My husband and I went for lunch (on a weekday). There was no wait and the staff was super friendly. I had the Fried Chicken and Waffle... It was SOOO good! The waffle was a sweet corn bread and maple bacon waffle- awesome! The chicken was cooked perfectly, with that super crunchy/crispy outside that you want from fried chicken. :) The pecan butter and Bourbon reduction syrup were the perfect things to build a perfect bite! This was an amazing version of chicken and waffles- I STRONGLY recommend it! Also, my husband got the Fried Flounder sandwich, and loved it. Make sure to check this place out when you're in, or even near, Charleston. :)
(5)
Pat M.
We found this restaurant on yelp and were very glad we did. We had 5 of us for lunch and after a short wait we were very happy with the food and friendly service. My daughter and I had the Chicken and Waffles... I've never had this before but I'm betting it would be hard to beat anywhere else. Fried 1/2 chicken, sweet potato corn bread waffle with pecan butter and bourbon infused syrup.... absolute heaven! Great service, great food period!
(5)
Dan B.
Stopped in for dinner this past week really looking for a good burger after a few days of seafood. We were told they had a good one so we gave it a try. Fair to say up front it was Friday night and we didn't have a reservation so the only available seating was in a narrow hallway at a bar type arrangement. Wasn't thrilled with that but was okay with it since we were walk ins. I wanted to hate this place from that moment cause no one came to take our order for about 10 mins. So we walked up to the bar and asked for a server and she sent one out a few minutes later. So now I wanted to hate it more. But we ordered and I just relaxed. When the folks beside us who came in well after us got their food before us, now I really wanted to hate it. But then the burger came.... Wow. Great burger in a seafood town! Thick, juicy, with both cheddar and pepper jack on a fresh brioche bun. Phenomenal burger done right. Had the side of Mac and cheese which was so good I could have eaten just that. Okay so I didn't hate it. I really liked it. The food was a 5 but the slow service/seating was the downfall for me to only rate a 4. Next visit I will make a reservation and if that changes things, I can revise my rating!
(4)
Ali R.
My gent and I had Sunday brunch at the Lowcountry Bistro during our brief stay in Charleston. We both ordered coffee and the Market Breakfast. He also enjoyed a Bloody Mary and I tried the She Crab Soup. The service was fantastic and the food was enjoyable as well. Our food came out quickly but it seemed like it was sitting around for a while because it was lukewarm. The She Crab Soup seemed to have too much sherry but otherwise, the dishes and drinks were great. We will definitely return!
(4)
Patty P.
Definitely recommend a reservation on weekends if you get there after 11. Loved the jambalaya eggs benedict, they use a rice cake instead of the regular muffin. Fried pickles were very tangy. Fried green tomatoes were pretty good too. Coffee was like water. Across from the central market, so you can go for a quick stroll if you have to wait for your table.
(4)
Jack F.
I've gone back three times now for their Low Country Benedict and it never disappoints. They have a weird rule about "bottomless mimosa" that its only good for 1 hour...guess they had problems with that in the past? The coffee is decent, the service has always been pretty good too. Back to the main topic tho -- the Low Country Benedict. Its shrimp grits, pork belly bacon, home made biscuit, and perfectly cooked eggs. Try it. Eat it. Love it.
(4)
Brian M.
Went to Lowcountry Bistro for New Years Eve dinner and my experience could have been due to the fact it was a holiday. First, the food was okay, nothing spectacular. I had the jambalaya. It was nothing special, especially since I found a bay leaf mixed in. I can understand perhaps finding a piece of shell from the shrimp, but removing the bay leaf should be a lesson in cooking 101. The other person in my party had the NY Strip, which was tasty (also had pretty good sauteed green beans). I did have a bourbon on the rocks and they weren't shy with the pour. The service could have been much better. Again, this might have been due to the holiday and no one wanting to be at work 3 hours before the new year. We saw our waiter 3 times and it seemed that was 3 times to many for him. I am not opposed to trying this place again, maybe for brunch and not on a holiday.
(2)
Avery W.
Bistro Benedict with Crab cake and pork belly and grits and cheesy grits all atop a delicious bisquit.
(4)
Erin D.
Great food, great service! The restaurant is small but quaint. I had the pork belly BLT with a friend green tomato and pimento cheese - delicious!
(5)
Alyssia P.
Oh my gosh!! If there is one thing you ever need to eat in Charleston it's this places chicken and waffles. It will seriously change your life!! The chicken is fried to perfection with a light batter the waffles and syrup... Heaven!!! I don't know what they do to those but seriously if I had to eat one meal for the rest of my life this is it. My husband got the jambalaya and it was okay... But not even ball park close to the perfection on the chicken and waffles. The crab cakes were also pretty superb! Try this place I promise you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Joe C.
Dinner with my wife while visiting Charleston. We shared the shrimp and grits app and next time would order it as the entree. My wife had the chicken and waffles. Waffle was a bit small and chicken was ok but the butter and syrup added to an otherwise uneventful dish. I had the frogmore stew which was very good and flavorful. We shared the bread pudding with praline ice cream for dessert and it was definitely a sharing size and finished off the meal nicely. We ate on the upstairs porch and it was very pleasant. Would go back again.
(4)
Lorie K.
Awesome low country food! Great atmosphere, great service! Had the jambalya, not too spicy, just great flavor!
(5)
Amanda A.
I do plan on coming back to try something different, so my stars may go up next time. Gluten free diners: they are accommodating with a separate menu, and while there is a decent selection, it would really be nice if they got in a gluten free bread or bun - there's a ton of "no bread" sandwich options, all they really need to do is keep some Udi's in the freezer and it would really help their menu selection. I got the LBs' Nachos, which originally come with tortillas, but with a GF option, they were served on house made chips. The house made potato chips were okay, they were heavily seasoned with paprika. The queso was good. The pork that came on it, however, tasted like it was old - maybe they cooked it a few days ago and then kept using it. Definitely didn't taste fresh. The spring lettuce mix served on top of the nachos definitely didn't go with it, and I ended up picking the lettuce off. I wouldn't order those again. My dining partner had the chicken and waffle. He said while it was good, he probably wouldn't get it again because there was too much going on - sweet potato bacon cornbread with pecan butter and bourbon reduction. Not at all bad, but it's a simple dish that he felt was too over complicated. They handled the preparation of gluten free food like a champ, so I would definitely be willing to give it another shot - I just hope the food tastes a bit more fresh.
(3)
James J.
Brunch was disappointing. The food was okay, but nearly EVERYTHING has bacon in it. If you have special dietary limitations don't even consider this place. They are completely unwilling to assist. Even their waffles have bacon and they won't make fresh batter in a small quantity???? How difficult is that? Asked to sub some fruit in exchange for sausage, bacon AND "bacony"potatoes. We were told it would be a $2 up charge. Do they not know a few berries cost a LOT less than 3 meat items??? Additionally, my coffee cup was empty when the food was delivered to the table and remained empty until I was finished with the meal. I will NEVER return to this place. Really sad, because it's a great location.
(1)
Kimber S.
Pulled pork tacos are very good The shrimps n grits very plentiful I wasn't a fan of the sweet potato salad but some of you may like it. All in all very enjoyable lunch with family!
(5)
Amarys M.
My husband and I ventured out yet again, on the hunt for the perfect Sunday brunch. This trip turned out to be a failure to launch, unfortunately. The food was all very average. I ordered the Jambalaya Benedict and found the red rice cakes to be dry and devoid of flavor. The rest of the dish was acceptable but it was a bit disappointing overall. My husband ordered the boullabaise. He enjoyed it, but when I tasted I was not very impressed. My overall impression was great service, mediocre food.
(3)
Kristin G.
The chicken and waffles and shrimp and grits are amazing!! So flavorful! Also loved the sweet tea mojito. Only complaint is the service is slow and our waitress went missing after delivering our food. The jazz music that was playing was also too loud and distracting. Would definitely recommend coming here for some southern comfort food
(4)
Marnie S.
3.5 stars for food. 4 stars for service. There's lots of seating here, which is good, given the location. Fried green tomatoes were pretty good but the she crab soup was lacking in crab and maybe a little heavy on the sherry. Dessert was delicious, don't pass it up if you have room.
(4)
Tracy G.
Today marked my second trip to the Lowcountry Bistro. I had dinner there this past summer and went back today for lunch. Even for a cold, non-touristy day in Charleston the place can get pretty busy due to it's location on Market Street. We were seated upstairs, which I do prefer to the downstairs area. If you get a chance to sit out on the balcony on a nice day, I highly recommend it. The service was very good though there was nothing that stood out to me. I opted for the choose two menu of a sandwich item and an appetizer- the Southern BBQ taco's and the fried green tomatoes- for only $12. The tomatoes were perfectly breaded and seasoned and paired nicely with the heap of bacon cheese grits that come on the side. My taco's, though good, were extremely greasy and the meat was room temperature and not hot at all. My friend ordered the crab cake and fried green tomato sandwich with a side of sweet potato salad. She liked the sandwich okay but was a little put off by the sweet potato salad. If it weren't for the weird addition of celery, it would have tasted like a cold version of sweet potato casserole. If you're looking for a good place to eat while visiting the market this is a much better and more authentic place than something like Bubba Gump's.
(3)
Os H.
One of the best breakfast places I've ever been to. The food is very good and service is great ! Try the bottomless mimosas !
(5)
Dr R.
Randomly chose this restaurant. Glad I stopped in. Its cozy. Attentive wait staff. Crab soup was tasty. Bottomless mimosas. Chicken and waffles were great. Glad I stumbled upon this place!
(4)
Roger C.
Extremely friendly staff, along with great food. I had their flounder sandwich for lunch and it was the best flounder I have ever had. I now have a favorite restaurant for Charleston South Carolina.
LCB is the perfect place to slip into for a snack and refreshment. The service was relaxed and helpful. We sat upstairs and were able to people watch the market below. There is a great selection of cocktails and bottled beer. The She-Crab soup was some of the best I have had in Charleston.
I really enjoyed our lunch here. Everything from the ambiance of the place, the knowledge and friendliness of the waitress, the music, everything! We started with the Bloody Marys which were outstanding. We ordered two of the southern favorites: shrimp & grits and chicken & waffles....yum!!! This is what I imagined when thinking of Charleston food.
(5)
Brittany C.
I have been to LCB many times. I went with a large group the first time, we had a reservation, and our table was ready for us when we arrived. We were there for Sunday brunch. The bottomless mimosa's are great. We tried a number of appetizers, friend green tomatoes - which could have used some more slat and seasoning but were still enjoyable, southern biscuits & jam - great homemade biscuits and the jam is SUPER tasty, pork belly & scallops - I mean...do I need to even say anything about this one? It's pork belly....and scallops.....SO GOOD! As an entree I got the shrimp and grits. It is a less traditional style shrimp and grits but it is excellent! I order the shrimp and grits every time I go, the tomato bacon jam is to DIE for! The food has been very good every time I have gone. The only complaints I have are: there is a gentleman waiter who has waited on us in the upstairs dining room 2 times that we have gone. He is very pushy, rude, and quite creepy. If I get seated in his section next time I would honestly ask to be moved. He makes me very uncomfortable and makes my dining experience not very pleasant. My second complaint would be the consistency of their frogmore stew. Some days it is incredibly flavorful and other days the broth is bland and watery. On the good day's it's the best I've ever tasted. and on the bad days you leave disappointed thinking about how good it COULD be. All in all I would recommend Low Country Bistro to anyone. Great food, wide beer and wine selection, and very reasonable prices.
(4)
Sheila B.
This was an ok restaurant. I ordered the chicken and waffles and a side of collard grand. The collard greens were strange. Too many stems and they were like sauerkraut. Too much vinegar, for me. Everyone was polite. We had to eat on the second floor, because some of my family arrived before we did and we wanted to join them. It's not a very big place, but nice.
(3)
Christina R.
Amazing! We had the shrimp and grits appetizer and I had the crab cake sandwich... Wow!!! Kids had grilled cheese and chicken fingers, both devoured. Great service as well!
(5)
Jeffrey S.
We had dinner at low country last night. The food was hit or miss. The pulled pork was sub par, lacked any smoky flavor. The sides were very good, the chicken and waffles were excellent. We also had the scallops app and the shrimp and grits app, both were mediocre. They didn't have draft beer but the service was very good. So overall, average experience. It's located right on market street near some more touristy spots so I didn't expect it to be all that great anyway but it was a short walk and the chicken and waffles were a nice surprise
(3)
Julie L.
I highly recommend this place! I had quick, friendly service and delicious food. The food was presented in a gourmet fashion with a gourmet flavor as well! Our food was served to us very timely and was delicious!
(5)
Ashley H.
This was a nice, cozy little place we stopped at for lunch. Service was a bit slow, but it wasn't a deal breaker. I had their fried green tomatoes, the fiance had their fried pickles, and we shared a basket of biscuits and jelly. I was impressed with the presentation of the dishes; they really made them beautiful for what they were. The jellies (I *think* they were strawberry and blackberry) were definitely homemade and went nicely with the delicious biscuits. I'm very picky about my biscuits, and LCB gets them just right! I will definitely be back to try their dinner menu.
(4)
Mika M.
Everyone in Charleston raves about their Shrimp and Grits. It's a fact! I honestly think this place has a really strong dish though. It is more of an Italian-style presentation, and absolutely worth getting. We really enjoyed sitting up at the bar and our service was excellent. Everyone in the restaurant seemed to be having a great time and the food that came out of the kitchen looked fantastic. She crab soup was some of the best we've had, and I particularly enjoyed my eggnog cheesecake.
(4)
Scott S.
My little brother and I took our girlfriends to this place for a dinner while I was in Charleston. All I can say was it was ok. My meal came out cold and in general there was a long wait to between placing an order and the food showing up. My girlfriends dish of salt rubbed duck was excellent and cooked perfectly. On the other hand my little brother ordered the scallops and they came out tasting so bitter and chemically that they had to be sent back. So overall, I have mixed feelings about the place and if I lived in Charleston I probably would not go back given the wealth of other options available.
(3)
Becca W.
I got the cheese burger for lunch, and the best thing about the burger was the bun. There was way to much bacon on it for my taste. The chips and ranch were awsome, definitely the best thing on the plate.
(3)
Karen S.
This is a must do if you come to Charleston. The specials were fabulous. The crab cake and shrimp and grits are a must have. Beer menu has local craft beers available in a limited fashion. There is a large moonshine menu.
(5)
Ann H.
A bit of a disappointment. The shrimp and grits appetizer was good. The rest of the meal not very memorable. Had the She crab soup - I love crab but this was not to my taste. Also tried the lobster cake, Brussels and white fish. Everything seemed over salted. Very good waiter though - friendly and attentive.
(2)
Larry P.
Seated right away, great service and lunch was excellent. My wife loved the shrimp & grits w/ fried green tomato. I had the pulled pork tacos which were very good.
(5)
Tommy R.
Eat here our first night in Charleston. We were considering some of the more well known places for dinner but really wanted some Low Country food. LCB did not disappoint. My wife had the Shrimp and Grits (which were truly southern style, unlike others' take on the dish which turn out more like a creole gumbo-like dish). I had the Frogsmore Stew which was awesome. So glad we gave Low Country Bistro a try!
(4)
Tricia O.
Awesome!!! Everything was delicious. The chicken and waffles were so good as well as the biscuits. Never tasted a better biscuit. My husband had the chicken Caesar salad and he loved it. The cheesey grits were yummy too! The service was impeccable. It was very clean and decorated very nice.
(5)
Justin S.
Tourist trap. Over priced mediocre food. If you want authentic Charleston food, don't go here. The service was ok but the food was bland and the choices left something to be desired.
(1)
Francesca J.
Great southern food with a gourmet flair! I loved the fact that they use local ingredients and prepare all items in house. I tried the lobster and crawfish stew which was creamy and delicious. The pecan pie was out of this world. I mean, thy have moonshine on the menu, how could you go wrong? Go here when you are in town!
(5)
Julia W.
We had a fantastic lunch here, my second visit and it didn't disappoint. Chicken and waffles is a must try as well as the shrimp grits. Service was excellent, our waitress was so knowledgeable and informative, it made the whole experience even better.
(5)
Trevor L.
The food was excellent, and priced well. The wait staff were very friendly. And at a time when many other Charleston restaurants had long lines and wait times, we were able to walk in and be seated instantly. However, they do accept OpenTable reservations as well.
(5)
Erin W.
Went here mother's day weekend and this place was very accommodating of our increased reservation from 4 to 5 of us. They have outdoor porch/deck seating area with ceiling fans which was a beautiful environment to enjoy dinner. All the food was very flavorful and reasonably priced. We did order mussels as an appetizer and right away noticed they were overly salty (basically inedible) but the waitress was extremely accommodating and removed it from the bill. They had a delicious drink special (I want to say a bourbon watermelon margarita) for something like $6 which we all ordered and loved. Overall it was a great dinner, and would recommend it to anyone wanting to experience well priced, delicious southern food while visiting Charleston.
(5)
Miranda n.
Great service amazing food and bottomless mimosas for brunch! Definitely a must visit in the market
(5)
W. L.
Our meal at Low Country Bistro was the best we had during our recent visit to Charleston. There were many things on the menu that I was interested in, but I settled in on the seafood paella and my wife ordered the Frogmore Stew. Both were delicious. We started out with an order of the Crawfish Hushpuppies. You get six huge hushpuppies. I didn't taste much crawfish, but they were great. The service was also fantastic. I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a good low country meal near the market.
(4)
Andrew R.
5 stars all the way! Simply one of the best foods here! Definitely the best!! Friendly staff, outstanding service, and "to die for" chicken and waffles!!!
I came to Charleston on vacation a year or two ago and after a day at the market we found this restaurant and it looked good so we went in. We ordered a round of drinks, it took a bit for them to get to the table, but not horribly long at least according to memory, but that wasn't the issue for me. If drinks came in late, I might have given this 3-4 stars depending on the food. We ordered burgers and fries, a Classic American meal, and when the burgers came to the table they looked absolutely wonderful. Delicious. Looks can be deceiving. I wasn't particularly hungry, so I just started nibbling on my burger, and thus was spared the horror to come. However, my father was quite hungry, and took a giant bite of the burger. Not two seconds later, he spit it out. His burger was a deep red color. It was raw. The rest of us cut into our burgers to check how much they had been cooked, and discovered that our burgers were cold, red, and raw as well. That wasn't the worst of it. As my dad drank down the rest of his coke, trying to get the taste of raw meat out of his mouth, we called over the waitress and pointed out the obvious problem before us. She took the complaint back to the chef and, from my memory, the manager too, both insisted that the burgers had been cooked correctly. After this development, we decided to leave, our appetites most definitely extinguished. The manager agreed to not charge us for the food, since we were so dissatisfied with it, though still held the belief that the meat had been cooked correctly. We still payed for the drinks. Now, that was a year or so ago, so it might be that the restaurant is under different management and has a different chef, I hope so. However, I can't go back to this restaurant after such an experience. I hope it is different now, but even so, I would most definitely recommend another nearby restaurant instead.
(1)
Kbw Scuba A.
I have this habit of hearing about, recommending , or choosing a place and it turns out poorly for the most part . This was NOT the case this time. My first time in Charleston, and the hubby could not remember where he had eaten before, so I mapped the area, and looked at several that popped on the map. I chose Low Country Bistro. We arrived about 30 minutes early but we were accepted with with no problem and were seated outside on the second floor. I asked for a special drink of theirs to be made differently, and was obliged with no problem. They actually wanted to know how it was, and it was excellent. It took their sweet tea mojito to an Arnold Palmer when made without the mint. My hubby ordered one my way for his second drink. We started with the lobster hush puppies and she crab soup. The pups were light on the lobster which was good for me as it is not my thing, but hubby could have used more. They were cooked perfectly and enjoyed. We also shared the soup and it was thick for my taste, but hubby liked it as is. I had the shrimp and grits and it was everything I love and done so well. Shrimp with tomato creole sauce on fried green tomatoes on cheesy bacon chive grits. Heaven! My hubby had a special that was a lightly battered bone in pork chop smothered with country sausage gravy over Yukon rosemary potatoes with the best sweet, sour, and spicy collards I have ever tasted. This would be a 4.5 or 5 if my shrimp had not been slightly over done. The service was sweet, charming , speedy, but not too much of any of those things. Would recommend and go back.
(4)
Lee M.
Amazing dinner in a great location with fantastic service! Ben was great, suggested options, attentive and shared with us things to do in the city. The gumbo was amazing, as were both entrees, shrimp and grits with fried green tomatoes and crab cakes with collard greens. I had never had "greens"and was hesitant but they were prepared so well I LOVED them! Would recommend to anyone visiting!
(5)
Anthony C.
First off let me start by saying their service was very good. We were promptly greeted by a friendly young gal, and she said you can sit anywhere you'd like. We took our seats and she gave us our menu. We went in for lunch, and it was the first meal of our vacation. We both got the 2 course lunch special for $12. I cannot recall what I got as my main course but I think it was a fried green tomato with cheese grits. I know I started with the she crab soup, which was not all that great and I wouldn't recommend it. My girlfriend got the pork belly BLT which was very well made, and I really liked the southern twist they put onto an American classic! It had succulent juicy pork belly that was full of flavor, and a fried green tomato. The portions on everything were huge. In all I would visit here again... and I would recommend the pork belly BLT. The other items were just mediocre... and again, they have good service!
(3)
Chi Girl L.
Great chicken and waffles and I never eat that stuff and staff was amazing. Def recommend this place
(5)
William L.
My wife and I happened upon this restaurant ( using Yelp, of course) on a trip to Charleston. We arrived for a late lunch. I enjoyed the North Carolina trout special and my wife had the shrimp and grits. We split the lobster sweet potato cake and really enjoyed it. All the food was good and well prepared. Even the low priced Chardonnay by the glass was good. I would definitely try this place again, perhaps for dinner.
(4)
Avice L.
Went for dinner on a Saturday night. The restaurant was not busy, which I thought was strange. The sat on the piazza upstairs and the ambiance inside and outside was cozy and casual. My friend ordered the shrimp and grits and I ordered the spinach salad with shrimp. The shrimp was perfectly cooked in both meals, but the grits were a letdown and my salad was pretty bland. Service was very good and prompt.
(3)
D. I.
Had the She crab soup. That was a bit thick for my taste buds. Ordered shrimp and grits appetizer. That was pretty good. I would have liked a bit more spice. Also ordered the frogmore stew. That was really nice and light.
(4)
Ginny P.
We enjoyed the food very much. The one surprise was being charged for extra bread. That dampened our enjoyment a bit.
(3)
Emilia L.
BF and I stopped here for a quick bite after wandering around downtown Charleston. Since we knew dinner was a few hours away, we opted for a few appetizers (see photos): Oysters rockefeller (fried oyster, spinach, tomato & corn salsa, parmesan cheese, herb dressing) Fried green tomatoes (white cheddar & country ham grits, sweet pepper & onion relish, herb aioli) Goat cheese fritter (sesame baguette with red pepper jam) So... the normal oysters rockefeller consists of oysters on a half shell baked with a concoction of butter sauce, spinach, parsley, sometimes bacon? LCB's variation was very interesting, because we were presented with a spinach salad topped with parmesan, cherry tomatoes, corn kernels and deep fried oysters. It was delicious though. The fried green tomatoes were also great, though a bit bland on their own. It definitely needed to be paired with the delicious grits. Great combo. I love anything goat cheese, so the fritter was a win in my book. I don't know why, but I was expecting more than one fritter. It's OK, though. The fritter was pretty sizable and went well with the baguette, though the red pepper jam was a bit off-putting to me. I think it was just too sweet. Our server was extremely sweet and on top of things. When she noticed me taking pics of the food, she offered to take a photo of us too. The bistro itself had several options for seating. You could sit downstairs, upstairs, or the patio upstairs. It was nice, light and airy. Very good place for lunch. Interesting fact... LCB was opened by the same owners of 82 Queen, which we dined at later that night.
Liked the outdoor seating after a long Chicago winter. Had a late lunch and we were seated immediately. We both had the she-crab soup, which was fully seasoned (w/ sherry already) and served with oyster crackers. I had the soft shell crab sandwich, which was nicely prepared and had a tasty sauce. The bun was light and flavorful. He had the ham and fried green tomato sandwich which he said was good although you may want to ask for more sauce on the side. Both came with homemade potato chips, which were seasoned nicely and not at all greasy. Very crispy and plentiful. The service was a little on the slow side considering it wasn't busy, but aside from that I would recommend it.
(4)
Mackenzie K.
Incredible! The server team worked together flawlessly; our drinks never ran out! The salads are huge and filling, a great place for a fun, delicious lunch!
(5)
Alicia J.
Went here with a large group of friends last weekend while visiting Charleston for a wedding. Even though every other restaurant we'd called ahead for couldn't seat us til 10pm, if at all, LCB came to the rescue seating us right away. The atmosphere was very welcoming and our server was very nice. We split several crab and shrimp stuffed fried green tomato apps that had us all contemplating ordering another round. Dinner was also delightful: I got the St Louis Ribs with Fried Mac & Cheese and Bacon Brussels Sprouts. My man got the Lowcountry Seafood Boil, and others in our party got Chicken & Waffles, Pulled Pork, Shrimp & Grits, and Jambalaya. Everything was amazing!
(5)
Jordan D.
The Lowcountry Bistro was a perfectly acceptable meal. The she crab soup was delicious, and the shrimp and grits was an interesting take on a favorite of mine. The pulled pork with collards, shells and cheese, and cornbread was quite good, after a helping hand from the house barbecue sauce. The service was fast and we were in and out in an hour. The staff seemed a bit young and inexperienced but were acceptable. However the booth seating as you walk in the door on your right needs some work. When I sat down, the seat was moving like a swing set. Otherwise, good food, good atmosphere, just needs a little tlc.
(4)
Dan W.
Chicken and waffles plus the berry lemonade and some coffee. Came for lunch after it just opened and had no need for reservations... Service was attentive, hostess and the waiter didn't seem the southern friendly type. Food good. Delicious. Good size portion - I wasn't hungry for anything else afterwards. Waffle made of sweet potato. Alcoholic Berry lemonade not as strong as would have liked. Lowcountry Bistro is the sister(?) restaurant to 82 Queen, or same owner or something.
(4)
Amanda C.
Food was delicious. Service was poor. Ordered bottomless mimosas, our server gave us one glass... And we waited forever on coffee while we watched our server hang out with the other servers...
(2)
Lara C.
This place was our favorite meal out during our few days in Chaleston. It's a newer resturant so there aren't as many reviews but don't be turn off because of that!!! You will not be disappointed! Fried green tomatoes, chicken&waffles, and shrimp&grits were all three AMAZING!!!
(5)
Danielle C.
I've only visited charleston once but this restaurant made we want to return at least once more. I had the scallops and they melted in your mouth. Everything was farm to table and you could tell. My friend had the shrimp and grits and he loved it too! All around best meal I've had in a long time.
(5)
Amy M.
After having to walk out of a horrible restaurant (Henry's ) , we walked across the street and found this wonderful gem. I felt like I was in my grandmothers kitchen waiting for dinner . We were greeted when we first walked in , seated immediately and was served by a lovely young lady. I was amazed at the menu, all locally grown farm to table . The waitress told us they are a Sister restaurant to 82 queen. I had the fried green tomatoes with butternut squash grits and some sort of aioli over it. So so amazing , I am still thinking about it a day later. I wish I would have ordered 2 ! My father ordered the rainbow trout with butternut squash pure and green beans. We both agree.. This has been our favorite restaurant on our trip. You leave feeling satisfied , not overly stuffed. Please please check them out !
(5)
Maureen H.
Quaint. Shrimp and Grits great, Mussels were cold. When we sat down the server spilled all of the water, most of which landed on one of our party. Pants were still soaked when left. Not to mention it is cold out today and we were planning on doing a walking tour after. We know things like this happen, but for there to be absolutely no offer of a free app or meal was shocking.
(1)
Robyn R.
We ate here for lunch during our recent trip to Charleston, and it was Delics. We split the sweet potato fingerlings app, Fried Flounder Sandwich with mac & Cheese and Crab Melt Sandwich with broccolini - all amazing, but the standout was the Flounder Sandwich. A MUST if you like this type of dish. I also had the Sweet Tea Mojito and it was super yummy!
(4)
Emmy G.
Your favorite southern comfort food done right. The breakfast sliders were substantial but not greasy, and the fried green tomatoes were breaded gently, not beer-battered (thank god). The parm grits were not too salty, and we wanted to order a lifetime supply. Even more surprisingly, the pork belly appetizer special came in a sauce that was buttery, lightly sweet, with a kick on the back like they secretly made it with a drizzle of jalapeño oil. For a couple of foodies from San Francisco and Seattle, this bistro was a welcome surprise. (Added bonus: they serve liquor on Sunday, including my personal favorite Veuve de Verney brut rose by the split!)
(4)
Candace C.
We were only moderately pleased with the food at Lowcountry. The shrimp and grits are drowned in a tomato sauce. The fried chicken looks more like a fried quail. Our server was terrific.
(2)
Donna B.
We were very impressed with the Lowcountry Bistro. The she crab soup was excellent! My husband and I both got the Frogmore Stew. It was delicious. Beautiful shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and lobster hush puppies in a great light sauce. The server was very good but we did wait longer than we should have for the food. It was well prepared so it was worth the wait. We will be back.
(4)
Parker K.
Quality food. But I give it two stars for amount of $$ vs. serving size and quality. I spent $17 for a lunch that I left still hungry.
(2)
Melissa D.
Stumbled upon Lowcountry Bistro on South Market late at night when most other restaurants were closed. Boy, were we glad we found this place! The food was excellent!!! As a Northerner visiting the South, I don't think I could have had a better shrimp and grits experience in Charleston. My husband had the seafood paella, equally as delicious. Our entrees were very reasonably priced. We definitely will return to Lowcountry on our next trip to Charleston!
(5)
Ron N.
The Stuffed Flounder was great! but the cioppino was fair. Gave them a coupon and was charged full price. Could have been an honest mistake. The most annoying thing about the restaurant was the front door. It would not close and kept blowing open. A young hostess, maybe age18, would ignore the open door walking by it. The customer closest to the door must have gotten out of his seat 5 times. When he left the next table inherited the job. When they left I was the closest and closed it 3 times. We told the hostess to do her job and not look the other way. We may go back there but they really need to fix the door issue. There are too many other good places in Charleston.
(2)
TaÃsa N.
Food was on point, one of my best experiences with southern food. Had a taste of the chicken and waffles, jambalaya, and the pork with collards and mac and cheese. Absolutely delicious.
(5)
Stephanie J.
Finding vegetarian food in the south is always tricky. The low country bistro had quite a few options so I went for a Sunday lunch. The corn bread and sweet tea was delicious. It's a small restaurant so make sure you make a reservation to avoid a wait.
(4)
Jessica B.
The food was delicious and so fresh! The presentation of the food, attentiveness of the waitors, atmosphere was absolutely fantastic. Their chicken and waffles are perfection. It is bone-in chicken, which was so moist and delicious. The waffle could be a tad bit thicker, but the flavor was superb! Their shrimp and grits are the best! The portion size is quite large, so come super hungry or be prepared to have a take home box. They are parm grits with fried green tomatoes, shrimp and a relish on top. I would highly recommend this place to anyone in the area for a real taste of Charleston.
(5)
Skye C.
I had the Carolina crab melt. THIS IS as good as this sandwich could possibly be ANYWHERE. The fresh made English muffin (light and airy), topped with the fried green tomato, (which completely MADE it) then a poached egg; the sauce.... drool worthy. I was told it's actually their she crab soup that has been thickened. Sooooo good. I think my bf had the market burger. Whatever it was, he was enjoying it. My sandwich was so good, I couldn't concentrate on anything else! I did the lunch special where it was half ( I know I couldn't have eaten a whole one),with a salad (better than most places, fresh, perfect amount of dressing, light). We also ordered the ultimate bloody mary. I posted a picture of it. pickled okra, a green olive, and a shrimp come skewered with. One more shrimp on there and it could have been an appetizer! $10 each, but really worth it. It's right next to the market. We sat on the little balcony upstairs. Definitely a place I will come back to again.
(4)
Christian W.
Went there a few months ago while on vacation, and can't let them off the hook. Worst 'risotto' ever. Laughable 'shrimp' on top, truly earning their moniker. Terrible She Crab soup. J ust don't serve it if it's like that. I've seen spackle that was more viscous and soupy. The lobster crab cake was good and sizable for lobster, and the fried green tomatoes were ok. But those were the only redeeming qualities They served the restaurant week menu for a steal of a price, but I would pass on the restaurant all together rather than save those few bucks. To add insult to injury, the metal ductwork was dripping condensation on our table all night and there was really no solution. Confirms the rule to never eat at a place facing the main tourist stop. Shoulda known better. Fool me once...
(1)
Joe B.
Stopped in here while in Charleston. Didn't really know where else to go and the menu here looked decent so we gave it a shot. The hostess said no more than a 20 minute wait and she called us in 15 !! Very cool old looking bar when you walk in. we were seated upstairs. Place was fairly busy which I took as a good sign. I was tossing around a few of the menu items and wasn't sure which I wanted. I asked the waiter his opinion and he suggested the fried flounder sandwich. I was a little hesitant because these sandwiches are usually pretty plain. Not here!! First off, it was huge!! Nestled in a nice piece of French bread. It was battered not breaded. But it wasn't that heavy greasy batter you might normally see. It was crispy and tasty. They put some cooked onions along with a nice tartar sauce and bingo!! My wife had the turkey with cherry aioli, onions, lettuce and tomato. Very nice!! It turned out to be a very pleasant surprise!!!
(4)
Todd W.
Excellent and interesting southern food. Great staff, plenty of seating, enjoyed our meal.
(4)
Meredith V.
I tried the Lowcountry Bistro for lunch with a friend. Their two for $12 deal, an appetizer and a choice between three select entrees, is certainly a good deal. The fried green tomatoes were pretty delicious and the white cheddar and country ham grits were tasty. The pulled pork tacos were cold though and the sweet potato salad was a chilled version of a sweet potato casserole with the addition of celery, which was much too jarring for my taste. All and all a mixed experience...
(3)
Elizabeth H.
This restaurant was wonderful! My sister-in-law and I went during Restaurant week and had the four course meal. The restaurant was a farm to table place. The decor matched the farm to table idea. We sat upstairs which was nice and warm on a cold night. The service: our waiter was very attentive to us and gave us great recommendations. The food/drinks: both my sister-in-law and I started with a nice red wine. Next, I had the she crab soup. In fact, if I were at home I probably would have licked the bowl clean but alas we were not at home. Main entree consisted of chicken n'waffles for me. It was a huge portion of chicken with a cornbread type waffle and a syrup that was divine. Oh, I was getting stuffed but dessert was still yet to come. It too was delicious. When we left we were happy to make this find and would happily go back when we are back in Charleston.
(5)
Emily B.
Great food. Amazing meal. Service with a smile. We had the she crab soup, chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits and ultimate bloody Mary's. Everything was superb! Our waitress, Karsen, recommended all of the best items on the menu. She was just cute as buttons. We will definitely be back next time!!
(5)
Junior R.
We ate at LCB twice we were so impressed with the lunch! The housemade chips with old bay are awesome we had to get them both times we went. The LCB nachos with the housemade chips are excellent! plenty of chips with pulled pork and chesse and topped off with nice nacho toppings! The shrimp and grits were amazing the grits definitely stole the show for me as they were just awesome bite after bite with the tomato sauce on top. We also had the crab soup here and it was also very good! Everything we tried at LCB was great full of flavor and reasonably priced! We had great service both times and I would Highly recommend this spot for lunch or dinner
(4)
Amanda O.
The shrimp and grits were great! The grits were cooked perfectly and the shrimp was so fresh and delicious. Perfect little meal after a carriage ride. Server was very nice and attentive. They offer patio seating which I would have loved to take advantage of if it were a bit warmer.
(4)
Kathy C.
After the yelp build up we thought our meal would be good here but all four of us found it lacking. We had the grits tasting to start and that was really good. From there it went downhill. I had the duck confit omelette and the duck was very hard to chew and when I looked at it it looked like duck breast not shredded confit from the leg. My husband had the shrimp and grits and he said he had better at other places. My neice had the crab cake benedict and she said the crab was totally inedible. My neice's husband, who is a chef, had the pork belly BLT and he left most of it. All in all we didn't like the restaurant at all.
(2)
Ryan J.
Complete tourist trap! $200 meal for 4 people and the worst seafood I have ever eaten in a restaurant. Pre-cooked shrimp in the cioppino? Don't waste your money.
(1)
Gabriel G.
Very well done, the food had very fresh ingredients, large portions, and clearly layered flavors. I went during brunch on a Saturday, the space was small but not over decorated. The seating is a bit small but comfortable with my party of 4. They had good music at a low volume and the other guests were quiet . I have to say the over all experience was great (food, speed, and setting). I would come back to try different dishes.
(4)
Haley I.
Love! Love! Love! Lowcountry Bistro is my favorite brunch spot downtown. We've never had to wait for a table and the bottomless mimosas are always a nice touch to any brunch. You also can't go wrong with anything you order. I haven't disliked an item yet.
(5)
Dawn E.
Stopped in for a light lunch. Had the appetizer shrimp and grits which was delicious.
(4)
Zulay V.
we really enjoyed this place! our server was such a nice guy, very helpful in recommending dishes as well as telling us a little bit about Charleston. we got the fried green tomatoes which were delicious, as well as salads with grilled chicken and one of the fish dishes. All very tasty, as were the cocktails
(5)
Molly J.
My fiance and I had made reservations here well in advance, but weren't that hungry upon arrival. We decided to get a couple of drinks and appetizers. We got the mussels, the crab & spinach dip, and the sweet potato fingerlings. Everything was divine except for the mussels, which left something to be desired. They weren't necessarily bad, but compared to the other two apps they definitely lacked in powerful flavor. Another comment I have is that our waiter was rather lackluster. He paid way more attention to his other tables-- not sure if it's because we only got apps or what (although we still spent as much money as we would have with actual entrees). Not sure if we'll visit again, but the sweet potato fingerlings were positively magnificent!
(3)
Gwendolyn F.
This was such a pleasant surprise. The staff (Bethany) was great and the food was awesome. I had the Lobster and Crab Cake special, my brother had the Shrimp and Grits and my son had the kid's Macaroni and Cheese. The presentation was great, the ingredients were fresh and everything tasted amazing. You could tell that they take pride in what they present and take no shortcuts. We only ordered a beer and a glass of wine, but the bar menu was extensive. They had great bourbon choices. I travel to Charleston often and this restaurant has already become one of my favorites. Unless things change, I will visit them every time I come. And for fellow moms/dads/families, they are kid friendly.
(5)
Janine B.
We came in on a whim. We didn't really have time to check Yelp as we needed to eat quickly as we had somewhere to go. I ordered a cocktail, which was scrumptious ! I can't recall the name but it had strawberries in it. I ordered the crab cake which was wonderful, just full of fresh crab. I then had the fried green tomatoes with grits & it was phenomenal. My husband had a BLT with homemade potato chips. He really enjoyed it & I tasted the chips which were good. We were served quickly & our food came out fast & our server was very attentive & helpful. This will be on my list to return to again when we are back in Charleston.
(4)
Brian S.
Delicious!!!! We just took the recommendations of our waitress for lunch and the food was outstanding. Quick friendly service and nice casual atmosphere.
(4)
David Z.
I was really looking forward to our visit, but let down immensely! The staff was horrible. We sat there for what seems like forever and NEVER seen our server. We walked out without ever getting waited on. Not good.
(1)
Tracey W.
The food and service were spectacular! Loved it!
(5)
Rowca R.
Uneven. My wife enjoyed her shrimp and grits. However my paella was disappointing, but I should have known better and ordered jambalaya or the waffle and chicken. The atmosphere was OK but the service (Adam) was excellent. Our order arrived warm but not hot.
(3)
Will B.
The Southern Cioppino was great - not too much food. I highly recommend the Westbrook One Claw to drink.
(5)
Quincy S.
Tl; dr: Good service, average food. As the sister restaurant of 82 Queen with a 4 stars on Yelp, I have to be honest and say I expected a little more from LC Bistro. Ate here on a Friday with my parents as they wanted something southern and close to their hotel and I was far from blown away. I had the chicken and waffles and thought it was all a bit dry, even with the syrup. Waffle was small and flat and the chicken almost seemed more breaded that fried. Maybe I made a mistake by picking that entree. I will say that my mom and step dad enjoyed their meal, hence the 3 stars instead of 2. They split the crab dip and shrimp and grits and even though the bites I had of those were good, it cant reverse my disappointment with the chicken and waffles. Good luck to this place, its in a great spot and is probably better than most of the other places on the market, but I doubt Ill be back.
