Location: Beaufort
Top Restaurants in Beaufort
Top Things to do in Beaufort
Beaufort Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Beaufort
With a pristine coastline, a rich antebellum history and a charming, historic downtown, Beaufort is more than one of the most enriching getaways in South Carolina. Here travelers discover a unique destination where stunning views of rivers, marshes and moss-hung oaks couple with authentic Lowcountry cuisine and a relaxing rhythm of life to create an experience that stays with them long after they leave.
Things to do in Beaufort
1. Southern Sweets Ice Cream Parlor & Sandwich Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 181 reviews
Southern Sweets Ice Cream Parlor & Sandwich Shop is a hidden treasure in the downtown Beaufort Historic area. Not a place you want to miss when visiting Beaufort. Located in the Old Bay Marketplace (behind Lulu Burgess). Step back into the 50's with all your ice cream favorites. The full sandwich menu offers some southern classics that are sure to please. The hot dog menu is so much fun with an Elvis dog, Cha Cha dog, and Reuben dog, just to name a few. Ice Cream comes from a family owned dairy (cannot be bought in a store). Everything about Southern Sweets is simply "Southern Sweets!"
Reviewed By travelerLittleTownSc - little town sc
Mid-week in a slow month -- wife spending money next store. Felt if she could spend money on trinkets, then I could have a little ice cream. Wonderful taste, great selection and two very pleasant women who explained how theirs excelled -- they were right! Make the time when in Beaufort to stop by and enjoy.
2. The Old Bull Tavern
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
The Old Bull Tavern is a modern day Gastropub serving old world recipes prepared with care and where possible with locally sourced ingredients. The beverages offering includes craft cocktails, regional beers, and a comprehensive wine list.
Reviewed By Mainelytravel - York Beach, Maine
The title of my review says it all. First I suggest you make a reservation. This place is packed for good reason. We began with our server that did everything right. She gave us all the time we needed .She was attentive, considerate and efficient....MoreMainelytravelThanks for posting your thoughts about your dining experience at Old Bull Tavern. Your positive post furthers our resolve to bring you our best. Cheers, The OBT Crew
3. Common Ground
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 306 reviews
Reviewed By 50Stater - Greensboro, NC
Common Grounds is on the waterfront park and their outdoor tables have a river view. I enjoy esprosse their frequently and have a scoop of their excellent gelato whenever I can. Staff is friendly and helpful, prices are reasonable, lcation is great, coffee and gelato...MoreThank you so much for your great review! We are very happy you enjoy our shop and hope to see you again soon :)
4. Boundary Street Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 300 reviews
Reviewed By Motherroad - Sebring, Florida
Unassuming storefront location in a working class neighborhood, but without a doubt the best food experience we encountered during our four-day stay in Beaufort. Great food and service. The best she-crab soup we have ever had, anywhere, period.
5. Dukes Barbecue of Beaufort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 306 reviews
Reviewed By sherryschweg - Beaufort, South Carolina
I enjoy the vegetables and sides as much as the pork, hash and ribs. There's something for everyone and you won't leave hungry. I think the one run by the cousin in New Ellenton, SC has more vegetable choices and they always have the delicious squash casserole.
6. City Java & News
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 228 reviews
City Java & News, the newest espresso bar to come to Beaufort's Historic District, offers the best in espresso drinks, breakfast, lunch wine & beer, print materials and free wireless internet access. Located within City Loft Hotel, City Java boasts the perfect small (10 or less) conference space. We are excited to share our passion for hot coffee, cool drinks, good news and now lunch with Beaufort. See you soon at City Java & News!
Reviewed By rgc1600 - Kernersville, NC
Our first visit to Beaufort, we happened upon City Java & News. The young lady behind the counter was friendly and made good recommendations. I had a hot chocolate, and my only complaint was that it could have been richer, but it was still very good. Parking at the door, magazines available, some comfortable places to sit. A very pleasant experience.
7. Wren Bistro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 898 reviews
Wren Bistro and Bar is a locally owned and operated restaurant and bar that features an ever evolving menu for both lunch and dinner. The kitchen uses delicious locally caught seafood, great cuts of steak, juicy chicken, and tasty pasta dishes. The portions are enormous (the 18 oz ribeye, and the 12-14 oz burgers for example!) and are easily big enough to share. We compliment the lunch and dinner menus with a staff of professional servers and bartenders who are very knowledgeable, always courteous, and very entertaining. The décor is elegant, yet modern and hip. So, if you and yours are looking for a great experience, and even better food, come check us out anytime Monday through Saturday, between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. Reservations are not required, but always welcomed!
Reviewed By Toofaraway - Chillicothe, Ohio
We were a party of seven who arrived with reservations. We were promptly seated. The menu is somewhat limited. The menus were showing signs of wear and did not make the impression one would expect considering the favorable reviews this bistro has received. I ordered pasta Florentine with shrimp. My entree and that of another member of our party arrived only lukewarm. It tasted OK. Service was satisfactory and prices were reasonable. Frankly I expected more and would not return.
8. Athenian Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 145 reviews
Reviewed By earthauburnred - Port Royal, South Carolina
This was my third visit to The Athenian Gardens - a very good Greek Restaurant. Mother and Son are the owners - Mamma does the cooking and Son the serving.
Can order from the menu or choose from the daily specials which are listed with an erasable magic marker. Even the desserts are delicious.
They have limited hours and limited, very near the Beaufort Memorial Hospital. Now they even serve wine & beer. Super place to visit anytime and even have a Birthday Party!!
9. Lowcountry Produce Market & Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 559 reviews
We are a full Market with a Cafe serving breakfast and lunch 7 days a week (on Sunday we serve Breakfast and Lunch until 3). We serve fresh hot doughnuts every morning along with our delicious breakfast and our LCP Burger was voted "Best Burger" in Beaufort!! Don't forget to try our Ooey Gooey and Frank's Furter, both featured in Southern Living Magazine. And we were named a "South's Top Shop" by Garden & Gun Magazine.
Reviewed By AliceMA007 - United States
A gem of a spot. The Sunday brunch is full of delicious choices...the hash brown casserole is loaded with gorgeous mushrooms and full of Gruyere. Eggs Benedict,Mini quiche, tartlets and fabulous bacon, the food is great - all the result of the best part of the Market: Brad & Genesis. A powerful duo of cooking passion and creativity. Anything they are putting out I want to taste! Great spot can’t wait to go back!
10. Breakwater Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 565 reviews
Chef Lang and Chef Shaw's version of 'New Southern Cuisine' contains the past, present, and future all at once. Younger, lighter, and fresher than traditional Southern 'Old School' deep-fried fare while acknowledging culinary influences from the world beyond. The bar at Breakwater exudes a lively energy with locals and travelers alike. The atmosphere is fun and friendly and warm Southern hospitality is a signature of the restaurant. Now Open and Accepting Reservations!
Reviewed By Fletch1946 - Fair Haven, New Jersey
We visited Breakwater during Beaufort’s restaurant week. They featured three courses for $30. The portions were somewhat small, but the food ,was very good. The grilled romaine salad and composed salad were both very good. The mussels appetizer also won praise. Three of us had the shrimp special and enjoyed it a lot. The fourth had the lamb meatloaf and loved it. There are also some bargains (as restaurant prices go)on the wine list.
