Leon's

"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

"While the well-appointed atmosphere that is Leon’s Oyster Shop doesn’t scream toddler territory, Leon’s does have a golden hour midday where parents can squeeze in a stroller and take the kids for an early fried chicken dinner, grab some muscadet and bivalves for the adults in the room and quickly house some ice cream with sprinkles for dessert — all before the out-of-towner takeover." - Erin Perkins, Erin Ziegler

"Combine fancy champagne, cheap beer, fried chicken, and a casual raw bar — all housed in a retrofitted auto body shop — and you get Leon’s Oyster Shop. The menu has plenty of salads, like the iceberg stack covered in buttermilk dressing or the popular Siam salad, for the light lunch crowds and soft serve for the kids. Don’t skip the chargrilled oysters to start." - Erin Perkins

"Leon’s gives fried-fish goodness with a side of crispy chicken and freshly-shucked oysters. This North Central hangout is the spot to be if you prefer perfectly-battered bait with a glass of rosé and New Orleans soul pumping out the speakers. The outdoor patio is the place to be if the weather is nice." - Erin Perkins

"Great patio, wonderful interior, and even better menu. If it’s sunny outside, settle into the back patio with a carafe of rose. Save Chef Ari’s fried chicken sandwich for when the sun goes down and order a round of local or out of state oysters as an after dinner snack." - Fuzzco