Rob Tulloh
Picked this restaurant from the essential restaurant list published for Charleston. At the hotel, they recommended the fried oyster sliders. They were definitely a win and we recommend them too. Raw bar oysters were delicious (but a bit pricey at $4 a piece). We debated a seafood tower, but opted for the stuffed squash (delicious), the burata (very good), and the gumbo. The gumbo was served with lump crab. I like crab, but the crab was overwhelmed by the gumbo. A house made Fresno sauce was provided with the gumbo and we applied a liberal sprinkling of the hot sauce. Let's just say the gumbo was not as good as the rest of the meal. Service was friendly and efficient. Definitely enjoyed our visit.
Kelly Webb
My husband and I ate at The Ordinary. It is a restaurant that used to be a bank. It is so beautiful. Our waitress was great, she was very kind and gave us good suggestions on what to try. We are foodies and we love to try new dishes. My husband had 6 single lady oysters. He thought they were great. Then he had Dave's clams and grilled sourdough. I had the Baltimore Style Fish Cake, delicious! We had a great evening!
Blake Roche
If FIG is for Friday night, then The Ordinary is for a Sunday afternoon. We got a spot at the bar as soon as they opened before we left town, and spent the next two hours or so working our way through their fish and seafood based small plates and unique drink menu. The Ordinary is impressive inside and out - huge windows, huge bar, huge flavor in both food and drink. Bartenders were kind and attentive, and service was flawless and timed well. We got bread, tuna carpaccio, smoked oysters, swordfish dip, one oyster slider, and beef tartare - all incredible. If I had to pare it down to two for a short meal, it would have to be the swordfish and the oyster service -- something about making your dish an experience of loading up a cracker. If you're staying away because you're hesitant about seafood, don't. This isn't Hyman's (absolutely no hate), this is seafood at its lightest and smallest and finest. We had a great meal for around $200 and were really glad we stopped by. If there's a seat at the bar, make sure you head on in.
Steve Odemis
I've frequented bars across various cities, and they range from the OK to the remarkable. The Ordinary, however, is anything but ordinary. Their team shows professionalism and warmth, and their culinary offerings are top-notch – especially the steak and Salmon tartare. Whiskey enthusiasts will be delighted with their vast bourbon collection. The highlight for me was the cathedral-like tall ceilings, creating a majestic ambiance. It's the perfect spot to relax with a premium bourbon after a taxing day – at least that was my experience.
Kristi Latimer
Sat at the bar three different days. Keith, Cody, and Dalton were outstanding in their knowledge of wine and cocktails. They were extremely attentive and provided service that is usually only provided in a very upscale restaurant. FANTASTIC! After going there one time Keith remembered our names the second time in. This is a MUST go-to! Sit at the bar!
Brooke Dexter
The Ordinary came recommended to us and was a perfect first stop after arriving in Charleston at night. We treated ourselves to some wine and cocktails, crispy oyster sliders, some zucchini carpaccio and rock shrimp larb and loved it all. Perfect for some light bites and sitting at the bar with a drink.
Robin Mehera
Came here on a Saturday night without any reservations. They were very nice and able to seat us immediately at the oyster bar. This restaurant is an old bank converted into a restaurant. Also is a james beard award winning chef.
The oysters are amazing as was the clam and sourdough. The latter has the most insane flavors, I could order it again in the same sitting!
Their pineapple fountain drink is also very good.
Easily one of the best spots in Charleston.
Vladimir Shapiro
Looking back at this year The Ordinary was a special place. It raised the bar for what a restaurant could be for me. Fresh, flavorful seafood in every single course with service that was highly attentive and comfortable. The ambiance is one youll remember too. As everyone says get the oyster sliders.
Matt Shepherd
Don't even know where to start with this amazing restaurant! First of all the restaurant is amazing and looks great. We got there as soon as it opened at 5pm. The table service was immaculate, There was always someone to ask us if we needed anything or to clean off our table. Yes the menu is a little pricey but believe me, it is worth it! We got the triple seafood tower, and that had all kinds of dishes on it in which they all had their own unique flavor such has the oysters, dressed oysters, clams, shrimp, an amazing fish pâté the list goes on. Every single dish was better than the last. I even tried the caviar, which was a first for me, I was not disappointed at all! One of "the" most delicious things I've ever eaten! Also, a new dish for me I tried was the steak tartare made from good wagyu steak and the flavor was incredible! I've never had so many great dishes laid out before me. The dessert 🍨 was to die for as well, the chocolate hazelnut budino it was called. I would looove to come back again when it's a special occasion and I'm in the area. Would love to try more on their menu.