(3)
Tyler W.
Had the fried green tomatoes appetizer. Chicken and waffles. Shrimp n Grits. I would recommend all of them again. Price was reasonable. Good portion size. Good sweet tea. Good service who put up with picky in laws in our party as well as our 2 small children. Really good spot right in the middle of touristy market area. No real complaints unless I really want to nit pick the food. Shrimp was a touch over done, seasoning was a little under for my liking, fried green tomatoes that accompanied the shrimp and grits were a touch soggy. .... but like I said all very minor things and overall a delicious meal.
(4)
Darren L.
Popped in for a few apps. It was super charming and a nice escape from the craziness of the Charleston market vibe. Had pretty good service and the food was very good. Fried green tomato's,pulled pork nachos and sweet potato / maple bacon /fingerlings. Yum. Next time we will have to stick around for dinner. Looking forward to it.
(3)
Amanda J.
The food here wasn't perfect, but it was very, very tasty. We sampled from the restaurant week menu, and got the house salad, fried green tomatoes, southern tacos, and the oyster po boy. Paired with a Bloody Mary and bottomless mimosas we are very happy campers. Would recommend to fellow travelers while walking around Charleston for a casual eatery. Especially for restaurant week - you really can't beat an appetizer and entree for $10!
(5)
Alex T.
Brunch for days. Do it. Unsure about dinner, so sit upstairs and enjoy the view for brunch as the sun softly shines in on the hardwood interior of this quaint area.
(5)
Leah G.
So delicious. One of the best restaurant week menus I've experienced. Good service, awesome food, cute atmosphere. Highly recommended!
(5)
Audria M.
Reserved a table upstairs for our large group. Nice ambiance. We enjoyed the specialty cocktails served in mason jars first (I think mine was called 'Harvest Moon'?), then I shared a hush puppies app with my husband. Very good! He ordered the sugar and salt rubbed filet while I had the famous shrimp and grits. We both enjoyed our entrees, but I wish mine wouldn't have had so much tomato chutney (sort of like marinara sauce) on it... However that's my only complaint. The shrimp, grits and fried green tomato made a lovely combo. :)
(4)
Max S.
Great southern restaurant. Terrific chicken and waffles. The biscuit appetizer is a must have.
(4)
Varun S.
fried chicken and waffles
(5)
Abbie F.
We went there for brunch during restaurant week. The options were all good. I loved my salad and fried green tomatoes which were amazing! The sandwich was pretty good and the sweet potatoes were amazing!! The servers were overwhelmed because there were so many people but numerous things were forgotten which was a bummer. I would good back if I was in the area in the future.
(3)
Reeder J.
This place was awesome. Great view from the porch upstairs. Best Shrimp and Grits I tasted while in Charleston. Scallops were good too. I'd highly recommend checking this place out for a meal while your visiting. Fairly inexpensive as well.
(5)
Andrea I.
This was the second time I've eaten here - and it did not disappoint. As a local, I really appreciate great farm to table restaurants. The service was great and our meal was fantastic. The crab cakes tasted so fresh I would have sworn they had crab pots sitting on their back porch!
(5)
Carol S.
Service was good. We were there after the holidays and it was not busy. Bloody Mary was very flavorful and not too spicy. Cinnamon roll French toast casserole tasted more like a bread pudding and less like a cinnamon roll or French toast -- not what we expected so we probably wouldn't order that one again. The omelet with pork nelly, Gouda and spinach was savory. I enjoyed the buttermilk biscuit most of all! Ended up taking my bacon and some of the Gouda and eggs and making my own little breakfast sandwich. Oh!! And the grits...superb! Might be the best I've ever had
(4)
Taylor O.
Food was absolutely amazing! The grits, mac and cheese, crab cakes - amazing! The service however wasn't the best. Would definitely go back for the food!
(4)
Michael F.
Great place for a casual meal. The wait staff is friendly and very attentive. And the food is absolutely delicious. The shrimp and crab stuffed flounder is wonderfully prepared and flavorful. And the accompanying succotash is very good (and I am not a fan of succotash). I particularly found it refreshing that the portions were reasonably sized.
(5)
STEPHANIE L.
My husband and I enjoyed Brunch last Sunday at Lowcountry Boil. It's right on market street. We had the tiny table that faced out on to the street. Our brunch was delicious. Incredibly fresh, great flavor, and not to rich. We both enjoyed their delicious bloody mary's as well. I would recommend this as a great brunch spot! I had the crab cakes, and my husband had the bendict with the crab cake. I can't remember the name.
(4)
James M.
Great restaurant. Yummy drinks. The Chicken and Waffles is outstanding. If you are looking for southern dinning and a casual atmosphere this is the place.
(5)
Melanie L.
Chicken and waffle was great! Collard greens were amazing! Shrimp and grits were very tasteful! We enjoyed our meal very much! The sweet tea was great too. The location right by the market area made it easy to find. The service was good and attentive. They were knowledgable about their food- it was all local aside from the kiwis.
(4)
Maria W.
We had a group of 6 eat at this delicious restaurant! Everyone's food looked wonderful and from the smiles on everyone's face the food was wonderful! The fried green tomatoes were very tasty and great plate presentation. (We had fried green tomatoes at many restaurants on our visit but Lowcountry Bistro's was the best!) We had the chicken and waffles for our entree, which was the best I have ever had. The house made butter and syrup just topped it off all so well! Our waitress was informative about the menu, made great suggestions, and was so kind! She split our checks up how we asked as well! We do not reside in Charleston but when we do come to visit again we will definitely be coming to dine at this wonderful restaurant again!
(5)
Najula J.
Stop by for quick appetizers on our way to dinner. We ordered sea scallops on pork belly and a crab cake. I adore the farm to table concept but would prefer my sea scallops not look like bay scallops. We enjoyed 3 itty bitty scallops atop in house made pork belly. Flavors were right on, nice and salty, I was just left looking for the rest of my scallop. That was my last crab cake in Charleston. (I say that now, but I am sure I'll try another before Sunday evening). Too mushy for my liking. Perhaps too much mayo? It was decent. I could not say, "didn't like it",but I will not rush back for another. I wish I had gone with the special.
(3)
Ralph M.
Everything was exceptionally good. The only exception was the biscuit that accompanied my superb omelette. The biscuit was only average. A definite place to go for Brunch!
(4)
Jennifer H.
No stars for this place. We went there expecting great food. The first entree we ordered, stuffed flounder was served with spoiled crab meat stuffing. Ordered another entree and another drink while waiting. The entrees came and my friend received the wrong dish. Rather then wait for entree #3 I said would eat her cioppini. First bite of fish was good. Tried a mussel and it was spoiled. Decided I was done ordering. Bill came and no discount for any of it. When we said something to the waitress she took the $118 bill to her manager and came back and said he took 25% off but the bill was still $105. Left hungry and very angry. Will never go back.
(1)
Matt S.
Great location right on Market Street. Walked right in and got seated upstairs. All 4 of us really enjoyed our meals. I had salt & sugar rubbed choice filet of beef, blackberry port reduction, bacon brussel sprouts, smoked gouda & dill yukon potatoes. We started with the fried green tomatoes. Filet was cooked just right, and the blackberry port reduction added a little sweetness that was very tasty. I'd go again anytime, but there are so many places to try around the Holy City!
(5)
J S.
My family and I went to Lowcountry Bistro for an early Friday night dinner. We had a reservation and even though we showed up early, we were still seated immediately. The service was generally good and our server was very attentive despite some seating snafus that couldn't be helped. We started with the Crawfish Hushpuppy appetizer which was tasty and large enough to share among 4 people. Based on the recommendations of others on here, I ordered the She Crab soup as an entree. It was delicious and the bowl portion (only $1 more than the cup) was substantial. Everyone was very pleased with their entree choices with one exception. Someone in our group ordered the Seafood Paella and noted that the portion size wasn't very large and there wasn't much of the whole seafood that makes paella paella. The highlight of the meal for us was the crab cakes entree and the apple bourbon bread pudding. All in all, we had enjoyed a really good meal and would come back again if we needed a safe bet for casual dining in Charleston.
(4)
Sydney G.
We had a really great experience. Our waitress was friendly and attentive and the food was great. Loved the LB's Nachos--Pulled pork on fried flour tortillas with cheese. DELISH. I'd definitely order that again. Also loved the fried green tomatoes and the crab cake. I ordered the pulled pork entree and it was quite good. My date ordered the chicken and waffles, and absolutely loved it. Our friend ordered the special glazed pork chop and thought it was delicious as well. The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the grits. But other than that, it was stellar.
(4)
Mike F.
What a place. The simple three word review: "Chicken Waffles Awesome:-)" enough said. ps. the service was great, and the wife's food looked (and tasted) great too!
(5)
Hillary C.
Timing of food for a party of 9 was a bit off buy overall the wait staff was very helpful and pleasant. The food was somewhat mediocre.
(3)
Ryan K.
Crab cakes and seafood stew were excellent. Place is a little small and noisy but he good food made it all worthwhile.
(4)
Catherine L.
Came here on the last day in Charleston that was cold and wet. The service was good. My cousin had the bottomless Mimosa costs $12 (only for 1 hour limit). We ordered 2 appetizers -lobster hush puppies ( not so good coz can't taste the lobster) and pork belly scallop (fresh and delicious). Chicken with waffle is outrageous delicious. The Frogmore Stew was good. The shrimps are fresh and big. I am glad I came here... Highly recommended.
(4)
Riley B.
My family went here while on vacation in Hilton Head Island. We drove two hours to Charleston to eat and have a day on the town, and we stumbled upon this restaurant. The restaurant has a very nice atmosphere and is very clean. Whatever you do- GET THE LOBSTER HUSH PUPPIES. OMG. They are fabulous. Also, the She-Crab soup is the best we've had. Ever. The chicken and waffles are absolutely delicious. It comes with a bourbon syrup and pecan butter which goes freakishly well with the fried chicken and the sweet potato bacon waffle. Very good quality. However they messed out ticket up.
(4)
Sion M.
Had She Crab Soup, classic eggs, and bistro benedict. The soup was good. Classic eggs entree was ok until I saw the bacon. The croissant and the egg was good but the bacon. The bacon was really dry and cold defiantly NOT fresh. I told the waitress and she said it was despite what three customers could obviously see and taste. Bistro benedict has a nice presentation...i said it all. IT HAD A HORRIBLE CRAB CAKE, seemed spoiled. The glass of water 5 as Ted really good though... Do not recommend.
(1)
Captain B.
Super friendly staff with great food. We had the she crab soup, jambalaya, and chicken and waffles, all of which we loved (the crab soup was my favorite). The staff was friendly and attentive. The atmosphere is casual.
(4)
Marie B.
I often think of this place and wish we lived closer! The Fried Green Tomatoes are AMAZING! We take a trip to Charleston once a year and this I a MUST stop for us. Everything we ate was so yummy. My husband got fish tacos. They were perfect. Our server was super friendly and made us feel like home. We'll be back again, but not soon enough.
(5)
Kendra C.
I was determined to have shrimp and grits while in the South. I'm glad this is the place I chose to have that experience. I had the shrimp and grits appetizer and the fried green tomato and crab cake appetizer. It was wonderful. The shrimp, which was well seasoned, and grits (cheese included) were topped with smoked tomatoes. The crab cakes were perfectly breaded and seasoned and were paired well with the fried green tomatoes which were also perfectly breaded and seasoned. The sauce served with the crab cakes was great. I'd surely recommend this place for a great food experience. The atmosphere was definitely what you would expect of a bistro. The service was good. I'd give it 4.5 stars if there was a half star.
(4)
Felicia F.
We ordered 3 appetizers each at $10 or less. Shrimp and grits, pulled pork with succotash, and Carolina crab cake. The crab came and the pulled pork were my favorite! The shrimp and grits was a tomato base... It was good but not the best... All in all the appetizers were decent sized and we were full! Will def visit again!
(4)
Karl N.
I had Carolina Crab Cakes with red rice and collards. This meal was very good and filling. I will come back.
(4)
Patrick G.
It's all farm-to-table! Right on South Market Street, Lowcountry is in a convenient location and has lots of seating. On a late-morning Saturday with a cruise ship in port we had no issues being seated, though they do take reservations. Cassandra was our cheerful, helpful server that had no problem checking on an ingredient with the kitchen for my wife's dietary restrictions. She had an omelet and I had the breakfast sliders which were both delicious. The sliders have house-made breakfast sausage patties that were too thick, reminiscent of a monster burger, but the flavor was there so I didn't mind. My wife's omelet was also very flavorful. Neither of us could finish because of the giant portions...be warned. THE GRITS...my god, so good. This unexciting cereal grain is so expertly done in 3 varieties I would go back just to try the rest. I had the ham and cheese version that was a firm, pleasant consistency, not at all the soupy cream-of-wheat style of grits I'd previously experienced elsewhere in the South. Make Lowcountry a breakfast/lunch stop while you're in Charleston!
(5)
Kristy L.
This was our first food stop after our arrival in the South and it was delicious. The drinks were fabulous, and the fingerling app was amazing. We both had sandwiches which were also fresh and delicious (portobello and the crab cake ones). Our server was Cassandra and she was incredibly nice, prompt, and helpful!! We will definitely be visiting here again on our next trip!
(5)
Emily M.
We arrived to Charleston after a horrendously rainy drive on a Thursday night and really wanted some great local food. After walking around for 30 minutes we decided to stop in at the Lowcountry. First of all, everyone was extremely friendly, including our server. First we had the mussel appetizer. The combination of delicious mussels and collard greens was amazing! We had a moonshine cocktail and a Palmetto beer- both great. The real star of the show was the Shrimp and Grits! Normally shrimp and grits comes in a big bowl but I was pleasantly surprised by the delicate presentation. The cheese of the grits mixed with the fried green tomatoes and tomato paste was TO DIE FOR! The shrimp were also AWESOME! I love that the food is farm-to-table, this makes it especially appealing. We thought about coming back for a second round and trying the chicken and waffles but settled on coming back for drinks in their Alley Bar. We will definitely be back to Lowcountry on our next trip to Charleston!
Low Country Bistro is new to the Market area and is the sister to 82 Queen. I figured I'd give them a try since I love 82 Queen so much. I decided on the bacon and crab hush puppies and the chicken and sweet potato bacon corn bread waffle. I think I asked the server 2 or 3 times whether crab was actually in the hush puppies otherwise I wouldn't have ordered it but he assured me there was crab. Of course when I picked up my order and bit into it, there was no crab anywhere and I was then told it was only a very little amount of crab but after having about 4 of them I came to the conclusion that this menu item is falsely advertised, which was quite disappointing. The fried chicken was also disappointing as they only seemed to season the skin of the chicken but completely forgot about the meat....not good. The waffle, though soft, was actually pretty good with bits of bacon in the batter and the pecan butter certainly made it that much better. I can't say that I was impressed but I do believe the bistro will need to step it up a notch to truly become a sister restaurant to 82 Queen....
(3)
Lauren W.
My bestie and I were downtown today for a carriage ride and some light shopping in Charleston, and we stumbled upon this cute little restaurant. We were enticed by the menu posted outside and were really excited when we were seated immediately. I was not granted an opportunity to explore the entire restaurant, so I can't really rate the ambiance as a whole, but from where we were I can say that the place was comfortable and well-decorated. Lee ordered a mojito and shrimp and grits, and I the blackened Mahi sandwich. My Mahi was bland, but stoppered my hunger, so I didn't really think twice about it. The sweet-potato salad was disappointing. I guess I was really expecting sweet potato casserole, and this was simply not the same dish. I found a chunk of onion and what may have been chives in there... Oh well. Lee's shrimp and grits were magnificent. The portion was huge, and the creamy yellow grits were topped with fried green tomatoes, large pink shrimp, and decadent diced tomatoes. YUM! The mojito was a great idea also; it was served in a mason jar with fresh mint leaves crushed with the ice and a small sliver of lemon cupping the rim. Our waitress seemed very stressed out. She seemed irritable whenever we had a special request. In specific, we needed our check split in two, and then Lee wanted her to break a 20 so that he could leave a nice tip, and in response to these requests, she literally let out a loud exasperated sigh and ran off. I was shocked! We are laid-back customers, but still this was not acceptable given how much we were spending on lunch. After that, she didn't come back for 10 minutes and Lee was concerned that she forgot about the 20 in her apron. He caught her eye across the restaurant and then she finally came back. Overall, the place was nice but I was ready to get out of there. With so many wonderful restaurants in Charleston, if the service isn't up to par than why waste your time? Next time I will skip the crap and go back to Anson's!
(3)
Peter E.
Just perfect after a long day of walking. The gazpacho was divine and the mahi mahi burger was perfectly done and not over-sauced or seasoned. With a cold beer, hit the spot
(5)
David B.
This is a sister restaurant of 82 Queen, so many things on the menu would be offered at higher price elsewhere. The food is very good and the location is near the historic Market House. I had the Chicken and Waffles, which was tasty. The service was good.
(3)
Marquesa O.
Fabulous service! Hosted a baby shower (party of 20) in the upstairs area of the restaurant today. The staff was all super super friendly and very very patient and helpful with our large party. They never made us feel hurried even though we were running behind, even helped me decorate a little and coordinated a custom cake through a local bakery. I can't say enough about the staff, what a wonderful team. The food was really great. I had the chicken and waffles and the waffle was very tasty and the pecan honey butter was to die for!
(5)
Joy R.
The shrimp and grits is to die for. They are served in a large portion with fried green tomatoes on top. The fried okra appetizer with Parmesan was a good starter. Helpful and friendly wait staff.
(5)
Nicole A.
My family and I went for dinner and it was horrible. The shrimp and grits were covered in tomato sauce and they were cold. I would not go back.
(1)
Brian C.
Went there on a food tour and had to go back for the full size order of chicken and waffles. Awesome! Deep fried bread pudding was also a big hit at the table.
(4)
Leo C.
This charming off the beaten path restaurant caught me off guard. I was expecting crazy prices and stuffy ness based off of the commercial from my hotel room but I found it to be down to earth yet you could dress it up. The bartender Cassandra was an excellent bartender and I could tell she put a lot of heart into her job. She was slinging drinks but found time to make normal friendly conversation with me. The prices are more than reasonable and the fried green tomato crab appetizer was legit. I would love to have a place like this in San Diego. This place has that hint of the south without being overbearing, obnoxious or in your face. Four stars for quality and service.
(4)
J.K. F.
Fantastic bloody mary. Fried chicken & sweet potato-bacon waffle with pecan butter was delicious (I like my waffle a little crispier, but that's probably harder with a sweet potato-base). The pecan butter and the batter on the chicken were particularly excellent. Server was personable, fun, genuine, and made good recommendations.
(4)
Christina B.
Amazing! Their grilled watermelon salad is so delicious, it's definitely a must try. Crab cakes are delicious also!
(5)
Heidi F.
Don't Walk - RUN to Lowcountry Bistro. We came early on a Tuesday night, without reservations and were promptly seated and served. Casual atmosphere. Sweet tea mojitos, the sweet potato fingerling appetizer and she crab soup are a must try. My mom got the catch of the day fish and chips; it was delicious. There is a kids menu with the standard fare - my daughter always gets chicken fingers/strips and whether or not she likes them depends on how hungry she is. She wasn't very hungry. I ordered the shrimp ceaear salad - was very nice but nothing special. I really wanted the fried chicken and waffles and should have gotten that instead of eating light. Maybe I will have to come back before vacation ends. Lindsay was our server and was very friendly and attentive. Give it a try.
(4)
Richard C.
Incredible She Crab soup. Great lunch. Only complaint was the potato salad was too salty.
(4)
Debie W.
The nachos were very good. We sat outside on the second floor porch. It was a nice evening so this was a good choice. The porch overlooks the hookah bar next door where what appeared to be nerdy college students trying to look cool proved the evening entertainment. I decided to try the fried chicken waffles....when in Rome. Not a great choice. The chicken was on the dry side. Whoever came up with this cross-over breakfast/dinner dish must have been trying out the hookah bar. There was not a vegetable in sight which made the dish lack any distraction from the meat. I don't know if I was my dinner selection or the restaurant. If I ever did decide to try the restaurant again, I would definitely try something else.
(3)
Chris S.
The jambalaya was awesome! Good service! Pecan pie was also good. We were there a little later than 10p when they closed and didn't feel rushed. This is an artisan farm-to-table restaurant so a bit pricey but not unreasonable! Would recommend.
(4)
David S.
I was back in town for Xmas and we stopped in to see what they had. I had the shrimp n grits and it was great. My gf had the bacon wrapped scallops and she loved them. Didn't give 5 stars because I have had better in Charleston but this was good!
(4)
John H.
Had a short rib benedict with cheese grits which did not disappoint. My wife had the chicken and waffles and did not talk until the last bite! Very good eatery
Great brunch on the porch! Bottomless mimosas with delicious lobster crab cakes Benedict and soft shell crab eggs Benedict. Excellent and attentive service.
(5)
Eric G.
Distinctly average. Practically no lobster in the lobster hush puppies. Hardly any crab in the Carolina crab melt. Service was very slow even though the place was half empty. We waited 25 minutes after our appetizers before it lunch entrees arrived.
(2)
Jack P.
A simple restaurant with a simple menu. Noise level - above 172 decibels somewhat hard for conversation. Wine list - weak. Food and service very good. Shrimp and Grits = A+. Scallop special was presented as color neutral - no color.
(4)
Oscar M.
Best place for a relaxed, authentic, fresh, local low country meal. We loved it!
(5)
Ellen W.
Restaurant week is supposed to be a time when locals have the opportunity to try some of Charleston's best restaurants without fighting tourists for parking etc. Lowcountry bistro attempted to serve us "locals" rice as risotto. Wrong! My party sent all 3 dishes back. Not only was our risotto NOT risotto the swordfish was dry. Then out dessert came. The key lime pie had "melted" all over the dish and when we mentioned this to the manager his exact response was "everyone is entitled to their opinion. Is there anything else?" We had already paid our bill and was trying to alert management to this and this is his response? Really? We weren't looking for a free meal just to let him know. But his response was ridiculous to say the least. Check out my picture of their key line pie and tell me if you think that's acceptable. On top of them trying to pass off "rice" as risotto. Do they think Charlestonians are stupid? Ludicrous!
(1)
Michael R.
Very nice lunch portions. My wife and I loved the "she crab soup", and would come back just for that. Our server was informative and personable. Definitely will come back.
(4)
Allison B.
I go to this place with my friends so many times and we always have a great meal for each. Their food is great! I like the fried green tomatoes & the Chicken & Waffle the most, they are so flavorful n delicious. Service is good too.
(4)
Ron P.
Haven't been to Charlston in a few years . Owning a beach house in Myrtle the Mrs & I decided to take a ride down for the day. We arrived early in the morning & walked around the town & market. Having so many places to eat we took a toll asking the locals where they like to eat. Several mentioned this place. So we decided to give it a try. We were seated upstairs & the service was excellent. I would have thought the wife being a Brooklyn girl would go for the chicken & waffles but we both ordered the shrimp & grits. Cheese grits covered with a fried green tomato topped with shrimp with a lovely sauce. Excellent meal & can't wait to go again.
(5)
James E.
Located in the touristy of the tourist area, this restaurant gets a lot of foot traffic. We had grilled tuna Benedict, complete with egg and hollandaise, and an omelette with sirloin steak, onions and cheese. The ingredients didn't quite work together, although the quality was good and I appreciate the creative effort. The server was friendly and helpful. Overall it was a good experience, but not one to stand out among the great dining options in charleston.
(3)
Amy C.
We had an amazing meal here. Everything was perfect. Service was warm and friendly. This restaurant is a clear favorite whenever we visit.
(5)
Lara T.
I wish I had a better experience, but the lobster hush-puppies were over done and I didn't taste any lobster, and my mahi dish wasn't very impressive either. I would check out this spot again when the weather is better and the patio is open, but an underwhelming experience this time.
(2)
John C.
Best hamburger I've had in the south! And, the grits are something to write home about. Feel free to pass up on the calamari though, not their strong suit. Be sure to add a waffle to your meal, definitely worth it.
(5)
Whoopie G.
Great brunch spot next to the market! We loved the shrimp and grits. It was not your traditional s&g. It had a thick tomato base over a bed of fried green tomatoes and hearty grits.
(4)
Lisa M.
A seaside "feeling" place, my husband and I liked low country a lot. I got the blackened mahi over risotto. The risotto was very good. The mahi was a little dry and overdone but not a huge deal. I think I'd try the crab filled flounder next time. My husband got the Jumbalya and said it was very good. Not overly spicy and very well seasoned. I also tried the charleston chocolate pie which was very rich and good! I think our total dinner with the entrees, dessert and 2 drinks totaled out to $70. Not bad for heavy seafood meals. Overall I'd recommend this place for out of towners.
(4)
Peter u.
Popped in for brunch on Sunday Jun 22 after our carriage ride. Asked the hostess if it would be possible to have a quickie because we had to make it to the Ft. Sumter ferry in a little while. She said no problem. Waitress took our order quickly, drinks, food, check and out. The food was terrific. I had the cinnamon bun french toast thing and man was that good. Grits...mmmmm. Next time I want the Bistro Benedict, that looked amazing when I saw it being served at a table nearby. Eat here!
(5)
Larry S.
Lots of choices in town to eat. This was my number one for the week. Fried chicken and waffles were great. Loved the greens too.
(5)
roger s.
Walked in off the street and were pleasantly surprised. My wife said she was tired of seafood so she got a turkey sandwich. I ordered the crawfish and lobster stew. About the best I have ever had. My wife tried a taste and then ordered another spoon. We split the sandwich which was excellent in its own right with cranberries and a great bun. The yukon gold potato salad was delicious as well. We will maybe go back today and have it again. Very very good. I bet the cioppino is great too.
(5)
Lord H.
We had a lovely dinner at the LB. The menu had something for everyone, even for our picky 12 year old. Both waiters were very friendly and even helped with hints for our touristcal demands. The cocktails were delicious. A clear recommendation to try it out.
(5)
Scott W.
Food unimpressive to say the least. Hush puppies decent, not great. No lobster. Goat chz fritters too sweet. Nachos were awful. No corn tortilla. Pork no flavor. Okra was good. Mojito good. Service good
(2)
Dennis G.
Chicken and waffles were a hit. They would have gotten 5 stars if that was all we ate but my wife got the burger with chips and the chips were a swing and a miss. If you want a crispy chip, don't order the burger. I would say to get a substitute, but the server said that wasn't possible. I'm not a grits fan and asked if I could have potatoes instead on any of the grits dishes and he said no. I presume it would be the same for soggy chips. Interesting enough our server didn't ask if there was a problem with the chips since the plate was almost completely full when he cleared the table. They were not appealing so we didn't eat any after the first couple bites. Oh yeah, the burger was fine, but nothing special. Wouldn't order it again, even without the chips. The balcony is really nice and I would recommend it. Stick to the things they do best and you'll be fine.
(3)
Holly G.
I'm not usually one for Bloody Marys...but after having brunch here I'm officially converted. Try the Ultimate Bloody Mary with the grilled shrimp - strong and tasty.
(5)
Karen C.
We went here for brunch while visiting Charleston on our 1 year anniversary, and I can't say enough good things about the place! I had the Brunch Burger, which was a regular burger topped with fried green tomatoes, goat cheese, and home fries on a English muffin bun. I could barely fit it into my mouth it was so big, but absolutely delicious and a wonderful combo of favors. As a side I got the rosemary goat cheese grits which were probably the best grits I've ever eaten. My husband got the chicken and waffles, which was out of this world. The sweet potato waffle was so delicious and the chicken literally just melts in your mouth. He said hands down it's the best chicken and waffles he's ever had, and he tries that dish pretty much everywhere we go these days! Definitely make the time to visit this place while in Charleston; it won't disappoint!
YUM! We had two different benedicts (Cajun and the bistro benedict) and both were delicious. My husband also got a side of grits that were unbelievable. Bloody mary was great too. Ambiance wasn't anything too memorable, but the service was great. If you love benedict, go for brunch!
(5)
Eric A.
Delicious little Bistro right next to the market.
(5)
Demetri R.
This provided me easily the best meal I ate in Charleston. Want to dine like Demetri R? Start with the calamari on a bed of grits and red sauce. Then get the chicken and waffles. You could order something else, but you would be wrong. De-Damn-licious!
(5)
Laura H.
Chicken and Waffles! Chicken and Waffles! Chicken and Waffles!! Get it!
(4)
Ben S.
I went here on a food tour with Charleston Culinary Tours. This place is affiliated with 82 Queen. Our group of 12 had the whole upstairs to ourselves. We got to sample 3 things and drinks. The apple pie moonshine smells just like greens apples and tastes exactly like Apple pie. The sweet tea mojito was amazing and refreshing too. The first course we were served as part of the tour was called Lowcountry Risotto: Carolina Gold Rice, stewed tomatoes and okra and blackened shrimp. Next was a Pork Belly BLT with a fried green tomato, pork belly, and a blackberry merlot sauce on grilled cornbread. Finally, a sample of the bistro's signature dish, chicken waffles with buttermilk fried chicken, bourbon syrup, sweet potato and bacon cornbread waffle and pecan butter. I really liked the second option - those 3 random foods went surprisingly so well together. Then Chef Matt came up to talk to us about the backstory of the dishes, his bistro's mission, and to encourage us all to return for restaurant week 2 for $10 lunches.
(5)
David B.
Simply put: The fried green tomatoes appetizer was fantastic. The sweet tea mojito was refreshing. The chicken and waffles were perfection. The pulled pork was delicious. The service was personable, friendly and attentive. Casual atmosphere and kid friendly too. Our 2 year old put it perfectly when she yelled "this is sooooooo good!" Great place and inexpensive too.
(4)
M P.
We hit Lowcountry Bistro for dinner while on vacation. I can safely say that the shrimp & grits I had there is in the top 10 meals I've ever had in my life (and probably the top 5). I knew I was going to love it when I saw it on the menu. Creamy, cheesy grits plus huge, delicious shrimp AND fried green tomatoes? Yes please. The portion was huge too, not that that's really a problem with something so awesome. If I had my way, we would have gone there the next night too so I could have eaten it again. My husband had the frogmore stew, which was also incredibly delicious. Just not as good as my shrimp and grits but that's hardly a fair comparison. We had the fried okra for an appetizer, which was first for the both of us and very, very good. Their beer selection was great, lots of local brews which is always fun. The restaurant itself is really cute. We ate out on the upper balcony, which was lovely on a great spring night. Great service as well.
(5)
Phil A.
Wonderful food and service! The atmosphere is just right if you're looking for a casual place to grab a bite without breaking the bank or having to put on your Sunday best. The only fault I found were the tables, which wobbled quite a bit. I know this isn't unique to this restaurant, but having dined out a good bit recently the shaky tables have gotten to become more of a nuisance. That being said, great food and a great location make this a place I'd definitely visit again. Try the chicken and waffles!
(4)
Mandi H.
Great deals on restaurant week!
(5)
Dawn A.
we wandered into this place after a horse and carriage tour. Yes, it's right in the heart of tourist central. I wasn't expecting much due to the locale, but it was good. I ordered the fried chicken and waffle. The waffle had a sweet potato flavor. The chicken breast was large and crispy. My one complaint was that the syrup was a "bourbon" syrup and tasted much too strongly of booze for my tastes...or any of my dinner companion's tastes either. There was enough flavor in the waffle to skip the syrup, anyhow. My guy got the crab cake and chicken sandwich. He liked it a lot. My mom got a sandwich too. We all liked our meals. It wasn't an inexpensive lunch, but it was enjoyable.
(3)
Tara J.
Came here with a group of 14 for a bachelorette brunch. The food was excellent (I had the Southern Eggs Benedict, but they also had some great specials). However, the service was some of the slowest I have ever experienced. Yes, we were a large group, but we were the waiter's only table and he moved very slowly when helping us. $12 bottomless mimosas - a great deal, except this is bottled mimosa (which I didn't really know existed), and it wasn't that good. This place isn't really built for larger parties, and I think they had trouble handling us. Still maybe a good stop for a small group or couple.
(3)
Brian B.
Best shrimp and grits I have ever had. My brother got the chicken and waffles and said it was amazing as well.. Highly recommend either entree.
(5)
Scott S.
We were in from out of town. I'd set my sights on getting shrimp and grits SOMEWHERE, for SOME meal, and were going to try 82 Queen but stumbled onto this place while walking up Market Street. It seems like a decent place. They certainly TRY hard. I've seen other reviews rip the food, but I didn't think it was "poor" at all. Stil, my shrimp and grits were strange, conceptually. I could do without the fried green tomato, really. Overall, I thought everything was pretty good. The cornbread is, hands down, the best I've ever eaten. (Next time I'm there, I'm going to get some of that to go. Okay, so maybe if you're raving about the cornbread, your meal wasn't so great.) The service was good. Our server helped me pick out a beer to go with dinner. I probably should've gone with my gut and selected the OTHER beer I had my eye on because whatever I had (something local) wasn't tasty. My recommendation: Stick to what you know you like. Don't get the shrimp and grits if you don't like fried green tomatoes. And skip dessert so you can double-down on the cornbread.
(3)
Becky W.
Gets better and better every time! Took my in-laws, who are self proclaimed "foodies" for brunch yesterday and they fell in love! After a long flight from Washington State, they arrived in Charleston craving chicken with waffles and mimosas. We knew that LB was our best bet! The food was FANTASTIC!!! We were immediately seated downstairs and greeted by our amazing server Bethany. My father-in-law is hard of hearing and Bethany was kind enough to kneel down to go over the specials with him so he could hear better. Bethany suggested we start with the fried green tomatoes, which came promptly out within 10 minutes of ordering. My mother-in-law and I both ordered the chicken and waffles, my husband had the Jambalaya Benedict and my father-in-law had the pecan praline waffle. We also ordered bottomless mimosas for the table and Bethany made sure that our glasses were never empty! Not only was the food simply divine, the amazing service made the experience unforgettable. Overall, my family and I agreed that LB brunch will be a new family weekend tradition!
(5)
Tom C.
I heard good things about this place so when I came across it after some shopping I was happy to find it. I stopped in for lunch and ordered the lobster hushpuppies. My wife ordered a club sandwich. The sandwich was good, homemade chips were too salty. My hushpuppies were ok but had almost no lobster at all, I mean barely visible to the eye bits of lobster in some and seemingly zero lobster in others. Decent hushpuppies but don't advertise it as lobster, false advertising. Disappointing based on what I heard.
(3)
Andrew B.
Came here for lunch this afternoon on vacation to Charleston. I had the BBQ pulled pork sandwich and it was delicious! It came with a side of sweet potato salad, made with bacon, marshmallow fluff, onions, and more -- this was OK but nothing special. Cornbread was very yummy -- highly recommend!
(4)
Anastasia A.
I've lived in Charleston for 15 years, and this was one of the best meals that I've ever had here. I had the shrimp n grits complete with fried green tomatoes and a spicy tomato sauce. My mom loved her portabella mushroom with goat cheese. We finished off the meal with some authentic southern peach cobbler. The ambiance, a covered upstairs patio, complemented the meal perfectly!
(5)
Brad P.
The Chicken and Waffles--Fantastic. I also enjoyed a few Moscow Mules. If you're on Market street, it is a great place to stop in for a bite. We experienced great service and we all had delicious meals.
(5)
Carlos D.
Awesome food. Nice place to relax after a long walk on the balcony. Breezy cool from the scorching sun. Ahhhhh
(4)
Michael B.
First off, we're just a normal couple, not food connoisseurs or anything but we certainly enjoy great food. Overall the service was fine, no lapses... Everyone quite helpful and the server knew and could describe the menu well. The food was just ok. We were quote hungry too so it wouldn't have taken a lot to impress us. We were a bit disappointed though. We had the She - crab soup. Very underwhelmed. It was thick, porridge like. My first comment was "where's the crab?" I'd have to say this is the first time I had She-crab soup that I didn't like. She had the crabmelt. It was just ok... Nothing outstanding. Flavor was so-so. Texture just so-so. I had the souther tacos, again a bit disappointed. Essentially braised pork on a soft taco. Very simple, certainly not surprisingly good. But ok. The house made chips were also just ok. I asked for malt vinegar to put on them just to give a bit of flavor. In all, certainly not a bad place, and I'd even go as far as saying you should try it. However I don't think we'll be going back.
(3)
Robin S.
We had breakfast here and enjoyed the food very much. We started with biscuits and jam, which were very good. My husband and friend had the Market breakfast and I chose fish and grits. They liked theirs but mine was outstanding! The grits were awesome! The waiter was a little snotty when my friend asked for water with out ice and when we requested extra butter, but he complied with our requests. It would have been more pleasant if he had been happier to do it, but I have a teenage daughter, so I'm used to hostile compliance.
(3)
Bob M.
Ate an early dinner here on Monday. The service was okay. They were training a new staff member and she forgot some things and the trainer had to step in several times.y My wife's dish was excellent while mine was somewhat dry and tasteless. She had mahi-mahi and some vegetables and it was great according to her. I had stuffed flounder and it was dry which flounder sometimes is if baked to long and there was no flavor to the fish. There was very little sauce on the meal, more sauce would have helped tremendously. This was a tough score, if the flounder had some flavor and not dry this score would have been 4 stars.
(3)
Mickey Z.
We just happened to pop in after going to fleet landing and couldn't get a seat. The chicken and waffles was good, the small scoop of mashed potatoes was very sweet. Staff very friendly, burger was overcooked. Very cute spot.
(3)
Nicole M.
I was told by a local resident how wonderful the food was here, so we decided to give it a try. When we arrived at 8:45 we were told in an extremely rude manner that, "The kitchen is closed." The "host" appeared as if he was ready to throw us out of the door. The door and website both day that the restraint is open until 10:00PM. I am in the serving business so I totally understand that these things happen, especially if it is a slow night. However, where I work, it is never acceptable to speak to the customers in such a way or just be downright rude for no reason. I also would like to mention I have an air cast on and we walked here from another bar that we would have eaten at if we thought that there would not be enough time. I would leave no stars if it were possible, since customer service comes first and we certainly did not receive it.
(1)
Dave R.
We visited Lowcountry Bistro by taking advantage of Restaurant Week and were so glad that we found this gem. We ordered of the Restaurant Week menu and were not disappointed. My wife had the Pan Seared Scallops which she said was very tasty. I had the signature Chicken & Waffles (the server suggested that I try the Grilled Pork Chop since it wasn't usually on the menu, but I had to go with the chicken). Being from Los Angeles and experiencing the Roscoe's Chicken sensation I was a little sceptical, but went for it. This blew away Roscoe's by a mile. The pecan pie for dessert was amazing as were the cocktails (loved the moonshine!). The service was outstanding. Our server (Eric) was informative, friendly and very attentive. We definitely will be back!
(5)
Jojo S.
Fun dinner at a great location. Ordered the shrimp and grits appetizer as well as the she crab soup. Both were good but the grits were outstanding. We ordered the crab cakes which were okay, the frogmore stew was too brothy and the jambalaya was exceptional. Service was good. We should have had the chicken and waffles which looked amazing. Would highly recommend this spot.
(3)
Laura R.
My husband and I had dinner there last night. Food and service were wonderful and the drinks were terrific as well! Casandra was our server and she could not have been any more helpful and attentive. Food is mostly local and very fresh. Don't miss this gem if you are in Charleston!
(5)
Matt W.
Not just blowing smoke here but this may have been the best meal I've ever eaten. My wife had the best chicken and waffles she has ever tasted. I didn't care for my first dish because I didn't see that it had tomatoes (which I hate) all over it. The server (Cassandra, who you should request) was wonderful about it and I ended up with a beautiful crab and shrimp stuffed flounder, the best piece of fish I've ever eaten. She suggested a great wine pairing with my fish and delicious scotch for desert with some of the best bread pudding I've ever tasted. Seriously worth your time and money. By far the best place we went in Charleston.
(5)
Janell B.
We visited as part of the Charleston Culinary Tour. This is the one place in Charleston that I wished we had gone back to and it would be first on my list for future visits. I loved the space and decor, so inviting and bright. It really felt upscale yet welcoming. The staff came to talk to us and conveyed how much they love what they put into their food & menus. The BBQ Pork BLT served on a biscuit was incredible - my favorite on our trip. I also loved trying the chicken & waffles, though I wouldn't order this as a meal.
(5)
Jason A.
Great place...went there with our 3 kids (ages 10, 7, and 4 months) and were very comfortable. Food was delicious. The desserts were incredible (especially a sweet potato pound cake with bourbon icing and candied bacon...MMM!). Only reason for 4 stars is table was a little sticky when we first sat down (they cleaned it right away for us though) and greens had too much vinegar for our liking...highly recommend it though
(4)
Steve M.
