What To Eat In Charleston: Boiled Peanuts

Angel Postell|

Designated the official state snack of South Carolina in 2006, boiled peanuts are a staple in the Lowcountry. One can find a stand or cart pulled up in most major thoroughfares throughout Charleston, and here are some options on how to grab the popular treat:

  • "Tony the Peanut Man" is a legend around town and can be found selling his tasty treats as he sings his popular jingles at one of many places around Charleston and at events including at a Charleston Riverdogs game. He cannot be missed as he sports his signature T-shirt and sweetgrass basket hat. He even has his own mascot that makes appearances around promoting his love of peanuts.
     
  • Charleston natives Matt Lee and Ted Lee (famed authors, writers, and lovers of all things Charleston), can ship them to you from their Boiled Peanuts Catalog. Lucky for peanut lovers, they can be shipped anywhere in 5-pound packs that are ready to be consumed upon arrival. Die-hard fans will want to be sure to add an "I brake for boiled peanuts" T-shirt or bumper sticker to your shopping cart before checking out.
     
  • Regional grocers like Piggly Wiggly are well stocked, so grab a pound or two and boil yourself using a recipe like this one.
     

  • Timbo, and his bright orange (peanut-shaped) recycled airstream/permanent stand, have been selling the treat year-round Wednesday through Sunday in West Ashley for more than 20 years. Patrons can get them plain, Cajun, or even ham-flavored and can follow his updates on his Facebook page.
     
  • Some of Charleston's restaurants feature the delicacy on their menus, including Closed for Business, Fuel, Hominy Grill, Hubee D's, Husk, Ms. Rose's, Proof, and the restaurant inside The Alley Charleston, offers them as part of their daily menu and best of all, on Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., you can get a cup of them for free.
     
  • Fanatics of the tasty treats will want to mark down Aug. 9 and 10 for the annual South Carolina Peanut Party in Pelion, S.C. (right outside Columbia). Farmers there have been producing and harvesting peanuts for years and each year the community comes together for the annual "boiling of the peanuts." There is a Princess Pageant, parade, food tastings, and "Peanuts Your Way" tent during the celebration. 

If all of these ways and places fail, pull up a boat to most docks on a creek and there is bound to be a bowl being shared amongst friends. That's where you'll find us!

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