Swoop Away Travels

Whether you’re traveling to the area soon or have always wanted to visit, there are a couple restaurants you just can’t miss!

After a long train ride and an Uber that was not XL despite the request on the app, we arrived in Charleston, SC.

The salty ocean breeze overcame the long day of less than pleasant travel to arrive in Mt. Pleasant, Charleston. We stayed here, but explored and ate around the entire city. Two restaurants stood out among the rest and they’re the ones I’ll describe here. 

 We arrived late in the evening, opted for a quick dinner, then settled in at the hotel for the day ahead. 

The next morning we were off to explore starting at Patriot’s Point, next stop was lunch at Leon’s. I consider this to be where the trip really began looking up for me. We were met by welcoming staff even during a bustling lunch hour. There was an interesting mix of fellow travellers, college students with visiting parents, and business men in three-piece suits throughout the restaurant. As it was only my husband and I, we were seated at the bar, which I often prefer in an environment like this.  We continued the beginning of our experience here with a drink that didn’t disappoint. I had the, bartender-recommended, frozen gin and tonic which was a fun twist on a classic for a hot day. My husband ventured farther out with their “Michelada” – a mix of beer, lime, and hot sauce with a High Life Pony Sidekick. He wouldn’t have ordered two, but was glad he ordered it once. 

Raw oysters were next and were perfectly presented chilled on salt. We also enjoyed their “World Famous” Char-Grilled Oysters, which were like a spin of oysters Rockefeller, as an appetizer. We’re from an area of Virginia near the Chesapeake Bay. It’s known for having some of the best oysters in the United States. We love oysters and love comparing different types when we travel so I’m always a tough oyster critic, and both of these versions were noteworthy. 

Entrees were the star of the show, as they should be. It was the Crispy Catfish Sandwich for me with the cucumber salad on the side. This was a cool and unexpected cucumber salad with sesame seeds and the perfect vinaigrette. For him, the Crispy Fried Shrimp Roll with Comeback Sauce and scalloped potatoes. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t fight him for several bites of each. Ultimately everything we had here, including service, was fantastic and we look forward to returning when back in the area. 

Next up on the trip was a visit to the aquarium and then dinner and drinks with the rest of the group.

The next day began with brunch at Poogan’s Porch.

 This is now one of my favorite restaurants of all time.

As wonderful as the food was, I enjoyed the atmosphere and history even more. Erected in 1891, this Victorian home turned restaurant has become a culinary delight for locals and tourists alike. 

Poogan was the neighborhood dog long before the restaurants’ renovation and opening in 1976, and he continued enjoying his favorite porch on the block whether it was a home or restaurant. The building is now a monument to him, according to the establishment. 

There are also some ghost stories surrounding the restaurant linked to two sisters who lived in the house before it was turned into the eatery. Although, we didn’t see them while we were there.

We were seated on the second floor in a corner booth by the front porch of the house surrounded by gorgeous, original wood floors and crown molding.

Neither the food, nor the mimosas, disappointed us. To start were biscuits with butter, fried green tomatoes, and pimento cheese fritters served with bacon jam. Each were perfect in their own right.

I ordered the Banana Pudding Stuffed Pancakes which were exactly what you’d want them to be, soft, creamy, and decadent. 

The Chicken and Waffles were topped with cooked peaches and were the perfect combo of sweet and savory. 

My husband enjoyed a classic, The Down home Breakfast. 

Obviously, these weren’t the only places we dined in the city, but they were our collective favorites. Both the food and the atmosphere of each contributed to our preferences. I hope the next time you’re Charleston, you decide to give them a try!