Review of Leon’s Oyster Shop: A Kid Friendly, Award Winning Joint In Charleston
It’s no secret that Charleston is a food lover’s paradise in the South. The options are endless if you’re looking for a critically acclaimed meal. But where can you experience the best of the Holy City’s food scene when accompanied by your entourage of kids? Leon’s Oyster Shop is my unicorn — an award winning restaurant off the tourist path that was kid friendly for our brood of three under the age of eight.
My primary criteria for considering a restaurant kid friendly is that no one will give me side-eye or a “bless your heart” look if I bring my little ones there to dine. I don’t expect a separate kids’ menu or some coloring activity. While these items are appreciated, they’re not required. Especially as my kids get older, they know how to act appropriately when we go out to eat. Whether they put this into practice each time is an entirely different matter.
Here are three reasons why I’d recommend Leon’s Oyster Shop for your next family meal in Charleston.
The Atmosphere
One of the things I loved most about Leon’s was the diversity in clientele and its essence of being a neighborhood restaurant. From hipsters and prepsters to young families and old friends, Leon’s award winning food and casual atmosphere makes everyone feel welcome.
Leon’s is located in the Westside neighborhood of Charleston. Hot restaurants like Little Jack’s Tavern, Melfi’s, and Maison are all within a block of each other. The restaurant itself is an old auto body shop. With its white exterior, olive green front door, and rusted metal planters outlining the covered patio, Leon’s has lots of charm and retro decor to keep your eyes wandering.
If you have toddlers who (like mine) can’t seem to sit still for more than two minutes, Leon’s gives the gift of outdoor seating and space. Smelling the rosemary and other blooms in the planters kept my youngest occupied and contained. I’m not sure if the red bicycle is there full-time, but trying to decode the bike’s master lock was another way she passed the time while waiting for our food.
The Service
Leon’s was a James Beard Foundation semi-finalist for outstanding hospitality, and it shows. From the minute we got to our table, the waitress was there to greet us and fill our glasses with water. Within minutes, she was back to answer any questions and take our order. What makes Leon’s hospitality so kid friendly is that the service is most attentive. Kids are demanding enough without having to wait lengthy periods of time for food or frequently trying to locate your waiter.
The Food
Last, but certainly not least, let’s talk about the food. Southern Living named Leon’s the best restaurant in the South, and Eater calls it one of the best new restaurants in America.
While Leon’s is known for their fried chicken and oysters, this girl from Memphis couldn’t pass up the fried catfish sandwich. It was outstanding. You know those restaurants that serve fried fish, and it’s essentially a tiny piece of fish surrounded by an ungodly amount of undercooked fried batter? Leon’s version is the complete opposite. The catfish was encased in a golden brown, crispy cornmeal shell — giving off the right amount of spice and a little heat.
The hushpuppies with honey butter were a family favorite as our appetizer. The kids each had a friend chicken sandwich with cole slaw, and they loved it. One of the selling points was that it came with Duke’s mayo, which is a sandwich staple in our house and the mark of a true Southern kitchen.
Quick Tips
Get there early. We arrived a few minutes before they opened for lunch, and there was already a line outside of the door.
Eat under the covered patio to enjoy the fresh air and daily activity on King Street.
Parking is located at 688 King Street, or you can typically find street parking down one of the side streets.
For the ladies, be sure to check out the restroom where you will see the 1953 calendar girls on display. I can’t say I’ve taken a picture of bathroom walls in a restaurant before, but this one was worth capturing.
Remember: Happy kids make for happy parents when eating out, and Leon’s Oyster Shop has you covered. If you’re looking for a family friendly restaurant in Charleston with great food, I recommend you give Leon’s a try.
