Your Guide To Charleston's New Restaurants: Spring 2015
492
The biggest opening of note to make a big splash is 492. The newest establishment from the folks behind Ms. Rose's and the former Tristan, have now opened their largest undertaking to date. The building, which has been vacant since Hurricane Hugo hit, is decked out from head to toe in posh décor and architectural touches. Chef Nate Whiting is a young up-and-coming chef who has spent time at places like The Woodlands Resort and Inn and Tristan before leading the kitchen at the new hot spot. The menu is curated in sections including "Fields & Gardens", "Pasta & Grains", "From the Sea", and "From the Land," and early buzz has been solid.
Barony Tavern
Chef Bob Carter is at it again, this time inside a hotel. Located inside the Renaissance Charleston Hotel, Barony Hotel is being touted as a culmination of Carter's past culinary experiences. The menu reflects some traditional things the chef is known for like crab cakes, veal sweetbreads, crawfish stuffed shrimp, and crusted rack of lamb. Looks like the perfect mix for those visiting the city as well as for those longing to taste chef Carter's well-loved food served a few years back at Peninsula Grill.
Bob Waggoner Cooking School
Another old school Charleston chef is on the list, but this time with a cooking school. Chef Bob Waggoner has followed his passion and opened In the Kitchen with Chef Bob Waggoner – a showcase kitchen – in the heart of downtown. Classes must be reserved in advance, run from 7 to 10 p.m., and are limited to ten students who will learn hands on instruction to a particular topic each night. You get to eventually eat what you cook and enjoy a nice wine paired evening's subject along the way.
Cannon Green
One of the prettiest restaurants to open in Charleston, Cannon Green is located in the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood. Outfitted with nineteenth century Charleston single house façade, the restaurant's décor makes the space feel like you are dining in someone's house. There is also a lush courtyard filled with fountains and planters and an event space. The menu provides a mix of Mediterranean and southern inspired dishes and is available Tuesday through Saturday for dinner and Sunday for brunch.
The Daily
Located in the same parking lot as its sister restaurant, Butcher & Bee, The Daily is a quick stop place to grab some delicious coffee or cold-pressed juice, wine and beer, breakfast sandwiches, pastries and bread, and other grab-and-go provisions. The selection available is thoughtful and there is a growler station with an often-rotating selection, pouring some local and hard-to-find brews. There is a bike rack and available parking, which is a luxury for most similar downtown coffee shops.
R Kitchen
Short for Rutledge Kitchen, R Kitchen labels itself as a "kitchen, not a restaurant" on its website and the space is small enough that you feel as if you are in someone's intimate space. The menu is written by hand nightly and reservations are preferred so they can plan accordingly. The goal is to keep it cheap and the place offers a five course menu for $25. The beauty of R Kitchen is the free style approach and often you will find a under the radar line cook or chef from another location restaurant sharing the stage as the chefs collaborate on a menu for the night. There is not a sign signifying the place, so look close or you might just pass it.
Saint Alban
Brooks Reitz's latest venture is a hipster café that has tasty bites, an impressive bevvy of drinks, and impeccable style. The space is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. most days and offers baked goods, breakfast plates like the hard-boiled farm egg sandwich, lunch specials including toasts, salads, and a small selection of sandwiches. They offer just about every drink option possible such as drip coffee and expresso drinks, beer and cider, cocktails, and a variety of wines.
Table & Tavern
Over the bridge and on Shem Creek, is the hot spot for Mt. Pleasant. Designed to be a gathering spot for friends and family to get together, Table & Tavern offers a new option to those wanting a view and waterfront dining. They offer lunch and dinner as well as an exclusive dock side menu. Some of the highlights are snacks such as a skillet of cornbread and ham and cheese cracklings; there are also more substantial dishes such as duck meatloaf, seasonal whole fish, and turkey and dumplings. Reviews have been mixed but we're not sure it matters when you can get inside and enjoy the view.
What's around the corner? Some good fried chicken as chef Robert Stehling prepares to open Chick's Fry House. The Westendorff is apparently offering brunch seven days a week. And the owners of Warehouse are opening Parlor Deluxe, an old school soda shop across the street from their current location. There's a lot more on the horizon, so stay tuned!