food

Netflix’s “Chef’s Table” to Feature This Charleston BBQ Icon

You’ll soon be craving BBQ because Netflix’s “Chef’s Table” has decided to feature Charleston icon, Rodney Scott. For their seventh season, it’s all smoked and juicy barbeque. The local and fan-favorite, Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ will make its debut on the streaming service come Sept 2.

Scott will be highlighted alongside world-renowned names for BBQ. The fellow chefs and pitmasters hail from all different corners, each with a unique take on grilling. As the show airs, it will take you through their dishes as well as the stories behind them. Netflix is teasing viewers with a short preview.

Charleston’s Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ has been officially smoking hogs since 2017. Though Scott is no newbie when it comes to grilling. He’s been behind the smoke since he was 11-years-old. In the restaurant’s first year of operation, it was named one of the 50 Best New Restaurants by Bon Appetit Magazine. Come 2019, Scott had opened up a second location in Birmingham, AL. This isn’t Scott’s first time on screen, as he’s made appearances on The Today Show helping Al Roker feed folks affected by devastating tornadoes in Alabama.

Folks can taste the classic BBQ at the King Street locale, as well as classic sides like potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw, collard greens, and hush puppies. Open for guests Monday – Sunday from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. The restaurant’s motto is that “Every day is a Good Day,” so there’s no wrong time to grab a plate of smoked BBQ.

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Best Ice Cream Shops in CHS

In honor of National Ice Cream Day, this July 19th, we’ll be celebrating the best way we know possible, eating our way through the Lowcountry! What better way to enjoy the day than with a cold scoop of soft serve. If you’re looking to celebrate, here’s a round-up of the best ice cream and gelato joints in CHS.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

This creative flavor chain always has a line out the door, so you’ll want to come early before your favorite scoop runs out. Located in the heart of Downtown, you’ll know you’re close when you smell the savory aroma. Take a pint to-go, or enjoy a waffle cone to beat the summer heat. Hours are noon – 11 p.m. daily.

Ye Ole Fashioned Ice Cream

As a Charleston staple, Ye Ole is known for its lip-smacking good milkshakes and fantastic food. Hit the drive-through for soft-serve at locations in North Charleston, West Ashley, Mt Pleasant, and Goose Creek. Celebrate the holiday with Ye Ole from 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. today.

Off Track Ice Cream

Off Track is hardly off the beaten track. This delicious ice cream parlor crafts homemade flavors from pop tart to your classic vanilla. You’ll find their storefront on Beaufain and King Street open 12 p.m. – 10 a.m. With traditional and vegan options, Off Track is sure to please everyone in your family.

Park Circle Creamery

You know it, you love it. It’s the famous Park Circle Creamery. This North Charleston ice cream shop is offering a free scoop this National Ice Cream day for its first 150 customers. Grab a friend and enjoy a cone from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Eat & Drink

Best Fried Chicken in Charleston

If there’s one thing Charleston does well, it’s fried chicken. This Southern delicacy is a must-have during a visit to the Holy City. Fried Chicken is a staple here, so much so that we have a day dedicated to celebrating the dish. While nothing beats your age-old family recipe, our local restaurants run a close second. Craving this down south dish? Well, you will be after reading our list of the best fried chicken Charleston has to offer.

Here’s a round-up of the best places to get fried Chicken in Charleston on National Fried Chicken day, Monday, July 6th.

Boxcar Betty’s

You’ll want to get a second helping after a visit to Boxcar Betty’s. The local’s favorite gourmet fried chicken sandwich is award-winning, actually. Betty’s took home Buzzfeed’s “Best of Sandwich Shops in SC” title in 2019. With locations in North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and West Ashley, you’re never too far from a Boxcar!

Leon’s Oyster Shop

Don’t be fooled by the Oyster Shop name, Leon’s features delicious fried chicken alongside they’re famous seafood. This old garage turned restaurant will leave you licking your fingers. If the table’s feeling hungry, order the Leon’s Big Chicken Platter for the whole bird and two large sides.

Dave’s Carry Out

If you aren’t paying attention, you might accidentally miss this hole in the wall restaurant. Nestled in the historic neighborhood on the corner of Morris and Coming, Dave’s Carry Out serves food for the soul. While they’re not open on Monday, you can stop in on Tuesday – Friday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. – 11 p.m. for their home recipe style fried chicken wings.

Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit

Buttermilk biscuits and petit fried chicken, can you think of anything better? Callie’s has it all at their King and Market street locations. You’ll want to add a side of pimento cheese to this decadent dish. Make sure to get em’ while their hot, Charleston!

Edmund’s Oast

Grab your lunch box, or should we say Edmond’s Oast’s “Lunchbox.” This fried chicken sammy is all the entre you could want and more. If you’re dining with friends, go for the “Porch Picnic,” as you won’t want to go hungry. Head to Edmund’s Oast on Morrison Drive from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. for a lip-smacking bite of fresh fried chicken.

