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Outdoor tables surrounded by greenery.
The patio at Maya
Mike Ledford

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Newcomer Maya Transports the Beaches of the Yucatán Peninsula to King Street

Take a first look at the upcoming restaurant here

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

The bones of the former Macintosh restaurant remain at 479 King Street, but the space has a new life as Tulum-inspired establishment Maya, which opens on Friday, September 24.

The Indigo Road group brought in David Leboutillier of the Restaurant Studio to transform the interiors since he is well known in the Charleston area and previously lived in Akumal, Mexico, near Tulum. Leboutillier focused on bring pieces of the tropics indoors with fanciful plants and stripping down all the wood on the tables. He also wanted to focus on the zen aspect he experienced on the beaches and at a yoga retreat in the area — there’s low lighting with sparkling candles and mirrors reflecting a sand-white wall full of votives. The Maya dining room is a subtly sexy spot to showcase the coastal Mexican fare from chef Brett Riley, formerly of Casa Publica in Brooklyn.

The former bar at the Macintosh is stripped down and painted a darker hue.
Mike Ledford
Edison bulbs are replaced with more modern fixtures.
Mike Ledford
David Leboutillier says that often times a giant chandelier will just appear out of nowhere in upscale Tulum restaurants.
Mike Ledford
This wall full of votives is modeled after a fixture in a Tulum yoga retreat.
Mike Ledford
Breezy curtains and a cactus complete the look.
Mike Ledford
Inset candles drip wax onto the brick wall, surrounding a painting commissioned by an LA artist.
Mike Ledford
More plants.
Mike Ledford

Maya’s outdoor patio is a bit more casual with beach-y seating, tons of plants from Charleston’s floral designer Sara York Grimshaw, a frozen drink machine, a swinging sofa, and an all-around chill dinner party atmosphere.

Outdoor tables surrounded by greenery.
Bright whites and lots of green add to a tropical vibe on the outdoor patio.
Mike Ledford
The team asked Charleston floral studio Sara York Grimshaw Designs to bring in all the plants.
Mike Ledford
This greenery piece is by LA artist Kelley Anderson.
Mike Ledford
The outdoor area adds a more lively element to Maya.
Mike Ledford
A cozy swinging sofa in the outdoor area.
Mike Ledford
Wicker bar stools at a white bar with plants and liquor bottles on the shelves.
More plants and a frozen drink machine behind the bar.
Mike Ledford
The team added the bar to the previous Macintosh patio.
A table for big groups at Maya.
Mike Ledford
White tiled bar with rattan seating.
Soon to be the new hot spot on the peninsula?
Mike Ledford
Even on a rainy day, the Maya patio shines.
Mike Ledford

• After Almost 10 Years, the Macintosh Calls It Quits in Charleston
• Former Macintosh Space to Become Mexican Restaurant Later This Summer

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