Discover CharlestonBurbage’s Grocery – a South of Broad Landmark

Living in downtown Charleston’s historic South of Broad neighborhood has its advantages. Because Charleston, SC is a truly walkable city, you can walk to everything.  That means you are just steps from fabulous restaurants and shopping.  Along the way you can enjoy the rich history, elegant gardens and classic southern architecture.  Tucked alongside of all of this is a South of Broad treasure – Burbage’s Grocery. Established in 1948 as a family-owned grocery, and still remains a family-owned grocery today. Originally located on Tradd St. now in its current location at 157 Broad.  

Burgage’s represents that traditional corner grocery store.  A nod to the era when a neighborhood corner grocery was vital to the health of a thriving neighborhood.  This is the place that local Charlestonians stop in for needed items.  Contractors working downtown love the daily lunch specials and the sandwiches.  The lunch counter serves up fresh made sandwiches, salads by the pound and a “soup of the day ” … or two. You can eat in or take out. My favorite is the barbecue sandwich.  I often purchase the barbecue by the pound.  

I always keep their homemade pimento cheese in my fridge. That is a southern thing! My other favorite is the tomato pie. As I check out at the counter I am always tempted by the fabulous selection of cookies.  

 Everything you need for dinner you can pick up here. A meat counter offers great cuts of meat including very nice steaks. You can find homemade deserts like blackberry cobbler!  Burbage’s even carries a small but good selection of wines.  And you can pick up a bundle of fresh flowers from Fiddle Farms. And you are sure to see your neighbors as well, even if you’re just “running in for a second ” – that’s just how it is in a neighborhood grocery.

Any visit includes a friendly greeting from family members working in the store. I enjoy my visits to Burbage’s not only because of the friendly atmosphere, convenience, and the wonderful homemade southern dishes, but because it reminds me of my childhood and the local corner store in my neighborhood growing up. Something that many cities have lost but has been preserved here in Charleston.

Note: This month celebrates Lowcountry Local First’s “Shop Local “ month.  It is so important to support our local, hometown retailers and restaurants. Make it a point to stop in at Burbage’s the next time you are on Broad Street – and let them know just how much they mean to the neighborhood. To explore more local tips Charleston has to offer take a look at our discover Charleston guide.