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Carolina's Restaurant
Category: Restaurants Canadian (New) Canadian (New) [Edit]
10 Exchange StCharleston, SC 29401
(843) 724-3800
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Valet
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Upscale
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Best Stuffed burgers in town, home-made soups daily, Philly cheese steak, hand battered chicken tenders, hand cut french fries. Karaoke and open mic every night.
29 reviews for Carolina's Restaurant
Review Highlights
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"Best shrimp and grits ever and the biscuits are perfection." In 6 reviews -
"I got the Perditas Fruit De Mer: Clams, Mussels, Shrimp..." In 2 reviews -
"The desert of their peanut brittle basket made the night." In 4 reviews
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29 reviews in English
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Review from Chris S.
Orlando, FL
12/30/2011
I thought this placed served a great meal. My wife got the shrimp and grits here and really enjoyed them. I got the seared scallops which were also good but the first one was definitely over seasoned. My brother had the brazed beef which was similar to a pot roast. I would have passed on this option personally. They are famous for the sugar pecan basket which has ice cream and fruit within it. A must try and easily shareable among 2 to 3 people.
Also it has a free valet which is awesome. -
Review from Lindsay C.
Chicago, IL
3/17/2012
I don't know what it is about this place that people love. When I used to work on East Bay, I seemed to end up here a lot when we had business lunches...and I never liked my food. It seems stuffy to be so close to the water. I'd really rather sit outside somewhere and enjoy the day. I hear people rave about the truffle fries, but I have never been impressed. I do like the crab wontons and that is about it. I feel like this is another Charleston restaurant that people just expect to be great and it just scrapes on by from some previous prestige. Nothing special in my book.
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Review from Lisa M.
3/10/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Chef Jill Mathias is an amazing lady, she describes her passion for cooking, and the appreciation for the bountiful areas. She has a love for her local area and the local growers. Her creativity and passion for food has Jill holding the role as Executive Chef at Carolina's. The staff here at Carolina's is very friendly and gives it that additional southern charm. According to the New York Times, Carolina's is one of the most elegant restaurants on the East Coast with charm.
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Review from Walt C.
South Carolina Lowcountry, SC
5/1/2012 Seated via OpenTable
Revisited Carolina's with a party of 6 recently, and boy has this place declined. We were seated at a group of 3 small tables pushed together in the middle of the bar area. This felt like an uncomfortable island smack in the middle of a busy place. Maybe they were stretching to accommodate us, but I made the reservation something like 10 days in advance. Then we waited for a looooooooooong time before anyone came over to our table to take our drink order. I mean a long time. This set the theme of the night as we were constantly having to (or trying to) flag down our waiter to try to get items like water, bread, and things he had forgotten. The entrees we received ranged from good (shrimp and grits) to meh (crab cakes). Pan roasted chicken was also just ok. Hanger steak was good. No comments on the other entrees. The final insult was that, as a larger party, a 20% gratuity was mandatory. Ours was not a group of complainers, and we had a good time, but the next morning at breakfast I mentioned that I was taking Carolina's off the list of "go-to" places in Charleston and everyone heartily agreed.
With so many terrific restaurants in this town, I can't see any reason to pay this much money for such a mediocre time. -
Review from Diane R.
Alpharetta, GA
3/20/2012
Best happy hour in town! Great bar area, very reasonable drink prices, and -amazingly - half off some of my favorites, including shrimp and grits, burgers, truffle fries, and wontons. Mmm! Go between 5-7 on weekdays for the special.
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Review from Buck S.
