Top Restaurants in Charleston - 2

Ethnic

Gaulart & Maliclet—aka Fast & French—is a favorite place for locals who prefer to dine communally at one of several long Formica counters and partake of everything from a simple charcuterie plate to escargot. Thursday night is Fondue Night: choose from beef, seafood, Swiss, or blue cheese. 98 Broad St., tel. 843-577-9797. Hours: Mon. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tue. to Thu. 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. www.fastandfrench.org

Just across the Ravenel Bridge in Mount Pleasant is Coco’s Café, an authentically French Country bistro. Chef Stephen Ollard presides over a prix-fixe lunch menu that changes daily while the dinner menu remains the same. 863 Houston Northcutt Blvd., tel. 843-881-4949. Hours: Sunday brunch, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. www.cocoscafe.net

39 Rue de Jean is a French bistro tucked between King and Meeting Streets that Charlestonians flock to for the clubby atmosphere. Try the braised beef sandwich with Gruyere, and splurge on the chocolate pâté with vanilla custard sauce for dessert. 39 Rue de Jean, tel. 843-722-8881. Hours: Mon. to Sat. 11:30 to 1 a.m.; Sun. brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., dinner from 5:30 to 11 p.m. www.39ruedejean.com

 

• Take your pick from the six different flavors to steam your mussels at 39 Rue de Jean.

Courtesy of 39 Rue de Jean

Don’t Miss

Over in Mount Pleasant, Jack’s Cosmic Dogs is a throwback to the 1950s, with no-nonsense dogs to match. A nondescript cinder-block building greets you on the outside, but inside hot dog heaven awaits with 24 different kinds of dogs amid décor reminiscent of Fonzie’s garage. 2805 Highway 17 N., tel. 843-884-7677. Hours: open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. www.jackscosmicdogs.com

Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka has taken the city by storm since its launch in spring 2008. Ask for it at any local bar or restaurant, but be forewarned: it goes down very easily. www.fireflyvodka.com