Eat & Drink

National Doughnut Day

National doughnut day is nearly upon us. Every June 5th, doughnut shops across the country pass out sugary bites, free of charge. The holiday was originally created not as a marketing ploy, but rather a way to boost morale for soldiers in World War I back in 1938. Considering we could all use a reason to celebrate, here’s a round-up of participating doughnut shops in Charleston.

Krispy Kreme

Over these last few months, time has seemed to be on a course of its own. Days feel like weeks and weeks feel like days. The good news? Krispy Kreme gets it. Instead of celebrating national doughnut day on its usual June 5th, this year you can get your favorite doughnut, free of charge from June 1st – 5th. Limited to one doughnut per person. For more information visit here.

Dunkin’ Donuts

As if we needed another excuse to go to Dunkin! This national donut day they’re offering what they call, “The Sweet Treat American Deserves.” Participating locations will be offering a free donut of your choosing with any beverage purchase on June 5th. You’ll want to stop in quick before they run out of your favorite sprinkled treat. In case you can’t make it on the 5th, order off GrubHub from June 6th-7th for a free half dozen on all orders $10 or more. Interested in free donuts for a year? All it takes is your best slogan ideas answering the question, “What does The Donut Party stand for to you?” To enter, use the #DunkinDonutPartySweepstakes on Instagram. For more information visit here.

Duck Donuts

Not one, not two, but three days of celebrating is in store for Duck Donuts’ lovers. From June 5th – 7th all online, app, or carry-out orders will be receiving a free cinnamon sugar donut. And if you download their rewards app prior to June 4th, a second cinnamon sugar donut will be headed home with you! For more information visit here.

Eat & Drink

How to Donate to Charleston Workers in the Service Industry

Following a mandatory suspension of dine-in services by Governor McMasters, many local restaurants are struggling and can use the community’s help. Charleston City Paper has been hard at work compiling resources that the public can use to give back, help local restaurants and service workers, and get a good bite to eat in the meantime.

For those looking to directly support restaurant staff that have been affected by reduced hours and closures, the website Serviceindustry.tips allows you to tip a random local worker in Charleston via Venmo or Cash App. Local blog Holy City Sinner has also started a “Virtual Tip Jar” to help Charleston food service workers where people can tip random workers via a spreadsheet.

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Additionally, multiple restaurants have created fundraisers to help staff and raise money for COVID-19 relief efforts. Local restaurant group The Midnight Society has created digital phone wallpapers available to purchase that benefit eateries like Early Bird Diner and Park Pizza Co. Butcher & Bee has created a “Pay It Forward” campaign making provision gift bags with essentials like eggs, milk, and vegetables. These bags, available with a $10 donation, will be given to unemployed restaurant employees.

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Those who are out of work can stop by Lewis Barbecue for something to eat. They will be serving 100 free meals every Thursday to displaced workers in the food and beverage industry (use the promo code “CHSstrong.”) Local hot sauce company Red Clay is also donating 15% of online sales to displaced industry employees, and providing provision bags to Butcher & Bee.

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For those self-distancing on an empty stomach, multiple local restaurants can also be enjoyed via take-out apps like UberEats, Doordash and Grubhub, as well as via curbside pickup to limit potential exposure. Click here for a continuously updated list of restaurants that are still open.

Eat & Drink

Results Are In: The Top 10 Overall Restaurants In Charleston

Featured Image Source: Peninsula Grill Facebook

The results are in and OpenTable users have spoken.

Each month OpenTable reads hundreds of thousands of reviews and sorts the results by category to help users discover new, delicious food.

Here are the top ten restaurants to try in Charleston according to OpenTable users:

1. McCrady’s Restaurant

McCrady’s is a tasting-menu-only restaurant located in historic downtown, Charleston. A meal here is $125 per person and is worth the splurge. The restaurant holds the honor of a AAA Five-Diamond Award and is one of Wine Enthusiast’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants in America. Looking to pair a glass of wine with your food? Alcoholic pairings are $80 per person and $160 per person for reserve pairings.

2. Charleston Grill

Located in the fabulous Charleston Place Hotel, Charleston Grill offers Lowcountry cuisine with a French accent. If you’re really looking to go all out and make for an impressively romantic evening, you can dine in the private Vinter’s Room featuring walls of glass-fronted wine cellars showing off their magnificent collection from around the world.

3. Cru Cafe

Looking for some comfort food? Try Cru Cafe. It’s a favorite among tourists and locals and is in a classic single-style Charleston home off the beaten path. It’s consistently ranked as one of the top eateries in Charleston and we can see why.

4. Peninsula Grill

Peninsula Grill is truly a Charleston gem. With delicious food, a beautiful courtyard to dine in, and a fabulous champagne room offering some of the world’s best champagne, it’s no surprise Peninsula Grill made the list. It’s been recognized by several publications including Conde Nast Traveler, Food & Wine, The New York Times, Southern Living, Travel + Leisure, and others.

