Charleston's Most Anticipated Spring/Summer Restaurant Openings of 2015

While you're thinking flip flops and vacation, restaurateurs are hard at work finishing up some of the most exciting kitchens to hit the Lowcountry. A bundle of restaurants opened in the winter, but there's still plenty more happening in South Carolina to keep diners on their toes. Check out our guide to all the promising restaurants coming your way. As always, Eater is obsessively tracking the progression of all the premiers —from menu releases to newly installed signage, come here for the latest updates.

Erin Perkins

492

Location: 492 King St., downtown
Key Players: Chef Nate Whiting and Relish Restaurant Group
Projected Opening: Any day now — probably the first week in April 
Chef Nate Whiting says the fare at 492 will be "somewhat similar" to the shuttered Tristan. He describes the offerings as "progressive American" and "contemporary American" with a "fluid menu" that will highlight local purveyors. He calls it "fine dining type of quality without the pretentiousness."

[Eater Charleston]

Barony Tavern

Location: 68 Wentworth St., downtown
Key Players: Chef Bob Carter
Projected Opening: Next week
Located in the Renaissance Charleston Historic District Hotel, upcoming eatery Barony Tavern is Charleston icon Bob Carter's latest project. There's lots of taxidermy animals inside and a menu full of classic standbys like steaks, salmon, and shrimp cocktail.

[Eater Charleston]

Chick's fry house

Location: 1011 King St., downtown
Key Players: Chefs Robert Stehling and Dave Uecke
Projected Opening: Late April/Early May
Hominy Grill impresarios Stehling and Uecke are building an ode to Southern fried favorites above the Crosstown. On the site of a former car wash, the duo are creating "a neighborhood hangout for fried chicken and beer." Chick’s Fry House will serve fried chicken (of course), doughnuts, and other fried meats, like fish and pork chops.

[Eater Charleston]

Screen door

Location: 1271 Folly Rd., James Island
Key Players: Chef Blake Joyal, Kit Thrash, and Herbie Gimmel
Projected Opening: Soon
Former Palace Hotel chef Blake Joyal will be in the kitchen at Screen Door and the cuisine is described as "Modern American" with an "unpretentious menu [featuring] simple but intelligent dishes, from wood-fired pizzas, fresh salads and gourmet burgers, to refined seafood and meat dishes."

[Provided]

Generalísimo

Location: 565 King St., downtown
Key Players: Chef Bob Waggoner and restaurateur Bryan Kestner
Projected Opening: Summer
Kestner is the mind behind the original Planet Hollywood and producer for reality show Southern Charm. When not wrangling scenes with Thomas Ravenel, Kestner is building his French-Mexican restaurant/tequila lounge on King Street.

[Provided]

The Westendorff

Location: 114 St. Philip St., downtown
Key Players: Chef Christopher "Ted" Jackson and owner Steven Niketas
Projected Opening: June
Niketas figured enough people vacation or play in Charleston, that there should be a brunch option for them seven days a week. The Westendorff will offer a menu full of comfort foods, classics, and local ingredients. "You'll recognize everything on the menu," Niketas said. The chef hails from Brooklyn but is a Southerner at heart.

[Eater Charleston]

Parlor Deluxe

Location: 207A St. Philip St., downtown
Key Players: Warehouse co-owners James B. Groetzinger and Joey Rinaldi, chef Emily Hahn, and David Schnell of Brown's Court Bakery
Projected Opening: Summer
Parlor Deluxe will be a modern take on the old-school soda shop. The storefront will sell ice creams, fizzy beverages, tater tots, waffles, and hot dogs. The team behind the projects says they want to "celebrate classic American culture in a hip and lively setting."

[Provided]

unnamed 708 King Project

Location: 708 King St., downtown
Key Players: Restaurateur Jimmy Poole and chef Robert Berry
Projected Opening: Summer
Food and beverage veterans Poole and Berry partnered to renovate the former Zappo's Pizza address. They haven't said much about the concept, other than they hope to add an "... exciting element to the emerging neighborhood..." Lots of rumors are circulating that the cuisine might lean towards a Mexican influence, but this is unsubstantiated at the time.

[Provided]

Also, keep an eye on:
• Anson Restaurant (Downtown)
• Breizh Pan' Crepes (Downtown)
• Farmer & Exchange (Downtown)
• Gnome Cafe (Downtown)
• Harold's Cabin (Downtown)
• Home Team BBQ (Downtown)
• Lewis Barbecue (Downtown)
• Maybank Public House (James Island)
• Mercantile, Mash, and The Cedar Room (Downtown)
• Ruth's Chris Steakhouse (Downtown)
• Seed (Downtown)
• Tattooed Moose (Johns Island)
• The Workshop (Downtown)
• Tricera Coffee (Downtown)
• Westside Deli (Downtown)