Take a Trip to Paris at Westside Bistro Purlieu

Erin Perkins is the editor of Eater Carolinas.

In 2015, longtime Charleston chef John Zucker (Cru Cafe and Catering) took over the building at 237 Fishburne St., with little other details. Now, he’s almost ready to open his neighborhood bistro named Purlieu or P237 for short. The name comes from the definition “a piece of land on the edge of a forest” but also nods to the Lowcountry dish pilau or purloo.

Executive chef Jeff Williams is be in the kitchen and beverage director Jacob Fuhr is in charge of the beer and wine selections. The menu draws from Zucker’s time in Paris, where he graduated number one in his class at Le Cordon Bleu. The full list of offerings hasn’t been released yet, but Purlieu’s Instagram feed is full of bouillabaisse, burgers, salmon toast, and duck prosciutto salad. Zucker wants the restaurant to be an affordable establishment where neighbors can dine multiple times a week. Purlieu will start with dinner service Tuesday through Saturday and will eventually add brunch.

Here, Eater photographer Leslie McKellar tours the airy space. Zucker did most of the work himself, with input from his mother Terry, who is an interior decorator. Prepare to be whisked away to a Parisian cafe.