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Southern · Lowcountry · Charleston, SC

Poogan's Porch Menu 2026: Southern Food, Brunch & She-Crab Soup

Full Poogan's Porch menu for 2026 -- every category, every signature dish, with dish descriptions. This Charleston institution serves classic Southern and Lowcountry cuisine in an 1888 Victorian home at 72 Queen Street. Below: the signature dishes, the full menu by category, brunch highlights, and answers to the questions visitors ask most.

72 Queen St, Charleston SCSince 1976She-crab soup & biscuitsWeekend brunchHaunted by Poogan
Sample · $$

Signature items

She-Crab SoupSignature
Shrimp and GritsLowcountry classic
Buttermilk BiscuitsFamous
Crab Cake BenedictBrunch
Peach CobblerDessert
Jump to: Signature dishes Weekend brunch Full menu About Poogan's Porch Related restaurants FAQ
Quick answers

Common questions about Poogan's Porch, answered

The four things visitors most often ask about Poogan's Porch -- answered in one glance.

Most famous dish
Shrimp and Grits

South Carolina shrimp, stone-ground grits, tasso ham gravy.

Signature soup
She-Crab Soup

Rich cream-based Charleston classic with lump crab and sherry.

Must-order baked
Buttermilk Biscuits

Fluffy, buttery, and house-baked -- among the best in Charleston.

Top brunch dish
Crab Cake Benedict

Poached eggs + hollandaise over a seared lump crab cake on a house biscuit.

Signature dishes

Poogan's Porch most celebrated dishes

Ranked by long-standing reputation and guest consensus. These are the dishes that define Poogan's Porch and draw visitors from around the country to 72 Queen Street.

  1. 1She-Crab SoupThe most celebrated she-crab soup in Charleston.Signature
  2. 2Shrimp and GritsSC shrimp, stone-ground grits, tasso ham gravy.Signature
  3. 3Buttermilk BiscuitsFresh-baked, fluffy, and famous.Signature
  4. 4Fried ChickenButtermilk-marinated, crispy Southern-style.Signature
  5. 5Crab Cake BenedictLump crab cake under poached eggs and hollandaise.Brunch
  6. 6Banana PuddingLayers of vanilla custard, wafers, and fresh banana.Dessert
Weekend brunch highlights

What's on the Poogan's Porch brunch menu

Poogan's Porch brunch runs on Saturday and Sunday and is one of Charleston's most sought-after weekend tables. These are the standout items and seasonal specials that keep the reservation book full.

Brunch

Crab Cake Benedict

Weekend brunch showpiece: poached eggs, hollandaise, lump crab cake on a house buttermilk biscuit.

Brunch

Shrimp and Grits (Brunch)

The Porch signature at brunch -- SC shrimp over stone-ground grits in tasso ham gravy.

Seasonal

Catfish Stew

Traditional Charleston-style catfish stew -- a peppery tomato broth, white rice, and cornbread. A rotating Southern staple.

Classic

Porch Punch

House cocktail: bourbon, sweet tea, and seasonal fruit. The porch drink of choice.

Always On

Buttermilk Biscuits

Poogan's most famous item -- fresh-baked all day, every day.

Always On

She-Crab Soup

A Charleston institution since the restaurant opened. Cream, crab roe, and sherry.

Browse the menu

Jump to a menu category

All menu categories at Poogan's Porch with item counts.

The full menu

Every category on the Poogan's Porch menu (2026)

All categories below, with dish descriptions. Seasonal items rotate -- confirm current availability with the restaurant.

Prices not listed. Poogan's Porch does not publish current prices online, so Menupedia does not show prices for this restaurant. Confirm current menu pricing directly at poogansporch.com or by calling the restaurant at 72 Queen Street, Charleston, SC.
Dietary guide

Vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-conscious choices

Poogan's Porch is a Southern restaurant with a menu built around meat, seafood, and dairy -- but it offers several vegetarian-friendly items and sides, and the kitchen is generally willing to accommodate requests. Vegan options are limited but available with modification.

For serious allergies, call the restaurant directly. Cross-contact is possible in a full-service kitchen environment.

  • Vegetarian items: Buttermilk Biscuits, Stone-Ground Grits, Cornbread, Roasted Sweet Potatoes, French Toast, Avocado Toast, all desserts
  • Vegan sides: Okra and Tomatoes, Roasted Sweet Potatoes (confirm no butter)
  • Shellfish dishes: She-Crab Soup, Shrimp and Grits, Crab Cakes, Crab Cake Benedict -- not suitable for shellfish allergies
  • Gluten-free: No certified GF kitchen; confirm with staff
About Poogan's Porch

A Charleston institution since 1976 -- and haunted since long before that.

Poogan's Porch opened in 1976 in a Victorian wooden house built in 1888 at 72 Queen Street in Charleston, SC. The restaurant takes its name from Poogan, a stray dog who lived on the front porch of the house and became a neighborhood fixture. When the house's original owners moved away, Poogan was left behind -- he reportedly waited on the porch until his death in 1979, and a small tombstone in the front garden marks his resting place.

The kitchen serves classic Southern and Lowcountry cuisine with a commitment to South Carolina ingredients. The she-crab soup, buttermilk biscuits, and shrimp and grits have been on the menu for decades and are widely considered Charleston benchmarks. Weekend brunch is among the most celebrated in the city -- and one of the hardest tables to get without a reservation.

