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About
Handy and Hot
Welcome to Handy and Hot, a charming gem nestled in the heart of Charleston at 68 Wentworth St. This delightful eatery is not just about food; it's an experience crafted by Chef Vivian Howard, known for her creativity and dedication to fresh, local ingredients. Here at Handy and Hot, you’ll soon discover the magic of biscuits and hand pies, each dish bursting with flavor and crafted with care.
As a food reviewer for Foodjoyy, I am thrilled to dive deeper into what makes Handy and Hot a must-visit destination for both locals and travelers alike. The ambiance is cozy and bright, creating the perfect backdrop for a satisfying meal. The cheerful and knowledgeable staff enhance the experience, ensuring every guest feels welcome and eager to explore the menu.
- Biscuits: The star of the show! Each biscuit is a fluffy masterpiece, with options like the classic Bacon, Egg & Cheese loaded with sliced bacon, herbed egg patty, and American cheese for just $10. For something unique, try the Pimento Cheese Fried Chicken biscuit, a delightful combination of rich flavors at only $7.
- Hand Pies: If you’re in the mood for a handheld treat, don't miss their Philly Cheesesteak hand pie, featuring tender steak, onions, and gooey cheese—all for $6. The Breakfast hand pie loaded with sausage, egg, and cheese is another great choice, making breakfast on-the-go deliciously easy.
- Salads and Snacks: For those seeking lighter fare, the Golden Beet Salad with tangy goat cheese and a zesty lemon vinaigrette at $8 is a refreshing choice. And you must try the Butter Bean Hummus, served with fried flour tortillas that add a delightful crunch to this creamy dip.
The reviews speak volumes of the experience at Handy and Hot. Neil Voskoboynikov raves about the friendly atmosphere, while Jerica Jenkins highlights the standout Bacon, Egg & Cheese biscuit sandwich, which has quickly become a fan-favorite. Kellie McBride's praise for the unique pairing of ham and apple sauce in her biscuit demonstrates the culinary team's knack for combining unexpected ingredients to create something truly special.
In summary, Handy and Hot is more than just a breakfast spot; it's a destination. Whether you're opting for a hearty biscuit or indulging in a sweet hand pie, each bite is a celebration of flavors. I highly recommend stopping by for brunch or an afternoon snack—you won’t be disappointed!
For those curious about the coffee, rest assured, it’s sourced from a great North Carolina roaster, promising a proper coffee experience to complement your meal. So, pack your appetite and get ready to indulge in some of Charleston's finest offerings at Handy and Hot!
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“ This place is amazing, cozy and bright atmosphere paired with amazing happy people and food is great, had the peach and goat cheese handy and eggs and was a bliss. Unique tea, ie Charleston fog is cool ”
“ Breakfast/brunch place from Chef Vivian Howard located adjacent to Lenoir. They specialize in biscuits and hand pies. We had the sweet potato pie and it was on the sweet side but was delicious and had a great crust. Biscuit was very fluffy and soft as well. The other food is pre-prepared and while a little disappointing, still pretty good even if it's just reheated. Overall, still a great experience and great vibes sitting outside. ”
“ Found this place while exploring Charleston and it was just what we were looking for. The employee that helped us was super nice and friendly and he seemed to really know his stuff. The bacon, egg and cheese biscuit sandwich was our favorite. Though just the biscuit itself was really good. Would highly recommend and they have savory and sweet for whatever mood you are in. ”
“ Holy buckets were these biscuits good! The ham with apple sauce was spectacular. And the egg with pimento cheese! Yummy. Not flavors I would have put together... and I admit to some skepticism. We will be back during our week in Charleston. ”
“ The sign outside is right. The coffee is proper - great NC roaster. While the “feel” of the place felt a little flat (we went in the afternoon - I’m betting the morning is more lively) the food was really great. Best packaged Caesar I’ve had. My wife got the potlicker stew and it was so delicious. Don’t sleep on the soft boiled egg and tomato relish - maybe the best thing I had and would definitely get again. If you like good coffee and small bites, this is a nice place to grab breakfast for lunch! ”
“ OMG it was so delicious. We went out of our way on a road trip to eat here. And it did not disappoint! I had the BBQ hand pie. My spies is gluten free, and he had a pimento cheese grits bowl with air dried sausage and pickled tomatoes. We both had the vanilla bean lemonade. Staff was friendly and welcoming. Space to eat inside or out. Wish I’d had room in my stomach to eat more!! ”
“ My wife and I are currently staying at the Renaissance Lindy hotel in downtown Charleston, and we decided to take the front desk’s recommendation to try Handy & Hot for breakfast. We learned from the staff that this cozy spot is owned by Vivian Howard, an award-winning chef, cookbook author, and television personality famous for her shows on PBS. After a bit of online research, I realized she’s also a New York Times bestselling author who has won Peabody, Emmy, and James Beard awards—so I was pretty excited to give her food a try. The breakfast did not disappoint. I thought the breakfast potatoes were perfectly warm, and the eggs were whipped just right with an ideal amount of salt. The bacon was deliciously crispy, and the bread served alongside everything was thick, fresh, and really hit the spot. To Management: My only critique would be the sausage patties—they were a little too greasy for my taste, and I’d personally suggest a healthier (or at least a less heavy) alternative. Otherwise, everything else was fantastic, especially considering the affordable price point. I love that Vivian Howard, who once dreamed of being a writer, has managed to blend her creative passions with her culinary talent, all while raising twins and running multiple restaurants (she also owns Chef & the Farmer in Kinston, NC, and Lenoir here in Charleston). It’s clear she pours her heart into her work—I can see why she’s racked up so many accolades. Overall, I’d absolutely recommend Handy & Hot if you’re in downtown Charleston, whether you’re staying at the Renaissance Lindy or just looking for a satisfying breakfast. With Vivian Howard at the helm, you know you’re getting something special. I fully support her and can’t wait to see what else she comes up with next! ”
“ The breakfast sandwiches were really good! The pimento and egg was great, as well as the country ham sando. The vanilla bean lemonade was not very vanilla-y though it had the little bean seeds. Easy little spot and cute interior. ”