Centreville, VA
4/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
Were in Charleston for harbor cruise and met a local couple who said "must go". So we did. Was going for the shrimp n grits, got the wontons to start. Asked about the tasting menu for the night. Decided hey, on vacation ... Was amazing! Started with a spoon of smoked trout salad on shaved radish! Very tasty! Then had a marinated shrimp on frizee salad. Unbelievable! Moved to a seared scallop with kimchee, black sea salt. The broth was billed as "ramen" but had a haunting fish essense that was magical. There was 1/2 a fried soft shell crab in tempura batter somewhere in here too... Again, just small bites but so good. Finally, skirt steak on mashed taters. A finale perfection! Thought we were done and out comes cinnamon toast with a small crock of chocolate creme, cheese wedge and candied walnut pieces. I felt like a special deal had been created just for us! Chef Jill came out to chat for a moment. So nice! I would recommend this to all. We spoke to others there and all were regulars that love it. You really can't please everyone but, when you do please most, that's a feather in the chef togue (cap). Way to go Chef Jill!
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Review from Michael P.
Santa Rosa, CA
4/22/2012
Really loud!! Don't let them seat you in the bar!
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Review from Rachel M.
Isle of Palms, SC
9/17/2011
We are truly enjoying Restaurant Week Charleston!!! First timer!
Atmosphere: 4; we like the upscale look and feel; the tables were a bit close, however we were able to make a few new friends for the night
Staff: 5; the host kindly re-sat us to a table not in the middle of the room; Todd was delightful - friendly and attentive; we were able to substitute sides; the food arrive at a appropriately consistent pace
Drinks: 3; No local beers on tap; standard wine list
Food: 5; stand outs: roasted tomato bisque, Meyer Ranch angus ribeye, and pecan brittle basket (ice cream, fruits with carmel & chocolate sauces) still yummy: Carolina salad, perditas fruit de mer (mixed shell fish topped with grill salmon)
Overall: 5; we will be back!!! -
Review from Matt G.
Blacksburg, VA
8/5/2011
My wife & I are of a split decision, but I'm writing so I win. Love the shrimp & grits, and this place has a sentimental place in my heart.
That said, service was a bit meh & it wasn't crowded, which is either good or bad (depending on your perspective). -
Review from Tina M.
1/21/2012 Seated via OpenTable 1 Check-in Here
Service was really great. I tried the tasting menu and everything was great. It was actually a tad more than I could eat but I still enjoyed everything nonetheless. I was surprised by some of the flavors--they seemed familiar like I had eaten them as a child and not liked them but I do like them now. Maybe it was rhubarb or something? Anyway at my whole time in SC I was very surprised by these new(ish) flavors which I assume are ingredients used in traditional Southern cuisine. The only thing I was iffy about was giving me that plate of meats and oiled toasts and spreads first. They were heavily oiled (which is okay with me) but the combo of the oily toasts and fat laden meats I think helped make me full too early. (You know how people say to eat fat first to make you less hungry--I know that happens with me. If I go to AYCE KBBQ and eat the pork belly first I can never eat more than like 5 bites of other meat. That's why I eat that last.) Everything was very delicious and cooked very nicely. Next time I'm in Charleston, I'll come back here! :)
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Review from Susan B.
San Rafael, CA
9/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
Amazing----the Fried Green Tomato BLT was incredible and my hubby had the special. The drinks were great, too!!!
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Review from James B.
Glen Moore, PA
9/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
My wife and I were visiting Charleston while on vacation at Isle of Palms. We decided to try Carolina's and we were glad we did. The meal we had was fantastic. We started with the Fried Calamari. We were surprised with the size of the appetizer and the calamari was very good especially the dip under the lettuce. I had the Perditas de Mer which was the best seafood platter I have ever had. The assortment of shrimp, mussels, clams, scallops and a piece of salmon was extraordinary and the toast dipped in the broth made the assortment even better. My wife had the crab cakes which were seasoned right and the apple,bacon,onion and almond topping was a nice addition. The desert of their peanut brittle basket made the night. It did get a little noisy because of the groups in the area but it did not detract from the wonderful meal. Will be back!!!
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Review from Kevin R.