The shrimp and grits are ridiculous. Cheese and chive grits, fried green tomatoes and jumbo shrimp...yes please.
(5)
Amina Z.
Problem: being asked to leave the restaurant after finishing dinner and noticing others around who also finished not being asked. I've never been asked to leave a restaurant in the U.S and because of this I will never go back. However, the food, atmosphere and server were nice, which is bad because I would go back but being asked to leave somewhere does not deserve my money. The waiter even went to the chef and asked what meals were gluten free and annotated it on the menu for me. They don't have gluten free desserts though. Traveling to the #1 most beautiful and most friendly city makes you wonder who the patrons were that made that assessment. And for those who are wondering, the group of 4 I was with were not loud, normal restaurant tone and we all left more than 15% tip for the waiter. Only giving one star because was asked to leave.
(1)
Rick R.
Great dinner of shrimp and grits, barbecue and assorted southern delights. And the atmosphere was terrific, particularly the upstairs porch overlooking the market.
(4)
Melissa S.
Great atmosphere but the service was slow and the food wasn't as amazing as I'de hoped. Good one time stop, but won't be revisiting
(3)
Mike E.
Excellent food and service, best Bloody Mary bar!
(5)
Nicolas C.
The place was fine. Service was good. I would have just wished the kitchen went with a softer hand with the salt for the breakfast sausages. I had to use tabasco to make it edible.
(3)
Ned P.
Very good food. No wait at lunch. Solid service. Wish we were in town longer so we could return and try more of the menu options.
(4)
Jeanne M.
Definitely a 'must eat' place on the Market. The server Ashlie B. is fabulous!!!
(5)
B O.
We went here for breakfast on the weekend. The biscuits and jam are so incredibly soft and fluffy and delicious, almost downed an entire order before breakfast. The chicken and waffles were excellently prepared and very deliciously done. I highly recommend stopping here if in Charleston.
(4)
Samantha J.
I ejoyed a very lovely late lunch here today. I went to LB for the shrimp and grits; however they had a app. version of the dish, which was way more than enough for one person. I also had the she crab soup which was supposed to be the same as it's sister restaurant 82 Queen; but it tastes a little different. The corn fritters were pretty decent. Lowcountry Bistro is located right across from the Market in Historic Downtown Charleston. I would not want to visit the restaurant on a busy weekend day as I'm assuming they would be packed. The service was wonderful, however I was only 1 of a few people there at the time. Worth a stop for some good low country food.
(4)
Kacey H.
This place was great!! We were planning on going to our usual favorite hot spot & walked by Low Country Bistro & spotted the specials on the chalkboard, so we gave it a shot & we are glad we did!! I had the BLT (pork, cornbread, fried green tomato & this delicious black berry jam)...it was delicious!! My husband had the Shrimp Po Boy which he enjoyed. We also got the sweet potato appetizer & what a great app those were...honey, bacon & sweet potatoes!! Ryan was our server & he was very nice. When is Charleston again we will definitely stop by Lowcountry Bistro for lunch again!
(5)
Nancy W.
Nice options on the menu, but could have offered more generous portions and dolled up the tortillas under the pulled pork tacos I ordered. (They just put cold, out-of-the-bag flour tortillas on a plate with pulled pork on them.) The garden salad was small, but the service was pretty good and it's a central location. I would give them 4 stars if they were more generous and dolled up those darned tortillas!
(3)
Kendra M.
We stopped in here late for dinner (9:30) and they were extremely accommodating. The meal was EXCELLENT! The servers were very attentive. I had the portobellos and they were amazing. It was one of the best meals I've ever eaten. My husband had the swordfish and said it was fantastic. We shared the pumpkin cheesecake for dessert and that was great as well. I'm glad we decided to stop here for dinner. I would definitely go back and certainly recommend it to anyone looking for a great meal!
(5)
Donnie T.
Ok, had lunch here today! The restaurant has been open for 3 days, so the wife and I gave it a try. Menu looked good and had many low country favorites. I had the shrimp, fried green tomatoes over cheese grits Food was really good and I recommend it!
(5)
M B.
The service here was definitely exceptional, but as a disclaimer, I must say we were one of only two tables with people eating. We ordered a couple of the items on the brunch menu (southern eggs benedict and the market breakfast). The food was pretty good, but nothing to rave about. Maybe we need to try different items next time?
(3)
Priscilla W.
Stopped here after strolling around the city and then to the Market. We were very pleased with our choice, first place we stopped at in our quest for lunch. We were seated upstairs which was open and inviting and told where the restrooms were. Our waitress was sweet and attentive and our food came very quickly. We were there very early- just after noon- and it did begin to fill up shortly after we arrived. Menu was nice with lots of good options. I choose the crab cake melt with the side of sweet potato salad. I wanted to try it as the recipe is hanging in the dining room. While I am not a fan of sweet potato dishes that are overly sweet, this was a pleasant surprise. My sandwich was tasty and loaded with crab. We also ordered the southern taco and a fish sandwich all of which were tasty. The homemade chips were delicious but a tad salty for our tastes. Service great, food great, atmosphere great- a winner.
This place is so good. Chicken and waffles were amazing and my husband had the flounder stuffed with crab. Appetizer was the sweet potato fingerlings. Man, I can't wait to go back to Charleston and eat at this place again! We didn't have dessert because the meals were a decent size and my chicken and waffles was sweet due to the almond butter and syrup. Yummm!
(5)
Lisa I.
Really enjoyed our experience! Terrific food! Great wait staff! Cute atmosphere! Would definitely eat there again!
(4)
Meg S.
This place was amazing! We wandered in while we were cruising around Charleston and were blown away by the amazing food and service. The chicken and waffles and shrimp and grits were the best we have ever had. Please eat here!
(5)
Sarah C.
My family decided to try a new restaurant in Charleston. We wanted something with good food at a reasonable price. This was NOT it. First, this is listed with two dollar signs. The average price was $18-27 and with a drink our total for 4 people was $120 before tip. I would not consider that moderate pricing. Second, the food was mediocre. The presentation was beautiful but the servings were small. My shrimp and grits was not a traditional dish but was layered with cheese grits, fried tomatoes, what tasted like stewed tomatoes, and some shrimp. As to a personal preference the shrimp had tails which I always find odd in a dish where we have to pick then out and remove them prior to eating. The grits were extremely rich and the dish overall seemed salty. I think everyone's order was similar--nice presentation but small portion size and ok taste. Last, our service was mediocre. Our drinks were filled once and when the food was brought to the table a plate was placed across the table spilling the broth all across my husband's white shorts without even an acknowledgement. Overall, the experience was definitely not on caliber with the prices and we would have been much happier with dinner at one of our regulars.
(2)
Terry B.
Had a great lunch, the food was fast & fresh and the house made chips pushed the meal to the 4th star!
(4)
Elise R.
We found this small restaurant while just wandering down the streets of Charleston. Dinner was excellent and the service was great.
(4)
Justin S.
I wasn't expecting much when I went here, but it was actually a really nice brunch. The food was solid (I did chicken and waffles). And the make your own bloody marry bar was a nice addition. I lowered the rating however because the waitress quoted "$10 bottomless mimosa and make your own bloody Mary's", which I interpreted as bloody Mary's being bottomless as well, but it didn't turn out that way. The waitress was not at all excited to hear about the miscommunication. I would have been fine if she didn't take the 2nd bloody Mary off the bill, but would have definitely appreciated an apology.
(3)
Diane K.
Delicious local food with good attentive service!
(4)
Melanie D.
Had lunch here after a tour of Charleston- recommended by tour guide. The shrimp and grits were fantastic (better than anson's) as were the southern tacos (pulled pork and taco fixins'). The sweet potato salad was yummy but tasted more like dessert than a side. My husband had the frogmore stew and enjoyed the combo of shrimp, sausage, corn and potatoes (tho there could have been more broth). The host was a doll.
(4)
Irene M.
Nice little place. Waiter was very friendly and attentive. She-crab soup was full of crab, very creamy. My husband liked the shrimp and fried green tomato po-boy but he thought they were skimpy on the shrimp. I had the Charleston Cuban sandwich; it was ok. Glad I found this place.
(5)
Stephen A.
My party of six saw the Lowland Bistro while looking for a place to grab a bite for lunch. We were seated quickly and the wait staff was pleasantly attentive. Started off with a Big Bubba, a ginger bourbon, a fantastic drink with a bit of "snap", great. I had the shrimp po-boy sandwich, it was excellent. The shimp was seasoned well and their homemade tarter sauce (with collard greens) was a new taste that was pleasing to the palate. The potato salad was nice and fresh which was tasty side. I highly recommend you stop in when in Charleston.
(5)
Courtney M.
If there was a way I could transport myself to the Lowcountry Bistro at this exact moment I would -- This place was just truly delicious. Want a solid Southern brunch in Charleston that isn't going to break the bank? Go here. Their Bloody Mary Game is super on point - lots of accouterments to snack on while you wait for your food to arrive. I had the Classic Southern Benedict and let me tell you -- It's worth every single calorie. Hell, you could eat here in the morning and be ready for a nap by 3pm. Just the right amount of time to get rested up, change clothes (cuz you'll probably be sweating -- It's the South, after all), and do something for the evening. Another great point for Lowcountry is it's location -- it's right by the market, so you have a chance to grab food, some souvenirs and jump on a carriage ride if you'd like... all within a 1/4 mile radius. Also: ProTip -- Always order the biscuits.
(5)
Marivic L.
This is really a 4.5 Now this is the kind of food I expected to find in Charleston - comfort food with lots of flavor. I ordered the shrimp & grits which totally blew any shrimp & grits I've had before out of the water. Perfectly cooked shrimp with fried green tomatoes over grits? Yes, please. There was a healthy dose of red tomatoes and onions, just so you know and don't expect cuz shrimp over some cheese grits. I also tried my friend's chicken and waffles. I actually liked that dish even better! The chicken was cooked perfectly and was so flavorful. Ditto for the waffle and the pecan butter. Each component was so good by itself. Together, it was amazing. The waffle wasn't just something to put the chicken on. You could eat it alone - even without syrup. It was THAT good. While I really enjoyed my shrimp & grits, I was a tad bit jealous because I had my chicken for the trip and this was way better. The service was great, the atmosphere was comfortable and cute, and the food was so flavorful. This is a must-stop when you're in Charleston!
(4)
Kaylah M.
I came here for brunch on a Saturday. The bottomless mimosas were a fair price and were delicious. The food was great too and so was the service
(4)
Jason R.
This is the worst meal I've ever had in charleston. What a disappointment. Saffron on everything, really? Ordered nearly everything on the menu with our party and we all were disappointed. High cost, small portions, below average taste, weak pours on the cocktails. How is this place still open? If you like saffron and a mediocre environment with screaming children, this is your place. If not, lick a side walk, because it will taste better than this place .
(1)
Natacha S.
Lowcountry Bistro was a great choice for an afternoon lunch while visiting Charleston. The dining area is very big, with seating both downstairs and upstairs. The upstairs area is very open with lots of lighting and the actual establishment is really neat, even without the added decorations. When I ordered my food, it seemed like they had ran out of all their choices for the day. I wanted the mussels plate, but had to go with the shrimp and grits instead. Luckily that was very good. I was also going to order a ginger based cocktail, and that was also sold out. I ended up getting drunk on endless mimosas instead - perhaps this was the best choice after all! The food was great despite the sold out options, and our waitress was apologetic and friendly. I would definitely go back again. The restaurant's location makes it ideal for a lunch break or dinner.
(4)
Laurie K.
I had the Jambalaya which was good, but not the best I've had. Hubby's Swordfish, on the other hand, was outstanding! I didn't think I was a fan of swordfish, but whoa, if it's always like this, it could be my new favorite fish. Lovely service, but a bit on the pricey side.
(4)
Dottie B.
This is one of my favorite restaurants I have tried I. Charleston! I went by myself before an afternoon of shopping and was immediately taken with the upscale laid back look. I thought I was going to get lunch but got stuck on the amazing appetizers. I ordered three. I got the duck wings which were my favorite. The were perfectly cooked with crispy skin and a touch of the local style bbq sauce which I didn't think I would like but was very enjoyable. It came with a honey blue cheese that was equally as enjoyable. This is a definite must try. The second was the pork belly pate. Also very best good. Moist and delicious. It came on a jalapeño cheddar waffle that was equally delicious. The last was a grilled watermelon salad with herbed goat cheese. A suggestion for my adorable waitress. It was very very good. I found the watermelon to be more mushroom flavor rather than grill flavor but the goat cheese and vinaigrette salad was delicious. The dried cherries tasted just like prunes. There were a bunch so if you don't like that flavor heads up. I had a couple a dirty martinis that were well made in clean shakers (unusual for restaurants) and delivered quickly. I had the pineapple bread pudding with ice cream which was ok a bit dry I think but the caramel sauce was one of the best ever. Very very good. This adorable place is well worth a stop in and I would highly suggest apps and cocktails. I can hardly wait to go back for entrees. I should add here that every staff member I saw was extremely friendly and spoke to me. The male manager came to my table and spoke to me 2 or 3 times. He was extremely welcoming and very friendly. It is wonderful place.
(5)
Elana F.
This place is great! We arrived for an early lunch and it did not disappoint. My hubby got the famous chicken and waffles, it was AMAZING! He barely let me get a bite before devouring the entire plate.
(5)
Sylvia G.
We sat outside on a nice patio. The service started out slow even though we had reservations , but once we finally got the waitress' attention she was very apologetic and from there on it was an very enjoyable experience. I had the chicken and waffles and it was the best I've ever had. It was a half chicken served on top of a corn waffle topped with a ball of bacon butter. Yes. I said bacon butter. Enter food coma. Sweet and savory and crunchy and all the things you want in a meal. Hubby are the frogmore stew or something like that. He loved it. He said it was tasty - it had sausage and shrimp and potatoes and all the good stuff. Only critique was he said it would be great over mashed potatoes instead of a soup. 5 stars on ambiance, service, and food, and location.
(5)
Corey Tess T.
Cute, low key cafe that makes great farm to table fare. I had the bistro club and homemade fries. Everything was very fresh. They have seating upstairs and downstairs and also have a patio area. Very convenient location to the City Market too. We sat downstairs under a really cool painting and enjoyed a quick bite after a walk through the market. The service was a little slow, but the server was funny. I'd come back and try the upstairs next time.
Ordered the fried green tomatoes and they were crunchy and hot! The grits that come with are excellently spiced. I ordered the heirloom blt and enjoyed the crispy bacon with a large tomato. It had a zesty sauce on it that made the sandwich special. Wife and daughters loved the chicken and waffles. Of the bites I got, I would agree that it was the best I have tasted. Never enjoyed better.
(4)
Natalie C.
Went in Lowcountry Bistro with my sister for a late lunch on a Wednesday afternoon and was able to be seated right away. No wait time, assuming because it was an odd time of day in the middle of the week. However, the market area outside of the bistro was packed full of people (I think it was Spring Break in Charleston). Another big plus side to seating we noticed was a large party of 10 came in right behind us (no reservation) and was seated within 5 minutes, as soon as they were able to put a few tables together upstairs. We were seated in the upstairs seating area, but given the option to sit outside on the porch upstairs too. If it wasn't such a hot afternoon, we definitely would have taken that outdoor seating, which was a small cute place for seating smaller groups (tables of 2, 3, or 4). Now on to the drinks. They have a delicious drink menu!!! Their signature cocktails were very spot on with the ambience of Charleston. I ordered the Sweat Tea Mojito, which was so yummy and very refreshing! There were several cocktails that I wished I could have tried had I not had a two hour drive later on that evening! There was also a decent selection of beer and wine (many from the Lowcountry area)! The food! Our experience was pretty great with the food! I had the soup of the day and the spinach salad. The soup of the day was a loaded baked potato soup (delicious and well made) and my spinach salad was refreshing with apples, a poached pear, candied walnuts, crumbled mozzarella cheese and homemade cornbread croutons. The cornbread croutons were so good with a sweetness to them. I think I could have eaten a bowl of those to myself! My sister had one of the lunch specials, MahiMahi fish tacos served with their potato salad. She really seemed to enjoy them. They had their in house pinco to top the tacos. Here is where my 3 star rating came into play, rather than a 4 star rating. Our server was quite inaccurate when it came to taking my order. I had asked for their soup and salad combo witch runs $12. Instead, I was given a full dinner salad and a full bowl (not a cup) of soup and was charged the full individual prices for both, $7 for the soup and $11 for the dinner salad. When I asked our waitress about the mix up, she said that she had heard me say something different and that there would only be a .50 different in price between the combo and the individual items. Obviously when I got the bill, that was not the case. There was $6 difference and I didn't appreciate not being told that upfront and then being told the price difference was so small when it definitely was not. A little irritating to say the least. Other than that, our experience was pleasant and the food was very good!
(3)
R S.
Incredible food! The chicken and waffles are outstanding and the cheese grits are superb! Excellent location, try the alley bar seating area and watch the market as you dine. Our second time here and just as good as the first!
(5)
Ed M.
Amazing!! Hard to say any more. From the she crab soup starters to the chicken a waffle entre simply amazing. I had the chicken and waffles and my wife had the shrimp and grits. The shrimp and grits was served differently with the fried green tomatoes but they were incredible!! We're both very pleased with our meal! The service was great. We had a great meal experience and would highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)
Sara S.
This place is wonderful and epitomizes that southern Charleston feel. Went there with a large group of girls for dinner prior to a Bachelorette party night on the town. The service was great - so friendly, prompt and attentive. The food was amazing. Easily the best hush puppies I've ever had. Everyone in our group tried different southern staples and no one left disappointed. They accommodated or request for split checks with no problem. On top of it all the location is in the middle of everything so you can easily walk to a bar for after dinner drinks. Would absolutely come back on a return trip to Charleston.
(5)
Brian P.
My family (wife, 3 young kids) had a fine early evening dinner here late this summer. I really felt like I had a quintessential, albeit more upscale, South Carolina dinner (or as they call it around there, a lowcountry meal). Of course I had to get grits, which we kind of got as a side for all of us as it was a generous serving. We went with the pimento cheese variety of grits, which did not disappoint. I ordered the jambalaya for my entree, which was really good, but if I had to do it over again I'd probably pick something else. Not that there was anything wrong with it, just that I probably should have went with something that doesn't occur on so many restaurant menus these day. They did a fine job with it, though. My wife ordered the Mixed Greens salad with chicken, which she liked, and she really dug the vinaigrette that came with it. I recommend stopping in here for a meal if you find yourself touring around Charleston anytime soon.
(4)
Michele W.
Great food- the crab soup and seafood cioppino were amazing. Loved the outdoor seating on the deck and the service was outstanding. Yummy sangria too !
(5)
Natalia B.
Everything was perfectly executed! Dining room upstairs was nicely open and clean, portions were generous with a nice presentation. Stand out was the crab cake for lunch. BLT was great as well. Jelena was on point and very friendly she made sure we had everything we needed for a great dining experience.
(4)
Tara F.
We spotted this place and decided to have lunch here on a whim. It was a great choice. Service was quick and our waitress was very friendly. Most of us ordered the fried flounder sandwich at our waitress's suggestion and were very pleased - it's delicious and several of us split the sandwich in half because it was huge! The house chips are fantastic. My cousin ordered the pork belly BLT and said it was the best sandwich she's ever had. She also had the shecrab soup and loved it. Overall, this was a quaint spot for lunch!
The service was wonderful, atmosphere was nice. I ordered the shrimp & grits app, I was a bit disappointed. The flavors were so-so at best. Really wish I could have given it a better review.
(3)
Dave S.
Kid-friendly, adult-friendly. A good kids' menu without feeling anything like a kiddie restaurant--great place for a family looking for a lunch break while exploring the town.
(4)
Martha C.
We ate here after visiting the Charleston Aquarium and it was great! They have a farm to table type menu which is always nice to see. The beer and wine list is extensive and mostly local beers are featured. The menu has a little bit of everything and they had a lot of specials. They also had a kids menu and crayons for the kids which is nice. My kids had the fried shrimp and man were they good! I had a BLT sandwich and my husband some sort of PoBoy sandwich. Everything was delicious. The service was also very good and the food came out quick. I would like to visit this place again without the kids and maybe for dinner next time we are in the area. It is a big restaurant, we ate upstairs and the place was packed. They took reservations for lunch which is nice since we had the kids and they were hungry so we didn't have to wait.
(4)
Miriam W.
My husband and I stopped for lunch here recently during an annual pilgrimage we make to Charleston, and enjoyed a very good meal. The hostess sat us upstairs, which I like...it's a little more private and quiet than downstairs, and the views out the windows were nice. We started with the fried green tomatoes, which are served over grits with a ranch style sauce. While these won't be my favorite rendition of this dish (K-Paul's in New Orleans gets that award) they were very good...nicely fried and tasty. When shrimp and grits are on the menu, I generally go for that. This dish is never the same at any restaurant where I've ordered it, and I'm always interested to see what the chef comes up with in his or her version. This one is in a rich tomato sauce with chives, served over parmesan and chive grits. it was delicious, and the slightly smoky, sweet and tart tomato sauce was a nice accompaniment to the meaty, large shrimp. There's some bacon in there, and that's always a happy thing. We split the bread pudding for dessert, which comes with a vanilla bourbon sauce and both vanilla ice cream and a little whipped cream. A good bread pudding, although we both wanted more sauce. Still, not major complaints. Service was good, both friendly and professional. Another solidly good find in Charleston.
(4)
Jennifer B.
If it's nice out, try to get seated upstairs on the balcony. try the waffles stuffed with pecan nuts, very tasty!
(4)
Sam M.
Fantastic place to eat lunch. The waiter was amazing, and so was the chicken and waffles. This place just didn't feel like a 5 star for some reason but there wasn't a whole lot wrong with this place. Will definitely come back next time I'm in town.
(4)
Chad M.
Amazing experience!! Everyone at the table liked what they ordered. The chicken and waffles was excellent. Shrimp and grits were excellent. The crab melt was excellent. Service was excellent!!
(5)
Jenny L.
Ordered the chicken and waffles, she crab soup, and a side of Brussels sprouts. The chicken and waffles were very delicious. My only wish is that they would remove the bones. Nonetheless, the chicken was perfectly fried and the waffle perfectly flavored. I definitely recommend this plate. We got a bowl of she crab soup since we read about it when searching for Charleston must haves. (the bowl is only $1 more than the cup) It reminded me of clam chowder, but with a stronger seafood taste. If you're visiting Charleston, try the she-crab soup -- it's a Charleston thing served at almost every restaurant. We added oyster crackers to ours which made it taste better. Lastly the brussel sprouts cam with bacon bits. It was really small portion, but then again it is a side. Well cooked and seasoned. We weren't that hungry so this was enough for two; however, normally this would probably feed just one person.
(4)
Matt M.
We were looking for some southern cooking. We wanted shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese, chicken and waffles. We found all that and more with the Lowcountry Bistro. This homey, warm and inviting atmosphere provides comfort food at a good price. Its right on the City market and in the sea of restaurants that overtake that street, this is a welcome quiet spot. Two floors of dining space with balcony seating overlooking the market as well, this spot gives great service to boot. As a family we went with the usual suspects chicken and waffles (fantastic but half the maple pecan butter), jambalaya (as good as I have had outside of NOLA) ,shrimp and grits (tremendous presentation but a little less on the tomatoes would have been better). Sweet tea and chess pie and pecan pie to finish it oofff and it was without a doubt the best meal we had in town. Thanks so much for making us feel welcome.
Food was absolutely awesome ... Ben, our waiter was on point. Fried green tomatoes are mouth watering and you can't beat the bottom less mimosas
(5)
Lyle B.
Service: attentive and welcoming, Karson was great. Food: Quail special was boring and flavorless Shrimp & Grits I would order again, that being said, it wasn't anything groundbreaking. Mediocre food serve by a friendly waitstaff.
(3)
Jay M.
Six of us with various plates, Chicken and Waffles (a couple people did not like the bourbon reduction syrup (I did)), Market Burger (thick!), Carolina Fish and Grits (excellent! Ask for extra sausage and gravy), and Jambalya Benedict. 45 minute wait on a Saturday but we reserved our spot and came back, and a table ready for us.
(5)
Jonathan G.
Great spot along market street. She Crab soup is some of the best I have had. Prices are reasonable for the area. I'd recommend stopping here.
(4)
Sandra S.
Love the cheese grits served with fried green tomatoes which were perfect. Ordered chicken and waffles for lunch. The waffle was delicious with a bourbon syrup and delicious butter. I don't normally eat chicken skin but this was so deliciously spiced and crunchy that I could not resist. I almost lowered my stars because of the $3 split fee they charged my kids, but they gave them each their own waffle so it was worth it. We were too full for dessert but I really wanted to. I will be back again.
(5)
Amy W.
Cute, low key restaurant featuring locally sourced food. I was in town on business and tried to eat at Hanks, but it was way too busy. Stumbled upon Low Country and was very pleased! Things were calm at the restaurant but luckily still had good service. Had the she crab soup to start, followed by the bouillabaisse (ciopino?). Both were delicious and prepared fresh. Desserts also looked delicious (pecan pie especially) but I chose not to indulge.
(4)
Zaida J.
High hopes, let down once again. At least it was memorable!! First let me just say I really enjoyed the look of the place. My friend and I arrived there at our reservation time of 12:15 but I'd inadvertently told the other two in our party 12:30, oops! While waiting, our hunger was growing so we decided, since we were taking advantage of the cheap Restaurant Week menu (2 for $12), why not order an appetizer to hold us over? We opted for the spinach and crab dip. Can't mess that up! Or can you.... it wasn't good. Salt helped a bit but it was just too much spinach, not enough flavor. The other two, when they finally arrived, all agreed.... the dip was a fail. Speaking of their arrival, once they got there, our waiter gave us a run down of the specials. Here's the really weird thing... he literally would stand and keep his eyes closed a good 90% of the time while reciting the specials!! It was so weird!!! The moment he left we all started laughing about it and joking around... one of the strangest waiter moves I've ever witnessed!! Three of us stuck to the Restaurant Week menu, one of us ordered the blackened mahi mahi sandwich. For the first course, two of us ordered the she crab soup. One of us ordered the mixed greens salad. The she crab soup was just okay... not bad, but nothing outstanding and we've definitely had better. The salad also received an okay. I did try the cornbread crouton and thought it was delicious! Very yummy! My friend who ordered the salad said between the croutons, candied pecans and honey apple vinaigrette, there was just too much sweetness going on. For the second course, two of us ordered the pork belly BLT and one of us ordered the Southern Tacos. This was my first foray into pork belly, but I confirmed with the other girl and this was not pork belly. This was pork chunks... three pretty sizable chunks of pork. It was tasty but the flavors of the sandwich didn't really work. The fried green tomato was perfect, the pimento cheese was good, but all those things together into a hard to eat sandwich was not a win. Had it been difficult to eat, messy and really good, I would have been happy as a clam but overall, it just didn't have enough positives for me to want to eat it again. The Southern Tacos weren't bad, but again nothing to rave about. My friend who ordered the blackened mahi really enjoyed her sandwich! But all four of us also got the potato salad as a side, and none of us cared for it. So of all of the items eaten, there were just too many that tasted average to not good which earned the low rating. Disappointed again though at least our weirdo waiter unknowingly added to the entertainment value during our lunch....
(2)
Todd H.
I'll star out with the positive, the food was very good. Unfortunately, the quality of the food was trumped by an extremely rude bartender. As many great restaurants as there are in Charleston, ownership should be more cognizant of their staff's attitudes. We were there on June 21st, 2015.
(2)
Courtney S.
great restaurant in the downtown district. I def recommend making reservations which you can do on open table. I made my reservation a hour before showing up on Sunday for 1pm. Food! I had the chicken and waffles with a side of mac and cheese. When it comes out it looks just like the picture in the front window and tastes amazing. Great portion size. I always order mac and cheese to go with my chicken and waffles and Lowcountry bistro did not disappoint. $12 bottomless mimosas! and great bloody mary's! also, two people at our table ordered the shrimp and grits both of which LOVED them. Well priced for Sunday brunch!
(4)
Ashlea L.
When I was sent the itinerary for the bachelorette weekend to Charleston, I immediately started yelping the places we would be going. I was super psyched for Lowcountry Bistro because the menu looked phenomenal. I've always heard that the bbq in Charleston is a must, so I decided a few months ago that is what I would be ordering. We had reservations for this past Friday night & the place is really cute. We were seated upstairs & looked over the menu. Yep, I still was set on the bbq with shells & cheese, corn bread, & collard greens. Two other gals ordered the same. Our server was friendly & our food came out at a reasonable time. It looked amazing! I dug into the shells & cheese, it was delicious. The collards, were a bit too vinegary for me & I loooove vinegar. The corn bread was pretty tasty. The bbq...oh the bbq was just such a disappointment. The flavor was lacking & lots of fat chunks. It was so bland. All of us that ordered the dish were disappointed. Everyone else was happy with their food, so maybe we just ordered the wrong thing.
The best shrimp and grits that I have ever had. Loved this place. The quality of the food was top notch. It was my favorite meal in my week in Charleston. Chicken and waffles are among the best I have had as well.
We went for a late dinner and the food was delicious. We loved the farm to table menu! We got hush puppies for appetizers and ate them up. The sweet sauce they are drizzled in was amazing. I got chicken and waffles. The chicken was perfectly fried and delicious. My dad got the Jambalaya, and the rice was so flavorful. My mom got the shrimp and grits, which I think was the best of all. The grits were so cheesy and creamy and the shrimp was plump and juicy. I'll definitely be going back next time I visit Charleston.
(5)
Erik S.
We had brunch here mid-day on a Saturday. Staff was friendly and pretty attentive. I'm a northern boy and no expert on grits, but I'd say they were damn good.
(4)
Michelle G.
We stopped in for a quick lunch and it was very good. I had the fried green tomatoes and grits. Before this I had never had grits..what was I missing! Wait staff was great too!
(4)
Jill L.
Marvelous array of some of Charleston's "best of" dishes. Shrimp and grits, fried green tomato, scallops with pork belly, etc., all delicious. Swiftly served by a kind and professional wait staff. Comfy ambiance.
We went here twice in three days with 2 very picky boys. The best grits we have tasted so far and we are trying them everywhere! Fried chicken and waffles were delicious. The salads were perfect size and very good. Leave room for desserts as they were soooo good. Great service, great food. Throughly enjoyed this place.
(5)
Ryan L.
Amazing place! Great vibe, beautiful building in addition to great attentive and genuine service. Server was so funny. The as well was amazing. Had shrimp and grits and chicken and waffles. Absolutely delicious and not as heavy as expected. Definitely would recommend! absolutely will be coming back. Loved the One Claw local beer.
(5)
Alex P.
Definitely worth coming here when in Charleston. Had the chicken and waffle which was awesome--the cooking process for the chicken takes three days and makes it incredible and juicy. Someone else in my party had the shrimp and grits which was tasty too. The She Crab Soup was another bright spot of the meal.
(4)
Suzanne H.
Very great food. Glad we stopped. Excellent grits and fried green tomatoes. I had the Frogmore soup. Very tasty!
(4)
Lauren W.
Great lunch spot to refuel and relax in the AC. Appetizer: Fried calamari came with grits and a ragu sauce. The flavors were great, but the calamari was super tough and just off texturally. Entree: I wanted something fairly light and fresh, so I got the portabella sandwich decked out with goat cheese, a balsamic reduction, and fresh spinach on focaccia. It was absolutely perfect. The homemade potato chips were perfectly crispy and had a great flavor. Service: Great! Our waitress was friendly and attentive. She recommended the pork belly sandwich on cornbread to my dad, and he loved it.
(4)
Carla B.
Great food & atmosphere. We had brunch & enjoyed our time tremendously! The staff was very friendly, & attentive. There were several groups, but no one seemed to have a long wait for their drinks or meals. My husband ordered off the specialty menu & I had the breakfast sliders. I would recommend LB anyone - traveling to town, or locals!
(5)
Kristina M.
Stopped in here for Saturday Brunch last week on a rainy Saturday. We didn't have a reservation, but were seated immediately in their lovely, rustic upstairs space. Service was attentive, balancing our group of 4 with several other large groups without gaps or delays. The bottomless mimosas came at good intervals and weren't overly heavy on the orange juice. The picked okra and grilled shrimp garnish on the bloody mary was a nice touch. I'm not usually one for salad, however, I have to say, this was the best salad I ever had. I had the mixed greens with candied pecans, dried cherries, cornbread croutons, rosemary vinaigrette and grilled shrimp. It was a good amount of shrimp and they were well-prepared. The balance of flavors and crunch in the salad was just great. Another group member had the Shrimp and grits with the fried green tomatoes. The addition of the fried green tomatoes gives such a ubiquitous Charleston dish a little extra punch and crunch. Save room for dessert. The chocolate pecan pie was outstanding. I would definitely brunch here again.
(4)
Caitlin R.
The service at Lowcountry is GREAT, very sweet staff, but the food is only so-so, especially with SO many great options around the city. I got the Bistro Benedict, I thought it sounded absolutely delicious, but was really only passable - left about half on my plate. Not a meal that had me coming back for me.
(3)
Erica D.
My husband ordered the flounder sandwich ($10).. It was amazing. I ordered crab cake sandwich (pimento cheese and a fried green tomato).. It was ok.. Tons of flavor. The She Soup was GREAT!
(5)
Vinetta F.
This place was a total disappointment...I expected a much better experience based on the reviews. How could you get soup and salad so wrong. The she crab soup was too salty with very little crab. The Ambrose Salad - the poached pears were to soft and the mozzarella was to moist. The candies walnuts were not candied and the cornbread croutons were tasteless.
(2)
Ruby G.
We have dined at Lowcountry Bistro a few times in the past and only once have I really been wowed. We've visited during Charleston Restaurant Week as well as on regular days to experience different times. The food here just does not do it for me. I really want to love it, but I'm always left disappointed. The Chicken and Waffles are delicious. The chicken is crispy and not too greasy and the waffles are nice and fluffy. That's about where I stop. The crab cakes are pretty small in size and don't offer anything compared to the delicious seafood at neighboring restaurants. The lobster hushpuppies barely have anything in them to be called stuffed. Just call them hushpuppies and don't charge as much. One server told us the collards were the best she's ever had and as a true southerner I would highly beg to differ. Our service has always been pretty good. During one meal that actually bombed, our server was the only thing that kept it together. He was on top of everything, polite, humorous, and made our whole meal enjoyable. If weather permits, sit outside on the porch. It's a beautiful view of the market and cool to hear the hustle and bustle of our little city. I really want to love this place, but every time we give LB's another shot they leave a lot to the imagination.
(2)
Jill B.
I was admittedly a bit hungover and just really really wanted fried chicken and mac 'n cheese. I found Lowcountry Bistro on a yelp search for "Fried Chicken" in downtown Charleston and I must say, this place did not disappoint! We walked in for a late lunch and were seated immediately. Our server was nice and very attentive with water/beverage refills! But beyond the service, the food was WONDERFUL! The buttermilk fried chicken was cooked perfectly with crisp chicken that was lightly battered. The mac 'n cheese was great (though if memory serves it was technically shells and cheese but either way it was truly tasty!). My mom also wanted chicken but decided to go for the chicken and waffles. The waffles were made out of a corn batter and filled with chunks of bacon. The had a pecan butter and a bourbon syrup which had a great bourbony zing. YUM! My dad ordered the jambalaya which was good but not at all the spice level we were told it would be (our server told us it would be a medium-hot spice level. I sampled it and didn't taste anything spicy). It was still tasty, just not spicy hot. Lastly, my husband ordered the Frogmore stew. The thin broth was so wonderfully flavorful and dipping it in the toasted baguette slice they serve with it was just fantastic! I was truly impressed that nearly everything was prepared well (the jambalaya rice was also a little on the dry side) and cooked correctly - especially the chicken! We finished off our meal sharing a slice of pecan pie. It was more like a pecan crumble but was topped with a touch of chocolate syrup and was super tasty!
(4)
Nichole B.
Best meal of my trip! I came here on my own around 6:30 pm and found the place to be full but not overly crowded on a Thurs night. I opted to grab a table at the bar in the little side room with views outside so I could people watch. Very attentive staff. I tried the appetizer size shrimp and grits and was just blown away. Amazing sauce on top that has a medley of different tomatoes and a smoked spicy bacon. Positively delicious. I splurged and also got their famous chicken and waffles, another hit dish. Enjoy 2 sweat tea mojitos, fantastic service. I will come back for those shrimp and grits before I head home!
(5)
Maria M.
Service was good but the food is mediocre. I ordered crab cakes with collard greens and they were ok. My husband got fried chicken and waffles and he swears both were prepared some time ago. We opted to sit on the 2nd floor terrace as the weather was beautiful, but unfortunately kept catching whiffs of urine coming from the alley. Charleston has so many amazing restaurants that I was bummed to have wasted a meal there.. I should have done my homework instead of "let's play it by ear and see what we can find". I wouldn't go back.
(2)
Marc R.
Great service and really enjoyed the chicken and waffle dinner! I would recommend it...
(4)
Nora E.
We came here for Saturday morning brunch. When we arrived at 10:30am there weren't many patrons yet (they open at 10am) so our request to sit outside was easily accommodated. The upstairs balcony was nice but we sat in the back corner so we didn't really get to enjoy the view. The menu wasn't extensive and even more limited for those with dietary restrictions. Almost every dish had meat and more than 90% was pork. I understand we're in the South but in this day and age it would be nice to accommodate diversity. We almost had to leave because we couldn't find anything to eat BUT after some coaxing and convincing of the waitress, she reluctantly asked the chef to replace the pork with ground beef in some of the dishes. He agreed - and that was appreciated! For drinks, 2 of us had mimosas and 2 had sweet tea mojitos. Both were delicious. The food was worth the wait and the battle! I got the fish and grits and was so pleased with how flavorful the batter was (on the fish). The grits were yummy and paired well with the andouille sausage sauce and the cornbread moist. My sister got the jambalaya Benedict which she liked but found the rice to be bland. The burger was good as well. All in all, the experience ended well. The place is also very conveniently located across from the market pavilion and by the time we left at noon, was packed.
(4)
Teri P.
WOW. Amazing meal! Hubs & I had an early dinner before heading to the airport, and were so happy to end our trip with another fantastic meal. I had the Grilled Watermelon Salad and Braised Short Rib, and hubs had the Mussels and Carolina Pulled Pork, which came with mac&cheese, corn bread & greens (maybe spinach?) I'm kind of dreaming about both of our entrees now, they were that good!! Food was superb, ambiance was nice & welcoming - only complaint is that the food took a while to come out since we were one of 3 patrons. We'd definitely return!
(5)
Calin D.
My oh my, this is the place for breakfast-at-lunch in Charleston. I took one look at the Chicken and Waffle and knew the bacon pecan on it was going to be as yummy as it sounded. I washed it down with a sweet tea mojito good enough to convince my Cuban friends to switch from Rum to Vodka and looked on in envy while Madre had the shrimp and grits with fried green tomatoes, yowza! The crab cakes also looked out of this world. The staff was on point and the place is jammin, so bring your patience and get ready for something worth the wait!
(5)
Brandee C.
I had the Pork Belly BLT ($11). Finished off with Bread Pudding. One word...AMAZING! Totally recommend stopping in for after/while perusing the markets!
(5)
Jared R.
Fantastic lunch. Had a Bacon Cheesburger, and a side of goat cheese grits. Someone else in the party had the sweet potato appetizer, and all was really great. Prices are kinda high, but you get what you pay for. Service was great, but kinda slow (not unbearably slow).
(5)
Bruce K.
Clearly, with a name like "Lowcountry" then it's going to be southern-style. And so it was. We had the fried green tomatoes to start. Would you believe that my wife has never had them before? That line has now been crossed and crossed in a delicious manner. Nice and crunchy with a tangy sauce on top. Delish. Mrs opted for the rack of lamb, which she pronounced "excellent." I had the night's special, a southern seafood dish with shrimp, mussels and a local white fish. Hard to explain, but it was delicious with a big piece of garlic bread for soaking up the broth at the end. There's a picture - maybe that will help? We opted to skip dessert. They did nt have any non-alcoholic beers, which was a bit of a disappointment. Is it that hard to stock a few O'Douls?
(4)
Carla D.
