding Freedom: The Journey of Robert Smalls

Best Party of 2023

Charleston Animal Society Applause for Paws Gala

Best Performing Arts Group

Charleston Symphony

Best Piccolo or Spoleto Show of 2023 Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibition

Best Place to See Local Hip-Hop Music Farm

Best Place to See Local Music

Charleston Pour House

Best Radio Station 105.5 The Bridge

Best Recording Studio Coast Records

Best Rock Music Club Music Farm

Best Day Spa Woodhouse Day Spa

Best Dental Practice

James & Johns Island Dental Associates

Best Dentist Dr. James Thomas, James and Johns Island Dental Associates

Best Dermatologist Dr. Marguerite Germain, Germain Dermatology

Best Dermatology Practice Germain Dermatology

Best Exercise Studio HYLO Fitness Charleston

Best Eye Doctor Dr. Elyse Dewitt, Draisin Vision Group

Best Eyelash/Eyebrow Salon

Anne Bonny’s Lash & Skin Boutique

Best Fertility Clinic

Coastal Fertility Specialists

Best Gym/Health Club HYLO

Best Hair Salon Moxie Park Salon

Best Hair Stylist

Lindsey Donohue, Moxie Park Salon

Best Hospital

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)

Best In-Home Healthcare Company Roper St. Francis Home Health

Best LASIK Provider Dr. Kerry Solomon, Carolina Eyecare Physicians

Best LGBTQ Counselor/Therapist Barbara Melton

Best Local Pharmacy Dottie’s Pharmacy

Best Massage Therapist

Abigail Morrow, The Massage Room

Best Medical Spa Germain Dermatology

Best Nail Artist

Maria Quesada (@trueartistnails)

Best Nail Salon Pink Polish Nail Lounge

Best OBGYN

Dr. Kenosha Gleaton, The EpiCentre

Best Oral Surgeon

Dr. Daniel Leach, Exemplar Surgery

Best Orthodontics Practice

Coastal Kids Dental & Braces

Best Orthodontist

Dr. Katie Bullwinkel, Vincent & Bullwinkel Orthodontics

Best Pediatric Dentist Dr. Isabel Driggers, Coastal Kids Dental & Braces

Best Pediatrician Dr. Arlene Shawinsky, Coastal Pediatric Associates

Best Personal Trainer

Chad Stroud, KOR4 Elite Fitness

Best Physical Therapy

High Tide Pediatric Therapy

Best Physician

Dr. Douglas Gleaton, Liberty Doctors

Best Pilates Studio Pilates of Charleston

Best Place to Give Birth Roper St. Francis

Best Plastic Surgeon

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

Best Plastic Surgery Practice

Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery

Best Retirement Community

Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community

Best Tanning Salon

Charleston Glow BlushPro Studio

Best Tattoo Artist

J.J. Quick (Jacob Reiss) Blu Gorilla Goose Creek

Best Tattoo Studio Blu Gorilla

Best Therapist

Jay White, Charleston Therapy

Best Urgent Care

Roper St. Francis Express Care

Best Veterinarian Patrick Veterinary Clinic

Best Waxing Salon

Brazilian Wax and Spa by Claudia

Best Yoga Studio The Works

Shops and Wares

Best Accessories Store Palmetto Moon

Best Adult Toy Store Guilty Pleasures

Best Antique Store

Terrace Oaks Antique Mall

Best Art Supply Store

Artist & Craftsman Supply

Best Baby Store Under the Almond Trees

Best Bookstore Buxton Books

Best Boutique Millie Lynn Boutique

Best Bridal Store Bridal House of Charleston

Best CBD Shop Charleston Hemp Collective

Best Children’s Clothing Retailer

Southern Belles: A Children’s Clothier

Best Cigar Store Cigars on Maybank

Best Collegiate Store Palmetto Moon

Best Comic Book Shop Captain’s Comics & Toys

Best Consignment (Furniture) Consign Charleston

Best Consignment Store Consign Charleston

Best Consignment Store (Children’s)

Once Upon a Child

Best Corner Store Bert’s Market

Best Eyewear Boutique SEE Eyewear

Best Florist Roadside Blooms

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 Trader Joe’s

Best Hardware Store

Lowcountry Ace Hardware

Best Home Accessories Store Celadon Home

Best Jewelry Store Croghan’s Jewel Box

Best Lighting Store Rick’s Lighting

Best Lingerie Store Guilty Pleasures

Best Local Clothing Designer

Mimi Strilpin, The Tiny Tassel

Best Local Farm Boone Hall Farms

Best Local Formal Wear Shop Berlin’s

Best Local Gourmet Grocery Store Mercantile & Mash

Best Local Liquor Store

Bottles Beverage Superstore

Best Local Wine Shop

Bottles Beverage Superstore

Best Locally Based Cannabis Product

High Rise Seltzer, High Rise Beverage Company

Best Mall/Shopping Center

Mount Pleasant Towne Centre

Best Men’s Clothing Store M . Dumas & Sons

Best Motorcycle Shop

Low Country Harley-Davidson

Best Musical Instrument Store Ye Olde Music Shop

Best Paint Store Sherwin-Williams

Best Pawn Shop Money Man Pawn

Best Pet Store

Hairy Winston Pet Boutique & Grocery

Best Place to Buy A Boat Hanckel Marine

Best Place to Buy a Golf Cart Etto

Best Place to Buy A New Car Hendrick Toyota North Charleston

Best Place to Buy A Used Car

Hendrick Toyota North Charleston

Best Place to Buy Local Produce

Charleston Farmers Market

Best Pop-up Market

Charleston Vintage Market

Best Record Store Monster Music & Movies

Best Shoe Store Phillips Shoes

Best Smoke Shop Purple Haze Smoke Shop

Best Sporting Goods Store Half-Moon Outfitters

Best Stationery Store The Scratch Pad

Best Thrift/Resale Shop Sea Island Habitat ReStore

Best Tire Store Gerald’s Tires & Brakes

Best Tobacco Shop

Charlestowne Tobacco & Wine

Best Toy Store Wonder Works

Best Vape Shop Avalon Vapor

Best Vintage Clothing Store Red Rose Vintage

Best Vintage Marketplace The Station Park Circle

Best Wellness Product High Rise Seltzer, High Rise Beverage Company

Best Women’s Clothing Store Gwynn’s of Mount Pleasant

Services

Best Alterations

Forget Me Knot Alterations & Design Studio

Best Attorney (Criminal Defense)

Andy Savage, Savage Law Firm

Best Attorney (DUI)

Andy Savage, Savage Law Firm

Best Attorney (Family Law)

Colleen Condon, Condon Edwards Family Law & Mediation

Best Attorney (Personal Injury) Carson Parker, Parker Injury Law Firm

Best Attorney (Real Estate) Dave Chard

Best Auto Body Shop Ascue’s Auto Body & Paint Shop

Best Auto Service Gerald’s Tires and Brakes

Best Cab Company

Charleston Black Cab Company

Best Car Wash In & Out Car Wash

Best Carpet Cleaning Company

ServiceMaster of Charleston

Best Cell Phone Repair 1 Stop Repairs

Best Cleaning Service Christi’s Cleaning Service

Best Disaster Recovery Company

Best Door and Window Installation

Window World of the Lowcountry

Best Dry Cleaner Sandy’s Dry Cleaners

Best Electrician/Company

Charleston Electric

Best Event Planner Goldbug Events

Best Financial Institution

South Carolina Federal Credit Union

Best Financial Planner

Charlie Capasso, Capasso Planning Partners

Best Flooring Installation

Heritage Flooring Co.

Best Foundation Repair Company Cantey Foundation Specialists

Best General Contractor

Carolina Construction of Charleston

Best Heating & Air Company

Morelli Heating & Air Conditioning

Best Home Builder New Leaf Builders

Best Home Painter

Old Charleston Painting Company

Best Home Remodeler New Beginnings Construction

Best Home Security Company

Charleston Security Systems

Best Insurance Agency State Farm

Best Kids Birthday Party Place/Service Stars and Strikes

Best Kitchen and Bath Design

Signature Kitchens & Baths of Charleston

Best Landscaper/Lawn Care

New Leaf Landscape Construction

Best Law Firm Peper Law Firm

Best Lawyer Mark Peper, Peper Law Firm

Best Limo/Party Bus Company

Charleston Black Cab Company

Best Marketing and PR Firm Legacy Digital

Best Mortgage Company

South Carolina Federal Credit Union

Best Moving Company Two Men and a Truck

Best Pest Control Palmetto Exterminators

Best Pet Groomer

Dog Tired Dog Enrichment Center

Best Pet Trainer Poseidon K9 Dog Training

Best Photographer (Portrait)

Victoria Armstrong, Victorious Photography

Best Photographer (Wedding)

Taylor Jordan, Taylor Jordan Photography

Best Plumber/Company Blitch Plumbing

Best Pool Company Sweetgrass Pools

Best Property Management Company

Best Property Management

Stay Duvet

Company (Apartments) Greystar

Best Realtor Shana Rochelle Swain

Best Realty Company

Carolina One Real Estate

Best Roofing Company

ServiceMaster of Charleston

Best Doggie Day Care

New Beginnings Construction

Best Shoe Repair Store

Peter & Sons Shoe Repair

Best Solar Panel Company

Second Sunrise Solar

Best Storage StoMo Mobile Storage

Best Swim Lessons Charleston Swim School

Best Tree Care Company

Winthrop Tree Service

Best Tutoring Service Deb Nelson

Best Videographer Frankie Gilmore - Video + Photo

Best Wedding Venue Lowndes Grove

Best Wedding Videographer Palmetto Wedding Films

Recreation

Best Bike Shop Second Chance Bikes

Best Bowling Alley The Alley

Best Dive Shop Carolina Dive Locker

Best Fishing and Tackle Shop

Haddrell’s Point and Tackle

Best Fishing Charter Redfin Charters

Best Golf Course

The Ocean Course, Kiawah Island

Best Horseback Riding Lessons

Middleton Place Equestrian Center

Best Kayak Company Coastal Expeditions

Best Local Athlete Kyle Busey

Best Local Sports Team Charleston RiverDogs

Best Marina Bohicket Marina

Best Outdoor Outfitters

Half-Moon Outfitters

Best Park James Island County Park

Best Place for Family Fun

South Carolina Aquarium

Best Place for Kids to Play Park Circle Playground

Best Place for Kids to Splash

James Island County Park Splash Zone

Best Stand Up Paddleboard Company Coastal Expeditions

Best Surf Lessons Isla Surf School

Best Surf Shop McKevlin’s Surf Shop

Best Ultimate Frisbee Course Trophy Lakes

Eating

Best Acai Bowls Beech

Best Appetizers Wild Olive

Best Asian Fusion Jackrabbit Filly

Best Bagels Ruby’s New York Style Bagels

Best Bakery Baguette Magic

Best Bar Food Tattooed Moose

Best Barbecue Lewis Barbecue

Best Biscuits Vicious Biscuit

Best Breakfast Millers All Day

Best Brisket Lewis Barbecue

Best Buffet Dukes Barbecue

Best Burger Poe’s Tavern

Best Caterer Cru Catering

Best Charcuterie goat.sheep.cow.

Best Cheap Meal

Santi’s Restaurante Mexicano

Best Cheesesteak Yous Guys Sandwich Shop

Best Chicken Fingers Boxcar Betty’s

Best Chinese Jackrabbit Filly

Best Chocolatier

Christophe Artisan Chocolatier

Best Daniel Island Brunch The Kingstide

Best Daniel Island Restaurant The Kingstide

Best Deli East Bay Deli

Best Dessert Carmella’s Cafe and Dessert Bar

Best Doughnut Shop Duck Donuts

Best Downtown Brunch Halls Chophouse

Best Downtown Restaurant Halls Chophouse

Best Fine Dining Restaurant Halls Chophouse

Best Folly Beach Brunch Lost Dog Cafe

Best Folly Beach Restaurant

Rita’s Seaside Grille

Best Food Truck Roti Rolls

Best French 39 Rue de Jean

Best Fried Chicken

Leon’s Fine Poultry & Oyster Shop

Best Fries Tattooed Moose

Best Gelato Carmella’s Cafe and Dessert Bar

Best Gourmet Sandwich Five Loaves Cafe

Best Greek Stella’s

Best Grits Grace & Grit

Best Gyro Kairos Mediterranean

Best Hot Dogs Jack’s Cosmic Dogs

Best Ice Cream Ye Ole Fashioned

Best Indian-Pakistani Food

Ma’am Saab - Pakistani Restaurant

Best IOP Brunch Acme Lowcountry Kitchen

Best IOP Restaurant

Acme Lowcountry Kitchen

Best Italian Wild Olive

Best James Island Brunch Millers All Day

Best James Island Restaurant Bohemian Bull

Best Japanese O-Ku

Best Johns Island Brunch Sunrise Bistro

Best Johns Island Restaurant Wild Olive

Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant Home Team BBQ

Best Late Night Menu The Royal American

Best Local Artisanal Food Product

Rio Bertolini’s Fresh Pasta

Best Mac and Cheese Home Team BBQ

Best Meat & 3 Veggies Lewis Barbecue

Best Mexican Restaurant

Santi’s Restaurante Mexicano

Best Moncks Corner Brunch Gilligan’s Seafood Restaurant

Best Moncks Corner Restaurant Page’s Okra Grill

Best Mount Pleasant Brunch Page’s Okra Grill

Best Mount Pleasant Restaurant NICO Oysters + Seafood

Best Nachos Home Team BBQ

Best New Restaurant Sorelle

Best North Charleston Brunch The Junction Kitchen & Provisions

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 Fish & Shrimp Co.

Best Poke Poke Bros.

Best Pop-Up Restaurant Patty Daddy

Best Private Chef Brett McKee

Best Raw Bar 167 Raw Oyster Bar

Best Restaurant Halls Chophouse

Best Restaurant Chef Nico Romo, NICO Oysters + Seafood, Bistronomy by Nico, and Laura

Best Restaurant for Vegetarians Five Loaves Cafe

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 East Bay Deli

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 Locals

Best Tacos Taco Boy

Best Tapas Barsa Tapas Lounge & Bar

Best Thai Basil

Best Tots Home Team BBQ

Best Vietnamese Bon Banh Mi

Best Wait Staff Halls Chophouse

Best Waterfront Dining Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar

Best West Ashley Brunch Early Bird Diner

Best West Ashley Restaurant The Glass Onion

Best Wings Home Team BBQ

Drinking

Best Activity Bar The Alley

Best Adult Establishment King Street Cabaret

Best Arcade Bar Pinky & Clyde’s Arcade Bar

Best Authentic Pub Blind Tiger Pub

Best Bar Staff Holy City Brewing

Best Bartender Keegan Shelton, Frothy Beard Brewing

Best Beer Retail Selection Total Wine & More

Best Beer Selection on Tap Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co. & Taproom

Best Bloody Mary The Darling Oyster Bar

Best Bottled Beer Gene’s Haufbrau

Best Bouncers Recovery Room Tavern

Best Bubble/Boba Tea Hi Boba Tea

Best Cheap Beer Deal Recovery Room Tavern

Best Cocktails The Cocktail Club

Best Coffee Roaster Second State Coffee

Best Coffee Shop Lodi Coffee

Best Cold Beer Holy City Brewing

Best College Bar AC’s Bar & Grill

Best Dance Club The Commodore

Best Daniel Island Bar The Kingstide

Best Daniel Island Happy Hour New Realm Brewing Co.