Isabella Wardrop
One of the best and most beautiful meals I’ve had! Service was extraordinary and the food was unbelievably humble and fresh. Thank you for the great experience.
Terri Daughtry
The food was fine. I can't say much for the service. 3 hostesses. We waited for a bar spot. She took my drink order (a beer) never brought it. A waiter brought my friends drink.. no beer for me. The manager came over to see if we needed anything and I told him I had ordered a beer 30 minutes earlier. He said he would take care of it immediately. I watched him walk around and go up the stairs came back down went to the kitchen. A few minutes after that the waiter came back with the beer.
The Phat lady oysters were not anything I would order again. I never got the chance to order anything else nor ever got anything else to drink. Not even a glass of water. The 3 bartenders would not make eye contact with you because they were busy with drinks for the whole restaurant and washing the glassware. My friend had the slider and said it was super. By the time her steak tartar arrived the bloom was off the rose and we could not wait to leave. We tasted it, left most of in the bowl and cut our losses. I'm always willing to give a restaurant a second chance but I won't pay for the opportunity to be disrespected.
James Clinton Odom
This is an oyster and rum bar. We had the double seafood tower and the oysters were very fresh and delicious. We went during happy hour, so it was cheaper than it usually is. Also had the milk punch rum, extremely well put together. For the double seafood tower and two alcoholic drinks during happy hour - it was just over 100, but i feel ir was worth it
Donna Mitchell
OMG, this had to have been one of the best meals I've ever eaten! It was Superb. There is absolutely nothing ordinary about The Ordinary. I would totally recommend this place! (I had smoked oysters and grouper.)
Amy Ko Smith
We researched this place 6 months ago and decided it was a “must” for our Charleston vacation. It did not disappoint. We ordered several small plates as well as cocktails and took our time. Our server Charles read us perfectly and took excellent care of us. It was definitely one of the best meals I’ve ever had.
Tucker Shaver
Our favorite place in Charleston. We sat at the raw bar. Alejandro was shucking and knows his oysters and made a great experience even better. Great oysters, razor clams, and the steamed grouper is the best fish I’ve ever had.
Michelle Valvoda Edwards
Had a wonderful experience! We had to cancel our initial reservation due to car trouble on our way down. We headed there later hoping for a seat at the bar. The hostess was most gracious and got us a small table. Our server was wonderful, explaining the dishes and answering our questions. Thumbs up on all the food. Highlights included the smoked oysters, peekytoe crab salad and barbecued shrimp. Cocktails and wine pairings worked beautifully with the food. We've only been in town for one day, but convinced that the Ordinary is one of the best in Charleston.
Becky Conner
The best oysters I’ve ever had and I’ve had oysters in Boston and Seattle. Our waitress was THE friendliest and spot on with all her recommendations. One of the best dining experiences!
Kyndra Ponder Holm
Absolutely wonderful! Everything from the hostess and servers to each and every bite of food. The fried oyster sliders are a must! And the rice pudding! My first meal in Charleston and I will definitely be back!
Anna Marie Mindicino
What an absolutely fantastic night! Our server, Justin, was incredible and the bartenders were equally as fabulous. The food was to die for and the kitchen was so great to accommodate our birthday (troll) cake. It was a lovely night!
Peter Anthony
Amazing seafood coupled with a great waiter made the entire dining experience fantastic. Request Charlie as your server; you won't be disappointed!
Grace Waterfall
The food and staff are outstanding . The oysters melted in your mouth, the lobster sandwich was delicious, the desert so good!
Karen L Meinke
Amazing service!!! Great food!! Get reservations plenty in advance, because this place fills up fast!!
Janet Jernigan
More like The Extraordinary!! A great place for cocktails and appetizers. The lobster roll on Tuesdays is a MUST have. Flown in fresh from Maine, served hot or cold on house made buns and other house made condiments. It was so delicious! Great vibe, location and friendly staff!
Sherry McCord
We had a great seafood platter! The oysters were fabulous! The bartenders were all efficient and friendly!
Celeste Swierk
A true dining pleasure. Server Michael was only surpassed by the food . He was extremely knowledgeable and pleasant. The seafood tower was a wonderful beginning. Luscious oysters, clams, shrimp and grouper cerviche accompanied by sauces to enhance each one. Our entrees consisted of black bass and frito misto ( the best I’ve ever eaten) !
The desserts, we had them all. The chocolate budino, Florida
Strawberry sorbet , rice pudding with citrus salad and lastly a coconut pie with a chick crust. We came away with the memory of a well enjoyed dinner. Looking forward to a return trip
ND Kramer
Hands down the best seafood spot in America, period! Check out what.nate.ate on instagram for more photos.
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