Hey, y’all! We’re Michael & Ian of @ilovethatforyou. Although we’re two dudes originally from Texas, we’ve found our home here in Charleston and surrounded ourselves with lots of local loves. Are you planning on a weekend in Charleston? Well, we’ve got all the hot spots, tasty bites, and perfect activities to fill your entire stay. So check them out below, because I Love That For You.
Friday
A view from the top: Ravenel Bridge
There is literally no better way than to catch a glimpse of the entire Charleston peninsula than on the Ravenel Bridge. Take a casual walk on the bridge connecting Mount Pleasant and downtown at sunset for premium photo opportunities.
Location: Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge, Charleston, SC 29403
What We Love For You: Catch the sunset for a golden hour unlike any other.
Blissful Bites: Xaio Bao Biscuit
This Asian Fusion wonder is where your foodie dreams come true. Prepare yourself for an eclectic interior as beautiful and delicious as the meal itself while one of the best restaurant playlists underscores your experience.
Location: 224 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403
What We Love For You: Pro-tip. Order the menu and share everything. We are longing for the day they bring back the Pork Sandwich Special.
Charming cafe cocktails: Babas On Cannon
An old-world cafe, wine sourced from Europe, and the best martini you’ll ever taste. Need we say more? Take a seat and soak in the charm of high ceilings, marble surroundings while letting your olives soak in your martini glass.
Location: 11 Cannon St, Charleston, SC 29403
What We Love For You: If you aren’t imbibing, get the fresh squeezed juices!
Funk it up: The Commodore
Feeling in a funk and ready to bust a move? Then head to The Commodore for some of the best live music in Charleston. Located in the Eastside, this neighborhood bar with a speakeasy vibe is where you can get your dance on all night long.
Location: 504 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403
We Love This For You: If Emerald Empire is performing, book them for your next event. We did for our wedding!
Saturday
Dab for DAPS: DAPS Breakfast & Imbibe
Breakfast for dinner, brunch at brunch, and premium day drinking. You’ll find these three at the super chic DAPS Breakfast & Imbibe. Dive into your favorite savory dishes but enhanced with a creative flair. Don’t forget the breakfast porrons – glass pitchers the size of a bottle of wine – and enjoy taking a drink without it touching your lips. How fancè.
Location: 280 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC 29403
We Love This For You: Order the Fruity Pebble pancakes.
Shop (local) until you drop: Cannonborough-Elliotborough
Of course, there’s plenty of shops on King Street. But did you know some of the best local shops are in the downtown neighborhood, Cannonborough-Elliotborough? Some of our all-time favorites include J. Stark, Taxidermy, Cannonborough Collective, and Mac & Murphy.
Location: Downtown Charleston
What We Love For You: Run don’t walk to Taxidermy. Amy is creating one of a kind pieces that Beyoncé herself is obsessed with.
Loving Lewis BBQ: Lewis Barbecue
If you’re approaching the hanger danger zone, then look no further than Lewis BBQ – the heaven of smoked meats. Don’t worry about the meat sweats while eating this Texas barbecue, because you can grab a cooling drink at the bar extending the length of the entire restaurant.
Location: 464 N Nassau St, Charleston, SC 29403
What We Love For You: We order a Sandia pitcher and ALWAYS get a side of Mac and Cheese.
Downtown tour? Holy Spokes!: Holy Spokes Bike Share
There’s only one way to truly see it all in downtown Charleston, and that’s on the Holy Spokes bike share. Travel to Charleston’s most picturesque spots, whether venturing to see the famous Charleston Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park or the tip of the peninsula at The Battery. Don’t be afraid to feel adventurous and opt for the alleyways – it’s where you’ll find some of the most historic and beautiful picture-perfect backdrops.
Location: 31 hubs across the peninsula. View the map!
What We Love For You: The Day Pass is the best way to utilize the bikes. 24 hours and unlimited rides.
Your not-so-Ordinary dinner: The Ordinary
Every aspect of The Ordinary is far from…ordinary. What used to be a bank in the 1920s, now houses some of the best oysters in town. Designed with high ceilings, clean white tile, and an expansive room remind us of the oysters themselves. What’s a must? A crispy oyster slider paired with a rum cocktail.
Location: 544 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
What We Love For You: The Shellfish tower is not only a visual delight, it is perfect for sharing with everyone.
Sunday
It’s ok to be bad: Big Bad Breakfast
This new kid on the block breakfast spot serves breakfast all day long. You’ll fall in love with our favorites – the house-cured Tabasco Brown Sugar Bacon and crispy southern fried chicken. Venture to the Eastside for breakfast too good to feel bad about.
Location: 456 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403
What We Love For You: Don’t skip out on the sides. They know what they are doing here.
A Darling bloody Mary: The Darling Oyster Bar
Enter into this elegantly airy seafood restaurant with hints of green and an open design to take your breath away. The Darling Oyster Bar’s star on the menu is the monster Bloody Mary, which is topped with a lobster claw, king crab leg, spiced shrimp, and a hush puppy. The perfect bloody brunch.
Location: 513 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
What We Love For You: Make a reservation. This place is always buzzing.
Tap into (local) craft beer: Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co.
Local breweries with craft beer are having a hot moment in Charleston and Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co. is one of the best. Located at the Workshop, this massive brewery is the best place to spend an entire afternoon if you’re looking for a laid-back vibe while drinking a nice cold beer. Don’t worry, they have it all. Expect blonde ales and double IPAs to imperial stouts and sours poured for every taste.
Location: 1505 King St #115, Charleston, SC 29405
What We Love For You: Huge space for groups. Don’t be afraid to ask for samples of their creations.
A cheesygoing dinner: Indaco
Pizza and pasta. That’s music to our ears. Located in the heart of Charleston’s “Pizza District,” Indaco sets the bar high with its Neapolitan-style pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven. What should you order? Take a look at all the toppings, which are curated from a lengthy list of local purveyors. It’s where pizza dreams come true.
Location: 526 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
What We Love For You: This was our first date in Charleston! Order multiple things to share.
End the night with a joint: The Gin Joint
As one of the first cocktail bars to open in Charleston back in 2010, The Gin Joint serves up some of the best cocktail creations in the Holy City. Take a seat and relax in this speakeasy-themed bar, which also offers some of the best outdoor seating for premium people-watching. We suggest opting for the bartender’s choice. They are the experts!
Location: 182 E Bay St #2169, Charleston, SC 29401
What We Love For You: Ask 1000 questions! The talented team behind The Gin Joint will find exactly what tickles your fancy.