Charleston’s Top Restaurant Standbys of 2017: The Grocery, FIG, and More

In keeping with Eater tradition, our closeout of the year is a survey of friends, industry types, and bloggers. To kick it off in Charleston, Eater asked the group eight questions, ranging from the restaurants they frequent most to the biggest surprises of the year. Responses are in no particular order, and readers are encouraged to leave answers in the comments.

Q. What were your top restaurant standbys of 2017?

Hanna Raskin, Food writer and critic for the Post & Courier:
As always for me, a meal at a restaurant that isn’t new; under a new chef’s command; trying out a new menu or (at the very least) new to me, is a meal wasted. So I try to keep my standby list in check. But I made lots of repeat visits for beverages: Wine from Monarch Wine Merchants; coffee from Michael Mai at Mercantile and cocktails at Little Jack’s Tavern.

Parker Milner, Eater Charleston contributor:
FIG, Xiao Bao Biscuit, The Grocery

Peg Moore, contributor and food critic for The Mercury:
Hank’s, Charleston Grill, Muse, Hominy Grill, FIG

Erin Perkins, editor Eater Charleston:
The dish I consumed more times than I can remember was the caviar and tater tots at McCrady’s Tavern. It’s a genius mix of high and low.

Marion Sullivan, Culinary Institute of Charleston and food editor Charleston Magazine:
McCrady’s Tavern, The Grocery, Rodney Scott’s BBQ, Butcher & Bee

Sydney Gallimore, Queen of the Food Age and Thrillist Contributor:
Zero Restaurant + Bar, Poke Tea House, Dellz Deli

Robert Donovan, photographer and contributor to Eater Charleston:
Edmund’s Oast, Butcher & Bee, Little Jack's Tavern, Joey Tomatoes, Rodney Scott's

Stephanie Burt, writer and founder of The Southern Fork:
The Grocery, Wild Olive, Leon's, FIG

Samantha Connors, Eater Charleston contributor:
This year, I pretty much ate my way through the entire menu at CO. The beef pho tops my list but drunken thai noodles and spicy Hanoi noodles are a close second. There will always be a special place in my heart for the spicy chicken sandwich at Closed for Business.