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Comment Archives: Locations: Restaurants: Last 30 Days
Re: “Craftsmen Kitchen and Tap House”
We here at Craftsmen appreciate all reviews and comments, both positive and negative. We are brand new and know that we have plenty of room to grow into our identity. I do feel that we are offering a very good product that is unique to our dining community by focusing on offering a good selection of beers and casual, well executed food that is intended to elevate the drinking experience. As far as pricing is concerned, we feel that we have placed ourselves on the moderate end of the spectrum, but rare beers and specialty beers are always going to cost more. The beer community is a friendly one, full of camaraderie and a desire for everyone to succeed in the quest to make people happy. That is something we believe in at Craftsmen, too. So thanks to everyone who has been in or will come in the future, and know that we are listening and working hard to become a great addition to an already fabulous dining scene.
Re: “Craftsmen Kitchen and Tap House”
"Basically, your negativity in the review stems from your own misunderstandings and lack of knowledge"
Really? I don't believe I "bashed" them at all. I apologize for not remembering the menu to the exact wording. So I didn't correctly state the sections properly. That doesn't change the fact that they separate hoppy beers, then mix in other categories. What is "mash" anyways? There weren't many specialties on there. Just some random normal brews. Honestly, it wasn't negative criticism, just a bit of confusion I thought could be corrected to help people find a certain beer. I never stated there were 5 sections, BTW.
Also, I am not exactly well versed in french cuisine, nor were the other people eating with us. No one was really upset about the egg on top, and it is not really a negative comment. The overcooked pork belly was a bit disappointing, but didn't hurt the sandwich too much.
From your knowledge of everything on the menu, and your joining this site just to attack my review, I can guess that you either work there or have a connection to this place. Why do people feel that they need to attack honest reviews on CCP? I didn't dislike this place, but felt the beer selection could use some work. I also was kind about the food, as it is a new place. I didn't give this place 3 stars because of the menu or an egg on top of the sandwich. It got 3 stars because it is a beer bar that has mostly basic beers from different breweries (a complaint I have heard from many people who have visited), and the food wasn't amazing (flavor wise, nothing to do with layout). It also got 3 stars because of pricing being a touch high. I had every intention to return after it has been open for a couple months and seeing if things were really falling into place. At that time, I would add a new review.
Re: “Craftsmen Kitchen and Tap House”
Brewengineer, though the other commenter certainly showed his ass, your review really could use work. I say that because you're bashing them about things you don't even understand. I frequent that establishment since opening. Firstly, their beer menu is not at all broken into flavor profiles. They're categorized in 4, not 5 sections; ipa, locals, sessionables, and "mash". The mash is just one offs and specialties that didn't fit into the other 3. There is no "malt forward" section that you described so there goes all that griping you had about them not fitting out the window.
Secondly, that sandwich you had is called a croque-madame. It's an old French dish and meant to be eaten with fork and knife.
Basically, your negativity in the review stems from your own misunderstandings and lack of knowledge.
Re: “Craftsmen Kitchen and Tap House”
"Fucking obnoxious review."
What is obnoxious about writing a thorough review with likes and dislikes, coming from someone who has worked in the industry and been pushing/drinking/brewing craft beer for over a decade? Maybe I should have just used your intelligent review model, and stuck to three sentences and no real content. That will really help the restaurant improve things. Maybe next time you bless someone with your own criticism, you could actually just add a review or contribute something meaningful.
Re: “Craftsmen Kitchen and Tap House”
Fucking obnoxious review.
Re: “Oak Steakhouse”
This is one of my favorite downtown restaurants. I have tried every appetizer and always been impressed. I am not sure if I like dry aged beef enough to splurge on that cut of steak (NY Strip) again, but it was definitely tasty. The truffle fries are some of the best in Charleston. I have been here 3 times, ordered multiple items, and never had a bad meal. Jeremiah is a wonderful chef and I love what he has done with the menu. I would definitely recommend Oak if you are looking for some high end dining on the peninsula.
Re: “Craftsmen Kitchen and Tap House”
I finally made it into the peninsula to visit Craftsmen Kitchen, after a couple month wait for opening day. When you first walk in the door, you can tell there was a lot of money invested into design and decor. I really enjoyed the ambiance with the focus around a beautiful series of bars. There was plenty of space inside, and also an outdoor area with 4 large picnic tables.
