Traveling with Celiac Disease can be stressful, but a summer trip to Charleston, SC reminded me that it is possible to find safe, delicious meals if you know where to look. I focused this visit on exploring the best gluten free Charleston dining options, soaking in the sunshine, and learning some Charleston history. I’m excited to share about this fun Southern City.
Burton’s Grill – A Top Pick for Gluten Free Charleston Area Dining
One of my favorite meals during my Gluten Free Charleston adventure was at Burton’s Grill, located in Mount Pleasant. Burton’s is a small but expanding chain that’s known for taking food allergies and dietary needs seriously — and they truly live up to their reputation.
They offer an extensive gluten-free menu with tons of delicious options. I ordered the crab cake sandwich, which was actually a first for me — and it was everything I hoped for. The crab cake was packed with flavor, served on a soft gluten-free bun that didn’t crumble apart. I upgraded my side of fries to parmesan truffle fries — they were tasty, though I would have loved them a bit crispier.
One of the best parts about dining at Burton’s Grill is their clear allergy protocols. My server explained that all gluten-free dishes are served on square plates so you can feel confident your meal is safe — a thoughtful touch that really sets them apart in the Gluten Free Charleston dining scene.
I was too full for dessert right then, but I couldn’t resist taking a slice of cake to go. I love when restaurants make it easy to safely indulge in a sweet treat!
Basic Kitchen – Fresh, Bright, and Plenty of Gluten Free Options
Another highlight of my Gluten Free Charleston experience was Basic Kitchen, located in downtown Charleston. This spot has a light, welcoming atmosphere and a menu focused on fresh, seasonal ingredients — and best of all, most dishes can be made gluten free.
I ordered a hamburger on a gluten-free bread with a side of sweet potato fries — the perfect comfort meal after exploring the city. The bun held up beautifully (always a win for a gluten-free sandwich!) and the fries were flavorful, though I’d prefer regular fries if offered.
What really stood out was how knowledgeable the staff were. My server explained what was safe and even pointed out that while some dishes use oats, they don’t source certified gluten-free oats — a crucial detail for people with Celiac Disease. This level of transparency really made me feel cared for and confident in my meal choice.
The food itself was vibrant and satisfying — exactly the kind of meal that leaves you feeling good inside and out. If you’re exploring Gluten Free Charleston, definitely add Basic Kitchen to your must-visit list.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams: A Trusted Favorite
One thing you need to know about me is that I am a big time Jeni’s Ice Cream fan. If there is a Jeni’s location, I will visit — and Charleston was no exception. As a longtime fan of this Columbus-based company, I was thrilled to visit one of their locations in the South. I first discovered Jeni’s while living in Columbus and attending Ohio State, and I’ve made a point to visit their shops in every city I can since. What keeps me coming back—besides the incredible, creative flavors—is how seriously they take allergens.
Unlike many other ice cream shops, Jeni’s team has always been kind, respectful, and well-trained when I request an allergy scoop. There’s no eye-rolling or confusion, just a smooth and supportive process that makes me feel safe and welcome. On top of that, they offer a variety of dairy-free, gluten-free, and other allergen-free flavors that are clearly labeled and thoughtfully crafted. It’s the kind of place where enjoying dessert doesn’t mean taking unnecessary risks—and that peace of mind means everything.
More to Love in Charleston: Things to Do and See
Good food is always a highlight for me when I travel — especially when it’s safe and gluten-free — but Charleston has so much more to offer beyond great meals. When I wasn’t tracking down the best Gluten Free Charleston eats, I spent my days exploring this beautiful city and soaking up the summer sunshine.
Here are a few of my favorite things to do and see from my first Charleston adventure:
Sullivan’s Island Beach
Sullivan’s Island quickly became one of my favorite spots to unwind. It’s peaceful and laid-back — perfect for a morning walk along the shore or an afternoon with a good book. I even saw dolphins while I was there. One thing to note if you visit: there are no public restrooms on the beach, so plan ahead! But if you’re looking to escape the crowds and just relax, this beach is a must.
