Best of Charleston 2021 - Park Circle Nominees
Every year, the Charleston City Paper accepts nominations for the “Best of Charleston,” and each year a growing number of Park Circle people, establishments, and events get nominated. I wanted to make it easy for you to support all things Park Circle by putting together a list of every category that has a Park Circle option to vote for (52 in total!).
It’s a chance to put Park Circle on the map and let everyone know why this neighborhood is so special! Just click on the link to take you directly to the voting page. Voting ends April 7th, 2021.
Ready…set…vote!
Attractions and City Living
High Water Festival
- One of the best outdoor music festivals held annually at Riverfront Park. Plans are being put together for April 2022 – Check out what High Water Festival has in store.
Charleston County School of the Arts
Academic Magnet High School
- Park Circle is home to two of the top high schools in the U.S. Interested in having your child go to these schools? Check out Charleston School of the Arts or Academic Magnet High School.
Culture, Arts and Entertainment
4. Best Music Concert of 2020
Ben Bridwell of Band of Horses at Firefly Distillery
Safe Sounds at Firefly Series
- If you haven’t attended a safe sounds concert at Firefly Distillery, you need to check it out!
The Sparrow
- My local favorite hangout for cold drinks, live music and comedy. See what’s on tap at The Sparrow.
Drinking
Madra Rua
- The Red Fox. Weekends are for Soccer or “Football” for the real fans. Check out the football schedule at Madra Rua.
The Brew CellarÂ
- Craft beer is their passion. A hand-selected inventory of hard-to-find brews! Check out The Brew Cellar.
Firefly Distillery
Nippitaty Distillery
- Sweet Tea Vodka, Nippitaty Gin, these are just some of the best cocktail starters coming from Park Circle (I know Nippitaty isn’t in Park Circle yet, but they will be soon, and that’s good enough for me!). Check out Firefly Distillery or Nippitaty Distillery.
Holy City Washout Wheat
- A German Hefeweizen with notes of banana and clove, making this brew an excellent hot weather beer. Visit Holy City Brewing and experience it yourself!
Holy City Brewing
- I’m telling you, if you haven’t gone yet, you need to check it out – Holy City BrewingÂ
11. Best Local Brewery Taproom
Commonhouse Aleworks
Holy City Brewing
- Commonhouse Aleworks is another favorite Park Circle hang out spot with live music and good brews.
12. Best Local Spirit
Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka
Nippitaty Gin
Madra Rua Irish Pub
- Try the Prime Rib of Beef Sandwich with au jus and hand-cut fries. Trust me.
Madra Rua Irish Pub
Stems & Skins
The Mill
The Sparrow
DIG in the Park
- It’s hard to choose just one, but you have to go with your favorite.
15. Best North Charleston Happy Hour
Madra Rua Irish Pub
Stems & Skins
Dashi
The Mill
The Sparrow
DIG in the Park
- If you haven’t checked out my Ultimate Park Circle happy hour guide, you can see it here.
Eating
Jackrabbit Filly
Dashi
- Asian fusion at its finest. See what’s on the menu at Jackrabbit Filly and the unique Asian/Latin flavors at Dashi.Â
17. Best Burger
Sesame Burgers and Beer
- Try an adult milkshake with your burger if you value life. Visit Sesame Burgers and Beer.
18. Best Charcuterie
The Gilded Graze
- Custom charcuterie & cheese grazing boards, boxes & tables that are made with love. Owner Julie Stowers is a Park Circle resident! Check out her creations at The Gilded Graze.
19. Best Chinese
Jackrabbit Filly
- More love for the Filly. Heritage Driven New Chinese American restaurant. Cocktails, beer & wine.
20. Best Chocolatier
Sweeteeth Chocolate
- Handmade artisanal chocolate candy bars, made by EVO and sold throughout Charleston. Try some at EVO Pizza!
21. Best Hot Dogs
Coney Island Hot Weiners
- Be honest. How many of these hot dogs can you throw down? See what other kind of goodies they offer at the Coney Island Hot Weiner shop.
22. Best Ice Cream
Park Circle Creamery
- Handcrafted Ice Cream just sounds good. Even though they just recently closed up shop at their original location on E Montague, we are still anxiously awaiting the announcement for their new location. Maurice knows his ice cream. Stay up-to-date by visiting their website.
23. Best Milkshake
Sesame Burgers and Beer
- This milkshake brings all the boys to the yard (and girls).Â
24. Best North Charleston Brunch
The Junction
Madra Rua Irish Pub
Jackrabbit Filly
Holy City Brewing
Dashi
- They’re all winners in my book, but you’ve got to choose one! This weekend why not try the Buzzed Donut at The Junction Kitchen?Â
25. Best North Charleston Restaurant
Jackrabbit Filly
EVO Pizzeria
Dashi
The Codfather
- Once again, another tough choice. All good restaurants!
