The raw tuna in the wrap and fish spread was good, fried oyster burger was bland and overhyped. Nice vibe in an old bank
Went on our Anniversary as we arrived that day; place was recommended to us by previous patrons, and they were dead on; this place is fantastic. Very cool atmosphere; bar was hopping. We were seated early. Server was great. Every dish was fantastic, including steak tartare, a crispy oyster slider, blue crab rice, and grilled amberjack. Great drink selections and wine list. Everything was excellent. Highly recommended.
I had read reviews both raving and ranting about the Ordinary. We went really early due to a Spoleto show time and that may have helped our experience of having lots of attention from our server,Dillon, who was totally on top of our requests . He did a great job of answering preparation details down to my questions guessing herbs or spices not listed on the menu but coming through as I enjoyed my choices. The best thing was the oyster slider.From Tripadvisor photos,I was naive enough to think you received more than one in an order.You do not. I wanted five, because it was SO flavorful.DO NOT MISS THIS TREAT. Next I had Dave's clams and homemade pasta.I was relieved the portion was moderate so I had plenty, but could still enjoy dessert which was the chocolate-hazelnut budino. I shared the dessert and was fully satisfied with a half.I highly recommend it AND if you have had an appetizer and entree, you may also find a half or third is enough. Our server was a FIVE STAR for sure. The overall experience is a four and not five,because while the slider and budino were fantastic,I felt the entree was good, but not five star . Also,for me, the atmosphere contributed to a four rather than a five star rating.
Beautiful old bank repurposed. Tables spread wide apart. Great cocktail list - the gingery frozen boozy coca cola is amazing. The crispy oyster sliders are to die for as are the smoked oysters you spread on old bay saltines. I liked this dinner the best over SNOB and Tempest. Great meal.
Should have known what was in store beforehand, since this was the only place we called that had open reservations a week out. Saturday night at prime dinner hour and the place was half empty. Bit of a tradition to start with oyster shooters. Kinda fun way to start the evening...nada, not available. Moving on, so the oyster sliders we ordered to start were excellent, but unfortunately, things went downhill after that. Our server seemed to just be going thru the motions and acted as if he wanted to be elsewhere. Don't really blame him, by the time our meal was over I was thinking the same thing. Ordered the seafood tower: 18 oysters were fine, but not spectacular and lacked variety, stone crab claws - could not get meat out in lumps, fell apart into shreaded bits. What little shrimp there was, was okay, but was looking for something with more creativity and imagination. Without getting into too many more details, I would refer you to Jack S's review. Don't know him, but we apparently had the same experience, his review was essentially spot on. We don't have a problem spending a couple of hundred dollars occasionally on a meal that is an exceptional experience and value. Charleston has plenty of restaurants that meet the challenge, but sometimes you just want to try somewhere different . Unfortunately, The Ordinary wasn't one of them. Doubt we will return.
We made our reservations here months in advance to see what the hype was about. The cold bar seafood dishes were top notch. The flounder and triggerfish larb were flavorful and fresh. Snapper carpaccio was colorful and delicious, we enjoyed the oeufs, smoked trout paté, little gems salad and oyster sliders. The triggerfish entree was light and delicious with the perfect balance of crunch from the vegetables.the soft shell crab special was disappointingly salty. The budino was a great ending to a spectacular meal. The service was on point and the brown butter, pineapple infused mezcal drink was delicious. Would definitely go back to enjoy more seafood here.
You must book in advance and I understand why. This restaurant is pricey, but worth it in every way. The food, the setting, the staff, all to perfection. The house is worth the trip alone. We loved our meal and highly recommend this restaurant.
We visited the Ordinary the night after the disaster at Revival. Service at the Ordinary was great. I don’t want to insult the Ordinary, or to discourage you from going, but I might describe the Ordinary as a gussied-up Oyster Bar. They have an extensive raw menu, but enough other offerings that you will find something to like, if raw oysters are not your thing. Service and food were outstanding.
Historic building was originally a bank - gorgeous. Great bar, grabbed a seat, small talk with other tourists. The bartender suggest the smoked clams were “best thing on the menu” paired with a “pain killer” featuring lots of rum. Yummy! Ordered the Gumbo as my main course, a hearty stew that must take hours to make but served here in a flash paired with the classic “Planter’s Punch” it why we’re here!
Excellent restaurant! Service was impeccable, ambience lovely, and dishes were to-die-for. Try the Crispy Oyster Sliders, Mustard Crusted Swordfish, and Carolina Gold Rice Pudding with John's Island Strawberries, all AMAZING!