Deciding where to eat breakfast and brunch in Charleston, S.C., is a serious matter, and for good reason.
The vast number of downtown restaurants serving morning meals is enough to make any group indecisive, and the numbers are growing each year.
In a town where food is held on high, seek out Charleston's best value in breakfast at Sunrise Bistro Xpress.
In the South, we smother our biscuits. Try yours Sunrise style with sausage gravy. — Photo courtesy of Clare Sweeney
You'll find this locally owned restaurant at the corner of Rutledge Avenue and Spring Street downtown, in an area of the "Holy City" that continues to blossom with new cafes and bakeries.
One of three members of the Sunrise Bistro family – its sister restaurants can be found on John's Island and in Summerville– Sunrise Bistro Xpress serves up big, heaping portions of breakfast fare at an unbeatable price point.
The breakfast burrito is one of the most popular Sunrise Bistro menu items, with good reason — Photo courtesy of Clare Sweeney
Nearly everything on the varied menu at Sunrise Bistro Xpress falls under $12, which many consider a steal after finishing such a delicious and well-presented breakfast, brunch or lunch.
Anyone can get behind a good deal, but it doesn't take much convincing for a return visit when the menu offers several pages of options, including many vegetarian-friendly choices, too.
Expect a huge variety of breakfast and lunch plates at this tiny bistro — Photo courtesy of Sunrise Bistro Xpress
Expect to be tempted by the daily specials, alongside such menu favorites as the loaded breakfast burrito, biscuits with sausage gravy, 3-meat shrimp and grits, open-face omelets and even a customizable breakfast pizza.
There's a whole lot on the menu for lunch, too, including the Cajun shrimp sandwich, corned beef Reuben, BBQ tacos, quesadillas, soups and salads.
There are plenty of healthy menu items, too, like the strawberry and goat cheese salad — Photo courtesy of Clare Sweeney
Ready to start a day of shopping or touring around Charleston? You might need a breakfast cocktail.
Ask for the Sunrise Bellini, a multi-colored, fizzy beverage made with Champagne and orange and peach juices.
Sunrise Bistro Xpress is open six days a week (every day but Monday), serving both breakfast and lunch from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. It's also open from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays.
Don't know what to choose? Choose the Sunrise Sampler to try it all! — Photo courtesy of Sunrise Bistro Xpress
Want to beat the morning rush of hungry visitors and locals? Head to Sunrise Bistro Xpress on weekday mornings or during the earlier business hours on weekends to guarantee a shorter wait time and a space on the sunny patio.
At any hour, this little cafe is busy, full of regulars and offering genuinely friendly service.
No time to eat in this morning? Call ahead to take that Sunrise Bistro Xpress breakfast burrito to go, or order it via delivery from Quick Foxes.
No rush? Take your time. Kick back on the patio, order a coffee with housemade almond milk and start your day with something from Sunrise.
