Great places to dine in Charleston typically focus on traditional Southern cuisine, exploring the region’s ingredients and history. Shrimp and grits, ribs, catfish, gumbo and other Lowcountry classics are at their best here. But Charleston restaurants are not afraid to innovate, and some of the most exciting eateries in the country can be in the Holy City.
The temperatures might be dropping, but this is not hibernation season for restaurateurs in Charleston. And this list encapsulates the places garnering excitement this season.
167 RAW
Location: 193 King Street, downtown
Key Players: The group behind the 167 Raw at 289 East Bay Street
Projected Opening: January 2020
Lobster rolls and fresh oysters will soon be a part of Lower King, as seafood eatery 167 Raw expands to a new location with more seats than its previous East bay Street outpost.
CHASING SAGE
Location: 267 Rutledge Avenue, downtown
Key Players: Restaurateurs Walter and Cindy Edward and chef Forrest Brunton
Projected Opening: Winter
Drawing inspiration from Cindy’s family farm in Smoaks, SC, the food at Chasing Sage will focus on Lowcountry produce and lots of herbs.
THE LONGBOARD
Location: 2213-B Middle Street, Sullivan’s Island
Key Players: Restaurateurs Clint Gaskins and Tyler Beckstead
Projected Opening: Early 2020
U.S. Virgin Islands restaurant the Longboard will open a second location in the Lowcountry. The food pulls inspiration from the islands with an emphasis on seafood, tropical produce, and coastal flavors. A glance at the St. John’s menu shows multiple selections of ceviches and poke bowls, grilled fish tacos, lobster tacos, island wings, and more.
GALE
Location: 601 Meeting Street, downtown
Key Players: Industry vets Mari and Brett Chizinski
Projected Opening: Early 2020
Look for Italian comfort food at Gale, from pizza to pasta to a pig head mortadella corn dog.
PINK BELLIES
Location: 595 King Street, downtown
Key Players: Restaurateur/chef Thai Phi
Projected Opening: March 2020
Former Vietnamese food truck and pop-up Pink Bellies will soon have a new home on King Street. From banh mi to noodle bowls to pho, fans of chef Thai Phi’s work are eagerly awaiting the opening.
Also, keep an eye on:
•Bar George (James Island)
•Farmer & Exchange (Downtown)
•Garco Mill (Park Circle)
•Guilded Horn (Downtown)
•Island Provisions (Johns Island)
•Little Miss Ha (Mount Pleasant)
•Minero (Johns Island)
•Old Village Post House (Mount Pleasant)
•The Woodruff (Johns Island)