The menu was very basic. One side had appetizers and smaller dishes. The other side featured more entree-like options. The waitress also gave us a large tap/bottled drink menu. My first thought, after glancing at the drink menu, was that it contained a lot of confusion. They tried to split things up by flavor profile, but didn't really get it right. There was a section for hoppy/IPA type beers, a section for local brews, a section for malt forward beers, and one other that I can't remember. The IPA/Hoppy section was fine, and featured many great brews. I am not sure there was a reason to separate the locals from the style based menu, as we didn't know exactly what flavor profile fit some of the local brews. The malty beer section was a complete cluster. There were pale ales (Hoppy), belgians, browns, and stouts all mixed in there. Those styles do not all fit the same flavor profile. I would have preferred them to not worry about style and just list all beers by brewery, or perhaps take time to separate by more than a couple flavor profiles. I didn't take time to check if most of the beers listed on the menu were actually on tap, but I didn't have any issues with my orders. The beer selection, while numerous, was not really impressive for a craft beer bar. It seemed like the had the normal basic offerings from many breweries, without carrying many seasonals or limited releases. I found it difficult to pick out a beer I really wanted to drink, but I am probably pickier than most patrons. I did like the option to have 8oz or 16oz pours, but I am not 100% sure the tumblers they use actually hold 16oz. The prices were a touch high, but that could be par for the course when you are a block from the market. The beers were served in clean glassware and seemed to be about the right temperature. My only suggestion there would be to use proper glassware for the style, but that is really asking for a lot.
Once we had a few drinks, we decided to order a few food items. We wanted to try two appetizers and a couple sandwiches. We ordered the Scotch Eggs (hard to find in the low country) and General Tso's Chicken Wings. The wings were really tasty, and they nailed the sauce. It was a nice mix of sweet and spice, and went well with the base crispy wings. The scotch eggs were not exactly what I am used to, but still very good. You only get one large egg, cut in half, so take note if you are sharing with a few people. My main course was the burger, which is made with house ground beef and some added pork belly in the mix. Pork belly makes for some delicious burgers, but also prevents you from getting a rare or medium-rare burger. It took quite a while to receive my burger, but we were in a large party. The burger comes with some thick cut fried potato rounds, but you only get 4 of these. If you are really hungry, it is better that you order more than just the burger. I did enjoy the seasoning on the burger, and would eat it again. I do wish there was more of a side with this. The other dish we got was the crispy pork belly sandwich. Basically, this is a piece of fried pork belly, between two pieces of toast, with a fried runny egg on top. I am not sure why the egg goes on top, as it makes the dish excessively messy. The belly was a touch overcooked, but the whole sandwich was still pretty good. This also cam with the small side of fried potato rounds.
Overall, I think this is a place worth checking out if you like craft beer. They are still very new and will probably be working on things like tap offerings and food. I think my expectations were a bit too high, due to years of drinking craft beer. I will likely return to see if they fall into a groove with food and beer selection. I wish them luck and much success. I am still happy to see another craft-centric bar in downtown Charleston, which covers a growing market of better beer drinkers.
Re: “Charleston Bakery”
Web site advertising, sign on door, and telephone message says hours are 7 AM to 9 PM Tues thru Sun. We drove 20 miles from West Ashley on Fri evening but they were closed at 7 PM. Thought we would try again Sun but call 1st to understand hours. No phone answer but message still says open 7 AM to 9 PM. Finally called emergency number and find they closed at 3 PM. This is needlessly confusing and troublesome to potential customers not yet familiar that wants to try. We won't try again.
Re: “Chopsticks House”
to drval: while I agree this place is one of the best in the area, It Ain't Chinatown!
I don't know which NY Chinatown you refer to, but it sure isn't the one I used to hang out in. Again, Chopsticks is as good as it gets around here, but it wouldn't last 6 months in Chinatown in NY or Philly.
