Charleston Restaurants Close Ahead of Hurricane Ian’s Arrival

As Hurricane Ian makes its way to Charleston today, many area restaurants and bars closed up shop in anticipation of heavy rains and wind. Establishments across the Lowcountry started announcements on Thursday, September 29, that they would not open today.

Hip Italian restaurant Renzo took to Instagram to declare its Friday closure, but encouraged fans to come out ahead of the storm on Thursday. Southern spot Husk wrote, “We will be CLOSED on Friday, September 30th, for the safety of our staff members and guests. We will re-open on Saturday, October 1st.” Quaint cafe Harken told fans, “Harken will be CLOSED tomorrow (9/30) to ensure our team is safe for Ian’s arrival here in Charleston. We’re hoping to be open during our normal hours on Saturday but we will keep you updated if that changes! Stay safe, friends.”

Others took a different approach however and remained defiant in the face of the hurricane. Cocktail bar Proof announced that it will remain open with “power, ice, booze, beer, wine, filtered water, phone chargers” and perhaps ramen from 2Nixons. Dive bar Recovery Room declared it will host a hurricane party all weekend. Wood-fired eatery Frannie & the Fox, in the Emeline hotel, said it would remain open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Friday. Other hotel establishments, like Little Palm in the Ryder and the Black Door Cafe in the Mills House, are open as well.

As of 5 a.m. on Friday, September 30, a flash flood warning is in effect for central Charleston County and tidal Berkeley County until noon.