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    Vern's

    4.5 (175 reviews)
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    VERN'S ATMOSPHERE

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    Recommended Reviews - Vern's

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    Vinh D.

    It really does live up to the hype! I went many times before they received a star and recently went after. Their quality of service and food are still top tier. Don't miss the bread, or the tuna tartare.

    Specials
    Ryan C.

    Great service and ambiance. We got the raw tuna appetizer, charred sourdough, beet salad, squash, wagyu, and a black currant dessert special. -The tuna tasted good, but it felt like the dish was missing something to eat the tuna with. - Sourdough was great just messy to eat since the knife didn't work to cut and we had to resort to ripping it. - We liked the beet salad, but wasn't a huge fan of the squash. - My friend really enjoyed the wagyu. - The black currant dessert special was really unique/interesting.

    Emma D.

    All it took was stepping in to the restaurant to understand why it's special. The service is incredibly personable, attentive, and knowledgeable. Although I didn't have reservations, I was able to grab a table for 2 right at 5pm. We were celebrating an anniversary so they brought us small complimentary glasses of champagne. The interior is softly light, making it romantic and comfortable. I tried the charred sourdough which was light, buttery and not too large to make me full for the rest of the meal. I'd never had escargot but our server spoke so highly of it that we ordered it. It was unbelievable - creamy, indulgent and not the overly chewy texture I was expecting. We also tried the rabbit campanelli which tasted like an elevated cacio e Pepe. Then I splurged and ordered the 30oz wagyu porterhouse. It was worth every dollar and paired perfectly with the horseradish and salsa verde. Please do yourself a favor and go!!!!

    Staci W.

    Came here for a girls night and it did not disappoint. Everything was delicious!! Some of the best desserts I've had in a while.

    Rabbit pasta
    Sarah M.

    I was lucky enough to snag a reservation at Vern's for a Friday night. We opted to sit at the bar because it looked so cozy! There are only 6 bar seats - so it is a very intimate setting with the bartender providing excellent service. For dinner, we had the rabbit pasta, scallops, and the 33oz porterhouse steak. Our favorites were the rabbit pasta- it was delicate yet decadent - absolutely delicious & the 33 oz porterhouse steak. The steak came with fresh salsa verde which was unlike anything I had ever had - dreamy! And also came with freshly grated horseradish. The steak was tender, cooked to perfection, and served in an appetizing manner. Service was fabulous. The atmosphere of Vern's is sexy, sophisticated, moody, and cozy. Absolutely perfect for date night or a splurge dinner. We will be back!

    wagyu
    Lauren P.

    Incredible food- great spins on classic meals! Was a little disappointed in the staff, and we were told to order way too much food for 2, but everything was so good, I didn't mind leftovers too much. Very cozy, intimate, and dark. They recently got a liquor license and i'd recommend just sticking with the wine. MUST GET: the scallops: my favorite dish of the night. somehow fried and still light. felt like an elevated version of the beach shacks i would go to as a child The bitter greens salad: Loved the breadcrumbs The rabbit ragu: had all the depth of a ragu but still light and bright.

    Outside
    Kristy K.

    Made a reservation for the newly Michelin starred Vern's for a trip to Charleston with my sister. We had the charred sourdough, bitter lettuces, testaroli, pappardelle and the strawberry dessert. Don't let "bitter" throw you off. It was my sisters favorite part of the meal. Each dish was really interesting and delicious. I was surprised by the strawberry dessert. It doesn't look like much but it is so good! Every layer is different and it all melds together beautifully. Very fair prices for the level of quality and service. The restaurant is very pleasantly decorated and the florals are stunning, even in the bathroom! Would not hesitate to return or recommend. Note: Do not try to park here. Just park in a garage, walk or Uber! There is no parking lot and the street parking is sparse and tight.