5. Circa 1886

If there’s one thing we can say about Circa 1886, it’s that Circa 1886 is unlike any other Charleston restaurant. Inspired by dishes from around the world, Chef Marc Collins curated a menu that offers a Lowcountry spin on many well-known dishes.

6. Ella & Ollie’s

One of the two restaurants on the list that is not in downtown, Charleston, Ella & Ollie’s is located on Edisto Island and is a cute southern seafood restaurant. Their food is so loved that they opened a second space next door using the same inspiration and ingredients to create tacos unlike any other.

7. Indaco

Indaco is the only Italian restaurant in Charleston to make the list and we can’t argue it. Indaco offers a great atmosphere, delicious dishes, and one-of-a-kind cocktails that make for a great birthday dinner, anniversary, or just a regular night.

8. Oak Steakhouse

There is no shortage of amazing steakhouses in Charleston and with Oak being the only steakhouse on the list, it’s obviously a must-eat in the Lowcountry. With an exquisite selection of signature cuts, delicious seafood specialties, and a great selection of vegetarian options, Oak Steakhouse has earned its spot on this list.

9. 843 Korean BBQ & Sushi House

The second of the two restaurants not in downtown, Charleston, 843 Korean BBQ & Sushi House is located in North Charleston. It’s dinner and a show at this restaurant as the chefs prepare your dinner right at your table. More of a sushi fan? Try one of their delicate sushi rolls prepared by sushi artists.

10. The Macintosh

Closing out the list is The Macintosh, known for their local ingredients. Executive Chef and partner Jeremiah Bacon creates his menu using seasonal ingredients from local farmers and fishermen. And, once you finish your dinner and drinks here you can head upstairs to its sister lounge, Cocktail Club for a delicious cocktail.

Which one will you try first?

To view the list and make a reservation visit OpenTable, here.

Eat & Drink

5 Charleston Oyster Happy Hours That Are A Shuckin’ Good Time

What’s better than happy hour? Happy hour with oysters.

Here are a few of our favorite oyster happy hours around Charleston:

Chubby Fish

Tucked away in Charleston’s Historic Elliotborough neighborhood, Chubby Fish proudly serves local sustainable seafood and produce. For happy hour, Tuesday through Saturday locally-sourced, shucked-to-order oysters are only $1. Even better, you can pair them with $2 Tecates or $6 glasses of Oysterman wine from French importer Frederick Corriher.

The Darling Oyster Bar

Located on King Street, pedestrians can see the stunning interior of the Darling Oyster Bar from the huge windows looking into the restaurant. During the week, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., select oysters are only $1. Sit at the raw bar for a great view of King Street while enjoying a $2 Miller High Life Pony alongside your dollar oysters.

Rappahannock Oyster Bar

Tucked away in the newly renovated 19th-century cigar factory, Rappahannock Oyster Bar offers half-off oysters from its Virginia farms and $1 dollar select oysters Monday through Friday, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Discounted bar snacks, as well as beer and wine selections, go along great with the bivalves.

The Ordinary

Known for its top class seafood, at top class prices, Charleston residents and visitors can experience the well-known seafood mecca with half-price oysters from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday.

Amen Street Fish and Raw Bar

It’s hard to find a better-priced dozen of half-shells than Amen Street with dozens during happy hour (4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays) only costing $9.95. Pair that with house liquor drinks for $3 or High Life Bottles for $2 and there’s no better deal on the peninsula.

Next time you and your co-workers want to have an after work adult beverage head to one of these Charleston oyster happy hours and pair your favorite seafood with a delicious beverage.

Happy shuckin’

Eat & Drink

Charleston Restaurant Coziest In The State

Charleston Restaurant Named Coziest In The State By Travel + Leisure

Image Source: Harold’s Cabin FB

Travel + Leisure recently went on a mission to find the coziest restaurant in each state. They then compiled a list of spots which embody a “holiday-time feeling of friendliness, familiarity, and relaxation”.

So, what’s the most welcoming restaurant in South Carolina? Harold’s Cabin.

Located on Congress Street in downtown Charleston, Harold’s Cabin first served residents of the Lowcountry between the 1920s and 1950s. It started as a snowball shop followed by a corner grocery and lunch spot. Now Harold’s is open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Friday, and for brunch and dinner on the weekends.

Boasting a rooftop garden, a lively bar, a grab-and-go market, and a dining area with seating for sixty-five, the article states Harold’s decor includes “woodsy bathroom wallpaper, “reclaimed wood,” and “mounted antlers” which “channels everything we love about the outdoors, sans the cold and bugs, plus the beer.”

While the cozy feel is welcoming, many people stay for the food.

With great specials, herbs and greens picked right from the rooftop, and a menu unlike any other, Harold’s Cabin is a great place to eat.

If you haven’t been there go see why Travel + Leisure dubbed this as the coziest restaurant in the state.

Check out the full list at Travel + Leisure.