Windermere, FL
11/17/2011
Fantastic food, the shrimp & grits are awesome. The Peanut Brittle dessert is a must have so save room for it. Chef Jill is great and you'll love the history of this place - stop next store at the Beer Exchange and take home some great micro brews. The history of the building is fun as well so if you want excellent food, local flavor and great service eat here! Thanks to Hoon Calhoun from the Chef's Tour for the recommendation!
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Review from Amy L.
10/23/2010
When I first walked in here, I expected to be disappointed. The restaurant was nearly empty, too brightly lit and we were seated by a bar playing a football game. Also, the menu was full of things like Caesar salad and calamari that suggest a lack of ambition in the kitchen.
Then our entrees arrived. My grouper was a beautifully-cooked piece of fish surrounded by even more exquisite vegetables. The level of care, balance and attention to detail that went into the food was outstanding. (And it wasn't just the fish - everyone's food was carefully thought out and perfectly prepared.)
It's only four stars because the lighting was still too bright, and the football game annoying. However, this is the perfect place, bar none, to satisfy both foodies and unadventurous eaters forced by circumstances to share a table. -
Review from Alayne H.
9/4/2008
I really enjoyed my dining experience at Carolina's. The atmosphere is simple elegance and quiet. The service impeccable.
The Shrimp Crabmeat Wontons with key lime ginger aioli and red pepper coulis appetizer was very good. However the wonton dominated this dish which was a bit disappointing. I ordered the Pan Seared Diver Scallops w/ roasted cauliflower, baby carrots and greens and a side of Aligot Potatoes for my entree. It was wonderful!
Also noteworthy is their bottles of wine are half off on Sunday and Monday. If the bottle is $75 or more, it is discounted by $37.50. :-)
Excellent restaurant! -
Review from Anna R.
4/11/2009
I hate to give this place such a low rating, but I'm only giving three stars because of the crappy atmo.
We ate here on a Wednesday night that was super slow. Admittedly, I tried to get us reservations at Magnolia but they didn't have anything available until 915. So off to Carolina's we ate.
The food: just above average.
The service: closing in on excellent.
The atmosphere: weird.
No one was seated in the main dining room because there weren't enough diners to fill up the outer room, so all the diners (maybe 20 of us?) were stuck on the outside. This wouldn't have been so bad except every time the door opened, the chilly air would come in. Plus, we were seated next to an obnoxious and loud British woman.
Now, let's get back to the food. My husband got the tasting menu which had a decent salad, pork belly app, and a very good scallop entree. The brittle basket was OK. I got the shrimp and grits and it was mighty tasty. I also got the chocolate cake which was pure heaven.
But sometimes, I rate based on the ambience, and it was a killer. I'm sure on a busy night, this place would have rocked it, but on a slow night, you need to treat your guests to the main dining room.
I think this place is long in the tooth, which may explain the empty tables. It's too bad that we didn't catch Carolina's in its glory days. -
Review from Paula D.
Auburn, AL
6/9/2011 4 photos
We had a great meal here. It was a classy environment with great service. Bread was delicious, and the chef sent out a special seafood two-bite for us as an appetizer. I got the Perditas Fruit De Mer: Clams, Mussels, Shrimp, Scallops, with AMAZING toast. My husband got the Hanger Steak. Both were great. We split the praline crusted shell with ice cream, chocolate & caramel sauce, and fruit! This is a great stop for a fancy dinner in Charleston.
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Review from Troy B.
Columbia, SC
9/11/2009
I always like the food and service.... This place has some of the best crab cakes and shrimp and grits around. They also procure everything local:)
One bad note: it was rather warm inside and we left earlier than we wanted to. -
Review from Tucker W.
Mt Pleasant, SC
9/10/2011
Really not impressed. Service was good. Went for restaurant week and had:
salad: blah, good greens, no flavor other than that.
scallops: way too salty, nothing unique.
dessert: fairly decent.
I tried the flounder and the pasta as well and was not too impressed. Charleston has a lot of excellent dining spots and I have been to every one of them. Carolinas is just 'mediocre' on my list.
