The Ordinary

4.3 (913 reviews)

PriceySeafood, Desserts, Coffee & Tea

Closed • 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM

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The Ordinary - Fish Pate - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The Ordinary - Dining area - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The Ordinary - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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The Ordinary - View overlooking the restaurant from our table upstairs. - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Menu photo 1 The Ordinary Charleston, SC

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Menu photo 8 The Ordinary Charleston, SC

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THE ORDINARY ATMOSPHERE

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Outside

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Moderate noise

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Classy

Good for groups

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Elizabeth S.

Stopped in for a quick bite with a friend. The crispy oyster slider was so good, I just wish it were bigger! Service was quick and efficient. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Love the indoor layout![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

Jeffery B.

Had an awesome meal at The Ordinary. It's considered a seafood restaurant, so keep that in mind. I ordered a price fixe menu option, with an app (fish chowder), entree (crab cake), and dessert (chocolate creamy dessert, not pictured). My partner ordered the lobster roll. Everything was fresh and delicious, and very inventive. [[HIGHLIGHT]]You can tell from the pics that the decor is absolutely wonderful inside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Our server was very attentive and helpful with the menu. Overall, a very lovely evening, nothing negative to say at all.

Joy G.

I treated my friend to a birthday dinner here but it just wasn't a standout. Charleston is packed with cute oyster bars and mind-blowing seafood joints and, while I appreciate that restaurants nowadays are operating on razor-thin profit margins, the plates we got at the Ordinary just needed a bit more food for the price point. All that said, the interior of the Ordinary is dark, moody, dim, sexy. If you want to seriously impress a date, come here. Everything (and everyone) looks cooler in candlelight, what can I say? Alas, I could only find a weekend night reservation outdoors, which we didn't mind at all, with massive roaring heat lamps that kept us toasty in this freak Charleston freeze. We got the: peel and eat shrimp, the snapper entree, the romaine heart salad, and the fried oyster slider. Plus one drink. It was a little less than $150 for two people including tip, which wouldn't be a problem if I also didn't leave mildly hungry and had to have a second dinner at Jeni's down the street. My favorite thing was the shrimp. The slider was extremely puny but I did like the fresh-baked Hawaiian roll. Food came out pretty slowly, I must say. We ended up waiting a while between the shrimp and the other dishes and, when they did arrive, I was desperately envisioning a steaming bread basket. I also wish they offered something for our birthday occasion other than a postcard on the table, I've seen other restaurants do a small dessert with a candle which goes a long way in making the dinner more special.

David P.

The Ordinary is anything but. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We chose the beautifully styled patio, while inside channels a grand old bank--soaring, elegant, and full of presence.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service was polished and intuitive, and the food delivered across the board. Accessibility stands out: clearly marked, barrier-free routes make navigating effortless. A seamless experience from start to finish--The Ordinary earns my highest recommendation.

Michael M.

We had another fantastic dinner at The Ordinary. We've been here at least four times before and returned tonight for my birthday. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's one we appreciate for all the good reasons - good atmosphere, good service, and really good food.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I love the menu featuring various seafood options, to include raw oysters. [[HIGHLIGHT]]There are different seating options to consider - downstairs tables, the oyster bar, outside patio, inside bar, or upstairs overlook[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. We enjoy upstairs usually, and request it for reservations. We immediately ordered cocktails and the oyster sliders. The oyster was perfectly fried, served on a Hawaiian roll with a yummy bite of cabbage and fresh mayo. Our dinner menu choices included smoked oysters, snapper tartare, smoked wahoo pate as starters. The winner were the smoked oysters, and I also liked the pate. We shared entrees of slow baked grouper and mustard crusted snapper. The winning taste was the snapper. We enjoyed everything, as all menu items were unique, flavorful and dimensional. We finished with espresso martinis and shared the apple tart. Both were great. Service was good, as Kaitlyn paced our items and checked on us regularly. The Ordinary is more than ordinary and is a great Charleston dining option.

Meg C.

Came here for a birthday dinner and it was pretty good. Our group enjoyed a seafood tower, which had fresh raw bar offerings but nothing blew us away. The highlight was surprisingly the vegetable dishes - we really enjoyed the fried delicata squash with ponzu sauce and the romaine salad was like a very good elevated Caesar. We also like the wreck fish and crispy oyster slider apps. Perhaps it's because we're from New England, but we found a lot of the seafood to be somewhat, well...ordinary. Portions were quite small and pricey. But the cocktails were nicely mixed, the service was excellent, and [[HIGHLIGHT]]the ambiance was classy (a touch loud)[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. Glad we tried it but wouldn't go out of my way to return.

Matthew H.

I came here because this is a top restaurant in Charleston. I don't partake in oysters and instead chose to eat the selected fish. The swordfish was a good dish presented with a vegetable medley broth. The dishes here are smaller portion and this seemingly would be a great choice for someone who likes to nibble through the menu while adding a few oysters as they go. I prefer a fish dish with the ability to order a few side dishes, but nothing really sparked my interest to order on top of the swordfish. Other tables kept ordering away and seemingly loved the options, but I wasn't impressed.

Joyce W.

First off, the service was incredible--attentive, thoughtful, and knowledgeable. The seafood was excellent and fresh. I had the gumbo and it had a rich flavorful broth. We all shared peel and eat shrimp, oysters in the half shell (it's been a month so I cannot recall which varieties were in season then but they were buttery), and ended the meal with a boudini that lives rent free in my brain. The only thing I can say as a negative was that...the dining seemed almost clunky with too many dishes that didn't need to be out. That's a really minor detail but when you order so much food and drink but there's limited realestate, you want to maximize the space to enjoy your meal. They were very accommodating to some food allergies though! We did have a dairy allergy as well and they immediately remade a meal when they realized they had added butter at the end. The Ordinary is located inside an old bank so the decor is opulent and feels historic. For a date or a night out with friends, this is a fantastic choice.l if you're not allergic to shellfish!

Mollie N.

Hit the Ordinary last night for drinks and apps. The green thumb was the cocktail I ordered and it was fantastic! Very refreshing. We ordered the three layer seafood tower, beef tartar and the oyster sliders. The tower was amazing! It came with a tuna tartar that was probably the best I've had. The beef tartar was absolutely Incredible, it was so salty and briny, on a crusty piece of sourdough

Scott C.

This is are second visit to The Ordinary and, as before, it did not disappoint. At the bar, my wife had the Mojito Royale which she said was delicious and I had the Relay Trade which was a great but unusual drink. We had three appetizers at the bar - Jimmy Red Corn Hoecakes, Pickled White Shrimp, and Smoked Amberjack Pate - all three were unique and delicious. My wife had Hammer Dave's Little Neck Clams And I had Smoked Bird Island Cup Oyster which were both excellent - definitely try the Cup Oysters! The bartenders and our waitress were fun and very helpful. For our mains we both got the grilled swordfish which was done perfectly and delicious. We finished the dinner with an excellent glass of Sauternes which was perfect. Try The Ordinary while in Charleston, you will be happy you did!

