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    Vern's

    4.6 (184 reviews)
    Open 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated 1 month ago

    Vern's Photos

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    VERN'S ATMOSPHERE

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    Recommended Reviews - Vern's

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    Tiffani R.

    Delicious food, reasonable prices, and a small intimate restaurant. I loved that it's not overdone or flashy, but the food speaks for itself. Even the salad and bread course was amazing. Unique drinks and interesting dishes. Ive never had a fried/raw scallop bite, and you can tell the pasta is homemade. All of the courses were timed well and we were in and out relatively quickly. Perfect date night spot.

    Pappardelle with nduja and ricotta
    Daniel C.

    If you're looking to get a table at Vern's, booking a reservation is absolutely essential. The space is intimate and cozy and they are only open for dinner five nights a week. Add their rave reviews to the equation, and you have a textbook case of high demand meets low supply, with the commodity being their highly exclusive tables. If sitting at the bar is your vibe however, feel free to walk in and test your luck. Fortunately I was able to book a reservation a month in advance, and arrived to a crowd of patrons standing at the entrance on a Sunday night. After being seated, the rest of the night went smoothly enough with only an occasional wait here and there. Their drink menu was extensive and inclusive enough to ensure the wine/cocktail/beer enthusiasts and non-alcoholic drinkers could find something to their liking. Personally I enjoyed my meal overall, but my dining partner had mixed feelings. Starting with the crispy and raw scallop appetizer: I didn't care much for the crispy portion, and my partner felt it was "good, but not great," which I was in agreement with. For the asparagus dish, I didn't realize it would come battered, but the vinaigrette beneath was a perfect complement that elevated the entire plate, and my partner claimed it was the best dish of the night. Our main courses, the pappardelle and "rabbit pasta," was where we had our biggest disagreement. I enjoyed them thoroughly, with the pappardelle potentially erring on saltier side. On the other hand, my partner found both dishes to be flat out salty and did not enjoy them at all. We both found the sorbet meringue dessert disappointing. It just wasn't our cup of tea. Ultimately, our meal was a classic case of "you can't make everyone happy." However, we both agreed that the service was outstanding and that the staff was kind and attentive throughout the night. If we ever find ourselves back in Charleston, I would absolutely love to return and experience other offerings from their menu; maybe add a little variety and avoid ordering two pasta dishes as well. I'm certain we can order something next time to ensure the missus leaves just as satisfied as I was!

    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.

    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!

    J R.

    Five stars all around! Vern's was incredibly accommodating, and the service was outstanding from start to finish. Every dish was exceptional--we especially loved the charred sourdough, tuna tartare, campanelli pasta with rabbit, and the Wagyu porterhouse. Truly an incredible meal and experience. Highly recommend!

    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.

    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.

    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!!!!

    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!

    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!

    Vision Quest (Spicy Marg w/ Mezcal)

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    3 years ago

    Best dinner in Charleston for our week's stay. Don't hesitate to book. A little out of the mainstream area but worth the Uber. Go there!

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    2 years ago

    Start to finish, a top notch restaurant. The bavette steak is not to miss. Service was impeccable.

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    My kinda place! Small and bustling ambiance with great food and a very knowledgeable server.

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    Page 4 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 3 Questions

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    I had dinner at Magnolias yesterday, and once again, it did not disappoint. Magnolias is one of my…read morefavorite restaurants in downtown Charleston. I arrived around 4:00 when they opened, which was perfect for a relaxing early dinner. I started with the collard green egg rolls, followed by the halibut with seasoned rice, shrimp, and vegetables corn, lima beans, and green beans. Everything was absolutely delicious. I enjoyed a beverage with dinner. The service was impeccable. I believe my waitress was Anna, and she was awesome attentive, welcoming, and made my solo dining experience just as enjoyable. The atmosphere was wonderful, with families and visitors enjoying downtown Charleston, and it was simply a great vibe. Whether you're a Charleston local or visiting the city, I highly recommend Magnolias for brunch or dinner. It continues to be one of my favorite downtown restaurants.

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    Slightly North of Broad - Apple Pie

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    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!

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    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

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    High Cotton - Hummingbird cake.

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    4.3(1.4k reviews)
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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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    High Cotton - Dining Room

    Dining Room

    High Cotton - Scallops & filet mignon

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    Johnny’s Garage - Burger and fries.

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    Johnny's Garage may have convinced me that pizza tastes better under a collection of vintage lamps…read moreand old gas-station signs. The decor is genuinely fun without feeling staged: garage memorabilia, license plates, mismatched retro lighting, and enough odd little finds to keep your eyes wandering while you eat. The pizza came out hot with a thin, crisp crust and disappeared faster than we intended. Cold beer, good pizza, and a bar with actual personality. Sometimes that's all you need. The covered open-air area is huge, too, with plenty of tables, fans, TVs, and room for a crowd without everyone feeling piled on top of one another. Johnny's feels casual, unpretentious, and delightfully unlike anywhere else we've been recently.

    Best of the best all around!…read more Pizza is always perfect. I highly recommend the Johnny's Cheese as it's one of the best plain pies I've ever had! I'm a huge fan of their Bacon pizza as well. The Bacon is always crispy! The General Tso's Wings are also great. They come with sesame seeds, and the wings themselves are double-fried. Their burgers are great and pair well with their French Fries, which are REALLY great. The service is always great as everyone is very welcoming. This has become one of our favorite new restaurants! Seriously can't go wrong with anything here! Overall, the place is 11/10!

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    FIG - Ricotta Gnocchi + Lamb Bolognese

    FIG

    4.5(1.7k reviews)
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    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.

    Started off on the wrong foot, server didn't get our drink order until 10-15 mins of being sat…read more Country ham was delicious and the best country ham ive had, but the peach left a lot to be desired, it had no flavor whatsoever. Maybe that was intentional to not overpower the ham... Golden tile fish was one of the best fish dishes I've ever had perfectly cooked and the flavors balanced so well. Wife's bavette steak was excellent with the peppers. Potato purée was not worth the price at all. $16 for some pretty good mashed potato's, I don't care how good a potato is or who you are, that's just insane to me. Last complaint was there was a film of dust lining the wall we were sat next to. So all in all, some really good dishes. I would love to come back, but the price is pretty high to have those imperfections.

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    FIG - Wallpaper in bathroom

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    FIG - Wagyu Beef Carne Cruda Toast

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    Bouillabaisse

    Vern's - newamerican - Updated September 2026

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