Strickland's Restaurant in Charleston: Low-Country Breakfast and Lunch in a Historic Setting

What Strickland's offers and where to find it

Strickland's Restaurant sits on King Street in downtown Charleston and serves breakfast and lunch in a space that feels rooted in the city's past. The restaurant specializes in Low-Country cooking—the regional cuisine of the Lowcountry, the coastal plain stretching from Charleston north through the Sea Islands. You'll find shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, fried chicken, and biscuits made fresh daily. The dining room has wood floors, exposed brick, and the kind of worn comfort that comes from decades of use.

The restaurant is located at 106 King Street, in the heart of Charleston's downtown shopping and dining district. Parking is street parking or nearby lots; the restaurant itself does not have dedicated parking. Hours run from early morning through mid-afternoon, closing after the lunch service. Call ahead to confirm current hours, as they can shift seasonally.

Key Takeaways

• Strickland's serves traditional Low-Country breakfast and lunch, including shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and fresh-made biscuits.
• The restaurant is located on King Street downtown and operates only for breakfast and lunch service, closing in the afternoon.
• The dining room reflects Charleston's architectural history, with wood floors and exposed brick throughout.
• Seating is first-come, first-served during peak hours, so arriving early or during off-peak times reduces wait time.
• The menu changes seasonally and features ingredients sourced from local suppliers when possible.

The breakfast menu and what to order

Breakfast at Strickland's centers on dishes that define Low-Country cooking. Shrimp and grits—plump shrimp over creamy stone-ground grits, usually finished with a rich sauce—is the signature dish and appears on nearly every table. She-crab soup, made with roe from female crabs, is available year-round and tastes of the coast. Fried chicken comes with biscuits and gravy, and the biscuits themselves are worth the visit: they arrive warm and split easily, made fresh each morning.

Eggs are prepared any style, served with your choice of sides. Hash browns, home fries, and grits are standard. The restaurant also offers omelets filled with Low-Country ingredients—shrimp, crab, sausage—and pancakes and French toast for those wanting something sweeter. Portions are generous; most people do not finish everything on their plate.

The lunch menu and seasonal offerings

Lunch shifts toward sandwiches, salads, and heartier plates. A crab cake sandwich comes on a toasted bun with house-made tartar sauce. Fried chicken sandwiches, pulled pork, and turkey are available daily. The she-crab soup and shrimp and grits remain on the lunch menu, so if you miss breakfast, you can still order them.

The menu changes with the seasons and the availability of ingredients. In spring and summer, you may find fresh local vegetables and lighter preparations. In fall and winter, the kitchen leans into heavier, warming dishes. The restaurant posts seasonal specials on its website and social media, so checking before you visit can reveal dishes not listed on the standard menu.

Atmosphere and the dining experience

Strickland's does not feel like a chain restaurant or a place designed to look old. It is old—the building dates to the 1800s—and the restaurant has occupied this space for decades. The wood floors creak, the brick walls are uneven, and the lighting is warm and dim. Photographs of Charleston hang on the walls, many of them historical images showing the city as it was fifty or a hundred years ago.

Seating is a mix of booths and tables. During breakfast and lunch rush hours—roughly 8 to 10 a.m. and noon to 1 p.m.—the restaurant fills quickly and waits can run 20 to 45 minutes. Arriving before 8 a.m. or after 10 a.m. for breakfast, or after 1:30 p.m. for lunch, usually means shorter or no waits. The restaurant does not take reservations, so seating is first-come, first-served.

Pricing and what to expect to spend

Breakfast entrees typically range from moderate to mid-range pricing. A plate of shrimp and grits, eggs with sides, or a sandwich costs less than you would pay at a sit-down restaurant in a tourist area, but more than a quick-service breakfast spot. Most people spend between $12 and $20 per person before tax and tip.

Lunch prices are similar, with sandwiches and salads in the same range. Beverages—coffee, tea, juice, soft drinks—are priced separately and cost a few dollars each. The restaurant accepts cash and card payment.

Getting there and parking

Strickland's sits on King Street between Broad Street and Queen Street, in the downtown historic district. If you are driving, street parking along King Street is available but can be hard to find during peak hours. Several paid parking lots are within a block: the King Street Garage, the Broad Street Garage, and smaller municipal lots. Parking typically costs a few dollars per hour or a flat rate for the day.

If you are using public transportation, the CARTA bus system serves downtown Charleston, with stops along King Street. The restaurant is also walkable from many downtown hotels and attractions. Bike parking is available on the street outside.

Dietary considerations and menu notes

Strickland's is a traditional Southern restaurant, so vegetarian and vegan options are limited. Eggs, grits, biscuits, and some vegetable sides can be ordered without meat, but the menu is not designed around plant-based eating. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, ask your server—the kitchen can sometimes accommodate requests, but the restaurant does not maintain separate preparation areas.

The restaurant uses butter, cream, and animal fats in most dishes, which is central to Low-Country cooking. If you are watching fat or sodium intake, ask about preparation methods or lighter options. The kitchen is happy to modify dishes when possible, but some signature items—like shrimp and grits—are built around ingredients that cannot be easily substituted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make a reservation?

No. Strickland's operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not take reservations. During peak breakfast and lunch hours, waits can run 20 to 45 minutes. Arriving early or during off-peak times reduces wait time.

What time does Strickland's close?

The restaurant closes after lunch service, typically in the mid-afternoon. Hours vary by day and season, so call ahead or check the website to confirm. It does not serve dinner.

Is Strickland's good for groups?

Yes, but large groups may face longer waits since the restaurant does not take reservations. If your group is eight or more, call ahead to give the staff a heads-up. They cannot hold a table, but they can prepare the kitchen for a larger order.

What is she-crab soup?

She-crab soup is a Charleston classic made with crab meat and roe (eggs) from female crabs, cream, and broth. It tastes rich and briny, with a slightly sweet undertone from the roe. It is available year-round at Strickland's and is worth trying if you have never had it.

Can I order takeout?

Yes. Call ahead to place an order, and you can pick it up at the counter. Takeout is a good option if you want to avoid the wait, though some dishes—like biscuits and gravy—travel better than others. Ask the staff which items hold up well in a container.