FoodLoverInChs's Profile
Suggestions for Outdoor Dining in Charleston
Not a question, but rather a great resource recently posted regarding Charleston's outdoor dining options:
http://charleston.thedigitel.com/top-stories/downtown-charlestons-best-outdoor-dining-spots-3622-0407
Be sure to check all the comments for additional ideas...
Spoleto Festival & Restaurants
Another good quick bite place close to Marion Square, the Gilliard & Calhoun St is Ted's Butcherblock. Great place to enjoy a bottle of wine or craft beer along with a cheese plate, sandwich, soup,etc. May be too late for you, though, as they are closed on Sun & Mon!
Also try Bin 152 on King St - wine bar also offering cheese plates and antipasta.
Charleston: Magnolias, Blossom or Cypress???
They're really three totally different options, so it depends on what you're looking for. Of the three, Blossoms is the most casual and maybe a better bet for lunch. Magnolia's features a lot of Lowcountry classics, but be warned that most of the dishes are very heavy. I hadn't been in several years and went with my family over the holidays - I was pleasantly surprised. The food was good. Cypress is on the higher-end - more sophisticated, both in terms of menu and atmosphere. But it has the pricing to match.
I don't think these are bad options, but I prefer SNOB over all three of these. And I agree that FIG (although it's gotten very expensive) is well worth a visit.
Seafood on Sunday in Charleston
For something slightly more upscale than the others mentioned - but not too fancy - you might try The Boathouse on the Isle of Palms. Great sunsets, extensive seafood menu.
Best Restaurants for a Serious Foodie in Charleston, SC
Another thumbs up for McCrady's, FIG and La Fourchette. All top notch. McCrady's is the "fanciest" of the three.
Olive and Cream Cheese Sandwiches a Baltimore Only Treat?
I ate them as a kid in Pennsylvania (outside Philly). My Dad introduced them to me - and he was from Baltimore. But I always thought it was a quirky thing that he came up with. Didn't know it a legit sandwich. My friend and I used to add salami when it was in the fridge. Yum.
Isle of Palms, SC
These are all great recommendations. You didn't specifically mention breakfast places, but I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Sea Biscuit Cafe on the Isle of Palms. A long-time local's favorite for weekend breakfast/brunch. There's usually a wait, and they don't take reservations. But it's a great family-friendly breakfast spot. Enjoy!
Savannah & Charleston Eats
From your list, I'd avoid Charleston Crab House and Poogan's Porch - touristy and while the food isn't bad, there's much better fare to be had in Charleston.
The food at Fleet Landing is also mediocore, but the setting is great (casual) - one of the very few places in downtown Charleston where you can sit on the water to eat.
SNOB, FIG, Lana & Rue de Jean are my favorites from your list.
If you're interested in takeout, try Ted's Butcherblock on East Bay St. for amazing panini, wine & craft beer, cheeses, picnics to go and gourmet-to-go.
Have fun!
Taco Boy in Downtown Charleston?
I heard yesterday from one of the contractors that the current target date is Tuesday 5/26. Looks awesome!
Need unique Charleston SC Recommendations
Vedrinski is actually no longer at Sienna, but I hear the food is still good. Lucca is excellent, but beware that it is off the beaten path in a somewhat marginal neighborhood. Really, really good food.
Has she tried Il Cortile del Rey on lower King St? Similar to Al di La but with a great atmosphere that makes you feel like you're in Italy. They have a courtyard - celebrated my birthday there this year and had a blast. Food is awesome.
pubs with good 'on tap' beer selections in charleston?
Lots of ideas for the type of food you're interested in:
For beer: The Beer Exchange on Exchange Street downtown is a must. Extremely friendly and knowledgeable owners. www.charlestonbeerexchange.com. Laura Alberts Tasteful Options on Daniel Island is more wine-oriented, but they recently started offering craft beer on tap. www.lauraalberts.com. Both offer growlers.
The Wreck is worth a visit. Cash only. Can't find fresher seafood and it's a low-key atmosphere on Shem Creek.
Ted's Butcherblock downtown would be a good spot for lunch - amazing sandwiches and high-quality prepared foods and a great selection of craft beers by the bottle in a casual, old-school neighborhood butcher shop atmosphere. www.tedsbutcherblock.com.
Of the "fancier" restaurants you mention, I'd go with SNOB - classic lowcountry cuisine in a nice but not stuffy atmosphere.
Moe's Downtown Tavern has great "pub food" in a sports bar atmosphere. They also have a more neighborhood-style bar with the same menu on Rutledge Ave, but it's a bit off the beaten track (Moe's Crosstown Tavern).
Enjoy!
Where do local foodies eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Charleston, SC
A lunch suggestions for foodies - Ted's Butcherblock on East Bay Street. It's been written up nationally for everything from great wine to "charleston's best sandwiches." Kind of a hybrid butcher shop, wine & cheese shop and gourmet-to-go spot. If you're lucky enough to be in town for their monthly Craft Beer Dinners, it's one of the best deals (and most unique food expierinces) in town. They also have casual wine tasting events every friday evening.
For dinner - you simply can't go wrong at Peninsula Grill.
Hank's Seafood in Charleston??
I've always had a good experience at Hank's. The food is good, the ambiance is a good balance between casual and upscale and they showcase Charleston-style seafood well. The seafood towers are delicious and fresh, and fun for a crowd. Many of their signature dishes are top notch. And the pecan pie is one of the best in town.
Seeking Perfect Coconut Cake
I agree - it's from Peninsula Grill and has been featured several times on the Food Network. Excellent.
Sunday Brunch Near Folly Beach SC
The Fat Hen on John's Island is a great choice for brunch, but it's a popular spot. Be sure to make reservations or go early. On James Island, I've heard "Two Little Birds" is good for breakfast, but I haven't been there. Triangle Bar and Grill in West Ashley (on 17 not far from the Folly Rd intersection) has a nice Sunday brunch as well. But Fat Hen would definitely be my first choice.
Oyster Roast next week Myrtle Beach to Savannah
Bowen's Island is definitely the place in Charleston. For a different atmosphere, you might try Fleet Landing. Haven't had their oysters, but they offer buckets at this time of year and the setting is great - in downtown Charleston overlooking the harbor.
Charleston Special Anniversary Dinner
I agree about the atmosphere at Tristan's. Excellent food, but the interior is kind of generic. There have been some changes at Sienna recently - not sure if the menu has changed or not, but the original owner and chef is not as actively involved as he used to be.
Peninsula is consistently good - both the food and the service. One of my favorites. Charleston Grill is also wonderful and might be your best bet in terms atmosphere and food. It's a bit more intimate than Peninsula and they have live Jazz.
Low country food South Carolina to Savannah
FIG in Charleston is great. Lowcountry food with an emphasis on fresh local ingredients as much as possible. And it's centrally located downtown so you won't have to stray off the beaten path.
On the way into Chs on Hwy 17 in Mt. Pleasant, you'll pass a place called Gullah Cuisine (right before you get to the I-526 intersection). This is a great,very casual place that offers authentic southern fare for lunch and dinner.
Thanksgiving in Charleston
If price isn't an issue, you might try Peninsula Grill for a Charleston-style Thanksgiving. I've been there once - years ago - for their Thanksgiving meal. Service is always excellent. And it's within walking distance of Charleston Grill and other places that are fun to go for dessert or an after dinner drink. I have seen negative posts about Peninsula, but it's a great go-to spot if you want quality food and spot-on service.
