Best Burger in Charleston + $420M Project Canceled

Charleston just got a major national nod from the James Beard Awards (basically the “Oscars” of the food world). The Foundation released its 2026 semifinalists list this week, and eight Charleston restaurants and chefs made the cut across multiple categories.

🥓Palmira (menu) is one of the best BBQ spots in the Southeast, and founder/pitmaster Hector Garate is a big reason why. Originally from Puerto Rico, Hector started mastering barbecue during the pandemic after getting a smoker as a gift, then even welded his own as he perfected his craft. Palmira opened in 2024 and has been selling out daily ever since, blending Texas-style barbecue with bold Puerto Rican flavors. Go early, lines get long fast, and don’t skip the beef cheeks, the house specialty and one of the most unique bites in Charleston.

🐟Chubby Fish (menu) is no rookie when it comes to national recognition. It’s been named to the New York Times’ list of top restaurants, featured in the Michelin Guide, and was even a James Beard Awards finalist last year. Known for its daily-changing menu built around local, sustainable catches, Chubby Fish delivers inventive dishes like crudos and curries that live up to the hype. If you’ve never been, it’s absolutely worth it, just be prepared to arrive well before opening to get your name on the list. With only 40 seats, demand is always high.

Nature Rx: Forest Bathing (More Info) · 10am-12pm · Caw Caw Interpretive Center, Ravenel · $12 · an opportunity to be in nature and connecting with it through the senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. Common effects are: improved mood, improved circulation, and an interest in something new.

Fourth Friday Farmers Market (More Info) · 5:00-8:00pm · Carnes Crossroads, Goose Creek · enjoy 50+ vendors, offering a variety of local hand-crafted goods, fresh produce, baked goods, art, and more

Cirque Musica: Heroes and Villains (More Info) · 7:30-9:30pm · Gaillard Center, Downtown · GA, $52 · Featuring the music of Harry Potter, The Dark Knight, Superman, Star Wars, and more, in partnership with the Charleston Symphony

Weekend Wine Down (More Info) · 10am-5pm · Deep Water Vineyard, Wadmalaw · $15 for a tasting of 6 samples of wine and a souvenir stemless glass, along with live music, food trucks, cornhole, and other games

Oysters at the Point (More Info) · 2-6pm · Charleston Harbor Resort, Mount Pleasant · $15 · and Marina locally steamed oysters, live music, holiday market, bloody mary bar, and plenty of beer choices

Pay What You Can Day (More Info) · 10am-5pm · Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, Mount Pleasant · Guests are welcome to pay any amount they choose for standard museum admission

All You Can Eat Oyster Roast & Spanish Wine (More Info) · 1-3pm · Dashi Wine Bar & Emporium, North Charleston · $40 · all-you-can-eat steamed oysters and taste a variety of Spanish wines

Vision Board Workshop (More Info) · 12-4pm · SNAFU Brewing Company, North Charleston · $20 · Enjoy tasty sours while crafting the day away

Alright, this one might be controversial - I’m listing my top 3 burgers in Charleston. Let me know if you agree, or if you think I’m way off the mark here.

Heavy’s Barburger (Menu) · Burger Price - $14 · If you like smash burgers, Heavy’s is the place to be. The beef sits in-between a toasted seeded bun, and the patties are perfectly thin with a nice outer crisp. There’s two locations - Downtown and Daniel Island, with a third coming soon.

Edmund’s Oast (Menu) · Burger Price - $16 · While Edmund’s Oast may be most known for its brewery, their burger keeps crowds coming in to dine. You’ll hear many say this is the #1 burger in Charleston. For me, the sauce is what elevates the burger the most.

Felix (Menu) · Burger Price - $22 · Felix is an upscale French bistro and bar, but the best item on the menu is their burger. It’s got double short rib-brisket blended patties, caramelized onion, dijonnaise, raclette, featured on a local bakery sesame bun. Grab a cocktail while you’re at it and chat with some of the most friendly bartenders in town.

❄️Gov. McMaster declared a state of emergency for what’s expected to be a winter storm this weekend. Be sure to stay off the roads and have supplies at home. There could be freezing rain and ice from Saturday night, possibly extending into Monday morning (live5news).

🏠 One of Sullivan’s Island’s most recognizable homes is gone, but the site isn’t staying quiet for long. The “Wedding Cake House” was demolished in 2024 after significant deterioration, and a brand-new luxury home is currently under construction in its place near Breach Inlet. Check out some interior pics of the newly renovated house here.

🚧 The Mark Clark Expressway, which was set to be a $420M project, is now canceled after years of opposition. Funds are now being allocated to 9 other projects, including Maybank Highway’s 4th lane and the Calhoun Street Project. As someone who used to live on John’s Island, I can tell you the 4th lane on Maybank is much needed to decrease congestion (abc4news).

🍜 On Monday I shared the Eater top 14 Charleston restaurant list, and now Resy released their top 20 restaurants. This one leans more on fine dining / downtown vibes, but it’s worth looking over if you’re planning a night out soon (Resy Top 20).

That’s all for today’s edition!

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- The All Things Charleston Team