Dan D.

High-level food, but not as balanced or delicious as The Darling Oyster Bar's. Not everything missed the mark. Our salmon larb appetizer was crunchy, fresh, and punctuated with chili oil and raw salmon. 5/5. But everything else fell short of exemplary. My seafood chowder was lacking acid and the muddled flavors didn't have a chance to shine. My friend thought the char on the wahoo was outstanding, yet the temperature was medium well when the waiter said they were going for medium. Our cocktails were clean - indeed, the daiquiri was limey and bright - but missing a wow factor. At the prices we paid here, we deserved to be impressed.

Jacob T.

The Ordinary somewhat lived up to its name. We got the triple seafood tower. Lots of oysters, and several other appetizers came included: tuna tartare, yellowfin, shrimp. We loved all the appetizers, every one of them were great. So we were very excited for the oysters too, which is why I can only give this place a 4 star. I was very disappointed in the quality of the oysters. The quality felt like I was at some run of the mill oyster restaurant that sold dollar oysters. Even their soy mignonette topped oysters, at $6 a pop, were a let down. [[HIGHLIGHT]]As much as I loved the great servers, the beautiful atmosphere, and delicious appetizers, the main focus of the meal was just such a let down.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I would not recommend the oysters, but if you're looking for good seafood outside of that, The Ordinary is still a solid choice.

Christine C.

Came here with my parents and the food was really good. This was our first stop when we arrived in Charleston. The seafood was very fresh. Also, my mom is vegetarian and they were able to accommodate by giving her a small dish that she really enjoyed. I really enjoyed the seafood flight. Also, our waiter was sooo super friendly and really made our day by having good conversation. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Also, the space is super cute- we sat outside and they had heating at night.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

Lamb bolognese and mustard crusted snapper

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Review Insights

Dominic G.

Elite 19

425

4 years ago

With an ambiance, food, and customer service like The Ordinary has, it's no wonder this place came so highly recommended. When we first walked in, we knew we were in for a treat. When they're in season, the snow crab claws are a must. We also got the roasted sweet potatoes and wagyu tartare. Highly recommend both those dishes. Our service was best in class and all of this awesomeness came together with a great drink. 10/10. read more

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Ann C.

2 years ago

I walked in last night and sat at the bar, enjoyed four delicious oysters and a cocktail, while waiting for a table. After waiting a while, I decided to eat at the bar. The trigger fish was delicious, but the sauce was SALTY! and for $45 they couldn't throw on a vegetable!?! I ordered the broccoli rabe and it was even more salty! I sent it back, but after the second try, simply wasn't going to eat it. The foul mouthed patron sitting next to me was chatting with the bartender about getting blacked out on Sunday Funday, and the bartender was sharing her latest cocktail recipe with her friends next to me, with the foul mouths. Lovely experience!? Not! Won't recommend this place. Leave the salt shaker at the door, you won't need it here. They did not charge me for the salty meal. Thank you. read more

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Brendan T.

Elite 26

605

502

4889

4 years ago

The hype is legitimate. While my dining companions found the meal here to be somewhat overwhelming, I found it to be excellent at the time, and when reflecting on our recent Charleston trip I found this to be one of the places that sticks into my mind the most. I foremost really appreciated the fact that they really focus on and showcase the bounty of LOCAL seafood as opposed to some of the other places we visited around town, which featured more of the seafood shipped from all over that I would more typically find back home in NYC. That seafood was presented in a multitude of forms, each of them uniquely delicious. For the raw bar opening round, we forgo'd raw clams and oysters altogether and opted for some impressive stone crab claws, which are apparently just as much of a Charleston thing as a Miami one, and peel n eat shrimp, which were definitively the best I've ever had. Typically I find shrimp in general to be an extremely underwhelming affair, but that's no doubt largely due to the fact that typically I'm eating the crustacean far from it's source and freshness. Not so with these local beauties, perfectly prepared to ideal consistency and masterfully flavored with zesty local fare I simply could not stop peelin' n eatin'. Rounding up the raw bar selections was a delightfully citrusy crudo of similarly smackingly fresh line caught snapper. Next up was a exemplary spreadable smoked fish dip, not unlike the type I've become familiar with over the years from the many many trips I've made down to South Florida, albeit cheff-ed by being topped with orbs of spunky roe that pop in your mouth like salty gushers, served alongside some kind of crispy type za'tar spiced cracker-flatbread giving vaguely Middle-Eastern influence to the new-Low Country proceedings. Moving on, we did wind up sampling the local clams and oysters, just not in raw form. For Oysters we had the delectable crispy oyster sliders, apparently the house's most ordered dish and they were likewise worth the hype. I can't say I haven't had this ubiquitous starter before but rarely is it as satisfying as this version, again with the evident freshness of the local briny bivalves shining through. A more unique treatment for the oysters was the smoked oyster dish, smokey oysters in their juices along with onions and umami galore, served in a glass jar long with creme fraiche and a mini sized bottle of hot-sauce equipped with an eye dropper for precision application. It was as delicious as it was unique. As for clams, we had them served on top a bed of perfectly al dente spaghetti and a zesty tomato based sauce that was a wonderfully delicious departure to the typical vongole we so know and love back at home. Finally, along with the peel n eat shrimps, the best dish of the meal, and the one that most sticks with me would be the deliciously flavorful blue crab rice, which deliciously showcased both local treasures of blue crab and the legendary Carolina gold rice, along with a medley of local seasonal herbs and veggies mixed in combining to achieve full on local low country deliciousness. Beyond the delicious meal the place offered a welcome chance to venture beyond the very tourist focus and saturated French Quarter and downtown area where we spent most of out time in the city and check out this undeniable more scruffy, rowdier and more youthful area largely centered around the university, and I was very pleased to have had the chance. Decor reminded me of many of the classic "New-Brooklyn" culinary pioneers I frequented during my years there particularly in the later aughts, where a beautifully restored classic (or at least classic looking) older space is revitalized with new energy, while paying homage to the classic traditions they are building upon the basis over. Service was perhaps a little more scatterbrained and distracted than I found typical in Charleston, where I really found the level of service to be admirably very high, but that was in no doubt large part due to the fact that the place was packed to capacity on a booming Sunday evening, which should only further serve as evidence of the overall quality and reputation of the place. Overall a very impressive meal and a worthy addition to any Charleston itinerary. read more

The Ordinary - Stone Crabs, Peel & Eat Shrimps, Snapper - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The Ordinary - Smoked Oysters - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The Ordinary - Crispy Oyster Slider - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The Ordinary - Smoked Oyster - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The Ordinary - Smoked Fish Dip - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The Ordinary - Blue Crab Rice - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The Ordinary - Spaghetti & clams, tomato - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Andrew L.

