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Magnolias - Uptown Down South
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Classy
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
246 reviews for Magnolias - Uptown Down South
Review Highlights
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"Fried green tomatoes on grits with goat cheese." In 42 reviews -
"Jim had the blue crab bisque, which as delicious." In 18 reviews -
"I had the parmesan crusted flounder - it was perfect." In 14 reviews
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245 reviews in English
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Review from Deena D.
5/20/2012
A true fine dining southern experience.
We came here on our first night in Charleston and were able to make a reservation through Open Table. I highly recommend doing this, takes two seconds and alleviates the stress of not knowing if you'll get a table.
The vibe was upscale but not pretentious, our server was very attentive, funny and helpful in making suggestions. I came here with my guy and friend who is a local (so we knew we could get the real verdict on if this was authentic Chucktown food)
First things first, awesome cocktail menu. The mint julep, sparkling white sangria and st. germain/lavendar flavored vodka cocktails were right on. Nothings beats a good drink to compliment a great meal.
I HIGHLY recommend trying these, it was more than enough for 2 people. They can split any entree for $5 plate fee and they compensate by adding in extra grits/side dish/etc. which is nice.
blue crab bisque - DELICIOUS, when else can you say you've had blue crabs? just get a cup at least
Fried Green Tomatoes- many restaurants offer this Charleston staple but Magnolia's was cooked to perfection. Not overfly fried but just a perfect crust, served over grits with a tomato chutney and ham. We all felt Magnolia's had the BEST.
Shellfish over Grits - scallops, lobster & shrimp over white grits with lobster butter sauce and spinach. Do I need to say more? This was incredible.
Overall well worth the splurge to my waistline and wallet. Make this top of your list when visiting Charleston. -
Review from Patricia J.
Delray Beach, FL
5/11/2012
Definitely check this spot out if you're in the Charleston area. I came for a quick solo lunch on a weekday and was seated immediately by the welcoming host. I followed my server's suggestion and ordered the shrimp and sausage grits and I was not disappointed. Honestly, the best grits I've ever had! The grits were smooth and creamy, topped with an abundant amount of shrimp and sausage gravy which was nicely seasoned. The only negative, I'd say is that it's a pretty rich meal. But I guess you can't expect anything different with grits...Even for lunch, the portion was quite generous too, so be warned. If you're not looking to spend too much, come here for lunch where you can get a better value for the same amazing portions and good food. I was pleased with the $13 price tag for my meal. Sweet tea was not too sweet, which was a nice relief.
The service was exceptional and attentive. My server, Billy, was very kind and suggested nice spots to check out.
I will definitely be back when I'm in the area! -
Review from Brian F.
Atlanta, GA
5/7/2012
I ate at Magnolias twice recently. The first time was our first day in Charleston. Our waiter explained some touristy things to do while in Charleston and recommended that we take a carriage ride. I had the smoked turkey Reuben with sweet potato fries, which was decent, but I should have known better than to order a Reuben sans the corned beef. The sweet potato fries were easily the best I have ever had.
Our second trip to Magnolias was just as special as the first, but I ordered something closer to their forte - spicy shrimp and sausage over grits. It was nothing short of fantastic. The shrimp and sausage had just the right amount of spice and the grits were creamy and balanced the protein well.
The restaurant is classy with a good atmosphere, and I truly can't think of a bad thing to say. The prices were on the higher side, in my opinion, but well worth it for the food and the service. I'm not a terribly picky eater, but I can appreciate a well-crafted meal made with fresh ingredients. I would have no problem recommending Magnolias to my closest friends and family. -
Review from Michelle D.
Houston, TX
5/4/2012
My experience overall was pretty good. The waiter was friendly, the decor and ambiance was nice (despite the person sitting next to me who seem to have whooping cough - not the restaurants fault, just kind of gross).
The cocktails were really creative, they definitely get kudos there. Plus their house chardonnay is a great deal and the taste is actually pretty good.
The food though, meh. I've never had pimiento cheese with olives in it, but they seem to do that here and it was overly salty for me. Crab cakes tasted ok, though they ended up with a bunch of raw breading on the outside which was fairly unpleasant. I had the parmesean crusted flounder which was in DIRE need of sauce. It was beyond dry and it had a dribble of butter or something on the bottom of the plate. I'm not even usually one to put a lot of sauce, dressing, etc on anything but boy did this need it. The scallop appetizer was very good, probably the best (and unfortunately the smallest) dish we had the entire night. I would definitely recommend the scallops.
