South Carolina has restaurants and cafes that span the culinary universe, from the sublime to the superbly over the top.

Charleston: Southern Living Magazine said Magnolia's is among the very best in Charleston, with an innovative menu that features Down South specialties. Its Web site boasts that chef Donald Barickman has been credited with sparking a "culinary revival" in Charleston in 1990 with this restaurant. The magazine also notes that Anson and Peninsula Grill are among the city's top restaurants. Visitors might also check out: 82 Queen for fine dining in Charleston's historic French Quarter; Shem Creek Bar and Grill for seafood and steaks; 39 Rue de Jean for a 10-ounce Brasserie Burger; Hank's Seafood Restaurant and the Charleston Grill. If you are looking for an old-school soda fountain, stop at the Pitt Street Pharmacy for a cherry Coke and pimento cheese sandwich.

Columbia: According to Columbia Metropolitan magazine, these are among the city's best restaurants: Lizard's Thicket for grits; Sticky Fingers for ribs; Hudson's Smokehouse for barbecue; Za's Brick Oven Pizza; Biscuit House for biscuits; Bonefish Grill for seafood; and Nonnah's for desert. The magazine has named Dianne's On Divine the top restaurant in town. Others of note: Hampton Street Vineyard for fine dining; Mac's On Main for an intimate setting with live jazz; Mr. Friendly's New Southern Café; and Old San Juan Restaurant for mouth-watering Puerto Rican.

Greenville: Enjoy a quiet booth or outdoor table at Soby's New South Cuisine, a lovingly renovated former cotton exchange built in the 1800s. The menu is a mix of contemporary and traditional and draws on the traditions of the South, with fresh, often local, seasonal ingredients. The menu ranges from meatloaf and grilled shrimp to applewood smoked bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin. Also try: Duke's Sandwich Shop; Hickory Hills BBQ and Sarah's Kitchen.

Mount Pleasant: Gullah Cuisine, featured in Southern Living and Gourmet magazines and the New York Times, serves up okra gumbo, collards and succotash. Momma Brown's offers excellent barbecue in an austere setting, where visitors rave about the Low Country barbecue sauce, as well as hushpuppies, hash and banana pudding. TV Food Network's Alton Brown said he got the best hotdog he's ever had at Jack's Cosmic Dogs.

Myrtle Beach: Built in 1930 as a beachfront cottage, today the landmark Sea Captain's House touts its views, Southern hospitality and fine dining. Bubba's Fish Shack boasts down-home coastal cooking, featuring fresh catches, barbecue and Calabash-style shrimp and oysters. Thoroughbred's Restaurant has mahogany walls, fireplaces, French doors and chowder, fresh seafood and innovative desserts. And for a change of pace, the KISS Coffeehouse -- the first of its kind for the merchandise-heavy band -- offers up Demon Dark Roast, Rockuccino, and deep-fried twinkies.