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82 Queen
Categories: Restaurants Southern Restaurants Seafood Southern, Seafood [Edit]
82 Queen StCharleston, SC 29401
(843) 723-7591
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11:30 am - 3:30 pm
Mon-Sun 5:30 pm - 10 pm
Sun 10:30 am - 3:30 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Classy, Intimate
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
110 reviews for 82 Queen
Review Highlights
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"The fried green tomatoes, were just as excellent." In 19 reviews -
"The she-crab soup was creamy and delicious." In 33 reviews -
"For dessert, I had the chocolate pecan pie, with bourbon." In 6 reviews
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110 reviews in English
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Review from Nicole S.
San Antonio, TX
5/21/2012
5/18/12
82 Queen, Charleston SC
http://www.82queen.com/
We arrived for lunch, it was busy but not yet a wait, by the time we left there was an hour wait. We were seated outside, and the weather held out as slightly cool with some sun.
While reading the menu we had cheddar biscuits to nosh on that were light and moist.
For a started I ordered the House made Strawberry Jam, Goat Cheese Spread served with Cornbread. The goat cheese was mashed and mixed with some kind of cream to make it perfectly spreadable.
For my entree I had the Grilled Chicken Breast & low country crab cake - fried green tomato, cheddar grits, she crab gravy. the chicken was sandwiched between two crab cakes, and the buttery cheesy grits were an excellent accompaniment.
My companion had the Award Winning She Crab Soup, and was pleased with how hearty it was.
As an entree he had the Seafood Cobb Salad - Mixed greens, Seared Sea Scallops, Spiced Shrimp, Lump Crab, Hard boiled egg, green onions, Gorgonzola cheese, basil roasted tomatoes, bacon vinaigrette.
The service was attentive but not intrusive, the porch was lovely, and I am very glad we went here. -
Review from Max H.
Agawam, MA
5/11/2012
To everyone that has something bad to say about this place... you can SUCK it!!!
Now that I got that off my chest where to start. My love affair started with 82 Queen shorty after moving to Charleston. My wife had already been and wouldn't stop going on about how this place was the cats pajamas so I was intriqued and also obliged to go to shut her the hell up (she can be quite persistent). Wether you walk in through the bar entrance or go through the side courtyard you can't help but wonder of the rich history this building has had. Ok I will try to make this post cohesive and sectionalized because I have about 20+ experiences to distill into one post.
Food: You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu, some of my wife and I's favorites are the shrimp and grits (these ain't yo mamma's grits) they are the perfect tecture with shrimp, cheese, scallions, bacon and a homemade bbq sauce. It will change you... There are so many memorable dishes, crab cakes,french toast (brunch) flounder, steak or anything from their chefs special of the day. Sometimes we would drive into town just to have creme brulee for dessert, its that good.
Drinks: Even though I like to go to nice restaurants I normally don't like paying for drinks out because I just feel I'm getting ripped off for some lower shelf stock at a top shelf price. Not the case here, they have hands down the best bloody marys that I have ever had, that's complimented nicely with pickled okra. What is better than sweet tea and a mojita... that's right a sweet tea mojito... genius.
Ambiance/Service: You will have a hard time beating the outside seating at 82 Queen at the center of the courtyard is a giant magnolia tree with tables nestled throughout. Inside they have an amazing bar that looks like it was handcrafted back in the 19th century. One thing I love about the staff is they are friendly and professional while never encroaching on your evening. To me finding that balance is hard, but this place does it with aplomb. Even though this is about food this is tied to their service. When we 1st started going at dinner you would be served these delicious cheddar dill biscuits. For some reason they changed that to a very unremarkable rosemary with a pinch of boring biscuit. One night when we were there pregaming at the bar we dropped copious comment cards about bringing back the cheddar dill biscuits with witty lines like "bring back the cheddar its for the better". Next time we went they had the cheddar dill biscuits, I'm sure I couldn't have been the only patron that said something, but I like to think my comment cards where the tipping point.
Bottom line: Not going here would be like arriving at the charleston airport and spending your whole vacation in beautiful goose creek. You should be quartered or some other form of arcane torture they were into those days for not going here. You cannot beat the prices, ambiance, food or experience. So try this place out and name your kid after me for changing the way you see food. -
Review from Tristan B.