I don't think any of these errors were egregious, maybe the chef was having a bad night or something, but for being Charleston's most celebrated restaurant I just had a bit higher standards. Oh well! -
Review from Greyson D.
Raleigh, NC
4/13/2012
Came on a Wed. night and sat in the bar area while visiting Charleston for business. Had a 3 course meal, ham chowder, fried green tomatoes, & seafood bouillabaisse. All the dishes were spot on, the least inspiring being the ham chowder though. The fried green tomatoes was the best part of the meal. Layered a bite with chutney, ham, and FGT, perfect. I washed it all down with two Palmetto Pale Ales, which is a pretty good local brew.
A lot of reviews state the ambiance is dated. Yes, it does like very 90's but when I'm in Charleston I'm not looking for a trendy restaurant that plays drum-n-bass on the speakers, thats for the NYC & Vegas trips.
Overall a solid restaurant in my opinion and was priced accordingly. -
Review from Karin F.
Flemington, NJ
4/30/2012
When can I get back to Magnolias? I had to choose one of the restaurants in Charleston as we were only stopping in on our way through to the plantations on the river. My pick was Magnolias, on a Friday, during the busy lunch crowds.
Our meal was OUT OF THIS WORLD. We started with the Salt & Pepper Fried Shrimp with blackened grit cake, green tomato chow chow and peach jezebel sauce, and the Housemade Pimiento Cheese with Charleston flatbread. There were also biscuits brought to us that were very good. Our starters were divine... so good, the kind of food experience that you don't forget... this meal doesn't blend in to the mix of all of the other meals that we've had along the way... this meal stands out. I could eat a dozen portions of the shrimp with blackened grit cake, chow chow and peach jezebel sauce and I'd still want a dozen more servings! Great combination of flavors and textures.
I had the creamy tomato bisque and my hubs had the blue crab bisque with fresh chives... YUMMO
The hubs had the signature dish, the Shellfish over Grits with shrimp, scallops and lobster over grits with lobster butter sauce and fried spinach... truly outstanding.
I had a fried green tomato BLT with jalapeno cornbread, smoked bacon, melted pimiento cheese, and red leaf lettuce... this sandwich was so freaking good, I took half of it back to NJ and ate it a couple of days later to relive the magic and it was still divine! The coleslaw that came with this was fabu.
My son had the buttermilk fried chicken breast, cracked pepper biscuits and mashed potatoes with collard greens and sausage herb gravy - A+. -
Review from Allen H.
La Quinta, CA
5/11/2012
In a previous visit many years ago, the good food offered by Magnolia's was overtaken by the noisy dining area of the restaurant. But it was time for another visit. It was still noisy in the front - so ask for a table in the back room which is carpeted.
Had several entrees and apps that were great - plus they also offer small plates. Chicken livers, fried green tomatoes, scallops and potato chips with blue cheese were awesome - especially the sauce for the scallops. Entrees of flounder, pork chops and "The Carpetbagger" tenderloin with fried oysters.
We enjoyed a very reasonably priced Rhone blend from Washington.
This is certainly a restaurant that should be on your list for a Charleston visit - but there are so many. If you haven't been there, I would certainly add it to me "Restaurant Week" list. -
Review from Elizabeth E.
Nashville, TN
4/1/2012
I am not exaggerating when I say this may be one of the best meals I've ever had. I will forever recommend this Charleston classic to friends and family heading to Charleston. I'll keep things brief, but here is why I loved it and what I'd recommend trying...
ATMOSPHERE: Nothing over the top, great location in the heart of East Bay Street. We were lucky enough to snag a table for two toward the end of the evening near the front window, so we could watch folks outside while we enjoyed our delicious food. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming. We were surrounded by what felt like a good mix of tourists and locals enjoying a nice dinner out on a Friday evening.
SERVICE: Our server was nothing short of amazing! He was incredibly welcoming and gave us great suggestions about what to order. He was not overbearing, yet still attentive.
FOOD: Do yourself a favor and order the "Down South Egg Roll." Our server suggested it as a local favorite and boy, was he right! It was delicious! It was cut in half, so two can easily share it without a fight breaking out over the last bite. There was also a fried oyster appetizer that was killer - the best part of it was the bed of veggies (and hominy) underneath the oysters. Another must-order. Our entrees were delicious as well, but those appetizers were the real selling-points for us!