    Martini

    Incredible neighborhood spot that knows the food is the star of the show. Laid back atmosphere with an ample wine list and simple menu. Extra points for having an entire orange wine selection. Not a bad thing on the menu. Definitely try at least one thing from each category at least and your server will course it perfectly for you. Stand outs were the pappardelle which reminded me of hamburger helper in the most elevated and delicious way. As well as the most flavorful wagyu I've ever had. They also have an excellent dirty martini. The chocolate cake tasted like a giant baked Ferraro roche in the best way possible. All around an excellent, cozy spot with the best possible preparation of comfy and familiar flavors.

    Amelia Y.

    Hands down the best meal I've had in Charleston. If ever in need of a restaurant for a special occasion, this is the place to go! We went with the recommendation to get the escargot with the sourdough and we were so glad we did!! We also got the scallops which just melted in your mouth. Then we got the pork and some of the sweet potato's which were spectacular! I've never had sweet potato's like this. The pork was tender and flavorful. Dessert was a special for the night. We agreed it wasn't our favorite but very unique flavors! For a fun drink I recommend the one that is similar to an espresso martini (can't remember the name) but it had salted almond cold foam and it was delicious. Service was amazing, did a great job of explaining the dishes. Ambiance was moody and cool. I hope to come back here again ASAP!

    Emma P.

    The service here is exceptional. From the hostess to the bartender and server I felt very well taken care of. They have a great wine selection and the food was superb. I enjoyed the fennel, carrots, trout, and rabbit pasta. All incredibly flavorful and perfect for sharing. I love the dark moody vibes of the inside, it's a great date night spot. Limited bar seating available, I recommend a reservation.

    Sourdough
    Kim G.

    I had a very good experience at this restaurant. I'd actually give it 4.5 stars if that was an option. I believe it received a Michelin star not long ago, and I totally get it! The charred sourdough was fantastic and bursting with flavor. The portion size was also generous for a high end restaurant. My pasta dish was near perfection. It had a ton of complex flavors and textures that were all working together and totally different from any dish I've tried prior. The only downside was that the dish was extremely salty. I'm not sure if that's how it's supposed to be or not, but it definitely deterred me from giving a 5 star rating. The atmosphere was quaint and moody. The hostess and bar tender were both extremely friendly. I definitely would come back!

    Vision Quest (Spicy Marg w/ Mezcal)
    Olivia L.

    LOVE Vern's so much, I had to come back and leave another review after visiting again. It's impossible to have a bad meal here. This time we had the charred sourdough with escargot, raw yellowfin tuna, bitter lettuces (YUM), pappardelle, roast spring chicken and wagyu flat iron, but the cocktails need their moment to shine. I started with the "Vision Quest" which is a play on the spicy mezcal margarita with Calabrian chili...truly out of this world. When I thought it couldn't get better, I ordered the "Cafe Obscura" next aka an espresso martini, which genuinely took the cake, made with aged rum and topped with salted almond foam...to die for! I say this every time, but I WILL be back!

    Birthday celebration for these two ladies!

    The food and service were amazing. Prime Rib was excellent. Everything we ordered was spectacular.

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    26 days ago

    10/10 everything. Excellent service, beautiful setting, and the food and cocktails were delicious. Truly a perfect evening out.

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    3 months ago

    lived up to the hype...walk in bar dining experience was awesome. Food was fantastic, but service/vibe was even better.

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    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - Vern's

    Is parking available?

    There is street parking available but can be difficult to find. The closest public parking lots are at 10 Cannon St. and 218 Ashley Ave. or the Midtown Garage. at 558 King St.

    View All 2 Questions

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    Sorelle

    4.4
    (442 reviews)
    1.4 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!

