The Best Mac & Cheese in Charleston

If you know nothing else about me, know that my true passion is for mac and cheese. So simple in theory, the reality is that there are thousands of different noodle + cheese(s) combinations throughout Charleston. But not all mac and cheese is created equal.

Here are the Queen’s picks for best Mac & Cheese in Charleston:

Crave

The mac at Crave has been called “Most Life-Changing Mac and Cheese” by Esquire magazine and they’ve won the People’s Choice award at the Charleston Mac Off for the past 5 years, so they’re definitely on to something. It’s creamy and parmesan-y (like Alfredo sauce, but not really). You need to try it to believe it!

Rarebit

The thing I love about Rarebit’s mac is that it’s more like a classic baked mac and cheese with plenty of melted shredded cheddar on top. The sauce is much thicker and it pairs perfectly with a country fried steak or Rarebit burger.

Swig & Swine

This is the perfect mac and cheese to eat with barbecue. It’s nice and peppery and creamy which helps to balance out the vinegar of BBQ sauce. Plus, they use shells, which make me feel like I’m a kid again.

Graze

Graze is the only restaurant on the list who really explores the use of southern ingredients within the dish itself. It’s made with crispy pork rinds, pulled pork, and collard greens. It’s basically the most southern dish I can think of.

Cru Cafe

The mac at Cru Cafe is made with generous amounts of 4 cheeses and uses orecchiette pasta. My favorite part about it is that Chef John Zucker made his recipe publicly available, so you can make it at home if you’re so inclined.

Ted’s Butcher Block

My coworkers lovingly refer to the mac & cheese from Ted’s as “Crack and Cheese,” because it’s so addicting. It’s also the only mac on this list that’s served cold. But trust me, it’s still delish.