OVERALL: YES! If you are in Charleston and have not hit up Magnolia's http://do.it.now. Seriously, go to http://OpenTable.com now and make a reservation before it's too late. -
Review from Jeff H.
Charlotte, NC
5/6/2012
My wife and I came here for lunch. There was a line at 11:30 so we figured it was a good bet. We were correct!!! Wait staff was awesome and extremely attentive. I had the crab cake sandwich with sweet potato fries and my wife had the vegi wrap with homemade potato chips.... both dishes were beautifully delivered and both delicious. I recommend this establishment and will definitely be back. Safe travels!!
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Review from Cherish B.
Arlington, VA
5/23/2012
My husband and I dined at Magnolias for dinner on our recent trip to Charleston and thoroughly enjoyed our meal! We had a reservation via Open Table for Saturday night and were seated within 5 minutes of arriving. Our table was in the back dining area which we ended up enjoying because it was more secluded and not next to the bar. We had great service from our server, don't recall his name, who was knowledgeable and offered many recommendations based on popularity among other customers and based on our tastes. We started off with fried green tomatoes, which are a must for me; they were delicious and offered a unique twist on traditional FGT. The tomato chutney that accompanied was so sweet, almost dessert-like. We ordered the buttermilk fried chicken and the shellfish over grits - a delicious play on shrimp n' grits. Both entrees were out of this world! The lobster was plentiful in the shellfish over grits entree and the shrimp and scallops were also abundant. The fried chicken was crispy and flavorful and my all time favorite part of the dish was the biscuits with mashed potatoes and gravy on top. The portions were plentiful and the service was excellent. Magnolias is definitely on our list for the next time we're in Charleston and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to friends/family.
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Review from Robyn M.
Fairfax, VA
4/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
It was good. My sister and I ate here this last week on a visit to Charleston. I have to say we both got the fried chicken. It was served with mashed potatoes, creamed corn, biscuits, and sausage gravy (we both got on the side). The corn reminded me of home, my parents shucking corn, taking it of the husks, and cooking it. Yummy! The gravy was tasty. I would have given it 4 stars if I had not had eaten a similar meal in New Orleans at NOLA, so I am spoiled. NOLA was fantastic from beginning to end.
Make sure you make a reservation, folks love this place! -
Review from Cybil S.
Burbank, CA
3/27/2012
WOW. Now this place wowed me with service, taste, and ambiance. The second best meal I had in Charleston and one I would recommend to all.
I had the trout and pear salad and loved every bite. I tried my friends grits and scallops and was jealous that I hadn't ordered that! It was sooooo good. Based on the other reviews there really isn't much else I can say except if I'm in Charleston I'll be back. -
Review from Mac C.
Birmingham, AL
5/20/2012
Most of the food was excellent, except for my overly large and bland fried flounder. The fried green tomatoes appetizer with grits and peppers and ham was amazing. However the bar staff was incredibly rude and really ignored our presence. There were two bartenders, and the bar was not full at all. We had to beg for drinks. After we complained to the manager she apologized and tried to excuse their behavior because they were in the "Weeds" ( busy). I about died when she told me that. Why she had thought I wanted an excuse is beyond me, and that that was a valid reason for their incredibly rude behavior. But after we were at the table everything was great. But with so many options in Charleston I won't be going back. It's an expensive place and I just don't care to spend that much money for a possible second bad experience.
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Review from Dan M.
Greensboro, NC
2/20/2012
Had a wonderful lunch with my wife and a bottle of Far Niente Chardonnay.
I chose the Seafood and Grits (very well done!) and my wife the Flounder (these are their signature dishes). and I can see why). If I hadn't tasted my wife's fish I would have loved mine but frankly, her fish was soo good mine paled in comparison.
The restaurant was busy and the staff competent (although our waitress seemed a little coutnry for a restaurant like this). Sorry to sound arrogant but she really didn't know anything about the wine list of what might pair well. Otherwise, service was fast and friendly and the meal was wonderful.
Two recommendations - 1st - go at lunch as the dishes are half price and the food more than enough. 2nd - order the flounder and a nice Chardonnay. You'll thank me later. -
Review from Claire v.
