A NOTE TO OUR READERS:
"Charleston Comfort Food" is from the February 2007 issue of Southern Living. Because prices, dates, and other specifics are subject to change, please check all information to make sure it's still current before making your travel plans.

Simple, familiar meals warm us from the inside out. At these three favorite Charleston, South Carolina, restaurants, skip the froufrou, and sample selections that the chefs can't leave off the menu by popular demand.

Taking a Bite Out of the Burgers
Settle onto the patio of 39 Rue de Jean, a convivial cafe that serves the best hamburger in town. Their 10-ounce Brasserie Burger ($9.95)--big enough to share--is ground fresh in-house daily and grilled to order. Top with Gruyère, Roquefort, or Cheddar cheese ($10.95)--yum. 39 John Street; www.39ruedejean.com or (843) 722-8881.

Fries by any Other Name
Look at the tables at La Fourchette, a tiny bistro on Upper King, to see what all the Francophiles order. Amid the servings of hearty cassoulet and huge bowls of succulent mussels sit baskets of pommes frites ($5.50)--good old-fashioned french fries. One taste of these freshly cut, thin potatoes, and you'll be spoiled for life. Twice-fried in duck fat, the strips of crunchy, salty heaven come with a side of house-made mayonnaise. You'll never want ketchup again. 432 King Street; (843) 722-6261.

Lowcountry Heaven
Shrimp and grits attains perfection at Hominy Grill. Available at every meal, it comes in sizable bowls filled with creamy cheese grits, topped with a savory shrimp mélange of scallions, mushrooms, garlic, and bacon. You can pay $17 at dinner if you want to dress up a little, or visit at breakfast when a magnificent order will set you back only $10.95. Now that's a deal we can't refuse. 207 Rutledge Avenue; www.hominygrill.com or (843) 937-0930.