"Leon's Oyster Shop has been drawing in hungry Charlestonians since it opened its doors in 2014. Its scruffy, whitewashed facade got a 2020 upgrade with the addition of a “filling station-style” covered patio that replaced the umbrellas, so there’s plenty of shade to enjoy that chicken sandwich known all over the South and which has the power to send a vegetarian tumbling off the wagon. The breading uses seafood seasoning, and the tender filet is topped with Duke’s mayo and Asian slaw tossed with fish sauce. Plus, the brioche buns are baked daily and grilled just enough to get that perfect crispy exterior and soft, pillowy interior. It goes so well with the Champagne you ordered to cut through the richness of the grilled oysters that suddenly, everything seems all right. If it's lunchtime and you need to function for the rest of the day, then skipping all that and choosing the Siam Salad is the way to go, especially if you like shrimp." - Stephanie Burt
