39 Rue DE Jean, Charleston

The polished mahogany wood, the red and tan color scheme, and the lively social atmosphere will make you feel as though you've stepped into an upscale cafe in Paris. 39 Rue de Jean, or "Rue," as the locals call it, serves up American-French cuisine (as well as a few sushi dishes), and has been continually voted as the best French restaurant in Charleston. There is an upstairs lounge which can be rented out to large parties, and limited outdoor seating. If you're sensitive to noise, try to sit in the dining room to the right as the bar area can get quite noisy with the after-work crowd. A popular dish is the braised rabbit, cooked with white wine, creme fraiche, whole grain mustard, and served with potatoes dauphinoise. The muscles, served in six different ways, are popular as well. If you're stopping by for lunch, try the burger; many locals claim its the best in town. Brunch is offered on Sundays. Bar is open late.