Jestine's Kitchen
(Now Closed)Southern Food Restaurant$$$$
Downtown Charleston, Charleston
The experts at Eater and Epicurious recommend this place
111 Tips and reviews
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Mike KlubokJanuary 14, 2015The line out the door moves relatively fast. The food and service is awesome. The pecan chicken was awesome as was the coca-cola cake. Actually the coca-cola cake is to die for and then some.
Amanda NerudMay 20, 2015If you're ready for a life changing meal (really everything is amazing) but get the fried chicken and the cola cake. unless it's Sunday, then get the special - Shrimp and Grits...utterly amazeballs!
Jay EaglesonAugust 17, 2014This place lived up to the hype. Most of us got the fried chicken and we couldn't believe how big the portions were. Next time I'm in Charleston, I'll be back, but maybe for the also famous meatloaf.
Alex LoiaconoNovember 10, 2015We got the fried chicken and meatloaf. Both of which were amazing. The sides were great too, definitely recommend the collards with some hot sauce! Don't forget the sweat tea, also amazing!
Mrfantastic8000November 4, 2015Family atmosphere. No frills, down home vibe. Highly recommend the collard green and fried okra! Fried chicken is good! Mac n cheese, just ok. Service was good and very friendly!
Mel OckertAugust 27, 2017Amazing meal! Fried chicken, meatloaf, black eye peas...everything was fantastic! Definitely get dessert...coca cola cake or banana pudding!!
Amanda ChvatalJuly 21, 2013The line is worth the wait! With all the great food in this town Jestines has been our favorite. Between the amazing fried chicken, bottomless sweet teas and sweetheart staff it's a no brainer.
Tiffany BrummittOctober 12, 2013They have great southern foods. A must is their fried chicken or fried pork chops and fried orka. But you must save room for their wonderful Coca Cola cake. It was so good we eat there twice.
EpicuriousAugust 3, 2014The sweet-spicy cucumbers that arrive on the table as soon as you sit down are heaven in a bowl, and the "table wine" (i.e., sweet tea) is consistently voted Charleston's best. Read more
Sean CunninghamJune 29, 2016I had the pecan fried chicken breast sandwich. The chicken was delicious, juicy, and just blew me away. Great fried okra. Good greens. Putting this on my list for future lunches.
Sarah PJune 18, 2016I was really looking forward to trying Jestine's because I'd heard it was the best in Charleston, but I went away disappointed. I not as much flavor. Best friends chicken I've has been in Virginia.
EaterJuly 30, 2012Lines of tourists and locals alike patiently wait to take their turn at pork chops, fried chicken, iced tea and the famous Coca-Cola cake. [Eater 18 Member]
Shelley MillerOctober 13, 2013Line around the corner on Sundays after church. Save room for dessert: Coconut cream pie, fruit cobbler, Coca-Cola cake, pecan pie, banana pudding!!- TamaraJuly 25, 2015Coca Cola Cake for sure! Meatloaf is must. Mac N Cheese & Collards for your sides!
Stephanie ScottAugust 4, 2013The Fried Boneless Chicken Breast was absolutely delicious! The cornbread is the best I've had in years and the honey butter that came with it was a perfect touch.
AbDecember 23, 2014Authentic flavors, great service, large portions of meat. If I was hosting friends from outside the country, I'd bring 'em here
Fennel ParsleyFebruary 10, 2013CRAB CAKES ARE TO DIE FOR. I almost died when they brought out a bowl of pickles the moment I sat down.
Rachel BindelMay 31, 2015Fried chicken and the mash potatoes are bomb! Sweet tea is amazing and so is the staff
- The Tastes that Make the CityJune 2, 2015The bottomless sweet tea is the best tea in Charleston, which is why it’s on our list of The Tastes That Make the City: Charleston. Read more
- AUDIOMINDSeptember 18, 2011No, Jestine doesn't work here but the sweet owner Dana Berlin does and she gives thanks to Jestine's memory. Cozy atmosphere and tasty southern home cooking. Shrimp and grits are only served Sunday's.
Doug SattazahnOctober 14, 2015Extremely friendly and great service. Loved the Coca Cola chocolate cake. If visiting Charleston, you should definitely try.
BaltimoreGalNovember 11, 2016This is the best fried chicken I have ever had. And I grew up in Georgia, I've had my share.
Farhat SikderDecember 27, 2019The pickles were really good. Mash and fried chicken was good as well. Not one of the top spots but still good.
TahniDecember 31, 2011Pecan fried chicken is exactly what fried chicken should be. And the fried okra- to die for! All this coming from a person not really into fried foods.
Renaissance HotelsMay 29, 2012You’ll wait in a long line here for a succulent, Southern fried chicken leg, and you’ll be glad you did. For more local tips, follow us on 4sq or check out- BaltimoreGalNovember 11, 2016Sweet tea brings back memories of my Great Aunt Virginia's house, where it would be waiting on the table at dinner.
- BaltimoreGalNovember 11, 2016If they have the butter beans, get the butter beans. They were perfect.
Suzanne SpagnolaApril 23, 2012Don't ignore the table cucumbers - they're fantastically refreshing after heavy southern food. Peach & blueberry cobbler as a finish was quite nice!
Reginald LassiterJune 13, 2019Had the chicken soup, bonleless pecan fried chicken breast, collard greens and coca cola cake. Was not disappointed at all.
Brian DeVitoSeptember 19, 2014Fried chicken basket is great and a decent sized portion for any Yankee.
Alicia ReiseJuly 13, 2012Lillies's of Charleston Hot Sauce Is To Die For Here!!!! Get it with fried chicken!
Suzanne BrownJune 24, 2016I was disappointed in the food & the service. Our charge (incl tax & tip) was $60 which was the most expensive meal during our whole week and we ate at several nice restaurants during this trip.
Leila GreenSeptember 25, 2016If you want true southern soul food, just get in line. It's worth the wait.
Start with the corn bread. It is served with a side of hot honey with slices of butter.
WannaSee ItAllJuly 9, 2011Like everyone else said the coca cola cake and the fried chicken is amazing. The waitress was one of the best we ever had.
Frederik MagnussonMay 7, 2017First place I went after arriving in Charleston. It's gonna be a great trip!
Derrick EspinosaAugust 7, 2011Everything is amazing here. Bottomless sweet tea is bomb too! The wait is definitely worth it.
Marysol BurgosSeptember 26, 2010Mac n cheese is not their strong point. Banana pudding and broccoli cheese casserole (if they have it) on the other hand, is.
Daniel KivariAugust 27, 2013According to local television reports and the last patrons, Jestine's may reopen after the Jewish holidays or never again.
Anne-Marie SmithDecember 4, 2010Try the pork chops, the pecan chicken sandwiches, what the heck try everything, you'll love it!
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- 8.8
"Come hungry. Eat biscuits. Order Fried Green Tomatoes and Shrimpp and Grits. Leave stuffed and satisfied."
Jason - 7.0
"Def come here for their breakfast menu. It's cheap and amazing. Best deal in charleston."
Shelley - 8.2
"The French toast, bacon, omelettes, home fries. Take your pick and the people are so friendly. To have great fresh food and great service is the best. I always come here when in Charleston."
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