This is my first visit to Charleston and I arrived armed with a list of restaurants that I really want to try while here for the next few days. Lowcountry was at the top of my list. I must say I was a tad disappointed. I tried the chicken and waffle, and I expected to be blown away, but sadly I wasn't. The waffle was good but the fried chicken made me really sad. I was so looking forward to great southern fried chicken but this chicken arrived lukewarm and the skin was flaccid underneath a very thin layer of batter. The chicken itself was juicy, but I guess I was hoping for more "kick", more crunch; an elevated, superior fried chicken. Bummer. With that being said, the restaurant is adorable, the patio is breezy, and the staff are friendly and sweet. I'd come back to try some brunch dishes because I saw some pretty epic breakfast plates come out of their kitchen.
(3)
Rebecca H.
I was REALLY excited for the shrimp & grits, but ended up slightly disappointed. The tomatoes made it taste more Italian-like and the grits resembled polenta. The shrimp were succulent though!! My husband had the burger, which was just run-of-the-mill. No extra fixins' on the side to dress it up. Overall, I'd have to try totally different menu items next time. Hope you like it!
(2)
Janice K.
This was my first time to Charleston. I had never had shrimp and grits and I am afraid nothing will live up to this experience. The food was delicious and the service wonderful.
(5)
Shirley N.
Best find in Charleston for brunch, lunch. I had the chicken and waffles which were life changing. I have not found anything as fun and delicious. It's a must try!!
(5)
Jenny Mai D.
Decent food, it may be because my expectations were so high it wasn't as good as expected. The she crab cake was good though!
(3)
Michael J.
We arrived to Charleston after a horrendously rainy drive on a Thursday night and really wanted some great local food. After walking around for 30 minutes we decided to stop in at the Lowcountry. First of all, everyone was extremely friendly, including our server. First we had the mussel appetizer. The combination of delicious mussels and collard greens was amazing! We had a moonshine cocktail and a Palmetto beer- both great. The real star of the show was the Shrimp and Grits! Normally shrimp and grits comes in a big bowl but I was pleasantly surprised by the delicate presentation. The cheese of the grits mixed with the fried green tomatoes and tomato paste was TO DIE FOR! The shrimp were also AWESOME! I love that the food is farm-to-table, this makes it especially appealing. We thought about coming back for a second round and trying the chicken and waffles but settled on coming back for drinks in their Alley Bar. We will definitely be back to Lowcountry on our next trip to Charleston!
(5)
Dan D.
We've been to this place quite a few times, and each time the food has been the star of the show. The food is always delicious. They are a "Farm to Table" restaurant, and most everything is locally sourced. The chicken and waffles is good, and it is basically a half chicken on the bone, so be prepared for that (the bourbon reduction, is pretty strong despite the reducing). Some places forgo the bone-in and give you breast meat only, but it is very good, and the seasoning is great. Among other things there we've also had shrimp and grits, poached eggs and crab cakes on pork belly, as well as some other entrees. Everyone always has great things to say about the food. There is never usually a wait to be seated, and they have some awesome porch seating upstairs, which overlooks the market. The servers we've had have never been particularly enthusiastic; that is the only thing holding this back from 5 stars. Other things to keep in mind: they don't keep beers on tap, so if you order one, it will either be poured from a can or bottle to a glass. (They do offer a lot of local brews).
(4)
Fiona D.
Service is good, great selection of southern food. The pulled pork entree was the best meal. Can be very loud
(4)
Caitlin P.
this place seriously had the BEST foood out of all the places I ate at when i was on my road trip going from DC to Orlando. Coming from California, I've never had real, authentic southern food so I did not know what to expect, but after leaving this place, the only thing that was on mymind for days after was southern food. I had the shrimp and grits for the first time ever and it was BOMDIGGITY! The mussels dish was full of flavor, and I had the best jambalaya of my life! Before this i thought the Jambalaya I had at Disneyland in California was the best thing ever but boy, am I wrong. The service was on point!! we were seated outside in the balcony...the weather was perfect for this. The waiter was fast and efficient. We asked him about the night life in Charleston and where we should go. He said since he lives 30 mins away he wasn't too familiar with the nightlife but offered to asked around for us and came back with several suggestions!! OMGGG, SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY AT ITS BEST!! People in California would never do this! If I am ever so lucky to go back to charleston, I am definitely coming back here.
(5)
Cecille R.
Best Sunday brunch in Charleston! Our Charleston Culinary tour guide recommended this place to us. I immediately made a last minute reservation on Opentable. The next day we got there about 20 minutes early and they were able to seat us. Brunch menu is rather simple but contains some signature dishes that I'm sure I would not see anywhere else. If I did, they would be copycats. I ended up ordering the jambalaya Benedict. Wowsers!!! The poached egg over the red bean rice cakes just sealed that dish. Sooo hearty and delicious. The mimosas are bottomless so you pay one price and get free refills. They also make substitutions as needed. They were able to accommodate a friend with a menu item with no issues at all. Service was excellent and I hope it is the same when it's packed! Check this place out for a hearty, lowcountry brunch!
(5)
Rick H.
Had the chicken and waffles and it was awesome. The service was very good and the menu is really interesting. Lots of interesting cocktails too!
(5)
Gussy H.
I wandered in for brunch shortly after they opened and it was really good. The service was not fabulous but hey it's Charleston I have learned to have low service expectations.
I live in Florida and vacationed here with 3 girlfriends in July and this was our hands down favorite restaurant that we ate at during our four days in Charleston!! We spotted the restaurant while we were in the Market and looking for a nice place to eat lunch! Lowcountry Bistro is a super cute two-story restaurant in the heart of the shopping area! Our server, Amanda, was awesome and clearly loved the restaurant and the food and helped make our visit so much more fun! We started with drinks...I had their delicious sweet tea, one of my friends had the Big Bubba and another had LB's Bloody Mary and we ordered their Crawfish Hush puppies which are served with brown butter honey and are absolutely delicious!! My 3 friends all ordered the Shrimp and Grits and She Crab soup and I ordered the Johns Island Heirloom Tomato BLT and had the Mixed Greens Salad (delicious !) with it! All dishes were served with their homemade kettle chips! It was a feast and so yummy...everybody loved their food and we couldn't finish all of it but gave it a really good try, lol!! I will absolutely come back to Lowcountry Bistro to eat on my next visit!!!!
(5)
Zhichun Y.
Nice restaurant! We order the pork chop, crawfish hush puppies, and shrimp and grits. They are all very tasty, though the crawfish hush puppies tastes more like a cake ball with crispy honey glaze.
(4)
Jordan F.
Delicious! Had a very nice time eating here with my girl friend. We were able to call ahead and avoid any wait at all, so we were happy from the get go. We ate she crab soup, a spinach salad, and an entree of shrimp and grits. All of which were very tasty and came out quickly. Our server was friendly and the atmosphere was nice. The beer selection was small, but contained mostly local craft beers. I would definitely recommend.
(5)
Steve W.
Try the brunch. All of these were excellent choices Carolina fish and grits Shrimp stew Very good!
(5)
D W.
Excellent!! Definitely worth a visit when you're in Charleston. Here's a quick summary of our experience: Environment: small restaurant with an intimate, romantic vibe. Recommend making reservations. She crab soup: Smooth texture with shreds and chunks of crab. Great flavor if you're a fan of this soup. Shrimp & Grits: I'm a Carolina girl and there's nothing better than perfectly cooked grits, and this place has them. Smooth with a cheesy flavor, piled with shrimp and tomatoes. Chicken and Waffles: This is an absolute must. Hands down, best chicken and waffles I've had. Very unique take with careful thought on every element of the dish. Bourbon infused syrup, flaky chicken, pecan butter, sweet potato/bacon waffle - you cannot go wrong!!
(5)
Anna P.
We stopped here for lunch after a carriage tour. Great location. We enjoyed our lunch, but the seating was very uncomfortable and our server was acting very strange...
(3)
Helen S.
Best shrimp and grits ever! The chicken and waffle was good- different. Frog more stew- average. We only had a party of three. Definitely need to go again! So many things on the menu we would have loved to try.
(4)
Jackie N.
I wanted a casual brunch/lunch place near our hotel, The Vendue, and Lowcountry Bistro was perfect. It is located near the Charleston Market, so it is right in the middle of all the happenings. I got the fried chicken and waffles (duh) and the BF got the pork belly BLT. My friend chicken and waffle dish was no ordinary fried chicken and waffle. I had two huge pieces of chicken atop a bacon waffle, yes a bacon waffle. The dish also came with a honey pecan butter, which I spread atop the waffle. It was so delicious and the perfect amount of food for me. The pork belly BLT was also a really great surprise. The pork belly had a good amount of fat on it and of course, the bacon, lettuce, and fried green tomato atop a delicious bun. Also, Charleston has the BEST sweet tea and all the places, at least the casual places, give you the option to get a drink to go. Especially Charleston in the heat of Summer, you will definitely appreciate having a nice cold drink to carry around with you!
(5)
Amanda B.
Oh my gosh. As soon as I saw this restaurant had chicken and waffles I HAD to try! I have had chicken and waffles I Pittsburgh and DC, so I had to try them southern style and I am sure glad I did! These were more "gourmet" southern as the waffle was a sweet potato bacon cornbread waffle with pecan butter and a bourbon reduction. I cannot even explain the flavor that goes on in each bite. It was truly incredible. The server recommended putting the butter on the waffle, then putting the chicken on, then putting the reduction on, so that's what I did. The only thing I wish I wouldn't have done is put the reduction on because by the last bites the waffle was dry, but still good! GET. THIS. DISH! My husband had the Market Jambalaya and loved it. He said the shrimp tasted so fresh and the dish had a nice spice to it. He also noted that it had the right combination of the taste of tomato paste and sauce. The only thing I was bummed about was bottomless mimosas only being available on the weekends, but everything else was top notch!
(4)
KAT t.
Deliciousness! We went here for a late lunch with a party of 11 and had a fabulous experience. It all began with the best hushpuppies. They were crunchy on the outside and soft in the middle and not too greasy. Everyone at our table had local low country cuisine and nobody was disappointed. My favorite was the chicken and waffles. These weren't just any waffles! They were bacon sweet potato waffles! Yes bacon PLUS sweet potato and they were delicious. The homemade butter (i think pecan or something like that) went on top and yum yum yum! We would all definitely recommend this restaurant. Location was great if you are shopping downtown and the prices were fair about $16 for a lunch.
(4)
Devin B.
This was a slam dunk. We came here for brunch and made two AMAZING decisions to start our Charleston day, bottomless mimosas for 12$, and chicken and waffles which was incredible. I've never actually had southern chicken and waffles, and this was a high-end amazing version that I never want to live without. If I can give you one tip for this place its don't cheap out. The chicken and waffles are 16$, and the mimosas (bottomless) are 12$, but its all so worth it. I'm pretty sure brunch for the four of us topped out around $130.00. But being buzzed on mimosas while you tour Charleston is perfect. I'll have dreams about these Chicken and Waffles.
(4)
Julia R.
Great lunch at Lowcountry Bistro! More food than I could eat, and it was all good! It's a bit touristy, but a perfect spot to grab a bite and tour around the market. I brought friends from out of town, and they enjoyed it. They had bottomless mimosas, and I had a delicious Bloody Mary with olives and shrimp!! The service was good as well.
(4)
Traci R.
The first wonderful thing is that bottomless mimosas are $12. In DC, you're paying $15 on a good day. AND our server never let my glass get empty. So that's three stars right there. But the food was good too! I got the Bistro Benedict. I thought it was just pork belly but OH NOOOO there was a crabcake too. I asked for extra hollandaise because that's how I get down, but I didn't even need it. Every bite was moist and wonderful. My mom got the Johns Island Heirloom Tomato BLT. She really liked it. Seemed like the tomatoes were huge slices but she enjoyed it.
(4)
Jon W.
Ate at Lowcountry Bistro for dinner during restaurant week. The Shrimp & Grits were amazing! The shrimp were large and flavorful with no fishy taste. The grits had a perfect consistency for me and the cheese flavor had great depth! The fried green tomatoes took it to another level!
(5)
Beata K.
Solid 4.5! The atmosphere is pretty laid back upstairs and is pretty spacious as the tables aren't close together (not sure about the downstairs). The menu has lots of different options but we went for the traditional southern items...shrimp and grits and chicken and waffles. The grist were some of the best I've had...they were creamy and a bit sweet and the tomato sauce/chunks it came with were perfection. The chicken was very well cooked, it was lightly battered so you weren't eating batter the whole time and the meat had nice spices on it which you could see underneath the skin. The waffle had sweet potato, bacon and pecans which was ahhhazing. Also got some corn bread which was legit the best tasting one I've had in a long time. The drinks were good too...not too strong which I tend to like.
(4)
Shabba R.
I'm not sure what more this place could do to make for an awesome Sunday brunch. The wait staff is all very nice and attentive. The food is incredible. They have a cheap all you can drink mimosa menu item. They have liquor. The prices are all reasonable. I'm updating my review in July 2015 after my first visit in April 2015. Our server on the most recent visit was a young woman named Hannah who was about as good as it gets when it comes to attentiveness and great service; I recommend asking for her if she's working. Anyway, my desire to write a review was inspired mostly by their ridiculous South Carolina Soft Shell Crab Benedict menu special (it's not on the regular menu, so it may not always be available). I posted a few pictures of it. It's a very unique item; it's a soft shell crab covered in polenta and rapid fried. Throw in some beans, cheese, tomato jam, poach an egg, dab it with hollandaise sauce with Old Bay seasoning. The thing comes out staring right at you, so if that kind of thing freaks you or your kids out, best to order something else lol. If you're not used to crab being prepared in this manner, which I was not, you can eat the entire thing shell and all, and it's juicy and tender enough that you can cut it with just your fork. Really a great taste, very unique presentation, absolutely delicious. I followed my meal up with about fifty mimosas and the white chocolate raspberry creme brule. Yeah, definitely went off the diet plan that day, but well worth it. On the second visit, my wife had the brunch burger, I had the Jambalaya Benedict and fried pickles app. Have to admit, after the softshell crab meal, I had set the expectation bar pretty high. Unfortunately it was not met by the jambalaya benedict. To be honest, it felt more like some excellently seasoned perfectly cooked eggs, on top of big wads of rice and some random steamed shrimp (with no seasoning whatsoever) and peppers scattered about. I'd have preferred to just have the eggs as an app and forget the rest. I can't recommend that meal. Fortunately my wife doesn't eat a whole burger, so I finished her second half of the brunch burger and it was awesome. Big chunks of goat cheese, pineapple and tomato cooked perfectly, tasty beef patty. The fried pickles app was also great. Light batter, excellent mustard taste. Again, we pounded the mimosas.
(5)
Stephanie S.
Pretty atmosphere. Lovely porch!!! Fantastic service. Fried Green Tomatoes were good. Crab Bisque soup amazing. Frogmore stew not good. The Frogmore stew was just a few slices of sausage and shrimp in a broth with corn. That's it. I was expecting more depth to the dish. They make a killer peach sangria!
(4)
Miranda D.
Two words; Bottomless Mimosas!!! 4.5 stars!!! Came for brunch last weekend - amazing food!! I ordered the pineapple nutmeg fresh toast! So good!!! The waitress was kind enough to share that it was more like a bread pudding, just in case I did not like bread pudding, So I could then choose something else on the menu. And to add bottomless mimosas to your meal was only an additional $12! Not too bad!! We definitely got our money's worth!!! My boyfriend and his sister shared the chicken and waffles and another meal. And they both said it was the best chicken and waffles they had ever had. Highly recommended restaurant for breakfast/lunch if you're in the area!! They do offer balcony seating - however, we came to find out it was more for two person tables. Just not a lot of space up there for a large table to sit.
(4)
Anna G.
Wonderful Sunday brunch! Had a 10am reservation and were seated right away. There weren't too many people there yet at 10 so we were lucky to get one of the few tables outside on the upstairs balcony. If you get a chance to sit at one of those tables, definitely take them up on the offer! We started with bottomless mimosas and I have never in my life had such attentive service with those. I don't think our glasses were ever less than 2/3 full. I still have no idea how much I drank exactly because they were always being topped off. For our entrees, we ordered: Chicken and waffle--A+! The bourbon reduction was awesome. Shrimp and grits--I've never really enjoyed grits, but I went for it here and super glad that I did. Perhaps I just needed to eat grits in the South. Either way, highly recommend this entree. This also came with some fried green tomatoes. Location is right across from the Charleston City Market, which was a great way to walk off the brunch after we were finished. As for parking, because it was a Sunday and still early in the day, we were able to find a free metered spot only 2-3 blocks away.
(5)
Benjamin R.
My wife and I came here for our first night out on the town in Charleston for our honeymoon. The food and service were terrific. This place has an extremely friendly and polite staff. I highly recommend checking this restaurant out. We shared a bowl of the She Crab Soup (an achievement of flavor in and of itself) and we shared the shrimp and grits (an interesting tomato-based take on the dish that did not disappoint). They charge $3 extra to split a meal, but we both easily got a full entree, which we could not finish. The only thing I did not like about this restaurant was no beer on tap, but that is a minor detail. Overall, go check it out. It's worth your time and the green in your wallet.
(5)
Richard A.
Visited Charleston on my way to New Jersey. My girlfriend and I found Low Country Bistro on yelp and it did not disappoint. And excellent selection of southern style food that was very good. We started with the fried green tomatoes that were excellent. They were nice and crispy with great flavor. It also came with cheese grits that were some of the best I have ever had, I'm not usually a fan of grits. The short rib was excellent and it came on a bed of pimento cheese infused mashed potato which was an excellent accent to the short rib. The short rib was flavorful and fork tender. It fell apart when you touched it. They also had an excellent selection of drinks and beers from local breweries. I highly recommend if you are in the area.
(5)
Mark P.
A nice place to grab a bite for lunch. We had the crab cake appetizer to start and it was good. We went ahead and kept with crab theme and ordered the crab melt and it was a great choice. I would say it was slightly overpriced but, not too bad.
(4)
Mike C.
I was on a very tight schedule the day I ate at Lowcountry Bistro (Friday, March 20, 2015). My conference had ended the night before, I was checked out of my "hotel", and I wanted to see Battery Park (White Point Gardens), the Aquarium, the Charleston Market and Patriot Point before my 8 PM flight. With breakfast out of the way, I knocked out the aquarium and White Point Gardens off of my bucket list and was looking to eat lunch before heading to Patriot Point. I will confess that Lowcountry Bistro was my 2nd choice. Luckily for me my 1st choice of restaurants had a 30 minute wait and time was of the essence. Therefore, I strolled into Lowcountry Bistro and was immediately taken in by its charm. I love a rustic setting, and the concrete floors and exposed ceiling joists are all favorites of mine. Not having even looked at the menu, I immediately knew that if I was ever in Charleston again, I'd be back. Since time was of the essence and the restaurant was fairly crowded, I opted to order 2 appetizers for lunch. Kudos to my server whose name escapes me for getting my drink ASAP and bringing my 1st appetizer to the table within 5 minutes or so. The shrimp and grits appetizer was a good sized portion and for just $1.00 extra, I got a fried green tomato served right in the middle of the dish. The grits were solid and the shrimp were some of the best I had in Charleston. Still not sold on the bacon sauce that accompanied it as it had tomato in it and I think the dish would have been absolutely perfect without it. But this is merely personal preference. The fried green tomato put this dish over the top, and the presentation was very good. For my second appetizer, I got the pork belly "bacon" scallops with jalapeno jam and mulled wine. The presentation of this appetizer was second to none and could have been featured on the cover of any food magazine. The scallops were seared just right and the jalapeno jam was not overpowering at all. The mulled wine was more of a garnish but I chose to dip a forkful of scallop in it and was quite pleased with the taste. High praises for the pork belly. This ain't no store bought bacon, but rather a delectable melt in your mouth smokey offering that will leave you wanting more. My server knew I was pressed for time and had my bill ready as soon as I was finished. I regret that I didn't have more time to sit and soak up the atmosphere of this cool bistro. One thing is for certain; and that's I'll be back.
(4)
Erin K.
Would have gone back again! Went for brunch. Delicious Bloody Mary with a grilled shrimp! Had the grilled watermelon salad on arugula, the Bistro Benedict with crab cake and a side of the bacon, sweet potato, cornmeal waffle. It. Was. All. Amazing!! Service was wonderful, every recommendation from our waitress was perfect. Will definitely go back!
(5)
Haynus S.
Decidedly average. I had heard nothing but good things about this place. Overall, I was very underwhelmed. The menu has fare typical for Charleston, and the food tasted good. Overall, however, it just lacked any type of pizzazz. Ingredients were all items I could assemble myself without much effort, and most of the bill of fare I can also prepare. Waitstaff was _not_ knowledgeable about the wine list. Dessert, however, was quite good--hope they don't lose their pastry chef. Dining room was _very_ loud, which did not make for an intimate dinner. To reiterate, decidedly average.
(2)
Mike M.
I struggle with this review. A. LOT. Starting with the good....the food was amazing. I had the lobster crab cake app and it did not disappoint - perfectly cooked. Then, the shrimp and grits - I could go on AND on about the grits topped with a perfect fried green tomato and 6 shrimp that were perfectly seasoned and not overdone. By far, one of the best shrimp and grits I've had in a while here in town. The service...well, I think they could work on the service a bit. It was all fine and good. The food came out quickly, but we didn't see a server for about 10 minutes after we sat down. Drinks took another 10 minutes. A number of times, we drank all of our waters and were waiting for refills. I bumped into a friend there who was sitting in another section after we were seated and they told us "the service is slow here." I'll certainly be back for the shrimp and grits, but just make sure I eat a little something before I go so my stomach isn't eating itself next time.
(3)
Matt M.
Fantastic food quality. Everything is made inhouse and uses only the freshest ingredients. Had the seafood paella and was amazed at the portion size and quality. An absolute must for anyone visiting the city!
(5)
Max R.
As a local to Charleston this was deffinetley the worst service I have ever experienced! First our hostess had no clue between 45 minutes and 2 hours! We waited about 2 hours and gaurenteed that we would be seated within 15 minutes multiple times, until we were finally seated! DO NOT TRUST THE HOSTESS HERE! Next once we were finally seated we were completely neglected by our waitress! This Resturant is not worth the wait I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS TO ANYONE!
(1)
Gary R.
I was in the mood for some low country food. The Lowcountry Bistro puts cuisine-spin on traditional low country food. I love shrimp & grits and have had it prepared many different ways. The Bistro's spin was unique with fried green tomatoes and a unique sauce. I also love good fried green tomatoes so I felt like I got a "two-fer" with this dish. Their unique grits also got points with the chives mixed in. I also had the She Crab soup as an appetizer. I grew up at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay with a mother who made her own. While the Bistro's version wasn't an equal to my mom's, it was a close second. I sat at a table adjacent to the bar and Patrick the bartender was my server. He was very attentive and the rest of the restaurant appeared adequately staffed. My only real complaint would be a lack of draft beers and a lack of bottled lager choices but other than that, I look forward to my next visit.
(5)
Jon O.
Stopped in here for a lunch and it was a great experience. We started off with some shrimp and gits and also put in a order for some cornbread. Be forewarned, the side order of cornbread is both huge and delicious. More than enough for two people. For a main course I went with the jambalaya which to be honest was good but tasted a little lacking on the spicey factor. I'll probably try another of their items when I get a chance to go back. The service was awesome as well. The place was packed but the servers were working at a frenzied pace and kept up with our drinks and got us our check in prompt order.
(4)
Allison D.
Out of all the cornbread we ate in Charleston (which was A LOT), Lowcountry's was our favorite. The shrimp and grits with fried green tomato was excellent, as was the pulled pork. The service was friendly and fine. Sit on the upstairs porch if you can!
(4)
Sean B.
Went for dinner, got the yellowfin tuna steak in the recommended medium rare finish. It didn't taste very good. Nothing really did. It was all "ok" but the prices were for "good" level food. There's better places to get nicer seafood at the same price all over town. Boom. Done
(2)
Ev R.
First. Our waiter was awesome. He was knowledgeable, attentive, and I watched him sneeze and wash his hands immediately! The food was awesome. We ate, shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, and the pulled pork. All of them were flawless and exactly what you want. We got a reservation on yelp and had no issues getting seated immediately.
(4)
Shawn F.
Stopped by here for dinner before our Cruise and was so delighted we found the Lowcountry bistro! Started with the shrimp and grits- delicious! Then we had the chicken and waffles and pork with mac and cheese and greens. Everything was delicious! We are from Atlanta where chicken and waffles are a staple, and the chicken and waffles here at low country are a sure contender. They waffle was cooked really well, soft and moist and the chicken was super juicy and the breading was delicious! Thumbs up!
(5)
Stephanie P.
Everything we had tonight was amazing! The swordfish, crab cakes, hush puppies, and even the burger my son had was delicious! First time I ever had collard greens in my life and I loved them. Service was terrific as well. I will definitely recommend and we will be back.
(5)
Kimber C.
I'm a fan because of the Bloody Mary! I got bacon in it and it was Delicious!! I'll have to remember this on a hangover day. The mixed drinks were pretty tasty too. The bartender Adam knows what he's doing. The mac-n-cheese was ok, cheesy. I'm kind of spoiled and love truffle oil in my m&c, but it was still tasty. My friend had the crab cake and she said it was with real crab and she really liked it a lot. The fried green tomatoes were great with the grits! I had the pulled pork sandwich with collards. The collards were very good with a slight kick. The pork was a bit dry though and that was disappointing. What wasn't disappointing though was the service. My waitress totally rocked. I felt at first a little judged by possibly the manager. I did sit at a 4 person table when there was just 2 of us. The reason is that I get a little claustrophobic. Fortunately for her, the place doesn't lose any stars because she didn't make me move. I would have left, so kudos to allowing the customer sit where they want. I've heard that Shelter in MP has made guest move tables. There is nothing wrong with telling someone they have to wait for a table if they want to sit in a certain area. Again though, the service and my waitress were awesome. So, because I was not asked to move and the service and drinks were great, I would go back again to try something else on the menu.
(4)
Jennie D.
A co-worker and I tried this place for lunch today. It wasn't the restaurant we were trying to eat lunch at, rather the place we ended up for lunch because we were too early for everyplace else. We were really happy to see that they began their lunch service at 11am, so this worked out well. We were first inside, and were seated in the window in the front. Our comfort level was diminished instantly upon sitting; a bit awkward, as the seat height of the bistro chairs do not compliment the low surface height of the table. If you're out to eat, you want to relax and you want to feel comfortable. My colleague had the ham and fried green tomato on a croissant, and said more than once that she thought it was very good. I had their club sandwich. Prior to the food being delivered to the table, our waiter addressed me and explained that they had yet to receive their bread delivery, so would I be okay with my sandwich being served on wheat bread instead of the white it normally comes served on. I was absolutely okay with what seemed a minor change until I tasted the bread, which was likely way more than 'day old.' It was in fact, falling apart. Both sandwiches were served with choice of potato salad or house made chips. We opted for water, given the temps outside... Aside from the bread not being fresh, lunch seemed satisfactory, but as we were leaving, my co-worker remarked "we can cross this one off our list." When I said that I thought she told me that she had enjoyed her lunch, she said "yes, but for $12 plus a tip, we can get a plain old sandwich anywhere on East Bay Street, Broad or Market. That's when it hit me that though filling, there just wasn't a lot of 'wow.' With Charleston birthing new restaurants on what seems like a daily basis anymore, creativity and uniqueness is necessary to stay alive...and keep your locals hooked on your style.
(2)
Norm A.
Open, cozy atmosphere. Upstairs outdoor porch seating available. Attentive, courteous staff. A variety of daily specials. Wife had the shrimp & grits, boys had the house club and chicken fingers, I had the humus plate. All delicious. Though we didn't have any cocktails, the list was long and included local microbrews. Cool spot. Reasonable prices for the area.
(4)
Jay M.
We had a great dinner here last night. The service was very good, with good recommendations and prompt. My wife had the crispy quail confit followed by the shrimp and grits. I had the pork belly pate followed by the Shrimp Paella. All the food was delicious, and we were glad to learn that the restaurant prided themselves in being a farm-to-table establishment with most food sources from farms within 30 miles. I'd highly recommend a visit! Not as fancy as some, but great food and good atmosphere.
(5)
Rhoda G.
When we arrived at Lowcountry Bistro, it was during the lunch time rush. We didn't have to wait very long for our table. Once we got settled in, I ordered some sweet tea with a cup of she crab soup and Frogmore Stew. My boyfriend got shrimp and grits as an appetizer and the jambalaya. We also shared some cornbread. The she crab soup hit the spot and the shrimp, sausage, potatoes, sweet corn & bacon sauce in the stew was delicious. My boyfriend liked everything he had. He thought the jambalaya needed more flavor, so he added some hot sauce. We both definitely loved the cornbread. We almost got 2 cornbread sides but 1 side is plenty enough to share. Perfect lunch time spot.
(4)
Heather R.
We decided to grab a bite while we were waiting for our hotel room to be ready. My husband jumped on Yelp and Lowcountry Bistro looked to be a popular spot. We were both disappointed. Our server, Matt, was nice and professional, but not supper menu knowledgeable. When I asked about sweet tea, the response from him and another server was that is isn't anything special, just made with sugar from a grocery store. Needless to say, I drank water! The dining room (first floor) was way to cold. The atmosphere is a little dark and nothing pops for a wow factor or color. The menu reads very well with a good selection. My husband had the shrimp and grits. He liked the fried green tomato most in the dish. I had a club sandwich. I asked Matt several questions before ordering and he got them all wrong... First, a classic club sandwich is a layered sandwich with three pieces of toasted bread. There version only has two. Second, it is classically served cold, not hot. I do not like hot sandwiches and specifically asked if the BLT and Club were served this way. Third, it is cut in quarters and pinned together. They cut it in half. As for the ingredients, the turkey was very nice, but there was only one small "end-piece" of tomato on each half of the sandwich. The bacon was not a high-quality thick slice. The potato salad is a little sweet for my taste, but nice and creamy and has great color. The home-made chips were way, way over done, almost a brownish-black color.
(2)
Michael C.
Waited 20 minutes after our reservation and left. Place wasn't even that busy but hostess took 10 minutes before even talking to us.
(1)
Joanna S.
The food here was really good. There were so many delicious sounding options, I couldn't decide what to get. The salads are very large, so don't think you can eat one after eating a whole appetizer. Their shrimp macaroni and cheese was amazing. The cheese sauce was creamy and perfectly salty, and it was loaded with shrimp. The atmosphere is also nice, and it's close to the main tourist spots.
(4)
Laura A.
I expected this to be a tourist trap, since it's located right on Market Street. Lowcountry Bistro is not. It has a vibe that is attractive to locals and tourists and southern food for any palate. I had the catch of the day - $15 for some of the best trout I have had in a very long time. My husband enjoyed the pesto scallops. We both devoured the fried green tomatoes. Our waiter was terrific and indulged my asking about the significance of the crescent moon and palm tree, which is on everything in South Carolina. He kindly gave me an excellent explanation of the Moultrie flag. Dinner and a history lesson! Cheers!
(4)
Gloria C.
We had the "Low country Paella". It was bland, no flavor. The rice was wet & soupy. Really horrible. The seating on the porch is nice but the chairs are like "ice cream parlor" chairs - uncomfortable. Nice location though.
(2)
Susan P.
Stopped in for a glass of wine & app before dinner.... Waiter was accommodating but brought dirty dishes for our appetizer. When it was brought to his attention he apologized & said "it happens to much here". First - dirty dishes; Second - waiter didn't notice and put them out anyway. LCB - you better get some quality control before someone gets sick!!!
(1)
Lan T.
I love this place! For $12 or something, you get bottomless mimosas for an hour...or more =) The menu is classic low country. The wait staff are amazing. They have amazing grits and fried green tomatoes...what else can you ask for?!?!?!
(5)
Kenzie K.
I have been to downtown Charleston so many times, having lived near by and visited on yearly vacations. On this trip we came across Lowcountry Bistro and I could not have been happier. We went for Sunday brunch and the menu was so great it took us a very long time to decide. We finally settled on our order, I had the Bistro Benedict, my dad had the Classic Southern Benedict and my mom had the Roasted Turkey Breast Sandwich. We all decided that these are easily the absolute best grits we have ever had. Even my mother who normally hates grits admitted they were delicious. Both benedicts were distinct, but delicious. The turkey sandwich was also fantastic. I will definitely return for more. I hope this place stays open for a long time. Right now it seems somewhat undiscovered and not too busy, but if all their food is as good as our brunch that won't be the case for long!
(5)
Sabrina T.
Visited this restaurant while on a road trip from FL to NYC. Loved loved loved the food and the service. The crawfish hushpuppies with the brown butter honey were perfect. The sweet potato fingerlings were great too. I ordered the frogmore soup at the waiter's rec and he did not steer me wrong. He also recommended good local beers. My friends enjoyed their entrees as well, the jambalaya and the chicken and waffles. If you are ever in Charleston, eat here.
(5)
Lauren T.
What a cute little southern gem. We came here for dinner one evening due to the high Yelp reviews, and once again, Yelp didn't let me down! My favorite item was the fried okra... So simple yet so delicious! The restaurant is quaint and laid back, and our waiter was super helpful. The menu has lots of unmistakably southern, home-cooked items that aren't too fancy or overly pretentious. Quite simply, Lowcountry Bistro is some good eatin'. It's also in a great location if you are near Market Street or the Market Pavilion. I didn't get a chance to try their brunch, but if I ever come to Charleston again, I am sure I will give this place another well-deserved shot!
(4)
N D.
Food and service were both great! We sat upstairs outside and almost got blown away, but it was really good food. Fresh and tasty.
(5)
Chris J.
Happened to walk by Low Country Bistro on S. Market on Sunday and figured we would try it that night. Absolute best decisions we made while in Charleston. Adam was our server - great guy and a true asset to the establishment. We had Fried Green Tomatoes and Roasted Sweet Potato Fingerlings to start off - both great choices. She had the Chicken and Waffle...which sounds odd and looked just as weird, but loved it. I had the Frogmore Stew with red rice. Without question, the best low country dish I have ever eaten. This place is apparently from the same owner that brought us 82Queen - another place we like to go. Given that it was 98* we skipped the outside are, but look forward to returning and eating on the balcony next trip. The atmosphere was relatively quiet and I feel they did a great job decorating the relatively small space. Wine list a bit small, but some great options. Given that they are only 2 months old as I understand it, they are on their way to becoming a destination in Charleston.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Jessica W.
My husband and I went for lunch (on a weekday). There was no wait and the staff was super friendly. I had the Fried Chicken and Waffle... It was SOOO good! The waffle was a sweet corn bread and maple bacon waffle- awesome! The chicken was cooked perfectly, with that super crunchy/crispy outside that you want from fried chicken. :) The pecan butter and Bourbon reduction syrup were the perfect things to build a perfect bite! This was an amazing version of chicken and waffles- I STRONGLY recommend it! Also, my husband got the Fried Flounder sandwich, and loved it. Make sure to check this place out when you're in, or even near, Charleston. :)
(5)Pat M.
We found this restaurant on yelp and were very glad we did. We had 5 of us for lunch and after a short wait we were very happy with the food and friendly service. My daughter and I had the Chicken and Waffles... I've never had this before but I'm betting it would be hard to beat anywhere else. Fried 1/2 chicken, sweet potato corn bread waffle with pecan butter and bourbon infused syrup.... absolute heaven! Great service, great food period!
(5)Dan B.
Stopped in for dinner this past week really looking for a good burger after a few days of seafood. We were told they had a good one so we gave it a try. Fair to say up front it was Friday night and we didn't have a reservation so the only available seating was in a narrow hallway at a bar type arrangement. Wasn't thrilled with that but was okay with it since we were walk ins. I wanted to hate this place from that moment cause no one came to take our order for about 10 mins. So we walked up to the bar and asked for a server and she sent one out a few minutes later. So now I wanted to hate it more. But we ordered and I just relaxed. When the folks beside us who came in well after us got their food before us, now I really wanted to hate it. But then the burger came.... Wow. Great burger in a seafood town! Thick, juicy, with both cheddar and pepper jack on a fresh brioche bun. Phenomenal burger done right. Had the side of Mac and cheese which was so good I could have eaten just that. Okay so I didn't hate it. I really liked it. The food was a 5 but the slow service/seating was the downfall for me to only rate a 4. Next visit I will make a reservation and if that changes things, I can revise my rating!
(4)Ali R.
My gent and I had Sunday brunch at the Lowcountry Bistro during our brief stay in Charleston. We both ordered coffee and the Market Breakfast. He also enjoyed a Bloody Mary and I tried the She Crab Soup. The service was fantastic and the food was enjoyable as well. Our food came out quickly but it seemed like it was sitting around for a while because it was lukewarm. The She Crab Soup seemed to have too much sherry but otherwise, the dishes and drinks were great. We will definitely return!
(4)Patty P.
Definitely recommend a reservation on weekends if you get there after 11. Loved the jambalaya eggs benedict, they use a rice cake instead of the regular muffin. Fried pickles were very tangy. Fried green tomatoes were pretty good too. Coffee was like water. Across from the central market, so you can go for a quick stroll if you have to wait for your table.
(4)Jack F.
I've gone back three times now for their Low Country Benedict and it never disappoints. They have a weird rule about "bottomless mimosa" that its only good for 1 hour...guess they had problems with that in the past? The coffee is decent, the service has always been pretty good too. Back to the main topic tho -- the Low Country Benedict. Its shrimp grits, pork belly bacon, home made biscuit, and perfectly cooked eggs. Try it. Eat it. Love it.
(4)Brian M.
Went to Lowcountry Bistro for New Years Eve dinner and my experience could have been due to the fact it was a holiday. First, the food was okay, nothing spectacular. I had the jambalaya. It was nothing special, especially since I found a bay leaf mixed in. I can understand perhaps finding a piece of shell from the shrimp, but removing the bay leaf should be a lesson in cooking 101. The other person in my party had the NY Strip, which was tasty (also had pretty good sauteed green beans). I did have a bourbon on the rocks and they weren't shy with the pour. The service could have been much better. Again, this might have been due to the holiday and no one wanting to be at work 3 hours before the new year. We saw our waiter 3 times and it seemed that was 3 times to many for him. I am not opposed to trying this place again, maybe for brunch and not on a holiday.
(2)Avery W.
Bistro Benedict with Crab cake and pork belly and grits and cheesy grits all atop a delicious bisquit.
(4)Erin D.
Great food, great service! The restaurant is small but quaint. I had the pork belly BLT with a friend green tomato and pimento cheese - delicious!
(5)Alyssia P.
Oh my gosh!! If there is one thing you ever need to eat in Charleston it's this places chicken and waffles. It will seriously change your life!! The chicken is fried to perfection with a light batter the waffles and syrup... Heaven!!! I don't know what they do to those but seriously if I had to eat one meal for the rest of my life this is it. My husband got the jambalaya and it was okay... But not even ball park close to the perfection on the chicken and waffles. The crab cakes were also pretty superb! Try this place I promise you will not be disappointed!
(5)Joe C.
Dinner with my wife while visiting Charleston. We shared the shrimp and grits app and next time would order it as the entree. My wife had the chicken and waffles. Waffle was a bit small and chicken was ok but the butter and syrup added to an otherwise uneventful dish. I had the frogmore stew which was very good and flavorful. We shared the bread pudding with praline ice cream for dessert and it was definitely a sharing size and finished off the meal nicely. We ate on the upstairs porch and it was very pleasant. Would go back again.
(4)Lorie K.
Awesome low country food! Great atmosphere, great service! Had the jambalya, not too spicy, just great flavor!
(5)Amanda A.
I do plan on coming back to try something different, so my stars may go up next time. Gluten free diners: they are accommodating with a separate menu, and while there is a decent selection, it would really be nice if they got in a gluten free bread or bun - there's a ton of "no bread" sandwich options, all they really need to do is keep some Udi's in the freezer and it would really help their menu selection. I got the LBs' Nachos, which originally come with tortillas, but with a GF option, they were served on house made chips. The house made potato chips were okay, they were heavily seasoned with paprika. The queso was good. The pork that came on it, however, tasted like it was old - maybe they cooked it a few days ago and then kept using it. Definitely didn't taste fresh. The spring lettuce mix served on top of the nachos definitely didn't go with it, and I ended up picking the lettuce off. I wouldn't order those again. My dining partner had the chicken and waffle. He said while it was good, he probably wouldn't get it again because there was too much going on - sweet potato bacon cornbread with pecan butter and bourbon reduction. Not at all bad, but it's a simple dish that he felt was too over complicated. They handled the preparation of gluten free food like a champ, so I would definitely be willing to give it another shot - I just hope the food tastes a bit more fresh.
(3)James J.
