As a local, I am often asked where to eat in Charleston with a group. Whether you are heading out in Charleston for a bachelor/bachelorette party, birthday, corporate event, or family reunion, I’ve got you covered with plenty of options for group friendly restaurants. Enjoy casual spots for fried chicken and oysters or fine dining with local favorites like shrimp & grits or fresh fish. I’m sharing all the best group friendly restaurants in Charleston whether you would like a reservation in advance, plan to walk in, or need a private space just for your party. There is no shortage of group friendly restaurants in Charleston!
I am born and raised in Charleston and work in the hospitality industry so I’ve got all the top insider scoop as I frequent each of these spots!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Restaurants with Large Party Reservations (small groups, birthday, bachelorette parties, etc.)
- Group Friendly Restaurants for Walk-ins
Restaurants in Charleston with Large Party Reservations
If you are traveling for a girls/guys weekend, bachelorette, have a birthday, etc and need to be able to make a reservation for your group, these places are great options! I’m talking 6 – 12ish people here depending on the place. You may need to contact some in advance to arrange for a preset menu.
Leisurely tip: Always check with the restaurant in advance if bringing a large group and try to make a reservation!
Leon’s
- Need Reservations: YES
- Group Size: 12 people / 14 on back patio space with preset menu / up to 75 in private event space
Leon’s is the best. The atmosphere is fun, causal, and laid back. The food is fantastic with things like fresh oysters, fried chicken, salads, fish sandwich, and frozen rose or gin & tonic!
You can make a large party reservation on resy for groups of up to 12. If you have over 12 they do have options for a preset menu and can host you on their back patio – email [email protected] to inquire! My husband and I have each done this on many occasions and it’s super easy to coordinate. If you are hosting a big party, check out the Oyster Shed which can host up 75 people in their outdoor space (The Oyster Shed at Leon’s) which I’m totally obsessed with.
Indaco
- Need Reservations: YES
- Group Size: 6 for reservations on open table, up to 50 seated on private covered patio.
Indaco is your spot on King Street for tasty pasta and pizzas! They have plenty of large community tables to take reservations for up to 6. You can also book their enclosed patio for groups of 11-50!
Southbound
- Need Reservations: YES
- Group Size: 6 guests at a table, 8 at chef’s counter (on occasion)
Southbound is one of the newest members of the Charleston foodie scene. The hospitality here is unmatched and is one of the many parts that make it standout. The hosts greet you on the front porch with the warmest welcome making you feel like you have just arrived to your best friends house for dinner. My favorite pastry chef in Charleston (Heather Hutton) recently took the lead here so do not skip dessert!
Sorelle
- Need Reservations: YES
- Group Size: 12 guests
Sorelle is my favorite spot in Charleston for Italian cuisine in a fine dining setting! You can make a reservation online for groups up to 12, however, 6 people is the max for a table in the main dining room. They have a table in the Mercato on the first floor that can accommodate 12 (no backs on seats) or you can book the wine room (semi-private space) for a group of 6 people. There is also a chefs table option for groups of 6 located on the third floor.
Basic Kitchen
- Need Reservations: YES
- Group Size: 14 maximum, preset menu required
Basic Kitchen is a dream spot for healthier options in Charleston! They have fresh salads, bowls, and more with great options for vegan and vegetarians! It is focused on fresh produce and very plant forward, but not a vegan restaurant by any means. Truly something for everyone from burgers to cauli wings to fresh salads. Be sure to try the beet marg!
The max they can do for a large group is 14 and require a preset menu for this large of a table – I have done this and it’s very easy to setup for your party. You can book a table for up to 9 on resy!
The Watch
- Need Reservations: YES
- Group Size: up to 9 on Resy, contact for parties over 10
The Watch is the rooftop restaurant located at The Restoration Hotel. It’s located right off of King Street with almost 360º views of the city – you’ll see the Ravanel Bridge in one direction and James Island from the other. I love to come here for happy hour (they have amazing cocktails) or brunch! You can sit on their outdoor patio in some of the lounge-y spots or inside their main dining room with your group.
For super large groups, rent out their private room (The Observatory) for a guest count up to 42 seated or 60 for a reception.
