From the corner of John and King

The King Street Journal

Smash burgers, dueling pianos, late-night food and big nights out in downtown Charleston, written by the people behind the flat top.

Smash burger with a crispy lacy edge and melted American cheese at John King Grill on King Street in downtown Charleston SC

The Smash

What Is a Smash Burger, and Why the Crispy Edge Matters

Fresh beef, a screaming-hot flat top, and about thirty seconds of pressure. Here's what actually makes a smash burger a smash burger, and why that lacy crispy edge is the whole point.

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Loaded smash burger with crispy edges served at John King Grill, one of the best burgers in downtown Charleston SC

Food · 6 min read

Best Burgers in Downtown Charleston on King Street

King Street has no shortage of places to eat. Here's how to tell a great burger from a fine one, and what to look for before you commit your night to a bun.

Bachelorette party group celebrating at John King Grill dueling piano bar on King Street in Charleston SC

Nightlife · 6 min read

Best Bachelor and Bachelorette Party Spots in Charleston

Charleston is a bachelorette party town, and King Street is the main stage. Here's how to plan a night that keeps a group of twelve happy from dinner through last call.

Bar with multiple TVs showing the game at John King Grill, a sports bar in downtown Charleston on King Street

Sports · 5 min read

Where to Watch the Game in Charleston: Sports Bars on King Street

Not every bar with a TV is a sports bar. Here's how to pick the right room in downtown Charleston, and what to order once you've got a seat.

Two grand pianos on stage at a dueling pianos show in Charleston SC at John King Grill on King Street

Live Music · 6 min read

What Are Dueling Pianos? A Night Out Explained

Two pianos, two players, and a room full of people yelling requests. Here's exactly what happens at a dueling pianos show, and how to get the most out of one.

Spicy smash burger served late night at John King Grill on King Street in downtown Charleston SC

Food · 5 min read

Best Late-Night Food in Charleston

The dinner rush ends and the city changes. Here's how to eat well after dark in downtown Charleston without settling for whatever's still warm.

Craft cocktail served next to a smash burger at John King Grill bar on King Street in Charleston SC

Bar · 6 min read

Craft Cocktail and Burger Pairings: How Our Bar Team Does It

Beer with a burger is easy. A cocktail with a burger, done right, is better. Here's how our bar team thinks about pairing a drink with a crispy-edged smash.

Happy hour at the bar inside John King Grill on King Street in downtown Charleston SC

Bar · 5 min read

Happy Hour on King Street: Where to Go After Work

The best happy hour on King Street isn't the cheapest one. Here's what to look for after work in downtown Charleston, and how to make it last.

King Street at night in downtown Charleston with lit storefronts near John King Grill at 428 King Street

Nightlife · 6 min read

Best Things to Do on King Street at Night

King Street after dark is the best few blocks in Charleston. Here's how a good downtown night actually flows, from an early drink to the last burger.

Large group celebrating together at John King Grill, a group-friendly restaurant in downtown Charleston SC

Groups · 6 min read

Group-Friendly Restaurants for Big Nights Out in Charleston

Twelve people, one table, and everybody hungry. Here's how to pick a group-friendly restaurant in Charleston and actually pull off a big night out.