Comment Archives: Locations: Bars + Clubs: 4 Stars
Re: “RB's Seafood”
Have not been to RB's much since it was supersized to a three level monstrosity on "The Creek", but met some friends on top last Saturday and I must say the experience was very pleasurable. I was somewhat concerned about the food quality based on previous visits, but something has definitely changed for the better because the entrées passing by our seats at the bar looked, smelled, and likely tasted spectacular. While my party did not order any main dishes from the dinner menu, the selections we did sample were definitely fresh, flavorful, and delicious. The blackened salmon Caesar salad was so much better than any other similar one in this town with a large portion of nicely seasoned fish, soft-leafy spinach, and real Caesar dressing it could easily be enjoyed independently as a satisfying meal. The fried onion rings are lightly battered to perfection and extremely addictive. I mention this because I am not a big fan of onion rings and for the most part avoid them entirely. Other samplers were equally well prepared with fresh ingredients and served at the correct temperatures. The place was busier than normal possibly due to some large wedding, prom night, and private parties yet the service did not seem to suffer. How the lone bartender was able to handle the constant waves of patrons and remain as friendly and accommodating as she was is beyond me. Other “so called” bartenders in Mount Pleasant and downtown Charleston could learn much from this young lady. Everyone in my group, some of whom were from out of town, really had a great night on Shem Creek and that is not so easy to accomplish anymore. True, the “overkill” parking lot signage needs to go and the nautical theme is a bit over the top, but Ronnie Boal’s seafood palace beside the shrimp docks is providing quality local waterfront dining and, like the man himself, will still be there in one form or another when the rest go down with the ship.
Re: “The Rarebit”
My new go to place for lunch on upper King- best onion rings ever
good food at the right price
Re: “The Rarebit”
Been twice, impressed both times. Had French toast at 11pm with a "Dark & Stormy" cocktail. The French toast was excellent with the sorghum syrup and $2 optional strawberries and bananas. The Dark & Stormy was tasty, but I wouldn't get another one for the $9 they charge for it. I came back later for lunch. Tried the chicken and waffle plate. The chicken was really, really damn good. The waffle was ok. Service was good both times.
Re: “A.C.'s Bar and Grill”
Sometimes overly crowded. Doesn't stop me from going. Can't beat the champaign list.
Re: “Montreux Bar and Grill”
I'm usually a downtown guy, but I live in Summerville. I've always been skeptical of going to bars in my own area but I decided to give Montreax a try this past Friday night. I was surprised about how normal and young the clientele was, similar to being at a bar downtown. Had a few drinks which weren't expensive at all and had a great time with my friends. Definitely checking it out again.
Re: “Castaways Grille”
Loved the comedy night. Great crowd, fun times and lots of variety!
Re: “The Rarebit”
My wife and I have been to this place 3 times in the last 6 weeks. The food was really good. The prices for downtown cannot be beat for the amount of food you get. The only problem we have had is with getting the waitress to refill the water glass. In the 3 visits we made they never refilled the glasses. I will continue to visit this restaurant for the food and hope I can get the waitress to step up the level of service.
Re: “Eliotborough Mini Bar”
Great local spot with amazing beer and wine selections.
Re: “Back Home Bar & Grill”
First things first: this is a BAR with a menu, a sports bar more specifically. Nothing wrong with that, but I somehow missed that when choosing a meet-up place for my family and parents. And evidently they didn't offer us any of their drugs. Rip-off! ;-) Just kidding.
That being said, the waitress was very friendly, it wasn't loud, it is smoke free (yay, Charleston!) and the food (while slow because we were the only ones eating) was very good and very reasonable. Fish Po' Boy, Lobster Roll, Cheese steak and the Pepperoni Rolls were all super tasty. A definite winner for a casual sports bar.
Re: “Crave Kitchen & Cocktails”
My go to brunch location! There are a number of great options for brunch, great sides, great drinks. Always dependable. The service some times isn't fantastic, which is the only thing that keeps me from giving 5-stars. I would always recommend Crave, especially for brunch.
Re: “39 Rue De Jean”
My wife and I went in for a late supper Saturday night close to ten o'clock, pre-Built to Spill at the Farm, after the Grocery messed up our reservations. We had the foie, the beef tartar, the sweetbreads and the charcuterie. Everything was delicious. Nice to see an old school place still doing well.
Re: “Cork Neighborhood Bistro”
Food was good, but not anything super special. Reasonbly priced for what is offered. Excellent wine options. Staff very knowledgeable about wine menu.
Re: “Loggerhead's Beach Grill”
I am interested in attending Saturday evening 8/4/2012 'cause of their entertainment and to try something from the menu: 'THE STUD FARM' with guitarist Jeff Bateman(if he is still in this band) and who's a really great musician.
