5 Most Anticipated Restaurants in Charleston, Spring 2019

With the arrival of pollen means it’s almost spring here in Charleston. Chefs, restaurateurs, and investors are as busy as bees with more new restaurants and bars coming this way. 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.

BAKER AND BREWER

Location: 94 Stuart St., Downtown
Key Players: EVO and Holy City Brewing
Projected Opening: Soon

Fans of the perfectly crisp pies and seasonal salads at Park Circle favorite EVO Pizzeria will no longer have to drive up north for a bite — the restaurant has a partnership with Holy City Brewing to bring the famous Pork Trifecta (among others) to a downtown address.

BIG BAD BREAKFAST

Location: 455 Meeting St, Downtown
Key Players: Chef John Currence
Projected Opening: 2019

Last 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.

ESTADIO

Location: 122 Spring St., Downtown
Key Players: Owner/sommelier Max Kuller and chef Alex Lira
Projected Opening: 2019

In 2018, Washington, D.C., favorite Estadio announced a second location in Charleston. The contemporary Spanish-style restaurant is part of a new mixed-use development on the site of a former church. One difference in the locations will be the integration of Carolina Gold rice into the paellas and other rice-based dishes.

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.

PINK CATCUS

Location: 101A Spring St., Downtown
Key Players: Industry vet Brooke Warden and chef Jeremy Paige
Projected Opening: March 8

Charleston industry vet Brooke Warden wants to bring classic regional Mexican cuisine to Cannonborough/Elliotborough with Pink Cactus. Located in the former Nacho 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.

Also, keep an eye on:

• Butcher & Boar (Mount Pleasant)
• Dashi (North Charleston)
• Farmer & Exchange (Downtown)
• Garco Mill (Park Circle)
• Herd Provisions (Downtown)
• Jackrabbit Filly (Park Circle)
• Mesu (Downtown)
• Pluff Mud Seafood (Johns Island)
• Wild Common (Downtown)