Swig & Swine Brings Brisket to Market Street

Having a tough time keeping up with all the new dining options? Welcome to the Opening Report, a regularly-updated round-up of restaurant openings big and small across the Lowcountry. Visit the summer openings for an archive of the newcomers from early June through August.

December 17, 2018

THE MARKET — Barbecue master Swig & Swine brings its smoked meats to the downtown crowds. Stop in for all the hits, like brisket, pulled pork, and turkey. Status: Certified open. 49 South Market St.; website.

FOLLY BEACH — Find South Pacific flair on Folly Beach with the opening of Wiki Wiki Sandbar. Status: Certified open. 106 East Ashley Ave.; website.

THE MARKET — Happening cocktail bar Doar Brothers offers sophisticated libations and crave-worthy snacks to the Meeting Street set. Status: Certified open. 225 Meeting St.; website.

NOMO — Greens & Grounds offers coffee, non-allergenic baked goods, and kombucha at Workshop. Status: Certified open. 1503 King St.; website.

NOMO — VIP Bistro took over the former Spero space with Southern, home-cooking classics like fried whiting, crab rice, baked turkey wings, and more. Status: Certified open. 616 Meeting St.; Facebook.

NOMO — Newcomer to Workshop Chuck & Patty’s serves burgers, soda fountain classics, and 90’s nostalgia. Status: Certified open. 1503 King St.; website.

November 29, 2018

THE MARKET — With several locations on the east coast, Mason’s has landed in Charleston with it “Famous Lobster Rolls.” There’s butter and mayo options for every taste. Status: Certified open. 36 N. Market St.; website.

UPPER KING — Stop in Bourbon N’ Bubbles for just that — plenty of brown liquor and sparkling wine. Look for small plates from chef Steve Jackson. Status: Certified open. 570 King St. website.

MAZYCK-WRAGGBOROUGH — Tropical rooftop bar Citrus Club is finally open on top of the Dewberry hotel. Be sure to make reservations, because that’s the only way to get up there if you’re not already staying in a room. Status: Certified open. 334 Meeting St.; website.

PARK CIRCLE — Taco lovers have a new spot to check out with the opening of Azul Mexicano. Status: Certified open. 1078 E. Montague Ave.; article.

November 12, 2018

JAMES ISLAND — Sichuan restaurant Kwei Fei unlocked the doors to adoring fans looking for lamb dumplings, spicy noodles, and mapo tofu. Status: Certified open. 1977 Maybank Hwy.; website.

WEST ASHLEY — Workshop alum Slice Co. brings its pizza to a permanent location with grandma pies, meatball subs, white pizza, and more. Status: Certified open. 1662 Savannah Hwy.; website.

November 5, 2018

JAMES ISLAND — All things bourbon find a home at the new Paddock & Whisky, the whisky-forward neighborhood bar now open in James Island’s Terrace Plaza from owners Reid Stone and Chris Van Liew. A rotating roster of rare bourbons and whiskeys highlights the back bar, as well as wines, rotating local draft beers, and craft cocktails. Status: certified open. 1962 Maybank Hwy.; website.

MOUNT PLEASANT — Poke Bros joins the ever-growing poke trend in Charleston with a location in Mount Pleasant. Status: Certified open. 644-H1, Long Point Rd.; Facebook.

CANNONBOROUGH/ELLIOTBOROUGH — On Thursdays through Saturday, from 5 - 9 p.m., Sunrise Bistro Xpress turns into Sunset Sushi. Chef Tommy Tucker offers traditional omakase for $35 (or $45 for two). Status: Certified open. 116A Spring St.; Facebook.

October 23, 2018

NOMO — Vietnamese caterer Little Miss Ha takes over the Pink Bellies space in Workshop. Entrepreneur Janice Nguyen Hudgins is inspired by her Vietnamese heritage and utilizes recipes curated by her mom, Miss Ha. Status: Certified open. 1503 King St.; Facebook

FRENCH QUARTER — Modern American eatery Tradd’s opened the doors on East Bay Street with champagne, jumbo shrimp, and caviar. The menu covers all the classics. Status: Certified open. 167 East Bay St.; website.

MOUNT PLEASANT — Charlotte-based restaurant Kid Cashew expanded to South Carolina recently. The original Kid Cashew opened in the Dilworth community of Charlotte and describes itself as a “wood-fire grill inspired by farmers, butchers and the Mediterranean.” The South Carolina location claims to also be inspired by the “beauty of Charleston.” Status: Certified open. 1440 Ben Sawyer Blvd.; website.

CANNONBOUROUGH/ELLIOTBOROUGH — Cannon Street eatery Babas opened on Tuesday, October 9, with offerings inspired by pincho bars in Spain, aperitivo in Italy, and small cafes in France. “We looked at the wines and cuisines of those countries,” says co-owner Edward Crouse, “The food menu will have the same disposition as the snacks served with drinks in Spain, Italy, and France.” Status: Certified open. 11 Cannon St.; website.

UPPER KING — Popular James Island waffle shop Sweet Belgium opened its second location on Upper King with traditional la gaufre found on the streets and in the shops of Belgium. Status: Certified open. 424 King st.; website.

NOMO — Taco food truck Rebel Taqueria replaced Tex-Mex stall Juan Luis in food hall Workshop. The menu is menu similar to the one found on the truck, which includes California-style burritos and tacos. Status: Certified open. 1503 King St.; website.

NOMO — Tacos, tortas, and kebobs recently took over the former Cortaditos Cuban Cafe with the opening of the permanent space for Mexican/Latin catering company El PinchoTaco. The Aguirre family has popped up at numerous breweries and farmers’ markets across the Lowcountry with El Pincho Taco offerings since 2017. Status: Certified open; 616 Meeting St.; website.

NOMO — The same team that brought Rutledge Cab Co. to fruition is the group behind Container Bar — this includes actor Bill Murray, Brad Creger, and co-owner of the Charleston RiverDogs Mike Veeck. Area food trucks are invited to plug in at the establishment, and patrons have access to seating and a bar. Look for trucks like Roti Rolls, Root Note Food, and Bearded Dog. Status: Certified open. 2130 Mt. Pleasant St.; Facebook.

NORTH CENTRAL — The product of Tim Mink and Brooks Reitz, Melfi’s comes from the same group that brought Little Jack’s Tavern and Leon’s Oyster Shop to Charleston. Reitz and chef John Amato spent the past year eating around Italy to get the menu just right. Look for non-traditional pizzas, like the Iceberg Slim with lettuce, bacon, and ranch, of the classic white pie. There’s also plenty of antipasto creative salads, pastas, and Negronis in a handsome dining room. Status: Certified open. 721 King St.; website.