3/3/2012 2 photos
I'm keeping this review short, but hopefully it will be helpful. To someone. Anyone.
- Pimiento cheese (see picture): Yum! I'm completely new to this tradition, but can see myself adjusting to 'native' culture very quickly if more Southern food tastes like this.
- Collard greens: Another first for me. I've heard a mixture of scary and encouraging things about this southern beauty of a vegetable. Magnolias goes all out on their treatment of collard greens (not slimy, contrary to rumors I'd heard): bacon, bacon grease, spiciness, some vinegar, the whole package. And I liked them! In fact, i've decided to finally take home a couple of those awesome leaves from our local farmer's market. Tomorrow morning!
- Steak: My friend and I shared the steak, which was very good, not exceptional. It was a bit of a battle-of-the-beefs for us, as I wanted my steak fired medium rare, while my friend is one of those freaks of nature who like their steaks medium well (*gag*). We found a good solution though: We got medium, he ate the outsides, I ate the middle of the strip. Yay for old friends not killing each other over a chunk of beef.
- Service was outstanding, the waiter was funny, attentive, informative, engaged. Probably cute too, I don't really remember, but that might explain my overly fond memory of the man.
- Atmosphere: It was a little (a lot?) dated looking to me. I liked the countless magnolia pictures, though they mad me envious of their beauty when my own magnolias are nothing but brown bunches of sadness in the Oregon rain. The rest of the decor felt very 1950s. Perhaps that's intentional though, I'm no expert on Southern style, so that may be my shortcoming, not theirs.
We wandered out of the restaurant feeling happy and stuffed, and found Charleston covered by a mysterious, almost eery, blanket of fog. We took some pictures (see photo of the Magnolia's alley) and spent the evening strolling around the magnificent neighborhood around the restaurant, marveling at the beauty of gas lights shining through a mildly warm fog.
PS: Doh, not a short review after all. I have no verbal control. Sorry. -
Review from Karen C.
Lowell, MA
3/10/2012 1 photo
Look at my ratings, I'm stingy with 5-stars. I rate on the bell-shape curve, flashback to poor teachers from my past... Anyways, I got the Buttermilk Biscuit Fried Chicken. It was boneless, I hate bones in my meat, the skin was crispy, and the buttermilk biscuit had a shake of pepper in them. Yum! I didn't get to the greens, too full. Oh, I asked for the gravy on the side, so glad I did...keeping the skin crispy.
Slate, our waiter was gracious. Gracious is such an over-used word. He chatted, but was not long-in-the-tooth. He told us of the cobblestone way next to Magnolia's being the oldest in Charlotte. Alas, the blond brownie sounded sinful, we couldn't share one, again, too full from eating such great food. Would go back, and am recommending it. -
Review from Matt M.
Chicago, IL
4/19/2012
Simply put this place was absolutely wonderful. The apps were incredible, the menu was exactly what I had in mind for what my idea of Authentic Southern Style food. I know that I am a "Yankee", but the staff was the most polite, wonderful group I have ever had the pleasure to meet. I also didn't hurt that the women were not only knowledgeable about Charleston, the food, and the history of the restaurant, they were beautiful to boot. I will definitely go back and look forward to my time trying other dishes on the menu. The Fried chicken was amazing and the helping was HUGE!!!!! I love this place.
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Review from Kate N.
1/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
If you see my profile, you'll note that I do not give out 5-star reviews all willy-nilly. However, Magnolias is one of two establishments that got 5 stars outta me during a recent visit to Charleston.
Since we were visiting Charleston during restaurant week, we intended to get the best recommendations from folks we met along the way (oh and also from some of you on yelp!). Magnolias was probably the most recommended restaurant in town, and now I see why!
We stopped in for lunch and were seated quickly. I was pleased to find a full lunch menu with reasonable prices (given the fancy schmancy-ness of Magnolias). I was actually having a difficult time deciding what to get with all of the delicious-sounding options, but I ended up with the parmesan crusted flounder. Hands down the best meal I had in Charleston. My boyfriend got the blackened catfish and he loved his, as well; in particular, he said that the dirty rice was phenomenal.
On top of a great meal, our waitress was delightful. Next time I return to Charleston, I'm headed straight for Magnolia's. -
Review from Rick R.
Atlanta, GA
4/24/2012
Very good food. Wait staff excellent. Enjoyed the whole experience very much. Definitely come back.
