Leon's

What do you get if you revitalize a 1950s body shop into a restaurant serving Lowcountry seafood, fried chicken, rosé on tap, and cheap beer? The answer: Leon's!

The story starts in 1952 when Leon Ravenel opened Leon's Body Shop. For years, he serviced cars in his modest garage. The shop thrived through the 1960s and 1970s, but Leon eventually retired and closed the business in the late 1980s. 

The shop sat dormant for years until 2014, when Charleston restaurateur Brooks Reitz and partner Tim Mink transformed it into the hip and casual oyster-and-fried-chicken joint. They kept the name "Leon" to honor the mechanic and connect diners with the past. 

Located near some of Charleston's top attractions, it makes grabbing lunch or dinner between sightseeing a breeze. Within walking distance is the Charleston City Market and Waterfront Park, while access to the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is just minutes away, connecting you to Sullivan's Island.

The menu is limited but is jam-packed with creative choices. While we'll dive into these in more detail in our following section, rest assured, there's something for even the pickiest eater. 

Also worth mentioning is The Oyster Shed that adjoins Leon's. This two-story private dining area is in a renovated historic home with room for 24 guests. It also has a private patio to accommodate larger groups. 

With its charming, retro setting, Southern fare, and access to popular landmarks, Leon's will add value to your Lowcountry getaway.

Vibe

Leon's keeps things simple on the outside. With white-painted brick, large garage doors, and understated vintage signage, the building still hints at its automotive roots. The Kelly Green front doors, retro awning, and covered porch are inviting features that lure all to dine, linger, and relax.

This design motif continues indoors, with a comfortable mix of rustic charm and industrial style. The vaulted ceilings showcase wooden beams and exposed ductwork for a welcoming feel. Concrete floors, exposed brick walls, and straightforward tables and chairs keep things unfussy and practical. The former glass garage door rolls up when the weather permits, connecting diners with the outdoors.

The seating allows for everything from quiet dinners for two to big family-style gatherings. Should you need space for a private event or celebration, consider renting The Oyster Shed. 

All these attributes make Leon's ideal for any vacation in South Carolina.

Leon's: Menu & Drinks

Leon's takes classic Southern recipes and makes them unforgettable. Every dish is prepared with skill, turning simple ingredients into standouts. 

Diners talk up the fried chicken for its crispy outside and juicy, flavorful inside. You may order the two-piece, with your choice of white or dark meat, or if you're famished, order the ½ chicken. Leon's Big Platter Chicken will feed the whole crew with the whole chicken and two sides. 

Equally popular is the Siam Salad, now a staple at Leon's, even though it wasn't born in the South. It combines Napa and red cabbage, avocados, oranges, peanuts, fried shallots, and a lively dressing for a fresh, lively bite.

Seafood fans go for the chargrilled oysters, hot from the grill with a buttery garlic and parmesan topping. Also noteworthy is the raw bar, showcasing either raw oysters with cocktail sauce and mignonette, peel-and-eat shrimp, or smoked Mahi dip. 

The menu also offers a variety of sandwiches and seafood entrees, ensuring something for everyone. 

When it comes to drinks, they are as inventive as the food. Grower Champagne is a popular choice for the fried chicken, while the rosé slushie is a no-brainer on warm Charleston days. Wine, spirits, and beers abound, making it easy to pair a drink with your meal. 

Dining at Leon's will elevate a South Carolina escape. Whether you visit to refresh after touring the Rainbow Row area or desire its unique menu and vibe, you'll leave satisfied and with plenty of reasons to return.