Comment Archives: Locations: 3 Stars
Re: “Acme Lowcountry Kitchen”
I was a waitress years ago (1996) when the original owners - who were Jeff, Susan & Ann ran the Cantina.
I still go there to dine and have apps & drinks. The food was great back then. And in years past prior to Jeff subsequently buying out Susan and Ann back in the late 90's/early 2000's; the food actually got better!
The addition to the menu of ribs and a larger breakfast menu have made the Cantina an even better option for dining on IOP.
Since the ownership changed in early 2008 (to Bobby and Roger) the menu has varied slightly and been refined - order the chimichanga entree or the seared tuna appetizer and you will not be displeased.
Have there been missteps in the kitchen...yes. Has it been rectified? In my opinion a solid YES. The shrimp & grits are mouthwatering; the salsa is housemade - full of fresh chopped tomatoes; the wings are meaty, flavorful and have varying degrees of Buffalo heat as well as dry spice wings. Even the chicken tenders and calamari are floured and fried to order - no shortcuts!
The soft tacos and all the mexican dishes are great - way much better than the "pick a # combo" Mexican restaurants that seem to share the same menu that are scattered throughout the Charleston area.
By the way - this is more Baja/Veracruz inspired Mexcian - if you're expecting hard tacos, there's a Taco Bell on the IOP Connector.
Their original house salad dressing should be bottled - it's a fantastic mexican inspired sweet and tangy vinaigrette - spiked with cilantro and jalapenos. The crabcake eggs benedict topped with the green chile hollandaise is truly one of the best ways to start a Sunday at the beach.
So YES - the food at the Acme Cantina is really, really, really good.
Does the 'Cantina have a bar crowd? Sure does. Does the managment & staff treat non-drinkers poorly, rudely, insultingly or inappropriately? Not that I have ever seen in the 13 years I have been a patron. And by the way... I do not have perfect vision and I have always been able to read my bill.
The person who posted under the handle of "Mayor Riley" has some bizarre personal vendetta. Live and let live, I guess.
If he doesn't want to return to the restaurant, that means there will be one less person waiting in line for a table in front me!
Why just 3 stars you ask? I keep my 5 stars for the places white table cloth places. But 3 stars with great food, a comfortable funky beachy atmosphere...heck yes!
Re: “Chinar”
Welcoming, satisfying, reasonably priced.
My wife and I shared a dinner and some people-watching at Chinar on a Saturday night. The standard, unleavened bread and three sauces (chutney, mint, onions) were tasty and also worked well with our order of tasty Garlic Naan and Aloo Paratha breads. I had the Mutter Paneer and my wife had the dark lentils (I forget the proper name) as our entrees. We had plenty of basmati rice on a common dish, with our curries served in interesting and kitchy (perhaps even authentic) crocks. There was plenty of food for our dinner and a solid portion of leftovers for later. "Mild" is truly spice-free, "medium" had a pleasant heat but was nothing imposing. We didn't get "hot" but figure it was tolerable, and I'm sure I could have asked the kitchen to crank it up to eleven for their own amusement. Otherwise the dishes were subtly seasoned, distinct but not overpowering. Craving for Indian: sated, $30 for two plus tip.
Our server was attentive but not overbearing, and unfortunately was the only other person in the entire dining room, save for two take-out orders. This place is suffering from a major lack of exposure, press, and PR... no reviews on here or the P&C, and only two user reviews on Google. It did allow us to have the window seat from which my wife learned all about hipsters.
Please note that my rating is on an absolute scale, where 5 stars is reserved for really stellar restaurants and thus is not a dig at casual, tasty Chinar.
Re: “Taco Boy”
Went the other night to the new Taco Boy and so excited about their location downtown. Maybe this wasn't how it is all the time but we didn't have a great experience. It was really slow and we still had a hard time getting drinks from the bartender. I will agree with another commenter that the service was the worst part of our experience. The food was pretty bad too. It's not that it tasted bad but ingredients were missing from all of the orders and they were really plain. I'm going to write it off to them still just getting started and I really hope things are different when we return (which we will definitely do!)because it is a great building with wonderful renovations.
Re: “Taco Boy”
As someone whose workplace is near this TB location, I can say that we at my office are very pleased to have another option nearby. The food was pretty good for the most part - the guac was outstanding, and the atmosphere was great. I can't say that I was blown away with the food, but the service was good, and I give serious props to the owners for investing back into this area of town in such an environmentally responsible way. Will definitely go again!
Re: “Edgewater Kitchens”
Thanks for the information, came across another interesting site and would like to share it with other moms –
http://www.bizymoms.com/kids_cooking/index…
helps you teach your children to cook and information on the numerous benefits enjoyed by moms who encourage their kids to cook. Check it out as there are loads of healthy recipes and easy and fun online cooking classes which you could enjoy with the help of your kids
Re: “Hank's Seafood Restaurant”
Convenient location just off N Market, pleasant atmosphere (nicely dressed adult crowd with no screaming children), attentive service, pretty good food (just maybe a little high$$$$), but overall pleased and will go back.
Re: “Trayce's Too Neighborhood Bar & Grill”
Atmosphere is lost; too much lighting; lighting should focus on the band. Please, less light.
Re: “Lenny's Sub Shop”
No one yet can beat phillys in summerville for the cheesesteak.A chain store just can't do it. There subs are the best of any chain.I had ghood service there too.
Re: “Monza”
Monza's pizza is pretty good in my opinion, but I definitely think it is overpriced. I think EVO in North Charleston does a better job of this style of pizza.
Re: “Hank's Seafood Restaurant”
Terrific! Everything was fresh, well prepared and well presented. My meal consisted of Carolina Cup oysters on the half shell, stone crab claws, peel and eat shrimp, mussels in tomato/basil/garlic broth and the entre' special of the night, soft-shell crabs. Others at the table enjoyed ceviche, Belgian endive/arugula/blue-cheese/beet salad, baked grouper, pan seared sea scallops, curried shrimp. Attentive wait staff was very responsive to every request. A thoroughly good time was had by all; including a six year old who loved her popcorn shrimp. However, I was dismayed by the lack of fish varieties on the menu. Nothing but sure bets: salmon, tuna, grouper. How tiresome. I can get those in every respectable seafood restaurant in USA.
Re: “Fuel”
The. Service. Blows. But if you don't mind waiting - and maybe not getting what you ordered - it's not bad at all.
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Re: “Woodlands Dining Room”
Great service. Food is good. The menu needs more selections. Wine list is pricy. Not a five star.