Charleston Cafe - American Type Restaurant in Surfside Beach with 29 reviews
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Charleston Cafe

American Restaurant in Surfside Beach

 
Charleston Cafe
Rated: 3.7 out of 5 with 29 Reviews

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED
Simply the best kept secret in Surfside. Moderate prices - good selections & personal service in a quiet and comfortable setting. Great wine selection too. Say hellow to David at the bar when you drop in.


Charleston Cafe
SURFSIDE DRIVE
Surfside Beach
843-238-2200
Hours: CLOSED
There are currently 29 user submitted reviews for this restaurant.

Reviews of Charleston Cafe

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Charleston Cafe
Posted: Sep 28th, 2013 at 3:05 pm
From: Burlington, NC
By: do


Avg. Rating:5
My husband and I loved eating at the Charleston Cafe. Last summer we ate there several times. Each night a different entree and dessert, all were excellent. However sadly enough this year we found they are no longer in business.
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Charleston Cafe
Posted: Nov 15th, 2011 at 5:38 pm
From: Surfside Beach, SC
By: amb


Avg. Rating:5
Enjoyed dinner at Charleston Cafe tonight. Their honey cornbread muffins are to die for (had to bring half dozen home with me). Had salmon....very good...husband had beef tips also a winner. Caesar salad was cold and crisp. Not a complaint. Our server was a sweetheart. Highly recommend this place for good food and ambience. Try it, you'll like it!
ref: 24291
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Charleston Cafe
Posted: May 30th, 2011 at 10:03 pm
From: Surfside Beach, SC
By: dat


Avg. Rating:2.3
We just returned from your restaurant. We were so disappointed in our meals and the waiter. Their were 4 of us, celebrating a friends 80th birthday. (When we mentioned it was his birthday, Chris ignored it, you would have thought he would have at least said Happy Birthday.) Two of us ordered the Flounder Almondine special. The nuts were fried to a crisp and not very good. The waiter (Chris) had the personality of nothing. When two in our party asked for glasses for their beer, Chris responded, well I have to go back up stairs to get the glasses. The two to said to him, any type of glass would be fine, even if it was plastic. He rolled his eyes and walked off. Though he did bring two glasses. The four of us were the second seated (we had reservations), we didn't received our main meal for approximately 45 minutes to an hour and they were not busy. We will not return. We are locals and own rental property, which we will not refer any of the rentals too. I will say, that when our friend (80 year old) and I walked upstairs to see the upstairs, the bartender upstairs, was a delight. She greeted us and asked if we would like anything.
ref: 22775
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Charleston Cafe
Posted: Apr 01st, 2011 at 2:53 pm
From: murrells inlet, SC
By: bc


Avg. Rating:4.5
I had the shecrab soup as an app and it was unbelivably good. My wife had the green fried tomatos, very good. She had flounder and scollops and i had the mahi special. Both were very good but the best was saved for last. we split a very large piece of white chocolate rasberry cake that was out of this world. we would come back just for the desert. one of our favorite places to eat.
ref: 22231
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Charleston Cafe
Posted: Mar 03rd, 2011 at 9:22 am
From: Cambridge, ONTARIO
By: pp


Avg. Rating:5
My wife and I ate at the Charleston Cafe Feb 25, upstairs in the Lounge. The menu choices are abundant. We sat at the bar and had a great chat with Laurie, the hostess who was extremely friendly and with another gentleman who was also at the bar with us. We had a couple of drinks and two appetizers- the sliders and the scallops with Jamaican salsa. Both dishes were prepared perfectly and the taste was outstanding and we felt that we received good value for the price.We'll definitely be returning with friends and family who are visiting with us this month.
ref: 21963
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Charleston Cafe
Posted: Feb 11th, 2011 at 3:31 pm
From: SURFSIDE BEACH, SC
By: blh