Basking Ridge, NJ
4/26/2012
Can't get a better meal in Charleston for the price.
82 Queen is a fancy restaurant without the fancy prices. The food is prepared and presented like it is double its price. You are treated excellent as well.
82 Queen offers both indoor and outdoor seating. The garden seating is one of the most beautiful restaurant settings I have ever had the pleasure of consuming food within. It is especially beautiful at night. It feels like you are having dinner at an Italian Villa.
The food is great. Proportions are more than adequate and the food and taste of the food is levels beyond what you would expect for for the price.
82 Queen is definitely a must go to restaurant! -
Review from oola l.
Richmond, VA
5/25/2012
Horrible, don't get at all what anyone likes about this place. I made the mistake of getting the grouper. Blahhhhhhhh. And on top of it, i started feeling awful after eating it. Thanks to the person at husk for recommending them- not!!! The waitress was nice.
Comment from Little Dog A. of 82 Queen 5/25/2012
Thank you for writing a review about 82 Queen. We read every… More » -
Review from Betsy K.
Nashville, TN
4/7/2012
Loved the look and feel of this restaurant. The way the tables are spread throughout the patio/courtyard gives a great ambience. The food was pretty darn good. Blackberry barbecued chicken came with potato salad with spinach with raspberry pecan vinaigrette. The best part of that was the spinach. The chicken was a touch salty. Filet medallions were good, had a nice seasoning. They were slightly overcooked and not the most tender pieces of meat I've ever had. We also had a lovely red wine recommended by the waiter and some good sweet tea. For dessert we had double chocolate bread pudding which was delicious. The cornbread app with goat's cheese and homemade strawberry preserves was AWESOME and probably the highlight of the meal. Would eat here again just for that.
Good service, good ambiance, but pricey for the quality of the food. -
Review from Kelle M.
Alexandria, VA
4/13/2012
Went here Easter for late dinner. Great spot. Sat out in a wonderful courtyard, where the seating was surprising private, rather than crammed to fit more outside seating ----very nice. Ordered the Pickled Okra Fries, mmmn, good. ( I am an okra fanatic). Had the brisket with macaroni and cheese and collard greens. Was surprised when it arrives and was all piled in a stack, but let me tell you, this worked! The combination of the favors together was amazing. Definite recommend.
Had the pecan pie for dessert, good, but nothing special.
Waiter had a dry sense of humor and was a bit quirky, but that too worked for me! Good food, good atmosphere, good service. -
Review from Cybil S.
Burbank, CA
3/26/2012
I had been dying to eat here since everyone swooned over the food when my touristy self asked for recommendations. My group and I ate Brunch at 2pm on a Sat. I think we would have all preferred a lunch, but brunch was good. Now maybe everyone hyped the place too much. Or maybe the other places I ate in Charleston blew me away more, but for the price I would have liked something a bit more...inspired.
I was a group of 8 and I tried a lot of the items. hands down the winner was the chicken and waffle. For me I had the BLT with a fried egg and crab cake add on. It was good, but the fries came out cold. They replaced them quickly, but they were still not very good. The sandwich was nice, but I would have expected the fried egg to have a liquid yolk so it could have spilled all over the sandwich. I mean that's wait a fried egg on a sandwich is for!
I had a cup of the soup of the day which was sweet potato and bacon and wished I had gotten a bowl instead of my sandwich. It was wonderful AND inspired.
All in all a good meal, but for the price I would have liked to see some more creative items and a good french fry! -
Review from Corey Tess T.
Phoenix, AZ
3/1/2012
I love Charleston! This is a great little spot with darling outdoor seating. The food is good, not amazing, but the dining experience is very enjoyable on the right kind of day. It is a leisurely sort of place though, so don't go when you are in a hurry or want fast service.
It is all about the atmosphere. Like eating in a garden. -
Review from Jessica H.
Jacksonville, FL
2/21/2012
I have only eaten at 82 Queen for brunch. I sat in the garden area. It was just darling.
The meal was a 10 from start to finish and the service was wonderful. I will admit, there are other places I'd choose to go before 82 when in Charleston-- but that is not a statement on the food, more a statement on me. -
Review from K C.
