After a day spent walking the waterfront or navigating the historical treasure trove that is Charleston proper, sometimes a meal—even a thoroughly delectable meal—isn't enough. Nothing stirs the tastebuds like the salty sea air, and what's the natural recourse to a savory-sated tongue? Why, sugary treats, of course!
When blood sugar is bottoming out, there are a number of locally owned sweets peddlers ready to put the pep back in a step. Whether it's a quick after-dinner scoop or cone or a between-meals cupcake or cookie you're after, once the craving hits, there are plenty of ways to make those visions of sugarplums a reality.
On a hot summer day there's no more perfect way to ward off the humidity than gelato—the denser, more flavorful cousin of American ice cream. The glass cases at Paolo's Gelato and Gelateria Modica present a rainbow of choices, ranging from colorful milk-free, fruit-based selections that change with the season to sinfully rich chocolaty, nutty flavors.
Any true dessert fan knows that frozen delicacies make up but a small fraction of the available options. In the last five years, a number of bakeries and confectioneries have opened in and around Charleston, each with mouthwatering pastries available for the discerning traveler.
The newly opened Baked, run by a pair of New York City natives who dub themselves "dessert experts," makes cakes, cupcakes, tarts and pies to order, but the must-try item at Baked is the homemade marshmallow, available in vanilla, chocolate and/or rotating flavors like lemon, peppermint and coconut.
If a cake sounds like too much but a cookie's just not enough, perhaps one of Cupcake's 20+ varieties will do. From Red Velvet to Cotton Candy to Key Lime, each one has a hearty swirl of frosting atop a freshly baked mini-cake.
A few blocks over from Cupcake, on Cannon Street, another couple of NYC transplants opened Sugar, a cozy, cheerful storefront with the overhanging branches providing a welcome respite from the sunshine (or the rain). Sugar's got cupcakes, too, and plenty of them, along with brownies, cakes, tarts and cookies.
In addition to stores specializing in sweets, two of Charleston's most celebrated restaurants offer the chance to round out a meal or stop by for an after-dinner treat. Among traditional desserts like crème brûlée and Meyer lemon meringue pie, Cypress offers a creative spin on a "chocolate covered cherry"—flourless chocolate cake served with cherry mascarpone mousse and cherry and chocolate sorbet.
A few blocks over, Peninsula Grill's indulgent coconut cake, based on a recipe that Executive Chef Robert Carter adopted from his grandmother, has earned raves from The New York Times and Bon Appétit, and for good reason: it's 12 scrumptious layers of pound cake, buttercream icing and toasted coconut.
Before dinner, after dinner, for dinner: There's rarely a wrong time for dessert.
Housed in a spectacular setting on Broad Street which features arched doors, eighteen foot ceilings, mahogany paneling and 150 year old heart of pine floors. The menu, composed of traditional items such as Steak Tartare, Shrimp Cocktail, Porterhouse and New York Strip, appears to offer classic steakhouse fare. At second glance, it weaves Italian flavors and dishes throughout. Serving dinner Monday through Saturday, 5pm until 11pm. Sunday Brunch 11 am until 3pm.
Inventive cuisine. Fresh from the farm. Named one of the Top Ten Restaurants in North America by Opinionated About Dining. McCrady's Restaurant, located in an historic 1778 Georgian public house, offers an award-winning dining experience with the best of new Southern cuisine. Chef Sean Brock's (2008 James Beard Rising Star Chef Nominee) sensationally presented dishes one of Charleston's most extensive wine lists. Private dining available in the spectacular Long Room, Gallery, Chef's Room, and Cypress Room.
Welcome to pure Charleston. An atmosphere rich in Lowcountry high-life since antebellum times. A hearty, southern menu, featuring regional favorites, steaks, game and fresh seafood – all prepared with the famous Maverick artistry. Also known for our award-winning wine selection and irresistible desserts. Don’t miss the High Cotton bar, one of the area’s most popular watering holes. Downtown Charleston. Tel: 843-724-3815. Dinner nightly. Lunch Saturday. Brunch Sunday.
After a day spent walking the waterfront or navigating the historical treasure trove that is Charleston proper, sometimes a meal—even a thoroughly delectable meal—isn't enough. Nothing stirs the tastebuds like the salty sea air, and what's the natural recourse to a savory-sated tongue? Why, sugary treats, of course!
A few blocks over from Cupcake, on Cannon Street, another couple of NYC transplants opened Sugar, a cozy, cheerful storefront with the overhanging branches providing a welcome respite from the sunshine (or the rain). Sugar's got cupcakes, too, and plenty of them, along with brownies, cakes, tarts and cookies.
Housed in a spectacular setting on Broad Street which features arched doors, eighteen foot ceilings, mahogany paneling and 150 year old heart of pine floors. The menu, composed of traditional items such as Steak Tartare, Shrimp Cocktail, Porterhouse and New York Strip, appears to offer classic steakhouse fare. At second glance, it weaves Italian flavors and dishes throughout. Serving dinner Monday through Saturday, 5pm until 11pm. Sunday Brunch 11 am until 3pm.
Inventive cuisine. Fresh from the farm. Named one of the Top Ten Restaurants in North America by Opinionated About Dining. McCrady's Restaurant, located in an historic 1778 Georgian public house, offers an award-winning dining experience with the best of new Southern cuisine. Chef Sean Brock's (2008 James Beard Rising Star Chef Nominee) sensationally presented dishes one of Charleston's most extensive wine lists. Private dining available in the spectacular Long Room, Gallery, Chef's Room, and Cypress Room.
Welcome to pure Charleston. An atmosphere rich in Lowcountry high-life since antebellum times. A hearty, southern menu, featuring regional favorites, steaks, game and fresh seafood – all prepared with the famous Maverick artistry. Also known for our award-winning wine selection and irresistible desserts. Don’t miss the High Cotton bar, one of the area’s most popular watering holes. Downtown Charleston. Tel: 843-724-3815. Dinner nightly. Lunch Saturday. Brunch Sunday.