Brunch was disappointing. The food was okay, but nearly EVERYTHING has bacon in it. If you have special dietary limitations don't even consider this place. They are completely unwilling to assist. Even their waffles have bacon and they won't make fresh batter in a small quantity???? How difficult is that? Asked to sub some fruit in exchange for sausage, bacon AND "bacony"potatoes. We were told it would be a $2 up charge. Do they not know a few berries cost a LOT less than 3 meat items??? Additionally, my coffee cup was empty when the food was delivered to the table and remained empty until I was finished with the meal. I will NEVER return to this place. Really sad, because it's a great location.
(1)Kimber S.
Pulled pork tacos are very good The shrimps n grits very plentiful I wasn't a fan of the sweet potato salad but some of you may like it. All in all very enjoyable lunch with family!
(5)Amarys M.
My husband and I ventured out yet again, on the hunt for the perfect Sunday brunch. This trip turned out to be a failure to launch, unfortunately. The food was all very average. I ordered the Jambalaya Benedict and found the red rice cakes to be dry and devoid of flavor. The rest of the dish was acceptable but it was a bit disappointing overall. My husband ordered the boullabaise. He enjoyed it, but when I tasted I was not very impressed. My overall impression was great service, mediocre food.
(3)Kristin G.
The chicken and waffles and shrimp and grits are amazing!! So flavorful! Also loved the sweet tea mojito. Only complaint is the service is slow and our waitress went missing after delivering our food. The jazz music that was playing was also too loud and distracting. Would definitely recommend coming here for some southern comfort food
(4)Marnie S.
3.5 stars for food. 4 stars for service. There's lots of seating here, which is good, given the location. Fried green tomatoes were pretty good but the she crab soup was lacking in crab and maybe a little heavy on the sherry. Dessert was delicious, don't pass it up if you have room.
(4)Tracy G.
Today marked my second trip to the Lowcountry Bistro. I had dinner there this past summer and went back today for lunch. Even for a cold, non-touristy day in Charleston the place can get pretty busy due to it's location on Market Street. We were seated upstairs, which I do prefer to the downstairs area. If you get a chance to sit out on the balcony on a nice day, I highly recommend it. The service was very good though there was nothing that stood out to me. I opted for the choose two menu of a sandwich item and an appetizer- the Southern BBQ taco's and the fried green tomatoes- for only $12. The tomatoes were perfectly breaded and seasoned and paired nicely with the heap of bacon cheese grits that come on the side. My taco's, though good, were extremely greasy and the meat was room temperature and not hot at all. My friend ordered the crab cake and fried green tomato sandwich with a side of sweet potato salad. She liked the sandwich okay but was a little put off by the sweet potato salad. If it weren't for the weird addition of celery, it would have tasted like a cold version of sweet potato casserole. If you're looking for a good place to eat while visiting the market this is a much better and more authentic place than something like Bubba Gump's.
(3)Os H.
One of the best breakfast places I've ever been to. The food is very good and service is great ! Try the bottomless mimosas !
(5)Dr R.
Randomly chose this restaurant. Glad I stopped in. Its cozy. Attentive wait staff. Crab soup was tasty. Bottomless mimosas. Chicken and waffles were great. Glad I stumbled upon this place!
(4)Roger C.
Extremely friendly staff, along with great food. I had their flounder sandwich for lunch and it was the best flounder I have ever had. I now have a favorite restaurant for Charleston South Carolina.
(5)Kerry L.
We got here early and were seated at a tiny table in the middle of the room...felt a bit "on display". The waiter was fantastic, very knowledgable about the menu and willing to tell us all about his favorite entrées. We chose from the anniversary menu 2 for $22. You were able to pick from an appetizer and an entree. I had the spinach/strawberry salad and the mahi. My friend had the fried okra and the chicken and waffles. I didn't want the extra calories but, I have to say, I wish I splurged. His meal was out of this world!! If you go, think about the chicken and waffles.
(3)Allen C.
LCB is the perfect place to slip into for a snack and refreshment. The service was relaxed and helpful. We sat upstairs and were able to people watch the market below. There is a great selection of cocktails and bottled beer. The She-Crab soup was some of the best I have had in Charleston.
(4)Eric S.
Dropped in here when I couldn't get a table at Cru...thought I would be disappointed, but I was so wrong. The Shrimp and Grits appetizer was arguably the best app I've ever had...perfectly done and not the bland concoction some small kitchens put out. The entree, scallops with fingerling sweet potatoes were equally as amazing. I normally do not order dessert, but since the restaurant was batting .1000, I thought I would try and the chocolate mint creme brûlée was another perfect dish...not too sweet or too large. Great meal y'all... Highly recommend it over some of the more popularized dining holes in the Quarter....
(5)Staci T.
I really enjoyed our lunch here. Everything from the ambiance of the place, the knowledge and friendliness of the waitress, the music, everything! We started with the Bloody Marys which were outstanding. We ordered two of the southern favorites: shrimp & grits and chicken & waffles....yum!!! This is what I imagined when thinking of Charleston food.
(5)Brittany C.
I have been to LCB many times. I went with a large group the first time, we had a reservation, and our table was ready for us when we arrived. We were there for Sunday brunch. The bottomless mimosa's are great. We tried a number of appetizers, friend green tomatoes - which could have used some more slat and seasoning but were still enjoyable, southern biscuits & jam - great homemade biscuits and the jam is SUPER tasty, pork belly & scallops - I mean...do I need to even say anything about this one? It's pork belly....and scallops.....SO GOOD! As an entree I got the shrimp and grits. It is a less traditional style shrimp and grits but it is excellent! I order the shrimp and grits every time I go, the tomato bacon jam is to DIE for! The food has been very good every time I have gone. The only complaints I have are: there is a gentleman waiter who has waited on us in the upstairs dining room 2 times that we have gone. He is very pushy, rude, and quite creepy. If I get seated in his section next time I would honestly ask to be moved. He makes me very uncomfortable and makes my dining experience not very pleasant. My second complaint would be the consistency of their frogmore stew. Some days it is incredibly flavorful and other days the broth is bland and watery. On the good day's it's the best I've ever tasted. and on the bad days you leave disappointed thinking about how good it COULD be. All in all I would recommend Low Country Bistro to anyone. Great food, wide beer and wine selection, and very reasonable prices.
(4)Sheila B.
This was an ok restaurant. I ordered the chicken and waffles and a side of collard grand. The collard greens were strange. Too many stems and they were like sauerkraut. Too much vinegar, for me. Everyone was polite. We had to eat on the second floor, because some of my family arrived before we did and we wanted to join them. It's not a very big place, but nice.
(3)Christina R.
Amazing! We had the shrimp and grits appetizer and I had the crab cake sandwich... Wow!!! Kids had grilled cheese and chicken fingers, both devoured. Great service as well!
(5)Jeffrey S.
We had dinner at low country last night. The food was hit or miss. The pulled pork was sub par, lacked any smoky flavor. The sides were very good, the chicken and waffles were excellent. We also had the scallops app and the shrimp and grits app, both were mediocre. They didn't have draft beer but the service was very good. So overall, average experience. It's located right on market street near some more touristy spots so I didn't expect it to be all that great anyway but it was a short walk and the chicken and waffles were a nice surprise
(3)Julie L.
I highly recommend this place! I had quick, friendly service and delicious food. The food was presented in a gourmet fashion with a gourmet flavor as well! Our food was served to us very timely and was delicious!
(5)Ashley H.
This was a nice, cozy little place we stopped at for lunch. Service was a bit slow, but it wasn't a deal breaker. I had their fried green tomatoes, the fiance had their fried pickles, and we shared a basket of biscuits and jelly. I was impressed with the presentation of the dishes; they really made them beautiful for what they were. The jellies (I *think* they were strawberry and blackberry) were definitely homemade and went nicely with the delicious biscuits. I'm very picky about my biscuits, and LCB gets them just right! I will definitely be back to try their dinner menu.
(4)Mika M.
Everyone in Charleston raves about their Shrimp and Grits. It's a fact! I honestly think this place has a really strong dish though. It is more of an Italian-style presentation, and absolutely worth getting. We really enjoyed sitting up at the bar and our service was excellent. Everyone in the restaurant seemed to be having a great time and the food that came out of the kitchen looked fantastic. She crab soup was some of the best we've had, and I particularly enjoyed my eggnog cheesecake.
(4)Scott S.
My little brother and I took our girlfriends to this place for a dinner while I was in Charleston. All I can say was it was ok. My meal came out cold and in general there was a long wait to between placing an order and the food showing up. My girlfriends dish of salt rubbed duck was excellent and cooked perfectly. On the other hand my little brother ordered the scallops and they came out tasting so bitter and chemically that they had to be sent back. So overall, I have mixed feelings about the place and if I lived in Charleston I probably would not go back given the wealth of other options available.
(3)Becca W.
I got the cheese burger for lunch, and the best thing about the burger was the bun. There was way to much bacon on it for my taste. The chips and ranch were awsome, definitely the best thing on the plate.
(3)Karen S.
This is a must do if you come to Charleston. The specials were fabulous. The crab cake and shrimp and grits are a must have. Beer menu has local craft beers available in a limited fashion. There is a large moonshine menu.
(5)Ann H.
A bit of a disappointment. The shrimp and grits appetizer was good. The rest of the meal not very memorable. Had the She crab soup - I love crab but this was not to my taste. Also tried the lobster cake, Brussels and white fish. Everything seemed over salted. Very good waiter though - friendly and attentive.
(2)Larry P.
Seated right away, great service and lunch was excellent. My wife loved the shrimp & grits w/ fried green tomato. I had the pulled pork tacos which were very good.
(5)Tommy R.
Eat here our first night in Charleston. We were considering some of the more well known places for dinner but really wanted some Low Country food. LCB did not disappoint. My wife had the Shrimp and Grits (which were truly southern style, unlike others' take on the dish which turn out more like a creole gumbo-like dish). I had the Frogsmore Stew which was awesome. So glad we gave Low Country Bistro a try!
(4)Tricia O.
Awesome!!! Everything was delicious. The chicken and waffles were so good as well as the biscuits. Never tasted a better biscuit. My husband had the chicken Caesar salad and he loved it. The cheesey grits were yummy too! The service was impeccable. It was very clean and decorated very nice.
(5)Justin S.
Tourist trap. Over priced mediocre food. If you want authentic Charleston food, don't go here. The service was ok but the food was bland and the choices left something to be desired.
(1)Francesca J.
Great southern food with a gourmet flair! I loved the fact that they use local ingredients and prepare all items in house. I tried the lobster and crawfish stew which was creamy and delicious. The pecan pie was out of this world. I mean, thy have moonshine on the menu, how could you go wrong? Go here when you are in town!
(5)Julia W.
We had a fantastic lunch here, my second visit and it didn't disappoint. Chicken and waffles is a must try as well as the shrimp grits. Service was excellent, our waitress was so knowledgeable and informative, it made the whole experience even better.
(5)Trevor L.
The food was excellent, and priced well. The wait staff were very friendly. And at a time when many other Charleston restaurants had long lines and wait times, we were able to walk in and be seated instantly. However, they do accept OpenTable reservations as well.
(5)Erin W.
Went here mother's day weekend and this place was very accommodating of our increased reservation from 4 to 5 of us. They have outdoor porch/deck seating area with ceiling fans which was a beautiful environment to enjoy dinner. All the food was very flavorful and reasonably priced. We did order mussels as an appetizer and right away noticed they were overly salty (basically inedible) but the waitress was extremely accommodating and removed it from the bill. They had a delicious drink special (I want to say a bourbon watermelon margarita) for something like $6 which we all ordered and loved. Overall it was a great dinner, and would recommend it to anyone wanting to experience well priced, delicious southern food while visiting Charleston.
(5)Miranda n.
Great service amazing food and bottomless mimosas for brunch! Definitely a must visit in the market
(5)W. L.
Our meal at Low Country Bistro was the best we had during our recent visit to Charleston. There were many things on the menu that I was interested in, but I settled in on the seafood paella and my wife ordered the Frogmore Stew. Both were delicious. We started out with an order of the Crawfish Hushpuppies. You get six huge hushpuppies. I didn't taste much crawfish, but they were great. The service was also fantastic. I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a good low country meal near the market.
(4)Andrew R.
5 stars all the way! Simply one of the best foods here! Definitely the best!! Friendly staff, outstanding service, and "to die for" chicken and waffles!!!
(5)WD C.
OK....this may take a bit. Charleston, SC....THANK YOU. What an incredible restaurant....Food, Service & Ambiance. Food - Lucky enough to hit Taste of Charleston week. Starters: Wife had Lobster Crab-cakes with green tomato relish & southern remoulade & I had Fresh, local Pork-belly on cornbread with corn & Serrano pepper purée with sweet pepper jam.... both spot on perfect....Entrees: wife had fresh pan seared scallops with sweet corn & asparagus, truffled potatoes & blood orange beurre blanc....I had Chicken & Waffles.... Not just any chicken & waffles...but Sweet Potato Bacon & Corn waffles with pecan butter & bourbon reduction.....& the most perfect 1/2 a fried fresh chicken possible. Let the butter melt & pour the bourbon reduction all over everything....could die with a smile on my face. Deserts-Key Lime pie with raspberry drizzle & a Caramel topped cheesecake....both on home made graham cracker crusts. Service - Andrew was friendly.... but not fake. Made great recommendations (pork belly over tasty looking fried green tomatoes)....great call...though I am sure either would have been epic. Droped in at appropriate times....did I say friendly! Ambiance - Perfect mellow but not dead music in an industrial chic setting that was not contrived at all. Comfortable, real & fitting. What else is needed..... oh yeah..... the price fixe meal ($30 - Special Taste of Charleston week) came with a Glass of crispy Pinot Grigio for my wife .....& wait for it ..... the only Domestic/Macro American beer anyone should ever drink..... A Tall Boy PBR! And trust me....I am an American craft brew snob! BTW - Right down the street check out the Charleston Beer Exchange..... one of the most awe inspiring selections of beer anywhere. WAY TO GO CHARLESTON, SC!!! YOU DONE DID YOURSELF PROUD!!!
(5)Scierra W.
I came to Charleston on vacation a year or two ago and after a day at the market we found this restaurant and it looked good so we went in. We ordered a round of drinks, it took a bit for them to get to the table, but not horribly long at least according to memory, but that wasn't the issue for me. If drinks came in late, I might have given this 3-4 stars depending on the food. We ordered burgers and fries, a Classic American meal, and when the burgers came to the table they looked absolutely wonderful. Delicious. Looks can be deceiving. I wasn't particularly hungry, so I just started nibbling on my burger, and thus was spared the horror to come. However, my father was quite hungry, and took a giant bite of the burger. Not two seconds later, he spit it out. His burger was a deep red color. It was raw. The rest of us cut into our burgers to check how much they had been cooked, and discovered that our burgers were cold, red, and raw as well. That wasn't the worst of it. As my dad drank down the rest of his coke, trying to get the taste of raw meat out of his mouth, we called over the waitress and pointed out the obvious problem before us. She took the complaint back to the chef and, from my memory, the manager too, both insisted that the burgers had been cooked correctly. After this development, we decided to leave, our appetites most definitely extinguished. The manager agreed to not charge us for the food, since we were so dissatisfied with it, though still held the belief that the meat had been cooked correctly. We still payed for the drinks. Now, that was a year or so ago, so it might be that the restaurant is under different management and has a different chef, I hope so. However, I can't go back to this restaurant after such an experience. I hope it is different now, but even so, I would most definitely recommend another nearby restaurant instead.
(1)Kbw Scuba A.
I have this habit of hearing about, recommending , or choosing a place and it turns out poorly for the most part . This was NOT the case this time. My first time in Charleston, and the hubby could not remember where he had eaten before, so I mapped the area, and looked at several that popped on the map. I chose Low Country Bistro. We arrived about 30 minutes early but we were accepted with with no problem and were seated outside on the second floor. I asked for a special drink of theirs to be made differently, and was obliged with no problem. They actually wanted to know how it was, and it was excellent. It took their sweet tea mojito to an Arnold Palmer when made without the mint. My hubby ordered one my way for his second drink. We started with the lobster hush puppies and she crab soup. The pups were light on the lobster which was good for me as it is not my thing, but hubby could have used more. They were cooked perfectly and enjoyed. We also shared the soup and it was thick for my taste, but hubby liked it as is. I had the shrimp and grits and it was everything I love and done so well. Shrimp with tomato creole sauce on fried green tomatoes on cheesy bacon chive grits. Heaven! My hubby had a special that was a lightly battered bone in pork chop smothered with country sausage gravy over Yukon rosemary potatoes with the best sweet, sour, and spicy collards I have ever tasted. This would be a 4.5 or 5 if my shrimp had not been slightly over done. The service was sweet, charming , speedy, but not too much of any of those things. Would recommend and go back.
(4)Lee M.
Amazing dinner in a great location with fantastic service! Ben was great, suggested options, attentive and shared with us things to do in the city. The gumbo was amazing, as were both entrees, shrimp and grits with fried green tomatoes and crab cakes with collard greens. I had never had "greens"and was hesitant but they were prepared so well I LOVED them! Would recommend to anyone visiting!
(5)Anthony C.
First off let me start by saying their service was very good. We were promptly greeted by a friendly young gal, and she said you can sit anywhere you'd like. We took our seats and she gave us our menu. We went in for lunch, and it was the first meal of our vacation. We both got the 2 course lunch special for $12. I cannot recall what I got as my main course but I think it was a fried green tomato with cheese grits. I know I started with the she crab soup, which was not all that great and I wouldn't recommend it. My girlfriend got the pork belly BLT which was very well made, and I really liked the southern twist they put onto an American classic! It had succulent juicy pork belly that was full of flavor, and a fried green tomato. The portions on everything were huge. In all I would visit here again... and I would recommend the pork belly BLT. The other items were just mediocre... and again, they have good service!
(3)Chi Girl L.
Great chicken and waffles and I never eat that stuff and staff was amazing. Def recommend this place
(5)William L.
My wife and I happened upon this restaurant ( using Yelp, of course) on a trip to Charleston. We arrived for a late lunch. I enjoyed the North Carolina trout special and my wife had the shrimp and grits. We split the lobster sweet potato cake and really enjoyed it. All the food was good and well prepared. Even the low priced Chardonnay by the glass was good. I would definitely try this place again, perhaps for dinner.
(4)Avice L.
Went for dinner on a Saturday night. The restaurant was not busy, which I thought was strange. The sat on the piazza upstairs and the ambiance inside and outside was cozy and casual. My friend ordered the shrimp and grits and I ordered the spinach salad with shrimp. The shrimp was perfectly cooked in both meals, but the grits were a letdown and my salad was pretty bland. Service was very good and prompt.
(3)D. I.
Had the She crab soup. That was a bit thick for my taste buds. Ordered shrimp and grits appetizer. That was pretty good. I would have liked a bit more spice. Also ordered the frogmore stew. That was really nice and light.
(4)Ginny P.
We enjoyed the food very much. The one surprise was being charged for extra bread. That dampened our enjoyment a bit.
(3)Emilia L.
BF and I stopped here for a quick bite after wandering around downtown Charleston. Since we knew dinner was a few hours away, we opted for a few appetizers (see photos): Oysters rockefeller (fried oyster, spinach, tomato & corn salsa, parmesan cheese, herb dressing) Fried green tomatoes (white cheddar & country ham grits, sweet pepper & onion relish, herb aioli) Goat cheese fritter (sesame baguette with red pepper jam) So... the normal oysters rockefeller consists of oysters on a half shell baked with a concoction of butter sauce, spinach, parsley, sometimes bacon? LCB's variation was very interesting, because we were presented with a spinach salad topped with parmesan, cherry tomatoes, corn kernels and deep fried oysters. It was delicious though. The fried green tomatoes were also great, though a bit bland on their own. It definitely needed to be paired with the delicious grits. Great combo. I love anything goat cheese, so the fritter was a win in my book. I don't know why, but I was expecting more than one fritter. It's OK, though. The fritter was pretty sizable and went well with the baguette, though the red pepper jam was a bit off-putting to me. I think it was just too sweet. Our server was extremely sweet and on top of things. When she noticed me taking pics of the food, she offered to take a photo of us too. The bistro itself had several options for seating. You could sit downstairs, upstairs, or the patio upstairs. It was nice, light and airy. Very good place for lunch. Interesting fact... LCB was opened by the same owners of 82 Queen, which we dined at later that night.
(4)Eric P.
What a great lunchtime dining experience! My wife, 9-year old and I had a wonderful lunch here today. Our server Hannah was excellent: knowledgable and friendly. My wife is gluten- and dairy-free and Hannah answered all her questions. Low Country Bistro also has a separate GF menu to give to diners (a smart strategy). Hannah also answered my questions about their selection of local craft beer. I ordered the lobster & crab cake that was the lunch special. It was served over sweet potato purée and breaded eggplant in a red sauce. It was delicious! The cake was cooked to perfection and didn't contain much filler. My wife ordered the Mahi-Mahi BLT which was great. My daughter ordered a fried flounder sandwich that looked amazing. We could tell the fish was breaded in house. We would not hesitate to go back if we ever visit Charleston again! Great food, service, and atmosphere!
(5)Laura G.
Liked the outdoor seating after a long Chicago winter. Had a late lunch and we were seated immediately. We both had the she-crab soup, which was fully seasoned (w/ sherry already) and served with oyster crackers. I had the soft shell crab sandwich, which was nicely prepared and had a tasty sauce. The bun was light and flavorful. He had the ham and fried green tomato sandwich which he said was good although you may want to ask for more sauce on the side. Both came with homemade potato chips, which were seasoned nicely and not at all greasy. Very crispy and plentiful. The service was a little on the slow side considering it wasn't busy, but aside from that I would recommend it.
(4)Mackenzie K.
Incredible! The server team worked together flawlessly; our drinks never ran out! The salads are huge and filling, a great place for a fun, delicious lunch!
(5)Alicia J.
Went here with a large group of friends last weekend while visiting Charleston for a wedding. Even though every other restaurant we'd called ahead for couldn't seat us til 10pm, if at all, LCB came to the rescue seating us right away. The atmosphere was very welcoming and our server was very nice. We split several crab and shrimp stuffed fried green tomato apps that had us all contemplating ordering another round. Dinner was also delightful: I got the St Louis Ribs with Fried Mac & Cheese and Bacon Brussels Sprouts. My man got the Lowcountry Seafood Boil, and others in our party got Chicken & Waffles, Pulled Pork, Shrimp & Grits, and Jambalaya. Everything was amazing!
(5)Jordan D.
The Lowcountry Bistro was a perfectly acceptable meal. The she crab soup was delicious, and the shrimp and grits was an interesting take on a favorite of mine. The pulled pork with collards, shells and cheese, and cornbread was quite good, after a helping hand from the house barbecue sauce. The service was fast and we were in and out in an hour. The staff seemed a bit young and inexperienced but were acceptable. However the booth seating as you walk in the door on your right needs some work. When I sat down, the seat was moving like a swing set. Otherwise, good food, good atmosphere, just needs a little tlc.
(4)Dan W.
Chicken and waffles plus the berry lemonade and some coffee. Came for lunch after it just opened and had no need for reservations... Service was attentive, hostess and the waiter didn't seem the southern friendly type. Food good. Delicious. Good size portion - I wasn't hungry for anything else afterwards. Waffle made of sweet potato. Alcoholic Berry lemonade not as strong as would have liked. Lowcountry Bistro is the sister(?) restaurant to 82 Queen, or same owner or something.
(4)Amanda C.
Food was delicious. Service was poor. Ordered bottomless mimosas, our server gave us one glass... And we waited forever on coffee while we watched our server hang out with the other servers...
(2)Lara C.
This place was our favorite meal out during our few days in Chaleston. It's a newer resturant so there aren't as many reviews but don't be turn off because of that!!! You will not be disappointed! Fried green tomatoes, chicken&waffles, and shrimp&grits were all three AMAZING!!!
(5)Danielle C.
I've only visited charleston once but this restaurant made we want to return at least once more. I had the scallops and they melted in your mouth. Everything was farm to table and you could tell. My friend had the shrimp and grits and he loved it too! All around best meal I've had in a long time.
(5)Amy M.
After having to walk out of a horrible restaurant (Henry's ) , we walked across the street and found this wonderful gem. I felt like I was in my grandmothers kitchen waiting for dinner . We were greeted when we first walked in , seated immediately and was served by a lovely young lady. I was amazed at the menu, all locally grown farm to table . The waitress told us they are a Sister restaurant to 82 queen. I had the fried green tomatoes with butternut squash grits and some sort of aioli over it. So so amazing , I am still thinking about it a day later. I wish I would have ordered 2 ! My father ordered the rainbow trout with butternut squash pure and green beans. We both agree.. This has been our favorite restaurant on our trip. You leave feeling satisfied , not overly stuffed. Please please check them out !
(5)Maureen H.
Quaint. Shrimp and Grits great, Mussels were cold. When we sat down the server spilled all of the water, most of which landed on one of our party. Pants were still soaked when left. Not to mention it is cold out today and we were planning on doing a walking tour after. We know things like this happen, but for there to be absolutely no offer of a free app or meal was shocking.
(1)Robyn R.
We ate here for lunch during our recent trip to Charleston, and it was Delics. We split the sweet potato fingerlings app, Fried Flounder Sandwich with mac & Cheese and Crab Melt Sandwich with broccolini - all amazing, but the standout was the Flounder Sandwich. A MUST if you like this type of dish. I also had the Sweet Tea Mojito and it was super yummy!
(4)Emmy G.
Your favorite southern comfort food done right. The breakfast sliders were substantial but not greasy, and the fried green tomatoes were breaded gently, not beer-battered (thank god). The parm grits were not too salty, and we wanted to order a lifetime supply. Even more surprisingly, the pork belly appetizer special came in a sauce that was buttery, lightly sweet, with a kick on the back like they secretly made it with a drizzle of jalapeño oil. For a couple of foodies from San Francisco and Seattle, this bistro was a welcome surprise. (Added bonus: they serve liquor on Sunday, including my personal favorite Veuve de Verney brut rose by the split!)
(4)Candace C.
We were only moderately pleased with the food at Lowcountry. The shrimp and grits are drowned in a tomato sauce. The fried chicken looks more like a fried quail. Our server was terrific.
(2)Donna B.
We were very impressed with the Lowcountry Bistro. The she crab soup was excellent! My husband and I both got the Frogmore Stew. It was delicious. Beautiful shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and lobster hush puppies in a great light sauce. The server was very good but we did wait longer than we should have for the food. It was well prepared so it was worth the wait. We will be back.
(4)Parker K.
Quality food. But I give it two stars for amount of $$ vs. serving size and quality. I spent $17 for a lunch that I left still hungry.
(2)Melissa D.
Stumbled upon Lowcountry Bistro on South Market late at night when most other restaurants were closed. Boy, were we glad we found this place! The food was excellent!!! As a Northerner visiting the South, I don't think I could have had a better shrimp and grits experience in Charleston. My husband had the seafood paella, equally as delicious. Our entrees were very reasonably priced. We definitely will return to Lowcountry on our next trip to Charleston!
(5)Ron N.
The Stuffed Flounder was great! but the cioppino was fair. Gave them a coupon and was charged full price. Could have been an honest mistake. The most annoying thing about the restaurant was the front door. It would not close and kept blowing open. A young hostess, maybe age18, would ignore the open door walking by it. The customer closest to the door must have gotten out of his seat 5 times. When he left the next table inherited the job. When they left I was the closest and closed it 3 times. We told the hostess to do her job and not look the other way. We may go back there but they really need to fix the door issue. There are too many other good places in Charleston.
(2)TaÃsa N.
Food was on point, one of my best experiences with southern food. Had a taste of the chicken and waffles, jambalaya, and the pork with collards and mac and cheese. Absolutely delicious.
(5)Stephanie J.
Finding vegetarian food in the south is always tricky. The low country bistro had quite a few options so I went for a Sunday lunch. The corn bread and sweet tea was delicious. It's a small restaurant so make sure you make a reservation to avoid a wait.
(4)Jessica B.
The food was delicious and so fresh! The presentation of the food, attentiveness of the waitors, atmosphere was absolutely fantastic. Their chicken and waffles are perfection. It is bone-in chicken, which was so moist and delicious. The waffle could be a tad bit thicker, but the flavor was superb! Their shrimp and grits are the best! The portion size is quite large, so come super hungry or be prepared to have a take home box. They are parm grits with fried green tomatoes, shrimp and a relish on top. I would highly recommend this place to anyone in the area for a real taste of Charleston.
(5)Skye C.
I had the Carolina crab melt. THIS IS as good as this sandwich could possibly be ANYWHERE. The fresh made English muffin (light and airy), topped with the fried green tomato, (which completely MADE it) then a poached egg; the sauce.... drool worthy. I was told it's actually their she crab soup that has been thickened. Sooooo good. I think my bf had the market burger. Whatever it was, he was enjoying it. My sandwich was so good, I couldn't concentrate on anything else! I did the lunch special where it was half ( I know I couldn't have eaten a whole one),with a salad (better than most places, fresh, perfect amount of dressing, light). We also ordered the ultimate bloody mary. I posted a picture of it. pickled okra, a green olive, and a shrimp come skewered with. One more shrimp on there and it could have been an appetizer! $10 each, but really worth it. It's right next to the market. We sat on the little balcony upstairs. Definitely a place I will come back to again.
(4)Christian W.
Went there a few months ago while on vacation, and can't let them off the hook. Worst 'risotto' ever. Laughable 'shrimp' on top, truly earning their moniker. Terrible She Crab soup. J ust don't serve it if it's like that. I've seen spackle that was more viscous and soupy. The lobster crab cake was good and sizable for lobster, and the fried green tomatoes were ok. But those were the only redeeming qualities They served the restaurant week menu for a steal of a price, but I would pass on the restaurant all together rather than save those few bucks. To add insult to injury, the metal ductwork was dripping condensation on our table all night and there was really no solution. Confirms the rule to never eat at a place facing the main tourist stop. Shoulda known better. Fool me once...
(1)Joe B.
Stopped in here while in Charleston. Didn't really know where else to go and the menu here looked decent so we gave it a shot. The hostess said no more than a 20 minute wait and she called us in 15 !! Very cool old looking bar when you walk in. we were seated upstairs. Place was fairly busy which I took as a good sign. I was tossing around a few of the menu items and wasn't sure which I wanted. I asked the waiter his opinion and he suggested the fried flounder sandwich. I was a little hesitant because these sandwiches are usually pretty plain. Not here!! First off, it was huge!! Nestled in a nice piece of French bread. It was battered not breaded. But it wasn't that heavy greasy batter you might normally see. It was crispy and tasty. They put some cooked onions along with a nice tartar sauce and bingo!! My wife had the turkey with cherry aioli, onions, lettuce and tomato. Very nice!! It turned out to be a very pleasant surprise!!!
(4)Todd W.
Excellent and interesting southern food. Great staff, plenty of seating, enjoyed our meal.
(4)Meredith V.
I tried the Lowcountry Bistro for lunch with a friend. Their two for $12 deal, an appetizer and a choice between three select entrees, is certainly a good deal. The fried green tomatoes were pretty delicious and the white cheddar and country ham grits were tasty. The pulled pork tacos were cold though and the sweet potato salad was a chilled version of a sweet potato casserole with the addition of celery, which was much too jarring for my taste. All and all a mixed experience...
(3)Elizabeth H.
This restaurant was wonderful! My sister-in-law and I went during Restaurant week and had the four course meal. The restaurant was a farm to table place. The decor matched the farm to table idea. We sat upstairs which was nice and warm on a cold night. The service: our waiter was very attentive to us and gave us great recommendations. The food/drinks: both my sister-in-law and I started with a nice red wine. Next, I had the she crab soup. In fact, if I were at home I probably would have licked the bowl clean but alas we were not at home. Main entree consisted of chicken n'waffles for me. It was a huge portion of chicken with a cornbread type waffle and a syrup that was divine. Oh, I was getting stuffed but dessert was still yet to come. It too was delicious. When we left we were happy to make this find and would happily go back when we are back in Charleston.
(5)Emily B.
Great food. Amazing meal. Service with a smile. We had the she crab soup, chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits and ultimate bloody Mary's. Everything was superb! Our waitress, Karsen, recommended all of the best items on the menu. She was just cute as buttons. We will definitely be back next time!!
(5)Junior R.
We ate at LCB twice we were so impressed with the lunch! The housemade chips with old bay are awesome we had to get them both times we went. The LCB nachos with the housemade chips are excellent! plenty of chips with pulled pork and chesse and topped off with nice nacho toppings! The shrimp and grits were amazing the grits definitely stole the show for me as they were just awesome bite after bite with the tomato sauce on top. We also had the crab soup here and it was also very good! Everything we tried at LCB was great full of flavor and reasonably priced! We had great service both times and I would Highly recommend this spot for lunch or dinner
(4)Amanda O.
The shrimp and grits were great! The grits were cooked perfectly and the shrimp was so fresh and delicious. Perfect little meal after a carriage ride. Server was very nice and attentive. They offer patio seating which I would have loved to take advantage of if it were a bit warmer.
(4)Kathy C.
After the yelp build up we thought our meal would be good here but all four of us found it lacking. We had the grits tasting to start and that was really good. From there it went downhill. I had the duck confit omelette and the duck was very hard to chew and when I looked at it it looked like duck breast not shredded confit from the leg. My husband had the shrimp and grits and he said he had better at other places. My neice had the crab cake benedict and she said the crab was totally inedible. My neice's husband, who is a chef, had the pork belly BLT and he left most of it. All in all we didn't like the restaurant at all.
(2)Ryan J.
Complete tourist trap! $200 meal for 4 people and the worst seafood I have ever eaten in a restaurant. Pre-cooked shrimp in the cioppino? Don't waste your money.
(1)Gabriel G.
Very well done, the food had very fresh ingredients, large portions, and clearly layered flavors. I went during brunch on a Saturday, the space was small but not over decorated. The seating is a bit small but comfortable with my party of 4. They had good music at a low volume and the other guests were quiet . I have to say the over all experience was great (food, speed, and setting). I would come back to try different dishes.
(4)Haley I.
Love! Love! Love! Lowcountry Bistro is my favorite brunch spot downtown. We've never had to wait for a table and the bottomless mimosas are always a nice touch to any brunch. You also can't go wrong with anything you order. I haven't disliked an item yet.
(5)Dawn E.
Stopped in for a light lunch. Had the appetizer shrimp and grits which was delicious.
(4)Zulay V.
we really enjoyed this place! our server was such a nice guy, very helpful in recommending dishes as well as telling us a little bit about Charleston. we got the fried green tomatoes which were delicious, as well as salads with grilled chicken and one of the fish dishes. All very tasty, as were the cocktails
(5)Molly J.
My fiance and I had made reservations here well in advance, but weren't that hungry upon arrival. We decided to get a couple of drinks and appetizers. We got the mussels, the crab & spinach dip, and the sweet potato fingerlings. Everything was divine except for the mussels, which left something to be desired. They weren't necessarily bad, but compared to the other two apps they definitely lacked in powerful flavor. Another comment I have is that our waiter was rather lackluster. He paid way more attention to his other tables-- not sure if it's because we only got apps or what (although we still spent as much money as we would have with actual entrees). Not sure if we'll visit again, but the sweet potato fingerlings were positively magnificent!
(3)Gwendolyn F.
This was such a pleasant surprise. The staff (Bethany) was great and the food was awesome. I had the Lobster and Crab Cake special, my brother had the Shrimp and Grits and my son had the kid's Macaroni and Cheese. The presentation was great, the ingredients were fresh and everything tasted amazing. You could tell that they take pride in what they present and take no shortcuts. We only ordered a beer and a glass of wine, but the bar menu was extensive. They had great bourbon choices. I travel to Charleston often and this restaurant has already become one of my favorites. Unless things change, I will visit them every time I come. And for fellow moms/dads/families, they are kid friendly.
(5)Janine B.
We came in on a whim. We didn't really have time to check Yelp as we needed to eat quickly as we had somewhere to go. I ordered a cocktail, which was scrumptious ! I can't recall the name but it had strawberries in it. I ordered the crab cake which was wonderful, just full of fresh crab. I then had the fried green tomatoes with grits & it was phenomenal. My husband had a BLT with homemade potato chips. He really enjoyed it & I tasted the chips which were good. We were served quickly & our food came out fast & our server was very attentive & helpful. This will be on my list to return to again when we are back in Charleston.
(4)Brian S.
Delicious!!!! We just took the recommendations of our waitress for lunch and the food was outstanding. Quick friendly service and nice casual atmosphere.
(4)David Z.
I was really looking forward to our visit, but let down immensely! The staff was horrible. We sat there for what seems like forever and NEVER seen our server. We walked out without ever getting waited on. Not good.
(1)Tracey W.
The food and service were spectacular! Loved it!
(5)Rowca R.
Uneven. My wife enjoyed her shrimp and grits. However my paella was disappointing, but I should have known better and ordered jambalaya or the waffle and chicken. The atmosphere was OK but the service (Adam) was excellent. Our order arrived warm but not hot.
(3)Will B.
The Southern Cioppino was great - not too much food. I highly recommend the Westbrook One Claw to drink.
(5)Quincy S.
Tl; dr: Good service, average food. As the sister restaurant of 82 Queen with a 4 stars on Yelp, I have to be honest and say I expected a little more from LC Bistro. Ate here on a Friday with my parents as they wanted something southern and close to their hotel and I was far from blown away. I had the chicken and waffles and thought it was all a bit dry, even with the syrup. Waffle was small and flat and the chicken almost seemed more breaded that fried. Maybe I made a mistake by picking that entree. I will say that my mom and step dad enjoyed their meal, hence the 3 stars instead of 2. They split the crab dip and shrimp and grits and even though the bites I had of those were good, it cant reverse my disappointment with the chicken and waffles. Good luck to this place, its in a great spot and is probably better than most of the other places on the market, but I doubt Ill be back.
(3)Tyler W.
Had the fried green tomatoes appetizer. Chicken and waffles. Shrimp n Grits. I would recommend all of them again. Price was reasonable. Good portion size. Good sweet tea. Good service who put up with picky in laws in our party as well as our 2 small children. Really good spot right in the middle of touristy market area. No real complaints unless I really want to nit pick the food. Shrimp was a touch over done, seasoning was a little under for my liking, fried green tomatoes that accompanied the shrimp and grits were a touch soggy. .... but like I said all very minor things and overall a delicious meal.
(4)Darren L.
Popped in for a few apps. It was super charming and a nice escape from the craziness of the Charleston market vibe. Had pretty good service and the food was very good. Fried green tomato's,pulled pork nachos and sweet potato / maple bacon /fingerlings. Yum. Next time we will have to stick around for dinner. Looking forward to it.
(3)Amanda J.
The food here wasn't perfect, but it was very, very tasty. We sampled from the restaurant week menu, and got the house salad, fried green tomatoes, southern tacos, and the oyster po boy. Paired with a Bloody Mary and bottomless mimosas we are very happy campers. Would recommend to fellow travelers while walking around Charleston for a casual eatery. Especially for restaurant week - you really can't beat an appetizer and entree for $10!
(5)Alex T.
Brunch for days. Do it. Unsure about dinner, so sit upstairs and enjoy the view for brunch as the sun softly shines in on the hardwood interior of this quaint area.
(5)Leah G.
So delicious. One of the best restaurant week menus I've experienced. Good service, awesome food, cute atmosphere. Highly recommended!
(5)Audria M.
Reserved a table upstairs for our large group. Nice ambiance. We enjoyed the specialty cocktails served in mason jars first (I think mine was called 'Harvest Moon'?), then I shared a hush puppies app with my husband. Very good! He ordered the sugar and salt rubbed filet while I had the famous shrimp and grits. We both enjoyed our entrees, but I wish mine wouldn't have had so much tomato chutney (sort of like marinara sauce) on it... However that's my only complaint. The shrimp, grits and fried green tomato made a lovely combo. :)
(4)Max S.
Great southern restaurant. Terrific chicken and waffles. The biscuit appetizer is a must have.
(4)Varun S.
fried chicken and waffles
(5)Abbie F.
We went there for brunch during restaurant week. The options were all good. I loved my salad and fried green tomatoes which were amazing! The sandwich was pretty good and the sweet potatoes were amazing!! The servers were overwhelmed because there were so many people but numerous things were forgotten which was a bummer. I would good back if I was in the area in the future.
(3)Reeder J.
This place was awesome. Great view from the porch upstairs. Best Shrimp and Grits I tasted while in Charleston. Scallops were good too. I'd highly recommend checking this place out for a meal while your visiting. Fairly inexpensive as well.
(5)Andrea I.
This was the second time I've eaten here - and it did not disappoint. As a local, I really appreciate great farm to table restaurants. The service was great and our meal was fantastic. The crab cakes tasted so fresh I would have sworn they had crab pots sitting on their back porch!