Elite 26

184

5 years ago

What a fabulous return to an outstanding restaurant! On our final night of vacation in Charleston, we were able to grab an early reservation at the Ordinary. We were planning on grabbing a seat in the patio, and as we were driving there, the restaurant called to advise that, due to the weather, they were closing the patio, but could accommodate us inside. Because one of our children is not yet fully vaccinated, we wanted to get a more isolated seating, and the hostess was very understanding and willing to accommodate the request. As we arrived at the restaurant, the storm had passed, and the staff was quickly able to get us set up on their patio. Quiet, relaxed, and a friendly waiter set the tone for what was a wonderful meal We started off with a glass of sparkling rose from Portugal which hit just the right notes with the appetizers. The Sea cloud oysters, peel and eat shrimp, and the Beeliner snapper were all heavenly, but the start of the starters was the smoked mackerel pate. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the apps - including the 12 and 16 year old boys who were expanding their palates. As good as the apps were - the entrees elevated the email even further. The boys had the gumbo and the spaghetti with clams, while we enjoyed the oyster sliders and the mustard crusted amberjack. While all were good, the gumbo was very well done - reminiscent of gumbo we have enjoyed in NOLA. But the true star was the sliders. OMG. We went back and ordered two more because..well..we could not stop. Hands down one of the best dishes we had this week. My wife and I had enjoyed the Ordinary several years ago by ourselves and the quality is even better than we remembered. At Reilly memorable event with the boys this time. read more

The Ordinary - Sea Cloud oysters, peel and eat shrimp and smoked mackerel pate - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The Ordinary - Mustard Crusted Amberjack. Subtly flavored, perfectly cooked fish - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The Ordinary - Oyster sliders and Beeliner Snapper! OMG! Two sliders were not nearly enough had to order two more! - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The Ordinary - Spaghetti and Dave's clams. - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The Ordinary - Seafood gumbo - reminiscent of NOLA - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Kathryn K.

2 years ago

It wasn't terrible but I think this place is extremely overrated. Service was great! But my God the music was TERRIBLE. 2000's rap was playing. At an elevated restaurant, please play better music, it killed the vibe. read more

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Sarah M.

3 years ago

We had dinner here while vacationing with my family. I have a 3 yr old and she was the only kid on our trip. I was constantly worried about whether the restaurants my family chose would be able to accommodate her. The Ordinary staff was amazing! It was said they do not have a kid menu, but they do! My daughter got some potato chips (which she loved), and buttered noodles (which all the adults tried and loved). When it came to entertaining her, they even gave her coloring pages and crayons! We sat in the patio, which had a wonderful ambiance to it and my daughter could stretch her legs. I had the steak, and it was phenomenal! I honestly have nothing but great things to say about the not so ordinary The Ordinary. Thank you so much for a wonderful dinner! read more

The Ordinary - Outside patio. Kid friendly. - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Molly S.

3 years ago

This is a great restaurant I come back to time and time again. The service is always top notch. Not only are the wait staff knowledgeable but they aren't stuffy; they are warm while professional. Seating: while reservations are strongly recommended here, if you arrive on off hours you may be able to grab a seat at the bar, which not only serves the full menu but allows you the space to comfortable have dinner. Bartenders are always very helpful, accommodating, and great company. Drinks: The rule with dinner is to start with a cocktail and then go into wine. I usually follow that, but their cocktails are so good here (eg Martini, Last Word) that I find myself ordering cocktails all the way through dinner. Food: Finally to the main attraction. Bluntly said, if you want the best of seafood in Charleston, make this one of your stops. Their shining star is the raw bar delights (seafood tower is a great way to start for a group). Personally, I always start with one of each of their oysters and am always happy that I did. Do not skip on the fried oyster sliders. And, trust me, get one per person. You are not going to want to share yours after you get a taste. For the main, sometimes I go with two small plates (a veg and a fish) or one of their 4 to 5 large dish options. While their large dishes are good, I think the best way to do this is to share a few small plates and take it slow. Atmosphere: Tables are small, but that's what you get in any big city restaurant. The interior is well done. the building used to be a bank and still has a vault to prove it. TLDR; - great for seafood - try the cocktails - small plates are a great way to share here (some are a generous size) - reservations recommended but bad may be available at slower times read more

The Ordinary - Rotating oyster selection - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The Ordinary - Steak tartare with homemade potato chips - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The Ordinary - Fried oyster slider - a MUST - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The Ordinary - (Closest to farthest) 1. Golden beet salad with dill and whipped ricotta 2. Tuna crudo 3. Grouper with spinach and squash puree - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Derek S.

7 months ago

Be extra cautious if you have an allergy. I'm deathly allergic to milk (dairy products). I choose nicer places to eat to avoid any confusion and be safe when ordering. After explaining my allergy to the server and going back and forth between the kitchen a couple of times, he came back to tell me a meal was dairy free and only had butter. I said butter is dairy and he replied "it depends who you ask". I said it doesn't matter who you ask, butter is dairy and he had an attitude with my response. After giving my order I didn't feel comfortable at all eating this meal so I approached the manager behind the bar to verify that my meal would not have any dairy and explained the interaction I just had with the server. He said he would make sure it didn't but didn't say anything about the servers response to me. I eat out minimum 3 dinners per week in Charleston and never leave bad reviews because they are typically genuine accidents if there is an issue but this was just lack of training and education. Won't be going back unfortunately. Martini and oysters were great though if you don't have to worry about the kitchen killing you. read more

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Eddie T.

2 years ago

Overpriced Small portions Average quality LOCAL oysters $4 ! Fish chowder --- mostly potato Tuna tataki -- three small pieces $26 Gumbo -- scant on ingredients Stone crab claws were fresh and tasty Noise level high Service was superior The Ordinary is appropriately named . read more

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Susan A.

2 years ago

How lucky was I! The only res available online was at 5:15pm so I walked in at 6:45pm and got a seat at the bar, by the service bartender. Delicious dinner (raw clams, a new sea scallop main, and chocolate/hazelnut/caramel mousse). The folks behind the bar cared if I enjoyed my meal, which I did. I saw the GM clearing tables and delivering entrees. I was really impressed that the entire staff was invested in making sure guests had an enjoyable experience at the restaurant. Plus, watching the bartenders work, I understand why cocktails cost $15 and more. Definitely worth a visit. read more

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Maddie W.

