What Was Your Biggest Dining Grievance of 2018?

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 was your biggest dining grievance of 2018?

Erin Perkins, editor Eater Charleston:
Small local spots like Bar Normandy and Upper Deck Tavern closing down.

Hanna Raskin, Food writer and critic for the Post & Courier:
Cynicism crept into Charleston restaurants in a very big way this year. I fully understand the high cost of rent, insurance, credit card processing and employee wages, as well as the expense of an opening delayed by permitting agencies and contractors. But it’s disheartening to see restaurants charge ludicrous prices for a scattering of raw vegetables or an itty-bitty secondary cut of beef, especially when the experience isn’t enhanced by high-level service or other dining room magic. It makes customers feel dumb at best, and used at worst.

Parker Milner, Eater Charleston contributor:
Several newcomers focused more on the aesthetic inside the restaurant rather than pushing the boundaries with the types of cuisine they were putting out.

Robert Donovan, photographer and contributor to Eater Charleston:
Small locally owned restaurants not able to make it due to lack of local support. (rinse repeat)

Peg Moore, contributor and food critic for The Mercury:
My biggest dining grievance was being ignored for 45 minutes at a new restaurant. No one even asked if we would like a drink!!!