Avg. Rating:2.3
My husband and I were excited to try the Charleston Cafe out. We went there and thought the menu was exciting, but were sadly disappointed by everything from start to finish. We loved the decor and were seated immediately. We ordered soup as our appetizers, but the soup arrived cold (not even lukewarm). This was a bad start, but we thought well maybe the rest will be better. I ordered a hot turkey sandwich. Again, the turkey was dry and cold. The french fries were also cold and bland. My husband ordered a Fried Green Tomato BLT, the fried green tomato was soggy and disgusting and the wrap was not warm as it said it would be on the menu. The service was also poor, the staff were just chatting and we couldn't get anyone's attention. In short, just a very bad meal overall. Would never consider going back. The food is overpriced as well. I would try some other place. If you are willing to drive try Quigley's Pint and Plate in Pawley's Island which has some awesome food (it is a hidden gem...and definitely worth the drive).
ref: 21835
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Charleston Cafe
Posted: Sep 11th, 2010 at 4:49 pm
From: Charleston, SC
By: ksc


Avg. Rating:4.5
We usually visit twice a year and have thoroughly enjoyed all previous dinners. This year we found the dishes too sweet. There was too much sugar in everything. The bread was like a cupcake, the sweet potato fries were sugared, and the scallops had a sweet caramel glaze. Many people might like the taste, but much too sweet for me.
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Charleston Cafe
Posted: Sep 09th, 2010 at 7:42 pm
From: Lusby, MD
By: dgw


Avg. Rating:5
We have been coming to Surfside for around 10 years and never knew the Restaurant was there. We were pleasantly surprised. The staff was warm and inviting and patrons were also warm and friendly. The food was excellant. We had the Shrimp and Grits, Filet one night, also the Salmon special one night. The review from Rochester, Minnesota that said the restaurant should be called the dog bowl, obviously doesn't know what good food should taste like.
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Charleston Cafe
Posted: Aug 19th, 2010 at 1:04 pm
From: rochester, MN
By: dwq


Avg. Rating:3
mediocre. Food okay but presentation was awful. The shrimp and grits was a sea of brown slop. Couldn't distinguish the 5 shrimp from the sausage and peppers - all textures were variations of pudding and the plate color scheme consisted of different shades of puke brown. The absurd dank lighting contributed to the overwhelming feeling of dirt. The staff was cold and lacked genuine southern hospitality. Should be renamed the dog bowl.
ref: 20322
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Charleston Cafe
Posted: Jul 21st, 2010 at 5:37 pm
From: Surfside Beach, SC
By: ch


Avg. Rating:5
I have lived in Surfside for over a year now and have experienced many dining options as a new comer to the area. I just tried the Charleston Cafe for the first time and it now tops the list of all places that I have tried since being here. The food is excellent and it is fairly priced as well. I have paid much more for meals not nearly as good. I highly recommed the Charleston Cafe to any one looking for a great meal.
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Charleston Cafe
Posted: Jul 21st, 2010 at 4:41 pm
From: Myrtle Beach, SC
By: gm


Avg. Rating:5
I had a business dinner there and the food was absolutely wonderful. My business associates congratulated me for choosing Charleston Cafe. One gentleman was so enthused with his shrimp and grits that he lost all that was discussed during the meal. Fantastic. Hats Off to the Charleston Cafe.
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Charleston Cafe
Posted: Jul 11th, 2010 at 3:28 pm
From: Huntington, IN
By: j.p.


