News Summary
Charleston, South Carolina has been recognized for its exceptional food scene, with Harken Cafe topping Yelp’s list for best brunch in the state. This ranking, derived from feedback from Yelp’s Elite users, comes just in time for Mother’s Day. Harken Cafe, known for its charming design and locally inspired menu, features unique dishes like the ‘Butter Me Up’ breakfast sandwich and is a beloved hidden gem among locals and visitors alike. The city’s brunch options are plentiful, reinforcing Charleston’s reputation as a culinary destination.
Charleston Ranked No. 1 for Brunch
Charleston, South Carolina, has gained recognition for its vibrant food scene, with Harken Cafe being named the No. 1 brunch spot in the state according to a recent ranking published by Yelp on April 14, 2025. This accolade comes just in time for Mother’s Day, which falls on May 11, a day when many families traditionally opt for a special brunch to celebrate.
Methodology Behind the Ranking
Yelp’s esteemed ranking was determined by accumulating feedback specifically from its “Elite” users who are recognized for their active participation on the platform. The criteria for evaluating the best brunch restaurant included analyzing both the volume and the overall ratings of reviews provided by members of the Yelp Elite Squad.
Increasing Popularity of Harken Cafe
Harken Cafe has been steadily gaining popularity and accolades, which ultimately contributed to its top ranking. Nestled away from the busy streets, Harken Cafe is located off Queen Street in the bustling French Quarter. The cafe has a distinct design characterized by earthy hues, warm woods, exposed brick, and an Old World architectural influence that adds to its charm and appeal.
The cafe’s menu is a delightful mix inspired by local fare and seasonal ingredients, allowing guests to enjoy a truly Southern experience. A standout item is the cafe’s signature dish, the “Butter Me Up” breakfast sandwich, which features herby cheese, egg souffle, and pickled shallots served on a homemade ricotta biscuit. Other popular offerings include the Green Thing—a unique twist on avocado toast—alongside a variety of coffee, pastries, and the specialty “GG” Bowl that blends salad, hummus, and bread.
Community and Customer Reception
Customers have hailed Harken Cafe as a “hidden gem,” reflecting its impressive 4.5 out of 5-star rating on Yelp. The growing fanfare and consistent praise from patrons have certainly bolstered the cafe’s reputation, making it a must-visit location for brunch aficionados in South Carolina.
Broader Brunch Scene in Charleston
This recognition of Harken Cafe occurs within a flourishing culinary landscape in Charleston, where the brunch options are both diverse and plentiful. Earlier in 2025, Charleston was distinguished as one of the nation’s best food destinations, showcasing a wide array of brunch options that include everything from dim sum and breakfast burritos to luxury burgers. A recent survey by OpenTable revealed that 73% of mothers prefer to celebrate on Mother’s Day with a family brunch, further emphasizing the significance of such dining experiences.
While Harken Cafe takes the top spot, other notable brunch venues include Rancho Lewis, which offers Tex-Mex cuisine, and Lillian’s Petite Market & Eatery, known for its variety of popular brunch staples. Additionally, Charleston has seen the emergence of new establishments, such as Kooben, a Mexican coffee cafe, each aiming to attract brunch enthusiasts with their unique offerings.
Conclusion
As Charleston continues to embrace its status as a culinary hotspot, the recognition of Harken Cafe by Yelp underscores the cafe’s commitment to quality and community engagement. It’s clear that the diverse brunch scene in Charleston will play a significant role in the city’s food culture moving forward, offering residents and visitors alike an array of international cuisines that harmoniously blend local flavors with traditional culinary techniques from around the world.
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Additional Resources
- Eater: Best New Brunch in Charleston
- Charleston City Paper: Go-To Restaurants
- CHS Today: Great Brunch Restaurants
- Count on 2: Highest Rated Breakfast Restaurants
- Condé Nast Traveler: Best Restaurants in Charleston
- Wikipedia: Brunch
- Google Search: Charleston brunch restaurants
- Google Scholar: Charleston food scene
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Brunch
- Google News: Charleston brunch
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