Waxhaw, NC
5/1/2012
This place is AMAZING!!! My husband and I went here while staying in Charleston for our one year anniversary. To start we ordered the pickled okra fries, OUT OF THIS WORLD! Second, I had the filet medallions which were cooked to perfection. For dessert we ordered the Banana Pudding Creme Brulee...by far the best thing i've ever had. You have to eat here...and sit in the greenhouse if weather permits, so cute!
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Review from Stacy K.
Minneapolis, MN
4/19/2012
We sat on the patio for brunch and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The gardens and quaint buildings gave it an authentic Southern feel, and the service was very prompt and friendly. My boyfriend had the she crab soup and jambalaya, both of which he devoured, and scraped bowl bowls clean. I had the chicken and sweet potato waffle, which was also very tasty. The chicken was juicy and flavorful, although a touch less crispy than I would have liked. The waffle (with bourbon syrup, yum) was delicious, with just the right texture. I also enjoyed the biscuits and mimosas.. Considering the generous portions and picturesque, upscale atmosphere, we also thought the prices were very reasonable--I believe our entrees were $13 each.
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Review from Jarrod S.
Charleston, SC
3/7/2012
Over priced and underwhelming. Much better fine dining to be had in charleston.
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Review from Leanne D.
Woods Cross, UT
3/26/2012 Seated via OpenTable
Not my favorite Charleston restaurant. We had awesome service but the food was so-so in my opinion. We got there at 2:15 and our menu was for brunch. Most of the items contained fish or were some strange combo that didn't appeal to me. I got the 82 Queen breakfast and ate less than half of it. The bacon had a strange taste and the one piece of toast wasn't buttered.
There were no salt or pepper shakers on the table.
Another thing that happened everywhere we went is that they happily agreed to give us separate checks. Kudos for that! -
Review from Halle T.
San Francisco, CA
12/30/2011
I had high hopes for this meal, which quickly fell short.
It's in a charming house on a charming street. And the outdoor patio is the definition of charming. But our server could've used a course in charm school. I expected warm, southern charm with a smile... and instead got a slow, impersonal transaction.
The food was a bit heavy for my taste... even the salad was drowned in dressing. Overall, it was just an okay experience. -
Review from Andrew L.
Seven Lakes, NC
4/3/2012 Seated via OpenTable
Always great meal at 82 Queen. Sat inside this time, thought it was better sitting outside though!
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Review from Jim F.
Concord, MA
9/28/2011 4 photos
On a recent flight to Charleston I had the good luck to be seated next to a very nice gent who calls the Charleston area home, and who was happy to share his knowledge about the local history, architecture, and most importantly, his most-loved restaurants. I wanted to sample some authentic local cuisine, and 82 Queen was his top recommendation.
If you're a tourist in Charleston, then one of the first things you'll probably do is to sign up for a carriage ride, where a local historian narrates the history of the town and points out the many interesting things to see in the historic center. We happened to pass 82 Queen on our tour, which I remembered from earlier conversation, so on the return trip I asked permission to jump off the carriage - and did - making my way on foot to 82 Queen. Great call.
I've attached several pictures to accompany my description. Words that come to mind are: Southern, genteel, gracious, beautiful, relaxed, and authentic. Authentic Southern is what I was after, and it's what you get here.
After entering, you walk through a long corridor to reach a lush courtyard garden with gas lights and slowly turning fans (see photo). The deep/narrow shape is typical of the antebellum (pre civil-war) homes here.
For my authentic "low country" cuisine lunch experience, I ordered the Honey Ham & Fried Green Tomato sandwich, which comes with locally made pimento goat cheese and a rich delicious sauce on focaccia, which is preceded by fresh biscuits with cheese melted in to go with your G&T or whatever drink conjures up images of the Southern experience for you.
Sadly I was unable to order everything on the menu at this sitting. If there is a next time, I will certainly order their she-crab soup, which they are known for.
I've added some photographs of the courtyard, the lunch menu, the exterior, and the addictive biscuits. -
Review from Sophie C.
Charleston, SC
9/12/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Came here for restaurant week with another couple. Initially, I was worried because another yelper told me she did not like this restaurant but my friends love it and it was the only restaurant I could get evening reservations for (Instead of dinner at 5pm).
