Finding group-friendly restaurants in Charleston is often more complicated than simply visiting resy.com. Dining with more than six can even pose problems.
As Charleston continues to grow as a tourist destination, restaurant owners are beginning to make large party and private dining a part of their programming. Among the many options, these 18 are my top picks:
82 Queen
82 Queen St., downtown Charleston
This French Quarter restaurant, which shares its name with its address, has several private dining spaces for large groups to enjoy barbecue shrimp and grits, jambalaya, seafood gumbo and more.
Bar 167
5 Fulton St., downtown Charleston
Bar 167, sister spot to the ever-popular 167 Raw, offers family-style meals for up to 25 guests. Diners also have the option to do a full buyout of the restaurant. For more information, visit 167raw.com.
Barsa
630 King St., downtown Charleston
When dining with large groups, sharing food is part of the fun. With meat and cheese, tapas and piping hot paella, Barsa features a wide-ranging menu that won’t break the bank. Empanadas, patatas bravas, crispy Brussels sprouts, lamb meatballs, grilled pork ribs and octopus are some of the shareable small plates you'll find on the menu.
Blind Tiger Pub
36-38 Broad St., downtown Charleston
Blind Tiger Pub has a courtyard in the back and rooms that can be reserved for private events. Food includes oysters, wings, charcuterie and a truffle duck sandwich.
Edmund’s Oast
1081 Morrison Drive, downtown Charleston
Downtown Charleston restaurant Edmund’s Oast accepts reservations for eight to 16 people and can serve big groups in The Library, its private dining area. For bigger events, guests can rent out The Bower outside or buy out the entire restaurant.
Hank's Seafood Restaurant
10 Hayne St., downtown Charleston
Large parties are welcome at Hank's, where diners can share a seafood tower or seafood castle. The restaurant also has a private event space upstairs called Hank's Loft.
Customers at Edmund’s Oast enjoy happy hour March 1, 2019.
Herd Provisions
106 Grove St., downtown Charleston
In a city where large party dining can feel almost impossible at times, Herd Provisions will happily cater to parties of 10 or more.
Herd Provisions’ kitchen is led by Jeanne Oleksiak, who is not only the executive chef but the butcher and the pastry chef, as well. Oleksiak, who has been at the restaurant since 2020 after working as sous chef right down the street at Park & Grove (formerly Park Café), works with a team to put out creative plates made with fresh and sustainable local ingredients.
Indaco
526 King St., downtown Charleston
Indaco has a covered, temperature-controlled patio that can accommodate up to 50 people.
Kenny Flowers
345 King St., downtown Charleston
Island-inspired men's and women's clothing retail store Kenny Flowers is the place to go for swimwear, dresses, button-downs and golf shirts. The locally owned shop's second-story Cabana Club caters specifically to private events, from rehearsal dinners to baby showers.
The space features a swanky tropical bar and an Amalfi-inspired beach club roof deck, with room for up to 50 guests. For more information, visit kennyflowers.com.
Leon’s Oyster Shop
698 King St., downtown Charleston
Leon’s Oyster Shop consistently has a line out the door, but its private event space, The Oyster Shed, can host 24 to 36 guests. Melfi’s — one of Leon’s two sister restaurants — can also accommodate up to 40 people for a private lunch.
Muse
82 Society St., downtown Charleston
Longtime Muse manager Donnie Exelbierd is the closest representation of an old-school maitre d’ in Charleston, meaning he works the floor, bar and everywhere in between. When serving a large group, Exelbierd will happily take diners' menus and order for the table. Those who do so can expect a series of expertly timed courses with many of Muse’s top hits, such as the artichoke torta, duck breast and scallops.
Peninsula Grill
112 N. Market St., downtown Charleston.
The Peninsula Grill can host private events of all shapes and sizes, including multicourse seated meals that conclude with the restaurant's signature coconut cake. More laid-back options are also available.
Red Drum Restaurant
803 Coleman Boulevard, Mount Pleasant
Red Drum in Mount Pleasant has multiple private dining spaces, including The Wine Room, which has a capacity of 22 people.
Stella’s
114 St Philip St., downtown Charleston
The Greek restaurant Stella's can seat large groups around larger tables. The restaurant also has a private event space on its second floor.
The Kingstide
32 River Landing Drive, Daniel Island
When it comes to restaurants, The Indigo Road Hospitality Group’s only Daniel Island outpost, The Kingstide, boasts one of the best waterfront views in the Charleston area. That plus local seafood from executive chef Kevin Getzewich makes this spacious, two-story restaurant an ideal group gathering spot.
The Quinte Oyster Bar
36 George St., downtown Charleston
The Quinte Oyster Bar, part of boutique hotel The Pinch Charleston, can be rented out for private events. The kitchen is led by Jason Stanhope, the James Beard Award-winning chef who helped lead the kitchen at FIG for 15 years.
The Whale
1640 Meeting St., downtown Charleston
Craft beer collective The Whale is equipped with 20-plus beers on tap and hundreds more in bottles and cans. Located in The Refinery development, The Whale has large first-come, first-serve tables outside the craft bottle shop and upstairs on a spacious patio overlooking a live music venue. The Whale patrons can order food from next-door neighbor Cleats without even getting up from their seats.
Uptown Social
587 King St., downtown Charleston
Uptown Social has a second floor with ample space for groups. Both rooms have a full bar and TVs. The menu ranges from crispy bar pizzas to a bucket of wings.
