Marie's Too in Charleston: Fried Chicken and Lowcountry Sides

What Marie's Too serves and where to find it

Marie's Too is a casual fried chicken restaurant in Charleston's East Side neighborhood, known for bone-in fried chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens, and other Lowcountry sides. The restaurant operates as a counter-service spot where you order at the register and pick up your food, with a small dining area for eating in or the option to take your meal elsewhere.

The chicken comes fried to order, which means it takes time—usually 15 to 20 minutes depending on how busy the kitchen is. That wait is part of the experience here; the chicken is not sitting under heat lamps. The menu stays simple and focused, which is typical of the best neighborhood chicken shops in Charleston.

Key Takeaways

• Marie's Too serves bone-in fried chicken with sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and rice and gravy, ordered at the counter and cooked to order.
• The restaurant is located on the East Side of Charleston and operates as a casual, walk-up counter service with limited seating inside.
• Expect a 15 to 20 minute wait for your chicken because it is fried fresh after you order, not pre-made.
• Prices are moderate for Charleston, and the restaurant accepts cash and card payment.
• The space and menu reflect Lowcountry tradition and neighborhood character rather than upscale dining or tourist-focused presentation.

The fried chicken and how it's prepared

Marie's Too fries chicken in-house using a traditional method that involves seasoning, battering, and deep-frying in oil. The chicken pieces—thighs, legs, breasts, wings—come out with a crispy exterior and meat that stays moist inside. The seasoning is straightforward: salt, pepper, and spices that let the chicken flavor come through rather than mask it.

You can order individual pieces or a combination plate. A combination plate typically includes two or three pieces of chicken plus two sides and cornbread or a roll. Single pieces are also available if you want to try the chicken without committing to a full meal. The chicken is best eaten fresh and warm, so eating it at the restaurant or taking it home immediately is the way to go.

Sides and what pairs well with the chicken

The side dishes at Marie's Too reflect Lowcountry cooking: mac and cheese made with real cheese and a creamy sauce, collard greens cooked with seasoning meat, rice and gravy, and sometimes okra or other seasonal vegetables. These are not light sides—they are substantial, traditional preparations that have been part of Charleston and the broader South for generations.

Most people order two sides with their chicken. A common combination is mac and cheese and collard greens, which gives you both a rich, comforting starch and a cooked vegetable. Rice and gravy works as a side or as something to pour over the chicken itself. Cornbread or a roll comes with most plates and is useful for soaking up gravy or finishing off the plate.

Hours, location, and what to bring

Marie's Too is located on the East Side of Charleston, in a neighborhood that is primarily residential and not part of the downtown tourist corridor. The restaurant is small and does not have a large parking lot, so arriving on foot or by bike is often easier than driving. Street parking is available nearby but can be tight during lunch and dinner hours.

Hours vary by day and season, so it is worth calling ahead or checking online before you go. The restaurant is closed on some days of the week and may have limited hours on others. Cash and card are both accepted, though some neighborhood spots still prefer cash, so having both on hand is a safe bet.

Why Marie's Too matters in Charleston's food scene

Marie's Too represents a type of restaurant that is central to Charleston's actual food culture but often overlooked by visitors: the neighborhood chicken shop run by people who have been cooking the same way for years. These places are not trying to be trendy or Instagram-worthy. They are trying to make good fried chicken and sides at a price that works for the neighborhood.

Charleston's food reputation often focuses on fine dining and Lowcountry cuisine as a refined category. But the real backbone of Lowcountry cooking is in places like Marie's Too, where the techniques and flavors come from family tradition and everyday cooking rather than culinary school. Eating here connects you to that history in a direct way.

What to expect on your visit

Walk in, look at the menu board or ask what is available that day, and order at the counter. You will be given a number or asked to wait by the register. The kitchen will call your name or number when your food is ready. Take your tray to one of the small tables inside, or take your food with you.

The dining room is basic—no tablecloths, no fancy plating, no background music designed to make you linger. The focus is on the food and on getting a good meal at a fair price. If you are looking for an upscale experience or a place to spend an evening, this is not it. If you want honest fried chicken and sides made the way they have been made for decades, this is exactly it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get your food at Marie's Too?

Expect 15 to 20 minutes from the time you order, depending on how busy the kitchen is. The chicken is fried fresh after you order, not pre-made, which is why it takes longer than fast-food chains but tastes better. If the restaurant is very busy, it may take longer.

Can you order ahead or call in your order?

Many neighborhood chicken shops do take phone orders, but policies vary. Calling ahead to ask if they accept orders and to check current hours is a good idea, especially if you are planning to visit during a busy time like lunch or dinner.

Is there parking at Marie's Too?

The restaurant itself does not have a large dedicated lot. Street parking is available in the neighborhood, though it can be tight during peak hours. The East Side location is walkable and bikeable from many parts of Charleston, which is often easier than driving.

What if you have dietary restrictions or allergies?

The menu is built around fried chicken and traditional sides, so options for vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets are limited. Calling ahead to ask what might work for your needs is the best approach. The staff can tell you what is in each dish and whether modifications are possible.

Is Marie's Too cash only or do they take cards?

Both cash and card are accepted, though some neighborhood restaurants still prefer cash. Having both on hand is a safe approach. It is worth asking when you arrive if you are unsure.