    Sorelle is fine dining and Michelin rated for a reason. I came with friends for my birthday dinner:…read morewow! The whole place is stunning. The building has an extensive history, even once serving as a Hebrew orphanage, to now being a beautiful restaurant. I love how the architects and interior design highlight the character of the building! The wallpaper on the main dining room on the second floor is truly gorgeous! For cocktails, we tried many! I got the almond sour (delicious) and my friends were pleasantly surprised they serve decaffeinated espresso martinis. My sister got a spritz, which she also enjoyed. I was also touched that the culinary team was kind enough to sign a birthday card for me. Our table also received complimentary cacio e pepe popcorn to snack on--yum! For appetizers, we got the tuna tar tar (Crudo di Tonno), the strawberry caprese salad, and some shrimp--all so delicious, that they FLEW off the plate! For mains, I got the Rotolo al Forno, which was VERY tasty. My friends got the chicken milanese, the Sorelle spaghetti, and the sworfish. For side dishes, we also got the meatball with polenta and some potatoes. For dessert, I got a complimentary birthday cannoli with a candle and the Limone (a berry and cream-filled dessert in the form of a lemon!) What. A. Meal!!! The food and the locale are just stunning. But of course, not cheap. As a whole, we paid a whopping $399.75 without tip! Was it worth it for a feast of glamour? I'd say so--but definitely not an every day treat unless you have the budget! Also, Lucy was our server and was exceptionally sweet and patient!

    Photos
    The downstairs bar
    The downstairs bar
    Sorelle
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    Magnolias

    Magnolias

    4.4
    (3.4k reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$$

    This iconic Charleston Restaurant is still a favorite! From…read morethe minute you walk in it's special. Who doesn't love white tablecloths. The servers are dressed in traditional white and black. The original character still shines. Our server (I believe her name was Stephanie) was excellent. Good was very good as well. I had crusted Halibut and my husband had the traditional fried chicken. We didn't have a reservation on a Tuesday night and were seated immediately but would recommend reservations just in case.

    We came here on a Saturday night for a special occasion meal. We made reservations in advance and…read moreeven doing so a week or so early required us to come at 8:00 pm. The place is popular, so highly recommend reservations. When asking locals about it, it's not somewhere they go, but acknowledge it is a solid choice and staple. The appetizers were decent. The deviled eggs were good and the scallops were as well. Nothing exceptional, but solid choices. For entrees we had a wide variety in our party. I had the fried catfish with red rice and cabbage. The dish was well portioned and fried but the red rice was cold and hard. The cabbage was good. A For dessert had I have pecan pie and it was just ok. All in all, it is a place you can tell people to for special occasions. It's a bit crowded and busy, so not very intimate. But still well maintained.

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    O'Keefe on the walls?
    O'Keefe on the walls?
    Shellfish Gumbo
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    Slightly North of Broad

    Slightly North of Broad

    4.4
    (2k reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$$

    We walked into SNOB for a casual lunch, and it turned into one of those unexpectedly elevated…read moreCharleston moments that remind you this city does hospitality better than most. The service was fantastic -- warm, attentive, and confidently polished, even for a walk‑in midday meal. The food came out with that refined Lowcountry touch SNOB is known for. The star of the table was the chicken liver -- cooked to absolute perfection. Silky, rich, and beautifully seasoned, it had that "pause mid‑bite" quality because it was that good. No pâté, no frills -- just expertly prepared chicken liver that showed real skill in the kitchen. Everything about lunch felt elevated yet relaxed, the kind of meal that makes you say, "Okay, SNOB... I see you." It's absolutely worth stopping in, whether you plan ahead or wander in like we did.

    SNOB was the first restaurant we ate at after arriving in Charleston, and it came highly…read morerecommended by our friends who live in the area. Since it's owned by the same Hall family behind Hall's Chophouse, we were excited to give it a try. We had reservations but asked if we could sit at the bar instead, which ended up being a great choice. Our bartender was incredibly sweet and helpful when it came to choosing what to order and made us feel welcome from the start. There was also live music that night, which my husband was especially excited about since they were playing 80s covers. The menu focuses on Lowcountry cuisine, and everything we ordered was delicious. We started with the clams and then shared the pork chop and BBQ tuna. Every dish was perfectly cooked and full of flavor. The cocktails were smooth, well made, and paired perfectly with the meal. To make the evening even more special, our bartender brought us two glasses of bubbles to celebrate my birthday, which was such a thoughtful gesture. Great food, great drinks, live music, and genuinely excellent service. It was the perfect way to kick off our Charleston trip. Also I forgot to mention that the shrimp and grits here are supposed to be the best in town!

