Auntie Ann's Kitchen 2: Lowcountry Comfort Food in Charleston

A neighborhood spot for fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and biscuits

Auntie Ann's Kitchen 2 is a casual restaurant in Charleston that serves the kind of food people grew up eating in the Lowcountry—fried chicken, shrimp and grits, collard greens, mac and cheese, and biscuits. The menu stays close to traditional preparations without pretense. You order at the counter, find a seat in the small dining room, and eat food that tastes like someone's kitchen, not a restaurant trying to look like one.

The restaurant sits on King Street in the heart of Charleston's restaurant corridor, but it operates differently from the fine-dining establishments nearby. The prices are low. The portions are large. The focus is on flavor and comfort rather than plating or presentation. It's the kind of place where you go when you want to eat well without ceremony.

Key Takeaways

• Auntie Ann's Kitchen 2 serves traditional Lowcountry dishes—fried chicken, shrimp and grits, collard greens, and biscuits—at counter-service prices.
• The restaurant is located on King Street in downtown Charleston and operates as a casual, no-frills neighborhood spot.
• You order at the counter and eat in a small dining room; the atmosphere is informal and the portions are generous.
• The menu changes based on what's available and what the kitchen is making that day, so not every item is always offered.

What to order and what to expect

The fried chicken comes in pieces—thighs, breasts, wings, legs—and is seasoned and fried until the outside is crisp and the inside stays moist. It's not spicy unless you ask for it. The shrimp and grits is the Lowcountry standard: creamy grits, shrimp cooked with bacon and onions, and a sauce that ties it together. Both dishes come with sides—usually collard greens, mac and cheese, or rice.

The biscuits are made fresh and come warm. They're large enough to eat on their own or to use for sandwiches. Cornbread is another option if biscuits are sold out. Sides like okra, green beans, and sweet potato are available depending on the day. Desserts rotate but often include peach cobbler, sweet potato pie, or banana pudding.

Because this is a working kitchen without a printed menu that changes daily, not every item is available every time you visit. Call ahead if you're looking for something specific, or ask what's ready when you arrive. The staff will tell you honestly what they have.

Hours, location, and how to order

Auntie Ann's Kitchen 2 is located on King Street in downtown Charleston. Hours vary by season and day of the week, so check before you go. The restaurant is closed some Sundays and Mondays, and hours may shift during slower periods. You can call to confirm they're open and to ask what's being made that day.

Ordering is straightforward: walk up to the counter, tell them what you want, pay, and they'll hand you a number or call your name when the food is ready. There's no table service. You carry your tray to a seat in the dining room. The wait is usually short unless it's peak lunch or dinner time.

The restaurant does not take reservations. It's first-come, first-served. If you're visiting during a busy time—lunch between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., or dinner around 6 p.m.—expect a short wait for a table, though the line to order moves quickly.

Why this restaurant matters in Charleston

Auntie Ann's Kitchen 2 represents a type of restaurant that's becoming harder to find in Charleston as the city's dining scene shifts toward higher-end and tourist-focused establishments. It's a place where locals eat, where the food comes from recipes and techniques passed down through families, and where the goal is to feed people well rather than to impress them.

The Lowcountry food tradition—the cooking of the coastal regions of South Carolina and Georgia—has deep roots in African American culture, plantation history, and the ingredients available in the region. Restaurants like Auntie Ann's Kitchen 2 keep that tradition alive and make it accessible to anyone who walks in the door. The food is not deconstructed or reimagined; it's made the way it's been made for generations.

Parking and getting there

King Street has metered parking on the street and several paid parking lots nearby. Street parking fills up during lunch and dinner, so a lot may be faster. The restaurant is walkable from downtown hotels and from the Historic District. If you're using a ride-share service, ask to be dropped on King Street near the restaurant.

There is no dedicated parking lot for Auntie Ann's Kitchen 2. Plan for street or lot parking and a short walk. The neighborhood is safe and busy during the day and early evening.

What to know before you go

This is a cash-friendly restaurant, though many places in Charleston now take cards. Call ahead to confirm payment methods if you're planning to pay a specific way. The dining room is small and can fill up quickly during peak times, so if you're visiting with a large group, go during off-peak hours or call to give them a heads-up.

The restaurant does not have a website or social media presence in the traditional sense, so the best way to find current hours and what's being made is to call. The staff is friendly and will answer questions about what's available and how long the wait is.

Auntie Ann's Kitchen 2 is not a tourist destination in the way that some Charleston restaurants are. It's a neighborhood place. The atmosphere is casual, the service is efficient, and the focus is on the food. If you're looking for an experience that feels like eating at someone's home rather than at a restaurant, this is the place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

No. Auntie Ann's Kitchen 2 operates on a first-come, first-served basis. You can walk in and order at the counter. During peak lunch and dinner times, there may be a short wait for a table, but the line to order usually moves quickly.

What if my favorite dish isn't available?

The menu changes based on what the kitchen is making that day. Call ahead if you're looking for something specific. The staff will tell you what's ready and can suggest alternatives if your first choice is sold out.

Is the food spicy?

Most dishes are not spicy by default. The fried chicken and other items are seasoned but mild. You can ask for hot sauce or spice when you order if you prefer more heat.

Can I order takeout?

Yes. You can order at the counter and take your food with you. The restaurant will pack it in containers. Call ahead during busy times to give them a heads-up if you're ordering for a group.

What's the price range?

Auntie Ann's Kitchen 2 is inexpensive. Most entrees with sides cost between $10 and $15. It's one of the most affordable sit-down restaurants in downtown Charleston.