The energy in Charleston is always laid-back. It’s a beach town, after all! Donning your best gingham or floral attire, then heading for shopping spree down King Street or a photo opp in Waterfront Park is a memorable way to spend a sunny day in CHS, but all of that slow-paced wandering will eventually work up an appetite.

While there are plenty of restaurants in Charleston perfect for celebrating a special occasion, there’s also no shortage of casual spots waiting to welcome you for an afternoon cocktail and a light bite.

I spent a summer eating my way through the Holy City, and these are my favorite cute-yet-casual spots for lunch and dinner.

Henry’s On The Market

I despise the phrase “if you know me, then you know…” but if I ever were to use it, it would be to describe my love for Henry’s. There’s a first level restaurant with excellent food (get the she-crab soup), but the real magic happens on the rooftop. Skip the line and head to the stairs in the back, then make your way up to the second floor bar for an Aperol Spritz. On a nice day, climb one more floor for a turf-covered patio overlooking Market Street.

• Location: Downtown Charleston, North Market Street
• Vibes: Historic, casual
• Perfect for: An outdoor afternoon cocktail
• Important to note: Even if there’s a line out the door, you can skip it to head upstairs.
• Reservation?: Nope!

Saltwater Cowboys

You may be battling a crowd of youngsters at Saltwater Cowboys during the summer, but you surely won’t mind after a frozen painkiller or two. This is the place to be for summertime day drinking thanks to its waterfront location along Shem Creek. It’s dining with a side of entertainment when the boats start coming in, you’ll enjoy watching everything from shrimpers to sunburnt partiers make their way in.

• Location: Shem Creek
• Vibes: Waterfront, casual
• Perfect for: Waterfront cocktails and day drinking
• Important to note: Check the events schedule for DJs or other parties-it’ll be a packed house.
• Reservation?: Nope!

Blind Tiger

One of the city’s oldest bars is unsurprisingly one if its most charming. Bypass the indoor bar (which has a signature scent, but not like one you’d find in a boutique hotel) in favor of the expansive back patio. Blind Tiger is one of my favorite outdoor dining options in the city, lined with brick walls and bench-style seating plus large and small tables for groups.

• Location: Downtown Charleston, Broad Street
• Vibes: Casual, laid-back
• Perfect for: Dinner and cocktails with friends, pre- or post- date drinks
• Kellie’s Notes: Most patio seating is open!
• Reservation?: Available, not always necessary

Chico Feo

After a day spent roasting on Folly Beach, wander over to Chico Feo to cool down like the cool kids: with a Samurai Sling. The signature cocktail here is a refreshing combination of cucumber, sake, and lemonade that’ll refuel you for a night out. While Chico Feo is a lively spot for beers and tacos in the summer, they’re also known to make a fantastic ramen when the weather cools.

1. Location: Folly Beach
2. Vibes: Casual, hipster
3. Perfect for: Lunch and a post-beach cocktail
4. Important to note: The outdoor dining is shaded with Charleston’s famous large trees, but I don’t believe there is indoor dining available
5. Reservation?: Nope!

Leon’s

This famed Charleston restaurant may be outside of the historic district, but it’s worth the walk. You can’t leave Leon’s without trying an order of the chargrilled oysters they’re famous for or a plate of fried chicken. Despite its charmingly grungy interiors, there’s a really great wine and cocktail program here, complete with frozen G&Ts.

• Location: Downtown Charleston, Bay Street
• Vibes: Intimate, casual
• Perfect for: An impressive date night or evening with a small group of foodie friends
• Kellie’s Notes: The daily specials have never disappointed!
• Reservation?: Yes

Fleet Landing

You’ll be surprised as I was to learn there aren’t many waterfront dining options in downtown Charleston despite it being a peninsula. Fleet Landing rights that wrong with a wraparound patio overlooking the harbor, as well as a huge indoor dining room that’ll fill up quick for weekend lunch. The stuffed hushpuppies, big salads, and sweet brunch dishes are favorites for my mom and me.

• Location: Downtown Charleston, near the market
• Vibes: Waterfront, casual
• Perfect for: Weekend boozy brunch, casual seafood dinner
• Kellie’s Notes: Get the Bloody Mary no matter the time of day.
• Reservation?: Yes

Church and Union

The ambiance at Charleston’s Church and Union only adds to the experience here. A more casual sibling to Tempest, C&U is situated in a historic church with vibrant stained glass windows still in tact. Food items range from pastas to steaks and an excellent poke bowl, and during brunch, they serve one of the cheapest mimosas in town.

• Location: Downtown Charleston, Market Street
• Vibes: Feminine, upbeat
• Perfect for: A bachelorette brunch or dinner before a night out
• Kellie’s Notes: You can get a whole carafe of mimosas for under $20
• Reservation?: Yes