Pimento cheese... the ultimate Lowcountry staple that goes with just about anything. You can eat it plain with crackers, fry it, add it to a burger, and even put it in your grits (it doesn't get much more Southern than that). No matter how you choose to enjoy this wonderful delicacy, Charleston is the place to go for some of the best pimento cheese. And lucky for us, we can find it on almost any menu.
We've put together a list of our favorite pimento cheese dishes, traditional and nontraditional, in Charleston!
Callie's Hot Little Biscuit
When you think biscuits in Charleston, you think Callie's. That is also beginning to become the same with their pimento cheese, as it is arguably the best in the Lowcountry. They originally served their special recipe on a biscuit, but it became so popular that it is also sold by the container. You can pick it up at one of their two downtown locations, many retail grocery stores, or even have it shipped to you. Now you can enjoy Callie's famous pimento cheese anyway you like... but on a biscuit is still the best way.
📍 476 1/2 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403
📍 188 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Page's Okra Grill
Not much can beat Page's Okra Grill brunch on a Sunday morning. Charleston City Paper even named them the Best Brunch in Mount Pleasant. You can't go wrong ordering any Southern-cuisine option from their menu, but you will absolutely want to pair it with a side of pimento cheese grits. It's not on the menu, but just ask for it.
📍 302 Coleman Boulevard, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Saltwater Cowboys
Want to switch up your usual trashcan nachos appetizer at Saltwater Cowboys on Shem Creek? Get the pimento cheese, you won't regret it! Most pimento cheese appetizers come with crackers or pita chips for dipping, but not at Saltwater Cowboys. They serve theirs with crispy pork rinds. We're not going back to boring crackers after trying that.
📍 130 Mill Street, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Poe's Tavern
We can't be friends if you don't add pimento cheese to your burgers, especially at Poe's Tavern on Sullivan's Island. They are known for having the best burger, so why not make it even better and add pimento cheese. The Black Cat Burger comes with grilled onions, Edgar's drunken chili, Applewood bacon, and home-made pimento cheese.
📍 2210 Middle Street, Sullivan's Island, SC 29482
The Glass Onion
The Glass Onion is a Charleston homegrown restaurant, so obviously their pimento cheese is amazing. You can order it as an appetizer on top of fried green tomatoes, or as your full meal, either plain on a sandwich or on a fried green tomato po boy. Or if you're really in the mood for pimento cheese, there's nothing wrong with doing both!
📍 1219 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29407
fried green tomatoe, cna even make a po boy
Poogan's Smokehouse
Don't think we are going to leave out fried pimento cheese, which in my opinion, beats fried mozzarella sticks. You need to make a trip to Poogan's Smokehouse on East Bay Street. Their fried pimento cheese fritters are served over smoked tomato bacon jam, and will absolutely change your life .
📍188 E Bay Street, #201, Charleston, SC 29401
Magnolias
If you're really looking to try the best pimento cheese spots in Charleston, just walk on over from Poogan's to Magnolias on East Bay. They are serving housemade pimento cheese as an appetizer with flatbread, and it is a must when dining at the upscale restaurant. Start your night out with this favorite Lowcountry dish.
📍 185 E Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Virginia's on King
No matter your age, everyone loves a good grilled (pimento) cheese sandwich. Virgina's on King serves their pimento cheese between two pieces of crispy Texas Toast bread. Pair it with a side of sweet potato fries, and this place may become your new favorite lunch spot. Your favorite childhood meal just got even better.
📍 412 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403
Platia Food Truck
We're going to throw a twist at you with this one. Even international chefs appreciate the goodness of pimento cheese and incorporate it into their dishes. Platia Food Truck's signature menu item is their "Hillbilly", which is a traditional Greek Gyro with pimento cheese. Do you ever have a late night craving for pimento cheese? They're truck is open on King Street every weekend until 3:00AM.
📍 All Around Charleston
📷 Photo: Getty Images