(5)Carol S.
Service was good. We were there after the holidays and it was not busy. Bloody Mary was very flavorful and not too spicy. Cinnamon roll French toast casserole tasted more like a bread pudding and less like a cinnamon roll or French toast -- not what we expected so we probably wouldn't order that one again. The omelet with pork nelly, Gouda and spinach was savory. I enjoyed the buttermilk biscuit most of all! Ended up taking my bacon and some of the Gouda and eggs and making my own little breakfast sandwich. Oh!! And the grits...superb! Might be the best I've ever had
(4)Taylor O.
Food was absolutely amazing! The grits, mac and cheese, crab cakes - amazing! The service however wasn't the best. Would definitely go back for the food!
(4)Michael F.
Great place for a casual meal. The wait staff is friendly and very attentive. And the food is absolutely delicious. The shrimp and crab stuffed flounder is wonderfully prepared and flavorful. And the accompanying succotash is very good (and I am not a fan of succotash). I particularly found it refreshing that the portions were reasonably sized.
(5)STEPHANIE L.
My husband and I enjoyed Brunch last Sunday at Lowcountry Boil. It's right on market street. We had the tiny table that faced out on to the street. Our brunch was delicious. Incredibly fresh, great flavor, and not to rich. We both enjoyed their delicious bloody mary's as well. I would recommend this as a great brunch spot! I had the crab cakes, and my husband had the bendict with the crab cake. I can't remember the name.
(4)James M.
Great restaurant. Yummy drinks. The Chicken and Waffles is outstanding. If you are looking for southern dinning and a casual atmosphere this is the place.
(5)Melanie L.
Chicken and waffle was great! Collard greens were amazing! Shrimp and grits were very tasteful! We enjoyed our meal very much! The sweet tea was great too. The location right by the market area made it easy to find. The service was good and attentive. They were knowledgable about their food- it was all local aside from the kiwis.
(4)Maria W.
We had a group of 6 eat at this delicious restaurant! Everyone's food looked wonderful and from the smiles on everyone's face the food was wonderful! The fried green tomatoes were very tasty and great plate presentation. (We had fried green tomatoes at many restaurants on our visit but Lowcountry Bistro's was the best!) We had the chicken and waffles for our entree, which was the best I have ever had. The house made butter and syrup just topped it off all so well! Our waitress was informative about the menu, made great suggestions, and was so kind! She split our checks up how we asked as well! We do not reside in Charleston but when we do come to visit again we will definitely be coming to dine at this wonderful restaurant again!
(5)Najula J.
Stop by for quick appetizers on our way to dinner. We ordered sea scallops on pork belly and a crab cake. I adore the farm to table concept but would prefer my sea scallops not look like bay scallops. We enjoyed 3 itty bitty scallops atop in house made pork belly. Flavors were right on, nice and salty, I was just left looking for the rest of my scallop. That was my last crab cake in Charleston. (I say that now, but I am sure I'll try another before Sunday evening). Too mushy for my liking. Perhaps too much mayo? It was decent. I could not say, "didn't like it",but I will not rush back for another. I wish I had gone with the special.
(3)Ralph M.
Everything was exceptionally good. The only exception was the biscuit that accompanied my superb omelette. The biscuit was only average. A definite place to go for Brunch!
(4)Jennifer H.
No stars for this place. We went there expecting great food. The first entree we ordered, stuffed flounder was served with spoiled crab meat stuffing. Ordered another entree and another drink while waiting. The entrees came and my friend received the wrong dish. Rather then wait for entree #3 I said would eat her cioppini. First bite of fish was good. Tried a mussel and it was spoiled. Decided I was done ordering. Bill came and no discount for any of it. When we said something to the waitress she took the $118 bill to her manager and came back and said he took 25% off but the bill was still $105. Left hungry and very angry. Will never go back.
(1)Matt S.
Great location right on Market Street. Walked right in and got seated upstairs. All 4 of us really enjoyed our meals. I had salt & sugar rubbed choice filet of beef, blackberry port reduction, bacon brussel sprouts, smoked gouda & dill yukon potatoes. We started with the fried green tomatoes. Filet was cooked just right, and the blackberry port reduction added a little sweetness that was very tasty. I'd go again anytime, but there are so many places to try around the Holy City!
(5)J S.
My family and I went to Lowcountry Bistro for an early Friday night dinner. We had a reservation and even though we showed up early, we were still seated immediately. The service was generally good and our server was very attentive despite some seating snafus that couldn't be helped. We started with the Crawfish Hushpuppy appetizer which was tasty and large enough to share among 4 people. Based on the recommendations of others on here, I ordered the She Crab soup as an entree. It was delicious and the bowl portion (only $1 more than the cup) was substantial. Everyone was very pleased with their entree choices with one exception. Someone in our group ordered the Seafood Paella and noted that the portion size wasn't very large and there wasn't much of the whole seafood that makes paella paella. The highlight of the meal for us was the crab cakes entree and the apple bourbon bread pudding. All in all, we had enjoyed a really good meal and would come back again if we needed a safe bet for casual dining in Charleston.
(4)Sydney G.
We had a really great experience. Our waitress was friendly and attentive and the food was great. Loved the LB's Nachos--Pulled pork on fried flour tortillas with cheese. DELISH. I'd definitely order that again. Also loved the fried green tomatoes and the crab cake. I ordered the pulled pork entree and it was quite good. My date ordered the chicken and waffles, and absolutely loved it. Our friend ordered the special glazed pork chop and thought it was delicious as well. The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the grits. But other than that, it was stellar.
(4)Mike F.
What a place. The simple three word review: "Chicken Waffles Awesome:-)" enough said. ps. the service was great, and the wife's food looked (and tasted) great too!
(5)Hillary C.
Timing of food for a party of 9 was a bit off buy overall the wait staff was very helpful and pleasant. The food was somewhat mediocre.
(3)Ryan K.
Crab cakes and seafood stew were excellent. Place is a little small and noisy but he good food made it all worthwhile.
(4)Catherine L.
Came here on the last day in Charleston that was cold and wet. The service was good. My cousin had the bottomless Mimosa costs $12 (only for 1 hour limit). We ordered 2 appetizers -lobster hush puppies ( not so good coz can't taste the lobster) and pork belly scallop (fresh and delicious). Chicken with waffle is outrageous delicious. The Frogmore Stew was good. The shrimps are fresh and big. I am glad I came here... Highly recommended.
(4)Riley B.
My family went here while on vacation in Hilton Head Island. We drove two hours to Charleston to eat and have a day on the town, and we stumbled upon this restaurant. The restaurant has a very nice atmosphere and is very clean. Whatever you do- GET THE LOBSTER HUSH PUPPIES. OMG. They are fabulous. Also, the She-Crab soup is the best we've had. Ever. The chicken and waffles are absolutely delicious. It comes with a bourbon syrup and pecan butter which goes freakishly well with the fried chicken and the sweet potato bacon waffle. Very good quality. However they messed out ticket up.
(4)Sion M.
Had She Crab Soup, classic eggs, and bistro benedict. The soup was good. Classic eggs entree was ok until I saw the bacon. The croissant and the egg was good but the bacon. The bacon was really dry and cold defiantly NOT fresh. I told the waitress and she said it was despite what three customers could obviously see and taste. Bistro benedict has a nice presentation...i said it all. IT HAD A HORRIBLE CRAB CAKE, seemed spoiled. The glass of water 5 as Ted really good though... Do not recommend.
(1)Captain B.
Super friendly staff with great food. We had the she crab soup, jambalaya, and chicken and waffles, all of which we loved (the crab soup was my favorite). The staff was friendly and attentive. The atmosphere is casual.
(4)Marie B.
I often think of this place and wish we lived closer! The Fried Green Tomatoes are AMAZING! We take a trip to Charleston once a year and this I a MUST stop for us. Everything we ate was so yummy. My husband got fish tacos. They were perfect. Our server was super friendly and made us feel like home. We'll be back again, but not soon enough.
(5)Kendra C.
I was determined to have shrimp and grits while in the South. I'm glad this is the place I chose to have that experience. I had the shrimp and grits appetizer and the fried green tomato and crab cake appetizer. It was wonderful. The shrimp, which was well seasoned, and grits (cheese included) were topped with smoked tomatoes. The crab cakes were perfectly breaded and seasoned and were paired well with the fried green tomatoes which were also perfectly breaded and seasoned. The sauce served with the crab cakes was great. I'd surely recommend this place for a great food experience. The atmosphere was definitely what you would expect of a bistro. The service was good. I'd give it 4.5 stars if there was a half star.
(4)Felicia F.
We ordered 3 appetizers each at $10 or less. Shrimp and grits, pulled pork with succotash, and Carolina crab cake. The crab came and the pulled pork were my favorite! The shrimp and grits was a tomato base... It was good but not the best... All in all the appetizers were decent sized and we were full! Will def visit again!
(4)Karl N.
I had Carolina Crab Cakes with red rice and collards. This meal was very good and filling. I will come back.
(4)Patrick G.
It's all farm-to-table! Right on South Market Street, Lowcountry is in a convenient location and has lots of seating. On a late-morning Saturday with a cruise ship in port we had no issues being seated, though they do take reservations. Cassandra was our cheerful, helpful server that had no problem checking on an ingredient with the kitchen for my wife's dietary restrictions. She had an omelet and I had the breakfast sliders which were both delicious. The sliders have house-made breakfast sausage patties that were too thick, reminiscent of a monster burger, but the flavor was there so I didn't mind. My wife's omelet was also very flavorful. Neither of us could finish because of the giant portions...be warned. THE GRITS...my god, so good. This unexciting cereal grain is so expertly done in 3 varieties I would go back just to try the rest. I had the ham and cheese version that was a firm, pleasant consistency, not at all the soupy cream-of-wheat style of grits I'd previously experienced elsewhere in the South. Make Lowcountry a breakfast/lunch stop while you're in Charleston!
(5)Kristy L.
This was our first food stop after our arrival in the South and it was delicious. The drinks were fabulous, and the fingerling app was amazing. We both had sandwiches which were also fresh and delicious (portobello and the crab cake ones). Our server was Cassandra and she was incredibly nice, prompt, and helpful!! We will definitely be visiting here again on our next trip!
(5)Emily M.
We arrived to Charleston after a horrendously rainy drive on a Thursday night and really wanted some great local food. After walking around for 30 minutes we decided to stop in at the Lowcountry. First of all, everyone was extremely friendly, including our server. First we had the mussel appetizer. The combination of delicious mussels and collard greens was amazing! We had a moonshine cocktail and a Palmetto beer- both great. The real star of the show was the Shrimp and Grits! Normally shrimp and grits comes in a big bowl but I was pleasantly surprised by the delicate presentation. The cheese of the grits mixed with the fried green tomatoes and tomato paste was TO DIE FOR! The shrimp were also AWESOME! I love that the food is farm-to-table, this makes it especially appealing. We thought about coming back for a second round and trying the chicken and waffles but settled on coming back for drinks in their Alley Bar. We will definitely be back to Lowcountry on our next trip to Charleston!
(5)Jan W.
We are there last night. Excellent staff and delicious food. We had the an app off the special menu. A layered stack of fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese and crab/shrimp mixture. It was fantastic. My daughter had the atlantic sea bass with sweet potato purée and a lovely side salad. She was in heaven. I had their signature shrimp and grits. It was the best I ever had.
(5)Demetria M.
Low Country Bistro is new to the Market area and is the sister to 82 Queen. I figured I'd give them a try since I love 82 Queen so much. I decided on the bacon and crab hush puppies and the chicken and sweet potato bacon corn bread waffle. I think I asked the server 2 or 3 times whether crab was actually in the hush puppies otherwise I wouldn't have ordered it but he assured me there was crab. Of course when I picked up my order and bit into it, there was no crab anywhere and I was then told it was only a very little amount of crab but after having about 4 of them I came to the conclusion that this menu item is falsely advertised, which was quite disappointing. The fried chicken was also disappointing as they only seemed to season the skin of the chicken but completely forgot about the meat....not good. The waffle, though soft, was actually pretty good with bits of bacon in the batter and the pecan butter certainly made it that much better. I can't say that I was impressed but I do believe the bistro will need to step it up a notch to truly become a sister restaurant to 82 Queen....
(3)Lauren W.
My bestie and I were downtown today for a carriage ride and some light shopping in Charleston, and we stumbled upon this cute little restaurant. We were enticed by the menu posted outside and were really excited when we were seated immediately. I was not granted an opportunity to explore the entire restaurant, so I can't really rate the ambiance as a whole, but from where we were I can say that the place was comfortable and well-decorated. Lee ordered a mojito and shrimp and grits, and I the blackened Mahi sandwich. My Mahi was bland, but stoppered my hunger, so I didn't really think twice about it. The sweet-potato salad was disappointing. I guess I was really expecting sweet potato casserole, and this was simply not the same dish. I found a chunk of onion and what may have been chives in there... Oh well. Lee's shrimp and grits were magnificent. The portion was huge, and the creamy yellow grits were topped with fried green tomatoes, large pink shrimp, and decadent diced tomatoes. YUM! The mojito was a great idea also; it was served in a mason jar with fresh mint leaves crushed with the ice and a small sliver of lemon cupping the rim. Our waitress seemed very stressed out. She seemed irritable whenever we had a special request. In specific, we needed our check split in two, and then Lee wanted her to break a 20 so that he could leave a nice tip, and in response to these requests, she literally let out a loud exasperated sigh and ran off. I was shocked! We are laid-back customers, but still this was not acceptable given how much we were spending on lunch. After that, she didn't come back for 10 minutes and Lee was concerned that she forgot about the 20 in her apron. He caught her eye across the restaurant and then she finally came back. Overall, the place was nice but I was ready to get out of there. With so many wonderful restaurants in Charleston, if the service isn't up to par than why waste your time? Next time I will skip the crap and go back to Anson's!
(3)Peter E.
Just perfect after a long day of walking. The gazpacho was divine and the mahi mahi burger was perfectly done and not over-sauced or seasoned. With a cold beer, hit the spot
(5)David B.
This is a sister restaurant of 82 Queen, so many things on the menu would be offered at higher price elsewhere. The food is very good and the location is near the historic Market House. I had the Chicken and Waffles, which was tasty. The service was good.
(3)Marquesa O.
Fabulous service! Hosted a baby shower (party of 20) in the upstairs area of the restaurant today. The staff was all super super friendly and very very patient and helpful with our large party. They never made us feel hurried even though we were running behind, even helped me decorate a little and coordinated a custom cake through a local bakery. I can't say enough about the staff, what a wonderful team. The food was really great. I had the chicken and waffles and the waffle was very tasty and the pecan honey butter was to die for!
(5)Joy R.
The shrimp and grits is to die for. They are served in a large portion with fried green tomatoes on top. The fried okra appetizer with Parmesan was a good starter. Helpful and friendly wait staff.
(5)Nicole A.
My family and I went for dinner and it was horrible. The shrimp and grits were covered in tomato sauce and they were cold. I would not go back.
(1)Brian C.
Went there on a food tour and had to go back for the full size order of chicken and waffles. Awesome! Deep fried bread pudding was also a big hit at the table.
(4)Leo C.
This charming off the beaten path restaurant caught me off guard. I was expecting crazy prices and stuffy ness based off of the commercial from my hotel room but I found it to be down to earth yet you could dress it up. The bartender Cassandra was an excellent bartender and I could tell she put a lot of heart into her job. She was slinging drinks but found time to make normal friendly conversation with me. The prices are more than reasonable and the fried green tomato crab appetizer was legit. I would love to have a place like this in San Diego. This place has that hint of the south without being overbearing, obnoxious or in your face. Four stars for quality and service.
(4)J.K. F.
Fantastic bloody mary. Fried chicken & sweet potato-bacon waffle with pecan butter was delicious (I like my waffle a little crispier, but that's probably harder with a sweet potato-base). The pecan butter and the batter on the chicken were particularly excellent. Server was personable, fun, genuine, and made good recommendations.
(4)Christina B.
Amazing! Their grilled watermelon salad is so delicious, it's definitely a must try. Crab cakes are delicious also!
(5)Heidi F.
Don't Walk - RUN to Lowcountry Bistro. We came early on a Tuesday night, without reservations and were promptly seated and served. Casual atmosphere. Sweet tea mojitos, the sweet potato fingerling appetizer and she crab soup are a must try. My mom got the catch of the day fish and chips; it was delicious. There is a kids menu with the standard fare - my daughter always gets chicken fingers/strips and whether or not she likes them depends on how hungry she is. She wasn't very hungry. I ordered the shrimp ceaear salad - was very nice but nothing special. I really wanted the fried chicken and waffles and should have gotten that instead of eating light. Maybe I will have to come back before vacation ends. Lindsay was our server and was very friendly and attentive. Give it a try.
(4)Richard C.
Incredible She Crab soup. Great lunch. Only complaint was the potato salad was too salty.
(4)Debie W.
The nachos were very good. We sat outside on the second floor porch. It was a nice evening so this was a good choice. The porch overlooks the hookah bar next door where what appeared to be nerdy college students trying to look cool proved the evening entertainment. I decided to try the fried chicken waffles....when in Rome. Not a great choice. The chicken was on the dry side. Whoever came up with this cross-over breakfast/dinner dish must have been trying out the hookah bar. There was not a vegetable in sight which made the dish lack any distraction from the meat. I don't know if I was my dinner selection or the restaurant. If I ever did decide to try the restaurant again, I would definitely try something else.
(3)Chris S.
The jambalaya was awesome! Good service! Pecan pie was also good. We were there a little later than 10p when they closed and didn't feel rushed. This is an artisan farm-to-table restaurant so a bit pricey but not unreasonable! Would recommend.
(4)David S.
I was back in town for Xmas and we stopped in to see what they had. I had the shrimp n grits and it was great. My gf had the bacon wrapped scallops and she loved them. Didn't give 5 stars because I have had better in Charleston but this was good!
(4)John H.
Had a short rib benedict with cheese grits which did not disappoint. My wife had the chicken and waffles and did not talk until the last bite! Very good eatery
(4)Ashley B.
Went during restaurant week. 4 course meal for $30. I ordered the crab/lobster cakes, parmesan crusted trout, and a mini pie. My fiancé ordered she crab soup, shrimp and grits and a pecan chocolate pie! Everything was delicious! Great server as well. The only thing we didn't enjoy was being seated at the front of the restaurant where people were waiting. Felt as if we were in the way.
(5)Kara T.
Great brunch on the porch! Bottomless mimosas with delicious lobster crab cakes Benedict and soft shell crab eggs Benedict. Excellent and attentive service.
(5)Eric G.
Distinctly average. Practically no lobster in the lobster hush puppies. Hardly any crab in the Carolina crab melt. Service was very slow even though the place was half empty. We waited 25 minutes after our appetizers before it lunch entrees arrived.
(2)Jack P.
A simple restaurant with a simple menu. Noise level - above 172 decibels somewhat hard for conversation. Wine list - weak. Food and service very good. Shrimp and Grits = A+. Scallop special was presented as color neutral - no color.
(4)Oscar M.
Best place for a relaxed, authentic, fresh, local low country meal. We loved it!
(5)Ellen W.
Restaurant week is supposed to be a time when locals have the opportunity to try some of Charleston's best restaurants without fighting tourists for parking etc. Lowcountry bistro attempted to serve us "locals" rice as risotto. Wrong! My party sent all 3 dishes back. Not only was our risotto NOT risotto the swordfish was dry. Then out dessert came. The key lime pie had "melted" all over the dish and when we mentioned this to the manager his exact response was "everyone is entitled to their opinion. Is there anything else?" We had already paid our bill and was trying to alert management to this and this is his response? Really? We weren't looking for a free meal just to let him know. But his response was ridiculous to say the least. Check out my picture of their key line pie and tell me if you think that's acceptable. On top of them trying to pass off "rice" as risotto. Do they think Charlestonians are stupid? Ludicrous!
(1)Michael R.
Very nice lunch portions. My wife and I loved the "she crab soup", and would come back just for that. Our server was informative and personable. Definitely will come back.
(4)Allison B.
I go to this place with my friends so many times and we always have a great meal for each. Their food is great! I like the fried green tomatoes & the Chicken & Waffle the most, they are so flavorful n delicious. Service is good too.
(4)Ron P.
Haven't been to Charlston in a few years . Owning a beach house in Myrtle the Mrs & I decided to take a ride down for the day. We arrived early in the morning & walked around the town & market. Having so many places to eat we took a toll asking the locals where they like to eat. Several mentioned this place. So we decided to give it a try. We were seated upstairs & the service was excellent. I would have thought the wife being a Brooklyn girl would go for the chicken & waffles but we both ordered the shrimp & grits. Cheese grits covered with a fried green tomato topped with shrimp with a lovely sauce. Excellent meal & can't wait to go again.
(5)James E.
Located in the touristy of the tourist area, this restaurant gets a lot of foot traffic. We had grilled tuna Benedict, complete with egg and hollandaise, and an omelette with sirloin steak, onions and cheese. The ingredients didn't quite work together, although the quality was good and I appreciate the creative effort. The server was friendly and helpful. Overall it was a good experience, but not one to stand out among the great dining options in charleston.
(3)Amy C.
We had an amazing meal here. Everything was perfect. Service was warm and friendly. This restaurant is a clear favorite whenever we visit.
(5)Lara T.
I wish I had a better experience, but the lobster hush-puppies were over done and I didn't taste any lobster, and my mahi dish wasn't very impressive either. I would check out this spot again when the weather is better and the patio is open, but an underwhelming experience this time.
(2)John C.
Best hamburger I've had in the south! And, the grits are something to write home about. Feel free to pass up on the calamari though, not their strong suit. Be sure to add a waffle to your meal, definitely worth it.
(5)Whoopie G.
Great brunch spot next to the market! We loved the shrimp and grits. It was not your traditional s&g. It had a thick tomato base over a bed of fried green tomatoes and hearty grits.
(4)Lisa M.
A seaside "feeling" place, my husband and I liked low country a lot. I got the blackened mahi over risotto. The risotto was very good. The mahi was a little dry and overdone but not a huge deal. I think I'd try the crab filled flounder next time. My husband got the Jumbalya and said it was very good. Not overly spicy and very well seasoned. I also tried the charleston chocolate pie which was very rich and good! I think our total dinner with the entrees, dessert and 2 drinks totaled out to $70. Not bad for heavy seafood meals. Overall I'd recommend this place for out of towners.
(4)Peter u.
Popped in for brunch on Sunday Jun 22 after our carriage ride. Asked the hostess if it would be possible to have a quickie because we had to make it to the Ft. Sumter ferry in a little while. She said no problem. Waitress took our order quickly, drinks, food, check and out. The food was terrific. I had the cinnamon bun french toast thing and man was that good. Grits...mmmmm. Next time I want the Bistro Benedict, that looked amazing when I saw it being served at a table nearby. Eat here!
(5)Larry S.
Lots of choices in town to eat. This was my number one for the week. Fried chicken and waffles were great. Loved the greens too.
(5)roger s.
Walked in off the street and were pleasantly surprised. My wife said she was tired of seafood so she got a turkey sandwich. I ordered the crawfish and lobster stew. About the best I have ever had. My wife tried a taste and then ordered another spoon. We split the sandwich which was excellent in its own right with cranberries and a great bun. The yukon gold potato salad was delicious as well. We will maybe go back today and have it again. Very very good. I bet the cioppino is great too.
(5)Lord H.
We had a lovely dinner at the LB. The menu had something for everyone, even for our picky 12 year old. Both waiters were very friendly and even helped with hints for our touristcal demands. The cocktails were delicious. A clear recommendation to try it out.
(5)Scott W.
Food unimpressive to say the least. Hush puppies decent, not great. No lobster. Goat chz fritters too sweet. Nachos were awful. No corn tortilla. Pork no flavor. Okra was good. Mojito good. Service good
(2)Dennis G.
Chicken and waffles were a hit. They would have gotten 5 stars if that was all we ate but my wife got the burger with chips and the chips were a swing and a miss. If you want a crispy chip, don't order the burger. I would say to get a substitute, but the server said that wasn't possible. I'm not a grits fan and asked if I could have potatoes instead on any of the grits dishes and he said no. I presume it would be the same for soggy chips. Interesting enough our server didn't ask if there was a problem with the chips since the plate was almost completely full when he cleared the table. They were not appealing so we didn't eat any after the first couple bites. Oh yeah, the burger was fine, but nothing special. Wouldn't order it again, even without the chips. The balcony is really nice and I would recommend it. Stick to the things they do best and you'll be fine.
(3)Holly G.
I'm not usually one for Bloody Marys...but after having brunch here I'm officially converted. Try the Ultimate Bloody Mary with the grilled shrimp - strong and tasty.
(5)Karen C.
We went here for brunch while visiting Charleston on our 1 year anniversary, and I can't say enough good things about the place! I had the Brunch Burger, which was a regular burger topped with fried green tomatoes, goat cheese, and home fries on a English muffin bun. I could barely fit it into my mouth it was so big, but absolutely delicious and a wonderful combo of favors. As a side I got the rosemary goat cheese grits which were probably the best grits I've ever eaten. My husband got the chicken and waffles, which was out of this world. The sweet potato waffle was so delicious and the chicken literally just melts in your mouth. He said hands down it's the best chicken and waffles he's ever had, and he tries that dish pretty much everywhere we go these days! Definitely make the time to visit this place while in Charleston; it won't disappoint!
(5)Matt M.
Stopped here for Saturday brunch and got the biscuits and jelly for a starter. Would have liked more options for jelly, but the pear was great. Biscuits were classic southern and very desired with our meal, so it's great they have it on the menu. My fiancé and I each had the Market Breakfast (I think that's what it was called). It had pretty much all the southern favorites...eggs, cheese grits, sausage, bacon, corn bread, and home fries. The grits were awesome. The rest of the menu had some good and unique choices (surf and turf benedict for example), but I was feeling like a fat kid and wanted a little bit of everything. With a great location, I would definitely recommend going for breakfast.
(4)Kate O.
YUM! We had two different benedicts (Cajun and the bistro benedict) and both were delicious. My husband also got a side of grits that were unbelievable. Bloody mary was great too. Ambiance wasn't anything too memorable, but the service was great. If you love benedict, go for brunch!
(5)Eric A.
Delicious little Bistro right next to the market.
(5)Demetri R.
This provided me easily the best meal I ate in Charleston. Want to dine like Demetri R? Start with the calamari on a bed of grits and red sauce. Then get the chicken and waffles. You could order something else, but you would be wrong. De-Damn-licious!
(5)Laura H.
Chicken and Waffles! Chicken and Waffles! Chicken and Waffles!! Get it!
(4)Ben S.
I went here on a food tour with Charleston Culinary Tours. This place is affiliated with 82 Queen. Our group of 12 had the whole upstairs to ourselves. We got to sample 3 things and drinks. The apple pie moonshine smells just like greens apples and tastes exactly like Apple pie. The sweet tea mojito was amazing and refreshing too. The first course we were served as part of the tour was called Lowcountry Risotto: Carolina Gold Rice, stewed tomatoes and okra and blackened shrimp. Next was a Pork Belly BLT with a fried green tomato, pork belly, and a blackberry merlot sauce on grilled cornbread. Finally, a sample of the bistro's signature dish, chicken waffles with buttermilk fried chicken, bourbon syrup, sweet potato and bacon cornbread waffle and pecan butter. I really liked the second option - those 3 random foods went surprisingly so well together. Then Chef Matt came up to talk to us about the backstory of the dishes, his bistro's mission, and to encourage us all to return for restaurant week 2 for $10 lunches.
(5)David B.
Simply put: The fried green tomatoes appetizer was fantastic. The sweet tea mojito was refreshing. The chicken and waffles were perfection. The pulled pork was delicious. The service was personable, friendly and attentive. Casual atmosphere and kid friendly too. Our 2 year old put it perfectly when she yelled "this is sooooooo good!" Great place and inexpensive too.
(4)M P.
We hit Lowcountry Bistro for dinner while on vacation. I can safely say that the shrimp & grits I had there is in the top 10 meals I've ever had in my life (and probably the top 5). I knew I was going to love it when I saw it on the menu. Creamy, cheesy grits plus huge, delicious shrimp AND fried green tomatoes? Yes please. The portion was huge too, not that that's really a problem with something so awesome. If I had my way, we would have gone there the next night too so I could have eaten it again. My husband had the frogmore stew, which was also incredibly delicious. Just not as good as my shrimp and grits but that's hardly a fair comparison. We had the fried okra for an appetizer, which was first for the both of us and very, very good. Their beer selection was great, lots of local brews which is always fun. The restaurant itself is really cute. We ate out on the upper balcony, which was lovely on a great spring night. Great service as well.
(5)Phil A.
Wonderful food and service! The atmosphere is just right if you're looking for a casual place to grab a bite without breaking the bank or having to put on your Sunday best. The only fault I found were the tables, which wobbled quite a bit. I know this isn't unique to this restaurant, but having dined out a good bit recently the shaky tables have gotten to become more of a nuisance. That being said, great food and a great location make this a place I'd definitely visit again. Try the chicken and waffles!
(4)Mandi H.
Great deals on restaurant week!
(5)Dawn A.
we wandered into this place after a horse and carriage tour. Yes, it's right in the heart of tourist central. I wasn't expecting much due to the locale, but it was good. I ordered the fried chicken and waffle. The waffle had a sweet potato flavor. The chicken breast was large and crispy. My one complaint was that the syrup was a "bourbon" syrup and tasted much too strongly of booze for my tastes...or any of my dinner companion's tastes either. There was enough flavor in the waffle to skip the syrup, anyhow. My guy got the crab cake and chicken sandwich. He liked it a lot. My mom got a sandwich too. We all liked our meals. It wasn't an inexpensive lunch, but it was enjoyable.
(3)Tara J.
Came here with a group of 14 for a bachelorette brunch. The food was excellent (I had the Southern Eggs Benedict, but they also had some great specials). However, the service was some of the slowest I have ever experienced. Yes, we were a large group, but we were the waiter's only table and he moved very slowly when helping us. $12 bottomless mimosas - a great deal, except this is bottled mimosa (which I didn't really know existed), and it wasn't that good. This place isn't really built for larger parties, and I think they had trouble handling us. Still maybe a good stop for a small group or couple.
(3)Brian B.
Best shrimp and grits I have ever had. My brother got the chicken and waffles and said it was amazing as well.. Highly recommend either entree.
(5)Scott S.
We were in from out of town. I'd set my sights on getting shrimp and grits SOMEWHERE, for SOME meal, and were going to try 82 Queen but stumbled onto this place while walking up Market Street. It seems like a decent place. They certainly TRY hard. I've seen other reviews rip the food, but I didn't think it was "poor" at all. Stil, my shrimp and grits were strange, conceptually. I could do without the fried green tomato, really. Overall, I thought everything was pretty good. The cornbread is, hands down, the best I've ever eaten. (Next time I'm there, I'm going to get some of that to go. Okay, so maybe if you're raving about the cornbread, your meal wasn't so great.) The service was good. Our server helped me pick out a beer to go with dinner. I probably should've gone with my gut and selected the OTHER beer I had my eye on because whatever I had (something local) wasn't tasty. My recommendation: Stick to what you know you like. Don't get the shrimp and grits if you don't like fried green tomatoes. And skip dessert so you can double-down on the cornbread.
(3)Becky W.
Gets better and better every time! Took my in-laws, who are self proclaimed "foodies" for brunch yesterday and they fell in love! After a long flight from Washington State, they arrived in Charleston craving chicken with waffles and mimosas. We knew that LB was our best bet! The food was FANTASTIC!!! We were immediately seated downstairs and greeted by our amazing server Bethany. My father-in-law is hard of hearing and Bethany was kind enough to kneel down to go over the specials with him so he could hear better. Bethany suggested we start with the fried green tomatoes, which came promptly out within 10 minutes of ordering. My mother-in-law and I both ordered the chicken and waffles, my husband had the Jambalaya Benedict and my father-in-law had the pecan praline waffle. We also ordered bottomless mimosas for the table and Bethany made sure that our glasses were never empty! Not only was the food simply divine, the amazing service made the experience unforgettable. Overall, my family and I agreed that LB brunch will be a new family weekend tradition!
(5)Tom C.
I heard good things about this place so when I came across it after some shopping I was happy to find it. I stopped in for lunch and ordered the lobster hushpuppies. My wife ordered a club sandwich. The sandwich was good, homemade chips were too salty. My hushpuppies were ok but had almost no lobster at all, I mean barely visible to the eye bits of lobster in some and seemingly zero lobster in others. Decent hushpuppies but don't advertise it as lobster, false advertising. Disappointing based on what I heard.
(3)Andrew B.
Came here for lunch this afternoon on vacation to Charleston. I had the BBQ pulled pork sandwich and it was delicious! It came with a side of sweet potato salad, made with bacon, marshmallow fluff, onions, and more -- this was OK but nothing special. Cornbread was very yummy -- highly recommend!
(4)Anastasia A.
I've lived in Charleston for 15 years, and this was one of the best meals that I've ever had here. I had the shrimp n grits complete with fried green tomatoes and a spicy tomato sauce. My mom loved her portabella mushroom with goat cheese. We finished off the meal with some authentic southern peach cobbler. The ambiance, a covered upstairs patio, complemented the meal perfectly!
(5)Brad P.
The Chicken and Waffles--Fantastic. I also enjoyed a few Moscow Mules. If you're on Market street, it is a great place to stop in for a bite. We experienced great service and we all had delicious meals.
(5)Carlos D.
Awesome food. Nice place to relax after a long walk on the balcony. Breezy cool from the scorching sun. Ahhhhh
(4)Michael B.
First off, we're just a normal couple, not food connoisseurs or anything but we certainly enjoy great food. Overall the service was fine, no lapses... Everyone quite helpful and the server knew and could describe the menu well. The food was just ok. We were quote hungry too so it wouldn't have taken a lot to impress us. We were a bit disappointed though. We had the She - crab soup. Very underwhelmed. It was thick, porridge like. My first comment was "where's the crab?" I'd have to say this is the first time I had She-crab soup that I didn't like. She had the crabmelt. It was just ok... Nothing outstanding. Flavor was so-so. Texture just so-so. I had the souther tacos, again a bit disappointed. Essentially braised pork on a soft taco. Very simple, certainly not surprisingly good. But ok. The house made chips were also just ok. I asked for malt vinegar to put on them just to give a bit of flavor. In all, certainly not a bad place, and I'd even go as far as saying you should try it. However I don't think we'll be going back.
(3)Robin S.
We had breakfast here and enjoyed the food very much. We started with biscuits and jam, which were very good. My husband and friend had the Market breakfast and I chose fish and grits. They liked theirs but mine was outstanding! The grits were awesome! The waiter was a little snotty when my friend asked for water with out ice and when we requested extra butter, but he complied with our requests. It would have been more pleasant if he had been happier to do it, but I have a teenage daughter, so I'm used to hostile compliance.
(3)Bob M.
Ate an early dinner here on Monday. The service was okay. They were training a new staff member and she forgot some things and the trainer had to step in several times.y My wife's dish was excellent while mine was somewhat dry and tasteless. She had mahi-mahi and some vegetables and it was great according to her. I had stuffed flounder and it was dry which flounder sometimes is if baked to long and there was no flavor to the fish. There was very little sauce on the meal, more sauce would have helped tremendously. This was a tough score, if the flounder had some flavor and not dry this score would have been 4 stars.
(3)Mickey Z.
We just happened to pop in after going to fleet landing and couldn't get a seat. The chicken and waffles was good, the small scoop of mashed potatoes was very sweet. Staff very friendly, burger was overcooked. Very cute spot.
(3)Nicole M.
I was told by a local resident how wonderful the food was here, so we decided to give it a try. When we arrived at 8:45 we were told in an extremely rude manner that, "The kitchen is closed." The "host" appeared as if he was ready to throw us out of the door. The door and website both day that the restraint is open until 10:00PM. I am in the serving business so I totally understand that these things happen, especially if it is a slow night. However, where I work, it is never acceptable to speak to the customers in such a way or just be downright rude for no reason. I also would like to mention I have an air cast on and we walked here from another bar that we would have eaten at if we thought that there would not be enough time. I would leave no stars if it were possible, since customer service comes first and we certainly did not receive it.
(1)Dave R.
We visited Lowcountry Bistro by taking advantage of Restaurant Week and were so glad that we found this gem. We ordered of the Restaurant Week menu and were not disappointed. My wife had the Pan Seared Scallops which she said was very tasty. I had the signature Chicken & Waffles (the server suggested that I try the Grilled Pork Chop since it wasn't usually on the menu, but I had to go with the chicken). Being from Los Angeles and experiencing the Roscoe's Chicken sensation I was a little sceptical, but went for it. This blew away Roscoe's by a mile. The pecan pie for dessert was amazing as were the cocktails (loved the moonshine!). The service was outstanding. Our server (Eric) was informative, friendly and very attentive. We definitely will be back!
(5)Jojo S.
Fun dinner at a great location. Ordered the shrimp and grits appetizer as well as the she crab soup. Both were good but the grits were outstanding. We ordered the crab cakes which were okay, the frogmore stew was too brothy and the jambalaya was exceptional. Service was good. We should have had the chicken and waffles which looked amazing. Would highly recommend this spot.
(3)Laura R.
My husband and I had dinner there last night. Food and service were wonderful and the drinks were terrific as well! Casandra was our server and she could not have been any more helpful and attentive. Food is mostly local and very fresh. Don't miss this gem if you are in Charleston!
(5)Matt W.
Not just blowing smoke here but this may have been the best meal I've ever eaten. My wife had the best chicken and waffles she has ever tasted. I didn't care for my first dish because I didn't see that it had tomatoes (which I hate) all over it. The server (Cassandra, who you should request) was wonderful about it and I ended up with a beautiful crab and shrimp stuffed flounder, the best piece of fish I've ever eaten. She suggested a great wine pairing with my fish and delicious scotch for desert with some of the best bread pudding I've ever tasted. Seriously worth your time and money. By far the best place we went in Charleston.
(5)Janell B.
We visited as part of the Charleston Culinary Tour. This is the one place in Charleston that I wished we had gone back to and it would be first on my list for future visits. I loved the space and decor, so inviting and bright. It really felt upscale yet welcoming. The staff came to talk to us and conveyed how much they love what they put into their food & menus. The BBQ Pork BLT served on a biscuit was incredible - my favorite on our trip. I also loved trying the chicken & waffles, though I wouldn't order this as a meal.
(5)Jason A.
Great place...went there with our 3 kids (ages 10, 7, and 4 months) and were very comfortable. Food was delicious. The desserts were incredible (especially a sweet potato pound cake with bourbon icing and candied bacon...MMM!). Only reason for 4 stars is table was a little sticky when we first sat down (they cleaned it right away for us though) and greens had too much vinegar for our liking...highly recommend it though
(4)Steve M.
The shrimp and grits are ridiculous. Cheese and chive grits, fried green tomatoes and jumbo shrimp...yes please.
(5)Amina Z.
Problem: being asked to leave the restaurant after finishing dinner and noticing others around who also finished not being asked. I've never been asked to leave a restaurant in the U.S and because of this I will never go back. However, the food, atmosphere and server were nice, which is bad because I would go back but being asked to leave somewhere does not deserve my money. The waiter even went to the chef and asked what meals were gluten free and annotated it on the menu for me. They don't have gluten free desserts though. Traveling to the #1 most beautiful and most friendly city makes you wonder who the patrons were that made that assessment. And for those who are wondering, the group of 4 I was with were not loud, normal restaurant tone and we all left more than 15% tip for the waiter. Only giving one star because was asked to leave.
(1)Rick R.
Great dinner of shrimp and grits, barbecue and assorted southern delights. And the atmosphere was terrific, particularly the upstairs porch overlooking the market.
(4)Melissa S.
Great atmosphere but the service was slow and the food wasn't as amazing as I'de hoped. Good one time stop, but won't be revisiting
(3)Mike E.
Excellent food and service, best Bloody Mary bar!
(5)Nicolas C.
The place was fine. Service was good. I would have just wished the kitchen went with a softer hand with the salt for the breakfast sausages. I had to use tabasco to make it edible.
(3)Ned P.
Very good food. No wait at lunch. Solid service. Wish we were in town longer so we could return and try more of the menu options.
(4)Jeanne M.
Definitely a 'must eat' place on the Market. The server Ashlie B. is fabulous!!!
(5)B O.
We went here for breakfast on the weekend. The biscuits and jam are so incredibly soft and fluffy and delicious, almost downed an entire order before breakfast. The chicken and waffles were excellently prepared and very deliciously done. I highly recommend stopping here if in Charleston.