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Review from Rebecca B.
Asheville, NC
4/11/2012
What a big disappointment. The decor is from the 90's and needs an upgrade. Everything I ordered was just so mediocre. The Bloody Mary was out of a mix and very bland, the crab soup was just overly sweet and the texture was yuck, and the fish I ordered was blah. There was nothing about the flavors of the food that was complex or delicate...everything was either too sweet or salty. And for what we paid it was outrageous. Take your money and go to Husk where they put love in the food.
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Review from Tiger C.
1/28/2012
Welcome down to the south, working on my comedy set, I knew I needed to incorporate some southern elements. What better way than to dine at one of the finest institutions down south? Great fried chicken with greens and mashed potatoes. It was amazing. Great hospitality and great sweet tea. Make sure to get a reservation here.
The setting is right on one of the busiest streets in DT Charleston and it has an upscale conservative feel to the layout inside the restaurant which is a superb way to take in the south. -
Review from Steve B.
Fredericksburg, VA
2/26/2012
I found this to be a nice old money place. ;-)
Ordered the blackened catfish. Two plump filets over a seasoned brown rice with a layer of caramelized onions. A couple of fried green tomatoes hiding under the fish as well.
I would go back and just might before this trip is over. -
Review from Lisa M.
Enjoyed the shrimp and grits. Very friendly staff, small comforting bar area. Pimento cheese is great, chunky chips to the side. Just right sweet tea, a must try for a hot afternoon.
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Review from Lauren L.
1/11/2012
I'm a fried green tomato addict. And living in New York, I don't get to (thankfully) indulge in them as they are a southern staple. So when I ordered a vegetable plate, and took my first bite into their FGT, coated in cheese AND a tomato butter sauce, I thought I nearly died. Sure there were other delicious things on the vegetable plate, like okra and potatoes coated in this addicting tomato butter, but the tomatoes left me speechless.
We also had the parmesan-crusted flounder, the filet, and one of their fish specials, and everyone couldn't stop raving over how excellent everything was. If there was even an ounce of room in my stomach I would have loved to have tried dessert. -
Review from Jack D.
Manhattan, NY
1/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
We were told, when in Charleston, you have to eat at Magnolias. The last time we were in Charleston during the summer, we tried to get in for dinner and it was packed with a long wait time. So this time, we decided to eat lunch instead and we snuck in during Christmas week 2011. We walked in towards the end of lunch, yet every table was still filled. Luckily, there was one table left and we were seated pretty quickly but it was way in the back by the kitchen. The place is pretty tight and you are on top of your neighbors. The decor is somewhat dated, i.e. full length mirrors on the wall but in the end, who cares? You're there to experience southern food.
Magnolia's serves the food that you're not supposed to eat: Heavy, fried, cooked with butter, rich, etc. But for that one time, you forget about what's healthy and dive right in. All the food we ate was top notch and worth it. It's Southern heavy food at it's best! Fried chicken? Check. Mashed potatoes? Check. Meatloaf & Gravy? Check. Buttermilk biscuits? Check Rich, fried food? Check. All tasted great. Get the homemade potato chips and/or the Down South Egg Rolls for starters. Both are very tasty. The lunch menu has a full selection of low country fish, beef and/or chicken dishes and sandwiches. Our waiter was excellent. He was so polite and knew everything about the menu and specials. People in Charleston are so nice! The service was excellent and the food came out quickly. Lunch was upscale and pricey, on par with dinner prices.
Magnolia's is definitely a place to visit for great Southern, low country food. It's worth the price to get a taste of upscale cuisine. We'll be back for dinner the next time we're in Charleston. -
Review from Leanne D.
Woods Cross, UT
3/27/2012
We had an early dinner here since we couldn't get a reservation between 6 and 9:30 pm. The service was fabulous! We tried the pimento cheese appetizer since 2 of the ladies had never heard of it. It was good but had too many olives for my taste.
The menu was very similar to Cork's and a few other places, I suspect. Good food and good company makes for a great time. Our waiter, Jacob, happily gave us separate checks and split the 2 appetizers evenly between the of us. What a nice thing to do.
I was a little surprised that our table wasn't put together since we'd made the reservation. We were a few minutes early but how hard would it have been to put the tables together early? -
Review from Melissa H.
