The husband-and-wife team of Daniel and Bethany Heinze have created one of Charleston's most popular spots. Reservations at Vern's are highly coveted, though some may try their luck at the handful of bar seats saved for walk-ins. Charleston may be a dressed-up town, but inside this hotspot, it's more homey than fussy, with rich wood floors and tables set with flickering candles. 
Lowcountry ingredients are championed on a menu that reflects Chef Heinze's travels. It all shifts with the seasons but items like charred sourdough with allium butter or raw yellowfin tuna with Calabrian chili are dynamic starters. Pasta is made in house—campanelli with rabbit and vacche rosse cheese in a cacio e pepe sauce is silky-smooth. It's perfectly paired with a selection from Bethany's expertly curated wine list.