Known as "America’s Most Historic City," Charleston is full of landmarks, amazing restaurants, and of course, churches. It’s also known as "The Holy City" with over 400 churches, many of which date back to its founding as the colony of Charles Towne in 1670. One of the old churches has become a historic restaurant in South Carolina that’s a fascinating setting for enjoying delicious cuisine.

Located on North Market Street in downtown Charleston, Church and Union is a restaurant originally known until January 2022 as 5Church. It was rebranded in an effort by the owners (5th Street Group) to distance the brand from a former business partner and investor.

The only real changes, however, are the new name, logos, signage, and menu items. Prior 5Church guests won't notice much difference otherwise!

Inside is a stunning art masterpiece, with the entire Sun Tzu book, The Art of War, skillfully painted across the ceiling, a whopping 12,035 words! A Charlotte artist completed the project, which took over a month of 12-14-hour evening shifts to finish. The management philosophy of 5th Street Group is taken in part from this book, with the company’s mantra, “There Is Only We,” painted in larger text on the ceiling.

The firm's profit-sharing for its employees is one reflection of how this philosophy guides its practices. There's also a quote painted on the wall. These are interesting and fitting design elements for a restaurant in one of the most historic cities in America that has seen its share of war.

The restaurant building is a renovated 105-year-old church, with 60-foot vaulted ceilings and original stained-glass windows in the main dining room.

The ambiance is unbeatable, as though you can just feel the history as you take it all in.

There's a $5 bill mural painting as well that's a custom art design first created in one of the restaurant's other locations (Charlotte). Charleston's mural was re-created by tattoo artists Rodney Raines and Matt Hooker.

5th Street Group offers private dining options if you need a venue for an event or a special occasion. A full buyout allows use of the entire restaurant, which will accommodate 150 (seated) to 200 (standing) guests. Or for smaller groups, you can arrange for a reservation of one of the dining rooms to accommodate 12+ guests for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

If you're coming for brunch, the mimosa flight is highly recommended by guests, as well as avocado toast or praline French toast.

The cocktails are also exceptional ... and fun!

Order from the menu or have an entree feature. This was short ribs with rutabaga dijon purée, puff pastry, and root vegetables ... delicious!

And this lemon raspberry cake would be impossible to resist.

While outdoor dining is often preferable, we're not sure this isn't an exception. But it is available if you would rather!

Visit the Church and Union website and the Church and Union Facebook page for more details and updates. Stay for a while and explore more of Charleston – this gothic carriage house with an award-winning garden paradise located in the historic district would be perfect!

What’s your favorite historic restaurant in South Carolina? Share with us in the comments section below!