In August 2025, Charleston bid farewell to some of the most celebrated restaurants, including a decades-old restaurant, a sports bar, and more. All closed their doors by the end of the month.
Highlights
- Charleston said goodbye to some of its cherished locations in August 2025.
- Beloved fine dining restaurant, Charleston Grill, closed its doors after 36 years in business.
- Cleats and La Bonne Franquette also shut down by the end of August.
Cherished Restaurants Shut Down in Charleston
From decades of fine dining and Southern elegance to French-inspired cuisine and lively sports bars, each restaurant has left a unique mark on Charleston’s dining scene.
Charleston Grill and Cleats have closed their doors with plans to return under a new dining concept, while La Bonne Franquette has permanently pulled its shutters.
Charleston Grill
- Where: 224 King St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States
- When: August 23, 2025
After 36 years at the heart of Charleston Place, Charleston Grill closed its doors on August 23, ending an era of Southern-inspired fine dining. The restaurant was popular for its Southern flavors and curated wine selections.
Signature dishes included Fish a la Plancha, Prime Beef Tenderloin, and the local favorite Charleston Grill Crab, paired with wines like Rhône Valley Whites and Bordeaux selections.
Though the restaurant closed its doors, the team at Charleston Grill may come back soon with a new dining concept.
Cleats
- Where: 1640 Meeting St Suite 101, Charleston, SC 29405, United States
- When: August 30, 2025
Cleats, a sports bar and sandwich pub at 1640 Meeting St, Suite 101, closed on August 30, with plans to return under a new concept. The restaurant blended traditional and modern flavors and served innovative style sandwiches with creative twists.
In addition to sandwiches, Cleats served wings, Creative Dawgs, the Pit Beef Hot Sammie, and an assortment of beers and cocktails.
La Bonne Franquette
- Where: 652 St Andrews Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407, United States
- When: August 31, 2025
The iconic French-inspired restaurant, La Bonne Franquette, served its final dinner on August 31. The bistro quickly became a Charleston favorite for its French-inspired cuisine on St. Andrews Boulevard. The menu offered traditional and house-made desserts, soups, salads, sandwiches, and charcuterie boards. Popular dishes included steak frites, roasted duck, mussels, and croque monsieur.
While Charleston will miss these iconic spots, each left a lasting mark with its creativity, flavors, and welcoming atmosphere.
