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Magnolias ignited a culinary renaissance upon opening in Charleston, S.C. in 1990, paving the way for a new generation of Lowcountry cooking across the entire South. A staple in Charleston for over 25 years, Magnolias remains a forerunner in upscale Southern cuisine, presenting traditional ingredients and cooking techniques elevated by modern flair and artful presentation. Led by Culinary Arts Director Donald Drake and team, the celebrated menu of Lowcountry fine dining fare features classics like the Down South Egg Roll and Shellfish Over Grits along with modern interpretations of traditional local cuisine including Sweet Chili Rubbed Ahi Tuna and Boiled Peanut Hummus.
A refined take on traditional Southern cooking, served in a warm, sophisticated environment.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 185 E Bay St #200, Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: (843) 577-7771
Website: https://magnoliascharleston.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=local
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Home – Magnolias Restaurant in Charleston, SC
In July 1990, 185 East Bay Street recaptured that former prominence opening as Magnolias Uptown Down South. The restaurant is open for lunch, Monday – Saturday, …
Magnolias Dinner Menu – Magnolias Restaurant in Charleston, SC
Appetizers … Housemade Pimento Cheese … Charleston flatbread … 12 … Fried Green Tomatoes … white cheddar & caramelized onion grits, country ham, tomato chutney, …
Magnolias Lunch Menu – Magnolias Restaurant in Charleston, SC
Appetizers … Housemade Pimento Cheese … Charleston flatbread … 12 … Fried Green Tomatoes … white cheddar & caramelized onion grits, country ham, tomato chutney, …
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Reviews
Alexi Towner
This restaurant was definitely very good, but I had higher expectations considering the reviews and the type of restaurant it’s portrayed to be.
The best things were our appetizers. First, the bread was crispy and hot, and the butter was well seasoned and definitely tasted homemade. Our favorite was the fried macaroni and cheese! The bacon jam was delicious, the peppers gave it a nice spiciness, and the combination of ingredients worked so well. The fried green tomatoes were also a hit and were nice and crispy with good flavor.
The other foods were just fine. The shrimp and sausage with grits was good, but SO heavy, and the sauce was oily. Probably one of my least favorite shrimp and grits dishes I’ve had. The flounder was perfectly cooked but it and and the vegetables were very unseasoned.
Another reason for the 4 stars is the service, which was average at best. Our server was fine, but everything was very slow. We waited a while for even the appetizers to come out, had minimal check ins, and then had noticeable wait times when asking for the bill, paying, etc. It didn’t seem like they had low staff, so I’m not sure why this was.
There were a couple of other extremely minor things we noticed (no pen or original receipt included when we received our card back, no one thanking us on our way out) that really don’t make or break an experience but considering the quality of restaurant, were a little off.
… moreThe best things were our appetizers. First, the bread was crispy and hot, and the butter was well seasoned and definitely tasted homemade. Our favorite was the fried macaroni and cheese! The bacon jam was delicious, the peppers gave it a nice spiciness, and the combination of ingredients worked so well. The fried green tomatoes were also a hit and were nice and crispy with good flavor.
The other foods were just fine. The shrimp and sausage with grits was good, but SO heavy, and the sauce was oily. Probably one of my least favorite shrimp and grits dishes I’ve had. The flounder was perfectly cooked but it and and the vegetables were very unseasoned.
Another reason for the 4 stars is the service, which was average at best. Our server was fine, but everything was very slow. We waited a while for even the appetizers to come out, had minimal check ins, and then had noticeable wait times when asking for the bill, paying, etc. It didn’t seem like they had low staff, so I’m not sure why this was.
There were a couple of other extremely minor things we noticed (no pen or original receipt included when we received our card back, no one thanking us on our way out) that really don’t make or break an experience but considering the quality of restaurant, were a little off.
kate Illinois1
Our server is why not 5 stars. She talked fast with an accent and was in a hurry the Entire Time. I had told my husband that I wanted to try the grits on the app before making my decision on the entree. The server wanted our app and entree order together so I decided on the Lowcounty Bouilabaisse because it was a safe move for I wasn’t sure I liked grits.
Well the Fried Green Tomatoes were so delicious, creamy with a pop of cheddar cheese and the carmelized onions then paired with the chutney…. oh my!! Sad I didn’t get to try an entree with grits. My husband had the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Breast mashed potatoes, collard greens, creamed corn….. he loved every bite.
I would return but request different server and NOT be seated right by the staff that just stood along a wall waiting for tables to empty. It was awkward for conversing when people standing near you and staring around the room. Put these people near hostess to take direction and not be near tables.
… moreWell the Fried Green Tomatoes were so delicious, creamy with a pop of cheddar cheese and the carmelized onions then paired with the chutney…. oh my!! Sad I didn’t get to try an entree with grits. My husband had the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Breast mashed potatoes, collard greens, creamed corn….. he loved every bite.
