Dinner in Charleston
 

Having dinner at Blossom Cafe on Thursday. Where should I go on Friday night?

Hello,
We really enjoyed our meal at Poogan's Porch. It's supposedly haunted!

We always enjoy California Dreaming when we're in Charleston. It's right on the water and looks like a castle. I'd highly recommend you go early because they pack up very quickly and also so you can have a table overlooking the water.

California Dreaming is a chain and it doesn't sound like that is what you are looking for.

SNOB, Pennisula, or Carolinas are all good.

Hank's and have just read some glowing reports on Fulton Five. Not Hyman's or California Dreaming.

Blossom is terribly overated. Mediocre food trying to look good on the plate. I seriously suggest you look elsewhere.

I like: McCrady's, Fish, Il Cortile de Re, Garibaldis(seafood specials, not Italian from the menu), Hank's(so-so), Sermet(more casual). Agreed that California Dreaming is a chain, beautiful location but a waste for food.

Give a look to Chowhound.com

Went to Hank's for our anniversary. The chef spelled out "Happy 19th" in chocolate on our dessert plate. Was one of the nicest surprises we've ever had.

Great food at great prices as well!

Just as an aside, you'll see they serve "Hanks" brand soda. It has nothing to do with the restaurant; this is actually a brand of soda bottled in Philadelphia.

I still love Magnolia's ( ask for table in back room-small and romantic)...
Blossoms is good for lunch...not dinner

Also Garibaldi's for dinner is very good as is ANSON's in the market area...

Try Tristan on Market or Basil on King. (Basil is Thai food...get there EARLY...very popular right now.)

I strongly recommend 39 Rue de Jean on John Street. They are consistently good and it's a fun atmosphere. Avoid McCrady's; overpriced, small, small portions, overrated.

The portions at McCrady's are no different than at most every other restaurant in its price range that I've eaten at in SF, NYC, and LA in the last 3 years. It's not Olive Garden.

For lunch I recommend a diner called Fast and French (don't remember the real name but locals refer to it as Fast and French). The food is delicious, reasonable, and it is frequented by locals who are very friendly and talkative. We sat next to a woman who has been having lunch there for years.