82 Queen American and Seafood (Lunch, Dinner, Weekend Brunch) $$$ We wanted to go to a fun, fancy restaurant to celebrate. My only requirements: I wanted to sit outside. And go to a place neither of us had been before. I asked around for some opinions and Jeff did a little more thorough and unbiased research (looking at online reviews from strangers), and we finally decided on 82 Queen. Jeff was a little hesitant and told me (after we made reservations) that this place was known for being touristy. And we’re known for not liking touristy places. So, without exagerating
Joe Pasta
428 King Italian (Lunch, Dinner) $$ How to Save Money: Thursday is $2 house liquors all night. Happy Hour is $2 domestic, $3 imports. BOGO apps from 4-8 p.m. You can often find gift certificates on Restaurant.com and coupons in many of the weekly advertising circulars around Charleston. If you’re looking for a way to bypass the microwave when cooking frozen entrees from the grocery store, look no further than Joe Pasta. This “Italian” restaurant reminds me more of Harris Teeter than Italy– the only thing that could make it worse is if they charged us in Euros. Entrees are
Midtown Bar & Grill
559 King Lunch, Sunday Brunch, Dinner & Late Night Bar Menu (Thurs.-Sat.) $ American/Pub/Southern How to save some cash: The plates are huge- split an order! Midtown opened in 2009 on Upper King, and has been going strong ever since – leading the charge in Upper King’s recent popularity. The owners are often around and make friends with the patrons. Maybe that’s why they were voted 2009 Best New Bar in Charleston City Paper and haven’t looked back since. They were also just voted 2012 Best College Bar (although I get the impression that’s a title they’re not necessarily too
Comments Off on Midtown Bar & Grill 
Chai’s Lounge is Closing on 2/29
Chai’s Lounge 462 King $$ $ If you love Chai’s (and why wouldn’t you?), you better hurry in before they close next Wednesday. We went in for Happy Hour yesterday & the waitress told us this weekend they’d be having special sales on all drinks (sort of like an alcohol clearance). Clearance? We don’t mind if we do. But we are sad to say farewell to Chai’s!
Comments Off on Chai’s Lounge is Closing on 2/29
Coast
39 John Street Dinner, $$$ Seafood How to save some money: Costco often sells $100 Giftcards for $80 that can be used here or at any sister restaurants. Or, go with your parents–that’s what we did! Have a hankering for some seafood? Look no further than Coast. You might have to look hard, though, because you won’t stumble across it accidentally. It’s hidden down an alley behind Rue de Jean on John Street. But once you find it, I don’t think you’ll forget where it is. It’s not only close to Rue de Jean in proximity, but it’s also owned
Comments Off on Coast
Bull Street Gourmet & Market
120 King Lunch $, Dinner $$ How to save some cash: Grab one of those free coupon books floating around the CofC campus for 20% off (not sure if you have to show a college ID) The original Bull Street Gourmet, tucked away in Charleston’s residential Harleston Village on the corner of Bull & Smith, has been serving up delicious, fresh café fare since 2006. In late 2011, they opened their second Charleston location near King and Broad St. and, given its popularity during our Sunday brunch visit, haven’t looked back yet. The newer location sports a much larger footprint (at least
Comments Off on Bull Street Gourmet & Market
Husk
76 Queen Lunch, Dinner $$$ How to save some cash: Best bet is to go during Restaurant Week, you’ll pay $30 for 3-courses vs appx $45 for 3-courses during normal times Recently voted Best New Restaurant by Bon Appetit, Husk is one of the most talked-about restaurants in the city. We decided to see what all the fuss was about, and thought Charleston’s Restaurant Week (Jan. 12-22) would be a good time to go. After hearing mixed reviews from our friends (“You better like pork before you go in there…” and “I know everyone loves it, but I didn’t…”), I
39 Rue de Jean
39 John Street Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ Tips for saving money: Sunday brunch entrees are around $10. Try Sunday brunch during the month of January for a $5 burger. Rue de Jean, a Charleston staple, has been serving up some of the town’s best brasserie style French food for as long as I can remember. We hit it up for Sunday brunch and were lucky enough to catch them on one of their few half-priced burger days (apparently a well-kept secret). One of the best and most French dishes Rue de Jean offers is their ESCARGOT ($8.99). They come six to an