Avg. Rating:5
We returned to the Charleston Cafe again this year while we were vactioning at Garden Ciy Beach. We ate lunch one day and came back in the evening later that week. Both times the food was excellent. We had the bacon wrapped scallops, fish and chips, fettucini/blackened chicken, and crab cakes. The piano music was very enjoyable.
ref: 19717
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Charleston Cafe
Posted: Apr 27th, 2010 at 9:05 pm
From: St. Marys, GA
By: kkd


Avg. Rating:5
What a wonderful little restaurant. Everything about our meal was perfect. We were a little embarrassed because we practically licked our plates clean. Delicious food and unbelievably reasonable prices for the quality of food served. Atmosphere was classic and casual. Service was friendly and efficient. A real treat.
ref: 18877
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Charleston Cafe
Posted: Mar 25th, 2010 at 1:39 am
From: surfside beach, SC
By: pod'


Avg. Rating:3
What did they do to there shrimp and gritz it was so good, now it is less than desired. Two months ago we had great food and a great server, now none of the above. We were treated like second class citizens by the owner who seemed less then pleased to seat us because she wanted to stand there and chit chat with a fat old man who looked like a bull dog and his toothless wife. They were smoking in the lounge upstairs while a foul mouth man chanted his republican propaganda. It was supposed to be a restaraunt not a political meeting place. I am disgusted.
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Charleston Cafe
Posted: Mar 16th, 2010 at 8:00 am
From: surfside, SC
By: es


Avg. Rating:1
the food here drastically went down hill, they must have changed hands again. I hope they didnt get rid of that chef they had. Who is that lil blonde lady who walks around starring at your table and saying retarded stuff that makes no sence. The other week she was in a chef jacket with her name on it. I want a golden goose daddy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Charleston Cafe
Posted: Jan 24th, 2010 at 10:47 pm
From: conway, SC
By: jc


Avg. Rating:5
Im pretty sure they must have a world class kind of chef in this place. I had a duck breast with orange sauce placed around garlic mashed potatoes. Just the way this dish was presented was worth 40 bucks and I'm sure it was only 20. I think these people got a good concept of how to offer fine, exotic dishes at unexplainable low prices. My wife she got the crab cakes and she still cant get over how they can make such a perfect cake in such an appealling presentation. Something about the old blue seat pads I just didnt like, they made me uncomfortable.
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Charleston Cafe
Posted: Nov 11th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
From: Garden City, SC
By: sph


Avg. Rating:5
Excellent food, nice small enjoyable environment with friendly attentive waiters. One of my Myrtle Beach area favorites
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Charleston Cafe
Posted: Nov 07th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
From: Holly Springs, NC
By: jl


Avg. Rating:5
This restaurant is a jewel! After driving for 6 hours we stumbled into Chas. Cafe dressed very down. The wait staff assured us we were fine and seated up quickly. Everyone was attentive and friendly! The fettuc. alfredo w/blackened shrimp was AMAZING! Everything was perfect and we can't wait to return! Amazing food, served by amazing people!
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Charleston Cafe
Posted: Oct 18th, 2009 at 9:01 am
From: Murrells Inlet, SC
By: res


Avg. Rating:5
Our friends took us out for dinner last night and what a wonderful experience! Our waiter, Michael, was delightfully attentive. We ordered a Tall Oaks Platter and a 14 oz Prime Rib. Both items were prepared perfectly and we finished every savory bite! The live piano in the background added to the enjoyment. We don't go out a lot, but we'll definitely go back to the Charleston Cafe. Thanks!
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Charleston Cafe
Posted: Oct 07th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
From: clover, SC
By: bmi


Avg. Rating:5
This was quite possibly the best dining out experience of our lives! The wait staff was attentive and extremely friendly, even going so far as to present us with an anniversary card when they learned it was our reason for visiting. The card was signed by all the employees, including the chef and sous chef! The food was exceptional. It's very rare for me to be served a tender and juicy steak as I prefer them cooked to well done. Quite likely, one of the top 3 steaks I have ever eaten! The atmosphere was very pleasant and as mentioned, a bit romantic. It will be a must visit any time we return to the beach!
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Charleston Cafe
Posted: Aug 31st, 2009 at 12:54 pm
From: atlanta, GA
By: wvl