EVO Pizzeria
- Wood-fired pizza cooked in a brick oven using only the freshest ingredients possible. Also, check out their amazing salads and appetizers at EVO Pizzeria.
Park Pizza Co.
- My personal go-to when I’m craving pizza for lunch..and dinner…and breakfast. Check out their daily lunch special: 1-topping slice, 1/2 circle or empire salad & a soda or water for only $7. Visit Park Pizza Co. and try the McPark Pizza, a pizza that tastes just like a Big Mac!
28. Best Place to Buy Local Seafood
Abundant Seafood
- Check out my recent article on this local hot spot for fresh seafood and then visit Abundant Seafood online.
29. Best Thai
Basil
- They’ve got multiple locations all over Charleston, but this is where you can find the Park Circle Basil Thai.
Politics, News & The Media
Kay Hyman
- A lifetime Park Circle resident & watchdog for our community’s voiceless humans, animals and trees.
31. Best Progressive
Marvin Pendarvis
- Marvin Pendarvis is the South Carolina State Representative for District 113. Learn more at www.marvinpendarvis.com
Recreation, Health and Beauty
32. Best Barber Shop
Barelli Barber
- Proper Grooming for Gentlemen – This new Barber Shop in Park Circle offers Cuts, Shaves, Hot Towels, Grooming Products, and Waxing for Men. Make an appointment at Barelli Barber.
Cooper Cosmetic and Family Dentistry
- State-of-the-art family dental care through preventive dentistry, quality restorations and cosmetic dentistry. It’s where I get my teeth cleaned! Clean your plaque at Cooper Cosmetic and Family Dentistry.
Locomotion Fitness
- One-on-one coaching and guidance, and a community of people who lift one another up! See what makes them different at Locomotion Fitness.
35. Best Eye Doctor
Dr. Kelley Perkins
- Dr. Perkins offers comprehensive medical eye exams and a relaxed approach to finding eyewear that defines your personal style. Drop in or visit them online at Perkins Eyecare + Eyewear.Â
36. Best Park
North Charleston Riverfront Park
- Lots of green space, a boardwalk, chairs that swing, and public art installations. What more could you ask for? Read about Riverfront Park.
Services
37. Best Realtor
The Real Deal with Neil – Neil Bansil
- Ok, I wasn’t nominated, but I never got into Real Estate for the accolades anyway. I specialize in Park Circle and it’s where I live, work and play. For those of you who know the “Real Deal” you already know. Follow me on Facebook or Instagram for the latest Park Circle news, listings and fun! The Real Deal with Neil
Shops
The Station Park Circle
- Home to 50 vendors, local artists, and crafters offering furniture, art, lighting, accents, vinyl, plants, apparel, textiles, jewelry, gifts, and so much more! Come check them out at The Station Park Circle.
39. Best Bookstore
Itinerant Literate Books
- A cute little independent bookstore in Park Circle that has a mobile component that travels around Charleston as well! See the latest books at Itinerant Literate Books.
40. Best CBD Shop
I Heart CBD
- Looking to de-stress? Feeling a little anxious? Why not stop by I Heart CBD in Park Circle and see what they have to offer.
41. Best Cigar Store
Habana Club
- Did you know Park Circle had a Cigar store? Well, now you know. located in Park Circle at 4718 Spruill Avenue. Open 7 days a week offering wine, beer and a great selection of premium hand-rolled cigars. Visit them online at Habana Club.Â
Perkins Eyecare and Eyewear
- Another well deserved nomination for Dr. Kelley Perkins.
43. Best Florist
Roadside Blooms
- Organic-style floral design; foraging for unique textures; intimate affairs; and blooms grown on 100% American soil! See what kind of arrangement Toni Reale can make for you at Roadside Blooms.
45. Best Gourmet Grocery Store
Choice’s Gourmet Market & Deli
- Check out my recent article about this Park Circle shop here. Go visit Charles at Choice’s Gourmet Market & Deli and see why it’s one of Park Circle’s favorite places to shop.
47. Best Pet Store
Park Pets
- Park Circle’s Pet Foodie Paradise Healthy, sustainable, and weird. Take your pet to Park Pets, believe me, they’ll thank you.Â
Gray Cat Music
- Quality used and new vinyl records located in a booth at The Station Park Circle. My wife found a Charlie Brown Christmas album here. See what Gray Cat Music might have for you!
Park Circle
- Park Circle has quickly become or has already become the kind of place you walk around and shop on weekends. It’s a great place to have lunch, dinner or a drink, but we already knew that.
Ink Meets Paper
- Looking for a unique greeting card for all occasions? Visit Ink Meets Paper!
The Station Park Circle
- A third nomination for this reclaimed marketplace! Go say hi to Sharon who you’ll find roaming the aisles as the owner of The Station Park Circle.
52. Best Wine Shop
Accent on Wine
- Visit Accent on Wine in either Summerville or their Park Circle location, but mostly their Park Circle location. Amazing wines, craft beer & gourmet food all available to be enjoyed in-house or take it to-go