Best Distillery Firefly Distillery

Best Downtown Bar Blind Tiger Pub

Best Downtown Happy Hour Recovery Room Tavern

Best Folly Beach Bar Chico Feo

Best Folly Beach Happy Hour Chico Feo

Best Frozen Drinks The Co-Op Frosé & Eatery

Best Goose Creek Bar Sapphire’s Bar & Grill

Best Happy Hour Pearlz Oyster Bar

Best IOP Bar The Windjammer

Best IOP Happy Hour The Windjammer

Best James Island Bar Charleston Pour House

Best James Island Happy Hour Bohemian Bull

Best Johns Island Bar Tattooed Moose

Best Johns Island Happy Hour Tattooed Moose

Best Juice / Smoothie Bar Huriyali Gardens / Huriyali Riverland

Best Late Night Bar The Royal American

Best Local Beer Can Design Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co. & Taproom

events live local

THE FUTURE OF COMMUNICATION

Attractions and City Living

Charleston has no shortage of events, festivals and celebrations these days — sometimes it seems like there’s something to do every day of the week. From the Spoleto Festival and the Bridge Run to SEWE and Wine + Food, there’s something for everyone, but sometimes it can feel hard to pick which ones to mark on your calendar. That’s where we (with some help from our readers) come in, highlighting only the best of the best. Whether you’re looking to hit the farmers market (we recommend the Charleston Farmers Market) or the john (drop by The Charleston Place), we have them all in one place for your convenience. —Skyler Baldwin

Best Do-Gooder/Activist, Best Charlestonian

(who isn’t Bill Murray or Darius Rucker), Best Local TV Weather Forecaster

Rob Fowler

Longtime forecaster Rob Fowler got a kick out of us excluding Bill Murray and Darius Rucker from our Best Charlestonian contest this year, happy to be voters’ third choice

Photography by Rūta Smith; photo illustration by Scott Suchy

Attractions and City Living Attractions and City Living

Best Annual Outdoor Event Southeastern Wildlife Exposition

Various locations each February sewe.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Wine+Food Festival

Best Apartment Community The Haven at Indigo Square

1800 Indigo Market Drive. Mount Pleasant (843) 805-4552 havenindigosquare.com

RUNNER-UP: The Jasper

Best Attraction South Carolina Aquarium

100 Aquarium Wharf. Downtown (843) 577-3474 scaquarium.org

RUNNER-UP: City Jail Tour, Bulldog Tours

Best Bathroom Off the lobby of The Charleston Place

205 Meeting St. Downtown (800) 641-5545 Charlestonplace.com

RUNNER-UP: The Dewberry

Best Bed & Breakfast

Post House Inn

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

RUNNER-UP: John Rutledge B&B

Best Charlestonian (who isn’t Bill Murray or Darius Rucker) Rob Fowler

RUNNER-UP: Joe Riley

Best Progressive Jim Clyburn

South Carolina’s U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, one of the nation’s top congressional leaders for years, may be in his ninth decade, but he’s got a zeal and zest for living that keeps people half — heck, a third — of his age hopping and bopping.

Clyburn, who once taught school in Charleston and who represents part of the county in Congress, is the dean of Democratic politics in South Carolina. He’s the man whose stamp of approval for Joe Biden in 2020 led to the state’s voters backing him for president in what became Biden’s breakout campaign moment. Through the years, Clyburn has offered consistent pushes toward progressive solutions to push better education, better voting, better civil rights, better health care and better economic development. He’s a continuing conscience for the hurly-burly U.S. House of Representatives at a time it sorely needs the voice of reason. —Andy Brack

Best Charter School Charleston Charter School for Math and Science

1002 King St. Downtown (843)720-3085 charlestonmathscience.org

Best City Council Member Robert Mitchell

RUNNER-UP: Mike Seekings

Best City Paper Cover Story (TIE) Best of Charleston 2023 and The Fentanyl Scourge: Overdoses are ripping apart lives

Best College College of Charleston

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

RUNNER-UP: Medical University of South Carolina

Best Conservative U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C.

RUNNER-UP: Former Gov. Nikki Haley

Best County Council Member Jenny Honeycutt, James Island

RUNNER-UP: Herb Sass, Mount Pleasant

Courtesy Jim Clyburn

Courteys SC Aquarium

In celebration and as a thank you to our voters, use code CITY24 for 10% off any of our history or ghost tours. Our engaging, friendly, licensed guides are ready to help you learn something you didn’t know about the place you call home. Valid thru August 31, 2024.

S OF SAVIN LIVES

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US THE BEST

Best Local Cause: Charleston Animal Society Best Fundraising Event: Applause for Paws Gala Best Party of 2023: Applause for Paws Gala Best Summer Camps: BARK Camps

CONGRATULATIONS

Jim Clyburn

Annual Outdoor Event

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition

Charleston is blessed with scores of great outdoor events every year, but one stands out heads and shoulders above the rest — the annual Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) that brings tens of thousands of people to the area every February to kick off the Lowcountry visitation season. Just as guests can’t seem to get enough of big dogs flying through the air to plop into water, raptors circling, wildlife art and conservation education, neither can locals. This year, they picked the 42nd iteration of SEWE as the area’s best annual outdoor event.

It’s not too long before it starts up again, with next year’s event set to begin on Valentine’s Day and to end Feb. 16 as conservationists, craftsmen, artists and animals flock to Charleston to celebrate everything from pluff mud and khaki to birds, bees and butterflies. —Andy Brack

Attractions and City Living

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

RUNNER-UP:

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Wine+Food Festival

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

RUNNER-UP: LowVelo, MUSC Hollings Cancer Center Best Hotel Hotel Bennett 404 King St. Downtown (843) 203-0922 hotelbennett.com

RUNNER-UP: The Charleston Place

Courtesy SEWE

Best Local Cause

Charleston Animal Society

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

RUNNER-UP: East Cooper Community Outreach

Best Neighborhood Park Circle North Charleston facebook.com/pcncsc

RUNNER-UP: Old Village, Mount Pleasant

Best Place of Worship Seacoast Church

Various Locations seacoast.org

RUNNER-UP: Emanuel AME Church, Downtown

Best Place to Work

Bulldog Tours

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

RUNNER-UP: South Carolina Aquarium

Best

Hotel Bennett

It should be no surprise to many readers that Hotel Bennett has been voted as the region’s best hotel. Why? Its European-inspired architecture blended with old-fashioned Southern hospitality offers just about everything you need to have a good staycation or night on the town.

First are the hotel’s luxurious rooms overlooking a great city park. Each offers crisp linens, comfortable elegance

and a relaxing atmosphere.

Then there’s a world-class restaurant (Gabrielle) powered by innovative chef Edgar Kano and fueled by delights by James Beard Award-nominated Executive Pastry Chef Remy Funfrock. And if you like coffee, pastry and macarons, you won’t want to miss La Patisserie where Funfrock creates treats that make mouths water, hum and sizzle. —Andy Brack

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

WORK IN PARADISE

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Enjoy dependable schedules, employee meals, free parking, discounts on golf, tennis and dining, on-island privileges and extensive benefits packages, including medical, dental, vision and 401k

Explore employment opportunities at KiawahCareers.com or email questions to jobs@kiawahresort com

Hotel

Courtesy Hotel Bennett

harleston County Council member Jenny Honeycutt of James Island had two reactions to being picked as the City Paper ’s readers’ choice for best member of council.

First came a response that sounds good, but is kind of typical: “I am incredibly honored to have received the support of Charleston City Paper readers for the second year in a row. I love Charleston County and remain dedicated to making Charleston the best place to live, work and play.”

Yep. OK, but we wondered what do you really feel about winning — more than some safe political answer?

“I was so excited I screamed so loud my paralegal Savannah thought I was hurt.”

That’s the kind of answer that makes us all smile. Congratulations!

Andy Brack

RUNNER-UP:

Rep. Jim Clyburn,

RUNNER-UP: Annie Andrews

Best County Council Member

Jenny Honeycutt

Courtesy Jenny Honeycutt

Best Public School

Charleston County School of the Arts

5109-B West Enterprise St. North Charleston (843) 529-4990 ccsdschools.com/soa

RUNNER-UP: Academic Magnet High School

Best Public Space

Joe Riley Waterfront Park

Vendue Range and Concord St. Downtown

RUNNER-UP: The Battery and White Point Gardens, Downtown.

Best S.C. Politician

U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C.

RUNNER-UP:

U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C.

Best Summer Camps

Charleston Animal Society BARK Camps

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

RUNNER-UP: Coastal Expeditions

Best Sunset Spot

Folly Beach

Regardless of whether you’re enjoying a cold beer along the Folly River at Bowen’s Island Restaurant or facing west from a boat on the backside of Folly Beach, readers agree the best sunset spot in the area is Folly Beach.

This “edge of America” offers a relaxed, funky environment where you can get great eats, chilled drinks and lots of fun. The community stands out as a cherished gem along the South Carolina coast. Whether it’s the vibrant community spirit or eccentric nature, locals and visitors find themselves drawn back time and again.

As Jack of Cups bar manager Eian Condon noted recently, “Folly Beach doesn’t pretend to be anything other than itself. That kind of authenticity I think is one reason why the business thrives,

So if you’re looking for a chill and fun place to watch a glowing sunset, head over to Folly. Pro tip: Make sure you get to your sunset-viewing spot early. Traffic can be heavy — and you don’t want to watch the iconic Folly sunset from inside your car. —Andy Brack

Rūta Smith file photo

Best Charlestonian (who is not Bill Murray or Darius Rucker), Best Do-Gooder/Activist, Best Local TV Weather Forecaster

Rob

Fowler

Rob Fowler, voted best weatherman more than 20 times through the years by readers of the Charleston City Paper, chuckled when he learned he won this new award. Why? Because he’s a come-yah who first arrived in the Lowcountry in 1987 to forecast rain and sun at WCBD TV.

“Loved the category. It made me chuckle when I first saw it!” Fowler told us. “Props to Darius and Bill. I was certainly honored to be nominated, and then to win was completely unexpected. I have great respect for everyone nominated. I know we all share a love and a passion for the amazing place we call home.”

Fowler, who grew up in Atlanta, got a communications degree in his hometown and then studied meteorology in Mississippi and Oregon. He started in the weather business in Savannah and Green Bay, Wisconsin, but made Charleston the place where he and his wife raised their three children some 37 years ago.

So for anyone who wonders how long it takes a person from off to be considered a real — and the best Charlestonian — just turn to Rob Fowler for the answer. —Andy Brack

The Oaks Children’s Academy

best preschool of charleston of

A unique early learning facility, with locations in West Ashley & N. Chs, for children who are 6 weeks-5 years of age. It is our philosophy that early childhood should be a time of fun, warmth, security, exploring and discovery. Our mission is to provide high quality, developmentally appropriate preschool education in a safe and caring environment, helping children develop socially, creatively, emotionally, physically and intellectually.

LOCAL RA DIO S HOWS C ha rl es to n’s Top 2

Best Local Actress Who Performed in 2023

Jhonika WrightJhonikaWrightsaid representationonstage isveryimportanttoher

Cu l t ure, A r ts

2023 was a remarkable year for the arts in Charleston: From new pop up art galleries to theatrical debuts, organizations and individuals boldly created more opportunities for creatives to make and show work. The performing arts continue to flourish, with drag nights offered at at least a dozen venues around town, regularly-occurring improv and sketch comedy from Theatre 99 and Rip City; and music venues like Charleston Pour House and The Commodore keep bringing us live music seven nights a week. Performers at PURE Theatre, Charleston Stage, The Void and more offered us theatrical works that inspired and ignited. And in June, the International African American Museum (IAAM) officially opened to the public after over 20 years of planning. With all this in mind, artists in Charleston have lots to celebrate at this year’s Best of Charleston party. —Chloe Hogan

Best Art Exhibit of 2023 Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibition

RUNNER-UP: Fun with Water and Such by Sheryl Sabol

Best Art Gallery

Hagan Fine Art Gallery

125 Church St. Downtown (843) 901-8124 haganfineart.com

RUNNER-UP: Robert Lange Studios

Best Art Instruction Dance Conservatory of Charleston 1632 Ashley Hall Road. West Ashley (843) 607-6063 danceconservatorychs.com

RUNNER-UP: Redux Contemporary Art Center

by

Best Drag Queen Patti O’Furniture

PBest Cultural Event

Spoleto Festival USA

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

RUNNER-UP: MOJA Arts Festival

Best Drag Show Dudley’s on Ann

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

RUNNER-UP: Edmund’s Oast Sunday Brunch

Best Drag Queen Patti O’Furniture allaboutpatti.com

RUNNER-UP: Kylee Lovelee

atti O’Furniture has been a fixture in the Charleston drag scene for more than two decades. She emcees and performs her brand of comedic and glamorous drag at all kinds of events — from Charleston Pride to gay bingo, monthly drag brunch since 2017 at Edmund’s Oast and her spectacular stage show. She’s also the host of the longest-running drag show in Columbia at PT’s every Tuesday.

The Patti O’ persona, former college professor Pat Patterson told the City Paper, was born out of a dare: It was the fall of 1999 when Patterson’s students were fundraising for the queer student union and as an effort to push them towards their goal, Patterson promised to appear at the event in drag.

Patti O’s first costumes were a mish-mash of gifted items from other entertainers, earning her the nickname “the yard sale on legs.” Since then, she’s polished up her act and earned her spot as one of the most sought-after drag performers in the Southeast. Over the last 25 years, one thing has remained consistent: every dollar that Patti collects on stage gets donated to causes including HIV/AIDS prevention and education, animal welfare, LGBTQ+ civil rights, the environment and a host of local arts organizations.

Patti O’Furniture told the City Paper that she is humbled and honored to be crowned the first winner of this brand-new category.

“To know that the readers of the Charleston City Paper honored me with this distinction has left this drag queen speechless,” she said. “And if you’ve ever been to one of my shows, you know I’m rarely speechless. It means a great deal to be chosen out of a group of top-notch entertainers that I respect and admire so much.”

Photo

Just Toby

Thank You, Charleston, For Making the Chris Stapleton Show the Best Concert of the Year

Charleston, we are beyond grateful! Once again, your incredible support has made the Chris Stapleton show the Concert of the Year, and we couldn’t be more honored.

Chris Stapleton’s soulful voice and captivating performances have a way of touching hearts and bringing people together, and your enthusiasm for his show is a testament to that. From the foot-stomping anthems to the heartfelt ballads, every moment shared with Chris on stage is one to cherish.

To our amazing community, thank you for making this possible. Your unwavering support means the world to us, and we are deeply humbled by your continued vote of confidence.

Let’s raise a glass to Chris Stapleton, to the power of music, and to the incredible Charleston community that makes moments like these possible. Here’s to another year of unforgettable concerts and cherished memories.

Best Female Vocalist Lauren Hall laurenhallmusic.com

RUNNER-UP: Kanika Moore

Best House/Cover Band The Midnight City Band themidnightcityband.com

RUNNER-UP: Better On Wine

Best Jazz & Blues Club Forte Jazz Lounge

477 King St. Downtown (843) 637-4931

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Pour House

Best Karaoke Night

Bangkok Lounge

353 King St., second floor. Downtown thebangkoklounge.com

RUNNER-UP: Tin Roof

Best Local Actor Who Performed in 2023 Ryan Pixler, The Prom (Charleston Stage)

charlestonstage.com

RUNNER UP: Sam Daniel, Brighton Beach Memoirs (The Flowertown Players)

Best Local Actress Who Performed in 2023

Jhonika Wright, The Prom (Charleston Stage)

charlestonstage.com

RUNNER UP: Camille Lowman (PURE Theatre)

The so-called “Magnum Drummer” Jonathan Morant released his debut novel in December 2023

Best Local Author Jonathan ‘Mookie’ Morant

RUNNER-UP: Angie Mizzell

Best Local Band The Midnight City Band themidnightcityband.com

RUNNER-UP: Wildflower Station Band

by Caleb Guest

Photo

Best Local Comedian

Josh Bates

@mrjoshbates

RUNNER-UP: Sarah Hartmann

Best Local Instagram Chucktown Memes

@chucktownmemes

RUNNER-UP: Brooke Ryan

Best Local Podcast Midnight Terrors

podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/midnight-terror

RUNNER-UP:

FakeMad Podcast with Fuze B

Best Local Poet Marcus Amaker

RUNNER-UP: Joey Tucker, Mr. Enlightenment

Best Local Radio Personality Brooke Ryan

RUNNER-UP: Brittany Sparkle, 95SX

Best Local Radio Show Two Girls and a Guy, Mix 95.9

RUNNER-UP: TJ & Jessica in the Morning

Midnight Terrors

The first time podcaster Kevin Roche saw It (1990), he was hooked on horror.

“When I was 11 years old, I found a VHS copy of It, with Pennywise the Clown. It terrified me to no end — I was terrified of drains and sewers for several months,” Roche laughed. “But it became something of an adrenaline rush, and I knew I wanted to experience more of it.”

Ever since then, horror movies have become a huge part of his life. So much so that in July 2022, he launched his podcast, Midnight Terrors after an overwhelmingly positive experience at his first horror convention.

“Meeting all the actors and attendees, it was such a great community experience. Before the week-long trip was over, I decided that I wanted to have a show that sort of emulated that feeling.”

So he launched Midnight Terrors with his brother-in-law, Jason, but it’s since grown into a bigger team, with Roche’s good friends Jules and Roy joining as rotating hosts. The podcast offers interviews with horror actors, writers and more — in a real full-circle moment, Roche even got to interview Pennywise actor Tim Curry. “I got to thank him for scaring me and consequently getting me so into horror.”

Over the last two years, the podcast has grown into a community of horror fans that tune in each week, attend in-person events like film screenings, and connect over horror on the Midnight Terrors facebook page.