3 years ago

5/5 when it comes to seafood. Extremely accommodating for gluten sensitivity. Almost everything is naturally gluten free and they have substitutions for things that aren't. We had the smoked trout pate, shrimp larb, crab claws, and hazelnut budino. All was SPECTACULAR. Allison (our server) made our experience EXTRA-ORDINARY and unforgettable. Her hospitality meant way more to us than how good the food tasted, making this our best dining experience in Charleston. Period! And to add to all of this, dining in an old-fashioned bank renovated to a classy, urban, spacious restaurant was truly one-of-a-kind. We felt like we were dining in Gringott's bank from Harry Potter. It was so much cooler than we imagined. Do yourself a favor and get a reservation! read more

The Ordinary - Shrimp larb - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The Ordinary - Dressed oyster - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The Ordinary - Smoked trout pate - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The Ordinary - Interior from the second floor - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The Ordinary - Oyster bar with original vault behind us - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The Ordinary - Hazelnut budino - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Jane S.

7 months ago

dark table. no candles. bad lighting. party of 5 and 3 cocktails mixed wrong and sent back. fresh oysters and shrimp. caviar service So forgettable. it is a NO for us. and yes we are locals. read more

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Ron N.

Elite 26

644

3 years ago

We shared a Snapper entree and a few oyster sliders, The snapper was tasty and cooked perfectly . The sliders were a nice accompaniment. Service was top notch . Very cool vibe and a full bar was available. A nice place to stop for a small appetizer and a drink. read more

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Maria G.

1 year ago

Fabulous meal. Our server Mike was congenial and full of info about items on the menu. The oyster slider was tasty and the asparagus soup was very fresh and tasty. Dessert was to die for. Definitely recommend with gusto! read more

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Becky S.

1 year ago

Bad oysters - shocking in this town. beware, our table was sick after this dinner. Service was okay.

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Michael P.

Elite 18

824

167

122

3 years ago

Skip the entrees and order every small plate on the menu! Rock shrimp and fried oyster sliders were my top dishes. We ordered double! Rum focused drinks are unique and not something I'd order on my own but I'm glad the waitress suggested it. Great spot for dinner with friends or a date. We got so much food and multiple drinks and it was still on $120 a person. Price point for the small plates are perfect! 10/10 would come back read more

The Ordinary - Beef Tartare - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The Ordinary - Rock Shrimp - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The Ordinary - Crispy Oysters - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Kelly P.

570

1 year ago

Hands down incredible food, atmosphere and quality! The chowder soup was one of my favorites I have had. Would recommend to anyone for a very nice dinner. read more

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Emily P.

Elite 26

326

408

4 years ago

A dinner that lives up to the hype!!! Everything here was top notch- atmosphere was great, staff friendly, and food delicious. Highly recommend a reservation - or showing up right when they open as they get busy. For drinks we loved the Ron Con Cola and champagne colada. For food we had some delicious oysters, pickled little neck clams, razor clams, blue crab fried rice, and shrimp. Everything we ate was delicious and you could tell was amazingly fresh. read more

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Shannon N.

Elite 23

221

131

220

4 years ago

Hands down the best food I've had in Charleston!! Run don't walk here! Reservations can be hard to get make sure you check the day reservations are released to get one. I absolutely loved everything I had here. I recommend the tuna larb, B-line Snapper, crispy oyster slider and zucchini capriccio. We literally cleaned these plates! One note is the zucchini is summer squash (yellow) not zucchini; however, my mom who doesn't like summer squash still loved it! The crab rice was good, and a good way to bulk up a meal but it isn't a must try. Will recommend this place to everyone! I'd visit Charleston again just to come here. read more

The Ordinary - B-line snapper - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The Ordinary - Zucchini - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The Ordinary - Tuna larb - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Lisa G.

Elite 26

188

209

6 years ago

I was in town for a work meeting (I'm from San Antonio Texas) and met up with some friends for dinner. I am vegan and I couldn't find ANYTHING on the menu that I could eat. So we talked to our waiter (I think his name was Erick) and he quickly said that it was not a problem! I had not clue what they were going to bring me. So I was pleasantly surprised when I had this delicious plate in front of me. Broccolini, sprouts and kale, and roasted tomato. (I am not sure exactly what they were because NONE of this was on the menu) I will tell you that every bite was DIVINE! Made this vegan tummy VERY happy! read more

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Natalie C.

Elite 26

427

2000

6 years ago

The food was great....but getting it was SUCH an ordeal. Three of the four people in our party ordered hot dinners, one was cold (2 oysters and crab legs). The three hot dinners came out, and it took over TEN MINUTES for the cold faire to come out. By the time it came out, majority of the group had finished their dinner when one's was just coming out. Additionally, when drinks were ordered, the bottle of wine came out promptly, however it took 25 minutes for a dirty martini to come out. The first one that came out was not even close to being dirty and they had to remake it, which came out just before we got the check to leave. It's such a bummer because the food and quality is top notch, but it was such a terrible experience and coordination of the kitchen and bar. read more

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Paul G.

2 years ago

Having had an unpleasant customer experience nearby and in need of sustenance, we went into the Ordinary last night with no reservation. The manager and all of the staff couldn't have been more pleasant and accommodating! Incredibly attentive, serving us at the standing bar until they could snag us some spots at the main bar. The main courses were all superb. The steak was succulent, the wreckfish schnitzel with sweet potato puree incredibly delicate and moist, and the triggerfish was fresh and delicious. The best possible experience is great food like this, combined with lovely and cheerful service. Can't wait to come back again. read more

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Shayna E.

Elite 25

142

3 years ago

Anything but ordinary - I tried four different dishes and wish I had room for more. You have to try the fish pate in particular, it's the perfect blend of flavors Service and ambiance is also amazing, a great way to end the day read more

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w y.

2 years ago

Wanted to love this place so much, but so disappointed. While food was fresh the portions were quite small, so after spending $300+, we left hungry. Inside was nice but a bit dark. Tables were a bit awkward and seats quite uncomfortable. Service was okay, manager stepping up where necessary. read more

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Allison L.

2 years ago

If you are visiting Charleston let this be the first place you eat! Every single plate was mouth-watering DELICIOUS! Worth every dime. read more

The Ordinary - Fried Oyster Sliders - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The Ordinary - Martini - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The Ordinary - Raw oysters - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Diane C.

1 year ago

Loved The Ordinary! The space, the service, the food and drinks, all were excellent. The Ordinary has such a great and inviting vibe. Sophisticated and approachable. There is nothing "ordinary" about The Ordinary. Our server and all we came in contact with were professional and welcoming. Highlights were cocktails, oyster sliders and the soft shell crabs. But we loved it all. And we will be back when we return to Charleston. The Ordinary is a gem. read more

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William C.

4 years ago

Everything here is always amazing, possibly one of the best restaurants in Charleston. Be prepared to wait a while as this place is always booked. You really can't go wrong with any choice, but the smoked fish pate and the oyster sliders are both out of this world. read more

The Ordinary - Smoked fish pate - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The Ordinary - Oyster Sliders - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Clint S.