Little Palm
- Need Reservations: YES
- Group Size: 12 on resy, email them for groups 12-19!
Little Palm is the chic poolside restaurant and cocktail bar located at The Ryder Hotel. It’s a great place to have breakfast, lunch or dinner with a group in Charleston. If you want to enjoy the pool, inquire about booking a cabana! A perfect tropical spot for a bachelor or bachelorette party!
Frannie and The Fox
- Need Reservations: YES
- Group Size: 8 guests
Frannie and The Fox is the onsite restaurant at Emeline Hotel on Church Street. They have a GORGEOUS courtyard with a cozy fireplace so highly recommend an outdoor table. The menu features wood fired pizzas and other Italian style dishes from salads to pastas. You can book up to 8 online or email them to inquire about a special event.
Taco Boy Downtown
- Need Reservations: Walk-ins Welcome
- Group Size: tables up to 8 guests on resy
Taco Boy is the place we would always go with a big group of friends for birthdays in our early twenties. They have an expansive patio so you could book a couple tables and kind of congregate. You can typically get a table here without reservations if you are willing to wait (and have a margarita in the meantime). They take reservations for up to 8 online or you can call to inquire for groups 9-24.
Blind Tiger
- Need Reservations: Suggested, but they hold tables for walk-ins
- Group Size: Book for 6 on Resy | Call to inquire for groups 7+
We love Blind Tiger! It’s a classic Charleston spot for brunch or late night drinks. Inside it looks like a small pub, but keep on walking to discover the best part – the outdoor courtyard. It is spacious with a small bar, tables, lounge seating, and community tables. This is also a great spot for birthday celebrations or I’ve even been for an engagement celebration and post wedding reception drinks. If you plan to eat at a table, go early to grab a spot or book online for up to 6.
Fun Fact: Blind Tiger got its name from a movement in the late 1800’s. During this time, SC Governor Benjamin Tillman put a ban on private alcohol sales so these “blind tigers” sprung up and became known as places where alcohol was sold illegally. These establishments would charge you to see the “blind tiger” and not for the drinks to evade the laws. It became a more popular term during prohibition as speakeasies spread across the country.
Park and Grove
- Need Reservations: YES – I recommend for groups
- Group Size: 8 at large party table
Park and Grove is my fave neighborhood restaurant and we walk here for brunch all the time! You can reserve a table for 8 guests online. They have an expansive outdoor seating area either on the porch or patio. They have several larger picnic style tables outside so you could book a couple of these if going with a bigger group – call to inquire! Open for brunch, lunch and dinner!
Lewis BBQ
- Need Reservations: Do not take reservations
- Group Size: 10-15ish would be reasonable in my opinion at various tables.
Lewis BBQ is one of the best barbecue spots in town. John Lewis is from Texas so he serves up Texas style menu which is so different from SC barbecue. His brisket is so tasty and the chile corn pudding is my favortie side. You go through the line here and make your selections as the servers pile the meats and sides up high on your tray. Then, grab a spot at the indoor tables or outdoor picnic seating. You can take a pretty large group here (15ish) is all eating/drinking at your leisure. Bachelor parties will love this spot!
Rancho Lewis
- Need Reservations: No, suggested for groups
- Group Size: 12 guests
Rancho Lewis is a spot I frequent for amazing tex-mex cuisine and is from the creator of above mentioned Lewis BBQ. I love their fajitas, enchiladas, caesar salad, and even the kids menu! You can book a table for 12 guests at Rancho Lewis. They are located at a facility with a HUGE outdoor courtyard area with tables and turf grass for kids to play. If a more casual affair, you could always get drinks from their satellite bar and order from a combo of Rancho and their neighbor restaurant EO Brewing Co.
Edmund’s Oast & EO Brewing Co
- Need Reservations: No, but always recommend if you can
- Group Size: reserve for up to 15 on resy or book a private room
Beer lovers won’t want to miss Edmund’s Oast, a craft brewery and restaurant that offers a rotating selection of unique beers. They are famous for their peanut butter & jelly beer so you will definitely want to try that! The main restaurant has a large courtyard with picnic tables and plenty of room for big groups to enjoy. They also have plenty of indoor seating and community table to accommodate you. Inside is seated, order from menu, but anything goes outside. You order from the bar and they’ll bring the food to your table.