“The friendships that have formed through the show are the most rewarding thing ever,” Roche said. “The goal is to keep growing this thing and provide a home for horror fans.” —Chloe Hogan

Best Local Podcast

Photo by Ashley Stanol

Best Local Actress who performed in 2023

Jhonika Wright, The Prom (Charleston Stage)

Representation on stage is one of the most important and exciting parts of theater in the eyes of this year’s Best Local Actress, Jhonika Wright.

“Audience members should be able to see people on stage that look like them,” Wright told the Charleston City Paper. She won this year’s Best Local Actress for her role as Emma in Charleston Stage’s production of The Prom, a musical which follows a gay teen who becomes a national news story after fighting the PTA to take her girlfriend to prom.

“Playing Emma was one of the most rewarding things that I’ve gotten to do as an actor,” she said. “The show saw a lot of teenagers and they got to see themselves through me in this role. That’s one of the reasons why I love performing — for two hours and 30 minutes, we’re able to connect.”

The dedicated actress learned guitar for the role in the two-month rehearsal period and talked with queer friends and family about their high school and prom experiences to prepare to play Emma. But in playing Emma, Wright said she was also tapping into her own experiences of times she felt “different,” she said. “Emma is gay, whereas for me, I’m stepping into this lead role — which is typically played by a white actress — as a Black woman that is also plus sized.”

Through her journey as a performer, Wright said constantly stepping into new and different roles like this one forces her to grow to be more authentic and comfortable in her daily life.

“Theater has shaped me into the person I am today. Acting has allowed me to become comfortable in my own skin and to live my truth authentically.”

Chloe Hogan

Ann McGill, Live 5

As a primary anchor at Live 5 News, longtime broadcaster Ann McGill coanchors evening newscasts.

“I’m so excited and so honored that the followers of the City Paper chose me as the best anchor in Charleston,” she reacted on hearing the news that she won. “I’m loving it!”

A native of Williamsburg County’s NeSmith community and a 1987 journalism graduate of the University of South Carolina, McGill’s news philosophy is simple: Let the story tell itself.

A reporter and personality at WCSC TV since 2001, McGill is known for an infectious laugh and on-air camaraderie with other TV staffers. She periodically uses part of her role at the station to fill a passion for helping people by airing announcements of available jobs in the area.

During the pandemic when companies could not host in-person job fairs, McGill began streaming virtually to connect employers with job candidates. McGill is married to Gregory, a friend since high school. They have two sons, Khristopher and Nicholas; a daughter, Yakima; a grandson, Jaxson; and a boxer named Belle. —Herb Frazier

Photo by Ashley Stanol

Photo by Ashley Stanol

Best Local Social Media Influencer Christine England with Lowcountry Eat Out!

facebook.com/groups/lowcountrytakeoutmenu

RUNNER-UP: Holy City Sinner

Best Local Theater Company Theatre 99

(843) 853-6687

280 Meeting St., Suite B. Downtown theatre99.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Stage

Best Local TV Anchor

Ann McGill, Live 5 News

RUNNER-UP: Carolyn Murray

Best Local TV Sports Anchor Summer Huechtker, Live 5 News

RUNNER-UP: Kevin Bilodeau, WCSC

Best Local TV Station Live 5 News

RUNNER-UP: WCBD News 2

Best Local TV Weather Forecaster Rob Fowler, WCBD News 2

RUNNER-UP: Bill Walsh

Best Local Visual Artist Scott Penegar scottpenegarsculpture.com

RUNNER-UP: Tate Nation

Best Local Website live5news.com

RUNNER-UP: holycitysinner.com

Best Local X Feed Holy City Sinner

@holycitysinner

RUNNER-UP: @WCBD

Best Male Vocalist Ronnie Johnson facebook.com/ronniejohnsonmusic/

RUNNER-UP: Mel Washington

Best Movie Theater

Terrace Theater

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

terracetheater.com

RUNNER-UP: Citadel Mall Stadium 16

Best Movie Theater Terrace Theater

Charleston’s oldest-operating locally owned movie theater, Terrace Theater, continues to grow in popularity

Best Museum International African American Museum 14 Wharfside St. Downtown (843) 872-5352 iaamuseum.org

RUNNER-UP: The Charleston Museum

Best Music Concert of 2023

Chris Stapleton at Credit One Stadium

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

RUNNER-UP: Pitbull at Riverfront Park

Best Music Instruction Clelia’s Guitar Studio

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

RUNNER-UP: John Daniel

Best Musician

Charlton Singleton

charltonsingleton.com

RUNNER-UP: Louis Dixson, Louie D.

Best Non-Piccolo or Spoleto Play of 2023

Finding Freedom: The Journey of Robert Smalls

Charleston Gaillard Center (843) 242-3099

gaillardcenter.org.

RUNNER-UP: Clue (Charleston Stage)

Rūta Smith file photo

International African American Museum

podcast hosted by friends and family discussing all things horror!

Open for less than a year, the International African American Museum walked away with top honors from readers as the area’s best museum in 2023. And there’s no wonder. It’s a popular new attraction that offers deep cultural and educational insights into a once-ignored part of history involving the impact of slavery on the state and nation.

Not only do viewers see outstanding interpretive exhibits—and our own Herb Frazier in one video offering—but they can tap into outstanding, world-class research resources at the IAAM’s Center for Family History to connect with ancestors in ways that never have been possible.

The I.M. Pei-designed building and its content are a jewel for the region and tell stories that need to have been told. If you haven’t yet visited, you should get there quickly to enjoy what the fuss has been about. —Andy Brack

Best Party of 2023

Charleston Animal Society Applause for Paws Gala

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

charlestonanimalsociety.org

RUNNER-UP: Best of Charleston 2023

Best Performing Arts Group

Charleston Symphony

480 E. Bay St., Suite F. Downtown (843) 723-7528 charlestonsymphony.org

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Stage

Best Piccolo or Spoleto Show of 2023

Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibition

Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs

Various locations. Downtown (843) 724-7305

piccolospoleto.com

RUNNER-UP: Scottish Ballet: The Crucible

Best Place to See Local Hip Hop Music Farm

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

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Pour House

Hosted by Buxton Books, Edmund’s Oast Exchange, Mex 1 Coastal Cantina, Rusty Bull Brewing, Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina + more!

SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER

Christine England, Lowcountry Eat Out!

In the early days of the pandemic, Christine England wanted to pull together a resource for the food and beverage community.

It started from a conversation with her husband, who was then the chef at Tavern and Table.

“It was, like, what do we do with all this food in the fridge? So I started this Facebook group just to connect with and food swap with all of our foodie friends and restaurant owners,” England told the Charleston City Paper recently. “In the first month, I spent about eight to 10 hours a day just typing.”

Through the lockdown, England posted on the Lowcountry Eat Out facebook page, (then called “Lowcountry quarantine takeout and delivery”) with updated info about restaurant closures, takeout and delivery options. Then, she started posting information for restaurants about how to access pandemic relief loans, which earned her a Jefferson Award for public service.

As restrictions started lifting, the group evolved. Fast forward to today when there are 117,000 members (and counting) who uplift their favorite local restaurants, converse and share their experiences.

“I look at social media as an extension of hospitality,” England said. “So many friends who have been made because of the group. And through it, I’ve found such great little tiny mom-and-pop restaurants.

“There’s actually a ton of Middle Eastern food in this town, and you would have no idea if you didn’t know what to look for. Or how the taco truck scene is growing immensely. Putting it all in one place has just turned out to be an awesome resource for the community.” —Chloe Hogan

Photo by Rūta Smith

Photo provided

Best Place to See Local Music Charleston Pour House

1977 Maybank Hwy. West Ashley (843) 571-4343 charlestonpourhouse.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Music Hall

Best Radio Station

105.5 The Bridge

RUNNER-UP: 103.5 WEZL

Best Recording Studio Coast Records coast-records.com info@coast-records.com

RUNNER-UP: Soul Shine Studios

Best Rock Music Club Music Farm

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

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Pour House

Best Trivia Night Tip of the Tongue Trivia, Frothy Beard Brewing Company

1401 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. West Ashley frothybeard.com

RUNNER-UP: “Publik Education Trivia,” Two Blokes Brewing

Best Visual Artist

Scott Penegar

Local painter and sculptor Scott Penegar is a big fan of public art. Most folks will recognize Penegar’s public sculptures, including a large eagle that looms over Bond Hall at the Citadel and a collection of native South Carolina critters gathered together in Marion Square’s fountain in a scene titled, The Gathering Place. Penegar’s paintings are prominently displayed around town, too.

“I have some large, seven-foot paintings that are in the lobby of the Roper Hospital in East Cooper,” he said. “Having stuff like that [is important] because, you know, not everybody can afford art.”

You can find Penegar’s work at Hagan Fine Art Gallery, and he’ll be set up in Marion Square as part of the upcoming outdoor art exhibition at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival, held May 24 through June 8. Penegar said that Piccolo Spoleto is “the best time” he has all year.

You can also chat with Penegar regularly if you head to the City Market, where he’s got a booth set up and where he enjoys speaking with customers.

“Art is very solitary, and if I have an opportunity where I can work on something down there, it gets me out of the studio, and I can meet people.” —Connelly Hardaway

by Ashley Stanol

Congratulations to the staff of the Charleston City Paper for winning the President’s Cup as South Carolina’s best large weekly newspaper in 2023 from the South Carolina Press Association. Well done!

Photo

Best Florist Roadside Blooms

Owner Toni Reale says there’s a lot more to her job than just “playing with flowers all day”

S hops and Wares S hops and Wares

This year’s Best Of theme is likely to have you in the mood to shop ’til you drop, and that’s where this category is going to come in handy, highlighting our readers’ top picks for the best shopping sprees across the Lowcountry. From collegiate stores and groceries to motorcycles and records, we have the best of everything all in one place. Whether you’re looking to get caught up on the latest super heroes (Captain’s Comics has your back) or new ways to spice up your love life (Guilty Pleasures has you covered), you’re sure to find anything you could need somewhere on this list. And the best part — so many of our winners are locals, so everybody wins! —Skyler Baldwin

Best Accessories Store Palmetto Moon

Various Locations palmettomoononline.com

RUNNER-UP: E. Blackhurst

Best Adult Toy Store Guilty Pleasures

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

RUNNER-UP: Badd Kitty

Best Antique Store Terrace Oaks Antique Mall

2037 Maybank Hwy. James Island (843) 795-9689 terraceoaksantiques.com

RUNNER-UP: Mount Pleasant Mall

Best Art Supply Store Artist & Craftsman

Supply

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

RUNNER-UP: Hobby Lobby

Best Baby Store Under the Almond Trees

190 King St. Downtown (843) 937-6144 underthealmondtrees.com

RUNNER-UP: Southern Belles: A Children’s Clothier

Best Bookstore Buxton Books

160 King St. Downtown (843) 723-1670 buxtonbooks.com

RUNNER-UP: Blue Bicycle Books

Best Boutique Millie Lynn Boutique

336 King St. Downtown (854) 222-3885 1608 Palmetto Grande Drive. Mount Pleasant (843) 323-5123 millielynn.com

RUNNER-UP:

Copper Penny

Best Bridal Store Bridal House of Charleston

1055 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite 20. Mount Pleasant (843) 971-1477 bridalhouseofcharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Bridals by Jodi

Buxton Books

Nobody is getting rich off of owning a small, local bookstore, said Polly Buxton, founder and co-owner of Buxton Books in downtown Charleston. But the experience offers huge rewards.

“It’s enriching for us and the whole community,” she said. “Charleston is stronger for it. People are always telling us how they have a dream to have their own bookstore, and it’s so much more work than anyone would think, but it’s so much more rewarding than even I think I realize on a day-to-day basis. At least once a week, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude and realize what we get to do is such a privilege.”

Buxton and her husband, Julian, started almost eight years ago at the corner of Concord and Cumberland streets and had plenty of pop-up events. Buxton said while many pop-ups are “side hustles,” she made it their primary focus. And she’s been building on that foundation ever since, partnering with individuals, organizations, venues and publishers to put Charleston on the literary tour map.

“We’re just very honored,” Buxton said of the Best of Charleston win. “I am a great believer that all independent bookstores are winners. What’s so great is that each one of us is unique. There isn’t one way to be the best bookstore. We do what we do very well, but I have so much respect for everyone else doing it, too.”

Skyler Baldwin

Best Bookstore

Ashley Stanol

ENJOY LIFE BANKING ON THE BEST

Thank you for voting South Carolina Federal Credit Union the Best Financial Institution and the Best Mortgage Company! Since 1936, we have provided comprehensive financial solutions and unparalleled service to our members across the Lowcountry. Let us do the same for you, because you deserve to bank on the best.

Local Clothing Designer Mimi Striplin, The Tiny Tassel

imi Striplin (above left) founded The Tiny Tassel in 2015. Since then, it has grown from an online business to her flagship store that opened in March 2021 in Charleston’s Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood.

Among the store’s pastel-painted walls and Lowcountry chic interior, customers discover signature pieces like the brand’s namesake tiny tassel earrings, apparel and vibrant accessories in classic prints and bold colors.

Each tiny tassel is handmade in Charleston by a women-led team, a bragging point nationally as they’ve been featured in publications like Travel and Leisure, People, Brides and more.

Closer to home, Striplin has partnered with local and global organizations to design limited-edition styles that represent organizations and causes, all while keeping to their goal of minimizing waste to do their part in sustainability. Herb Frazier

Ashley Stanol

Hairy Winston

Jennie Dudley, founder and “head b*tch” at Hairy Winston, said winning Best Pet Store was a major surprise — because she didn’t even realize it was nominated.

“We weren’t pushing or advertising for this,” she said. “We were just totally blown away. What better way to celebrate our 16th year than by being named the Best Pet Store by the City Paper?”

Hairy Winston opened in 2008 and is named after Dudley’s dog Winston (who was, as you could guess, remarkably hairy). “We’ve been through a lot since then,” she said. “The pandemic was tough, and trying to rebuild after that was hard, but it’s been wonderful. It’s a labor of love.

“I really thought when I was younger, I would be a vet, but I was never able to deal with the gory side of things,” she added. “My parents owned high-end clothing stores, and retail I guess comes naturally to me. Combine that with my love for animals, and it’s just perfect.”

And there’s more in store, Dudley said. Team members are just coming back from an annual pet store event in Florida, where they found the latest and greatest items, and those are trickling in day by day. So check in soon!

Skyler Baldwin

Shops and Wares

RUNNER-UP:

Ashley Stanol

Shops and Wares

Best Consignment Store Consign Charleston

1610 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. West Ashley (843) 225-9055 consigncharleston.com Runners up: Classic Consignment

Best Consignment (Children’s) Once Upon a Child

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

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

RUNNER-UP: Tiny Tadpoles

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 SEE Eyewear

355 King St. Downtown (843) 722-6101 seeeyewear.com

RUNNER-UP: Jackson Davenport Vision Center

Best Florist Roadside Blooms

4491 Durant Ave. North Charleston (843) 225-7277 roadsidebloomsshop.com

RUNNER-UP: Tiger Lily Florist

Best Frame Shop Havens Fine Framing

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

RUNNER-UP: A Simple Tree Framing

Best Furniture Store Celadon Home

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

RUNNER-UP: Havens Furniture

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

Guilty Pleasures

You can’t pick up a copy of the Charleston City Paper without noticing the large, creative weekly ad from Guilty Pleasures, a mainstay adult store in the Lowcountry for over a decade.

“We celebrated our 13th anniversary in the beginning of March, and we are hoping to definitely be here a lot longer,” store manager Laura Luedke said. “We love the area, we love the people and we have a great team we work with. They are really the backbone of the business.”

While Guilty Pleasures has taken the Best Adult Toy Store category every year for as long as we can remember, this year it also cracked a win in a second category.

“We are super-excited to win Best Lingerie Store this year,” Luedke said. “We have been trying for the last few years. We feel very good about it. We have a great selection for every body, regardless of size or budget. We have a wide variety of products that fit anyone, and we’re really excited to serve the Lowcountry in that way.

“We definitely want to thank all of our fabulous customers and the invaluable readers of the Charleston City Paper, especially those who get out there and vote every year,” she added. “It is very much appreciated.” —Skyler Baldwin

VOTED BEST RECORD STORE

Ashley Stanol

Croghan’s Jewel Box

Croghan’s Jewel Box, Charleston’s oldest family-owned jewelry store, is located in the heart of the Holy City’s historic district and has been helping customers find and care for their most treasured possessions for over a century.

Croghan’s boasts an “eye on the future” with a “sincere appreciation for the past” and offers a treasure trove of precious gems, crafted jewelry, estate and antique finds and more for any occasion. William Joseph Croghan first opened the store in an 18th-century Charleston single house on King Street, and his descendents still watch over the property today, maintaining the old-world charm of the store while making meaningful renovations and additions. Skyler Baldwin

and Wares

Best Jewelry Store

Ashley Stanol

Vape Shop

Avalon Vapor

Walking into Kyle Domzalski’s vape shop on Folly Road is sure to make anyone feel at home — if their home is full of e-cigarettes, delta-8 products and just a light haze of patchouli. But what makes Avalon stand out isn’t its stock, Domzalski said, it’s the connection.