Elite 25

302

267

2 years ago

This restaurant is anything but ordinary despite its name. Our server Eric was a superstar who guided us through our culinary journey and we couldn't have been happier. We had a great conversation with a couple seated next to us, and couldn't believe seeing them again when we were enjoying our amazing wine outside a stellar wine bar Bin 152 (for which I've already posted a review). What a wonderful treat. read more

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John M.

3 years ago

My wife and had a lovely dinner at the Ordinary. I started with single ladies oysters. My favorites are Pink Moons but these Single Ladies did not disappoint. My wife had the baked Alabama with sauce and bacon oysters. She gave me a taste and I'll tell you they were delicious. For the main course my wife had the Baltimore style fish cake it was excellent. I had the Dave's Clams and grilled Sourdough. Soooo good! We had an awesome time. Our waitress was great and very helpful. The restaurant is beautiful and have an excellent laid back vibe. read more

The Ordinary - Our lovely waitress delivered these delicious Single Ladies. - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The Ordinary - My wife's delectable fish cake. So good - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Christine L.

Elite 26

251

425

4 years ago

Get the oyster sliders!! They are soooo good! The price is for one so I'd say depending on how hungry you are order accordingly. The blue crab rice is also a must try! The way the menu works is also tapas-ish so they recommend a couple plates a person depending on what you're ordering. This is a nice restaurant right on king that is always so busy, but it was definitely worth the wait!! read more

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Rami R.

173

3 years ago

This place is incredible! One of the top 3 meals I've had this year. I'd skip the raw bar. We had the single seafood tower and we though the oysters and shrimp were good but nothing to write home about and weren't fans of the fish or clams. We also thought the fish cake was good but not great. Outside of those, all of our food was incredible. The crispy oyster slider is a must have...so good that we all got seconds of it after our meal...everyone agreed this was the best thing we had. We also had the new england fish chowder, which was an amazing soup. When I return, I'll likely just get sliders and the fish chowder (though the burrato and tomato dish is also amazing). Lastly, we had dessert. Definitely get the gold rice pudding...our entire table loved it. I really liked the budino too (very rich), but our entire table agreed the rice pudding was the star of the show. Lastly, the staff was also very nice here (we had a baby and they were very patient with us). I definitely recommend. read more

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Morganne M.

Elite 26

444

131

237

6 years ago

This place is beautiful. Kind of loud, but super nice. I would dress in business professional and expect to pay $$$. Cheapest glass of wine is around $11. It actually used to be a bank. Also make sure you have a reservation because it stays busy. There are vegetarian options but this place is known for its seafood. I had the crab salad appetizer and the lobster roll, which was Wednesday's special. The lobster roll came with fries and was $31. It was absolutely delicious though. I would go back solely for that. It's trendy, so they have sodas that they make, dont go looking for a Pepsi. They might have coke for the bar. The Ordinary is beautiful and more expensive than some places but definitely worth a try if you like seafood read more

The Ordinary - The bar - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Skip E.

156

2 years ago

Excellent raw bar choices and the cooked old bay shrimp was fantastic. The oyster slider was an experience and the bread it came on was homemade. The grouper dish surprised me how fresh and clean it was. The waitress was super friendly. Cant wait to go back. read more

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Gisele P.

1 year ago

We didn't have reservations but we seated immediately at the raw bar. The entire staff was friendly and attentive. The oysters were delicious, along with all the other seafood we ordered. Great ambiance. We'll definitely go again on our next trip to Charleston! read more

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Aly B.

Elite 23

3 years ago

Recently visited The Ordinary for dinner. Took a few minutes for a server to stop by. Not a huge deal but, when a manager stopped by and realized we hadn't been visited, he comped our first round of drinks and a starter. We weren't expecting that at all, but what a top notch service experience! I noticed the manager visit every table to check in throughout our meal. For dinner, we chose to split several small plates. We started with the smoked trout dip. The buttermilk crackers almost outshone the dip- so good! We followed the dip with oysters, which were nicely presented and very tasty. Next up we split the zucchini carpaccio, fish cake, and clam toast. The unexpected star was the carpaccio! I haven't stopped thinking about it since! The fish cake and clam toast were also amazing. I wanted to try some of the other dishes, but it was very hot outside. I'll be returning for the gumbo and other hot dish options. read more

The Ordinary - Zucchini carpaccio, fish cake - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Mateus M.

325

2 years ago

Stealer service and incredible good. The fish was delicious and recommendations from staff showed unparalleled knowledge of the menu.

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Heather D.

2 years ago

Exceeded any expectations that I had prior to coming here. The food is fantastic, the staff are very attentive and the place is beautiful. Great place to go for any occasion! read more

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D A.

2 years ago

Great food (4 star) but for the hype/ratings, didn't deliver. Plus the food took forever - our friends and us had same reservation, same amount of people, and were cashing out as our entrees arrived. Fun to try once, wouldn't go back and would def recommend other places in Charleston ahead of this (eg Maison, 167, Delaney). If you go, the swordfish is absolutely great, star of the meal! read more

The Ordinary - Halibut - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The Ordinary - Swordfish - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The Ordinary - Oyster - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The Ordinary - Cocktails - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The Ordinary - Crab - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Ben G.

1 year ago

The food and ambiance are unmatched. Our server, Allison, was timely, very friendly, and knowledgeable. We were celebrating getting engaged and she was the sweetest. When we travel back from Illinois, this spot is a guarantee! read more

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Jessica H.

5 years ago

One of our absolute favorite restaurants in Charleston. Food, service and atmosphere are all 5-star! The Ordinary Towers are amazing (best peel & eat shrimp you'll ever have), as is literally everything else we've gotten there! My husband got the Triggerfish Schnitzel and I had the Jumbo Blue Crab Rice and we couldn't recommend it more! read more

The Ordinary - Jumbo Lump Blue Crab Rice - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The Ordinary - Oysters and Peel & Eat Shrimp - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The Ordinary - Triggerfish Schnitzel - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Page 4 of 23

544 King St
Charleston, SC 29403
Cannonborough
Directions
(843) 414-7060
Call Now
Visit Website
http://eattheordinary.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does The Ordinary open?

The Ordinary opens at 5:00 PM on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does The Ordinary close?

The Ordinary closes at 10:00 PM on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.The Ordinary is closed on Tuesday.The Ordinary closes at 10:30 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Mon, Wed-Thu, Sun 5:00 PM - 10:00 PMTue ClosedFri-Sat 5:00 PM - 10:30 PM

Payment methods

Does The Ordinary take credit cards?

Yes, The Ordinary takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does The Ordinary have catering options?

No, The Ordinary does not have catering options.

Does The Ordinary have a happy hour?

Yes, The Ordinary has a happy hour.

Does The Ordinary serve alcohol?

Yes, The Ordinary serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does The Ordinary allow dogs?

Yes, The Ordinary allows dogs.

