The Grocery

Stopped into The Grocery and I was impressed. This restaurant was not on my radar and a server from another restaurant recommended it to us. It was really good and they focus on a quality first. Everything we order was a palate pleaser. I have to say they have the best steak tartare in all Charleston and the Wood Roasted Peaches where excellent. Also loved the Bistro Steak.

I was worried when our waiter took his time coming to greet us. It was not busy at the time so that's not a good start. We started with a couple small plates: fried oysters and tuna bowl. The fried oysters were cremated. Almost tasted like old fry oil was used. My wife (who rarely turns her nose up to anything) had one bite and let me eat the rest. The tuna bowl was the highlight. Very good dish. We wish that could have been tripled and was our only dish. The Smoked Duck took forever to come out. We almost asked for a check at that point. I drank my beer before the main course came out and the empty glass sat there for a half hour. I would have had another but they took too long. Sadly, the duck really wasn't worth the wait. It was good but not great. It was considered a large plate, yet it seemed smaller (and cost twice as much) as the tuna bowl. We don't need large portions, but if you're gonna serve just a little food, it better be incredible. Overall, the food was just pretty good, and the service was slow. That's not gonna cut it in Charleston.

Went here with my date and enjoyed some amazing food. We shared tamarind glazed delicate squash with pepitas, cotija and pepperoncini, “tater tots” fried in beef fat with Creme fraiche and caviar, and bouillabaisse poached wreckfish with sourdough croutons and saffron cream. The service was great and the atmosphere was wonderful. I highly recommend you check out this restaurant.