Charleston, South Carolina, lives up to its reputation as a food destination. With only four days to explore the incredible, inventive dining scene in this charming town, we managed to sample four outstanding Charleston restaurants. In all, we departed Charleston knowing that we will be returning soon to continue savoring its wonderful cuisine. Our dilemma is whether we should go back to these exceptional restaurants or try new ones.
Background
During these COVID-19 days, we decided to spend the winter in Miami Beach instead of our hometown of Washington, DC. And in order to avoid airplanes, we opted to make a road trip to Florida and make multiple stops on the way. Moreover, we have wanted to visit Charleston for quite some time so this was the perfect opportunity to check it out.
It looked like much of Charleston was accessible based on research regarding activities, restaurants, and hotels. And the town seemed to be taking substantial precautions to prevent the virus transmission during the pandemic.
Travel Itinerary
We figured that four full days would give us enough time to get a good feel for the city. Actually, it turned out that we could have spent a couple of extra days. Because there is so much to see and do in town and so many outstanding Charleston restaurants, we ran out of time. Therefore, we will be stopping there again on our drive back to DC in the early spring. This will give us more time to continue exploring this fabulous food destination.
Essential: Make Your Reservations Ahead of Time
Due to COVID, restaurants have cut their capacity so reserving a table at prime dining time was challenging. In fact, the more popular restaurants in Charleston (i.e. FIG, Husk, The Ordinary, Hank’s) fill up quickly. Consequently, it is essential that you plan in advance where and when you want to eat. We were very glad that we did. On the other hand, as with most popular restaurants, tables are easier to reserve early (e.g. 5 pm) or late (e.g. 9:30 pm).
FIG and The Ordinary were very difficult reservations to obtain. So we needed to play around with dates and times to get a table there. We had an easier time confirming spots at Hank’s and Husk. We recommend that you create a spreadsheet with all of the restaurants that you want to try and be flexible about when to eat at each place. Sometimes availability dictates that.
Don’t give up . . .
First, try to reserve online. Then, if a spot is unavailable on the restaurant’s online reservation system (usually RESY or OpenTable), call the restaurant directly. Charlestonians are very accommodating. Who knows? They may be able to squeeze you in or let you know when there is a cancellation.
Selecting 4 Outstanding Charleston Restaurants – a Diner’s Delightful Dilemma
Because Charleston has so many phenomenal restaurants, we had difficulty narrowing our selection to just four places for dinner.
We researched a lot. After all, Charleston’s food scene gets a lot of press and everyone – – from well-known travel publications to travel bloggers to foodie enthusiasts – – seems to have written about outstanding Charleston restaurants. And everybody has an opinion as to his or her favorite place.
Everyone has a favorite . . .
In fact, ask anyone who has lived in or visited Charleston and he or she will tell you that the food is amazing, the restaurants are terrific, and you must try … High Cotton, Magnolia’s, 82 Queen, the Grocery, Slightly North of Broad (SNOB), Bertha’s, Butcher and Bee, Xiao Bao Biscuit, Leon’s, Chez Nous, the Obstinate Daughter, the Darling Oyster Bar, Leon’s Oyster Shop, 167 Raw, Jackrabbit Filly, TU, Martha Lou’s . . . The list goes on and on. Remarkable!
With only four days and too much to choose from, we set some criteria: the place had to be within walking distance to our hotel; its menu focused on seafood and Lowcountry cuisine; and it needed to represent a type of restaurant lacking in our hometown.
The final four . . .
Because we had heard so much about FIG and Husk from numerous sources, those two Charleston restaurants were on the top of our list. We selected Hank’s because its menu focused on traditional Lowcountry cooking. And it also appeared to be an old school style seafood restaurant that you don’t see very often. Finally, although The Ordinary was a short Lyft ride from our hotel, we chose it because everything about it (its menu, setting, vibe) appealed to us.
Outstanding Charleston Restaurants – Day 1: Hank’s Seafood Restaurant
Hank’s Seafood Restaurant accurately describes itself as a revival of a classic Charleston fish house and it indeed resembles one. Undoubltedly, it is the kind of seafood restaurant your parents (even your grandparents) may have dined at years ago. The place consists of a large open space with lots of wood paneling, banquettes along the walls, white tablecloths and servers in white jackets and black pants.
It is clubby and clean, reminiscent of the type of popular (and excellent) seafood restaurant that once dotted cities along the coast. As it happens, Henry’s Restaurant, a 1932 landmark Charleston restaurant that operated for 50 years, is the inspiration for Hank’s. It even serves a couple of Henry’s specialties.
Drinks . . .
Hank’s cocktails are creative and fun. For example, the Holy City Smoke, a lovely concoction of mezcal, Southern Amaro, St. Germain, ginger liquor and lime, hit all the right notes. Likewise, the Hayne Street Spritz (vodka, Campari, orange and lemon) was a refreshing start to our meal. Well thought and varied, Hank’s wine list has something for everyone and is reasonably priced.
Food . . .
