historic buildings Archives

Featured Image Credit: McCrady’s Tavern Facebook

Charleston is full of bold cuisine and new takes on southern and American dining. It seems like there is always a new hot spot popping up somewhere. But what if you want a little dash of history with your dinner? We’ve found some restaurants that are housed in notable historic buildings that are perfect for the history buff with a refined palate. While not all of the restaurants have been around for ages, their buildings have. So, let’s explore some historic places to eat in Charleston.

Circa 1886

Image Credit: Circa 1886 Restaurant Facebook

Set in the heart of the historic district, Circa 1886 is housed in the original carriage house for the Wentworth Mansion, which was built in 1886 (hence the name). This makes it one of the best historic places to eat in Charleston. The building retains some of its historic architectural elements like stable doors and vintage windows. The menu is full of fresh takes on southern classics and Chef Marc Collins is inspired by cuisines around the world.

McCrady’s Tavern

Image Credit: McCrady’s Tavern Facebook

Established in a four-story Georgian house on East Bay Street by Edward McCrady in 1778, McCrady’s Tavern is one of the best historic places to eat in Charleston. Through the years the building has been used as a paper company, warehouse, tavern, and coffee house. In 1982 it was restored and McCrady’s Restaurant opened. The current tavern is a bit younger than the restaurant but still retains historic architecture and is on the National Register of Historic Places and Landmarks.

Oak Steakhouse

Image Credit: Oak Steakhouse Facebook

While the steakhouse is not historic, the building it’s housed in is. The building started out as a bank in 1848. Now that historic building has three floors with five dining areas. It’s also one of our favorite date night spots. Chef Bacon is a Lowcountry native and sources locally and regionally from sustainable fishermen and farmers in addition to the dry aged Certified Angus beef on the menu. You’ll also find house-made pasta and a vegetarian plate.

82 Queen

Image Credit: 82 Queen Facebook

82 Queen was once a part of the original walled city of Charles Towne in 1688. It’s where an immigrant built a home, guesthouse, and slave quarters. The three buildings have been used for many purposes over the years but in 1982 82 Queen the restaurant was opened. Look forward to Lowcountry specialties that use local seafood and produce as well as prime cuts of beef.

Featured Image Credit: Chrys Rynearson

It’s only been a year since Lagunitas Charleston Taproom and Beer Sanctuary opened its doors at 161 East Bay Street. But the business recently announced that they will be closing indefinitely for construction.

The old F.W. Wagener Building was constructed in 1880 by architect Francis Lee. When Lagunitas took over the historic property from former tenant Southend Brewery last June, plans for renovations and cosmic changes were quickly put into action. The California brewery promised a “cornerstone location” for the Southeast region .

East Bay Street in the mid 1880s. The Wagener Building is on the right, with the flag. Image Credit: Poston, 1997

However, many were disappointed with the new look. Couples who had standing wedding reservations in the space were second guessing whether or not to have their scheduled receptions in the space. One bride told Charleston City Paper last year how disappointed she was. “It basically goes from rustic and historic to looking like someone’s garage. I know a lot of other people have been affected.” As a result, many couples cancelled their plans to have a wedding reception there.

Now, the taproom and the beer sanctuary has closed and employees have been let go so that the structure of the building can be squared up.

Image Credit: Jonathan Boncek

“We’ve been working on the interior structure since last September and for the last four months, we’ve had scaffolding up on the exterior,” says Karen Hamilton, Lagunitas’ marketing director. “After we took it over, we discovered that the building needed a lot of work! Once we realized the extent of it, we knew we could no longer do the work while open to the public.”

Currently, Lagunitas does not have a timeline for reopening. This only makes us wonder about many other businesses and buildings in the historic district of downtown Charleston. How much longer can these aging buildings stand tall and strong? Will more reach a point of no return without more provocative steps?