“We’re not a typical business as far as sales-transactions,” he said. “We are an educational establishment first and foremost. We have no problem sitting down and discussing things with people.”

And a big part of that, Domzalski said, is the shop’s “sobar,” or sober bar. Instead of alcoholic beverages and cocktails, the crew slings alternative drinks like kratom (great for anxiety, PTSD, body pains and more) or kava (which mimics the effects of alcohol). Avalon is one of only seven “sobars” in the state, but the trend is catching on.

“We owe a big thank you to the community for helping us grow and correctly educate people about the things that they usually find out they didn’t understand correctly the first go round,” Domzalski said. —Skyler Baldwin

Shops and Wares

RUNNER-UP:

RUNNER-UP:

Ashley Stanol

Roadside Blooms

Roadside Blooms owner (and longtime Charleston City Paper contributor) Toni Reale says she often hears people tell her they “would love to play with flowers all day,” instead of whatever it is they do for a living. But while she says she understands the sentiment, there’s a lot more that goes into the business than flower-work.

The wedding season (March to June and September to November) is an unbroken cycle between events, complete with highs and lows, she said in a 2023 City Paper column. From pulling flowers, gathering donations, composting, cleaning wax out of old containers, cleaning old buckets and more (and that’s just on Mondays) to pulling hard goods like candles, vases, arbor pieces and prepping design elements for the road ahead (and that’s only Tuesdays), there’s plenty to be done.

But, Reale said, the flowers make it all worth it.

“One of the best feelings is to give the bouquet to a bride and see the delight in her eyes,” she writes. “I will point out flowers in the bouquet and make them smell a few and remind them that our sense of smell is intimately linked to our recall memory so whenever they smell this fragrance in the future they can be reminded of their special day. It’s really an honor in these moments to help them relax and refocus.” —Skyler Baldwin

Best Local Farm Boone Hall Farms 1235 Long Point Road. Mount Pleasant (843) 884-4371 boonehallplantation.com

RUNNER-UP: Legare Farms Best Local Formal Wear Shop Berlin’s 114 King St. Downtown (843) 722-1665 berlinsclothing.com

RUNNER-UP: Gwynn’s of Mount Pleasant Best Local Gourmet Grocery Store Mercantile & Mash

RUNNER-UP: goat.sheep.cow

Local Liquor Store Bottles Beverage Superstore

(843) 875-6666 shopbottles.com

Rūta Smith

Best Local Wine Shop Bottles Beverage Superstore

610 Coleman Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 849-9463

1110 N. Main St. Summerville (843) 875-6666 shopbottles.com

RUNNER-UP: Accent on Wine

Best Locally Based Cannabis Product

High Rise Seltzer, High Rise Beverage Company

5700 Dorchester Road. North Charleston (843) 256-6507 highrisebev.com

RUNNER-UP: Levity Cannabis Spirit

Best Mall/Shopping Center Mount Pleasant Towne Centre

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

RUNNER-UP: King Street Shopping District

Book Shop

CONTINUED ON PAGE 48

Toys

Ashley Stanol

2817 Maybank Highway, Johns Island | 843-469-0121 920 Houston Northcutt Blvd., Mt. Pleasant | 843-352-2441 CigarsOfCharleston.com | @cigarsonmaybank | @cigarson17

Best Men’s Clothing Store M. Dumas & Sons

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

RUNNER-UP: The Ben Silver Collection

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 Ye Olde Music Shop

1276 Yeamans Hall Road. Hanahan (843) 747-0014 yeoldemusicshop.com

RUNNER-UP: Fox Music House

Best Paint Store Sherwin-Williams

Various locations sherwin-williams.com

RUNNER-UP: Spectrum Paint

Best Pawn Shop Money Man Pawn

Various locations facebook.com/BamTheMoneyMan

RUNNER-UP: Gene’s Jewelry & Pawn

Best Pet Store Hairy Winston Pet Boutique & Grocery

1616 Palmetto Grande Drive. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-0800 hairywinston.com

RUNNER-UP: Dolittle’s

Best Place to Buy A Boat Hanckel Marine

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

RUNNER-UP: Longshore Boats

PAWN SHOP

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 Hendrick Toyota North Charleston

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

hendricktoyotanorthcharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Automaxx

Best Place to Buy Local Produce Charleston

Farmers Market

329 Meeting St. Downtown (843) 724-7305 charlestonfarmersmarket.com

RUNNER-UP: Boone Hall Farms

Best Pop-up Market Charleston Vintage Market

1640 Meeting St. Downtown facebook.com/chsvintagemarket

RUNNER-UP: Pickers Hullabaloo

Best Record Store Monster Music & Movies

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

RUNNER-UP: Gray Cat Music

Best Shoe Store Phillips Shoes

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

RUNNER-UP: Copper Penny

Best Smoke Shop Purple Haze

1039 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite 14. Mount Pleasant (843) 654-9472 1698 Old Towne Road. West Ashley (843) 974-5631 778 Folly Road, Suite 2. James Island

RUNNER-UP: Smoke ‘N Brew

Best Place to Buy a Golf Cart Etto Leisure Cars

430 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 225-4653

1374 Old Georgetown Road, Suite 105. Mount Pleasant (843) 654-1522 ettocars.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Custom Golf Carts

Best Sporting Goods Store Half-Moon Outfitters Various Locations halfmoonoutfitters.com

RUNNER-UP: Dick’s Sporting Goods Best Stationery Store The Scratch Pad

409 Mill St. Mount Pleasant (843) 884-3433 facebook.com/scratchpadmp

RUNNER-UP: The Paper Company

Stanol file photo

By Connelly Hardaway InthespiritofBestofCharlestonvoting

astartinginMarch,wethoughtitwouldbe to,goodtimetoletyouknowthebestplace favoritewell,doalotofthings,atsomeofyour

an(Downtown).Pairyourcarneypapaswith EllipticalHazeIPA.

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BestplacetocatchanArsenalgameOK,Edmund’sOastBrewingCo to(Downtown)issomuchmorethanaplace duringwatchsoccer,err,football,buttheenergy anArsenalmatch(EOBrewing is home base for Charleston’s Arsenal fanclub)isreallyfun.Checkoutavarietyof

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HolyCityBrewingCo.(NorthCharleston) rawrecentlycelebratedthegrandopeningofits bar,acollaborationbetweenthebrewery andlocal“mastermermmelier”KevinJoseph. HolyCity’scurrentlytheonlybreweryintown weofferingapermanentrawbarexperience,but

locationishometosomereallygreatbeerandacute offofClementsFerryRoad,itisa

Country Harley-Davidson

At 66,000 square feet, Low Country Harley-Davidson on Dorchester Road is the largest Harley-Davidson motorcycle center in the Palmetto State. Its charming farm theme is completed by the four-story silo, glass-enclosed at its peak, and a showroom and service center designed to replicate a rambling country barn that has seen several additions and renovations over its almost 50 years in business.

You can find new and pre-owned bikes on the floor, even other brands, and a full line of the latest MotorClothes apparel, collectibles, novelties and more. While you’re there, kick back in the “lifestyle area,” which houses tables and chairs surrounded by a nostalgic display of a rare early-model Harley bicycle, a row of showcased collectibles and more than a dozen motorcycles that span the owners’ business career. —Skyler Baldwin

Ashley Stanol

for over 25 consecutive years you have voted us...

Real Estate Company in Charleston

i c e s Services S e r v i c e s Services

You’ve probably seen their billboards driving up and down Interstate 26 during your morning commutes, or had their commercials and online ads pop up before you can hit “next episode” on your favorite shows — but now’s your chance to really show your local providers some appreciation. Yes, from local attorneys and pet groomers to cleaning services and home builders, these guys and gals have your back when you need it most. Whether you’re looking for the Best Dry Cleaners (Sandy’s) in town, or the Best Swimming Lessons (Charleston Swim School), we (really, they) have you covered. Skyler Baldwin

Best Alterations

Forget

Me

Knot Alterations

& Design Studio

1316 Rutledge Ave., Suite 106. Downtown (843) 534-6172 forgetmeknotalterations.com

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: Joe Good, Joe Good, Attorney at Law

CONTINUED ON PAGE 54

Best

Swim Lessons

Charleston Swim School

• Beautiful 15 Conveniently Located Sales Offices Including New Homes, Mortgage Services, Property Management, Vacation Rentals, Insurance Services, and Commercial Real Estate

• Over 1,000 Professional Sales Associates

• The Best Resources for Buyers

• Award Winning Nationally Recognized Website

• Carolina One Participates in Almost 1 Out of Every 4 Homes Sold

Knowing how to swim opens opportunities.

“There’s just so many more things you can enjoy and so many new places you can go,” said Charleston Swim School founder Amy Emde. “Our goal isn’t just to teach people how to swim — it’s to change lives.”

For a city surrounded by water on just about every side imaginable, knowing how to swim certainly opens up a few avenues (and even more after a nice rain). That’s where Charleston Swim School comes in, starting lessons for kids as young as 2 months old and continuing lessons for clients through adulthood.

The multi-site lesson provider uses a curriculum unique to itself called “swimology,” combining cognitive learning with physical learning.

“A lot of times when someone is being taught how to swim, they are told how to move their body, but nobody addresses the mental side of things — fear, anxiety,” Emde said. “We take a very holistic approach and a very developmentally appropriate approach.”

Emde said the team has been waiting patiently for a swim lessons category to show up in the City Paper ’s Best of Charleston contest, and team members were “stoked” to finally see one this year. Being the category’s first-ever winner is a highlight of her career, she added. —Skyler Baldwin

Lawyer Mark Peper, Peper Law Firm

Charleston attorney Mark Peper has won all types of cases, including several high-profile ones that have received local, regional and national attention.

Now, he’s been named “Best Lawyer” by readers of the Charleston City Paper. And to make things even better, readers named his law firm to be their favorite too.

“For the City Paper readers to have voted us Best Law Firm in one of the most competitive categories means the world to me,” said Peper, a frequent legal commentator on television. “Our motto is ‘invest in people’ to include building lifetime relationships with our clients, so it’s always nice to be rewarded for our efforts.”

Peper has deep roots in the Lowcountry and South Carolina. Born and raised in Charleston, he is a 1996 graduate of Middleton High School and a 2000 grad of Wofford College. Four years later, he earned his degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law.

He is son of Judy and Warren Peper, a living television legend whose Friday night sportscasts were a Lowcountry favorite for more than three decades.

Mark Peper and his wife, Emily, live in Charleston’s West Ashley area with their children, Andrew and Olivia. Outside of the courthouse, Peper coaches his children’s sports teams, plays golf and cooks. —Herb Frazier

Ashley Stanol

BEST SWIM LESSONS!

Ascue’s Auto Body & Paint Shop

Family owned and operated since 1968, Ascue’s specializes in repairing minor and major collision damage. More than 50 years ago, Timothy Ascue, his wife, brothers, sisters and cousins opened one of the first minority-owned businesses in Mount Pleasant, operating out of what was previously an old vegetable stand on Schirmer Drive. Now, Craig Ascue continues to run his father’s business with the same commitment and with his family by his side.

“Just servicing the paint and body needs of local customers in a small town and trying to make a living was a great accomplishment,” Craig Ascue says on the business’ website. “Today, there are many more challenges involved with the end product of a quality repaired car, truck or SUV. Ascue’s has separated itself from other local businesses by being able to keep up with the ever-changing collision repair market by leading in tooling technology, knowledge of vehicle safety and using top-quality original parts to repair our customers’ vehicles.

“Our customers and friends that have supported us through good and hard times mean the world to us,” he adds. “We are even more proud of the fact that we have helped incubate several other small business owners through the tri-county area, and we have done it with love and care and a work commitment that we hope will keep Mount Pleasant moving in the right direction.” —Skyler Baldwin

THANK YOUVOTING US FOR

Poseidon K9 Dog Training

First-time winner Poseidon K9 Dog Training founder Jilian Daniel has had a lot of exciting opportunities that led her to Charleston. She spent time as a field biologist in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans, trained dogs for the battlefield and retirement. She even turned down a position training sea lions and bottlenose dolphins for the U.S. Navy’s Marine Mammal Program in 2019. It all helped her to focus now on obedience training for families’ furriest members.

“There’s just something about working with dogs,” she said. “They’re so intune with us as people that being able to harness that and make that kind of a difference in somebody’s life is just huge. Having that personal reward for me was too much to pass up.”

She chalks a large part of the Best of Charleston win up to the business’ scale.

“We are so small,” she said. “The dogs we take in are only a couple at a time, so we really make sure we put all of the attention the dogs need on each dog individually. It’s just the quality over quantity aspect of the work that makes a big difference.” —Skyler Baldwin

Best Pet Trainer

SHANA SWAIN

Best Home Painter

Old Charleston Painting

Company

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

ocpcllc.com

RUNNER-UP:

Franco’s Painting

Best Home Remodeler New Beginnings Construction

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

newbeginningsconstructioninc.com

RUNNER-UP:

Tightlines Construction

Best Home Security Agency Charleston Security Systems

4365 Dorchester Road, Suite 109. North Charleston (843) 789-9994

charlestonsecuritysystems.net

RUNNER-UP:

Coastal Burglar Alarm

Home Painter

Old Charleston Painting Company

Being picked by readers again as Charleston’s Best Home Painter is a big deal for the folks at Old Charleston Painting Company.

“Yes, tears of joy were shed, my wife was jumping up and down, and we embraced each other,” said owner Bradford King. “We are so humbled by everyone who took the time to vote for us.”

He said the company’s theme for 2024 is to be intentional.

“We are intentional in every act we do as a company, as well as personally, for our family, friends and community. It seems like Charlestonians came together to also act intentionally when they took the time to vote for us!”

Old Charleston Painting Company has experienced a lot of growth and change since 2017 that has paid off with its highly trained team that has seen very little turnover. Each painter goes through a 12-month training program, learning “the right way” of doing things from the ever-important prep work to the finishing touches, according to the company.

“May we continue to raise the bar in the painting industry and deliver exactly what the people of Charleston deserve,” King said. “Here is to being recognized as the Best of Charleston, by the best of Charleston!” —CP Staff

Ashley Stanol

The Peper Law Firm, PA

CRIMINAL DEFENSE | PERSONAL INJURY | PROBATE

Best Insurance Agency State Farm

Various Locations statefarm.com

RUNNER-UP: South Carolina Federal Insurance Solutions

Best Kids Birthday Party Place /Service

Stars and Strikes

4570 Ladson Road. Summerville (678) 965-5707 starsandstrikes.com

RUNNER-UP: Happy Little Glampers of the Lowcountry

Best Kitchen and Bath Design Signature Kitchens & Baths of Charleston

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

RUNNER-UP: J&J Contracting

Best Landscaper/Lawn Care New Leaf Landscape Construction

4144 Rivers Ave. North Charleston (843) 452-3652 newleaflc.com

RUNNER-UP: Hudson Bros Lawn Care

Best Law Firm

Peper Law Firm

548 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley 1050 E. Montague Ave., Suite D. North Charleston (843) 225-2520 peperlawfirm.com

RUNNER-UP:

The Thumbs Up Guys (Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward)

Best Lawyer Mark Peper, Peper Law Firm

548 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley 1050 E. Montague Ave., Suite D. North Charleston (843) 225-2520 peperlawfirm.com

RUNNER-UP: Ken Harrell, Joye Law Firm

Best Limo/Party Bus Company

Charleston Black Cab Company 1529 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., Suite 2B. West Ashley (843) 216-2627 charlestonblackcabcompany.com partybuscharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Coastal Limo of Charleston

Best Marketing and PR Firm Legacy Digital

11 Ewall St. Mount Pleasant (843) 926-6295 legacydigital.com

RUNNER-UP: Matchstick Social

Best Kids Birthday Party Place/Service Stars and Strikes

CONTINUED ON PAGE 68

Stars and Strikes isn’t just a great place for your kids’ birthday parties. Feel like a (big) kid again with adult bowling parties, laser tag, arcade nights and more.

Ashley Stanol

GARY A. LING

Wedding Photographer

Taylor

Jordan Photography

It’s no secret that Charleston is a prime wedding destination: From venues to florists to caterers, the area is home to an ever-growing array of vendors. Arguably, the most important part of any couple’s wedding day, though, comes from the photos that capture all the special moments. Wedding photographer Taylor Krauser, owner of Taylor Jordan Photography, recognizes how important her clients are to her work.

