From High-End Chains To Hidden Gems: Here's Your Guide To Charleston's Newest Restaurants

The jury is still out on the recent crop of restaurants that opened in Charleston this summer. Several have had chef changes within weeks of opening, and the initial reviews are so-so at best. These new openings also range from high-end chains to more obscure gems hidden in not so expected locations. Here is a little more on what to expect if you make a visit:

Apartment A
One of the city's tiniest restaurants now has a sibling of sorts. Taco Spot's owners have opened Apartment A next door to their downtown location. It was designed to be an extension of Taco Spot and offers seating to enjoy their regular menu. At Apartment A, you can also order tamales, nachos, chips and dips, and various Mexican inspired sides. There are a variety of cocktails, beers, and shooters—all of which are considered dirt cheap for the downtown market.

Chick's Fry House
When James Beard Foundation Award-winning chef Robert Stehling opened a fast casual fried chicken place a mile or so down the road from his well-established ultra-popular restaurant Hominy Grill, everyone wanted to see what it was all about. Located in a bustling family-friendly neighborhood of Wagener Terrace, it seemed like the location could not be beat. But things have been slow to start, and the kinks are still being worked out. The menu is centered on chicken but also features a variety of sides, salads, and other fried baskets filled with items like pork chops and fish. There are glazed, iced, and stuffed donuts to round out the order, which can be called in and picked up if needed to go.

Ellis Creek Fish Camp
After years of remaining empty, the location of the former MiMi's on Ellis Creek in James Island has been rebuilt, renamed, and reopened. Their menu focuses on casual "fish camp" food and has a lot of predictable items. Fried shrimp, calamari, fish and chips, oyster po' boys, and seasonal fish tacos are what you will find here. The location is the true star, overlooking the marsh and nearby Ashley River, and is the highlight of this new spot.

Parlor Deluxe
Parlor Deluxe, located across the street from its successful nighttime hot spot counterpart, Warehouse, is an ice cream parlor and hot dog joint. Aside from the variety of hot dogs, there are tater tots, ice cream, milkshakes, floats, and sodas. The tiny 600-square-foor space has been turned into an old fashioned soda shop designed with a long marbled counter to perch up next to and enjoy some of the tasty treats.

Ruth Chris Steak House
With all of the amazing locally owned and operated options in Charleston, it is hard to rally behind a chain. Ruth Chris Steak House opened in a location where a few other restaurants have already failed, but it is clearly not threatened and is banking on the national exposure already instilled in it. The menu looks similar to most other cities and from what we can tell, the décor—including art work from area artists—is the only thing that screams Charleston to diners.

Screen Door
One cannot help but be captured by the nautical, whimsical design that welcomes you at the Screen Door, which includes dozens of brightly painted, repurposed screen doors on the exterior. The interior is much of the same and the vibe is light and refreshing. The menu looks good on paper with items like stuffed eggs (not deviled), poutine, fried Brussels sprouts, and house-cured smoked duck. The kids menu might be one of the best around with choices like grilled chicken strips, buttered noodles, kids burgers, and grilled cheese—someone clearly has small, finicky kids.

Smoke BBQ
Barbecue seems to be the next big food trend to take over the city. Everywhere you look, you see another barbecue-themed place opening its doors. Smoke BBQ touts elevated barbecue inspired by Charleston's Gullah roots. The menu features a lot of smoked options such as smoked salads, smoked wings, and smoked carnitas tacos. There are sides like hash and grits, slaw, baked beans, and potato salad, and the one and only dessert is a whoppie pie.

Spero
By far our favorite restaurant to open on the list is Spero. The location is off the main drag of downtown, next to the main interstate, and there is nothing special about the inside or out. But that is ok. The dining room is the perfect size with only 30 or so seats. The menu encompasses mostly all plates intended to be shared, so the overall experience is intimate and enjoyable. The dishes are all remarkably delicious. With the open door overlooking the kitchen from where you sit, you can see the cooks/owners working hard to ensure a pleasant dining experience. The bread and butter flight is the must-order item and with an ever-changing menu, you cannot go wrong with the vegetables or any of the main entrées.

Stereo 8
James Island gets a little kick with the opening of Stereo 8, a place whose main focus seems to be on providing a hip place to go to hear some good vinyl. The menu seems to slants more towards an Asian fusion theme with multiple crudo options, an entire section categorized as "wok," and a variety of steamed buns and tacos. Going through chef changes in its first week, it is unclear of what the plan will ultimately be, but regardless it will be a place clearly geared to reaching those looking for a younger vibe with its dedicated music lounge and industrial décor.

The Westendorff
It might not matter so much if the food is stellar, because the renovation of the 1900s hardware store is impeccable and acts as an incredible backdrop. The new owners pay homage to the previous owners and display old signage and family images from the 1920s throughout the space. The menu offers several salads and other casual options, but in a more sophisticated, refined way. Early buzz is solid for this new place and aside from the bar and restaurant, the event spaces should also become an instant hit for parties and events.