By Alan Shaw, Co-Founder and Head Coach of Rhapsody Fitness
With hundreds of people visiting us in Charleston every day, we love hosting travelers at Rhapsody Fitness for a good sweat session before they hit the town.
One of the questions we almost always get from our drop-ins is where to eat, and, with Charleston being a culinary mecca, there are plenty of scrumptious options to undermine all your fitness. To narrow it down, we polled Team Rhapsody on their favorite Charleston restaurants around town to refuel.
TEAM RHAPSODY’S BEST BBQ PICK: Lewis Barbeque
BBQ is a big deal down south, y’all. In 2016, Texas barbeque burst onto the scene with the opening of Lewis Barbeque. Cooked up by Pitmaster John Lewis, this casual spot boasts of expertly smoked pork spare ribs, beef ribs, “Texas hot guts” sausage, oxtail and his famous beef brisket.
The legendary tastes of Texas are a short drive from Rhapsody and the team’s go-to choice for replenishing proteins after Sweaty Saturday.
Chubby Fish – Team Rhapsody’s Best Seafood Pick!
KERRY’S BEST SEAFOOD PICK: Chubby Fish
Named among Bon Appetit’s 2019 list for America’s Best New Restaurants, Chubby Fish offers fresh Lowcountry seafood with an innovative twist by Chef James London. Partnering with local fishermen and farmers, the Chubby Fish menu changes daily to match what’s swimming through our changing tides.
This hidden gem also offers its take on happy hour, Oyster Hour, on Tuesday nights. Because they don’t take reservations, you may need to wait a minute for a table, but we promise it’s well worth it.
ALAN’S BEST ROMANTIC DINNER PICK: Chez Nous
Tucked away in Payne Court, this “pint-sized, convivial, neighborhood restaurant” is the epitome of Charleston romance. Offering food and wine from Southern France, Northern Italy and Northern Spain, Chez Nous’s menu changes daily to feature the Lowcountry’s finest locally-sourced ingredients.
To add to the fun, Chez Nous teases its daily lunch and dinner menus consisting of only two appetizers, two entreés and two desserts on Instagram @ChezNousCharleston.
TRINITY’S BEST PIZZA PICK: Dough Boyz Pizza Co.
Food Truck/Various Locations
After an extensive search and heated debate, my better half decided that Dough Boyz Pizza Co., is hands down the best pizza joint in Charleston.
While Chef Evan Romano is classically trained, this wood-fired pizza truck is all about modern efficiency. Motoring around the Lowcountry, Romano and his “za” truck’s location can be found on Instagram @doughbozpizzasc.
Start your day off right at Daps!
GINA’S BEST BREAKFAST PICK: Daps Breakfast and Imbibe
The epitome of hospitality, this casual neighborhood breakfast shop and gathering place takes me back to making pancakes at my best friend’s house.
Filling a gap in the Charleston food scene, specifically the West Side Neighborhood, Daps Breakfast and Imbibe offers a selection of fine food and spirits in addition to its coffee program that warms the soul.
Isaac is all about that breakfast hash so be sure to ask him about the winning combination.
ELIZABETH’S BEST WINE BAR PICK: Graft Wine Shop
Conveniently located next to Rhapsody, Graft Wine Shop is a wine bar and shop created by two long-time friends, Femi Oyediran and Miles White.
The dynamic-duo always “wanted a place to share wine with (their) friends, but (they) needed to do it (their) way.” Offering around 300 bottles of wine from across the globe with an array of snacks, we’re loving life with these boys as our neighbors.
AARON’S BEST BAKERY PICK: Harbinger Cafe and Bakery
With its commitment to friendly service and cozy environment, the Harbinger Cafe and Bakery offers from-scratch, locally-sourced and seasonal breakfast and lunch fare, as well as top-notch baked goods. With both plant-based and gluten-free options, this warm and inviting space offers an abundance of treats with a twist.
We often say here at Rhapsody that everything at Harbinger is made with love. Pro-tip, leave room for Sunday morning doughnuts.
Key Lime Pie at Off Track Ice Cream in Charleston, SC.
TRINITY’S TREAT YO’ SELF PICK: Off Track Ice Cream
Using only clean ingredients sourced fresh from the Lowcountry, Off Track Ice Cream whips up traditional and vegan ice cream that encompasses both classic and inventive flavors.
Found in Charleston’s Harleston Village, this scoop shop is the brain-child of a husband and wife team that’s turning our local ice cream game on its head in all the right ways.
TEAM RHAPSODY’S BEST BURGER PICK: Undecided
There were tears. Ferociously debated, this is a touchy subject among the team. Despite our best efforts, a consensus could not be reached. When inquiring, ask at your own risk!
With the endless possibilities for culinary delights no matter which downtown street you wander, you are hard pressed to have a bad meal during your visit.
But remember, balance is key, folks! With that, join us at Rhapsody to balance the indulgence and, perhaps, even get that burger recommendation.
