The 6 Most Anticipated Restaurants in Charleston, Winter 2019

The temperatures might be dropping, but this is not hibernation season for restaurateurs. 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. This list encapsulates the places garnering excitement this season.

BIG BAD BREAKFAST

Location: 455 Meeting St, Downtown
Key Players: Chef John Currence
Projected Opening: 2019
Earlier this year, Big deal Oxford-based chef John Currence announced that he wanted to bring his morning-heavy restaurant Big Bad Breakfast to Charleston. The Eastside restaurant will feel more like an old-school diner with more traditional American breakfast fare with a “cheffy” spin.

Screencap of Hotel Bennett

HOTEL BENNETT

Location: 404 King St., Downtown
Key Players: Restaurateur Michael Bennett, chef Michael Sichel
Projected Opening: Soon
The former executive chef at the ”grand dame” of New Orleans food Galatoire’s, Michael Sichel, will join the Hotel Bennett’s signature restaurant. Other offerings from the Marion Square inn include a “ladies bar” (insert side-eye), a rooftop eatery, and a pâtisserie.

MAISON

Location: 708 King St., Downtown
Key Players: Chef Vandy Vanderwarker and industry vet Will Love
Projected Opening: Early 2019
Former chef at the Ordinary Vandy Vanderwarker will open a French bistro with former Fish bartender Will Love. Vanderwarker told Post & Courier that he wants to open a restaurant with “delicious, polished food ... in a high-energy space.” The duo will take over the former Zappo’s Pizza/Pancito & Lefty space.

MALAGON

Location: 33 Spring St., Downtown
Key Players: Restaurateurs Patrick and Fanny Panella and chef Juan Cassallet
Projected Opening: Late 2018
The group behind wine bar Bin 152 and European eater Chez Nous plan to open a Spanish-inspired market and tapas restaurant on Spring Street in the former Artisan Meat Share space. The group even spent several weeks in Spain for research.

Erin Perkins

PINK CATCUS

Location: 101A Spring St., Downtown
Key Players: Industry vet Brooke Warden
Projected Opening: Early 2019
Charleston industry vet Brooke Warden wants to bring classic regional Mexican cuisine to Cannonborough/Elliotborough with Pink Cactus. Located in the former Nacha Mama’s space, the restaurant plans to be a convivial and affordable addition to the neighborhood. Warden says there will be plenty of handmade tortillas, mezcal, and tequila.

Provided

WIKI WIKI SANDBAR

Location: 106 East Ashley Ave., Folly Beach
Key Players: Restaurateur Karalee Fallert, chef Jason Dupree, beverage director Xan McLaughlin
Projected Opening: Soon
Wiki Wiki Sandbar will have five rooms with different themes and works from local artists. Expect South Pacific-themed dinners, festive drinks, live music, and weekend brunch served in each unique space. Think slow-roasted pork, a pu-pu platter, and Spam sliders.

Also, keep an eye on:

• Baker and Brewer (Downtown)
• Dashi (North Charleston)
• Estadio (Downtown)
• Farmer & Exchange (Downtown)
• Garco Mill (Park Circle)
• Herd Provisions (Downtown)
• Maui Taco (Downtown)
• Mesu (Downtown)
• Pluff Mud Seafood (Johns Island)
• The Royal Tern (Johns Island)
• RuRu’s Tacos + Tequila (Downtown)
• Swig & Swine (Downtown)
• Vicious Biscuit (Mount Pleasant)