Re: “Cha Cha's Tequila Bar”
, I'm giving it 4 stars based on my experience. The happy hour is excellent: plentiful free pool tables and $1 Tecates (and when those ran out, they upgraded to a Costa Rican beer called Imperial.) The food is very good, especially for a place that identifies itself as a sports bar. We enjoyed the homemade tortilla chips and salsa and had no trouble getting to an open pool table at 5 pm. It appears as though renovations may not be complete yet...but the Mexican Day of the Dead murals that adorn the walls help set a fun vibe, as do the hand-painted, glowing skulls on the bar. We really enjoyed our appetizer sampler--the surprise hit for me being the fried pita bread. The Bacon-wrapped jalapenos were quite tasty too. My wife, who used to tend bar at a Latin bar, was blown away by her first rocks margarita, but had to ask them to remake the 2nd one...meaning it depends on who makes it. (Nicolette made the best one.)
The most important thing we noticed is that we could truly feel that everyone there is trying very hard to make this something good. Dollar beers and good food will get me in the door once. The attitude and effort being put forth have already brought me back for repeat trips.
Re: “Cha Cha's Tequila Bar”
Tried it out for the first time this week. Was very impressed with set-up, HH deals, and the tacos were great. Free pool, $1 Tecate, $2 tall boy PBR during HH (4-7pm). My two tacos were a lamb chorizo sausage wrapped in bacon with crispy onions and a spicy sauce, and a tempura baja fish with fresh red cabbage and cilantro n onions. Both huge, both super-tastey, 2 for $7. What's not to like there?
I'm sure some hyper-critical foodie D-bags will have something to say about this place (they always do...) To them I say tuck your Brooks Bro. shirt in, go eat at husk for the 3rd time this week en route to IOP for your beach day. This place is chill, friendly, good F&B at great price points. Should fit in nicely with the JI and FB crowds.
Well Done!
Re: “Halls Chophouse”
I was honestly worried about eating here after reading the reviews. The Hall's friendliness is a matter of taste. We went on a fairly quiet Sunday night, and I found the host to be very hospitable and very helpful. I would ask this of the extreme negative folks, would you rather your hosts at a restaurant be overly helpful or non-existent. I thought the server did extremely well with our group, he did a fine job of explaining the specials and explaining preparations of dishes (such as the "bacon steak"). The food was very good. Not great, but not good either. We had to send one steak back because it was underdone for one in the parties liking, but my steak was fine. The prices are on par with upper tier restaurants in this area, which in my opinion is overpriced anyway. Then again, I ask myself, how much business would they draw if they lowered prices by 5 dollars a plate, or 10 for the upper regions? Probably not much at all. It is a very nice place for a special night, one of the best in Charleston. I couldn't afford to eat there more than twice a year, but I wouldn't turn the place down. I'd have to eat at Oak now that Jeremiah Bacon is running the show in order to judge, I was not a fan when Brett McKee was over there. Hall's is very good, and I would eat there again.
Re: “Brittlebank Park”
Tehn maybe you should go back to New York.
Re: “Pearlz”
Fantastic service!
We visited on a busy Friday night and the restaurant was packed. Luckily for us there was space at the community table and we were seated right away. Seeing the crowd I figured service would be slow, but I was wrong.
Our server was very attentive and cocktails and waters were provided almost immediately. The food came out quickly as well.
The atmosphere was great, my only reason for removing a star is that I found the tuna and mahi tacos to be quite bland. Still the rest of the meal was pretty good and the service was outstanding.
We will be returning
Re: “Halls Chophouse”
I just had dinner at Halls for the first time recently and I admit, I was a bit weary after reading some negative reviews concerning the food and the overly-friendly atmosphere. I went to dinner with as much of an open mind as possible though, and I'm happy to say that I was very pleasantly surprised. I was half expecting the fake, intrusive and unnecessary niceties described in previous reviews, but nothing was over-the-top. Yes, the owner was very friendly, but certainly not to the point where it was weird. We had a wonderful meal--the service was great, the food was excellent, and the atmosphere was warm. I would definitely go there again. And with food that good, they can welcome me as if we're long-lost relatives, I won't care!
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Re: “Cha Cha's Tequila Bar”
Cha Cha's is a creeper. You can walk in to this lost strip mall joint and not expect anything at all. You can walk in and expect the typical American version of "authentic" Mexican. Or, you can just walk in and take it for what it is and then some. They have something special happening there. I've been going since they opened, and that was a rough start to say the least. they've really pulled the quality up by the bootstraps. I once had crappy service from a dum-dumb server at a table in the pool table room, that we kinda got forced to sit at, but never at the bar and never anywhere else with table sized parties.
Just tonight, the bartender smiled at me when I ordered another special cocktail. Like, I genuinely felt as if he was happy to make the drink rather it be an insult to his workload to make a $3 margarita. He was sincerely being gracious and hospitable.
The other major part about this place is the food. (going back to what to expect from authentic or americanized) It is what it is, and it's all good!! Bacon studded guacamole? You really can't go wrong with that. That may have just been a special, but it sincerely shows and proves that there is someone in the kitchen that truely cares about food.
Other than that, three words: Pork Belly Taco.
It will change your life......no really, it will.
(as long as they keep the pork belly portion well off)