Upscale Dining in Charleston SC

[craic007]

Hi All!

My wife and I will be in Charleston SC the last weekend in August. I'd like to surprise her for her birthday with a very special dining experience early Sunday afternoon. Our flight leaves there at 6pm, so we'd have to find a late lunch, early dinner.

Any ideas would be much appreciated.

[craic007]

Thanks for the recommendations. We are actually staying in Kiawiah Island the night before and have an early transfer to the airport. Plan on checking in early there, then taking a cab to Charleston for most of the day.

A late lunch would probably work the best. I know Sunday and fine dining and our timetable are not ideal, but we're making the best with what we have.

Your input is much appreciated.

[Littleman]

I suggest High Cotton. Magnolia's is very nice. My only other two suggestions are Poogan's Porch and Rue De Jean but HC is the best I believe. I really like the ambiance at HC and it's right in the middle of the historic district.

Poogan's Porch @ 72 Queen St., Charleston, SC. 843 - 577 - 2337.
http://www.poogansporch.com/
Rue de Jean @ 39 John St., Charleston, SC. 843 - 722 - 8881.
http://www.39ruedejean.com/

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Poogan's Porch
72 Queen St, Charleston, SC 29401

[dinersaurus]

I think the general consensus is that Poogan's has gone downhill. My last couple trips there were disappointing and I don't see a need to go back. High Cotton or Magnolia would be my pick for a nice early Sunday afternoon meal. I like Rue de Jean, but I get the impression that it may be too casual for what craic007 is looking for.

[Sue in Mt P]

I really love High Cotton. I go there every chance I get.

Poogan's is hit or miss. I've had both fabulousness and disappointment there.

Peninsula Grill is great for a special occasion. Get the coconut cake.

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Peninsula Grill
112 N Market St, Charleston, SC 29401

[Littleman]

Dinersaurus...........do you like the ambiance at Poogan's Porch. Sometimes the atmosphere at a restaurant helps me overcome sub par food. If the ambiance and service is first class then I seem to lower my food expectations. I like the building PP is in and the rooms there.

I still like HC much better. It's a beautiful property.

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Poogan's Porch
72 Queen St, Charleston, SC 29401

[Sue in Mt P]

Poogan's has a ghost, which adds to its charm. And they DO have the best biscuits in town. Once a year they celebrate their anniversary by charging the same prices they did in the 70s. That would be a good time to go.

[observor]

Yeah, and they serve the same portions they did in a 1970s poorhouse.

[Sue in Mt P]

And you were there?

[observor]

A 1970s poorhouse? No. But I have dined at Poogan's Porch during the "rollback" and they roll back the portion as well. Their advertisements are potentially illegal regarding this, since they post the current dish price, then slash it out and list the 1970s price next to it, implying you are getting the exact same dish. This isn't true, based on food amount, and I am currently considering a lawsuit.

[Sue in Mt P]

Ahhahaha hoo sorry, that's hilarious.

[dinersaurus]

@Litttleman - Yes and no. I like that Poogan's is in a house. Too bad it overlooks a parking garage. I guess it depends on the outing - I've enjoyed the ambiance for brunch. But, it depends on the seating or what room you're in.

@Sue in Mt P - Agree with you on the biscuits. They've got some of the best that I've had.

[danna]

They have a really expensive brunch at the Sanctuary on Kiawah...no idea if it's good or not.

[dinersaurus]

Very special sounds like Charleston Grill or Penninsula Grill. Both are open on Sunday. I would add McCrady's, but they are closed on Sundays. Penninsula Grill is more intimate and has a better ambiance.

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McCrady's Restaurant
2 Unity Alley, Charleston, SC 29401

Charleston Grill
224 King Street, Charleston, SC 29401

[Littleman]

Dinersaurus.......I second Charleston Grill and Peninsula Grill. They are both my two favorite restaurants in Charleston but they are only open for dinner. The OP has a flight at 6PM. He needs to eat a late lunch and get to the AP.

What about Sunday brunch at Blossom. Or what about Sunday brunch at Carolina's. Would either be special enough. If the OP is staying in the historic district then both are a short walk from hotels in the district.

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Peninsula Grill
112 N Market St, Charleston, SC 29401

Charleston Grill
224 King Street, Charleston, SC 29401

[dinersaurus]

Doh! My bad. I are not reading comprehension gud.

[Sallie]

McCrady's is a favorite of mine, too. Coming through Charleston from San Francisco on our way to our yearly Pawley's trip the very same weekend (Aug 27th-ish) and always make a point to stay in Charleston for a few days to eat. Will second the recs for High Cotton!

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McCrady's Restaurant
2 Unity Alley, Charleston, SC 29401

[scubadoo97]

Had great meals at McCrady's and Magnolias. McCrady's was an excellent evening dinner venu. They did a really nice job. food looked and tasted fantastic. I like Magnolias for anything between breakfast and dinner. Great all round restaurant, lots of choices and very tasty good looking food.

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McCrady's Restaurant
2 Unity Alley, Charleston, SC 29401

[Littleman]

Where are you staying? The ideal thing to do is eat a late lunch around 1:30/2:00 PM close to your hotel and walk back to get your bags and head to the AP.

Magnolia's and High Cotton are open on Sunday. Both would be excellent. HC has a Sunday brunch that would be nice.

They are both close to hotels in the Historic District.