Charleston Restaurants

High Cotton

Fodorite Reviews

Average Rating:  

High Cotton Review

The styling here remains unchanged by time: lazily spinning paddle fans, palm trees, and exposed brick walls. Clearly Joe Palma's appointment as chef has not affected the nature of this classic venue; rather, his selection has ramped up the restaurant to new heights. The picnic plate allows a pleasant introduction, displaying delicately fried green tomatoes, pillowy pimento cheese, pickled okra and peaches, a bit of the restaurant's house-made charcuterie, and a selection of BBQ Lowcountry peanuts. Smothered in a sticky sauce, the peanuts seem a modernized, much improved version of Cracker Jack. If you want a traditional dinner, the restaurant still offers thick cuts of steaks and chops with choice of sauce and side dishes like fried brussels sprouts and the timeless creamy white corn grits. Then for dessert: a Southern-style pecan pie baked with bourbon brown sugar caramel, or a high-rising peanut butter pie. Choose both if you feel bold. They're like rich Southern blessings.

    Restaurant Details

  • Reservations essential.
  • Credit cards accepted.
  • No lunch weekdays.

Fodorite Reviews

Average Rating:  
  • Food  
    Décor  
    Service  
    Value  

    Go elsewhere

    Good bar but too many great restaurants in Charleston to waste your time here. Super disappointed. It wasn't good. I hosted 15 work colleagues in Feb. from all over the southeast and no one had a great meal. Service was slow, granted we had a large party but if the food had been awesome the wait would not have mattered. Go across the street to SNOB or around the corner to Hank's.

    by love_nyc, 4/13/13
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    High Cotton was a highlight

    Excellent presentation, beautiful surroundings and excellent service. Tuna Tartare was innovative and well conceived. Duck breast was perfectly cooked and the ginger infused apples were a great counterpoint. Souffle was very tasty if a bit too sweet.

    by tdavid, 4/1/08
  • Food  
    Décor  
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    A Very Good Dining Experience

    An elegant experience from beginning to end. Jazz playing in the background, a fine dining clientele, a great menu and great food. Our waitress was very friendly and took very good care of us. I travel for a living and have eaten at restaurants all over the world ... High Cotton is definitely a great restaurant.

    by Blue_Warrior, 12/21/06

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