Austin Couple Plans to Open Congress in Mount Pleasant

After Mexican chain La Hacienda ruled at 1035 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. for almost 20 years, an updated new American restaurant will take its place. Forthcoming eatery Congress plans to open in La Ha's spot this February. Congress is the work of couple Mark and Adrienne Ciaburri, who moved from Austin to Charleston several years ago. The duo met and got engaged in Austin, however, Adrienne is a Mount Pleasant native, whose first job was waiting tables at The Wreck.

The team completely gutted the former La Ha space to make way for the "upscale/casual New American restaurant." The menu is influenced by Mark's background in Italian and interior Mexican cuisine. A look at the restaurant's Facebook page reveals potential menu items like skirt steak with chimichurri, chili relleno stuffed with short rib and havarti, and snapper ceviche with pomegranate seeds, cucumber, and jicama. Mark previously worked with Maverick Southern Kitchens and Hamby Catering while in Charleston.

Adrienne says Congress should be ready to greet guests on February 2. The restaurant will open from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and will stay open until 10:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. There are plans to eventually add a lunch and brunch service as well as an outdoor patio once the weather gets nice again.