Charleston's Biggest Openings for Winter 2013

The bar at Craftsmen, which is almost a thing

During the final push of 2012, Upper King exploded, with Mike Lata's The Ordinary dominating with all things seafood, The Rarebit serving cocktails in highly-covetable cups and the unbeatable views from the rooftop at Stars. Now, it's time to welcome in the winter class of 2013, which will push the boundaries, stretching the scene to the far-ish reaches of Rutledge Avenue, James Island and West Ashley.

Craftsmen Kitchen and Tap House
Address: 12 Cumberland St.
Craftsmen has been delayed a couple of times now, but the thought of their 48 taps flowing is enough to land them on the list. Plus, they'll be serving a food menu that's infused with beer, which is intriguing. Its almost-existence (plus, the presence of The Green Door) caused City Paper writer Stratton Lawrence ask the big question, "Could going out on East Bay Street become fun again?"
Predicted Opening Date: Before March

Crust Wood Fired Pizza
Address: 1956 Maybank Highway
The idea of another dining option over by the Terrace Theater is an exciting one, and the fact that it's a proper pizzeria is enough to cause panic. Collectively, the team has worked at an impressive roster of Charleston restaurants, including Trattoria Lucca, EVO, FIG, Cypress and Monza. Recent conversations with the Crust crew have included talks of making pizza the traditional way and the fact that homemade sangria will be on the menu. No pictures of the interior yet, but it seems like they're paying attention to all the details. The bathroom floor, for example, will be laid with beveled tile from the New York City subway system.
Predicted Opening Date: By Feb. 15

Republic Reign
Address: 462 King St.
It looked like King Street lounge Republic Reign was going to be open in time for New Year's Eve and then...nada. But General Manager Evan Powell teased out his cocktail line-up a while back, and it included everything from negronis on tap to bottle service. With The Rarebit being so crowded all the time, it seems like everyone's looking to shake up their nightlife routine and Republic Reign will be another option.
Predicted Opening Date: By early March

Rutledge Cab Co.
Address: 1300 Rutledge Ave.
Chef Bob Carter of Carter's Kitchen changed the name of his new Wagener Terrace watering hole from Rutledge Grill to Rutledge Cab Co. in late fall, and there hasn't been much news since. But the promise of cocktails, smoked wings, grilled pizzas and anything else Carter wants to serve North of the crosstown is a big one.
Predicted Opening Date: Mid-February

· Gaze at the Chef Nathan Thurston's Stars [-ECHS-]
· Take in the Beauty of The Ordinary [-ECHS-]
· Diner's Stealing The Rarebit's Copper Mugs by the Dozen [-ECHS-]
· Craftsmen Kitchen and Tap House [Facebook]
· The Green Door Pops Up on East Bay Street [CP]
· Republic Reign [Facebook]
· Exclusive: Glimpse the Cocktail Menu at Republic Reign [-ECHS-]
· Chef Carter's Rutledge Grill to Open in October [-ECHS-]
· The 40 Most Anticipated Restaurant Openings of 2013 [-EN-]