It’s the kind of place I would tell all my friends to meet me for birthday drinks and you can kind of order at your own pace. The same goes for their sister spot, EO Brewing Co. It is located on a complex with a huge courtyard and large turf grass area (great for kids to run around).
And if you have a really big group they have private dining space or you can rent out the whole venue for rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, holiday parties, etc.
Post House
- Need Reservations: YES for large groups, save space for walk-ins
- Group Size: 8 on resy, up to 40 in private event room
Post House has been one of my staple best Charleston restaurants for YEARS and they recently underwent a complete renovation making them one of the trendiest spots in Mount Pleasant. They take reservations for up to 8 people and you can book their private event space for groups up to about 40. The private room is perfect for bridal or baby showers! The outdoor patio is my favorite spot on a nice day. I love their butterbean burger, blue crab dip, and the wine/cocktail menus!
Home Team BBQ
- Need Reservations: Do not take reservations
- Group Size: ~10ish would be fine here!
Home Team BBQ is the home of the infamous frozen game changer – kind of like a painkiller! HT is a great spot to meet a group for drinks and lunch or dinner. Located in the northern part of the peninsula, they serve bbq sandwiches, sides, and things like salads and burgers too. Be sure to try the nachos and wings here as a shareable for the group!
There are big hightop tables inside that could easily fit 6-10 if a few are combined. Outside, there are big picnic tables so you can squeeze in or hopefully get a couple side by side if you have a really large group.
We go often especially during football season – be warned it is PACKED on a Saturday when Clemson, Carolina or Georgia are playing.
Share House
- Need Reservations: YES, but walk-ins welcome
- Group Size: Up to 10 on Resy at Share House – email for larger parties.
If you are in town for a bachelor or bachelorette party, Share House is a great spot for brunch/lunch. Share House is a coastal themed cantina with surfer/beach vibes. The menus has tons of shareable plates like poke nachos, tacos, wings, and popcorn shrimp. You can also order burgers, salads,a nd tacos. It is open air with indoor and outdoor table options.
Bodega
- Need Reservations: First come, first served
- Group Size: reserve for parties of 8+ online
Bodega is located under the same roof as Share House downtown, but recently opened a Mount Pleasant location too. They offer NY style sandwiches, breakfast, salads, and more. It is a great spot for breakfast with bloody mary’s or for a work lunch too! I go with my coworkers often for birthday lunches.
Ritual
- Need Reservations: Recommend
- Group Size: 12 on resy, email to reserve for larger party or VIP tables late night
Ritual is a tropical inspired rooftop restaurant and night club located across from Marion Square. It has a Tulum vibe from the food to the decor. Bachelor and bachelorette parties will definitely want to make a stop here for lunch or dinner! Incredible views of Charleston from the rooftop outdoor patio!
Uptown Social
- Need Reservations: No
- Group Size: can make reservations for up to 10
Uptown Social has the BEST pizzas – NY style from a group who moved from there to open the restaurant! It is a huge space with two floors and expansive outdoor patio. Great for groups at lunch or dinner then becomes quite the party spot late night! They usually have a band or DJ on the weekend nights.
The Peacock
- Need Reservations: YES
- Group Size: up to 8 online, call directly for larger parties
The Peacock is a great spot on East Bay Street to take a group. I was so surprised by how good the food was here when I visited for lunch. I had a salad with fresh peaches, feta, candied pecans and salmon! You have to get a side of the blistered green beans for the table – so good! Enjoy lunch or dinner, then you can head upstairs to their rooftop patio for drinks or enjoy the night life.
Group Friendly Restaurants for Walk-ins
If you are reading this last minute and wondering where you might be able to walk-in to eat with your group in Charleston….
These places are great for a small group and some do take reservations (mentioned above)! Whether you have reservations or not, you can usually get a spot if you don’t mind waiting and having a beverage first!
- Taco Boy
- Rancho Lewis
- Edmund’s Oast
- Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co
- Uptown Social
- Lewis BBQ
- Home Team BBQ
- Kickin’ Chicken
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