As someone who loves food a little too much, living in the heart of downtown Charleston, South Carolina can be a daily struggle. 

From the cheaper restaurants known well by the local college students to the vast array of fine dining along King Street, there are restaurants for every occasion. You will find yourself spending way too much money when you have ingredients for a perfectly good meal waiting for you at home. But why spend the time cooking when someone else could do the cooking for you and make a meal that is ten times yummier? I can't make Chicken Teriyaki, but you know who can? Mama Kim's.  

These are the thoughts that will result in an empty wallet and an overly stuffed stomach. Due to the over abundance of amazing restaurants in Charleston, everyone has a different opinion about the best ones around the town. However, here are only five of my favorite, most frequently visited restaurants in the city.

1. Nick's Bar-B-Q: "Nick's?" "Duh." This is a common text message conversation between me and one of my good friends. Who doesn't crave a good barbecue sandwich, homemade mac and cheese, and savory cheese biscuits every once in while? If you are in need of some good southern barbecue, Nick's is the place to go. You will never be disappointed.

2. Persimmon Cafe: I have yet to meet a single person who has not fallen in love with Persimmon Cafe after eating there. Not only is the customer service phenomenal (they treat me more like a friend than a customer), but their sandwiches and custards are to die for. After taking one bite of the Nutella custard, you will not remember what life was like before discovering the little cafe in the College Laundry. I highly suggest the Vanilla Lemonade as well.

3. Groucho's Deli: Groucho's is a fantastic place for a college student on a budget. Their sandwiches are delicious, and I could eat their special "45 Sauce" with a spoon. I personally suggest the menu's White Moose any day of the week. They also accept the Off Campus Meal Plan which is a major perk for those who own the meal plan.

4. Spring Roll: My Phi Mu family knows Spring Roll extremely well. From "Little" dates to family dinners, "Where do you want to go?" isn't even a question. One of the owners even knows my order by heart. I would go as far to say that Spring Roll is some of the best Chinese food downtown and for a fairly reasonable price.

5. Kaminsky's: Kaminsky's is the cherry on top after eating at any restaurant in downtown Charleston. Literally. Kaminsky's Baking Co. is an exceptional dessert place on Market Street near the water. They have every dessert imaginable from cake to cobbler and even a large variety of alcoholic drinks. Whenever friends or family are in town, I make sure to take them there before the end of their visit every time. It is a perfect place to impress a date as well.