Could get the same quality food for a lot cheaper elsewhere around the area. Don't think I'll be going back, but the service was very good. -
Review from Bill M.
Aiken, SC
6/14/2006
Great food and great service. Most of the dishes are seafood, but the rack of lamb and the veal are also great. The cheese grits are killer. (Also a GREAT wine list.)
It IS a little on the expensive side, and I would dress at least business casual.
Reservations suggested, but you can just try your luck :-)
5p-10p Sun-Thu, 5p-11p Fri & Sat. -
Review from Dustin C.
Birmingham, AL
7/29/2010
Visited Carolina's for the first time in many years, and I must say it was much better on this occasion. Not bad last visit, but being crammed in the front room detracted greatly from the enjoyment.
The Crab cakes were excellent, shrimp and grits were good as well, though Andouille used was a touch chewy. For desert we enjoyed the pecan brittle basket which was excellent but very large. The summer tasting menu is the way to go, though we did not realize this until after the fact. It gives a chance to sample everything while still receiving adequate portions. A few of our dinner companions went this route and were pleased.
The atmosphere is nice, as long as you are not in the front room which I think feels a little impersonal. The staff was wonderful and very attentive. -
Review from Hank M.
Charleston, SC
1/3/2010
Only been here for two "special events" that the restaurant puts on in conjunction with the Charleston Beer Exchange, but EVERY course without fail has been amazing.
Beer specially paired with meals by the head chef Jeremiah are a great touch. If you ever get the chance to try this evening out, it's worth the $50 price tag BY FAR. -
Review from Glenn H.
Yorba Linda, CA
11/10/2010
Great and reasonable lunch!
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Review from Carrie B.
Austin, TX
Agree with other reviews great food atmosphere not so great. Best shrimp and grits ever and the biscuits are perfection!
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Review from Mari V.
Estero, FL
2/4/2011
Adored the bistro martini, pork belly app, Soft shell crab & Hanger steak and Flounder were all excellent! Fantastic service, $20 corkage fee...they even chilled it perfectly! I may have to go back for a martini before we leave!!!
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Review from Candy M.
Charleston, SC
1/18/2011
Good food, good service. But a bit loud - not romantic setting if that is what you are looking for.
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Review from Rob W.
7/2/2008
always enjoy the food and atmosphere here. a great menu and a great room to enjoy it in. service is always good, just a fun, fun restaurant for a group dinner or a romantic date.
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Review from Inga S.
Arlington, VA
1/3/2010
My husband and I had lunch here on a recommendation from a local merchant, and we were not disappointed. The food was tasty and creative. The chicken pannini, accompanied by very thin fries garnished with truffle oil and parmesan, as well as the smoked tomato bisque were both superb. While the lunch menu is quite different, and more affordable, than the dinner menu, I would definitely try this place for dinner if we had more time in Charleston. We frankly don't understand why the place has not gotten more attention.
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Review from Sean B.
Fairfax, VA
9/23/2009
I've eaten at Carolina's several times. The first time wowed me, as my wife and I chose the tasting menu with the chef's wine pairings. The food was excellent, and the service was spectacular. The manager came with the pairings, and explained each. The next time, in late 2008, the service was a bit off. The food was still wonderful, if not quite as fantastic as the first trip, but the staff seemed ill-prepared for the pairings, and some senior waiter was assigned for the role - a senior waiter with an apparent coke problem. He actually did a pretty good job, but, he always seemed to be rushing (and sniffling!). The last time I ate there was today, for lunch. The service was again top-notch, and the food was very good. The wife had a BLT with a lovely curried cauliflower soup, and I had an oyster po'boy with the truffled french fries. I highly recommend the french fries. A real bargain would be to come here for the 5-7 happy hour and get half-priced bar food. Lunch gets you excellent service at much reduced prices, while dinner can be expensive.