Avg. Rating:5
What a great surprise. In one week weve been 3 times. The food and the staff are both amazing. I had grilled scollops, seafood platter, then shrimp. Unlike most places today hear you have fine dining with quiet conversation. Wow.
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Charleston Cafe
Posted: Aug 09th, 2009 at 2:14 am
From: New Rochelle, NY
By: kp


Avg. Rating:5
There wasnt 1 think we didnt LOVE about our dinner.!! The chef combines quality ingredients to create a first class menu. The staff kind, considerate, attentive. This equates to an experience beyond compare. The ambiance-wow. Conclusion, an impeccable evening!! If you dont treat yourself to this experience, shame on you.!!
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Charleston Cafe
Posted: Jun 21st, 2009 at 5:53 pm
From: Mullins, SC
By: dp


Avg. Rating:4.8
This wonderful place has reopened after about a year and is under new management. The food is absolutely great and the prices are very reasonable. The atmosphere is really good with a romantic flair. The wait staff is very knowlegeable and the menu diverse. Try the sesame seared tuna-mmmmmm!
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Charleston Cafe
Posted: Mar 01st, 2008 at 9:25 am
From: surfside beach, SC
By: ssb


Avg. Rating:4.8
Excellent food....well worth the money. Our waiter could use some polishing though -- he was unfamiliar with the menu and we had to tell him what made up the dish we ordered. When asked what another diner was having as we did not see anything similar on the menu, he responded "oh, he's a regular, he's here at least twice a week"....ok, but that wasn't what we asked.
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Charleston Cafe
Posted: Jan 09th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
From: Conneaut Lake, PA
By: kd


Avg. Rating:5
The ABSOLUTE BEST place to eat in the area. You won't find better service, food or romantic atmosphere any place else! Even though it makes you feel extremely upscale, you don't have to be dressed in a suit and tie, casual dress is just fine! Dave is great and always takes great care of us whether we have 2 or 15 people! 4 stars for sure!
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Charleston Cafe
Posted: May 09th, 2007 at 9:59 pm
From: Charleston, SC
By: amg


Avg. Rating:3.8
My husband and I just ate at Charleston Cafe last night. We eat out a lot when on vacation here in Surfside. ( we come 2 weeks each year). The atmosphere at CC was very nice. We made sure to go on Tuesday night so we could hear the man playing piano. My husband had the Beef Wellington. He never had that before but he liked it. It was the best thing he'd eaten but he said it was alright. He ordered medium rare but would have been better off with it medium. We shared an appetizer of mussels in a marinara sauce, which was also mediocre. The chef served little biscuits that I didn't care for. I ate shrimp scampi, which was okay.... it needed a ton of salt though. You can purchase wine by the bottle or the glass. We had a bottle. After we ate we went upstairs to check out the bar scene. Barbara is the bartender and she was too cute and very funny. The owner is her nephew and he sat at the bar with us, as well. I would recommend going to Charleston Cafe, but I was surprised that we spent 100 dollars on dinner that wasn't really that great. Make sure you go on Tuesday or Thursdays so that you can hear the piano man! If you are looking for a romantic place to dine, try Charleston Cafe!
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Charleston Cafe
Posted: Apr 22nd, 2007 at 1:25 am
From: UNIONTOWN, PA
By: ms


Avg. Rating:5
Great service......our waitress sharon, was wonderful.....she was very friendly.
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Charleston Cafe
Posted: Dec 24th, 2006 at 12:04 pm
From: Hughesville, MD
By: db


Avg. Rating:4.8
Simply the best we've found in Surfside. Try one of Dave's Dirty Martini's. We go there everytime we're in the area.
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Charleston Cafe
Posted: Sep 24th, 2006 at 2:36 pm
From: Calabash, NC
By: beb


Avg. Rating:5
I, along with three of my friends, had lunch at Charleston Cafe on Saturday, September 23, to celebrate my birthday. Everything was top notch. The food was excellent and we could not ask for the service to be any better. Would highly recommend.
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