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Grill 246 in Charleston: Upscale Burgers and Southern Comfort Food

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What Grill 246 offers and where to find it

Grill 246 is a Charleston restaurant on King Street that serves burgers alongside Southern-inspired entrees, seafood, and steaks. The space itself—housed in a historic building with exposed brick and dim lighting—feels more upscale than a typical burger joint, which shapes both the menu and the price point. You'll find it at 246 King Street in downtown Charleston, walkable from the Market Hall area and near other dining and shopping options.

The burger menu here leans toward customization and quality ingredients rather than speed or value. Grill 246 sources beef from local suppliers when possible, and the kitchen will build a burger to your specifications—different cheeses, toppings, and preparations. The restaurant also rotates seasonal specials, so what's available changes through the year.

Key Takeaways

  • Grill 246 is located at 246 King Street in downtown Charleston and serves upscale burgers alongside steaks, seafood, and Southern sides.
  • The restaurant sources beef from local suppliers and allows customization of burgers, so you can request specific cheeses, toppings, and cooking temperatures.
  • The dining room has a refined atmosphere with exposed brick and mood lighting, making it suitable for date nights or business dinners, not casual grab-and-go meals.
  • Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and during peak tourist season, though walk-ins are sometimes accommodated depending on availability.
  • Parking is street parking or nearby lots; the restaurant does not have dedicated on-site parking.

The burger menu and how to order

The signature burger at Grill 246 comes with your choice of toppings and cheese. Standard options include cheddar, Swiss, blue cheese, and goat cheese, though the kitchen can work with requests. You can order your burger rare, medium-rare, medium, or well-done; most diners order medium-rare to preserve the beef's flavor. The restaurant also offers a range of specialty burgers that change seasonally—these might feature local produce, house-made condiments, or regional proteins.

Beyond burgers, the menu includes steaks, fresh seafood (often local catch from the Charleston docks), and sides that reflect Low Country cooking—shrimp and grits, collard greens, mac and cheese, and seasonal vegetables. The wine and beer list emphasizes South Carolina producers and regional selections. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, the staff can discuss modifications; call ahead if you need to confirm options for a large group.

Atmosphere and timing

Grill 246 is designed for a sit-down experience, not a quick meal. The exposed brick walls, soft lighting, and table service create an intimate setting that works well for dates, business dinners, or special occasions. The noise level is moderate—you can hold a conversation, but it's not silent. The restaurant draws a mix of locals and tourists, and the crowd shifts depending on the time of day and season.

Dinner service is the main draw, though the restaurant also serves lunch. Peak times are Friday and Saturday evenings and during Charleston's tourist season (March through May and October through November). Weekday lunches tend to be quieter. The restaurant closes on Sundays and Mondays, so plan accordingly if you're visiting mid-week.

Reservations, parking, and practical details

Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner and on weekends. You can call the restaurant directly or use OpenTable or similar platforms to book a table. Walk-ins are sometimes seated if space is available, but you may face a wait during busy periods. The restaurant does not have dedicated parking; you'll use street parking on King Street or nearby municipal lots. The area is walkable from most downtown hotels and attractions.

Grill 246 accepts major credit cards and cash. The price range is moderate to upscale for Charleston—burgers typically run $16 to $24, and entrees range higher. Tax and tip are additional. The restaurant has a full bar, and cocktails, wine, and beer are available. If you're planning a special occasion, mention it when you reserve; the staff can sometimes arrange small touches like a dessert plate or a note.

Why Grill 246 fits into Charleston's burger scene

Charleston has a strong burger culture, but Grill 246 occupies a specific niche: the upscale, locally-sourced burger in a refined setting. Unlike casual burger chains or food trucks, this restaurant treats the burger as a craft item and pairs it with wine service and a full dinner menu. It appeals to diners who want quality beef and customization but also want to dress up for the meal.

The restaurant's location on King Street—Charleston's main commercial and dining corridor—makes it accessible to both locals and visitors. It sits among galleries, boutiques, and other restaurants, so you can easily combine a meal here with shopping or gallery-hopping. The Low Country seafood and Southern sides on the menu also connect the burgers to Charleston's broader culinary identity, rather than treating them as an isolated category.

What to expect on your visit

When you arrive, the host will seat you at a table with cloth napkins and full place settings. A server will bring water and the menu, and you'll have time to look over options before ordering. If you're unsure about burger customization, the server can walk you through choices—beef thickness, cheese, toppings, and cooking temperature. Entrees come with a side; ask which sides are available that day.

Food typically arrives within 20 to 30 minutes of ordering, depending on how busy the kitchen is. Burgers are cooked to order, so there's no rushing the process. If you're on a tight schedule, mention it when you order so the kitchen can prioritize. The restaurant does not rush diners; the pace is leisurely, which is part of the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a burger without a reservation?

Walk-ins are sometimes seated, but availability depends on how busy the restaurant is. During peak times (Friday and Saturday evenings, tourist season), you may face a significant wait or be turned away. Calling ahead to reserve a table is your best option for a may provide seat.

Does Grill 246 have vegetarian or vegan burger options?

The menu focuses on beef burgers, but the kitchen can discuss alternatives if you call ahead. Vegetable sides, salads, and seafood entrees are available. Contact the restaurant directly to confirm what options work for your dietary needs.

Is there outdoor seating?

Grill 246 primarily has indoor seating. Some street-level windows provide views of King Street, but there is no dedicated patio or outdoor dining area. The indoor space is climate-controlled and comfortable year-round.

What time should I arrive for dinner?

Dinner service typically begins around 5 or 6 p.m. and runs until 10 or 11 p.m., though hours vary by day and season. Arriving between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. or after 8:30 p.m. tends to be less crowded than the peak 7 to 8 p.m. window. Check the restaurant's website or call for exact hours before you visit.

Can I bring a large group?

Yes, but you'll need to reserve in advance. Call the restaurant to discuss group size and any special requests. The staff can often arrange a larger table or a private area if space allows, but this requires planning ahead rather than walking in with a group.