1720 Burger Bar in Charleston: Craft Burgers and Local Ingredients

What 1720 Burger Bar offers

1720 Burger Bar is a Charleston restaurant focused on hand-formed burgers made with locally sourced beef and seasonal toppings. The menu centers on variations of a single core burger—a half-pound patty—rather than a long list of options, which means the kitchen can control quality and consistency. The space itself is casual and compact, designed for quick service without sacrificing the care that goes into each order.

The restaurant sits in downtown Charleston and draws both locals and visitors looking for a burger that reflects the Lowcountry's approach to sourcing and simplicity. Unlike chain burger places, 1720 changes its toppings and preparation based on what's available from regional suppliers, so the menu shifts with the seasons.

Key Takeaways

• 1720 Burger Bar builds its menu around a single half-pound burger format, allowing the kitchen to focus on quality rather than variety.
• The restaurant sources beef and produce locally, which means the burger offerings change seasonally based on what's available.
• The dining space is casual and designed for quick service, making it accessible for lunch, dinner, or a quick meal between activities.
• The burger is the main event here—sides and extras are secondary, so come prepared to focus on the core product.

The burger and how it's built

The half-pound patty is hand-formed daily and cooked to order. The restaurant does not use frozen beef or pre-made patties, which affects both the texture and the flavor profile—the meat tastes fresher and the crust that forms on the outside during cooking is more pronounced. The bun is sourced locally as well, which matters because a burger's structure depends on the bread holding up to the weight and moisture of the patty without falling apart or tasting generic.

Toppings rotate based on what local farms and suppliers have in stock. During spring and summer, you might see fresh lettuces, heirloom tomatoes, and herbs that wouldn't survive a long supply chain. In fall and winter, the menu adapts to root vegetables, preserved elements, and heartier preparations. This approach means repeat visitors will encounter different versions of the burger across seasons.

Location and hours

1720 Burger Bar operates in downtown Charleston, within walking distance of the historic district and close to other dining and shopping options. The exact street address and current hours are best confirmed by calling ahead or checking their social media, as restaurant hours can shift with the season and with staffing.

The restaurant does not typically take reservations—it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. During peak lunch and dinner hours, especially on weekends, there can be a wait. Off-peak times like mid-afternoon or early evening tend to move faster.

Price and what to expect to spend

A burger at 1720 costs more than a fast-food burger but less than a high-end steakhouse burger. The price reflects the sourcing, the hand-formed preparation, and the local ingredients. Most people spend between $15 and $25 for a burger and a drink, depending on whether they add sides or extras.

The restaurant keeps the menu intentionally simple, so there are no elaborate add-ons or premium upgrades that drive the bill higher. What you order is what you get, and the focus is on the burger itself rather than customization.

Parking and access

Downtown Charleston parking is limited and often requires paying for a spot or using a parking garage. Street parking near 1720 fills quickly during lunch and dinner service. Several paid lots and garages operate within a few blocks, and some visitors use the city's parking app to find and reserve spots in advance.

The restaurant itself is accessible by foot from nearby hotels, shops, and other attractions. If you're visiting Charleston and staying downtown, 1720 is reachable without a car.

Why locals and visitors choose 1720

The restaurant appeals to people who care about where their food comes from and how it's prepared. Charleston has a strong food culture built on local sourcing and seasonal cooking, and 1720 reflects that identity. It's not a destination for novelty burgers or a long menu—it's a place to eat a well-made burger built on ingredients you can trace.

For visitors, 1720 offers a genuine Charleston dining experience without the formality or price tag of fine dining. For locals, it's a reliable spot that changes enough with the seasons to stay interesting across repeat visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do they take reservations?

No. 1720 operates on a walk-in, first-come, first-served basis. During peak hours, especially lunch and dinner on weekends, there can be a wait. Arriving during off-peak times like mid-afternoon or early evening typically means shorter waits.

Can I customize the burger?

The menu is built around a single burger format with set toppings that change seasonally. While the kitchen may accommodate simple requests, the restaurant's philosophy centers on their prepared burger rather than extensive customization. It's best to call ahead if you have specific dietary needs or restrictions.

Is there parking nearby?

Street parking in downtown Charleston is limited and often requires payment. Several paid parking lots and garages operate within a few blocks of the restaurant. Using the city's parking app can help you find and reserve spots in advance during busy times.

What if I don't eat meat?

1720 Burger Bar is built around beef burgers, and vegetarian options are limited or not available. If you're dining with a group that includes non-meat eaters, it's worth calling ahead to ask what the kitchen can prepare.