“Winning Best of Charleston’s best wedding photographer is truly an honor and a wonderful recognition for the passion and dedication I pour into my wedding photography,” she said. “It’s not just validation of my work, but also a testament to the trust and satisfaction of my past clients.”

Krauser said that she tailors her photos to her clients’ specific needs, using a blend of photojournalism and editorial-style posing. Krauser shoots with a variety of mediums, from digital to drone to 35 mm film to super 8 video. She credits the local wedding vendor community with making Charleston a special town to work in.

“My favorite thing about shooting Charleston weddings is the sense of camaraderie and collaboration among the vendors,” Krauser said. “Charleston is home to an array of talented wedding professionals who all share a passion for creating unforgettable experiences for couples. The opportunity to work alongside my favorite vendors and close friends enhances the overall wedding experience and ensures every detail is executed flawlessly.”

After years of shooting other people’s special days, Krauser said that she’s shooting weddings a little differently these days: “I’m also getting married this year, so I offer a fresh approach and special understanding to my couples.”

Connelly Hardaway

Rūta Smith

Best Pet Trainer

Poseidon K9 Dog Training (843) 564-7698

poseidonk9dogtraining.com

RUNNER-UP: Dog Daze

Best Photographer (Portrait) Victoria Armstrong, Victorious Photography 1544 State Road. Summerville (843) 693-8808 victoriousphoto.com

RUNNER-UP: Simply Stefanee Photography

Best Photographer (Wedding)

Taylor Jordan,

Taylor Jordan Photography

Cooper River Drive. Mount Pleasant (561) 398-6801

taylorjordanphotography.com

RUNNER-UP: Valeria & Ed Photography

Best Plumber/Company

Blitch Plumbing

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

RUNNER-UP: Preferred Home Services

Best Pool Company

Sweetgrass Pools

2612 Larch Lane, Suite 106. Mount Pleasant (843) 928-2117

sweetgrasspools.com

RUNNER-UP: Blue Haven Pools

Voted Best Tree Care Company WINTHROP TREE SERVICE

Best Property Management Company

Stay Duvet

125 Spring St. Downtown (843) 628-5327 stayduvet.com

RUNNER-UP: Tide Property Management

Best Property Management Company (Apartments) Greystar

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

RUNNER-UP: DuvetHomes

Best Realtor Shana Rochelle Swain (843) 224-8400 shanaswainrealtor.com

Various locations carolinaonerealestate.com

RUNNER-UP: Rachel Urso Real Estate

Best Roofing Company

New Beginnings Construction

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

newbeginningsconstructioninc.com

RUNNER-UP: David Wertan Best Realty Company Carolina

RUNNER-UP: Ketchum Roofing and Windows

BEST PLASTIC SURGEON

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

Facelift | Eyelid Lift | Brow Lift | Nose Reshaping | Ear Reshaping & Repair

BREAST

Breast Enlargement | Breast Lift | Breast Reduction | Breast Reconstruction

BODY

Body Lift | Liposuction | Tummy Tuck | Mommy Makeover

Laser Resurfacing | Removal of Moles and Other Lesions

Best Shoe Repair Store

Peter & Sons Shoe Repair

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

RUNNER-UP: Alex’s Shoe Repair & Sales

Best Solar Panel Company

Second Sunrise Solar

537 Long Point Road, Suite 203. Mount Pleasant (843) 268-4284 secondsunrisesolar.com

RUNNER-UP: SC Solar Energy Best Storage StoMo Mobile Self Storage

237 King St., Unit D. Downtown (844) 439-7866 stomostorage.com

RUNNER-UP: Extra Space Storage

Best Swim Lessons Charleston Swim School (843) 310-9069 charlestonswimlessons.com

RUNNER-UP: LowCountry Swim School

Best Tree Care Company

Winthrop Tree Service

4217 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 402-0588

winthroptreeservice.com

RUNNER-UP: Cox Tree Service

Best Tutoring Service Deb Nelson

RUNNER-UP: Katie Reel

Best Videographer

Frankie Gilmore - Video + Photo frankiegilmore.com

RUNNER-UP: Vive Media

Best Wedding Venue Lowndes Grove

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

pphgcharleston.com/venues/lowndes-grove

RUNNER-UP: Boone Hall Plantation

Best Wedding Videographer Palmetto Wedding Films (843) 580-3636 palmettoweddingfilms.com

RUNNER-UP: Bryce Gregory, Complete Weddings + Events

Best LGBTQ Counselor Barbara Melton

Licensed counselor Barbara Melton said she’s glad to support a community that is often still misunderstood

Health and Beauty Health and Beauty

Charleston City Paper readers voted in more than 50 categories this year to determine Charleston’s best in health and beauty. We’ve compiled a list with winners in services of the self-care variety — from day spas, facialists and nail artists — to the best in the city for essential healthcare — like OBGYN services and where to give birth. Whether you’re considering a new workout session at one of the best local gyms, yoga or pilates studios; or perhaps you’re looking to get a new piercing or tattoo, these local winners can cater to all your self-care needs. —Chloe Hogan

Best Acupuncture Practice Clinic of Acupuncture

5 Daniel St. West Ashley (843) 571-1047 clinicofacupuncture.com

RUNNER-UP: Blue Heron Acupuncture & Apothecary

Best Acupuncturist Dr. Zeyi Chen, Clinic of Acupuncture

5 Daniel St. West Ashley (843) 571-1047 clinicofacupuncture.com

RUNNER-UP: Dr. Lisa Abernathy, Blue Heron Acupuncture and Apothecary

Best Aesthetician Stefanie Sudduth, Germain Dermatology

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

RUNNER-UP: Kate Molleur, The Facial Room

Best Aesthetic Injector Dr. Marguerite Germain, Germain Dermatology

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

RUNNER-UP: Cameron Moskos, Cameo Facial Aesthetics

Best Assisted Living Community Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community

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

RUNNER-UP: Franke at Seaside

Best Barber Shop Ed’s Barber Shop

1970 Ashley River Road, Suite D. West Ashley (843) 556-9754

RUNNER-UP: Barrelli’s

Best Barre Studio Pure Barre Charleston

164-C, Market St. Downtown (843) 732-1727 1300 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 732-1749 purebarre.com

RUNNER-UP: Barre South

Best Body Piercer James Dunn, Piercing Perfection

3025 Ashley Phosphate Road, Suite A3. North Charleston (843) 793-1708

RUNNER-UP: Kate Burns - Exotic Impressions

Best Body Piercing Studio Exotic Impressions

8780 Rivers Ave. North Charleston (843)797-2280

10150 Dorchester Road. Summerville (843) 419-6527

1042 East Montague Ave. North Charleston (843) 797-2490

bodypiercingsc.com

RUNNER-UP:

Museum of Living Arts

Best Child Psychologist

Dr. Emily Belknap, Bridgepoint Therapy

125D Wappoo Creek Drive. Mount Pleasant (843) 350-5407

RUNNER-UP: Marina Garofano, LISW

Best Chiropractor

Dr. Mark Luckie, West Ashley Wellness and Rehab

2 Carriage Lane. West Ashley (843) 571-3100

RUNNER-UP:

Dr. Stephen Khouri, Khouri Chiropractic

J.J. Quick (Jacob Reiss), Blu Gorilla

Jacob Reiss, also known by his Instagram handle @j.j.quick, has made a name for himself as the best fine-line, single-needle artist around.

Tattooing seven to 13 people a day from his space at Blu Gorilla in Summerville, Reiss can turn anything into a minimalistic and beautiful tattoo: a grandmother’s handwriting, a line-drawn portrait or silhouette, stamps, butterflies, stars, lettering, flowers. You name it and Reiss can make it into a clean line-drawing and tattoo.

He said he was always doodling as a kid — you can find stickers with his drawings pasted all over downtown — and he especially had a knack for copying handwriting, two skills he uses daily in his career.

“People will come to me wanting the handwriting on them of someone that’s passed. When you can make it look identical to what they had written on a card, and you get to see how stoked they are, it’s the best feeling in the world … Trying to make the best tattoo you can, and seeing them be happy with it, that’s the most rewarding part.”

He said he’s grateful to win the Best of Charleston distinction in the area’s diverse and awesome tattoo scene. He thanked his mentors including Nick Bishop, who taught him to tattoo; Tim Dennis, the owner of Blu Gorilla, and Bunny Stardust.

“She was always in my corner,” he said. “And I want to make sure everyone who has ever been tattooed by me knows how thankful I am for them, because without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Chloe Hogan

Ashley Stanol

Acupuncturist

Dr. Zeyi Chen, Clinic of Acupuncture

More and more people are sold on the healing power of a few needles in the hands of a bioenergetic expert like Dr. Zeyi Chen. Chen, who is originally from the tiny village of Guanjiachun, China, first came to Charleston for a visiting professorship at the Medical University of South Carolina in 1981. He opened his first office in the Byrnes Downs neighborhood in West Ashley in 1994, a Daniel Street space that used to be called “The Skin Center.”

Over the last 20 years, Chen has used acupuncture to treat thousands of patients for things like depression, back pain, neck pain, headaches and migraines. He’s even helped many patients to decrease or withdraw from prescription medications.

“Acupuncture encourages the body to heal itself,” he said in a City Paper interview. “I truly believe the alternative way to health is more effective, natural and safe, and often less expensive. When you take care of yourself, you see the burden can be better managed, and everything can be better.” —Chloe Hogan

Health and Beauty

RUNNER-UP:

RUNNER-UP:

Ashley Stanol

VOTED BEST DENTAL PRACTICE & DR. JAMES THOMAS III

We are deeply grateful for your ongoing support and votes. Your trust and confidence inspire us to continue providing top-notch dental care to our communities.

Thank you for being a part of our journey!

Best Urgent Care

Roper St. Francis Express Care

rom 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day, you can get quick, walk-in urgent care at any of the six locations operated by Roper St. Francis Express care, the choice of City Paper readers for best urgent care facilities.

“Since 2016, Roper St. Francis Express Care has been a leader in convenient, high-quality care across the Lowcountry,” said company spokesman Andy Lyons. “We’re honored to provide exceptional, easy walk-in urgent care as part of the largest health care system for adults in Berkeley, Dorchester and Charleston counties. Our goal is to deliver personalized care swiftly, ensuring patients are in and out as fast as possible.”

With a pair of locations in North Charleston and Summerville as well as one each in West Ashley and James Island, you’re never far away from these urgent care centers where you can get prompt treatment for everything from allergies, cuts or flu to stomach pain and ankle sprains.

Among the on-site services available are labs that can test for Covid, flu, strep throat and urinary tract infections. There also are X-ray machines and other services.

Notes Roper: “Our goal is to provide you highly personalized care and services — and to get you treated and in and out promptly.” —Andy Brack

Health and Beauty

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 80

Best Dermatologist Dr. Marguerite Germain, Germain Dermatology

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

RUNNER-UP: Dr. McLean Sheperd, Sheperd Integrative Dermatology

Best Dermatology Practice Germain Dermatology

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

Best Eye Doctor Dr. Elyse Dewitt, Draisin Vision Group

1470 Tobias Gadson Blvd., Suite 115. West Ashley (843) 556-2020

RUNNER-UP: Dr. Marty Appel, Appel and Appel Vision

Best Eyelash/Eyebrow Salon Anne Bonny’s Lash & Skin Boutique

829 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 225-2054 annebonnystudio.com

RUNNER-UP: The Look and Co.

Fertility Clinic

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

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

RUNNER-UP: Mt. Pleasant Dermatology

Best Exercise Studio HYLO Fitness

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

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

RUNNER-UP: KOR4 ELITE FITNESS

1375 Hospital Drive. Mount Pleasant (843) 883-5800 342 Brighton Park Blvd. Summerville (843) 972-9444 coastalfertilityspecialists.com

RUNNER-UP: PREG

Courtesy Roper St. Francis

voted best plastics surgery practice

COMPLIMENTARY SURGICAL CONSULTATIONS AND IN-HOUSE MEDSPA

+ SKIN CLINIC

Best Gym/Health Club

HYLO Fitness

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

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

RUNNER-UP: KOR4 ELITE FITNESS

Best Hair Salon

Moxie Park Salon

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

RUNNER-UP: Eden West Salon

Best Hair Stylist

Lindsey Donohue, Moxie Park Salon

45 Romney St., Suite 200. Downtown vagaro.com/moxieparksalon

RUNNER-UP: Stephanie White, Eden West Salon

Ed’s Barber Shop

Family-owned and operated since 1968, Ed’s Barbershop in West Ashley is known for reasonable prices, friendly employees and old-school vibes.

“This is my favorite place in Charleston to get a haircut,” said one of the shop’s many five-star Yelp reviews. “They are attentive, expeditious and friendly. You get a great cut at a better price. If you are new to town or just looking for a new place to get cleaned up, give this place a shot. You won’t be disappointed.”

Other reviewers rave about the hot neck shave “without the fuss.” And most (if not all) reviews mention great service: “They take their time and do a great job with a smile. Brings back memories of barbershops of the past. No foo foo fancy stuff, just a good haircut for a good price: what more can you ask for?”

The West Ashley mainstay is open five days a week. Men of all ages can get a haircut, an eyebrow trim, a shave or a beard-trimming for a reasonable price at Ed’s. —Chloe Hogan

Best Place to Give Birth

Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital 2095 Henry Tecklenburg Dr. Charleston, SC 29414

Ashley Stanol

Best Hospital Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)

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

RUNNER-UP: Roper St. Francis

Best In-Home Healthcare Company

Roper St. Francis Home Health

8536 Palmetto Commerce Pkwy., Suite 207A. Ladson (843) 402-7000 rsfh.com

RUNNER-UP: HouseCalls-MD

Best LASIK Provider

Dr. Kerry Solomon, Carolina Eyecare Physicians

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

RUNNER-UP: Dr. George Waring, Waring Vision Institute

Best Waxing Salon

Brazilian Wax and Spa by Claudia

Claudia Rissardi says she founded Brazilian Wax and Spa in 2007 to help people of all shapes and sizes feel confident in themselves

Best LGBTQ Counselor/Therapist Barbara Melton

122 Alicia Drive. Summerville (843) 834-7859 barbarameltonlpc.com

RUNNER-UP: Ashley Burke-King

Best Local Pharmacy Dottie’s Pharmacy

325 Folly Road, Suite 101. James Island (843) 414-7453 dotspharmacy.com

RUNNER-UP: Sweetgrass Pharmacy

Best Massage Therapist Abigail Morrow, The Massage Room

171 Church St. Downtown themassageroomchs.com

RUNNER-UP: Kelly DuPriest, Urban Nirvana

Best Medical Spa Germain Dermatology 612 Seacoast Pkwy. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-4440 germaindermatology.com

RUNNER-UP: The Look & Co.

Best Nail Artist Maria Quesada (@trueartistnails)

1809 Reynolds Ave., Suite B. North Charleston (843) 310-2842 vagaro.com/trueartiststudio

RUNNER-UP: Sara Heaps, Pink Polish Nail Lounge

Best Nail Salon

Pink Polish Nail Lounge 3863 West Ashley Circle, Suite 220. West Ashley (843) 990-9888 pinkpolishnaillounge.com

RUNNER-UP: The Nail Place of Charleston

NAIL ARTIST

Best OBGYN

Dr. Kenosha Gleaton, The EpiCentre/Roper

St. Francis

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

RUNNER-UP:

Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, Charleston OB/GYN

Best Oral Surgeon

Dr. Daniel Leach, Exemplar Surgery

4986 Calvin St. North Charleston (843) 408-4808 exemplarsurgery.com

RUNNER-UP:

Dr. Courtney Shelbourne, Shelbourne & Associates Oral and Facial Surgery

Best Orthodontics Practice

Coastal Kids Dental & Braces

Various locations (843) 396-1191 coastalkidsdental.com

RUNNER-UP: Vincent & Bullwinkel Orthodontics

Best Orthodontist

Dr. Katie Bullwinkel, Vincent & Bullwinkel Orthodontics

125 H Wappoo Creek Drive, Suite B. Downtown (843) 762-2304 smilelowcountry.com

RUNNER-UP:

Dr. Michael W. Cox, Cox Orthodontics

Best Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Isabel Driggers, Coastal Kids Dental & Braces

Various locations (843) 396-1191 coastalkidsdental.com

RUNNER-UP:

Dr. Laura Shapiro, Lowcountry Kids 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, Suite 202. Mount Pleasant (843) 971-2992

2015 2nd Ave., Suite 101. Summerville (843) 737-9465 cpakids.com

RUNNER-UP:

Dr. Matthew Kornegay, MUSC Health Pediatrics & Internal Medicine

Best Personal Trainer Chad Stroud, KOR4 Elite Fitness

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

RUNNER-UP: Corey Skinner, HYLO

Best Physical Therapy High Tide Pediatric Therapy

3909 Sawmill Court. Awendaw (814) 282-7499

RUNNER-UP: Break Free Pelvic Health & Wellness

Best Physician Dr. Douglas Gleaton, Liberty Doctors

418 Folly Road, Suite A. James Island (843) 795-5362

2175 Ashley Phosphate Road, Suite D. North Charleston (843) 764-0770 Libertydoctors.com

RUNNER-UP: Dr Jessica Hund, MUSC Health Primary Care

Best Piercing Studio Exotic Impressions

8780 Rivers Ave. North Charleston (843) 797-2280 1042 East Montague Ave. North Charleston (843) 797-2490 10150 Dorchester Road. Summerville 843) 419-6527

RUNNER-UP: Museum of Living Arts

Best Pilates Studio Pilates of Charleston

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

RUNNER-UP: Momentum Movement Studio

Best Place to Give Birth Roper St. Francis Various locations

RUNNER-UP: East Cooper Medical Center

Best Plastic Surgeon Dr. Patrick O’Neill, O’Neill Plastic Surgery

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

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

Best Plastic Surgery Practice Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery

247 Calhoun St. Downtown (843) 722-5904

RUNNER-UP: Patrick O’Neill Plastic Surgery

Barbara Melton

Licensed counselor, author and educator Barbara Melton has served adolescents and adults across the Lowcountry for over 30 years. She specializes in offering therapy for those affected by trauma and is especially passionate about specialized counseling for the LGBTQ+ community. She said her son is gay, which inspired her to focus on the unique traumas and challenges of being queer.

