Charleston: Upper King Street Brunch Food Tour & Local Bites

Summary

Brunch flavors, street stories & old Charleston charm collide

You’ll taste flaky biscuits and creamy shrimp & grits on Upper King Street with a local guide leading you through Charleston’s brunch scene. Expect stories at historic spots like Aiken-Rhett House, laughs over pimento cheese, and a surprise secret dish—all while soaking up street life and Southern hospitality.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect my first bite of biscuit in Charleston to be this good—still warm, kind of flaky, with just enough butter that I had to lick my fingers. Our guide, Marcus, handed them out right on Upper King Street, laughing about how every family here has their “secret” recipe. I tried not to eat too fast but honestly, it was hard. The street felt alive even early in the day—music from somewhere mixing with the clatter of plates inside little cafés. You can smell coffee and something sweet (maybe banana bread?) drifting out onto the sidewalk.

We wandered past the Aiken-Rhett House—Marcus stopped us there and told a story about Governor Aiken and his railroad tycoon dad. I’m not usually big on history, but something about hearing it while standing right in front of those old bricks just made it stick. There were these huge live oaks shading the street, and you could almost feel the humidity settling in your hair (not complaining—just part of Charleston’s mood). Someone asked about the American Theater and Marcus pointed at its old Art Deco sign like he was showing off an old friend.

The food kept coming: crispy fried green tomatoes (I never get those at home), creamy shrimp & grits that tasted like they’d been simmering forever, and a passionfruit-mango sweet tea that was so cold it made my teeth ache. At one point we all tried pimento cheese together; Marcus joked it was “the real Southern glue.” He introduced us to a baker who waved flour-dusted hands and offered pecan clusters—I still think about those clusters sometimes when I’m hungry late at night.

It wasn’t just eating—it was walking through stories. The fire station rebuilt after the earthquake looked sturdy but somehow gentle next to Hotel Bennett’s fancy facade. We ended somewhere between laughter and sticky fingers (that secret dish is still a mystery—I won’t spoil it). I left full but also kind of wishing brunch could last all afternoon here. Maybe that’s just how Charleston gets under your skin.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore historic King Street and landmarks

• Visit King Street historic area
• Tour Aiken-Rhett House
• See American Theater architecture
• Visit Charleston Music Hall
• Explore old Deans Warehouse
• Pass by Wraggborough neighborhood
• Shop Marion Square Farmers Market
• View Hotel Bennett exterior
• See Station 6 firehouse

Top questions

How long does the Charleston brunch food tour last?

The tour duration isn’t specified but includes several stops along Upper King Street with walking between venues.

Is hotel pickup included for this food tour?

No, hotel pickup isn’t included; you’ll meet at a designated spot on Upper King Street.

What foods are included on the Upper King Street brunch tour?

You’ll try biscuits, banana bread, fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese, shrimp & grits, pecan clusters, prosecco, sweet tea, and a secret dish.

Are dietary requirements accommodated?

Yes—contact the tour in advance so they can cater for dietary needs as best as possible.

Is this brunch tour suitable for kids or strollers?

Yes—infants can ride in prams or strollers; some walking is involved but public transport is nearby if needed.

Does the tour include drinks?

Yes—drinks include Santome Prosecco and passionfruit-mango sweet tea during your tastings.

Will we visit any historic sites during the food tour?

You’ll pass by places like Aiken-Rhett House, American Theater, Charleston Music Hall, and more while tasting local food.

What’s included

Your day includes guided tastings of classic Southern brunch dishes like warm biscuits, banana bread, fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese, creamy shrimp & grits plus pecan clusters and prosecco. You’ll sip passionfruit-mango sweet tea along the way—and there’s even an irresistible secret dish before you finish up on Upper King Street.