6. Raval

To me, Raval is like a bad boy boyfriend. You break up all the time, get back together (because he's hot), and then remember why you broke up. Raval, by far, has the most delicious food, interesting wines, and hip atmosphere in all of Charleston. It is just plain cool. But don't plan on being able to hear the person you're there with over the blaring music. I wouldn't get your heart set on a second drink either. Once served, you *will* have to go to the bar to fetch your waitperson, who is hanging out, yukking it up with the bartendar. This would be the best hot spot in Charleston if you didn't get the sense that you were a nuisance to the wait staff. It's almost like the staff is thinking - this would be a great place to work as long as the customers weren't here. Maybe after twelve years living in Chicago and going to myriad restaurants, I'm just spoiled.