(4)Samantha J.
I ejoyed a very lovely late lunch here today. I went to LB for the shrimp and grits; however they had a app. version of the dish, which was way more than enough for one person. I also had the she crab soup which was supposed to be the same as it's sister restaurant 82 Queen; but it tastes a little different. The corn fritters were pretty decent. Lowcountry Bistro is located right across from the Market in Historic Downtown Charleston. I would not want to visit the restaurant on a busy weekend day as I'm assuming they would be packed. The service was wonderful, however I was only 1 of a few people there at the time. Worth a stop for some good low country food.
(4)Kacey H.
This place was great!! We were planning on going to our usual favorite hot spot & walked by Low Country Bistro & spotted the specials on the chalkboard, so we gave it a shot & we are glad we did!! I had the BLT (pork, cornbread, fried green tomato & this delicious black berry jam)...it was delicious!! My husband had the Shrimp Po Boy which he enjoyed. We also got the sweet potato appetizer & what a great app those were...honey, bacon & sweet potatoes!! Ryan was our server & he was very nice. When is Charleston again we will definitely stop by Lowcountry Bistro for lunch again!
(5)Nancy W.
Nice options on the menu, but could have offered more generous portions and dolled up the tortillas under the pulled pork tacos I ordered. (They just put cold, out-of-the-bag flour tortillas on a plate with pulled pork on them.) The garden salad was small, but the service was pretty good and it's a central location. I would give them 4 stars if they were more generous and dolled up those darned tortillas!
(3)Kendra M.
We stopped in here late for dinner (9:30) and they were extremely accommodating. The meal was EXCELLENT! The servers were very attentive. I had the portobellos and they were amazing. It was one of the best meals I've ever eaten. My husband had the swordfish and said it was fantastic. We shared the pumpkin cheesecake for dessert and that was great as well. I'm glad we decided to stop here for dinner. I would definitely go back and certainly recommend it to anyone looking for a great meal!
(5)Donnie T.
Ok, had lunch here today! The restaurant has been open for 3 days, so the wife and I gave it a try. Menu looked good and had many low country favorites. I had the shrimp, fried green tomatoes over cheese grits Food was really good and I recommend it!
(5)M B.
The service here was definitely exceptional, but as a disclaimer, I must say we were one of only two tables with people eating. We ordered a couple of the items on the brunch menu (southern eggs benedict and the market breakfast). The food was pretty good, but nothing to rave about. Maybe we need to try different items next time?
(3)Priscilla W.
Stopped here after strolling around the city and then to the Market. We were very pleased with our choice, first place we stopped at in our quest for lunch. We were seated upstairs which was open and inviting and told where the restrooms were. Our waitress was sweet and attentive and our food came very quickly. We were there very early- just after noon- and it did begin to fill up shortly after we arrived. Menu was nice with lots of good options. I choose the crab cake melt with the side of sweet potato salad. I wanted to try it as the recipe is hanging in the dining room. While I am not a fan of sweet potato dishes that are overly sweet, this was a pleasant surprise. My sandwich was tasty and loaded with crab. We also ordered the southern taco and a fish sandwich all of which were tasty. The homemade chips were delicious but a tad salty for our tastes. Service great, food great, atmosphere great- a winner.
(4)KiKi I.
The first time, my Fiancé and I were drawn to LCB because it was over 90 degrees and as you walked by you could feel the cool air coming out the front door. As well as, they were giving samples out of their pecan pie, which is one of my favorite desserts and it was amazing! We loved the service and atmosphere of the place. My fiancé has never had grits or fried green tomatoes which I enjoy and they had an appetizer with both, which we enjoyed. There was a white sauce on the tomatoes that had a wonderful flavor. The bites without the sauce were not as great, but still good. The 2nd time we went there I got the tuna steak BLT salad, I was very disappointed to see how much they cooked the tuna. Tuna steak should be pink and cold in the center with light searing on the sides. It was fully cooked through and warm, not to my liking. It said rare on the menu but definitely wasn't! I really didn't want a warm meal on such a hot day, I would not order it again.
(4)lisette l.
This place is so good. Chicken and waffles were amazing and my husband had the flounder stuffed with crab. Appetizer was the sweet potato fingerlings. Man, I can't wait to go back to Charleston and eat at this place again! We didn't have dessert because the meals were a decent size and my chicken and waffles was sweet due to the almond butter and syrup. Yummm!
(5)Lisa I.
Really enjoyed our experience! Terrific food! Great wait staff! Cute atmosphere! Would definitely eat there again!
(4)Meg S.
This place was amazing! We wandered in while we were cruising around Charleston and were blown away by the amazing food and service. The chicken and waffles and shrimp and grits were the best we have ever had. Please eat here!
(5)Sarah C.
My family decided to try a new restaurant in Charleston. We wanted something with good food at a reasonable price. This was NOT it. First, this is listed with two dollar signs. The average price was $18-27 and with a drink our total for 4 people was $120 before tip. I would not consider that moderate pricing. Second, the food was mediocre. The presentation was beautiful but the servings were small. My shrimp and grits was not a traditional dish but was layered with cheese grits, fried tomatoes, what tasted like stewed tomatoes, and some shrimp. As to a personal preference the shrimp had tails which I always find odd in a dish where we have to pick then out and remove them prior to eating. The grits were extremely rich and the dish overall seemed salty. I think everyone's order was similar--nice presentation but small portion size and ok taste. Last, our service was mediocre. Our drinks were filled once and when the food was brought to the table a plate was placed across the table spilling the broth all across my husband's white shorts without even an acknowledgement. Overall, the experience was definitely not on caliber with the prices and we would have been much happier with dinner at one of our regulars.
(2)Terry B.
Had a great lunch, the food was fast & fresh and the house made chips pushed the meal to the 4th star!
(4)Elise R.
We found this small restaurant while just wandering down the streets of Charleston. Dinner was excellent and the service was great.
(4)Justin S.
I wasn't expecting much when I went here, but it was actually a really nice brunch. The food was solid (I did chicken and waffles). And the make your own bloody marry bar was a nice addition. I lowered the rating however because the waitress quoted "$10 bottomless mimosa and make your own bloody Mary's", which I interpreted as bloody Mary's being bottomless as well, but it didn't turn out that way. The waitress was not at all excited to hear about the miscommunication. I would have been fine if she didn't take the 2nd bloody Mary off the bill, but would have definitely appreciated an apology.
(3)Diane K.
Delicious local food with good attentive service!
(4)Melanie D.
Had lunch here after a tour of Charleston- recommended by tour guide. The shrimp and grits were fantastic (better than anson's) as were the southern tacos (pulled pork and taco fixins'). The sweet potato salad was yummy but tasted more like dessert than a side. My husband had the frogmore stew and enjoyed the combo of shrimp, sausage, corn and potatoes (tho there could have been more broth). The host was a doll.
(4)Irene M.
Nice little place. Waiter was very friendly and attentive. She-crab soup was full of crab, very creamy. My husband liked the shrimp and fried green tomato po-boy but he thought they were skimpy on the shrimp. I had the Charleston Cuban sandwich; it was ok. Glad I found this place.
(5)Stephen A.
My party of six saw the Lowland Bistro while looking for a place to grab a bite for lunch. We were seated quickly and the wait staff was pleasantly attentive. Started off with a Big Bubba, a ginger bourbon, a fantastic drink with a bit of "snap", great. I had the shrimp po-boy sandwich, it was excellent. The shimp was seasoned well and their homemade tarter sauce (with collard greens) was a new taste that was pleasing to the palate. The potato salad was nice and fresh which was tasty side. I highly recommend you stop in when in Charleston.
(5)Courtney M.
If there was a way I could transport myself to the Lowcountry Bistro at this exact moment I would -- This place was just truly delicious. Want a solid Southern brunch in Charleston that isn't going to break the bank? Go here. Their Bloody Mary Game is super on point - lots of accouterments to snack on while you wait for your food to arrive. I had the Classic Southern Benedict and let me tell you -- It's worth every single calorie. Hell, you could eat here in the morning and be ready for a nap by 3pm. Just the right amount of time to get rested up, change clothes (cuz you'll probably be sweating -- It's the South, after all), and do something for the evening. Another great point for Lowcountry is it's location -- it's right by the market, so you have a chance to grab food, some souvenirs and jump on a carriage ride if you'd like... all within a 1/4 mile radius. Also: ProTip -- Always order the biscuits.
(5)Marivic L.
This is really a 4.5 Now this is the kind of food I expected to find in Charleston - comfort food with lots of flavor. I ordered the shrimp & grits which totally blew any shrimp & grits I've had before out of the water. Perfectly cooked shrimp with fried green tomatoes over grits? Yes, please. There was a healthy dose of red tomatoes and onions, just so you know and don't expect cuz shrimp over some cheese grits. I also tried my friend's chicken and waffles. I actually liked that dish even better! The chicken was cooked perfectly and was so flavorful. Ditto for the waffle and the pecan butter. Each component was so good by itself. Together, it was amazing. The waffle wasn't just something to put the chicken on. You could eat it alone - even without syrup. It was THAT good. While I really enjoyed my shrimp & grits, I was a tad bit jealous because I had my chicken for the trip and this was way better. The service was great, the atmosphere was comfortable and cute, and the food was so flavorful. This is a must-stop when you're in Charleston!
(4)Kaylah M.
I came here for brunch on a Saturday. The bottomless mimosas were a fair price and were delicious. The food was great too and so was the service
(4)Jason R.
This is the worst meal I've ever had in charleston. What a disappointment. Saffron on everything, really? Ordered nearly everything on the menu with our party and we all were disappointed. High cost, small portions, below average taste, weak pours on the cocktails. How is this place still open? If you like saffron and a mediocre environment with screaming children, this is your place. If not, lick a side walk, because it will taste better than this place .
(1)Natacha S.
Lowcountry Bistro was a great choice for an afternoon lunch while visiting Charleston. The dining area is very big, with seating both downstairs and upstairs. The upstairs area is very open with lots of lighting and the actual establishment is really neat, even without the added decorations. When I ordered my food, it seemed like they had ran out of all their choices for the day. I wanted the mussels plate, but had to go with the shrimp and grits instead. Luckily that was very good. I was also going to order a ginger based cocktail, and that was also sold out. I ended up getting drunk on endless mimosas instead - perhaps this was the best choice after all! The food was great despite the sold out options, and our waitress was apologetic and friendly. I would definitely go back again. The restaurant's location makes it ideal for a lunch break or dinner.
(4)Laurie K.
I had the Jambalaya which was good, but not the best I've had. Hubby's Swordfish, on the other hand, was outstanding! I didn't think I was a fan of swordfish, but whoa, if it's always like this, it could be my new favorite fish. Lovely service, but a bit on the pricey side.
(4)Dottie B.
This is one of my favorite restaurants I have tried I. Charleston! I went by myself before an afternoon of shopping and was immediately taken with the upscale laid back look. I thought I was going to get lunch but got stuck on the amazing appetizers. I ordered three. I got the duck wings which were my favorite. The were perfectly cooked with crispy skin and a touch of the local style bbq sauce which I didn't think I would like but was very enjoyable. It came with a honey blue cheese that was equally as enjoyable. This is a definite must try. The second was the pork belly pate. Also very best good. Moist and delicious. It came on a jalapeño cheddar waffle that was equally delicious. The last was a grilled watermelon salad with herbed goat cheese. A suggestion for my adorable waitress. It was very very good. I found the watermelon to be more mushroom flavor rather than grill flavor but the goat cheese and vinaigrette salad was delicious. The dried cherries tasted just like prunes. There were a bunch so if you don't like that flavor heads up. I had a couple a dirty martinis that were well made in clean shakers (unusual for restaurants) and delivered quickly. I had the pineapple bread pudding with ice cream which was ok a bit dry I think but the caramel sauce was one of the best ever. Very very good. This adorable place is well worth a stop in and I would highly suggest apps and cocktails. I can hardly wait to go back for entrees. I should add here that every staff member I saw was extremely friendly and spoke to me. The male manager came to my table and spoke to me 2 or 3 times. He was extremely welcoming and very friendly. It is wonderful place.
(5)Elana F.
This place is great! We arrived for an early lunch and it did not disappoint. My hubby got the famous chicken and waffles, it was AMAZING! He barely let me get a bite before devouring the entire plate.
(5)Sylvia G.
We sat outside on a nice patio. The service started out slow even though we had reservations , but once we finally got the waitress' attention she was very apologetic and from there on it was an very enjoyable experience. I had the chicken and waffles and it was the best I've ever had. It was a half chicken served on top of a corn waffle topped with a ball of bacon butter. Yes. I said bacon butter. Enter food coma. Sweet and savory and crunchy and all the things you want in a meal. Hubby are the frogmore stew or something like that. He loved it. He said it was tasty - it had sausage and shrimp and potatoes and all the good stuff. Only critique was he said it would be great over mashed potatoes instead of a soup. 5 stars on ambiance, service, and food, and location.
(5)Corey Tess T.
Cute, low key cafe that makes great farm to table fare. I had the bistro club and homemade fries. Everything was very fresh. They have seating upstairs and downstairs and also have a patio area. Very convenient location to the City Market too. We sat downstairs under a really cool painting and enjoyed a quick bite after a walk through the market. The service was a little slow, but the server was funny. I'd come back and try the upstairs next time.
(4)Eric S.
Laura and I have been to LCB several times. As a matter of fact, it was one of our first restaurants we visited during one of our many weekend getaways to Charleston. And it's been love ever since! We have had several dishes from LCB, and not one has disappointed us. Any time we get in the vicinity of Low Country Bistro, it's like a drug craving we just have to satisfy. So it's no wonder we found ourselves stopping in this past Sunday for a lunch/brunch bite to eat as we finished up 2nd Sunday on King. I was really craving the Carolina Fried Flounder sandwich and was saddened to see that it wasn't on the current day menu; but our waitress suggested an alternative. The fish and grits entrée. HOLLY WOW! It was nothing short of wonderful and yes, it warrants a holy wow in all caps. I think I've found my true love. The grits were perfectly cooked and seasoned. The fried flounder cooked to a golden tender crisp. And the gravy on top? Uuuggghhhh! So, so amazing. The flavors are like beautiful waltz in across your taste buds. If they would bottle this and sell it. I would buy it by the gallon. We ordered a Firefly moonshine cocktail to go with our brunch and it as I've said many times over. The bartenders at LCB are rock stars! And they were truly rocking it out Sunday. You can't KEEP me away from this place.
(5)Jason S.
Ordered the fried green tomatoes and they were crunchy and hot! The grits that come with are excellently spiced. I ordered the heirloom blt and enjoyed the crispy bacon with a large tomato. It had a zesty sauce on it that made the sandwich special. Wife and daughters loved the chicken and waffles. Of the bites I got, I would agree that it was the best I have tasted. Never enjoyed better.
(4)Natalie C.
Went in Lowcountry Bistro with my sister for a late lunch on a Wednesday afternoon and was able to be seated right away. No wait time, assuming because it was an odd time of day in the middle of the week. However, the market area outside of the bistro was packed full of people (I think it was Spring Break in Charleston). Another big plus side to seating we noticed was a large party of 10 came in right behind us (no reservation) and was seated within 5 minutes, as soon as they were able to put a few tables together upstairs. We were seated in the upstairs seating area, but given the option to sit outside on the porch upstairs too. If it wasn't such a hot afternoon, we definitely would have taken that outdoor seating, which was a small cute place for seating smaller groups (tables of 2, 3, or 4). Now on to the drinks. They have a delicious drink menu!!! Their signature cocktails were very spot on with the ambience of Charleston. I ordered the Sweat Tea Mojito, which was so yummy and very refreshing! There were several cocktails that I wished I could have tried had I not had a two hour drive later on that evening! There was also a decent selection of beer and wine (many from the Lowcountry area)! The food! Our experience was pretty great with the food! I had the soup of the day and the spinach salad. The soup of the day was a loaded baked potato soup (delicious and well made) and my spinach salad was refreshing with apples, a poached pear, candied walnuts, crumbled mozzarella cheese and homemade cornbread croutons. The cornbread croutons were so good with a sweetness to them. I think I could have eaten a bowl of those to myself! My sister had one of the lunch specials, MahiMahi fish tacos served with their potato salad. She really seemed to enjoy them. They had their in house pinco to top the tacos. Here is where my 3 star rating came into play, rather than a 4 star rating. Our server was quite inaccurate when it came to taking my order. I had asked for their soup and salad combo witch runs $12. Instead, I was given a full dinner salad and a full bowl (not a cup) of soup and was charged the full individual prices for both, $7 for the soup and $11 for the dinner salad. When I asked our waitress about the mix up, she said that she had heard me say something different and that there would only be a .50 different in price between the combo and the individual items. Obviously when I got the bill, that was not the case. There was $6 difference and I didn't appreciate not being told that upfront and then being told the price difference was so small when it definitely was not. A little irritating to say the least. Other than that, our experience was pleasant and the food was very good!
(3)R S.
Incredible food! The chicken and waffles are outstanding and the cheese grits are superb! Excellent location, try the alley bar seating area and watch the market as you dine. Our second time here and just as good as the first!
(5)Ed M.
Amazing!! Hard to say any more. From the she crab soup starters to the chicken a waffle entre simply amazing. I had the chicken and waffles and my wife had the shrimp and grits. The shrimp and grits was served differently with the fried green tomatoes but they were incredible!! We're both very pleased with our meal! The service was great. We had a great meal experience and would highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Sara S.
This place is wonderful and epitomizes that southern Charleston feel. Went there with a large group of girls for dinner prior to a Bachelorette party night on the town. The service was great - so friendly, prompt and attentive. The food was amazing. Easily the best hush puppies I've ever had. Everyone in our group tried different southern staples and no one left disappointed. They accommodated or request for split checks with no problem. On top of it all the location is in the middle of everything so you can easily walk to a bar for after dinner drinks. Would absolutely come back on a return trip to Charleston.
(5)Brian P.
My family (wife, 3 young kids) had a fine early evening dinner here late this summer. I really felt like I had a quintessential, albeit more upscale, South Carolina dinner (or as they call it around there, a lowcountry meal). Of course I had to get grits, which we kind of got as a side for all of us as it was a generous serving. We went with the pimento cheese variety of grits, which did not disappoint. I ordered the jambalaya for my entree, which was really good, but if I had to do it over again I'd probably pick something else. Not that there was anything wrong with it, just that I probably should have went with something that doesn't occur on so many restaurant menus these day. They did a fine job with it, though. My wife ordered the Mixed Greens salad with chicken, which she liked, and she really dug the vinaigrette that came with it. I recommend stopping in here for a meal if you find yourself touring around Charleston anytime soon.
(4)Michele W.
Great food- the crab soup and seafood cioppino were amazing. Loved the outdoor seating on the deck and the service was outstanding. Yummy sangria too !
(5)Natalia B.
Everything was perfectly executed! Dining room upstairs was nicely open and clean, portions were generous with a nice presentation. Stand out was the crab cake for lunch. BLT was great as well. Jelena was on point and very friendly she made sure we had everything we needed for a great dining experience.
(4)Tara F.
We spotted this place and decided to have lunch here on a whim. It was a great choice. Service was quick and our waitress was very friendly. Most of us ordered the fried flounder sandwich at our waitress's suggestion and were very pleased - it's delicious and several of us split the sandwich in half because it was huge! The house chips are fantastic. My cousin ordered the pork belly BLT and said it was the best sandwich she's ever had. She also had the shecrab soup and loved it. Overall, this was a quaint spot for lunch!
(5)Dave J.
This place was not a total disappointment, but I expected a much better experience. My wife ordered a Mojito and it was bland and watery, she asked for more limes and some mint which improved the drink a bit but it was still pretty blah. My wife ordered the jambalaya, but received instead the paella, which was OK with her and tasty, but not special. The shrimp appeared to be frozen and super-tiny popcorn shrimp. I had the swordfish steak with brussels spout & bacon sauté, also good (and fish was cooked properly) but not great. The service was a little slow at first, but otherwise attentive and helpful. If I lived in Charleston, I might try this place again but I don't, so I won't -- so many other places to try.
(2)Michael K.
Family of 6 leaving full and happy! Of course, you just try the chicken and waffles, but everything is done well.
(5)Kim H.
Booked a reservation for 7:45 and ended up coming in sooner to dine- no tables but bar had two seats accessible. Happy to have the bartender's full attention so decided to stay at bar. Place was pretty busy, relatively vibrant but kind of cramped- not sure how upstairs would compare. I almost feel that the bar had more elbow room than some of the tables. Started off with a bottle of wine and two apps- the pork belly "bacon" scallops and the Beaufort littleneck clams. AMAZING. I loved everything about our apps and I'd go back just for them. After finishing up our first course, we decided to order the char-grilled swordfish and the southern ciopinno. Char-grilled swordfish was amazing. Initially, I was skeptical about the butternut squash and goat cheese grits, but they were AMAZING. Foodgasm for sure. My fiancé claimed the southern ciopinno was good, but the swordfish in his dish was tough and dry compared to the succulent piece I had received with my entree. Probably wouldn't do this fish again if ordering littleneck clams as an app- too many clams in one dinner! Would definitely come back.
(4)jennifer l.
The service was wonderful, atmosphere was nice. I ordered the shrimp & grits app, I was a bit disappointed. The flavors were so-so at best. Really wish I could have given it a better review.
(3)Dave S.
Kid-friendly, adult-friendly. A good kids' menu without feeling anything like a kiddie restaurant--great place for a family looking for a lunch break while exploring the town.
(4)Martha C.
We ate here after visiting the Charleston Aquarium and it was great! They have a farm to table type menu which is always nice to see. The beer and wine list is extensive and mostly local beers are featured. The menu has a little bit of everything and they had a lot of specials. They also had a kids menu and crayons for the kids which is nice. My kids had the fried shrimp and man were they good! I had a BLT sandwich and my husband some sort of PoBoy sandwich. Everything was delicious. The service was also very good and the food came out quick. I would like to visit this place again without the kids and maybe for dinner next time we are in the area. It is a big restaurant, we ate upstairs and the place was packed. They took reservations for lunch which is nice since we had the kids and they were hungry so we didn't have to wait.
(4)Miriam W.
My husband and I stopped for lunch here recently during an annual pilgrimage we make to Charleston, and enjoyed a very good meal. The hostess sat us upstairs, which I like...it's a little more private and quiet than downstairs, and the views out the windows were nice. We started with the fried green tomatoes, which are served over grits with a ranch style sauce. While these won't be my favorite rendition of this dish (K-Paul's in New Orleans gets that award) they were very good...nicely fried and tasty. When shrimp and grits are on the menu, I generally go for that. This dish is never the same at any restaurant where I've ordered it, and I'm always interested to see what the chef comes up with in his or her version. This one is in a rich tomato sauce with chives, served over parmesan and chive grits. it was delicious, and the slightly smoky, sweet and tart tomato sauce was a nice accompaniment to the meaty, large shrimp. There's some bacon in there, and that's always a happy thing. We split the bread pudding for dessert, which comes with a vanilla bourbon sauce and both vanilla ice cream and a little whipped cream. A good bread pudding, although we both wanted more sauce. Still, not major complaints. Service was good, both friendly and professional. Another solidly good find in Charleston.
(4)Jennifer B.
If it's nice out, try to get seated upstairs on the balcony. try the waffles stuffed with pecan nuts, very tasty!
(4)Sam M.
Fantastic place to eat lunch. The waiter was amazing, and so was the chicken and waffles. This place just didn't feel like a 5 star for some reason but there wasn't a whole lot wrong with this place. Will definitely come back next time I'm in town.
(4)Chad M.
Amazing experience!! Everyone at the table liked what they ordered. The chicken and waffles was excellent. Shrimp and grits were excellent. The crab melt was excellent. Service was excellent!!
(5)Jenny L.
Ordered the chicken and waffles, she crab soup, and a side of Brussels sprouts. The chicken and waffles were very delicious. My only wish is that they would remove the bones. Nonetheless, the chicken was perfectly fried and the waffle perfectly flavored. I definitely recommend this plate. We got a bowl of she crab soup since we read about it when searching for Charleston must haves. (the bowl is only $1 more than the cup) It reminded me of clam chowder, but with a stronger seafood taste. If you're visiting Charleston, try the she-crab soup -- it's a Charleston thing served at almost every restaurant. We added oyster crackers to ours which made it taste better. Lastly the brussel sprouts cam with bacon bits. It was really small portion, but then again it is a side. Well cooked and seasoned. We weren't that hungry so this was enough for two; however, normally this would probably feed just one person.
(4)Matt M.
We were looking for some southern cooking. We wanted shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese, chicken and waffles. We found all that and more with the Lowcountry Bistro. This homey, warm and inviting atmosphere provides comfort food at a good price. Its right on the City market and in the sea of restaurants that overtake that street, this is a welcome quiet spot. Two floors of dining space with balcony seating overlooking the market as well, this spot gives great service to boot. As a family we went with the usual suspects chicken and waffles (fantastic but half the maple pecan butter), jambalaya (as good as I have had outside of NOLA) ,shrimp and grits (tremendous presentation but a little less on the tomatoes would have been better). Sweet tea and chess pie and pecan pie to finish it oofff and it was without a doubt the best meal we had in town. Thanks so much for making us feel welcome.
(4)Ed M.
This was our first stop on the Charleston trip and honestly it was right up there with the best food we had the whole time. My fiancé just had bacon and eggs and I had to try the Chicken and Waffle. It was without a doubt the best chicken I have ever had...the seasoning was outrageous. They give you a brown sugar butter ball and bourbon maple syrup to go with it....unreal. My only regret was not going back a second time!!
(5)Yolanda B.
Food was absolutely awesome ... Ben, our waiter was on point. Fried green tomatoes are mouth watering and you can't beat the bottom less mimosas
(5)Lyle B.
Service: attentive and welcoming, Karson was great. Food: Quail special was boring and flavorless Shrimp & Grits I would order again, that being said, it wasn't anything groundbreaking. Mediocre food serve by a friendly waitstaff.
(3)Jay M.
Six of us with various plates, Chicken and Waffles (a couple people did not like the bourbon reduction syrup (I did)), Market Burger (thick!), Carolina Fish and Grits (excellent! Ask for extra sausage and gravy), and Jambalya Benedict. 45 minute wait on a Saturday but we reserved our spot and came back, and a table ready for us.
(5)Jonathan G.
Great spot along market street. She Crab soup is some of the best I have had. Prices are reasonable for the area. I'd recommend stopping here.
(4)Sandra S.
Love the cheese grits served with fried green tomatoes which were perfect. Ordered chicken and waffles for lunch. The waffle was delicious with a bourbon syrup and delicious butter. I don't normally eat chicken skin but this was so deliciously spiced and crunchy that I could not resist. I almost lowered my stars because of the $3 split fee they charged my kids, but they gave them each their own waffle so it was worth it. We were too full for dessert but I really wanted to. I will be back again.
(5)Amy W.
Cute, low key restaurant featuring locally sourced food. I was in town on business and tried to eat at Hanks, but it was way too busy. Stumbled upon Low Country and was very pleased! Things were calm at the restaurant but luckily still had good service. Had the she crab soup to start, followed by the bouillabaisse (ciopino?). Both were delicious and prepared fresh. Desserts also looked delicious (pecan pie especially) but I chose not to indulge.
(4)Zaida J.
High hopes, let down once again. At least it was memorable!! First let me just say I really enjoyed the look of the place. My friend and I arrived there at our reservation time of 12:15 but I'd inadvertently told the other two in our party 12:30, oops! While waiting, our hunger was growing so we decided, since we were taking advantage of the cheap Restaurant Week menu (2 for $12), why not order an appetizer to hold us over? We opted for the spinach and crab dip. Can't mess that up! Or can you.... it wasn't good. Salt helped a bit but it was just too much spinach, not enough flavor. The other two, when they finally arrived, all agreed.... the dip was a fail. Speaking of their arrival, once they got there, our waiter gave us a run down of the specials. Here's the really weird thing... he literally would stand and keep his eyes closed a good 90% of the time while reciting the specials!! It was so weird!!! The moment he left we all started laughing about it and joking around... one of the strangest waiter moves I've ever witnessed!! Three of us stuck to the Restaurant Week menu, one of us ordered the blackened mahi mahi sandwich. For the first course, two of us ordered the she crab soup. One of us ordered the mixed greens salad. The she crab soup was just okay... not bad, but nothing outstanding and we've definitely had better. The salad also received an okay. I did try the cornbread crouton and thought it was delicious! Very yummy! My friend who ordered the salad said between the croutons, candied pecans and honey apple vinaigrette, there was just too much sweetness going on. For the second course, two of us ordered the pork belly BLT and one of us ordered the Southern Tacos. This was my first foray into pork belly, but I confirmed with the other girl and this was not pork belly. This was pork chunks... three pretty sizable chunks of pork. It was tasty but the flavors of the sandwich didn't really work. The fried green tomato was perfect, the pimento cheese was good, but all those things together into a hard to eat sandwich was not a win. Had it been difficult to eat, messy and really good, I would have been happy as a clam but overall, it just didn't have enough positives for me to want to eat it again. The Southern Tacos weren't bad, but again nothing to rave about. My friend who ordered the blackened mahi really enjoyed her sandwich! But all four of us also got the potato salad as a side, and none of us cared for it. So of all of the items eaten, there were just too many that tasted average to not good which earned the low rating. Disappointed again though at least our weirdo waiter unknowingly added to the entertainment value during our lunch....
(2)Todd H.
I'll star out with the positive, the food was very good. Unfortunately, the quality of the food was trumped by an extremely rude bartender. As many great restaurants as there are in Charleston, ownership should be more cognizant of their staff's attitudes. We were there on June 21st, 2015.
(2)Courtney S.
great restaurant in the downtown district. I def recommend making reservations which you can do on open table. I made my reservation a hour before showing up on Sunday for 1pm. Food! I had the chicken and waffles with a side of mac and cheese. When it comes out it looks just like the picture in the front window and tastes amazing. Great portion size. I always order mac and cheese to go with my chicken and waffles and Lowcountry bistro did not disappoint. $12 bottomless mimosas! and great bloody mary's! also, two people at our table ordered the shrimp and grits both of which LOVED them. Well priced for Sunday brunch!
(4)Ashlea L.
When I was sent the itinerary for the bachelorette weekend to Charleston, I immediately started yelping the places we would be going. I was super psyched for Lowcountry Bistro because the menu looked phenomenal. I've always heard that the bbq in Charleston is a must, so I decided a few months ago that is what I would be ordering. We had reservations for this past Friday night & the place is really cute. We were seated upstairs & looked over the menu. Yep, I still was set on the bbq with shells & cheese, corn bread, & collard greens. Two other gals ordered the same. Our server was friendly & our food came out at a reasonable time. It looked amazing! I dug into the shells & cheese, it was delicious. The collards, were a bit too vinegary for me & I loooove vinegar. The corn bread was pretty tasty. The bbq...oh the bbq was just such a disappointment. The flavor was lacking & lots of fat chunks. It was so bland. All of us that ordered the dish were disappointed. Everyone else was happy with their food, so maybe we just ordered the wrong thing.
(3)Banana S.
I must say that I am automatically disappointed when a restaurant who serves $20 entrees does not provide bread while you are waiting for your meal. We started off with Lobster Sweet Potato Cake. I liked the taste and crispy texture, however it was a very small cake and lacked lobster pieces. I felt as if I was eating a crab cake. For $11 I expected some nice lumps of lobster in there. I had the Chicken and Waffles. This was delicious! The chicken was perfectly cooked and moist with a crispy exterior. The waffle was nice and sweet with pieces of bacon inside, it was topped off with a sweet pecan butter and came with a side of syrup. I loved the combination of the sweet and salty. My husband had the Southern Cioppino. This dish was very disappointing and lacked in flavor. I found that it was an appetizer being paraded as an entree. It was seafood sautéed in a sauce with one piece of thin bread. Dishes like this are expected to come with more pieces of bread so that you are able to dip in the broth. Lastly, we had the strawberry creme brûlée. This was perfectly crisped at the top, had a nice creamy texture and wonderfully sweet flavor. Final Thoughts: Service was good. We had two winners in our meal and two no so much. It seems that this place is hit or miss depending on what you order. If you are willing to pay $20, definitely try the chicken and waffles! The creme brûlée is also a winner!
(3)Sky M.
Service was pretty good. Waitress was very attentive and helpful. The restaurant itself is very cozy and relaxed. The food was hit or miss. My appetizer was a let down. I expected much more from my lobster cake and it left much to be desired. My entree was a let down. I ordered it because it sounded interesting. But when it arrived I was disappointed. My dessert saved the day as it let me leave on a good note. My dessert was the creme brûlée. All in all, I thought I had a decent time. So with that being said I give the place a 3
(3)Nick R.
The best shrimp and grits that I have ever had. Loved this place. The quality of the food was top notch. It was my favorite meal in my week in Charleston. Chicken and waffles are among the best I have had as well.
(5)Megan G.
Seriously the best food!! Everything I've ever tried here has been delicious. The first time we went my husband and I just stumbled upon LCB after a day on the beach. He ordered the chicken and waffles an I ordered the swordfish (seasonal I think). The food was so fresh and I think most of the food is from local farms. We also got some sort of pear pie (like apple) it was out of this world!!! So good!!! The second time about 2 months later I brought my parents. They both got chicken and waffles an I got a crab cake with sweet potato purée and I think fried zucchini (I can't exactly remember what it was). It was so fresh and one of the best crab cakes I've ever had at a restaurant. We had some cocktails and local beer at the table. All excellent and to me a good value for the money. A must go for me and my family every time we are in Charleston.
(5)Judy S.
We went for a late dinner and the food was delicious. We loved the farm to table menu! We got hush puppies for appetizers and ate them up. The sweet sauce they are drizzled in was amazing. I got chicken and waffles. The chicken was perfectly fried and delicious. My dad got the Jambalaya, and the rice was so flavorful. My mom got the shrimp and grits, which I think was the best of all. The grits were so cheesy and creamy and the shrimp was plump and juicy. I'll definitely be going back next time I visit Charleston.
(5)Erik S.
We had brunch here mid-day on a Saturday. Staff was friendly and pretty attentive. I'm a northern boy and no expert on grits, but I'd say they were damn good.
(4)Michelle G.
We stopped in for a quick lunch and it was very good. I had the fried green tomatoes and grits. Before this I had never had grits..what was I missing! Wait staff was great too!
(4)Jill L.
Marvelous array of some of Charleston's "best of" dishes. Shrimp and grits, fried green tomato, scallops with pork belly, etc., all delicious. Swiftly served by a kind and professional wait staff. Comfy ambiance.
(4)Kathryn B.
Finally had the opportunity to try Lowcountry Bistro for lunch yesterday with co-workers. We went around 12:30 pm and were seated immediately, which was surprising since there was a Carnival ship ported (normally means heavier tourist day). We asked to sit inside. The hostess sat us OUTSIDE on the second floor balcony. It was an overcast breezy day so none one asked to correct this mistake. Our server was friendly and quick. There are varying opinions of the food. I really like the Southern Tacos from the special menu. The accompanying potato salad was much better than I expected. I would try this place again. One co-worker was disappointed with her watermelon salad from the appetizer section from the special menu. Prior to ordering, she asked the server if it would be enough as an entrée and was told yes. However, it was super small and not worth $11. My other co-worker liked her meal except the gazpacho. She said the flavor was good but the chunks of sour cream (at least, she thought it was sour cream) was unappetizing.
(3)Emily D.
We went here twice in three days with 2 very picky boys. The best grits we have tasted so far and we are trying them everywhere! Fried chicken and waffles were delicious. The salads were perfect size and very good. Leave room for desserts as they were soooo good. Great service, great food. Throughly enjoyed this place.
(5)Ryan L.
Amazing place! Great vibe, beautiful building in addition to great attentive and genuine service. Server was so funny. The as well was amazing. Had shrimp and grits and chicken and waffles. Absolutely delicious and not as heavy as expected. Definitely would recommend! absolutely will be coming back. Loved the One Claw local beer.
(5)Alex P.
Definitely worth coming here when in Charleston. Had the chicken and waffle which was awesome--the cooking process for the chicken takes three days and makes it incredible and juicy. Someone else in my party had the shrimp and grits which was tasty too. The She Crab Soup was another bright spot of the meal.
(4)Suzanne H.
Very great food. Glad we stopped. Excellent grits and fried green tomatoes. I had the Frogmore soup. Very tasty!
(4)Lauren W.
Great lunch spot to refuel and relax in the AC. Appetizer: Fried calamari came with grits and a ragu sauce. The flavors were great, but the calamari was super tough and just off texturally. Entree: I wanted something fairly light and fresh, so I got the portabella sandwich decked out with goat cheese, a balsamic reduction, and fresh spinach on focaccia. It was absolutely perfect. The homemade potato chips were perfectly crispy and had a great flavor. Service: Great! Our waitress was friendly and attentive. She recommended the pork belly sandwich on cornbread to my dad, and he loved it.
(4)Carla B.
Great food & atmosphere. We had brunch & enjoyed our time tremendously! The staff was very friendly, & attentive. There were several groups, but no one seemed to have a long wait for their drinks or meals. My husband ordered off the specialty menu & I had the breakfast sliders. I would recommend LB anyone - traveling to town, or locals!
(5)Kristina M.
Stopped in here for Saturday Brunch last week on a rainy Saturday. We didn't have a reservation, but were seated immediately in their lovely, rustic upstairs space. Service was attentive, balancing our group of 4 with several other large groups without gaps or delays. The bottomless mimosas came at good intervals and weren't overly heavy on the orange juice. The picked okra and grilled shrimp garnish on the bloody mary was a nice touch. I'm not usually one for salad, however, I have to say, this was the best salad I ever had. I had the mixed greens with candied pecans, dried cherries, cornbread croutons, rosemary vinaigrette and grilled shrimp. It was a good amount of shrimp and they were well-prepared. The balance of flavors and crunch in the salad was just great. Another group member had the Shrimp and grits with the fried green tomatoes. The addition of the fried green tomatoes gives such a ubiquitous Charleston dish a little extra punch and crunch. Save room for dessert. The chocolate pecan pie was outstanding. I would definitely brunch here again.
(4)Caitlin R.
The service at Lowcountry is GREAT, very sweet staff, but the food is only so-so, especially with SO many great options around the city. I got the Bistro Benedict, I thought it sounded absolutely delicious, but was really only passable - left about half on my plate. Not a meal that had me coming back for me.
(3)Erica D.
My husband ordered the flounder sandwich ($10).. It was amazing. I ordered crab cake sandwich (pimento cheese and a fried green tomato).. It was ok.. Tons of flavor. The She Soup was GREAT!
(5)Vinetta F.
This place was a total disappointment...I expected a much better experience based on the reviews. How could you get soup and salad so wrong. The she crab soup was too salty with very little crab. The Ambrose Salad - the poached pears were to soft and the mozzarella was to moist. The candies walnuts were not candied and the cornbread croutons were tasteless.
(2)Ruby G.
We have dined at Lowcountry Bistro a few times in the past and only once have I really been wowed. We've visited during Charleston Restaurant Week as well as on regular days to experience different times. The food here just does not do it for me. I really want to love it, but I'm always left disappointed. The Chicken and Waffles are delicious. The chicken is crispy and not too greasy and the waffles are nice and fluffy. That's about where I stop. The crab cakes are pretty small in size and don't offer anything compared to the delicious seafood at neighboring restaurants. The lobster hushpuppies barely have anything in them to be called stuffed. Just call them hushpuppies and don't charge as much. One server told us the collards were the best she's ever had and as a true southerner I would highly beg to differ. Our service has always been pretty good. During one meal that actually bombed, our server was the only thing that kept it together. He was on top of everything, polite, humorous, and made our whole meal enjoyable. If weather permits, sit outside on the porch. It's a beautiful view of the market and cool to hear the hustle and bustle of our little city. I really want to love this place, but every time we give LB's another shot they leave a lot to the imagination.
(2)Jill B.
I was admittedly a bit hungover and just really really wanted fried chicken and mac 'n cheese. I found Lowcountry Bistro on a yelp search for "Fried Chicken" in downtown Charleston and I must say, this place did not disappoint! We walked in for a late lunch and were seated immediately. Our server was nice and very attentive with water/beverage refills! But beyond the service, the food was WONDERFUL! The buttermilk fried chicken was cooked perfectly with crisp chicken that was lightly battered. The mac 'n cheese was great (though if memory serves it was technically shells and cheese but either way it was truly tasty!). My mom also wanted chicken but decided to go for the chicken and waffles. The waffles were made out of a corn batter and filled with chunks of bacon. The had a pecan butter and a bourbon syrup which had a great bourbony zing. YUM! My dad ordered the jambalaya which was good but not at all the spice level we were told it would be (our server told us it would be a medium-hot spice level. I sampled it and didn't taste anything spicy). It was still tasty, just not spicy hot. Lastly, my husband ordered the Frogmore stew. The thin broth was so wonderfully flavorful and dipping it in the toasted baguette slice they serve with it was just fantastic! I was truly impressed that nearly everything was prepared well (the jambalaya rice was also a little on the dry side) and cooked correctly - especially the chicken! We finished off our meal sharing a slice of pecan pie. It was more like a pecan crumble but was topped with a touch of chocolate syrup and was super tasty!