“I saw some of the things that he went through growing up, and certainly a lot of his friends did too — the LGBTQ community is often misunderstood. The trans population especially receives a lot of flack. There’s a lot of stigma still. So I’m glad to be able to provide services without judgment and be able to help people.”

The most rewarding part of her job, she said, is seeing people make progress and finally move on from self-esteem issues that have held them back.

“People come to me for different traumas — sometimes it’s invalidation of their identity. Sometimes it’s an actual event that’s happened and they need to gain their self-esteem and self-respect back. [It’s rewarding to see them] become empowered and go on and do the things they want or need to do with their lives.”

Melton has presented at national and international conferences, taught in higher education, and regularly conducts continuing education courses for clinical counselors around the state.

“That way, I have a chance to supplement their knowledge in a number of areas that they may not be as educated in, including trauma and LGBTQ issues.”

Melton said she’s honored to be the first winner of this brandnew category in Best of Charleston. “I’m glad that there is a category so that people get to understand that this is an important category of counseling.” —Chloe Hogan

Rūta Smith

BEST TANNING SALON

Best Nail Artist Maria Quesada

North Charleston nail artist Maria Quesada is making “nail dreams come true” for her clients with her fantastically intricate, colorful and quirky handpainted nail art. She’s especially known for her custom character sets, which often incorporate nostalgic media like Spongebob, Rugrats and Powerpuff Girls

“I love being able to replicate stuff and make things look like stickers,” she said. “I’m a perfectionist, and I love a challenge.”

In 2020, Quesada left a corporate job to pursue her dream of running her own nail business. She found huge success as one of the only artists in Charleston to offer this type of custom work. So, in June 2023, she opened a brick-and-mortar nail studio, True Artist Studio, in North Charleston.

“I’ve been able to find the market here of girls that always want to be creative and eclectic with their nails. I opened the space because I’ve had books filled for years, and so I wanted to expand and train people to do what I do.”

Quesada also teaches classes for student nail technicians with lessons ranging from painting flames or anime characters to proper techniques for different nail treatments.

“Being able to employ nail techs and have them appreciate the safe space I give them; being able to teach the future generation of nail techs, that’s my goal … The biggest reward is that I can help other people succeed in this industry.”

Chloe Hogan

1233 Ben Sawyer Blvd., Suite 200. Mount Pleasant (843)

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

Ashley Stanol

Best Tattoo Artist J.J.

Blu Gorilla Goose Creek

105 Eagle Road, Suite C. Goose Creek (843) 573-7341

@j.j.quick

RUNNER-UP:

Glenn Collins, Broken Lantern Studio

Best Tattoo Studio

Blu Gorilla Tattoo

1434 Meeting Street Road. Downtown (843) 805-8071

105 Eagle Road, Suite C. Goose Creek (843) 573-7341

RUNNER-UP: Broken Lantern Tattoo

Best Therapist

Jay White, Charleston Therapy

217 Lucas St., Suite D1. Mount Pleasant (843) 478-1776

RUNNER-UP: Elise Richard, Avondale Therapy

Best Urgent Care Roper St. Francis Express Care

Various locations rsfh.com

RUNNER-UP: Medcare Urgent Care

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

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Harbor Veterinarians

Best Waxing Salon Brazilian Wax and Spa by Claudia

8410 Rivers Ave., Suite H. North Charleston (843) 793-1118

RUNNER-UP: WaxPoetic

465 Meeting St., Suite 160. Downtown 1421 Shucker Circle, Suite 1116. Mount Pleasant (843) 718-3386 theworkschs.com

RUNNER-UP: EveryBody Zen Yoga & Fitness

Best Local Athlete

Kyle Busey

Charleston native Kyle Busey became a national champion surfer at only 14 years old

If you haven’t stepped outside in a while to take in a full breath of fresh Charleston air, or paused for a moment to really look out over the scenic marshlands and beaches of the Lowcountry, you’re missing out. Charleston is chock-full of opportunities to get outside and get the most out of its picturesque backdrops, from the Best Fishing Charter (check out Redfin Charters) to the Best Place for Family Fun (drop by the S.C. Aquarium), we got our readers’ top picks listed below so you can be sure you don’t miss out on the scenic landscapes of Charleston all year long. —Skyler Baldwin

Best Bike Shop

Second Chance

Bikes

3310 Rivers Ave. North Charleston (843) 608-8383 scbikes.org

RUNNER-UP: Mike’s Bikes

Best Bowling Alley The Alley

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

RUNNER-UP: Ashley Lanes

Best Dive Shop

Carolina Dive Locker

1303 Ben Sawyer Blvd., Suite 10. Mount Pleasant (843) 884-1500 calorinadivelockersc.com

RUNNER-UP: One Last Chance Scuba

Best Fishing and Tackle Shop

Haddrell’s Point and Tackle

885 Ben Sawyer Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-3644

haddrellspoint.com

RUNNER-UP: Rivers & Glen Trading Co.

Best Fishing Charter Redfin Charters

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

RUNNER-UP: Redfish Mafia - Capt. Jamie Hough

Best Golf Course

The Ocean Course, Kiawah Island

1000 Ocean Course Drive. Kiawah Island (800) 654-2924 kiawahresort.com/golf

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Municipal

Best Horseback Riding Lessons

Middleton Place

Equestrian Center

4280 Ashley River Road. Charleston (843) 735-0709

middletonplaceequestriancenter.com

RUNNER-UP: Ramsman Equestrian

Best Kayak Company Coastal Expeditions

514 Mill St. Mount Pleasant (843)-884-7684 coastalexpeditions.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Outdoor Adventures

Best Bike Shop

Second Chance Bikes

Billed as Charleston’s only non-profit, full-service bike shop, Second Chance Bikes turns used bicycles into reliable, safe and affordable modes of transportation and then turns them over to the community. The shop is also a classroom where bike owners can learn how to do basic repairs and maintenance.

“Our work increases access to nutritious food, better employment opportunities, improves folks’ physical and mental health, and lets everyone enjoy the benefits of recreation,” according to the shop’s website.

Second Chance has worked with more than 40 organizations to provide no-cost bikes for people who struggle with transportation, homelessness and mental health issues. The nonprofit also has a “pay-what-you-can” repair service.

“A bike from Second Chance Bikes can empower someone and give them the freedom to meet their needs economically and independently,” according to the shop’s online message. “They can get around without relying on others for rides or spending money on car expenses or bus passes.” —Herb Frazier

Ashley Stanol

Best Horseback Riding Lessons Middleton Place Equestrian Center

While it doesn’t offer formal lessons (Come on, y’all, they get enough calls about this as it is!), the Middleton Place Equestrian Center can help you into the saddle even if you have never ridden a horse. Before you know it, you will be on a one-hour guided and narrated horseback tour through the historic plantation district along the Ashley River. The trail ride is one of the best ways to meander through the Lowcountry’s natural and historic setting and Middleton Place Plantation’s scenic rice pond bordering the Ashley River. The guided trail rides last about an hour and give riders a brief history of the plantation, rice culture and other points of interest along the way. —Herb Frazier

The Alley

The Alley opened in 2012 with the mission to provide downtown Charleston with a one-stop-shop for fun. With eight bowling lanes, three bars, an elevated American menu, retro arcade games, two large projection screens and three private event spaces, there’s something for everybody looking to have a good time.

The Alley has hosted countless birthday and holiday parties along with some of Charleston’s most highly anticipated events, such as Coolio and Biz Markie and annual Halloween and New Year’s Eve parties.

The Alley also supports the community, giving back to a variety of organizations such as Be A Mentor and the College of Charleston’s Athletic Scholarship Fund. Congrats! —Herb Frazier

Recreation

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 94

Best Local Athlete Kyle Busey

www.instagram.com/kyle.busey.7/

RUNNER-UP: Brandon McCracken

Best Local Sports Team

Charleston RiverDogs

360 Fishburne St. Charleston (843) 723-7241

milb.com/Charleston

RUNNER-UP: South Carolina Stingrays

Best Marina Bohicket Marina

1880 Andell Bluff Blvd. Johns Island (843) 768-1280 bohicket.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston City Marina

Outdoor

280 King St. Downtown (843) 853-0990 halfmoonoutfitters.com

RUNNER-UP: REI

Best Park James Island County Park

871 Riverland Drive. Charleston (843) 406-6990

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

RUNNER-UP: Waterfront Park

Best Place for Family Fun South Carolina Aquarium

100 Aquarium Wharf. Charleston (843) 577-3474 scaquarium.org

RUNNER-UP: James Island County Park

Best Place for Kids to Play

Playground

North Charleston boasts having the world’s largest inclusive playground, inspiring children to run and play in a setting that supports and stimulates them cognitively and builds emotional and social connections.

“All kids are created equal with the same desire and need to experience play,” the park’s website says, “play that challenges and inspires them physically, supports and stimulates them cognitively and facilitates an emotional and social connection. A well-designed, inclusive playground welcomes children and adults of all abilities to a play experience where everyone can interact and play together.”

The inclusive playground welcomes children and adults of all abilities to a play experience where everyone can interact and play together. Since the 55,000-square-foot playground opened in November, it has quickly become a crowd pleaser.

Herb Frazier

CHARLESTON’S ONLY FULL-SERVICE,COMMUNITY-CENTEREDNON-PROFIT, BICYCLE SHOP

OPEN THURS-SUN FOR SALES ANDFORREPAIRS REPAIRS

AFFORDABLE AND NO-COST OPTIONS, BECAUSE EVERYBODY DESERVES TO RIDE!

Local Athlete

Kyle Busey

Born in Charleston, Kyle Busey has become, some might say, the best surfer to have ridden the waves out of South Carolina.

Kyle sprang up on the surfboard at 11. Three years later, he was a national champion after winning state, regional and East Coast crowns. He’s sustained a professional profile while sharing his surfing passion and knowledge.

“I don’t travel or compete nearly as much anymore, so I like to spend my time passing my knowledge that you can only acquire from years of traveling and competing onto those willing to learn,” Kyle said on his website. “What I have done is simplified the learning to surf process and by doing so have made it fool proof. I love passing on my secrets of successfully surfing onto others.”

Herb Frazier

Recreation CONTINUED FROM PAGE 96

Best Place for Kids to Play Park Circle Playground

Park Circle. North Charleston (843) 740-5809 northcharleston.org/residents/parks-and-recreation/

RUNNER-UP: James Island County Park

Best Place for Kids to Splash James Island County Park Splash Zone

871 Riverland Drive. James Island (843) 795-4386 ccprc.com/1659/Splash-Zone

RUNNER-UP: Whirlin Waters

Best Stand Up Paddleboard Company

Coastal Expeditions

Best Surf Lessons Isla Surf School

301 W. Ashley Ave. Folly Beach (843) 813-7897 islasurfschool-charleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Carolina Salt

Best Surf Shop McKevlin’s Surf Shop

8 Center St. Folly Beach (843) 588-2247 mckevlins.com

RUNNER-UP: Parrot Surf and Skate

Best Ultimate Frisbee Course Trophy Lakes

3050 Marlin Road. Johns Island (843) 790-0615 trophylakesports.com

RUNNER-UP: Park Circle

514 Mill St. Mount Pleasant (843)-884-7684 coastalexpeditions.com

RUNNER-UP: Carolina Salt

Rūta Smith

Best Vietnamese

Bon Banh Mi

James Romano and Jason Sakran have been bringing great Vietnamese-inspired food to the Lowcountry for over a decade

E a t ing Eat E a t ing Eat

Afoodie town through and through, Charleston is home to a wide variety of cuisine, from good old-fashioned Southern eats to inventive international fare — and experiences that range from fine-dining establishments to hole-in-the wall gems. Whether you’re on the hunt for the best sandwich in town (here’s looking at you, Five Loaves Cafe) or a really nice steak (we see you, Halls), this city has got you covered. Our favorite thing about dining in Charleston right now is how expansive and abundant good food is in area suburbs. You no longer need to stick downtown for a nice night out. Head to Jackrabbit Filly (Best North Charleston Restaurant), Laura (Best Summerville Restaurant) or The Glass Onion (Best West Ashley Restaurant) to see what we mean. Happy eating folks. —Connelly Hardaway

Best Acai Bowls

Beech

Various Locations beechrestaurants.com

RUNNER-UP: Huriyali

Best Appetizers

Wild Olive

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

RUNNER-UP: Barsa Tapas Lounge & Bar

Best Asian Fusion

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

RUNNER-UP: Zen Asian Fusion

Best Bagels

Ruby’s New York Style Bagels

280 W. Coleman Blvd. Mount Pleasant

5060 Dorchester Road. North Charleston 1836 Ashley River Road, Ste. 0. West Ashley (843) 868 - 8188

3481 Park Avenue Blvd. Mount Pleasant (854) 227-5866 rubysnybagels.com

RUNNER-UP: Bagel Nation

Best Bakery Baguette Magic

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

RUNNER-UP: Kudzu Bakery

Best Barbecue Lewis Barbecue

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

RUNNER-UP: Home Team BBQ

Best Bar Food Tattooed Moose

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

RUNNER-UP: Moe’s Crosstown Tavern

Best Biscuits Vicious Biscuit

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

RUNNER-UP: Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit

Yous Guys Sandwich Shop

With a name like Yous Guys, you better believe that this James Islandbased sandwich shop serves up some authentic cheesesteaks. There’s the classic — a cheesesteak with shaved ribeye, onions and provolone cheese, of course — or take things up a notch with the Nick Foles cheesesteak. Named after the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback who helped the team win its first Super Bowl in 2018, the Foles cheesesteak features shaved ribeye and prosciutto with fried onions and melted sharp provolone. The cheesesteak sandwich, which has its roots in Philadelphia, is a novel item to find in the Lowcountry and the folks at Yous Guys don’t take their responsibilities to the Northeastern transplant lightly.

“We strictly are doing legit old-school-style Philadelphia sandwiches from my neighborhood,” said owner Donald Strong. “That’s what we do.”

As City Paper food critic Vanessa Wolf once wrote after visiting the shop: “Yous Guys does a bang-up job in the cheesesteak department, with the added bonus of bringing the little-known Italian roast pork option to the area. Come for the hoagies and stay for the classic ’80s videos.”

Strong said that he gets happy customers every day, folks from Philadelphia, New York, Connecticut and New Jersey who have been looking for the kind of food Yous Guys has to offer. Strong said he’s had Philadelphia-based customers come straight from the airport to his sandwich shop.

“After six years, it’s starting to become a destination stop now, which I think it’s hilarious. But it’s fun though. We have fun.” He said that he’s even had a couple people cry from the nostalgia trip of eating at Yous Guys. After several years in the food industry, Strong said he’s just happy that people keep coming back for more. —Connelly Hardaway

Best Cheesesteak

Ashely Stanol

Best Breakfast Millers All Day

120 King St. Downtown (843) 501-7342

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

RUNNER-UP: Page’s Okra Grill

Best Brisket Lewis Barbecue

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

RUNNER-UP: Home Team BBQ

Best Buffet Dukes Barbecue

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

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

RUNNER-UP: Los Reyes Mexican Restaurant

Best Burger Poe’s Tavern

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

RUNNER-UP: Little Jack’s Tavern

Best Caterer Cru Catering

1784 Harmon St. North Charleston (843) 534-2433

crucatering.com

RUNNER-UP: Hamby Catering

Best Charcuterie goat.sheep.cow.