I would return but request different server and NOT be seated right by the staff that just stood along a wall waiting for tables to empty. It was awkward for conversing when people standing near you and staring around the room. Put these people near hostess to take direction and not be near tables.
Kathy D
Southern restaurant with delicious food. The fried green tomato appetizer had a super crisp outside, the tomato itself still had a bite to it and the chutney relish was tangy and delicious. Deviled eggs also very good, hard to go wrong with a deviled egg but this one was very good. The bread service is homemade bread and was warm and crispy, yumm. For mains we had the special fried catfish another hit. Batter was crunchy and the fish was tender and perfectly cooked. , red rice was great and green beans were crisp and brought some freshness to an otherwise heavy dish. The bacon was unnecessary for me as I liked the freshness of the beans and didn’t need that addition. The other main we tried was the blackened catfish. A very different preparation than the special, lightly battered and a little thicker cut. Fish was perfectly cooked and went well with the accompaniments. Every bite we had was great. There were so many other items on the menu we wanted to try we will definitely be back. They have two seating areas, the main area in the front with the bar and a second dining room in the back. Unfortunately we were seated in the back dining room which is banquet hallish. If you can, try to sit in the front room, it has charm and windows and is much more inviting.
… moreLiangke Yang
This restaurant was highly recommended by our friends as a must-try spot. Since we were leaving today, we decided to come for lunch. We had been eating Southern food for the past few days, and everything had been quite salty, so we were a little worried before tasting the dishes here.
From the appetizers, everything was already impressive. The egg roll, especially, had a unique mix of spicy sauce and peach that worked surprisingly well.
Both the entrée I ordered and the one my friend chose were excellent, with rich, fresh flavors. Even the crème brûlée we had for dessert was absolutely perfect.
I think I’ll come back to try their dinner menu next time if I get the chance.
… moreFrom the appetizers, everything was already impressive. The egg roll, especially, had a unique mix of spicy sauce and peach that worked surprisingly well.
Both the entrée I ordered and the one my friend chose were excellent, with rich, fresh flavors. Even the crème brûlée we had for dessert was absolutely perfect.
I think I’ll come back to try their dinner menu next time if I get the chance.
Lara Jane Roberts
The food was outstanding and Lia was such a kind spirit and very knowledgeable of the menu and helpful as well! We ordered the pimento cheese, fried green tomatoes, the fried chicken entree and the bouillabaisse entree. Everything we ordered was perfect and flavorful with a nice presentation. Don’t skip dessert either! This is definitely my favorite dining experience in Charleston!
… moreAmir Mot
Classy restaurant for dine in with some Southern options.
We enjoyed the food very much. The corn served on the side of fried chicken was the most delicious thing on the table for me. lol. It’s weird, but the side dish impressed me the most.
Service was ok. We were seated without a reservation- thank you! We felt the waitress expected a smaller tip given we look South Asian, thus we felt treated a little differently compared to our neighboring tables! I hope I was wrong about how it felt though. (She still got a good tip from me. I have been in the service industry long enough- I know how it goes!)
Interior is beautiful!! Classy, dim light, fairly nice and well decorated. Makes for a good date night spot or family get together restaurant.
Good experience, overall. Thank you!
… moreWe enjoyed the food very much. The corn served on the side of fried chicken was the most delicious thing on the table for me. lol. It’s weird, but the side dish impressed me the most.
Service was ok. We were seated without a reservation- thank you! We felt the waitress expected a smaller tip given we look South Asian, thus we felt treated a little differently compared to our neighboring tables! I hope I was wrong about how it felt though. (She still got a good tip from me. I have been in the service industry long enough- I know how it goes!)
Interior is beautiful!! Classy, dim light, fairly nice and well decorated. Makes for a good date night spot or family get together restaurant.
Good experience, overall. Thank you!
Willow
All the food was fantastic! The fried green tomatoes were perfectly crispy and savory. The fried chicken and pimento cheese sandwich was tasty and comes with your choice of side. The scallops were cooked perfectly and came with a huge serving of rich, bacon-cream sauce. Service was great and the food came out so fast
… moreMyrna Seibel
Loved the food here. I had the grilled flounder, my fiance had the shrimp and grits. Food was very tasty. Service was impeccable. Atmosphere was too busy and noisy. Got there when it opened for lunch.
… moreWill
Went here on my Birthday weekend and it was great! Prompt service, fresh seafood, and a pleasing ambiance! I had the Blue Crab Bisque and the Lowcountry Bouillabaisse. Both were exceptional and the Firefly Arnold Palmer was delicious. It is a little pricey but I would definitely recommend this to anyone going here that wants a romantic or upscale dining experience. I did make reservations so I’m not sure what walk-in availability is like.
… moreDevon Mooers
If you want amazing Southern cuisine this is the place to go! From delicious fried chicken to rich shrimp and sausage in gravy over grits the meals are fabulous! Lovely atmosphere, great service, and scrumptious food are to be had here. Make sure to try the sweet tea and the pecan pie for dessert.
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