Charleston’s dinner tours blend history and Southern cuisine in practical, memorable ways. Four standout options deserve special attention: The historic dining experience brings 18th and 19th-century Charleston to life with period-accurate meals and storytelling. For water views, the harbor dinner cruise combines local seafood with skyline vistas, while the blues and BBQ sunset cruise offers casual fun with live music. Our favorite unique option is the true crime dinner show – it’s engaging, different, and includes a satisfying meal.
Let’s explore these top dinner tours in detail.
Key Points
- 18th and 19th Century Historic Dining Experience offers an authentic 4-course meal with a culinary historian’s narrative on Charleston’s culinary history.
- Luxury Harbor Dinner Cruise provides a 3-course dinner with local ingredients, live music, and scenic views of Charleston’s harbor.
- Sunset Blues & BBQ Dinner Cruise features a Southern BBQ buffet and live blues music, creating a unique atmosphere with Charleston’s waterfront and sunsets.
- Harbor Luxury Dinner Cruise with Live Music offers a 3-course dinner made from local, seasonal ingredients and live music entertainment on a climate-controlled dining deck.
- Dinner Detective Interactive True Crime Dinner Show provides a unique murder mystery experience with a full-course meal and an interactive performance encouraging guest participation.
18th and 19th Century Historic Dining and After Hours Museum
At the heart of Charleston’s rich culinary heritage lies the 18th and 19th Century Historic Dining and After Hours Museum. This unique dining experience combines history and cuisine, providing guests with a glimpse into the past through an authentic 4-course meal featuring dishes from the 1730s to 1890s.
Led by a culinary historian, the museum offers a 7-course supper that includes a delectable selection of soups, entrees, and desserts, such as Beef a la Mode, Duck and Sausage Pilau with Apples, and the decadent Charlotte Russe.
Complementing the exceptional fare, the museum also provides a narrative on Charleston’s culinary history, as well as an included visit to the South Carolina Historical Society Museum. Guests can bring their own beverages and enjoy the museum’s offering of Madeira wine.
With a maximum of 16 travelers and a 4.9 rating from 87 reviews, this historic dining experience is a must-try for anyone seeking an educational and delightful culinary adventure in Charleston.
Read our full review: 18th and 19th Century Historic Dining and After Hours Museum Review
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Charleston: Luxury Harbor Dinner Cruise
Visitors to Charleston can embark on a luxurious dinner cruise aboard the Spirit of Carolina, which showcases the city’s picturesque harbor. The cruise offers a 2.5-hour experience with a 3-course dinner featuring local ingredients.
The menu highlights include Charleston she-crab soup, Edisto green salad, and entrees like braised short rib of beef, seared wing tip chicken breast, and low country shrimp and grits. Diners can also indulge in desserts like New York-style cheesecake and gluten-free chocolate pot de crème.
Throughout the cruise, guests can enjoy live music and breathtaking views of landmarks like Fort Sumter and the Ravenel Bridge. The climate-controlled dining decks and open-air observation deck provide comfortable viewing.
While the cruise isn’t fully wheelchair accessible, the company does accommodate requests. Priced from $92.76 per person, the cruise has earned an overall rating of 4.4/5 from 729 reviews, with high praise for the guide, transportation, and value for money.
Read our full review: Charleston: Luxury Harbor Dinner Cruise Review
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Charleston Sunset Blues & BBQ Dinner Cruise
While Charleston is renowned for its rich history and picturesque scenery, visitors seeking a unique dining experience can embark on the Charleston Sunset Blues & BBQ Dinner Cruise. This 2.5-hour excursion offers a delectable Southern BBQ buffet, complete with pulled pork, smoked chicken, and vegetarian options, as well as live blues music performed by local musicians.
The cruise departs from the Charleston Maritime Center, with a maximum capacity of 150 travelers.
Despite its overall positive reviews, the cruise has received some complaints regarding the quality of the food, service, and limited outdoor seating. Guests are advised to arrive early to secure better seating, and those with mobility concerns should note that the cruise isn’t entirely wheelchair accessible.
Nevertheless, the cruise promises a scenic backdrop of Charleston’s waterfront and stunning sunsets, creating an ideal atmosphere for date nights or gatherings with friends and family.
Read our full review: Charleston Sunset Blues & BBQ Dinner Cruise Review
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Charleston Harbor Luxury Dinner Cruise With Live Music
For those seeking a more elevated dining experience on the Charleston waterfront, the Charleston Harbor Luxury Dinner Cruise with Live Music offers an enchanting option.
This 2.5-hour cruise showcases the city’s top landmarks, including Fort Sumter and The Battery, while guests enjoy a three-course dinner made from local, seasonal ingredients.
The climate-controlled dining deck provides the perfect setting for the live music entertainment that accompanies the meal.
With a maximum capacity of 200 travelers, the cruise offers an intimate ambiance, though accessibility may be limited due to steps required.
Guests can take advantage of the full-service cash bar and soak in stunning sunset views, weather permitting.
While reviews are generally positive regarding the food quality and service, some concerns have been raised about the sound system and cleanliness.
Nonetheless, this dinner cruise is an ideal choice for special occasions, with a price range starting from €84.83 per person and flexible cancellation policies.
Read our full review: Charleston Harbor Luxury Dinner Cruise With Live Music Review
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Dinner Detective Interactive True Crime Dinner Show! (Charleston)
Often billed as a one-of-a-kind experience, the Dinner Detective Interactive True Crime Dinner Show in Charleston invites guests to enjoy a captivating murder mystery while savoring a full course meal.
Located inside the Cambria Charleston Riverview, the show runs every Friday and Saturday evening, starting promptly at 6:00 PM. With a maximum capacity of 60 attendees, the interactive performance blends live entertainment and a full-service dinner, challenging participants to identify the culprit.
The menu features a grilled herb chicken entree with asparagus and wild rice pilaf, though some reviews have noted inconsistencies with food quality. A cash bar is available for those interested in alcoholic beverages.
Gratuities for the wait staff are included in the ticket price, which starts at $116.99 per person. While the event receives positive feedback for its engaging mystery, critiques have highlighted issues with the performance quality and food preparation.
The venue is wheelchair accessible, and most travelers can participate, making it a unique option for those seeking a combination of dinner and live entertainment in Charleston.
Read our full review: Dinner Detective Interactive True Crime Dinner Show! (Charleston) Review
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Recap
Charleston’s dinner tour options cater to a range of interests, from historic dining experiences to luxury cruises with live music. Whether you’re seeking a sophisticated evening or a lively adventure, the city’s diverse selection of dinner tours provides the perfect backdrop for a memorable night out. With options spanning historic sites, scenic harbor views, and even a true crime-themed dinner show, Charleston has something to suit every taste.