The building itself is one of Charleston's most storied -- appearing on ghost tours and earning a reputation for unexplained occurrences that staff and guests have reported for years. The haunted porch, the famous biscuits, and the Lowcountry cooking make Poogan's Porch one of the most complete Charleston dining experiences available.

1976Opened
1888House built
72Queen Street
PooganThe ghost dog
Ordering tips

How to get the most out of a visit to Poogan's Porch

Book ahead

Reserve early for brunch

Weekend brunch is Poogan's Porch most in-demand service. Reserve via the official website or OpenTable well in advance -- same-week tables for Saturday or Sunday are rare during peak season (spring and fall in Charleston).

Must-order

Start with the she-crab soup

She-crab soup is the dish Poogan's Porch has built its reputation on. Order it as a starter regardless of what else you choose -- it sets the tone for the entire meal and is one of the most cited highlights by returning guests.

Biscuits

Order extra biscuits

Poogan's buttermilk biscuits are widely considered among the best in Charleston. They disappear fast -- especially at brunch. Order a full basket at the start of the meal and plan around them.

Ghost tour

Ask about Poogan

The story of Poogan is part of what makes the restaurant what it is. Staff are happy to share the history. The tombstone is in the front garden. Charleston ghost tours frequently pass the restaurant -- some include a stop or a meal.

Seasonal

Menu rotates with the seasons

Poogan's Porch uses South Carolina seasonal ingredients. Some items -- especially specials and sides -- rotate by season. The core signatures (she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, biscuits, fried chicken) are consistent fixtures.

Parking

Plan for parking in downtown Charleston

72 Queen Street is in the heart of the historic district. Street parking is limited on weekends. The Queen Street Parking Garage and other nearby garages are the most reliable options. Consider walking from your hotel if staying downtown.

Common questions

Poogan's Porch -- frequently asked questions

Quick answers to the questions visitors most commonly ask about Poogan's Porch, its menu, brunch, and the ghost story.

What is Poogan's Porch famous for?

Poogan's Porch is famous for three things: its she-crab soup (widely considered one of the best in Charleston), its buttermilk biscuits (puffy, buttery, and baked fresh in-house), and its weekend brunch which draws long lines. The restaurant is also one of Charleston's most celebrated haunted buildings -- local legend holds that Poogan, a stray dog who lived on the porch and was left behind when the house's original owners moved, still haunts the building.

Is Poogan's Porch a brunch restaurant?

Poogan's Porch serves brunch on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and is one of the most popular brunch destinations in Charleston. The brunch menu features classic Southern dishes including shrimp and grits, Eggs Benedict on house biscuits, crab cake Benedict, French toast, and the full biscuit lineup. The restaurant also serves lunch and dinner throughout the week. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend brunch.

What is she-crab soup?

She-crab soup is a traditional Charleston Lowcountry specialty -- a rich, cream-based bisque made with lump blue crab meat, crab roe (from female crabs, hence 'she-crab'), and a finishing splash of dry sherry. It's the signature soup of Charleston fine dining, and Poogan's Porch version is one of the city's most celebrated. The roe gives it a distinctive richness and slightly briny, oceanic flavor that sets it apart from standard crab bisque.

Is Poogan's Porch haunted?

Yes -- by local legend. Poogan was a stray dog who lived on the front porch of 72 Queen Street and was adopted by the neighborhood. When the house's original owners moved away, Poogan was left behind and reportedly sat on the porch waiting for their return until he died in 1979. A small tombstone in the front garden marks his resting place. Guests and staff have reportedly encountered unusual occurrences inside, and Poogan's Porch has earned a place on nearly every Charleston ghost tour. The haunted reputation is as much a part of the brand as the biscuits.

Where is Poogan's Porch located?

Poogan's Porch is located at 72 Queen Street, Charleston, SC 29401, in the heart of the historic downtown district. The restaurant occupies a Victorian-era wooden house built in 1888, just a few blocks from the City Market. Street parking and nearby garages are available; the restaurant is also walkable from most downtown Charleston hotels.

Does Poogan's Porch take reservations?

Yes. Reservations are strongly recommended at Poogan's Porch, especially for weekend brunch, which is among the most sought-after in Charleston. Tables fill quickly on Saturdays and Sundays. Reservations can be made through the official website at poogansporch.com or via OpenTable. Walk-in seating is sometimes available for smaller parties, but waiting times on peak weekend days can be significant.

What are the hours at Poogan's Porch?

Poogan's Porch is generally open for lunch and dinner daily, with weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Hours can vary seasonally and during holidays. Confirm current hours directly with the restaurant at poogansporch.com before visiting, as Menupedia's data was last reviewed in May 2026 and hours are subject to change.

How much does Poogan's Porch cost?

Poogan's Porch is a mid-range Charleston restaurant with a $$ price point. As a sit-down Southern restaurant with a full bar, expect starters in the mid-single digits to low teens, mains ranging from the low teens to mid-twenties, and brunch items in a similar range. Brunch cocktails add to the bill. Because the restaurant does not publish a priced menu online, and prices change, Menupedia does not list specific prices -- confirm current pricing at poogansporch.com.

What is the best dish at Poogan's Porch?

By reputation and guest consensus, the shrimp and grits and she-crab soup are the two dishes most consistently cited as must-orders. The shrimp and grits feature South Carolina shrimp over stone-ground grits in a tasso ham gravy -- a Lowcountry benchmark. The she-crab soup is a Charleston signature the restaurant has served for decades. The buttermilk biscuits are also frequently cited as among the best in a city that takes biscuits seriously. For brunch, the Crab Cake Benedict is a Poogan's showpiece.

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