106 Church St. Downtown (843) 480-2526

804 Meeting St. 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

1660 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 823-2671 santisrestaurantemexicano.com

RUNNER-UP: Mozzo Deli

Best Cheesesteak Yous Guys Sandwich Shop

827A Folly Road. James Island (843) 779-0145

RUNNER-UP: Berkeley’s

Rūta Smith file photo

Grace & Grit

You can’t throw a shrimp in this town without hitting a bowl of grits — and while you can find grits at a variety of restaurants around town, one spot steals the show with its preparation of the classic dish. Grace & Grit’s name may give it away, but the restaurant is serving up some of the best grits in the Charleston area, according to City Paper readers.

Grace & Grit owner and chef Frank Kline said the restaurant sources grits from multiple local vendors including Marsh Hen Mill on Edisto Island and Adluh in Columbia.

“We pride ourselves on making the grit the star of the plate, and venture into a world of extremes with our flavor spectrum over years,” Kline said. “We’ve done sweet grits like carrot cake, blueberry, coconut cream and bananas foster all the way to bourbon bacon, bone marrow and brussels pesto. We live for big memorable flavors.”

And while Kline said the Grace & Grit team loves to keep its menu playful and flavorful, the connection to local purveyors is what’s really key.

“I want our customers to know that if they want a fresh, amazing variety of local fish, that we are the place to come. I want them to know that whether they are from Mount Pleasant or New York City, the food they are enjoying is showcasing this area.”

Connelly Hardaway

Chicken Fingers

1922 Savannah Highway. 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: Kickin’ Chicken

Chinese

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

RUNNER-UP: Kwei Fei

Chocolatier

Society St. Downtown (843) 297-8674 1901 Ashley River Road, Suite 2A. West Ashley (843) 225-9133 christophechocolatier.com

RUNNER-UP: Remy Funfrock, La Pâtisserie

Ashely Stanol

THANKS CHARLESTON

THANKS TO OUR CREW FOR

Best Daniel Island Brunch The Kingstide

32 River Landing Dr. 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 Carmella’s Cafe and Dessert Bar

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

RUNNER-UP: Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe

Best Doughnut Shop Duck Donuts

1812 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. West Ashley (843) 724-9917

duckdonuts.com

RUNNER-UP: BKeDSHoP

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: Husk

Best Fine Dining Restaurant Halls Chophouse

434 King St. Downtown (843) 727-0090

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

RUNNER-UP: FIG

JOHNS ISLAND’S BEST BRUNCH

Best New Restaurant

Sorelle

Sorelle, an Italian restaurant from the folks behind hospitality group Beemok Hospitality and California-based restaurant group MINA, took Broad Street by storm when it opened last year. Chef Nick Dugan said that it was an honor to be voted Best New Restaurant by locals.

“It’s been an incredible first year for our team and we are humbled by the outpouring of support from this community,” he said. “In a city filled with so much talent and fantastic new restaurants, the greatest compliment (besides BOC!) is seeing a full dining room every night. It’s always a thrill.”

As City Paper contributor Christine England wrote last year: “One step inside Sorelle’s three townhome conversion, you will see elegance on a level far surpassing what locals are used to seeing in restaurants here. The concept is fully built out in the guests’ eyes and yet still feels somewhat local.”

England also pointed out that the restaurant is not entirely local, but the product of outside investors. Sorelle speaks to the evolution of Charleston’s dining scene, one that is now so internationally recognized and, well, tempting, that folks from afar want to be a part of it. There’s no denying that Sorelle’s gorgeous interior, decadent menu and refreshing cocktail list draws in hordes of happy new customers. —Connelly Hardaway

Eating

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 108

Best Folly Beach Brunch Lost Dog Cafe

106 W. Huron Ave. Folly Beach (843) 588-9669

lostdogfollybeach.com

RUNNER-UP: Rita’s Seaside Grille

Best Folly Beach Restaurant Rita’s Seaside Grille

2 Center St. Folly Beach (843) 588-2525 ritasseasidegrille.com

RUNNER-UP: Jack of Cups Saloon

Best Food Truck Roti Rolls (843) 822-5070 eatrotirolls.com

RUNNER-UP: Big Boned BBQ

Best French 39 Rue de Jean

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

RUNNER-UP: Chez Nous

Courtesy Sorelle

BEST MILKSHAKE &

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: The Royal American Best Gelato Carmella’s Cafe and Dessert Bar

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

RUNNER-UP: Beardcat’s Sweet Shop

Best Gourmet Sandwich Five Loaves Cafe

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

RUNNER-UP: The Pass

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 Highway. West Ashley (843) 376-2011

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

RUNNER-UP: Platia

Best Hot Dogs Jack’s Cosmic Dogs

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

801 Folly Road. James Island jackscosmicdogs.com

RUNNER-UP: Skoogies

Best Ice Cream Ye Ole Fashioned Various locations yeolefashioned.com

RUNNER-UP: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream

Best Indian/Pakistani Ma’am Saab - Pakistani Restaurant

251 Meeting St. Downtown (843) 259-2660 maamsaabchs.com

RUNNER-UP: Spice Palette Indian Cuisine

Best IOP Brunch Acme Lowcountry Kitchen

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

RUNNER-UP: Sea Biscuit Cafe

North Charleston Brunch A BIG THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST

Patty Daddy

Serving up burgers, fries, hot dogs and more at The Recovery Room every Monday night and The Lucky Luchador Wednesday through Friday nights, Patty Daddy stays busy feeding the hungry masses at local bars.

Justin Lutz and his dad moved to the Charleston area seven years ago with dreams of opening a food truck. After Lutz’s father passed away, though, the dream stalled, and it wasn’t until the Covid lockdown that Lutz started to think about something he could do by himself. He set up a burger stand at a few friends’ events and people started noticing, including the folks at King Street’s Silver Dollar, where Lutz first set up shop. While that venture didn’t pan out, he eventually found a home at both Rec Room and Lucky Luchador, where patrons keep coming back for more. Lutz pays homage to his dad with his smashburger, which features “melted onions” like his dad used to make. “We were supposed to do something together, so to kind of incorporate some of his cooking into what I do and people absolutely love the onions on it … that burger, it’s very special to me,” Lutz said. He and his fiance stay busy cooking for hungry customers, including those folks who realize they need more than one burger.

“Someone will order a burger and then 10 minutes later they’ll come back and get a second burger,” Lutz said. “Which is a huge compliment for me because you know, you could tell me that my food’s good … But when someone has something and they go, ‘God damn, that was good. I should get another one.’ That’s a huge compliment.” —Connelly Hardaway

James Island Brunch

120 King St. Downtown (843) 501-7342

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

RUNNER-UP: Bohemian Bull Best James Island Restaurant Bohemian Bull 1531 Folly Road. James Island (843) 225-1817

2668 N. Hwy. 17. Mount Pleasant (843) 654-9141 bohemianbull.com

RUNNER-UP:

Ashley Stanol

Best Japanese O-Ku

463 King St. Downtown (843) 737-0112 o-kusushi.com

RUNNER-UP: Shiki

Best Johns Island Brunch Sunrise Bistro

1797 Main Road. Johns Island (843) 718-1858

sunrise-bistro.com

RUNNER-UP: KISS Cafe

Best Johns Island Restaurant Wild Olive

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

RUNNER-UP: The Royal Tern

Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant Home Team BBQ

1205 Ashley River Road. West Ashley

126 Williman St. Downtown

2209 Middle St. Sullivan’s Island

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

RUNNER-UP: Coastal Crust

Best Late Night Menu The Royal American

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

RUNNER-UP: A.C.’s Bar & Grill

Best Local Artisanal Food Product Rio Bertolini’s Fresh Pasta (843) 343-2418 riobertolinispasta.com

RUNNER-UP: Dalai Sofia

Best Mac and Cheese Home Team BBQ

1205 Ashley River Road. West Ashley

126 Williman St. Downtown 2209 Middle St. Sullivan’s Island 3563 N. 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 Moncks Corner Brunch Gilligan’s Seafood Restaurant

582 Dock Road. Moncks Corner (843) 761-2244 gilligans.net

RUNNER-UP: The Barony House

Best Moncks Corner Restaurant Page’s Okra Grill

219 Carolina Ave. Moncks Corner (843) 566-2135 pagesokragrill.com

RUNNER-UP: The Barony House

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 N. Hwy. 17. Mount Pleasant (843) 225-7427 hometeambbq.com

RUNNER-UP: Saltwater Cowboys

Best New Restaurant Sorelle

88 Broad St. Downtown (843) 974-1575 sorellecharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: The James

Best North Charleston Brunch The Junction Kitchen & Provisions

4438 Spruill Ave. North Charleston (843) 745-9189 thejunctionkitchen.com

RUNNER-UP: Jackrabbit Filly

Best North Charleston Restaurant

Jackrabbit Filly

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

RUNNER-UP: The CODfather, Proper Fish & Chips

Best Outdoor Patio Saltwater Cowboys

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

RUNNER-UP: Blind Tiger Pub

Best Oysters 167 Raw Oyster Bar

193 King St. Downtown (843) 579-4997 167raw.com/charleston

RUNNER-UP: Pearlz Oyster Bar

Best Pitmaster John Lewis, Lewis Barbecue

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

RUNNER-UP: Rodney Scott, Rodney Scott’s BBQ

Best Pizza - Gourmet EVO Pizzeria

1075 E. Montague Ave. North Charleston (843) 225-1796 evopizza.com

RUNNER-UP: Indaco

Best Pizza - Traditional D’Allesandro’s Pizza

229 St. Philip St. Downtown (843) 853-6337 dalspizza.com

RUNNER-UP: Paisano’s

Best Place to Buy Local Seafood Crosby’s Fish & Shrimp Co.

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

Best Pop-up Restaurant Patty Daddy

@pattydaddy_chs

RUNNER-UP Weems Ramen

Best Private Chef Brett McKee (843) 814-0167

brettmckee.com

RUNNER-UP: Sarah Cooper, The Carolina Chef

Best She-Crab Soup

82 Queen

ALowcountry favorite, she-crab soup is a bisque made with cream and crab. According to Discover South Carolina, the soup originated with Scotch-Irish settlers and was later influenced by the French and Creole who gave it a thicker consistency. And City Paper readers think the best soup in town can be found at 42-year-old Queen Street establishment, 82 Queen. The restaurant’s sous chef Lamont Ferrebee said 82 Queen’s soup, made with a heaping portion of white crab meat, is a longtime favorite for a reason: “Experience and consistency are the keys to any great product, and our shecrab soup is no different.”

Head to 82 Queen to enjoy the Lowcountry delicacy for brunch, lunch or dinner — or even for the restaurant’s newest addition, a mid-day menu served daily from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Yep, soup is always on the menu. Pair the creamy, meaty soup with other popular menu items (and Lowcountry classics) like fried green tomatoes, Carolina crab cakes, and shrimp and grits and you’ve got yourself a good old-fashioned Charleston feast. —Connelly Hardaway

Ashely Stanol

Best Raw Bar

167 Raw Oyster Bar

193 King St. Downtown (843) 579-4997

167raw.com/charleston

RUNNER-UP: Pearlz Oyster Bar

Best Restaurant

Halls Chophouse

434 King St. Downtown (843) 727-0090

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

RUNNER-UP: Vern’s

Best Restaurant Chef Nico Romo, NICO Oysters + Seafood, Bistronomy by Nico, and Laura

RUNNER-UP: Kyle Kryske, The Royal Tern

Best Restaurant for Vegetarians

Five Loaves Cafe

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

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

RUNNER-UP: Neon Tiger

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

Best Seafood Hank’s Seafood Restaurant

10 Hayne St. Downtown (843) 723-3474

hanksseafoodrestaurant.com

RUNNER-UP: Fleet Landing

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

RUNNER-UP: Fleet Landing

Best Soul Food Nigel’s Good Food

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

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

7000 Bowen Pier Drive, Suite 2. Hanahan nigelsgoodfood.com

RUNNER-UP: Bertha’s Soul Food

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 East Bay Deli

Various Locations eastbaydeli.com

RUNNER-UP: Mozzo Deli

by

Best Vietnamese Bon Banh Mi

From its humble beginnings at the Charleston Farmers Market, Bon Banh Mi has grown over the last 13 years to three brick and mortar restaurants, located downtown and in Mount Pleasant.

“It was about as organic as it gets,” said Bon Banh Mi co-owner James Romano of the restaurant’s growth.

The original restaurant is located on Spring Street and the two Mount Pleasant locations, on Coleman Boulevard and at Oakland Market, opened in 2018 and 2023, respectively.

“We got feedback a lot to the point where we just felt like it made sense,” said Romano of adding the Mount Pleasant spots. Romano is quick to note that while Bon Banh Mi is Vietnamese-inspired, the restaurant in no way seeks to be something it’s not, like a mom-and-pop Vietnamese place.

That being said, the Bon Banh Mi menu (“banh mi,” by the way is defined as a short baguette filled with savory ingredients) still presents what Romano called a “learning curve” for some customers. “But that’s something we take a lot of pride in … is guiding our guests through the menu and making them feel comfortable,” he said.

And while the growing business speaks to the concept’s popularity, Romano said that he’s happiest when customers are complimenting not just the food, but the staff, too.

“When we get a review that highlights someone’s enjoyment of the food, but also highlights the interaction or the connection that they have with somebody that works with us … That’s like a perfect review.” —Connelly Hardaway

Photography

Rūta Smith

Best Bagels

RubysNYBagels.com

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., Suite 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: Page’s Okra Grill

Best Sushi Locals

1150 Queensborough Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 388-5114

798 Folly Road, Suite A. James Island (843) 297-8315

1680 Old Towne Road. West Ashley (843) 763-3908 localssushi.com

RUNNER-UP: Shiki

Best Tacos Taco Boy

217 Huger St. Downtown (843) 789-3333

106 E. Ashley Ave. Folly Beach (843) 588-9761

106 Front St. Summerville (843) 851-8226

RUNNER-UP: El Molino

Best Tapas Barsa Tapas Lounge & Bar

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

RUNNER-UP: Malagon

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 (843) 225-7427 hometeambbq.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Sports Pub

Best Vietnamese Bon Banh Mi

162 Spring St. Downtown (843) 414-7320 1440 Ben Sawyer Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 388-7080 1100 Oakland Market Road. Mount Pleasant (843) 352-2082 bonbanhmi.com

RUNNER-UP: Phuong Vietnamese Restaurant

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 Highway. West Ashley (843) 277-2353 earlybirddiner.com

RUNNER-UP: Ms. Rose’s Fine Food and Cocktails

Best West Ashley Restaurant The Glass Onion

1219 Savannah Highway. West Ashley (843) 225-1717 ilovetheglassonion.com

RUNNER-UP: Swig & Swine

Best Wings Home Team BBQ

1205 Ashley River Road. West Ashley

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

RUNNER-UP: Swig & Swine

Best New Bar, Best Arcade Bar

Pinky & Clyde’s Arcade Bar

Pinky & Clyde’s serves up all the ‘80s nostalgia, including arcade games

Thank You for Voting Us BEST WATERFRONT BAR and BEST

OUTDOOR PATIO

D r in k i n g Dr king D r in k i n g Dr king

Among Charleston’s vibrant neighborhoods, there’s a wide range of options available for drinkers of all stripes. Whether it’s an outdoor patio, rooftop setting or cozy corner seats at the bar — discovering the perfect spot for any drinking occasion is a walk in the park. Craving a cold glass of beer? Edmund’s Oast (Best Beer Selection on Tap) has just the fix. Prefer wine? Head to Avondale Cheese & Wine (Best Wine Bar/ Wine Selection). Searching for a night-cap? Look no further than The Royal American (Best Late Night Bar). With endless options, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go. However, a list of Charleston City Paper readers’ top-rated spots can help guide you in the right direction. —Blakelyn Faia

Best Activity Bar The Alley

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

RUNNER-UP: Top Golf

Best Adult Establishment King Street Cabaret

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

RUNNER-UP: Cheetah Gentlemen’s Club

Best Arcade Bar

Pinky & Clyde’s

Arcade Bar

1044 E. Montague Ave. North Charleston (843) 471-2413

RUNNER-UP: The Alley

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

Holy City Brewing

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

RUNNER-UP: Low Tide Brewing

Best Bartender Keegan Shelton, Frothy Beard Brewing 1401 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. West Ashley (843) 892-5732 frothybeard.com

RUNNER-UP: Nick Toepperwein, The Commodore

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: Bottles Beverage Superstore

Best Beer Selection on Tap Edmund’s Oast

1081 Morrison Drive. Downtown (843) 727-1145

Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co. & Taproom 1505 King St., Suite 115. Downtown (843) 718-3224 edmundsoast.com

RUNNER-UP: Holy City Brewing

Best Bloody Mary The Darling Oyster Bar

513 King St. Downtown (843) 641-0821 thedarling.com

RUNNER-UP: Blind Tiger Pub

Best Bottled Beer Gene’s Haufbrau 817 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 225-4363 genescharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Sports Pub

charleston's brand

best non-alcoholic beverage

product

product

BEST LOCAL BREWERY

Best North Charleston Bar

Best Cold Beer | Best Bar Staff

Best Local Brewery Taproom

Best Locally Brewed Lager: Holy City Pilsner

Best Locally Brewed IPA: Overly Friendly

Best Locally Brewed Porter/Stout: Pluff Mud Porter

Best Locally Brewed Gose/Sour: Sparkly Princess

Keegan Shelton, Frothy Beard Brewing Company

Keegan Shelton, Best Bartender, has been part of Frothy Beard Brewing for six years.