Our food was excellent, showcasing the integrity of local ingredients prepared in a classic manner. First, we enjoyed a half dozen fresh, plump and briny Oysters on the Half Shell served with a classic mignonette and a nicely balanced house-made cocktail sauce. Next, we savored Hank’s Tuna Tartare, a lovely chilled mound of diced fresh tuna mixed with chopped jalapeño, shallots, olive oil, lemon, tomato and herbs.
For the next course, we ordered two entrees, both of which tasted of Charleston in every bite. One entree, the Roasted Grouper, was crisp and browned on the outside and succulent inside. It was served over a risotto-style Carolina Gold Rice with sweet potato and salsa criolla and we relished every delicious bite.
Not to be outshined, the Seafood A La Wandoo was everything wonderful you would expect from a Charlestonian seafood dish. For instance, the dish is packed with shrimp, scallops, crabmeat and fish simmering in a shellfish saffron cream sauce and served with a round cake of fried yellow grits. So delectable, this stew was luscious and indulgent.
Finally, we finished our meal with a hefty slice of Southern Pecan Pie, which was well executed and satisfying.
OVERALL: In sum, Hank’s old-world ambiance is comforting and gratifying. The minute you walk into the place, you have confidence that you are in for a really great meal. Unquestionably, Hank’s Seafood Restaurant delivers on that expectation.
Outstanding Charleston Restaurants – Day 2: HUSK
Lovely, rustic and very chic, Husk Restaurant lives up to its stellar reputation. Located in a pretty Queen Anne style 19th century townhouse that feels pastoral, modern and elegant, Husk attains a fine balance between down-home goodness and fine dining. Indeed, Husk’s open kitchen, pine floors and open fireplace is the perfect setting for Husk’s inventive, refined, and down-to-earth menu.
According to Husk’s creators, its goal is to transform the essence of Southern food. As such, it reinterprets the “bounty of the surrounding area, exploring an ingredient-driven cuisine that begins in the rediscovery of heirloom products and redefines what it means to cook and eat in the South”.
Drinks . . .
Husk is true to its mission. For example, Husk has a wide-ranging and interesting bar program, with seasonal and southern inspired cocktails. First, we savored the Charleston Light Dragon’s Punch, a 1792 recipe discovered in the archives of the Preservation Society of Charleston. It is a mixture of brandy, rum, black tea, lemon juice and sugar. Beautifully presented, festive and delicious, it tasted of days gone by. Likewise, the Aviation, a refreshing concoction of gin, Violette, Maraschino and lemon, was flavorful and balanced. Both drinks were perfect ways to begin a meal.
If you are more of a wine drinker, no worries, Husk has great options. The servers are very knowledgeable and will skillfully help with your wine selection. There are great options by the glass as well.
Food . . .
Next, we ordered dinner. Husk’s menu features about a dozen first courses and half a dozen main dishes. And although it is limited, Husk’s menu has something for everyone – – meat eaters, fish eaters and vegetarians.
We started with two incredible appetizers. The Crispy Pig’s Ear Lettuce Wrap featured three large lettuce leaves filled with crispy fried julienned pigs ear and served with a bourbon glace, marinated cucumber, red onion, and togarashi spice. It was amazing. Crunchy, light and nicely textured, the dish was delicious and imaginative. Moreover, the Beef Tartar, with sunchoke and a house made yogurt, Asian pear horseradish and Meyer lemon, was bright and very delicious.
After that, we ordered two main dishes. First, we devoured a perfectly cooked Sweet-Chilly Glazed Red Snapper Filet (crispy skin over juicy, flaky and buttery flesh) served over pan-fried cabbage, peppers and blackberries. Next, we enjoyed the succulent Chicken with Gnocchi Sardi with butternut squash, kale and spiced pecans in a buttered chicken sauce. Both dishes were heavenly and beautifully presented.
No matter what, do not miss Husk’s Skillet Cornbread with Bacon. Crisp on the outside and sweet, smoky and moist on the inside, you will remember this cornbread for a very long time.
Dessert . . .
Finally, to finish our meal, we indulged in dessert. Husk’s dessert menu features four items. We went for the 3-Layer Chocolate Cake with vanilla ice cream. Husk’s version was everything you want from a slice of chocolate cake – – dense, moist, and rich, but not overwhelming.
OVERALL: In sum, Husk is a wonderful blend of down-home goodness and elegant dining. And everything is served attentively with a heavy dose of Southern hospitality. Committed to incorporating ingredients from the South, Husk offers the feel of old-world Southern dining with a very modern, elegant flare. With its great food, delightful drinks and charming service, Husk will make your Charleston dining experience memorable. It certainly has earned its accolade as one of the outstanding Charleston restaurants.
Outstanding Charleston Restaurants – Day 3: FIG
FIG (Food Is Good) is a very famous Charleston restaurant for a good reason. In fact, FIG is often credited with igniting Charleston’s modern restaurant renaissance. And, despite its age, it indisputably remains one of Charleston’s best.