Does The Ordinary have TVs?

No, The Ordinary does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does The Ordinary have bike parking?

Yes, The Ordinary has bike parking.

Does The Ordinary have outdoor seating?

Yes, The Ordinary has outdoor seating options.

Does The Ordinary have parking?

Yes, The Ordinary has parking options. Garage Parking, Private Lot Parking, Street Parking, Valet Parking

Other Amenities

Is The Ordinary wheelchair accessible?

Yes, The Ordinary is wheelchair accessible.

Does The Ordinary have free WiFi?

Yes, The Ordinary has free WiFi.

More Info

Health Score

Ask the Community - The Ordinary

Are children welcome?

Maybe not answer if you've never been. Yes, children are welcome

View 1 more answer

Is there a Dress code?

No - pretty casual I went there in jeans and a sweater and my husband Was in jeans and a polo and didn't feel out of place. People there in cocktail attire as well as shorts…

View 2 more answers

Is there a children's menu?

No, but there should be something that children would be interested in, like the fish cakes!

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Kaminsky's Dessert Cafe

My husband, his parents, and I went to Kaminsky's at around 8:30ish on a weeknight for a sweet…read moretreat. It's a super small establishment with a few tables and some bar seating. Luckily, we were able to be seated immediately but it was very close quarters with surrounding tables. The menu is vast with different dessert options. If you want to know what cakes are available, you should check out the display stand right when you enter. Since we were there 2.5 hours before closing, there didn't seem to be a lot of cake options available, but my husband and I decided to share a slice of the s'mores cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to make it à la mode. The s'mores cake was a chocolate cake with mini marshmallows, chocolate fudge, graham crackers, and more marshmallows. The cake was good and had everything I could ever want in it, but it was a little dry. I think this also had to do with it being the end of the night. The ice cream complemented the flavor well. It would have been better with a second scoop of ice cream though. Service was great! It took about 10 minutes from when we ordered to get our dessert. I would probably come back here again, but not so late at night so there would be fresher cake with more options available.

We gave Kaminsky's Dessert Cafe a second try, but unfortunately they couldn't redeem themselves. On…read moreboth visits, service was lacking. We waited about 5 to 10 minutes to be acknowledged while two employees stood nearby. The two layer chocolate caramel pecan cake, which our waitress initially could not find, was dry and tasted stale. I would not order it again. The Tollhouse pie was a bit better, but the presentation and the whipped cream were the standouts, and the whipped cream wasn't even homemade! That's the best thing I could say about our experience. The food, pricing, service, and ambiance all fell below average. When you are located downtown with so many great dessert options around, you really need to step up your game. We will not be returning.

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Chocolate Brownie

Butterfinger cheese cake

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Carmella's

Marco was probably one of the best people I've ever saw. Dude crushes it, has fun and delivers…read moregreat service. As a F&B member he's living the life

The assortment available is not what was on the web page. It showed cookies, cupcakes, berry tarts…read moreand there weren't any there. Very disappointed

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Buzzed Bull Creamery

4.3

(58 reviews)

0.1 mi

Shoutout to this place for opening the store for us when we were looking for a sweet treat…read more Ice cream flavors were all well made and had the option of making it alcoholic or keeping it non-buzzed. All the buzzed flavors were paired with the perfect complimentary alcohol, and while you could taste the alc it wasn't too overpowering. I got the cherry cordial, which I really liked and didn't think was too sweet either. Staff was also super nice and answered all of our questions.

Stopped in for 'buzzed' ice cream but unfortunately on Sunday nothing comes buzzed. Disappointment…read morefor sure. I ordered the smores ice cream which was still good but really wanted it buzzed. The other two got shakes which were also good. The place is nicely decorated and there are table games on each table to occupy your time. The service was faster than expected since they are using Nitrogen to make it. Not sure how they have a microbulk tank of nitrogen inside the building but ok. Would try again and hopefully get something buzzed.

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"Bar" 9/9/25

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Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams

Wow, talk about impressive! Easily the BEST ice cream of my life. It tastes so authentic, you'll…read morethink there's a farm somewhere in the back of the store! My husband and I shared the brownie batter ice cream. We both commented on how much we loved the waffle bowl it was in, instead of a waffle cone. We will definitely be back for more! :)

Don't even walk past their doors unless you either plan to stop in for a scoop or you have…read moreincredible self control. The smell of sweet, sugary ice cream that hits you as soon as you walk in is incredible. As someone who loves ending my dad with ice cream, this was a great stop while in Charleston. There was a bit of line but the team behind the counter was fast and still so kind, offering samples before you could even ask. I tried the Goat Cheese with Red Cherries ice cream and was immediately hooked. So many incredible looking flavors Delicious ice cream Big space with room to sit/stand Prime loc right on the busy ave I mightttt have gotten a pint of Jennys from our grocery store after getting back to Jersey we loved it so much.

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Sweet Potato Marshmallow Praline

Brown butter almond brittle

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Off Track Ice Cream

One of the best icecream shops in Charleston, and off of King!…read more I came by around 8pm on a Thursday, and the service was super fast, and there was a fair amount of seating available. The staff was very friendly and everything was delicious. I got a single scoop of the Brown sugar oat milk and cookies flavor, and it was a good portion for $7 (after tip and tax). I love that offtrack has a good variety of vegan options and can accommodate to some allergies.

We stopped by Off Track Ice Cream while walking around near King Street and it definitely lived up…read moreto the hype. I had heard it was one of the best ice cream spots in Charleston, so we had to try it--and it did not disappoint! They have a huge variety of ice cream flavors and tons of fun toppings you can add, like whipped cream, pretzels, sprinkles, almonds, and more. We ordered the chocolate fudgy brownie ice cream and added pretzels on top, which gave it the perfect sweet-and-salty combination! Everything tasted delicious, and it was the perfect treat while exploring the area. If you're walking around King Street and craving ice cream, this spot is definitely worth stopping by!

Photos

Key lime pie

One Scoop Vegan Cookie Monster $5.75 + Sugar Cone $1.25

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Chocolate Cake Charleston

The chocolate cake is delicious! The frosting is so fudgy and chocolatey and just amazing. I got…read morethe 8 inch 2 layer cake (smallest option) and it was $55. I emailed with Christen to place the order and coordinate and it was very easy. Great option for a celebration or event.

