Enjoy the innovative fare offered by students of the Culinary Institute of Charleston at 181 Palmer. There is an evident classroom atmosphere, which makes the dining experience all the more unique. The food is a varied range of seasonal American contemporary dishes prepared at the avant-garde kitchen. The prix-fixe menu is the best option at this restaurant, and you need to reserve in advance for a table of up to 4 people. A combination of Slow-cooked Lamb Meatballs, Roasted Niman Ranch Short Rib and Grilled Pistachio Pound Cake promises to please. Check website for hours of operation and more.

Located in the Historic Downtown district of Charleston and a very short distance away from the Charleston Harbor, Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar boasts some of the freshest catch from the sea. This restaurant is also just two minutes away from the historic Charleston City Market, and is a great place to replenish yourself after all that shopping. All the starters, whether the she-crab soup with sherry or the shrimp corndogs with Carolina mustard, lemon pepper ketchup and Napa slaw whet your appetite, making you impatient for the seafood extravaganza to really begin. The fish tacos (USD11.50) and the fried shrimp platter (USD12.95) are hugely popular. The Amen Street Oyster Shooter and Amen Street Spicy Bloody Mary are the perfect accompaniments to these seafood delights. To make sure you enjoy these concoctions to the fullest, drop by during Happy Hour between 4p and 7p, Monday through Friday.

Named after Barbara Jean Barta, a family matron who began her restaurant in 1998 on St. Simons Island, Georgia, this location offers a huge Southern menu that is sure to please everyone. The restaurant is particularly noteworthy for its variety of freshly baked bread, which includes pumpkin bread, wheat rolls and corn bread. Everything is homemade, from the fresh crab cakes to the family-style meatloaf. Other items include soups, appetizers, salads and sandwiches. Save room for desserts such as key lime tart, chocolate cobbler or bread pudding. This location by the Charleston Market is one of five on the southeast coast and is open for breakfast. Patrons can also enjoy happy hour from 4p to 7p daily. On Thursday through Saturday, there is a late night happy hour from 10p to closing. Garage parking or metered street parking is available. -Natasha Lawrence

Located on a King Street corner a block from the Charleston Visitor Center, this restaurant offers both indoor seating and alfresco dining on the sidewalk with umbrella tables. Convenient for downtown shoppers and visitors, Joe's Pasta has an extensive menu of freshly prepared appetizers, homemade soups, salads, wraps, sandwiches and entrees. Their specialty includes design-your-own pizza and a long list of pasta dishes. They have a large selection of wines, a happy hour from 4p to 7p and a bar that remains open until 2a nightly. Save room for one of their homemade desserts like tiramisu, cheesecake or house-made ice cream pie. -Natasha Lawrence

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and located in the heart of the "Four Corners of Law" (Broad and Meeting Streets), this small but charming French cafe offers freshly prepared dishes from scratch. It's one of the few restaurants in Charleston that serves freshly brewed coffee in a French press. Even those in a rush downtown can't resist the delectable croissants filled with ham and cheese or made with chocolate, apple or cinnamon raisin fillings. Night Specials include a glass of French wine, beer, soft drink or Southern Sweet Tea. Menu items include fondue, homemade soups, vegetarian dishes, seafood dinners or Chicken du Jour. -Natasha Lawrence

Located in the three-story Wegener Building constructed in the 1800s, this old brick restaurant in the downtown historic district is a favorite dining destination. Its menu features steaks, burgers, pizza, pasta, ribs and chicken. It also brews its own beer. Great for lunch through late-night fare, Southend Brewery also has live music on the weekend, multiple TVs showing sports, and salsa dancing for when the mood hits. The glass elevator transports visitors to the second floor banquet room, or to the third floor to the Harborview Bar. -Natasha Lawrence

A former US Navy debarkation point built in 1942, Fleet Landing lay vacant after World War II. Located on the eastern waterfront side of the Historic District, the 6000 square-foot (557 square-meter) concrete building was purchased by Tradd Newton in 2004. He opened the one-story nautical themed restaurant with Chef Drew Hedlund, whose menu includes classic and contemporary Southern fare with an emphasis on seafood. Blue Plate lunch specials are offered daily as well as a children's menu. The interior furnishings are casual and maritime chic. Diners can enjoy a panoramic view of Charleston Harbor from within the establishment or out on the welcoming deck.

Sticky Fingers Smokehouse is a unique concept specializing in fresh, high quality smoked meats and comfort food offered in a relaxed, full service restaurant. Since opening their first restaurant in 1992, they've established a reputation for serving award winning barbecue in the Southeast - home of the best barbecue in America! They take great pride in smoking our ribs, wings, pulled pork barbecue, brisket and other meats on-site over hickory wood in their pits everyday, all day. Their menu also features southern sides, burgers, huge salads and five award-winning barbecue sauces.

Situated close to the historic district, the Harbor View Restaurant & Lounge sits atop the "round" Holiday Inn Charleston Riverview. You'll dine with a view that captures the spirit of Charleston and invites you to enjoy the spectacular views of the cityscape and the Ashley River. This family friendly restaurant offers American cuisine.

Gilligan's is a staple in the Charleston area for serving local seafood in a laid-back, casual atmosphere. With 20 years of experience, and a recipient of 12 Best of Awards, they've got it right. Gilligan's has grown to multiple locations throughout South Carolina and is still family owned and operated. Their menu focuses on local seafood where they are best known for their fried shrimp and hushpuppies. Salads, sandwiches, burgers, pastas, and more are also offered, including an extensive kids menu. Get great deals on happy hour food and drink specials Monday through Friday.