Groveport, OH
10/29/2011
To begin with, this was my first visit to Charleston, but my traveling companion had been there before and could not say a negative thing about Magnolia's based on a previous visit a few years ago. Because of this, we knew we HAD to go there.
First, we ordered a Ceasar salad, and were disappointed by the freshness. I plucked multiple brown pieces of lettuce from the salad, and was disappointed by the quality. For dinner we ordered the Pan Seared Lump Crab Cake & Bourbon Glazed Porterhouse Pork Chop. The Crab Cake was good, but not of the quality of the previous visit. Regarding the Pork Chop, I have cooked better at home. The highlight of the dish was not the pork chop, but the vegetables that were served with it.
Overall, the service was good, but our waiter had a very strange, OCD, habit. When he would come to the table, he would straighten our silverware if it was not in the correct position (being, when the table was first set). So, if a fork was sideways, he would reach in and straighten it while talking with you. I have never had this happen before, and was very surprised and found it disturbing. One time would have been strange, but doing it 4 or 5 times....just weird. Besides this, the waiter was attentive.
When we made reservations (online through Open Table), they stated there was a dress code, business casual. So after a day of running around Charleston, we returned to our B&B, got cleaned up and changed to meet the dress code. When we got there, it seems as if they do not enforce the 'code'. There were men wearing baseball hats, and others is shorts, jeans, flip flops, etc.... I don't know if they never enforce it, or do so when they feel like it - but if I knew they didn't enforce it, I would have spent more time seeing Charleston - vs going home and changing.
When we go back to Charleston, we will not be returning to Magnolias. -
Review from Alan F.
Harvard, MA
2/20/2012
My fiancé and I went here for our 2012 valentine dinner. The menu was outstanding particularly the fried green tomatoes along with everything else we had. It was great to see fine dining choices offered in smaller entree potions. The wine list was excellent and our waiter Billy was engaging and helpful without being overbearing. The chocolate raspberry creame brûlée in the heart shaped dish was a very nice finishing touch.
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Review from Rachel M.
Isle of Palms, SC
12/31/2011
First time at Magnolias.
Atmosphere: 3; we were able to sit by the window which provided a great cafe feel.
Hostness: 1; she had an uppity attitude, caught an attitude when I questioned why we could not transfer the bar tab to the table; and seemed frustrated when we asked to move to the window. She should go to the Chick-fil-a customer service school!
Waiter: 2; polite, but not friendly; when I asked for wine recommendations he asked what I liked, I shared, then he ran down the list of those which were on the menu...no help what so ever
Drinks: 2; limited selection of beer and no local brews on tap.
Food: 4; pan-seared sea scallops, home-made potato chips, and the shellfish over grits were absolutely delicious
Overall: 3; we may try brunch as I hear it is lovely -
Review from Nicholas D.
Chester, NJ
2/29/2012
Certainly enjoyed my dinner at Magnolias, but there was nothing that really stood out. I'd go again for sure, but it was nothing special. Food was very good and service was great.
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Review from Terese S.
11/4/2011
Not sure I get all the rave reviews on this restaurant? I recently was in town for a seminar and went to a group dinner here. It was not my selection, but I had heard from several folks the food was amazing. My experience was less than stellar.
First, this restaurant is run down. The decor is from the 80's. Bad silk flowers, floral fabrics and a mirrored wall? Ok, so I thought the food would make up for it. Nope!
Food-the special beet salad was very good. However, my entree Mahi-Mahi "Special" was seriously nothing "special". Presentation was a blob of fish over grits with some sauce. Taste was fishy, which is not normal for Mahi. The temperature was luke warm. There was nothing "special" about the special.... I should have sent it back, however I was with clients and did not want to appear picky. The desserts were small, but good. Individual portions though. The apple crisp was very tasty.
Service- was adequate. The host did try and seat a party of 12 in a rather small space, but accommodated us when we asked for more room. Long bench seating is not optimal when the person in the middle has to use the restroom and 3 people have to move to let them out. The waiter was nice. Time in between courses was long.
In the end, I would not go back here if you want a really good dinner experience. I want more when I'm spending 75-100/person on dinner. This place is a fail. -
Review from Nicole W.
8/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm not quite sure what I can say about Magnolia's that hasn't already been said. It's all of these things: Southern, delicious, conveniently located and warm. It's also a little bit on the pricey side, IMO. Regardless, Magnolia's is one of my all time favorites in Chucktown!
