Come casual for this high-energy hangout in a converted auto-body shop flooded with Delta blues. The oysters on the half shell are pristine, but do not miss them char-grilled, warm with butter and Parmesan and accompanied by soldiers of Texas toast for sopping up the juice. Ponies of beer complement the crunch of the retro fish fry and cool the heat in the succulent fried chicken’s crust; vino is a must-have for the whole fish special that fancies up the menu at night. The sleeper is the “Smallers,” imaginative salads and sides worthy of the city’s toniest restaurants. Is there really anything better than a juke joint with great food? 698 King St., (843) 531-6500, www.leonsoystershop.com
❋ Readers’ Choice: Edmund’s Oast
