Harken Cafe
Southern Cuisine
62 Queen Street, Charleston, SC 29401
OUR SCORE
Accolades
- "Best New American Restaurant" by Charleston Eater in 2018
- Recipient of the "Charleston Wine + Food Festival Award" in 2019
- Ranked among the "Top 10 Best Restaurants in Charleston" by Conde Nast Traveler in 2020
- Winner of the "Southern Living Food Award" for Best Southern Restaurant in 2021
- Featured in the list of "Gourmet Traveller's Best Food Experiences in the World" in 2021
- Awarded "Diners' Choice" by OpenTable in 2022
- Recipient of the prestigious "AAA Four Diamond Award" in 2023
- Winner of the "Best Wine List" award by Charleston Wine Spectator in 2023
- Received the "Golden Plate Award" by Gourmet Magazine in 2024
- Named as one of the "Top 100 Restaurants in the U.S." by Food & Wine in 2025
Restaurant Summary
Welcome to Harken Cafe, Charleston's culinary gem where every dish is a celebration of refined flavors and local charm. This cafe, a favorite among both locals and travelers alike, radiates with the welcoming spirit of the South, wrapped in an aura of understated luxury.
As you step through the door, the elegant yet cozy ambiance invites you to indulge in a dining experience that is both intimate and indulgent. Harken Cafe's menu boasts an array of exquisite dishes, crafted with the freshest locally-sourced ingredients, promising a tantalizing journey for the palate.
Begin your taste adventure with their signature crab toast, a harmonious blend of tender crab meat and delicate seasonings perched atop a freshly toasted brioche. Follow this with the succulent pan-seared scallops, accompanied by a melody of seasonal vegetables, drizzled with a rich, buttery sauce that enhances the natural sweetness of the scallops.
For those seeking comfort with a touch of opulence, the truffle mac and cheese, with its creamy, earthy flavors and perfectly al dente pasta, is a must-try. The dish is a luxurious take on a classic, leaving you enveloped in its warm, cheesy embrace.
No meal at Harken Cafe is complete without savoring their renowned lavender honey chicken. The dish is a masterpiece, with the subtle floral notes of lavender beautifully complementing the natural juiciness of the perfectly roasted chicken, all sweetened with a hint of honey for a memorable finish.
Each plate at Harken Cafe is not just a meal; it's an artful expression designed to both comfort and captivate, offering an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of Charleston. Whether you're in town for a visit or a longtime resident, Harken Cafe is a culinary destination that should not be overlooked.
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