(4)Nichole B.
Best meal of my trip! I came here on my own around 6:30 pm and found the place to be full but not overly crowded on a Thurs night. I opted to grab a table at the bar in the little side room with views outside so I could people watch. Very attentive staff. I tried the appetizer size shrimp and grits and was just blown away. Amazing sauce on top that has a medley of different tomatoes and a smoked spicy bacon. Positively delicious. I splurged and also got their famous chicken and waffles, another hit dish. Enjoy 2 sweat tea mojitos, fantastic service. I will come back for those shrimp and grits before I head home!
(5)Maria M.
Service was good but the food is mediocre. I ordered crab cakes with collard greens and they were ok. My husband got fried chicken and waffles and he swears both were prepared some time ago. We opted to sit on the 2nd floor terrace as the weather was beautiful, but unfortunately kept catching whiffs of urine coming from the alley. Charleston has so many amazing restaurants that I was bummed to have wasted a meal there.. I should have done my homework instead of "let's play it by ear and see what we can find". I wouldn't go back.
(2)Marc R.
Great service and really enjoyed the chicken and waffle dinner! I would recommend it...
(4)Nora E.
We came here for Saturday morning brunch. When we arrived at 10:30am there weren't many patrons yet (they open at 10am) so our request to sit outside was easily accommodated. The upstairs balcony was nice but we sat in the back corner so we didn't really get to enjoy the view. The menu wasn't extensive and even more limited for those with dietary restrictions. Almost every dish had meat and more than 90% was pork. I understand we're in the South but in this day and age it would be nice to accommodate diversity. We almost had to leave because we couldn't find anything to eat BUT after some coaxing and convincing of the waitress, she reluctantly asked the chef to replace the pork with ground beef in some of the dishes. He agreed - and that was appreciated! For drinks, 2 of us had mimosas and 2 had sweet tea mojitos. Both were delicious. The food was worth the wait and the battle! I got the fish and grits and was so pleased with how flavorful the batter was (on the fish). The grits were yummy and paired well with the andouille sausage sauce and the cornbread moist. My sister got the jambalaya Benedict which she liked but found the rice to be bland. The burger was good as well. All in all, the experience ended well. The place is also very conveniently located across from the market pavilion and by the time we left at noon, was packed.
(4)Teri P.
WOW. Amazing meal! Hubs & I had an early dinner before heading to the airport, and were so happy to end our trip with another fantastic meal. I had the Grilled Watermelon Salad and Braised Short Rib, and hubs had the Mussels and Carolina Pulled Pork, which came with mac&cheese, corn bread & greens (maybe spinach?) I'm kind of dreaming about both of our entrees now, they were that good!! Food was superb, ambiance was nice & welcoming - only complaint is that the food took a while to come out since we were one of 3 patrons. We'd definitely return!
(5)Calin D.
My oh my, this is the place for breakfast-at-lunch in Charleston. I took one look at the Chicken and Waffle and knew the bacon pecan on it was going to be as yummy as it sounded. I washed it down with a sweet tea mojito good enough to convince my Cuban friends to switch from Rum to Vodka and looked on in envy while Madre had the shrimp and grits with fried green tomatoes, yowza! The crab cakes also looked out of this world. The staff was on point and the place is jammin, so bring your patience and get ready for something worth the wait!
(5)Brandee C.
I had the Pork Belly BLT ($11). Finished off with Bread Pudding. One word...AMAZING! Totally recommend stopping in for after/while perusing the markets!
(5)Jared R.
Fantastic lunch. Had a Bacon Cheesburger, and a side of goat cheese grits. Someone else in the party had the sweet potato appetizer, and all was really great. Prices are kinda high, but you get what you pay for. Service was great, but kinda slow (not unbearably slow).
(5)Bruce K.
Clearly, with a name like "Lowcountry" then it's going to be southern-style. And so it was. We had the fried green tomatoes to start. Would you believe that my wife has never had them before? That line has now been crossed and crossed in a delicious manner. Nice and crunchy with a tangy sauce on top. Delish. Mrs opted for the rack of lamb, which she pronounced "excellent." I had the night's special, a southern seafood dish with shrimp, mussels and a local white fish. Hard to explain, but it was delicious with a big piece of garlic bread for soaking up the broth at the end. There's a picture - maybe that will help? We opted to skip dessert. They did nt have any non-alcoholic beers, which was a bit of a disappointment. Is it that hard to stock a few O'Douls?
(4)Carla D.
This is my first visit to Charleston and I arrived armed with a list of restaurants that I really want to try while here for the next few days. Lowcountry was at the top of my list. I must say I was a tad disappointed. I tried the chicken and waffle, and I expected to be blown away, but sadly I wasn't. The waffle was good but the fried chicken made me really sad. I was so looking forward to great southern fried chicken but this chicken arrived lukewarm and the skin was flaccid underneath a very thin layer of batter. The chicken itself was juicy, but I guess I was hoping for more "kick", more crunch; an elevated, superior fried chicken. Bummer. With that being said, the restaurant is adorable, the patio is breezy, and the staff are friendly and sweet. I'd come back to try some brunch dishes because I saw some pretty epic breakfast plates come out of their kitchen.
(3)Rebecca H.
I was REALLY excited for the shrimp & grits, but ended up slightly disappointed. The tomatoes made it taste more Italian-like and the grits resembled polenta. The shrimp were succulent though!! My husband had the burger, which was just run-of-the-mill. No extra fixins' on the side to dress it up. Overall, I'd have to try totally different menu items next time. Hope you like it!
(2)Janice K.
This was my first time to Charleston. I had never had shrimp and grits and I am afraid nothing will live up to this experience. The food was delicious and the service wonderful.
(5)Shirley N.
Best find in Charleston for brunch, lunch. I had the chicken and waffles which were life changing. I have not found anything as fun and delicious. It's a must try!!
(5)Jenny Mai D.
Decent food, it may be because my expectations were so high it wasn't as good as expected. The she crab cake was good though!
(3)Michael J.
We arrived to Charleston after a horrendously rainy drive on a Thursday night and really wanted some great local food. After walking around for 30 minutes we decided to stop in at the Lowcountry. First of all, everyone was extremely friendly, including our server. First we had the mussel appetizer. The combination of delicious mussels and collard greens was amazing! We had a moonshine cocktail and a Palmetto beer- both great. The real star of the show was the Shrimp and Grits! Normally shrimp and grits comes in a big bowl but I was pleasantly surprised by the delicate presentation. The cheese of the grits mixed with the fried green tomatoes and tomato paste was TO DIE FOR! The shrimp were also AWESOME! I love that the food is farm-to-table, this makes it especially appealing. We thought about coming back for a second round and trying the chicken and waffles but settled on coming back for drinks in their Alley Bar. We will definitely be back to Lowcountry on our next trip to Charleston!
(5)Dan D.
We've been to this place quite a few times, and each time the food has been the star of the show. The food is always delicious. They are a "Farm to Table" restaurant, and most everything is locally sourced. The chicken and waffles is good, and it is basically a half chicken on the bone, so be prepared for that (the bourbon reduction, is pretty strong despite the reducing). Some places forgo the bone-in and give you breast meat only, but it is very good, and the seasoning is great. Among other things there we've also had shrimp and grits, poached eggs and crab cakes on pork belly, as well as some other entrees. Everyone always has great things to say about the food. There is never usually a wait to be seated, and they have some awesome porch seating upstairs, which overlooks the market. The servers we've had have never been particularly enthusiastic; that is the only thing holding this back from 5 stars. Other things to keep in mind: they don't keep beers on tap, so if you order one, it will either be poured from a can or bottle to a glass. (They do offer a lot of local brews).
(4)Fiona D.
Service is good, great selection of southern food. The pulled pork entree was the best meal. Can be very loud
(4)Caitlin P.
this place seriously had the BEST foood out of all the places I ate at when i was on my road trip going from DC to Orlando. Coming from California, I've never had real, authentic southern food so I did not know what to expect, but after leaving this place, the only thing that was on mymind for days after was southern food. I had the shrimp and grits for the first time ever and it was BOMDIGGITY! The mussels dish was full of flavor, and I had the best jambalaya of my life! Before this i thought the Jambalaya I had at Disneyland in California was the best thing ever but boy, am I wrong. The service was on point!! we were seated outside in the balcony...the weather was perfect for this. The waiter was fast and efficient. We asked him about the night life in Charleston and where we should go. He said since he lives 30 mins away he wasn't too familiar with the nightlife but offered to asked around for us and came back with several suggestions!! OMGGG, SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY AT ITS BEST!! People in California would never do this! If I am ever so lucky to go back to charleston, I am definitely coming back here.
(5)Cecille R.
Best Sunday brunch in Charleston! Our Charleston Culinary tour guide recommended this place to us. I immediately made a last minute reservation on Opentable. The next day we got there about 20 minutes early and they were able to seat us. Brunch menu is rather simple but contains some signature dishes that I'm sure I would not see anywhere else. If I did, they would be copycats. I ended up ordering the jambalaya Benedict. Wowsers!!! The poached egg over the red bean rice cakes just sealed that dish. Sooo hearty and delicious. The mimosas are bottomless so you pay one price and get free refills. They also make substitutions as needed. They were able to accommodate a friend with a menu item with no issues at all. Service was excellent and I hope it is the same when it's packed! Check this place out for a hearty, lowcountry brunch!
(5)Rick H.
Had the chicken and waffles and it was awesome. The service was very good and the menu is really interesting. Lots of interesting cocktails too!
(5)Gussy H.
I wandered in for brunch shortly after they opened and it was really good. The service was not fabulous but hey it's Charleston I have learned to have low service expectations.
(4)Leda A.
My husband and I (with our 3 kids under age 8) stopped in for dinner on a day trip to Charleston yesterday (it was a Monday). I did a yelp search while on King St and discovered the lowcountry bistro. My kids decided quickly that they wanted to try the shrimp and were disappointed that there were no fries but selected the homemade chips and Mac n Cheese. My husband, who does not eat any port whatsoever, was very disappointed to see that there were only 1 or 2 options that did not consist of bacon in some fashion. Even sauces!! He chose the eggplant Parmesan and I went for the chicken and waffles. As an appetizer we ordered the crab/spinach dip and the crawfish hush puppies. The feedback: The spinach dip and what seemed like homemade baked pita chips were decent enough and was eaten by everyone. For some reason when we ordered crawfish hush puppies, we expected to be able to see and/or taste a crawfish or two. Sadly that wasn't the case at all. My daughter was not a fan of the homemade potato chips and after tasting them, I honestly couldn't convince her to eat them. My husbands eggplant was sitting on what seemed to be some kind of puréed vegetable (looked like baby food)...we couldn't identify it but my 6 month old loved it.. Not very flavorful. My waffle was kind of doughy but the fried chicken was moist and very well seasoned. I would order the chicken and waffle again. Overall we thought it was a high end selection of bar food but nothing spectacular for the dollar amount spent. Our waitress was young but attentive and very polite. I wouldn't eat here again personally but it was a decent meal.
(4)Tavia H.
I live in Florida and vacationed here with 3 girlfriends in July and this was our hands down favorite restaurant that we ate at during our four days in Charleston!! We spotted the restaurant while we were in the Market and looking for a nice place to eat lunch! Lowcountry Bistro is a super cute two-story restaurant in the heart of the shopping area! Our server, Amanda, was awesome and clearly loved the restaurant and the food and helped make our visit so much more fun! We started with drinks...I had their delicious sweet tea, one of my friends had the Big Bubba and another had LB's Bloody Mary and we ordered their Crawfish Hush puppies which are served with brown butter honey and are absolutely delicious!! My 3 friends all ordered the Shrimp and Grits and She Crab soup and I ordered the Johns Island Heirloom Tomato BLT and had the Mixed Greens Salad (delicious !) with it! All dishes were served with their homemade kettle chips! It was a feast and so yummy...everybody loved their food and we couldn't finish all of it but gave it a really good try, lol!! I will absolutely come back to Lowcountry Bistro to eat on my next visit!!!!
(5)Zhichun Y.
Nice restaurant! We order the pork chop, crawfish hush puppies, and shrimp and grits. They are all very tasty, though the crawfish hush puppies tastes more like a cake ball with crispy honey glaze.
(4)Jordan F.
Delicious! Had a very nice time eating here with my girl friend. We were able to call ahead and avoid any wait at all, so we were happy from the get go. We ate she crab soup, a spinach salad, and an entree of shrimp and grits. All of which were very tasty and came out quickly. Our server was friendly and the atmosphere was nice. The beer selection was small, but contained mostly local craft beers. I would definitely recommend.
(5)Steve W.
Try the brunch. All of these were excellent choices Carolina fish and grits Shrimp stew Very good!
(5)D W.
Excellent!! Definitely worth a visit when you're in Charleston. Here's a quick summary of our experience: Environment: small restaurant with an intimate, romantic vibe. Recommend making reservations. She crab soup: Smooth texture with shreds and chunks of crab. Great flavor if you're a fan of this soup. Shrimp & Grits: I'm a Carolina girl and there's nothing better than perfectly cooked grits, and this place has them. Smooth with a cheesy flavor, piled with shrimp and tomatoes. Chicken and Waffles: This is an absolute must. Hands down, best chicken and waffles I've had. Very unique take with careful thought on every element of the dish. Bourbon infused syrup, flaky chicken, pecan butter, sweet potato/bacon waffle - you cannot go wrong!!
(5)Anna P.
We stopped here for lunch after a carriage tour. Great location. We enjoyed our lunch, but the seating was very uncomfortable and our server was acting very strange...
(3)Helen S.
Best shrimp and grits ever! The chicken and waffle was good- different. Frog more stew- average. We only had a party of three. Definitely need to go again! So many things on the menu we would have loved to try.
(4)Jackie N.
I wanted a casual brunch/lunch place near our hotel, The Vendue, and Lowcountry Bistro was perfect. It is located near the Charleston Market, so it is right in the middle of all the happenings. I got the fried chicken and waffles (duh) and the BF got the pork belly BLT. My friend chicken and waffle dish was no ordinary fried chicken and waffle. I had two huge pieces of chicken atop a bacon waffle, yes a bacon waffle. The dish also came with a honey pecan butter, which I spread atop the waffle. It was so delicious and the perfect amount of food for me. The pork belly BLT was also a really great surprise. The pork belly had a good amount of fat on it and of course, the bacon, lettuce, and fried green tomato atop a delicious bun. Also, Charleston has the BEST sweet tea and all the places, at least the casual places, give you the option to get a drink to go. Especially Charleston in the heat of Summer, you will definitely appreciate having a nice cold drink to carry around with you!
(5)Amanda B.
Oh my gosh. As soon as I saw this restaurant had chicken and waffles I HAD to try! I have had chicken and waffles I Pittsburgh and DC, so I had to try them southern style and I am sure glad I did! These were more "gourmet" southern as the waffle was a sweet potato bacon cornbread waffle with pecan butter and a bourbon reduction. I cannot even explain the flavor that goes on in each bite. It was truly incredible. The server recommended putting the butter on the waffle, then putting the chicken on, then putting the reduction on, so that's what I did. The only thing I wish I wouldn't have done is put the reduction on because by the last bites the waffle was dry, but still good! GET. THIS. DISH! My husband had the Market Jambalaya and loved it. He said the shrimp tasted so fresh and the dish had a nice spice to it. He also noted that it had the right combination of the taste of tomato paste and sauce. The only thing I was bummed about was bottomless mimosas only being available on the weekends, but everything else was top notch!
(4)KAT t.
Deliciousness! We went here for a late lunch with a party of 11 and had a fabulous experience. It all began with the best hushpuppies. They were crunchy on the outside and soft in the middle and not too greasy. Everyone at our table had local low country cuisine and nobody was disappointed. My favorite was the chicken and waffles. These weren't just any waffles! They were bacon sweet potato waffles! Yes bacon PLUS sweet potato and they were delicious. The homemade butter (i think pecan or something like that) went on top and yum yum yum! We would all definitely recommend this restaurant. Location was great if you are shopping downtown and the prices were fair about $16 for a lunch.
(4)Devin B.
This was a slam dunk. We came here for brunch and made two AMAZING decisions to start our Charleston day, bottomless mimosas for 12$, and chicken and waffles which was incredible. I've never actually had southern chicken and waffles, and this was a high-end amazing version that I never want to live without. If I can give you one tip for this place its don't cheap out. The chicken and waffles are 16$, and the mimosas (bottomless) are 12$, but its all so worth it. I'm pretty sure brunch for the four of us topped out around $130.00. But being buzzed on mimosas while you tour Charleston is perfect. I'll have dreams about these Chicken and Waffles.
(4)Julia R.
Great lunch at Lowcountry Bistro! More food than I could eat, and it was all good! It's a bit touristy, but a perfect spot to grab a bite and tour around the market. I brought friends from out of town, and they enjoyed it. They had bottomless mimosas, and I had a delicious Bloody Mary with olives and shrimp!! The service was good as well.
(4)Traci R.
The first wonderful thing is that bottomless mimosas are $12. In DC, you're paying $15 on a good day. AND our server never let my glass get empty. So that's three stars right there. But the food was good too! I got the Bistro Benedict. I thought it was just pork belly but OH NOOOO there was a crabcake too. I asked for extra hollandaise because that's how I get down, but I didn't even need it. Every bite was moist and wonderful. My mom got the Johns Island Heirloom Tomato BLT. She really liked it. Seemed like the tomatoes were huge slices but she enjoyed it.
(4)Jon W.
Ate at Lowcountry Bistro for dinner during restaurant week. The Shrimp & Grits were amazing! The shrimp were large and flavorful with no fishy taste. The grits had a perfect consistency for me and the cheese flavor had great depth! The fried green tomatoes took it to another level!
(5)Beata K.
Solid 4.5! The atmosphere is pretty laid back upstairs and is pretty spacious as the tables aren't close together (not sure about the downstairs). The menu has lots of different options but we went for the traditional southern items...shrimp and grits and chicken and waffles. The grist were some of the best I've had...they were creamy and a bit sweet and the tomato sauce/chunks it came with were perfection. The chicken was very well cooked, it was lightly battered so you weren't eating batter the whole time and the meat had nice spices on it which you could see underneath the skin. The waffle had sweet potato, bacon and pecans which was ahhhazing. Also got some corn bread which was legit the best tasting one I've had in a long time. The drinks were good too...not too strong which I tend to like.
(4)Shabba R.
I'm not sure what more this place could do to make for an awesome Sunday brunch. The wait staff is all very nice and attentive. The food is incredible. They have a cheap all you can drink mimosa menu item. They have liquor. The prices are all reasonable. I'm updating my review in July 2015 after my first visit in April 2015. Our server on the most recent visit was a young woman named Hannah who was about as good as it gets when it comes to attentiveness and great service; I recommend asking for her if she's working. Anyway, my desire to write a review was inspired mostly by their ridiculous South Carolina Soft Shell Crab Benedict menu special (it's not on the regular menu, so it may not always be available). I posted a few pictures of it. It's a very unique item; it's a soft shell crab covered in polenta and rapid fried. Throw in some beans, cheese, tomato jam, poach an egg, dab it with hollandaise sauce with Old Bay seasoning. The thing comes out staring right at you, so if that kind of thing freaks you or your kids out, best to order something else lol. If you're not used to crab being prepared in this manner, which I was not, you can eat the entire thing shell and all, and it's juicy and tender enough that you can cut it with just your fork. Really a great taste, very unique presentation, absolutely delicious. I followed my meal up with about fifty mimosas and the white chocolate raspberry creme brule. Yeah, definitely went off the diet plan that day, but well worth it. On the second visit, my wife had the brunch burger, I had the Jambalaya Benedict and fried pickles app. Have to admit, after the softshell crab meal, I had set the expectation bar pretty high. Unfortunately it was not met by the jambalaya benedict. To be honest, it felt more like some excellently seasoned perfectly cooked eggs, on top of big wads of rice and some random steamed shrimp (with no seasoning whatsoever) and peppers scattered about. I'd have preferred to just have the eggs as an app and forget the rest. I can't recommend that meal. Fortunately my wife doesn't eat a whole burger, so I finished her second half of the brunch burger and it was awesome. Big chunks of goat cheese, pineapple and tomato cooked perfectly, tasty beef patty. The fried pickles app was also great. Light batter, excellent mustard taste. Again, we pounded the mimosas.
(5)Stephanie S.
Pretty atmosphere. Lovely porch!!! Fantastic service. Fried Green Tomatoes were good. Crab Bisque soup amazing. Frogmore stew not good. The Frogmore stew was just a few slices of sausage and shrimp in a broth with corn. That's it. I was expecting more depth to the dish. They make a killer peach sangria!
(4)Miranda D.
Two words; Bottomless Mimosas!!! 4.5 stars!!! Came for brunch last weekend - amazing food!! I ordered the pineapple nutmeg fresh toast! So good!!! The waitress was kind enough to share that it was more like a bread pudding, just in case I did not like bread pudding, So I could then choose something else on the menu. And to add bottomless mimosas to your meal was only an additional $12! Not too bad!! We definitely got our money's worth!!! My boyfriend and his sister shared the chicken and waffles and another meal. And they both said it was the best chicken and waffles they had ever had. Highly recommended restaurant for breakfast/lunch if you're in the area!! They do offer balcony seating - however, we came to find out it was more for two person tables. Just not a lot of space up there for a large table to sit.
(4)Anna G.
Wonderful Sunday brunch! Had a 10am reservation and were seated right away. There weren't too many people there yet at 10 so we were lucky to get one of the few tables outside on the upstairs balcony. If you get a chance to sit at one of those tables, definitely take them up on the offer! We started with bottomless mimosas and I have never in my life had such attentive service with those. I don't think our glasses were ever less than 2/3 full. I still have no idea how much I drank exactly because they were always being topped off. For our entrees, we ordered: Chicken and waffle--A+! The bourbon reduction was awesome. Shrimp and grits--I've never really enjoyed grits, but I went for it here and super glad that I did. Perhaps I just needed to eat grits in the South. Either way, highly recommend this entree. This also came with some fried green tomatoes. Location is right across from the Charleston City Market, which was a great way to walk off the brunch after we were finished. As for parking, because it was a Sunday and still early in the day, we were able to find a free metered spot only 2-3 blocks away.
(5)Benjamin R.
My wife and I came here for our first night out on the town in Charleston for our honeymoon. The food and service were terrific. This place has an extremely friendly and polite staff. I highly recommend checking this restaurant out. We shared a bowl of the She Crab Soup (an achievement of flavor in and of itself) and we shared the shrimp and grits (an interesting tomato-based take on the dish that did not disappoint). They charge $3 extra to split a meal, but we both easily got a full entree, which we could not finish. The only thing I did not like about this restaurant was no beer on tap, but that is a minor detail. Overall, go check it out. It's worth your time and the green in your wallet.
(5)Richard A.
Visited Charleston on my way to New Jersey. My girlfriend and I found Low Country Bistro on yelp and it did not disappoint. And excellent selection of southern style food that was very good. We started with the fried green tomatoes that were excellent. They were nice and crispy with great flavor. It also came with cheese grits that were some of the best I have ever had, I'm not usually a fan of grits. The short rib was excellent and it came on a bed of pimento cheese infused mashed potato which was an excellent accent to the short rib. The short rib was flavorful and fork tender. It fell apart when you touched it. They also had an excellent selection of drinks and beers from local breweries. I highly recommend if you are in the area.
(5)Mark P.
A nice place to grab a bite for lunch. We had the crab cake appetizer to start and it was good. We went ahead and kept with crab theme and ordered the crab melt and it was a great choice. I would say it was slightly overpriced but, not too bad.
(4)Mike C.
I was on a very tight schedule the day I ate at Lowcountry Bistro (Friday, March 20, 2015). My conference had ended the night before, I was checked out of my "hotel", and I wanted to see Battery Park (White Point Gardens), the Aquarium, the Charleston Market and Patriot Point before my 8 PM flight. With breakfast out of the way, I knocked out the aquarium and White Point Gardens off of my bucket list and was looking to eat lunch before heading to Patriot Point. I will confess that Lowcountry Bistro was my 2nd choice. Luckily for me my 1st choice of restaurants had a 30 minute wait and time was of the essence. Therefore, I strolled into Lowcountry Bistro and was immediately taken in by its charm. I love a rustic setting, and the concrete floors and exposed ceiling joists are all favorites of mine. Not having even looked at the menu, I immediately knew that if I was ever in Charleston again, I'd be back. Since time was of the essence and the restaurant was fairly crowded, I opted to order 2 appetizers for lunch. Kudos to my server whose name escapes me for getting my drink ASAP and bringing my 1st appetizer to the table within 5 minutes or so. The shrimp and grits appetizer was a good sized portion and for just $1.00 extra, I got a fried green tomato served right in the middle of the dish. The grits were solid and the shrimp were some of the best I had in Charleston. Still not sold on the bacon sauce that accompanied it as it had tomato in it and I think the dish would have been absolutely perfect without it. But this is merely personal preference. The fried green tomato put this dish over the top, and the presentation was very good. For my second appetizer, I got the pork belly "bacon" scallops with jalapeno jam and mulled wine. The presentation of this appetizer was second to none and could have been featured on the cover of any food magazine. The scallops were seared just right and the jalapeno jam was not overpowering at all. The mulled wine was more of a garnish but I chose to dip a forkful of scallop in it and was quite pleased with the taste. High praises for the pork belly. This ain't no store bought bacon, but rather a delectable melt in your mouth smokey offering that will leave you wanting more. My server knew I was pressed for time and had my bill ready as soon as I was finished. I regret that I didn't have more time to sit and soak up the atmosphere of this cool bistro. One thing is for certain; and that's I'll be back.
(4)Erin K.
Would have gone back again! Went for brunch. Delicious Bloody Mary with a grilled shrimp! Had the grilled watermelon salad on arugula, the Bistro Benedict with crab cake and a side of the bacon, sweet potato, cornmeal waffle. It. Was. All. Amazing!! Service was wonderful, every recommendation from our waitress was perfect. Will definitely go back!
(5)Haynus S.
Decidedly average. I had heard nothing but good things about this place. Overall, I was very underwhelmed. The menu has fare typical for Charleston, and the food tasted good. Overall, however, it just lacked any type of pizzazz. Ingredients were all items I could assemble myself without much effort, and most of the bill of fare I can also prepare. Waitstaff was _not_ knowledgeable about the wine list. Dessert, however, was quite good--hope they don't lose their pastry chef. Dining room was _very_ loud, which did not make for an intimate dinner. To reiterate, decidedly average.
(2)Mike M.
I struggle with this review. A. LOT. Starting with the good....the food was amazing. I had the lobster crab cake app and it did not disappoint - perfectly cooked. Then, the shrimp and grits - I could go on AND on about the grits topped with a perfect fried green tomato and 6 shrimp that were perfectly seasoned and not overdone. By far, one of the best shrimp and grits I've had in a while here in town. The service...well, I think they could work on the service a bit. It was all fine and good. The food came out quickly, but we didn't see a server for about 10 minutes after we sat down. Drinks took another 10 minutes. A number of times, we drank all of our waters and were waiting for refills. I bumped into a friend there who was sitting in another section after we were seated and they told us "the service is slow here." I'll certainly be back for the shrimp and grits, but just make sure I eat a little something before I go so my stomach isn't eating itself next time.
(3)Matt M.
Fantastic food quality. Everything is made inhouse and uses only the freshest ingredients. Had the seafood paella and was amazed at the portion size and quality. An absolute must for anyone visiting the city!
(5)Max R.
As a local to Charleston this was deffinetley the worst service I have ever experienced! First our hostess had no clue between 45 minutes and 2 hours! We waited about 2 hours and gaurenteed that we would be seated within 15 minutes multiple times, until we were finally seated! DO NOT TRUST THE HOSTESS HERE! Next once we were finally seated we were completely neglected by our waitress! This Resturant is not worth the wait I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS TO ANYONE!
(1)Gary R.
I was in the mood for some low country food. The Lowcountry Bistro puts cuisine-spin on traditional low country food. I love shrimp & grits and have had it prepared many different ways. The Bistro's spin was unique with fried green tomatoes and a unique sauce. I also love good fried green tomatoes so I felt like I got a "two-fer" with this dish. Their unique grits also got points with the chives mixed in. I also had the She Crab soup as an appetizer. I grew up at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay with a mother who made her own. While the Bistro's version wasn't an equal to my mom's, it was a close second. I sat at a table adjacent to the bar and Patrick the bartender was my server. He was very attentive and the rest of the restaurant appeared adequately staffed. My only real complaint would be a lack of draft beers and a lack of bottled lager choices but other than that, I look forward to my next visit.
(5)Jon O.
Stopped in here for a lunch and it was a great experience. We started off with some shrimp and gits and also put in a order for some cornbread. Be forewarned, the side order of cornbread is both huge and delicious. More than enough for two people. For a main course I went with the jambalaya which to be honest was good but tasted a little lacking on the spicey factor. I'll probably try another of their items when I get a chance to go back. The service was awesome as well. The place was packed but the servers were working at a frenzied pace and kept up with our drinks and got us our check in prompt order.
(4)Allison D.
Out of all the cornbread we ate in Charleston (which was A LOT), Lowcountry's was our favorite. The shrimp and grits with fried green tomato was excellent, as was the pulled pork. The service was friendly and fine. Sit on the upstairs porch if you can!
(4)Sean B.
Went for dinner, got the yellowfin tuna steak in the recommended medium rare finish. It didn't taste very good. Nothing really did. It was all "ok" but the prices were for "good" level food. There's better places to get nicer seafood at the same price all over town. Boom. Done
(2)Ev R.
First. Our waiter was awesome. He was knowledgeable, attentive, and I watched him sneeze and wash his hands immediately! The food was awesome. We ate, shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, and the pulled pork. All of them were flawless and exactly what you want. We got a reservation on yelp and had no issues getting seated immediately.
(4)Shawn F.
Stopped by here for dinner before our Cruise and was so delighted we found the Lowcountry bistro! Started with the shrimp and grits- delicious! Then we had the chicken and waffles and pork with mac and cheese and greens. Everything was delicious! We are from Atlanta where chicken and waffles are a staple, and the chicken and waffles here at low country are a sure contender. They waffle was cooked really well, soft and moist and the chicken was super juicy and the breading was delicious! Thumbs up!
(5)Stephanie P.
Everything we had tonight was amazing! The swordfish, crab cakes, hush puppies, and even the burger my son had was delicious! First time I ever had collard greens in my life and I loved them. Service was terrific as well. I will definitely recommend and we will be back.
(5)Kimber C.
I'm a fan because of the Bloody Mary! I got bacon in it and it was Delicious!! I'll have to remember this on a hangover day. The mixed drinks were pretty tasty too. The bartender Adam knows what he's doing. The mac-n-cheese was ok, cheesy. I'm kind of spoiled and love truffle oil in my m&c, but it was still tasty. My friend had the crab cake and she said it was with real crab and she really liked it a lot. The fried green tomatoes were great with the grits! I had the pulled pork sandwich with collards. The collards were very good with a slight kick. The pork was a bit dry though and that was disappointing. What wasn't disappointing though was the service. My waitress totally rocked. I felt at first a little judged by possibly the manager. I did sit at a 4 person table when there was just 2 of us. The reason is that I get a little claustrophobic. Fortunately for her, the place doesn't lose any stars because she didn't make me move. I would have left, so kudos to allowing the customer sit where they want. I've heard that Shelter in MP has made guest move tables. There is nothing wrong with telling someone they have to wait for a table if they want to sit in a certain area. Again though, the service and my waitress were awesome. So, because I was not asked to move and the service and drinks were great, I would go back again to try something else on the menu.
(4)Jennie D.
A co-worker and I tried this place for lunch today. It wasn't the restaurant we were trying to eat lunch at, rather the place we ended up for lunch because we were too early for everyplace else. We were really happy to see that they began their lunch service at 11am, so this worked out well. We were first inside, and were seated in the window in the front. Our comfort level was diminished instantly upon sitting; a bit awkward, as the seat height of the bistro chairs do not compliment the low surface height of the table. If you're out to eat, you want to relax and you want to feel comfortable. My colleague had the ham and fried green tomato on a croissant, and said more than once that she thought it was very good. I had their club sandwich. Prior to the food being delivered to the table, our waiter addressed me and explained that they had yet to receive their bread delivery, so would I be okay with my sandwich being served on wheat bread instead of the white it normally comes served on. I was absolutely okay with what seemed a minor change until I tasted the bread, which was likely way more than 'day old.' It was in fact, falling apart. Both sandwiches were served with choice of potato salad or house made chips. We opted for water, given the temps outside... Aside from the bread not being fresh, lunch seemed satisfactory, but as we were leaving, my co-worker remarked "we can cross this one off our list." When I said that I thought she told me that she had enjoyed her lunch, she said "yes, but for $12 plus a tip, we can get a plain old sandwich anywhere on East Bay Street, Broad or Market. That's when it hit me that though filling, there just wasn't a lot of 'wow.' With Charleston birthing new restaurants on what seems like a daily basis anymore, creativity and uniqueness is necessary to stay alive...and keep your locals hooked on your style.
(2)Norm A.
Open, cozy atmosphere. Upstairs outdoor porch seating available. Attentive, courteous staff. A variety of daily specials. Wife had the shrimp & grits, boys had the house club and chicken fingers, I had the humus plate. All delicious. Though we didn't have any cocktails, the list was long and included local microbrews. Cool spot. Reasonable prices for the area.
(4)Jay M.
We had a great dinner here last night. The service was very good, with good recommendations and prompt. My wife had the crispy quail confit followed by the shrimp and grits. I had the pork belly pate followed by the Shrimp Paella. All the food was delicious, and we were glad to learn that the restaurant prided themselves in being a farm-to-table establishment with most food sources from farms within 30 miles. I'd highly recommend a visit! Not as fancy as some, but great food and good atmosphere.
(5)Rhoda G.
When we arrived at Lowcountry Bistro, it was during the lunch time rush. We didn't have to wait very long for our table. Once we got settled in, I ordered some sweet tea with a cup of she crab soup and Frogmore Stew. My boyfriend got shrimp and grits as an appetizer and the jambalaya. We also shared some cornbread. The she crab soup hit the spot and the shrimp, sausage, potatoes, sweet corn & bacon sauce in the stew was delicious. My boyfriend liked everything he had. He thought the jambalaya needed more flavor, so he added some hot sauce. We both definitely loved the cornbread. We almost got 2 cornbread sides but 1 side is plenty enough to share. Perfect lunch time spot.
(4)Heather R.
We decided to grab a bite while we were waiting for our hotel room to be ready. My husband jumped on Yelp and Lowcountry Bistro looked to be a popular spot. We were both disappointed. Our server, Matt, was nice and professional, but not supper menu knowledgeable. When I asked about sweet tea, the response from him and another server was that is isn't anything special, just made with sugar from a grocery store. Needless to say, I drank water! The dining room (first floor) was way to cold. The atmosphere is a little dark and nothing pops for a wow factor or color. The menu reads very well with a good selection. My husband had the shrimp and grits. He liked the fried green tomato most in the dish. I had a club sandwich. I asked Matt several questions before ordering and he got them all wrong... First, a classic club sandwich is a layered sandwich with three pieces of toasted bread. There version only has two. Second, it is classically served cold, not hot. I do not like hot sandwiches and specifically asked if the BLT and Club were served this way. Third, it is cut in quarters and pinned together. They cut it in half. As for the ingredients, the turkey was very nice, but there was only one small "end-piece" of tomato on each half of the sandwich. The bacon was not a high-quality thick slice. The potato salad is a little sweet for my taste, but nice and creamy and has great color. The home-made chips were way, way over done, almost a brownish-black color.
(2)Michael C.
Waited 20 minutes after our reservation and left. Place wasn't even that busy but hostess took 10 minutes before even talking to us.
(1)Joanna S.
The food here was really good. There were so many delicious sounding options, I couldn't decide what to get. The salads are very large, so don't think you can eat one after eating a whole appetizer. Their shrimp macaroni and cheese was amazing. The cheese sauce was creamy and perfectly salty, and it was loaded with shrimp. The atmosphere is also nice, and it's close to the main tourist spots.
(4)Laura A.
I expected this to be a tourist trap, since it's located right on Market Street. Lowcountry Bistro is not. It has a vibe that is attractive to locals and tourists and southern food for any palate. I had the catch of the day - $15 for some of the best trout I have had in a very long time. My husband enjoyed the pesto scallops. We both devoured the fried green tomatoes. Our waiter was terrific and indulged my asking about the significance of the crescent moon and palm tree, which is on everything in South Carolina. He kindly gave me an excellent explanation of the Moultrie flag. Dinner and a history lesson! Cheers!
(4)Gloria C.
We had the "Low country Paella". It was bland, no flavor. The rice was wet & soupy. Really horrible. The seating on the porch is nice but the chairs are like "ice cream parlor" chairs - uncomfortable. Nice location though.
(2)Susan P.
Stopped in for a glass of wine & app before dinner.... Waiter was accommodating but brought dirty dishes for our appetizer. When it was brought to his attention he apologized & said "it happens to much here". First - dirty dishes; Second - waiter didn't notice and put them out anyway. LCB - you better get some quality control before someone gets sick!!!
(1)Lan T.
I love this place! For $12 or something, you get bottomless mimosas for an hour...or more =) The menu is classic low country. The wait staff are amazing. They have amazing grits and fried green tomatoes...what else can you ask for?!?!?!
(5)Kenzie K.
I have been to downtown Charleston so many times, having lived near by and visited on yearly vacations. On this trip we came across Lowcountry Bistro and I could not have been happier. We went for Sunday brunch and the menu was so great it took us a very long time to decide. We finally settled on our order, I had the Bistro Benedict, my dad had the Classic Southern Benedict and my mom had the Roasted Turkey Breast Sandwich. We all decided that these are easily the absolute best grits we have ever had. Even my mother who normally hates grits admitted they were delicious. Both benedicts were distinct, but delicious. The turkey sandwich was also fantastic. I will definitely return for more. I hope this place stays open for a long time. Right now it seems somewhat undiscovered and not too busy, but if all their food is as good as our brunch that won't be the case for long!
(5)Sabrina T.
Visited this restaurant while on a road trip from FL to NYC. Loved loved loved the food and the service. The crawfish hushpuppies with the brown butter honey were perfect. The sweet potato fingerlings were great too. I ordered the frogmore soup at the waiter's rec and he did not steer me wrong. He also recommended good local beers. My friends enjoyed their entrees as well, the jambalaya and the chicken and waffles. If you are ever in Charleston, eat here.
(5)Lauren T.
What a cute little southern gem. We came here for dinner one evening due to the high Yelp reviews, and once again, Yelp didn't let me down! My favorite item was the fried okra... So simple yet so delicious! The restaurant is quaint and laid back, and our waiter was super helpful. The menu has lots of unmistakably southern, home-cooked items that aren't too fancy or overly pretentious. Quite simply, Lowcountry Bistro is some good eatin'. It's also in a great location if you are near Market Street or the Market Pavilion. I didn't get a chance to try their brunch, but if I ever come to Charleston again, I am sure I will give this place another well-deserved shot!
(4)N D.
Food and service were both great! We sat upstairs outside and almost got blown away, but it was really good food. Fresh and tasty.
(5)Chris J.
Happened to walk by Low Country Bistro on S. Market on Sunday and figured we would try it that night. Absolute best decisions we made while in Charleston. Adam was our server - great guy and a true asset to the establishment. We had Fried Green Tomatoes and Roasted Sweet Potato Fingerlings to start off - both great choices. She had the Chicken and Waffle...which sounds odd and looked just as weird, but loved it. I had the Frogmore Stew with red rice. Without question, the best low country dish I have ever eaten. This place is apparently from the same owner that brought us 82Queen - another place we like to go. Given that it was 98* we skipped the outside are, but look forward to returning and eating on the balcony next trip. The atmosphere was relatively quiet and I feel they did a great job decorating the relatively small space. Wine list a bit small, but some great options. Given that they are only 2 months old as I understand it, they are on their way to becoming a destination in Charleston.
(5)