Folly Beach
For a livelier beach vibe, I headed to Folly Beach. With surfers catching waves, families playing in the sand, and plenty of local shops and restaurants nearby, it’s a great place to spend the day people-watching and soaking up the sun. One of my favorite moments here was enjoying a picnic dinner right on the pier, listening to the waves and watching the sunset — the perfect way to end a Charleston beach day.
Charleston City Market
No first trip to Charleston is complete without a stroll through the historic Charleston City Market. This open-air market is full of local vendors selling sweetgrass baskets, handmade art, jewelry, and all kinds of souvenirs. My souvenir of choice, postcards. It’s the perfect spot to pick up a keepsake — or just wander and people-watch.
Grand Bohemian Art Gallery
One little surprise during my trip was stumbling upon the Grand Bohemian Art Gallery downtown. I didn’t realize Charleston had a Grand Bohemian — there’s actually one in Asheville where I live, so it felt like a familiar piece of home in a new city!
The Grand Bohemian is a boutique hotel chain known for its beautiful art galleries, and this location didn’t disappoint. It features unique contemporary pieces and works by local artists. It was the perfect quiet break from the bustling streets and heat wave and a nice dose of inspiration during my trip.
Waterfront Park & Pineapple Fountain
Charleston’s Waterfront Park is a beautiful place for a leisurely stroll, with shaded paths, fountains, and swings overlooking the water. The iconic Pineapple Fountain is a must-see (and a great photo op!) — I stopped here more than once just to take it all in.
Rainbow Row
Rainbow Row is exactly as charming as every photo makes it look — a row of pastel-colored historic homes that instantly makes you feel like you’re walking through a storybook. It’s an easy walk from Waterfront Park and definitely worth a few snaps for your travel album.
Port & Call for Live Music
One afternoon while waiting for a late lunch reservation, I stopped into Port & Call for a drink after hearing a live musician. I grabbed a drink from the bar and settled in to enjoy the live singer performing country music. The atmosphere and live music made it the perfect place to unwind and soak up a bit more of Charleston’s charm. Sometimes it’s those unexpected little moments that end up being the sweetest part of a trip!
Sunset Sailing Cruise with Charleston Sailing Adventures
Another favorite moment of my Charleston trip was booking a sunset sailing cruise with Charleston Sailing Adventures. I loved every second of it — the captain and crew were friendly and knowledgeable, the evening breeze was perfect, and we even spotted dolphins swimming alongside the boat. There’s just something so peaceful about being out on the water, watching the sun set over the harbor. If you’re planning your own trip, I can’t recommend this experience enough!
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
One of the highlights of my trip was visiting Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, one of the oldest public gardens in America. The property is open for tours, and it’s truly stunning — lush gardens, live oaks draped in Spanish moss, and peaceful walking paths everywhere you look.
But Magnolia Plantation is more than just beautiful scenery. They also offer educational programming about the history of slavery and the role plantations played in Charleston’s past. It’s an important, thoughtful reminder of the full story behind these iconic Southern landscapes, and I appreciated the chance to learn more while I was there.
Final Thoughts
Between the beautiful beaches, historic streets, colorful homes, meaningful historic sites, and the delicious Gluten Free Charleston dining scene, this trip was exactly what I needed. I came home with sandy feet, a full belly, and a full heart — and I’m already dreaming of my next visit.
If you’ve been to Charleston, I’d love to hear your favorite gluten-free restaurants, hidden gems, or things to do — drop them in the comments so I can add them to my list for next time!
Browse my other gluten-free travel and restaurant recommendations.
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed in this blog are based on my personal experiences with restaurants offering gluten-free options. While I aim to provide accurate and helpful information, I cannot guarantee that the gluten-free options at these establishments will meet everyone’s needs or expectations. Cross-contact and ingredient changes are always a possibility.
Please exercise your own judgment and diligence when dining out, particularly if you have Celiac Disease or gluten sensitivity. I am not liable for any adverse effects that may occur from consuming food at any of the restaurants mentioned in this blog. Always confirm with the restaurant staff to ensure your meal meets your specific dietary requirements.
Your safety is your responsibility—eat smart and stay gluten-free!
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