    Photos
    Slightly North of Broad
    PAN SEARED NEW BEDFORD SCALLOPS: carolina gold rice, curly kale, corn, red miso, toasted benne seed
    PAN SEARED NEW BEDFORD SCALLOPS: carolina gold rice, curly kale, corn, red miso, toasted benne seed
    NEW ZEALAND LAMB RACK: muhammara, marinated feta potatoes, rosemary reduction

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    High Cotton

    High Cotton

    4.3
    (1.3k reviews)
    1.4 mi
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    High Cotton gave us the kind of elevated dining experience that makes you sit up a little…read morestraighter and smile before the first sip hits the table. The service was excellent -- polished, warm, and confidently attentive without ever feeling overdone. They know how to make a night feel special. And let me just say: the wine selection was excellent. Thoughtful pours, great bottles, and spot‑on pairing guidance. It felt curated, not crowded. Our table went in on a mix of dishes, and every single one delivered: * Waldorf salad -- crisp, bright, and beautifully balanced * Cioppino -- rich, aromatic, and full of tender seafood * Elevated swordfish -- perfectly cooked with that refined, coastal flair * Mussels -- tender, fragrant, and deeply seasoned * Filet mignon -- melt‑in‑your‑mouth and plated like a little moment High Cotton blends Southern charm with fine‑dining finesse, and it shows in every detail. My group left happy, impressed, and already planning the next visit. Charleston has plenty of great restaurants -- but High Cotton knows how to make you feel like you chose the right one.

    We frequently dine at many of the higher-end restaurants in downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant,…read moreso we arrived with high expectations, especially given this restaurant's connection to the Halls group. The dining room is beautiful, and the ambiance is excellent. Unfortunately, the service did not match the quality level or price point of the restaurant. When entrées range from $65-$70 for fish, $80+ for steaks, and side dishes approach $14 or more, guests reasonably expect an elevated and attentive dining experience. Throughout the evening, our server seemed rushed and disengaged. Despite our efforts to be friendly and conversational, interactions felt brief and transactional. A drink order was delivered incorrectly, and rather than improving as the meal progressed, the service became increasingly impersonal. We never felt particularly welcomed or valued as guests. A special night out with a $300-$400 check should feel memorable for the right reasons. While the food and atmosphere were good, the overall experience fell short of what we have come to expect from restaurants operating in this category and at this price level. We are glad we gave it a try, but in the future we'll likely choose other Charleston-area restaurants that deliver a more polished and hospitality-focused experience when entertaining family and friends from out of town.

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    Dining Room
    Dining Room
    Scallops & filet mignon
    Scallops & filet mignon
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    Entrance to Main Dining room
    Johnny’s Garage

    Johnny’s Garage

    4.4
    (58 reviews)
    8.4 mi

    We went for brunch. The parking lot was full but it was Easter…read more The inside is retro and comfortable. Staff were super nice and friendly. Can't complain on any of the food. I got the cheese pizza. Prob try a pizza with more toppings.

    Johnny's Garage is the real deal…read more We ordered takeout earlier this week and it was so good we had to come back in person a few days later. On that visit, we all ordered the Dirty South pizza, a burger with fries, and the mini corn dogs, and everything was just as impressive. It came out hot, crispy, and fresh, with plenty of their amazing sauces. Honestly, we were blown away. That experience alone would've been enough, but going in person sealed it. We were greeted right away by a super friendly staff, and our server was incredibly helpful. We started with the fried dough dip plate and then got the chicken bacon ranch sandwich. When we came back, my wife ordered the burger and fries again and it was dynamite all over again. Consistency like that says a lot. Everything came out quickly, tasted incredible, and the whole team was so accommodating and genuinely welcoming, creating a really family-friendly atmosphere. The vibe is awesome too. Laid-back, great music, plenty of space, and a really cool rock-and-roll garage aesthetic. You can tell the staff enjoys being there, which makes a huge difference. And I have to mention the drinks. The dirty sodas, especially the vanilla Coke, are dangerously good. The kind of thing you could absolutely get hooked on. And somehow, on top of all that, the prices are more than fair. It's such a refreshing break from the overpriced downtown spots. From start to finish, this place has it all: great food, great service, great atmosphere, and great prices. Total package.