I had first head of them from going to a wedding where they did the cake. I forgot to get snacks…read morefor an event I was hosting and the Chocolate Cake really came through. I was looking for a place near the event to do a neighborhood tie in and they made me 7 dozen mini cupcakes. I sent an inquiry and we worked out the details over email. I initially was going to get a few dozen regular sized cupcakes, but Christen suggested the mini's for bite sized snacking in a mingling... setting which was perfect. We set a pickup time and I went to grab them just before my event. Christen had them ready and greeted me at the door. She actually does all the baking off site at a commercial kitchen and then offers pickup from her beautiful home downtown. I love this old school way of doing business and it adds a personal touch. Now for the cakes! Everyone was raving about them and asking where they came from... even people who said they don't even like chocolate cake (weirdos if you ask me). I lucked out because my guests had restraint and didn't devour every last mini cupcake so I took home about a dozen of them and enjoyed all of them with zero judgement from the party goers. I can't wait to try a whole cake from this place... it's gonna be amazing.

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Chocolate cake

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Benne’s

We stopped into Benne's right before closing and they were kind enough to still let us in, which we…read morereally appreciated. We were craving espresso martinis, and they quickly made a couple for us. Nice touch -- the glasses were chilled, which always makes a difference. That said, we do think the martinis may have been missing the classic foam "bubble" and espresso bean garnish. Honestly though, since they were closing and still accommodated us, we were just grateful they made them at all. If it had been mentioned that they'd be quick, simplified versions due to closing, we would've completely understood -- just something small for expectation-setting. Now let's talk about the coconut cake -- absolutely amazing. It's $17 for a slice, but the portion is HUGE. Easily shareable, and we still had to take some to-go. Super moist, flavorful, and worth every bite if you're a coconut fan. Also worth noting: the outdoor patio is pet-friendly, which is always a big plus for us. Great spot to stop with your pup while enjoying dessert or a cocktail. Overall, a positive experience -- especially thanks to the staff's hospitality at closing time. We'd definitely come back (earlier next time!) to enjoy the full experience.

Finally tried the famous Ultimate Coconut Cake by Peninsula and it absolutely lived up to the hype…read moreand deserves 5 stars on its own. The cake is moist, perfectly sweet, and layered with fluffy coconut frosting. If you've been wanting to try it but don't feel like committing to a full fine-dining experience at Peninsula Grill, this is such a great, more casual way to enjoy it. I paired it with an espresso martini, which paired well with the dessert. I was disappointed that it wasn't served with their famous smoke bubble. The overall experience was just okay. Sitting at the bar was convenient, but the service felt pretty standard and the interior didn't really stand out or add much to the vibe. It's definitely more about the cake than the atmosphere here.

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Espresso Martini

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AZUR

4.7

(124 reviews)

0.9 mi

Azur Burger was terrible very dry. no flavor. The beef burgundy was no good…read more The waiters had a terrible attitude from jump Street. The owner and whoever he was stayed on his phone the entire time and spoke to none of the clients. Possibly the manager. We've been traveling around here for four days, This was the bottom of the barrel. Furthermore, I believe most of these reviews came from family and friends not honest customers..

We had the pleasure of dining here 2 separate times over an extended weekend trip…read more Host very welcoming and nurturing. Finds your table, if you arrive early for a reservation we had luck with them seating us and he says a kind goodbye as we left each time. Nice list of 3 mocktails so even if not consuming alcohol one can look to play the part at the table and enjoy the flavor notes of a well made cocktail. The first meal we had was a bit of a work/get together meal. We ordered an assortment of items off of the menu and created a more tapas menu. The charcuterie board we picked the cheeses for and it was lovely. All as expected and quite surprised to find a cheddar I enjoyed. Came with some grapes, figs, nuts, honey and I think mustard. Glazed carrots were phenomenal. Heartily enjoyed the beet salad and thought the presentation was quite pretty. Lamb lettuce wraps are alright. Not my favorite of all the dishes served but delivered as promised, nicely cooked and presented. Spouse really liked the lamb wraps and were a stand out dish to them. Meatballs are excellent truly great texture and flavor. Escargot was a fun take on a classic dish. Finished with a unique strudel in its presentation it was quite pleasant. Spouse liked the peanut butter chocolate dessert. For brunch, I had the carrot ginger soup. Which I must say was a total delight. The soup had the hallmark texture and base flavor of the carrot ginger but it had a beautiful breath of savory and some heat seasoning wise to it. It was quite an elevated soup and heartily enjoyed! I followed the carrot soup with a French toast. I am all for softly scrambled eggs but the French toast was a touch undercooked. (I did not let the restaurant know or give them the chance to make right. I regularly eat soft boiled eggs and soft scrambled so I felt comfortable with consuming them.) Strawberries were ripe and tasty. The whipped cream was gorgeous in thickness and flavor. One in law had the caesar salad with croutons and grilled chicken. Their bowl was left clean so while they are not the talkative of sorts they did seem to enjoy it. Ordered a baguette with butter. Unfortunately the butter never made it to the table but the baguette was enjoyed. Spouse had the Azur burger with the side of tapas style potatoes. All was cooked properly to temperature and texture. Flavor and taste as promised. Wasn't their favorite dish at Azur as we had tried so many lovely dishes a few evenings before. But it did deliver on what was represented in the menu. Other in law had the quiche and a side salad. They liked the quiche and would order it again.

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Atmosphere, view from a window seat

Ratatouille: delicious

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Mocktail

East Coast Chimney Cakes

4.3

(3 reviews)

4.9 mi

Service Detailed explanation of issue…read more Professional No pressure from him Kind n easy to talk to Definitely very knowledgeable Highly recommend

Pros: Almost everything. They are delicious! Cons: Don't…read moreexpect to get them to go. You've gotta eat them as a soon as you get them! We are big fans!

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Movie night menu - Specials change by event

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River Street Sweets

Nice spot for Pralines. Free samples and the chocolate praline was so good! Would definitely come…read moreback!

I wanted something sweet for my walk back to my hotel so I stopped in for a treat. There were 2…read moreworkers and I got a half @$$ greeting when I walked in even though I was the only person in there. When I finally decided on some chocolate covered pretzels the guy behind the counter acted as if I were interrupting his day, it was pretty off-putting. I got 3 pretzels and it came out to be $5, seemed pretty steep for not getting too much. Next time I think I'll take my business elsewhere, it seems to be a trend with this place based off other reviews.

Photos

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Sorelle

4.4

(444 reviews)

1.2 mi

One of the best Italian meals we've had in a very long time. The house made pasta melted in our…read moremouth!! The Cesar broccolini...exquisite! And the atmosphere exceeded our expectations. Will definitely be back again!

We usually visit when family is in town and had Thanksgiving dinner here last year. Service is…read morewonderful, the space is very nice, food is delicious. I have sampled a little of this & that when different people order different things and we all try them. The gnocchi is wonderful. I would like to highlight the Thanksgiving dinner though. They have a set menu and they give you a little of everything. There was plenty of food for the whole table and everything was exceptional. It was wonderful and one of the best meals we have had in Charleston. Have a meal here at least once. I promise you won't regret it.