“I really have an interest in being social and talking to people, making connections and growing a community here,” he said.

Frothy Beard was established in 2013 but moved to its current West Ashley location in 2017. “We have an eclectic amount of beer, whether its New England style IPAs, strawberry blonde ales or tangerine sours, we are always trying new stuff,” he added.

Shelton’s favorite aspect of his job is crafting cocktails inspired by movies, TV shows, comics or other “nerdy” themes. He also hosts the Tip of the Tongue Trivia event every Thursday night, the Best Trivia Night around town.

“Thursdays are nuts. We’ve been averaging over 30 teams — they’re trivia fanatics — they love it,” he said. His sense of humor suits the crowd, and he’s been able to build relationships with some of his regular customers. “It’s cool to be a nerd now. And we love that because we’ve always been nerds — so, we’re like, ‘Come on, we got you.’ ” —Blakelyn Faia

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

RUNNER-UP: The Commodore Best Bubble/Boba Tea Hi Boba Tea

5646 Rivers Ave. North Charleston (843) 593-5312 hibobatea.com

RUNNER-UP: Ha · Long Café

RUNNER-UP:

Cocktail

479 King St. Downtown (843) 724-9411 thecocktailclubcharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: The Belmont

Best Bartender, Best Trivia Night

Ashley Stanol

Best Non-Alcoholic Beverage, Best Locally Based Cannabis Product, Best Wellness Product

High Rise Seltzers

“We are absolutely thrilled to have won Best-Non Alcoholic Beverage — a new and rapidly growing category,” said High Rise Beverage and Charleston Hemp Collective owners Matt and Libiss Skinner.

The Skinners have revolutionized the non-alcoholic scene in Charleston, with the company’s spirit-free, natural and hemp-derived cannabis seltzers. Inspired by transformative experiences with cannabis in 2022, they embarked on a mission to show that drinking can be as equally enjoyable as it is nourishing. The use of simple, real and effective ingredients accessible for anyone, has made it a reputable crowd favorite, present in many local bars today. Skip the hangover and opt for a Delta-9 or CBD-infused seltzer with real fruit ingredients like grapefruit, blackberry, blood orange and lime.

“Charleston is our home and we couldn’t be happier to be so well received by this community. Thank you to all the voters and keep an eye out for our latest adaptogen seltzer — High Rise Blackout Edition.” —Blakelyn Faia

Best Cold Beer Holy City Brewing

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

RUNNER-UP: Low Tide Brewing

Best College Bar AC’s Bar & Grill

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

RUNNER-UP: Uptown Social

Jonathan Boncek/Courtesy High Rise Beverage Co.

RUNNER-UP:

RUNNER-UP:

(843) 471-1130 newrealmbrewing.com

Best Waterfront Bar

Saltwater

Cowboys

Saltwater Cowboys, founded in 2017, has become a go-to destination for those seeking a scenic place to hang out along Shem Creek.

General Manager Sean Maher characterizes Saltwater Cowboys as more than just a restaurant — it offers great food and drinks, but it’s equally as much of a place to hang out and meet people.

“Our entire mission and goal is to create a place where people can make memories,” Maher said.

In fact, Maher said he recently received a call from a newlyengaged couple that met at Saltwater Cowboys. He was thrilled to hear the couple wanted to throw their after-wedding celebration at the same spot they met. Saltwater Cowboys, he said, is proud to give back and create memorable experiences for everyone who visits.

Blakelyn Faia

Ashley Stanol

36-38 Broad St. Downtown

(843) 872-6700

blindtigerchs.com

RUNNER-UP: The Rooftop at The Vendue Best Downtown Happy Hour Recovery Room Tavern

685 King St. Downtown (843) 727-0999

RUNNER-UP: Indaco 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: Taco Boy

Wine &

Since 2014, co-owners Kat Kincaid and her husband Chris have envisioned creating a neighborhood wine bar that people would want to come back to — over and over again. And it has become just that, a place to “come in with your girlfriend after yoga or for a date night and not feel like you’re breaking the bank to have some wine and cheese.” Avondale Wine & Cheese has consistently provided the Best Wine Selection and also the friendliest bar staff, too.

“Our number one focus is hospitality — we make friends with everybody,” Kincaid said. “My team keeps everything afloat and running smooth every day.”

Over time, it has evolved from a small shop to a thriving wine bar, attracting locals and visitors to its cozy aura. Kincaid expresses appreciation for the nearby residents who have been around since the beginning and continue to share their support. “Our locals are the reason that we’re here today.” Blakelyn Faia

Ashley Stanol

Best Bubble/Boba Tea Hi Boba Tea

Jose Nguyen and his sister Lisa realized a couple of years back that Charleston lacked enough options for boba tea. With no experience in the field, they launched their shop in the storage room of a laundromat in 2022. It was only for take-out. Nguyen described the space as being “extremely small.” Fortunately, the diner next door closed and they were able to take over its space.

“We offer what the Lowcountry people like,” Nguyen said. “Charleston doesn’t like very sweet. They want true flavor.”

They say Hi Boba Tea uses fresh ingredients to provide the best-tasting tea Charleston has to offer. Nguyen said they test different distributors until they are satisfied with its product, and buy local as much as possible. “We listen to the customers’ feedback,” he said, something that appears to be the key to the shop’s success. Customers favorites include the strawberry mango and brown sugar tea, but there’s a wide range of options to experience for yourself. This familyowned boba tea shop has a little bit of something for everyone: a variety of teas, ice cream, coffee, smoothies and banh mi sandwiches. —Blakelyn Faia

RUNNER-UP:

Ashley Stanol

WHAT IS SURGE?

Surge: The Lowcountry Climate Magazine is the area’s largest environmental publication. It aims to connect readers with the fight for climate liberation by educating and energizing, processing the deeper lessons of the climate crisis, and sparking the climate activist that lies within. Reach those that care for the environment and make a difference in our community with their actions, buying decisions and financial support.

Best IOP Happy Hour The Windjammer

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

the-windjammer.com

RUNNER-UP: The Dinghy

Best James Island Bar

Charleston Pour House

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

charlestonpourhouse.com

RUNNER-UP: Bohemian Bull

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. John’s 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. John’s Island (843) 952-7591 4845 Chateau Ave. North Charleston (843) 277-2990 tattooedmoose.com

RUNNER-UP: Low Tide Brewing

Best Juice/Smoothie Bar Huriyali Gardens /Huriyali Riverland

401 Huger St. Downtown (843) 207-4436

2016 Wappoo Drive. James Island (843) 573-7949 huriyali.com

RUNNER-UP: The Bomb Bar

Best Late Night Bar The Royal American

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

RUNNER-UP: Recovery Room Tavern Best Local Beer Can Design

Co. & Taproom

1505 King St., Suite 115. Downtown (843) 718-3224 edmundsoast.com

RUNNER-UP: Holy City Brewing

Best Local Brewery

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

RUNNER-UP: Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co. & Taproom

Best Local Brewery Taproom

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

RUNNER-UP: Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co. & Taproom

Best Local Cocktail Mixer Charleston Bloody Mary Mix

charlestonmix.com

RUNNER-UP: Natural Blonde Bloody Mary Mix

Best Local Spirit Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka

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

RUNNER-UP: Sweet Grass Vodka

Best Locally Brewed Beer Something Cold, Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co. & Taproom

1505 King St., Suite 115. Downtown (843) 718-3224 edmundsoast.com

RUNNER-UP: Aloha Beaches, Low Tide Brewing

Best Locally Brewed Gose/Sour Sparkly Princess, Holy City Brewing

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

RUNNER-UP: Keeping It Teal, SNAFU Brewing Company

Best Locally Brewed IPA Overly Friendly, Holy City Brewing 1021 Aragon Ave. North Charleston (843) 459-2948 holycitybrewing.com

RUNNER-UP: Sip Sip Pass, Frothy Beard Brewing Company

Best Locally Brewed Lager Holy City Pilsner, Holy City Brewing

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

RUNNER-UP: Beer Flavored Beer, Low Tide Brewing

Best Locally Brewed Porter/Stout Pluff Mud Porter, Holy City Brewing

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

RUNNER-UP: Brunch with Santa, Low Tide Brewing

Best Margarita Santi’s Restaurante Mexicano

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

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

1660 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 823-2671 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: Felix Cocktails et Cuisine

Best

The Rooftop at The Vendue

The Rooftop at the Vendue has some of the best views in town — head there for the sights, and stay for the killer cocktail list

Best Milkshake Ye Ole Fashioned Various locations yeolefashioned.com

RUNNER-UP: Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe

Best Moncks Corner Bar Dog & Duck

2826 Hwy. 52. Moncks Corner (843) 809-5358 dogandduckfamilypubs.com

RUNNER-UP: Dig 17A

Best Mount Pleasant Bar Red’s Ice House

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

RUNNER-UP: Saltwater Cowboys

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 Gene’s Haufbrau

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

genescharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Holy City Brewing

Best New Bar Pinky & Clyde’s Arcade Bar

1044 E. Montague Ave. North Charleston (843) 471-2413

RUNNER-UP: Palace Hotel

Best No Frills Watering Hole The Royal American

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

RUNNER-UP: Recovery Room Tavern

Best Non-Alcoholic Beverage High Rise seltzers, High Rise Beverage Co. 5700 Dorchester Road. North Charleston (843) 256-6507 highrisebev.com

RUNNER-UP: Levity Cannabis Spirit

Courtesy The Rooftop at The Vendue

Rooftop Bar

CHARLESTON’S BAR GUIDE

Best North Charleston Bar Holy City Brewing

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

RUNNER-UP: Paddock & Whiskey

Best North Charleston Happy Hour Tattooed Moose

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

3328 Maybank Hwy. John’s Island (843) 952-7591 tattooedmoose.com

RUNNER-UP: Holy City Brewing

Best Pet Friendly Bar/Restaurant Red’s Ice House

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

RUNNER-UP: Saltwater Cowboys

Best Place for a Bachelor Party Uptown Social

587 King St. Downtown (843) 793-1837 uptownsocialchs.com

RUNNER-UP: Republic Garden & Lounge

Best Bar Staff, Best Cold Beer, Best Local

Best

Best Locally Brewed Gose/Sour, Best Locally Brewed IPA, Best Locally Brewed Lager, Best Locally Brewed Porter/Stout, Best North Charleston Bar

Holy City Brewing

It all started with four guys who enjoyed craft beer and made the decision to open a brewery in a warehouse on Dorchester Road. Established in 2011, Holy City Brewing has received an overwhelmingly positive response from the community. Ten years later, with a rising demand and little space, it relocated to a new home near Park Circle.

“We’re lucky to be in the Park Circle neighborhood where things stay pretty busy,” said co-owner Chris Brown.

He said it’s rare to have much turnover with its staff — a majority switched-over from the previous location. And that

has helped Holy City to maintain consistency and hold onto its day-one regulars.

“Being able to adapt to this new setup, especially with how busy it can get, while still providing a unique customer based service to people, is pretty cool.”

With a diverse range of 50+ beer taps, Holy City Brewing provides its staff with training to ensure the highest-quality experience for its dedicated team and beer enthusiasts alike.

“The bar staff rocks it out, so for them to get this recognition is really cool.” —Blakelyn Faia

Brewery,

Local Brewery Taproom,

Ashley Stanol

CUISINE ARTS MUSIC NEWS LOCAL

Best Late Night Bar, Best No Frills Watering Hole The Royal American Whether you’re looking for really great late-night bites or simple but damn good drinks, Royal’s got you covered

Drinking CONTINUED FROM PAGE 139

Best Place for a Bachelorette Party Republic Garden & Lounge

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

RUNNER-UP: The Rooftop at The Vendue

Best Rooftop Bar The Rooftop at The Vendue

19 Vendue Range. Downtown (843) 414-2337 rooftopcharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Citrus Club

Best Sommelier Femi Oyediran, Graft

Wine Shop & Wine Bar

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

RUNNER-UP: Jordan Hooker, Somm Wine Bar

Best Sports Bar Home Team BBQ

Various locations hometeambbq.com

RUNNER-UP: Charleston Sports Pub

Best Sullivan’s Island Bar Home Team BBQ

2209 Middle St. Sullivan’s Island (843) 225-7427 hometeambbq.com

RUNNER-UP: Dunleavy’s Pub

Best Sullivan’s Island Happy Hour Dunleavy’s Pub

2213 Middle St. Sullivan’s Island (843) 883-9646 dunleavysonsullivans.com

RUNNER-UP: Mex 1 Coastal Cantina

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: Montreux Bar and Grill

Best Upscale Bar Halls Chophouse

434 King St. Downtown (843) 727-0090

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

RUNNER-UP: Bourbon N’ Bubbles

Ashley Stanol

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Best New Bar, Best Arcade Bar

by Rūta Smith

Pinky & Clyde’s Arcade Bar

Art Perry, co-owner of Pinky & Clyde’s Arcade Bar, compares the Best New Bar win to taking home Best Actress or Best Actor at the Academy Awards.

“You only get one shot at Best New Bar,” he said. “You can be the best bar forever, but you only get one shot [at Best New Bar], like the Kentucky Derby. We are over the moon about it.”

Pinky & Clyde’s, which opened in Park Circle last fall, describes itself as “a dive bar with delicious cocktails and arcade that’s out of this world.” Decked out in ‘80s memorabilia, including arcade games, pinball machines and pieces from the owners’ collective childhoods, the spot is, for many customers, a trip down memory lane.

“People come in and you can tell when it’s somebody’s first time because usually their jaws are on the floor,” Perry said. “And they’re just looking around, and then they’ll come up to the bar and our drink menus and our food menus are in Trapper Keepers. And so as soon as they peel that open or even see that they’re like, ‘Oh my God.’ ”

Perry and his wife Erin Tyler (who owns West Ashley’s Tin Roof) opened Pinky & Clyde’s with friends and fellow Park Circle business owners, Ryan Hendrick (who co-owns The Brew Cellar) and Sarah Henderson after the building at the corner of Montague and O’Hear became available last year. Perry said he recognizes the special, tight-knit community of Park Circle, and he’s thrilled that locals have welcomed Pinky & Clyde’s with so much enthusiasm. Connelly Hardaway

Drinking

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 140

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 genescharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Frothy Beard Brewing Company

Best West Ashley Happy Hour Gene’s Haufbrau

817 Savannah Highway. West Ashley (843) 225-4363 genescharleston.com

RUNNER-UP: Frothy Beard Brewing Company

Best Wine Bar

Avondale

Wine & Cheese

813 Savannah Hwy., Suite B. West Ashley (843) 769-5444 avondalechs.com

RUNNER-UP: SOMM Wine Bar

Best Wine Selection (Bar/Restaurant or Retail) Avondale Wine & Cheese

813 Savannah Hwy., Suite B. West Ashley (843) 769-5444 avondalechs.com

RUNNER-UP: Graft Wine Shop & Wine Bar

Photography

Thank you, Charleston, for voting Finding Freedom: The Journey of Robert Smalls the Best Non Piccolo or Spoleto Play of 2023!

Feel the hope, the excitement, the passion, FEEL IT ALL at the Gaillard Center Join us for another unforgettable experience

Live from Laurel Canyon June 30 | 7:00pm

Och & Oy!: A Considered Cabaret September 14 | 7:30pm

Lowcountry Jazz Festival August 30 - September 1 | 7:00pm

Dusty Slay October 5 | 7:00pm

Fight Night by Ontroerend Goed September 12 &13 | 7:30pm

This Land Is Our Land October 23 | 8:00pm

Original Story: Teralyn Reiter

Script Developed by JaMeeka D. Holloway, Celeste Jennings, and Caroline Randall Williams Directed by JaMeeka D. Holloway