Service is always stellar even when my dining companions and I have had entirely too much wine before dinner. Also a solid item to note...their wine list is great...with varying price ranges!
Some of the most delightful dishes...
Fried Green Tomatoes
Pimento Cheese
Scallops (you can ask them to make the appetizer into an entree)
Fried Chicken
Shrimp and Grits
Pretty much any fish dish I've tried
In addition to these tasty items, their desserts are spectacular. Get some.
I'll be back Magnolia's. Oh I'll be back.Listed in: Charleston Champions, Seafood in Charleston
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Review from Thomas H.
Irving, TX
10/3/2011
Not worth it. Being a european who is travelling a lot around the world I consider myself knowing good food. The Tomato soup had an ingreadient in it which tasted similar to Ketchup, though a good tomato soup is so easy. Just cook fresh tomatos, peal them, mix em and add a tiny bit whipped cream and medateranian spices to it, e voila. the chips was blue cheese didn't rock either, just melted blue cheese and scallions on chips, what is so special about it that it cost 7 USD. Furthermore I had a very dry meatloaf with green beans which where basically rare, knowing that you shouldn't overcook veggiey, these ones just touched hot water for a second. My wife had a ceasars salad, too, which was the worst we had in 3 years living in Dallas, TX.
I don't recommend going there, it teched me again, that good food is not a matter of price, it's a matter of taste and love you put into the preparation. -
Review from Tammy M.
Chicago, IL
3/3/2012
Great meal and aewsome service. One of our best meals in Charleston. Loved the elegant southern food, pretty space and friendly service. We ordered alot of good wine and the server let us linger despite a busy room.
And, we found Far Niente's En Route pinot noir on their menu. I think we cleaned them out. Sorry, Magnolia's! -
Review from Samantha J.
San Diego, CA
3/7/2012
I have eaten at Magnolias twice and it never lets me down. The food is absolutely amazing and the staff are very friendly. I had the Buttermilk Chicken with Mashed Potatos and Gravy and Collard Greens! Everything that came out of the Kitchen looked absolutely wonderful. If I had gone to Magnolias with someone, I definitely would have tried the homemade cheese app or the homemade chips and with blue cheese apps. Big Fan!
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Review from Sarah L.
Boca Raton, FL
9/6/2011
Magnolias is a popular, upscale, elegant restaurant. It has two room which is nice for couples who want a more intimate dinner. The food is cooked to perfection. It's Outstanding!
I wasn't able to order out my favorite pecan pie from a certain restaurant so I wenton the internet to do some research. What I found was people raving about Magnolias pecan pie. I called and told them it ws for my wedding. They said I could picked it up anytime. Well, my guests are still talking about the pecan pie and they all claim it's the best they ever had! -
Review from Greg M.
Irvine, CA
4/14/2012
We went here for lunch and was able to get a table for two. I enjoyed my Flounder preparation and my wife savored her Fried Chicken, southern style. Service was excellent.
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Review from Chelsea L.
Stewartsville, NJ
4/18/2012
A must! Validated parking next door. Had dinner at a high top table near the bar, but the service didn't suffer a bit! We started with the pimento cheese and shrimp and grits as apps. Both very good. Shrimp was perfectly cooked. If you've never had pimento cheese, Magnolia's comes recommended by Food Network for the pimento cheese. For dinner I had the fried chicken, mashed potatos, biscuit, gravy and corn and collards....when in Rome! My husband had the blackened cat fish with red beans and rice. Both were very good with the cat fish being slightly better. We finished with the cream cheese brownie, which has been on the menu for 21 years. Amazing! Service was great, food was amazing, fair price for quality of food. Enjoy!!
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Review from Julie F.
7/24/2011
The food here was excellent! I ordered a cup of the blue crab bisque which was great and I really enjoyed the buttermilk fried chicken breast with biscuits, mashed potatoes, greens, creamed corn, and gravy. Forget the calories and cholesterol...Everything was so tasty. I've never had greens with such good flavor.
Too bad this place isn't closer. I'd want to try some of the other Southern dishes on the menu! -
Review from Alexis K.
Portland, OR
3/3/2012
Best fried green tomatoes with caramelized onion grits! Omg! Everything was amazing! Can't wait to go back. Best food I have had in Charleston so far.
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