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    Bar with old car seats
    Bar with old car seats
    Dirty South - amazing!!
    Dirty South - amazing!!
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    FIG

    FIG

    4.5
    (1.7k reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$$

    We were in Charleston just for a weekend. We were waitlisted for a table at Fig and got a table…read morelast minute. Great atmosphere, and meal and service were excellent. Had the charred eggplant with cottage cheese for an appetizer. Sounded odd to me, but it was amazing!!! The bouillabaisse was the best I have ever had anywhere. My husband had grilled triggerfish, and he said it was wonderful. Would definitely recommend Fig to anyone. We were so lucky to get a table. Tried a few weeks earlier but nothing was available. Go to Fig--you won't be disappointed. Make your reservation as early as 28 days out. You'll be glad you did.

    WOW! Go!! This…read moreplace was fantastic. Top notch service free m beginning to end. Our server Justin was a star. My wife has a fish allergy and they offered to prepare a vegetable plate for her. They prepared three vegetable dishes, which were all excellent. He recommended the boulliabase which was phenomenal. I would highly recommend it to anyone. My wife also had the arugula salad, which was excellent. I started with the chicken liver pate, which is all it is claimed to be. I honestly did not think that the blue crab ravioli was anything special. In fact I could have skipped that dish and had been fine and would've had more room to finish the shrimp in the boulliabase. Desserts were outstanding. Chocolate budin (pudding) was delicious. Rice pudding was also quite nice with the fresh strawberries. The place itself was nice. Dark lighting. They did a great job of staggering seatings so you're not sitting on top of each other. Wonderful meal and night.

    Photos
    Wallpaper in bathroom
    Wallpaper in bathroom
    Wagyu Beef Carne Cruda Toast
    Wagyu Beef Carne Cruda Toast
    Bouillabaisse

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    Bouillabaisse
    R Kitchen

    R Kitchen

    4.5
    (560 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    We rolled the dice to try R Kitchen, and it ended up being our favorite dinner on our trip to…read moreCharleston. We went to the Rutledge location and the 4 of us sat at a high-top table in the "dining room" -- I put that in quotes, because this experience is not about ambience. It was comfortable and fine, but the focus is on putting food in your belly when you do R Kitchen. We loved every single bite of every single course we ate. We didn't remotely know what to expect food-wise, and we found ourselves practically licking the plates -- while also feeling inspired and nostalgic with the chefs' comments. This is not a pretentious dining experience. It's comfortable, it's fun (we dug the playlist and had our own version of "name that tune" going on) and most importantly it's Delicious. If you're fussy about food, this place is not for you. But if you like more than you hate, you're in for a treat. We got more than our money's worth.

    It's been a couple of years since I was there last. All I can say is "not as good as it was". $77…read morefor a four course meal if it was really good is probably fairly reasonable. But it wasn't really good, only "meh". Only the two chefs were there to serve as a result water glasses were more empty than full. Any additional condiments or drinks were slow in coming. And of course at the end of the meal the pay device started the tips at like 18% and go to 25%. Ridiculous! That's too bad because the model is very interesting and was a great meal a couple of. Years ago. It will be a while before we try it again.

    Photos
    Photo toward back of the restaurant
    Photo toward back of the restaurant
    R Kitchen
    David and Patrick doing their thing

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    David and Patrick doing their thing

    Vern's - newamerican - Updated July 2026

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