Leon's
Oyster bar restaurant · Charleston ·
Fried chicken & oysters with a patio and frozen gin & tonics
Fried chicken & oysters with a patio and frozen gin & tonics
"When the garage doors are up and the breeze blows through, this oyster bar—housed in what once was a filling station—feels unbeatable; the seafood is well-sourced, but it's the small twists that keep me coming back. A hearty smoked mahi mahi dip arrives with fried saltine crackers, a stunning shrimp roll is tossed with slivers of seedless jalapeños, garnished with crushed potato chips and stuffed into toasted brioche, and the fried chicken—marinated in hot sauce, brined in buttermilk, and seasoned with Old Bay—is the juiciest I’ve had yet; a curated list of top-tier grower Champagnes is an unexpected and delightful addition." - The MICHELIN Guide
"In Charleston, I noted Leon's Oyster Shop as a seafood restaurant included on the MICHELIN Guide's inaugural American South Bib Gourmand list." - The MICHELIN Guide
"Since opening in 2014 this scruffy, whitewashed spot has become renowned—especially for a chicken sandwich whose breading uses seafood seasoning, a tender filet topped with Duke’s mayo and an Asian slaw tossed with fish sauce, and daily-baked brioche buns grilled to a perfect texture. A 2020 patio upgrade increased shade for the filling-station–style seating, and the Champagne-and-grilled-oysters pairing sings; at lunch the Siam Salad is a lighter, shrimp-friendly option." - Stephanie Burt
"Great patio, wonderful interior, and even better menu. If it’s sunny outside, settle into the back patio with a carafe of rose. Save Chef Ari’s fried chicken sandwich for when the sun goes down and order a round of local or out of state oysters as an after dinner snack." - Fuzzco
"A popular casual spot known for its spicy fried chicken and approachable seafood offerings, delivering a lively, convivial atmosphere perfect for a relaxed yet tasty date." - Travel + Leisure Editors