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The downstairs bar

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Fattie's (local Italian style pilsner)

Carmella's

Marco was probably one of the best people I've ever saw. Dude crushes it, has fun and delivers…read moregreat service. As a F&B member he's living the life

The assortment available is not what was on the web page. It showed cookies, cupcakes, berry tarts…read moreand there weren't any there. Very disappointed

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Bodega

After a bad experience with a coffee shop we wanted to try - we make way towards Bodega…read more We visited on July 20th around 11-12pm and our server was super sweet and friendly. The menu is amazing. I would go back every-time that i'm in Charleston. The food did not disappoint! Super delicious.

I came here twice on my vacation. They have a nice outdoor area. We ate lunch one time and came for…read morea coffee once. I had a delicious spinach salad that was loaded with goat cheese and toppings. The dressing was good. My family enjoyed their sandwiches. The service was decent. I thought the iced tea was expensive but it was good. My Oreo coffee was good but the small is small and $7.

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Bar seating

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The Lowcountry - Homemade sausage Patty, Egg, Cheddar, & Sausage Gravy

Harken Cafe

Harken Cafe was highly recommended and absolutely lived up to the hype! The cafe has the cutest…read morehippie vibes and the staff is super warm and welcoming. Heads up--it gets PACKED on weekends and sometimes even runs out of goodies, so come early. We tried the German chocolate bun and OMG--it was insane. Perfectly buttery, toasted almonds, and rich dark chocolate--it might be the best pastry I've ever had. The Butter Me Up breakfast sandwich was huge and so shareable, packed with bacon, avocado, and egg on a crumbly, buttery biscuit--pure breakfast heaven. To drink, the turmeric chai latte was hot, comforting, and refreshing all at once. Honestly, if you're in Charleston and love cozy spots with epic pastries and breakfast, Harken Cafe is a must!

Harken Cafe was super cute and I really liked the aesthetic of the place, but my experience was a…read morebit mixed. I waited about 30 minutes in line, and while the service was decent, it felt very rushed once I finally ordered. I got an iced vanilla latte and it was very disappointing, which was a letdown because I really wanted to love this spot. From my personal experience, I would probably skip it.

Photos

Entry at Harken

Butter Me Up with Bacon

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Iced latte

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27 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Daniel P.

140

2 years ago

I recently dined at this restaurant with a party of seven, and our experience was excellent from start to finish. We were seated right away, which was a great start to the evening. The service was top-notch--our server was attentive and frequently checked on us, ensuring we had everything we needed. We ordered a variety of appetizers and drinks, all of which were delicious. I tried the daiquiri, which was a bit strong for my taste, so I opted for a Diet Coke instead. I appreciated that they offered to crush the ice, as I love my drinks with plenty of it. The steak frites were a standout--absolutely amazing and incredibly delicious. I would definitely return just for those! Overall, a fantastic dining experience. Highly recommend! read more

Tina H.

10 years ago

Stopped in for a drink on Friday 8/12/16. Bartender tried to talk husband into a daiquiri. He ordered a dirty martini instead then went to the restroom. As I sat at the end of the bar waiting I witnessed at least 3 bartenders cracking jokes about my husband and what he ordered. Right in front of my face! So, instead of giving them a piece of my mind we asked for the GM. GM was nice enough but only apologized and offered a drink on the house for the next day. Don't bother with this place on a Friday or Saturday night after 9 unless you want to deal with snot nosed college kids with terrible customer service and horrible manners!!! read more

Olivia K.

Elite 25

136

2 years ago

The Ordinary in Charleston is a stunning, chic restaurant set in a beautifully repurposed old bank, offering an upscale yet relaxed atmosphere. The service is impeccable, and the seafood is truly some of the best I've ever had. From the perfectly balanced House Martini to the fresh and impressive Seafood Tower, every dish was exquisite. The Wagyu Steak Tartare was rich and flavorful, while the Oyster Sliders were a unique and delightful treat. If you're looking for a memorable dining experience with outstanding seafood, The Ordinary is a must-visit! read more

Emma P.

Elite 26

307

345

8 months ago

The Ordinary in downtown Charleston never disappoints. The oysters were incredibly fresh, the clams were full of flavor, and the sliders were the surprise standout of the night. Do not skip them. The space feels lively without being overwhelming, and the service is polished and welcoming. A great pick for anyone who loves seafood and wants a memorable night out in Charleston. The outside seating is also perfect on a nice night and it's right next to a parking garage. read more

Chelle A.

12 years ago

Another great establishment with Chef Lata at the helm. Options include raw bar items (local oysters, razor clams, crudo) to mini fried oyster sliders. There's often 5+ oyster options, lobster, and fresh fish. The food is perfectly paired down, so you taste the flavor of the food, not the seasoning. The bar is well appointed with interesting, but accessible drink choices. Wait staff are knowledgeable about their great, albeit limited, wine menu. read more

Dave J.

10 years ago

Our experience at The Ordinary couldn't have been any more perfect. They have a great selection of rums (their specialty or focus) and their Mai Tai was the best I've ever had. Also, if you can, try a Mezcal from Del Maguey. The celery root is a beautiful dish and the truffle adds a great deal of nuance. In Alabama, oysters this good never make it here. A must visit for anyone living in or visiting Charleston. read more

Lynn A.

310

6 years ago

Dinner was absolutely worth every penny. We had peel and eat shrimp which were to die for with their creamy cocktail sauce. My friends loved their oysters too. The meals we chose (Cobb shrimp salad and the shrimp on sourdough) were delicious too! Staff was friendly and super helpful. Very clean and mindful of masks and hand sanitizer. read more

S B.

10 years ago

I went with my girlfriend last weekend and this place is amazing. The Smoked Oysters were so good that I considered stopping by just for a snack before my flight home yesterday. The staff was also super friendly and helpful. We had a very late reservation and we never felt rushed once during our meal. read more

DG D.

11 years ago

YES and YES. Oysters and Sazeracs. The place can get really loud, so head upstairs if you want a little bit of quiet. Great seafood and interesting combos. Next time I'm in Charleston, I'm there! read more

Dory D.

13 years ago

RAPE! If you want to bring your own lube and get bent OOO-VER, please step on in. One beer, cocktail and 10 half shell oyster's= $75!!!!!!!!! Pass, pass and PASS!!!!!!! read more

Linda M.

2 years ago

I think this restaurant is in line for the best seafood in Charleston. Everything we ordered was so fresh and had so much flavor. It is surely money well spent. read more

Bonnie W.

11 years ago

We were a group of 10 ladies out for girls night. The service was wonderful. The restaurant is beautiful. The food was delicious. It was a great night read more

Megan M.

166

9 years ago

Great service and food! Server was very knowledgeable of menu. Super cool atmosphere! We will be back! Great restaurant to bring family and friends. read more

Lelia T.

13 years ago

Amazing food! Wonderful staff and very attentive service! Must love seafood, but the wonderful chef is very accommodating to land lovers too. read more