Charleston’s Tradd’s Mixes and Matches for Stunning Interiors

Erin Perkins is the editor of Eater Carolinas, covering the food and restaurant scene across North and South Carolina.

A gilded mid-century modern wonderland awaits diners who traverse the doorway at Tradd’s — it’s easy to see how the East Bay addition took home the 2018 Eater Award for Design of the Year.

Any hints of this East Bay Street building’s former life as fine-dining establishment Cypress were long gone before the opening in October 2018. The bright dining room is refined yet unpretentious, with local art adorning the walls, brass fixtures, a zinc bar, and hints of animal prints.

Co-owners Tradd and Weesie Newton drew inspiration from their own interior design. “It has the same palette as our home,” Tradd tells Eater.

Fun fact: The green paint found throughout the space is actually designated “Tradd Street Green” by Sherman Williams — the owners say this was a total coincidence because they discovered the name after they choose the color.

The Newtons had owned seafood restaurant Fleet Landing for 15 years, and they knew when they moved back to Charleston (from Vail), that they wanted to do a more fine dining concept. They knew they would name it Tradd’s, and when they saw the building on East Bay Street, they knew it was it. Once the space fell into place, the design followed.

“We wanted to do something a little different — not your typical Southern, Charleston restaurant,” says Tradd. They thought the space should be welcoming and comfortable with food that didn’t need a lot of explanation. “It feels good to be on East Bay Street,” he adds.

Take a look around here if you haven’t been for a visit yet.