Re: “Chopsticks House”
This is truly the tastiest Chinese food in recent memory. After 10 years living near NYC's China Town, that's gotta tell you something. I've had take out from Chopsticks House at least 5 times already, and it has never disappointed. Very rich, heavy on the sweet sauces, but worth the calories. BBQ spare ribs appetizer better than any local rib place. Don't let the horrific ambiance fool you - the food is meant for take out and the generous portions insure plenty of leftovers.
Re: “The Oyster Room”
Well I was born & raised on Folly and this place is just as bad as all of the other places "he" has opened. Chill n Grill = should have stopped their. Took over the old Sea Shell, turned it into Snap & Crack = lame no value. Next takes over 11 center st. as Folly Shrimp Co. = Fail. Week attempt but again you would have to know the proprietor to understand his short comings & lack of business sense. All in all, Folly was doing just fine before his daddy was writing checks. BTW were are all the other reviews that seemed to be deleted giving a proper review of this place & not some "I live on FB & work in industry & love food....blah blah blah..."
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)
Re: “The Oyster Room”
I live on Folly Beach, and as much as I enjoy the beach vibe and permanent vacation atmosphere, I always would find myself driving downtown for quality seafood. As soon as I ate at the Oyster Room shortly after its opening, I was ecstatic. Not only was the food fantastic, but I also was treated warmly in a casual but not too laid back atmosphere. I since have been back at least once a week, and have tried everything on the menu (I always start with the raw oysters and garlic clams). I like that they even have a steak and beef skewers, both of which are delicious, so there really is something for everyone. I work in the restaurant industry, and as a food lover I take my restaurant selections very seriously. This place will not disappoint.
Re: “Cypress Lowcountry Grille”
I would disregard any review written during restaurant week... kind of a given there.
Cypress is excellent. Been going there since they opened and it is always a favorite, even when new and great places open.
Re: “El Alteno”
Amazing authentic Mexican food on the cheap.
Re: “Jack's Cosmic Dogs”
WAY OVERPRICED: 2 dogs, chips/fries, soda costs $10. Menu is cluttered with illogical combinations, their chili is tepid gray wallpaper paste, they use nacho cheese instead of shredded cheese, no fresh tomatos or pickles.
Their "creative" flagship dogs are ever worse: beware "Sweet Potato Mustard", it is 1/4 yellow mustard and 3/4 Aunt Jemima's Syrup. Blue Cheese Slaw is probably good on its own but it doesn't work on the dog. The wieners they use are just average, not 1/4 pound and not as tasty as they should be.
Because it looks cool from the outside, puts style over substance, gets a lot of buzz, and is overpriced I am justified in calling it what it is: a TOURIST TRAP.
Re: “Leaf Café and Bar”
So we've established for certain that Ryan Leaf owns this place?
Re: “Leaf Café and Bar”
Maybe we went on a bad night but the Calamari, fish fry and the basil linguine were all flavorless. I've had better pasta from a box! On the other hand I've had a great brunch experience, so who knows.
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Oak Steakhouse
This is one of my favorite downtown restaurants. I have tried every appetizer and always… -brewengineer
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Craftsmen Kitchen and Tap House
I finally made it into the peninsula to visit Craftsmen Kitchen, after a couple month… -brewengineer
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Charleston Bakery
Web site advertising, sign on door, and telephone message says hours are 7 AM to… -Jim McKelvey
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Chopsticks House
This is truly the tastiest Chinese food in recent memory. After 10 years living near… -drval
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Re: “Craftsmen Kitchen and Tap House”
This is why I don't review on here any more. You give a thoughtful honest opinion and some PBR drinking idiot slams you for too much information. They would rather see reviews like "This place rocks, can't beat dollar PBR's"
I read brewengineers review and am looking forward to trying this establishment. 3 stars by the way is a recommended place and a very good rating. What negativity was in the review, it seemed honest and well thought out. The majority of the people on this site throw 5 stars around so that it has become utterly meaningless. 5 stars is the place if you are visiting for only one day, you have to get there.
1 star- acceptable quality
2 star- good quality
3 star- very good quality
4 star- superior quality
5 star- exceptional in every way- food drink decor service
there are 232 four star and above restaurants in city paper's guide. Honestly, there are probably less than 10. In Charleston though, we have 5 star bagel shops??