FIG serves outstanding food in a simple, elegant setting. Because it focuses on a rotating list of dishes using seasonal local ingredients, FIG’s menu changes often. Nonetheless, no matter what is on the menu, you can rest assured that it will be fresh, creative, beautifully presented and delicious.
With its white tablecloths, banquettes and dark upholstered chairs, and clean lines throughout, FIG is like a lovely neighborhood French bistro that caters to locals. However, in this case, you’d substitute Southern for French.
Often described as passionate and polite, the staff is top-notch. Indeed, from aptly and passionately explaining its exciting menu to patiently assisting in selecting a wine from FIG’s impressive wine list, the staff excelled. And even though the atmosphere was lively and vibrant, the dining experience was nonetheless elegant and restrained.
Food and Drinks . . .
FIG offers seven or eight first courses and five main dishes on its changing menus. For starters, we ordered the Tête de Poisson en Croute, a luscious hockey-puck sized ball of fish fried to a perfect golden crisp and served with tartar sauce, a pickle and dill.
We also savored the King Mackerel and Rice Middlins served with smoked roe and popped sorghum. This lovely combination of raw fish, rice and popped sorghum (similar to popcorn) was textured, comforting and enjoyable.
Our main course options were exquisite. One consisted of Prosciutto Wrapped Wahoo in a Grenobloise sauce. The other was a Lowcountry Bourride made with white shrimp, mussels, garlic sausage and Carolina Gold Rice. Both dishes were impeccable. Well though-out, perfectly cooked and beautifully presented, it was dining at its best. As a finale, we shared dessert, which consisted of a gooey and luscious Sticky Sorghum Pudding with Amaretto Ice Cream. It was divine.
OVERALL: In sum, FIG was everything you hoped it would be. Delicious, inventive, fun and sophisticated, FIG delivers on every level. Undeniably, this is the restaurant that you wish were in your neighborhood because you’d love to visit it over and over again.
Outstanding Charleston Restaurants – Day 4: The Ordinary
There is nothing ordinary about The Ordinary. Being the youngest of these four outstanding Charleston restaurants, The Ordinary is the latest restaurant from the same team who created FIG. Their formula works: (1) create great food focused on local ingredients; (2) serve it in a beautiful, simple and elegant setting; and (3) make sure that service is friendly and attentive. The result is a top-notch restaurant.
The Ordinary specializes in seafood, celebrating the “merroir” of (i.e. the taste of seafood from) the Coastal Carolinas and the East Coast. Accordingly, The Ordinary strives to support local and regional fishermen, crabbers, oystermen, farmers and producers. Indeed, its menu, which features an extensive raw bar, about 12 starters, and seven main dishes, describes its sources of seafood. In fact, only one main course was not from the sea.
The restaurant is in a beautifully restored 1920s art deco building originally built as a bank. Inside, its soaring ceilings and arched windows house a long row of booths, tables and a bar that leads to the kitchen peeking through the door of the bank’s vault. It’s a delightful, elegant blend of old and new.
Drinks . . .
The Ordinary’s libations menu is innovative, interesting and a bit retro, focusing mostly on rum-based cocktails. For instance, the Milk Punch is slightly sweet and tart, awakening your taste buds to a mix of milk-washed rum punch, pineapple, coconut milk and Creole shrub. In addition, The Ordinary’s wine list is well thought-out and moderately priced.
Food . . .
The Ordinary’s starters include crudos, soups, sliders and salads. As expected most of then use seafood as their base. For example, the Beeline Snapper Crudo, served with Asian pear, red lime ponzu and aji dulce, is a light and fragrant mix of bitter, sweet and umami, all of which melts in your mouth with every bite.
Next, our main dish of sautéed Scallops and Roasted Sunchokes over a potato puree and chicken jus was perfection on a plate. The perfectly charred scallops and browned sunchokes over a luscious puree were beautiful to look at and even more rewarding to eat.
As for desserts, I’m a sucker for Rice Pudding. And what better place to have it than in Charleston, which made its fortune on rice. The Ordinary’s version (Carolina Gold Rice cooked in coconut milk and served with a heavenly blueberry compote) was an exquisite finish to an exceptional meal.
OVERALL: In sum, there is nothing ordinary about this restaurant. The Ordinary team’s previous experience shows that that they really know what they are doing. It is a formula that works well. The Ordinary’s food and drinks are exceptional, its setting is beautiful and its service is hospitable and thoughtful. Truth be told, The Ordinary should really be called The Extraordinary.
Outstanding Charleston Restaurants . . . The Verdict
There are many outstanding Charleston restaurants to choose from. Each of the four Charleston restaurants we went to was superb. Our food was consistently delicious, interesting and beautifully presented. Ingredients were local and fresh. Service was uniformly excellent with servers who were knowledgeable, friendly and very helpful. With its unique ambiance and qualities, each restaurant was noteworthy and deserving of its outstanding reputation. Most importantly, these restaurants were consistent in their commitment to excellence. We can’t wait to return. One thing is certain – Charlestonians sure know how to eat well.