I had the Fried Okra and relish appetizer and my bf had the she-crab soup (we did it this way in order to share and try new items). My friends had the fried green tomatos and she-crab soup. I tried her tomatoes---AMAZING! My okra fries were very good too. The she-crab soup was the first time I had ever tried it (I'm not a crab person) but I have to say it was very good (very creamy--so if you've never had it, it's like corn chowder with a slightly crabby taste).
For dinner, I had the Frogmore Stew and my bf had the Chicken and Waffles. He wasn't too impressed with his meal because we are both from Los Angeles, where Chicken and Waffles originated during the 30s. This was a slightly different take (pecan-crusted) and wasn't a "bang" dish in your mouth. On the other hand, I loved my frogmore stew (no, no frogs!) Along with a glass of wine (forget the name, but it was a red), it was a very light dish (of course, I only ate half).
For dessert, I had the chocolate pecan pie, with bourbon. Any dessert with bourbon is usually great with me--this was no exception! I took half home to finish over the weekend.
Our waitress was very attentive but she was slightly hyper. I did like her alot though, I just wish she wasn't so nervous! Another waitress had brought us our bill, so my bf and the other husband put their cards in with the bill. Our waitress came back with 2 separate bills where she had very adeptly divided them up (she knew exactly who drank what) so that was very very nice!
I will be back to 82 Queen! It was a beautiful restaurant (think old house) and the atmosphere was excellent. Great for a couple or for a group! -
Review from Carter C.
Killer southern cuisine. Sit outside if you can.
Stopped here during our trip to Charleston. It's a trio of buildings surrounding an open air courtyard. When you first walk in, there's a long alley that leads back to the host-stand.
We were first seated in the beautiful outdoor courtyard, but it started to rain just after we sat down, so they moved us to a very quiet set of tables upstairs.
The fried green tomatoes with house made white cheddar pimento cheese were amazing. Crispy on the outside, moist on the inside. Absolutely delicious.
The shrimp and grit bites are cute little double stacks of a fried jumbo shrimp on top of a square of fried grits, with a bit of red pepper jam. Loved the concept, the presentation and especially the taste.
Our shared entree was the chicken and waffles. An herbed and fried breast of chicken on top of a beautiful waffle with pecan and maple syrup. The chicken was SO juicy and the whole plate was superb.
The service was excellent and left us with no complaints. 82 Queen is probably some of the best southern food available in Charleston. Don't miss out! -
Review from Samantha S.
Saratoga Springs, NY
11/19/2011
I love the outdoor dining area at 82 Queen. It's a little walled garden where the vegetation is covered in twinkle lights, and the bistro tables give it a very intimate feel.
The she-crab soup was quite tasty, and the seared shrimp and scallops with fried green tomatoes served over creamy grits was delicious. The seafood was cooked perfectly--very light in texture and flavor--and the tomatoes gave a wonderful flavor and heartiness to the dish.
Our server was perfectly adequate and always made sure we had what we needed.
All in all, a great little find. -
Review from Julie F.
7/24/2011
If for no other reason, a person should just visit the South for the excellent cuisine. 82 Queen has a beautiful outdoor patio/eating area which certainly adds to the allure of the food.
I had their "award-winning" she crab soup which is a popular Charleston delicacy, the crab cake starter, and fried green tomatoes. I didn't know what to expect with the soup, but it was good and you could definitely taste the sherry. The crab cake had a bacon remoulade and was so pure, solid, and delicious. It may well have been the best crab cake I've ever had. The fried green tomatoes had a good crunchy skin and a yummy spread to go with it. The only other time I've had fried green tomatoes was in Lexington.
By the end of the meal, I was so full and couldn't finish everything. Luckily my hotel had a refrigerator and a microwave so the food wouldn't go to waste. The server was a funny guy. He was telling me I should dip the fried green tomatoes in the she crab soup because that's the way he liked it. Actually, that combination did taste pretty good and interesting! He was a nice guy and threw in a few of the tasty cheese biscuits when he packed my leftover food to go. -
Review from Sandi W.
I can't add much more to what everyone else has said. It is a gorgeous restaurant. We sat outside in the courtyard on a hot, muggy night, but we didn't care. It was beautiful! You could just imagine what it might have been long ago as someone's home.
The Grilled SC Peaches were better than imagined, and the warm Brie was to die for! Pair that with their Charleston Lemonade--oh wow! That was a wonderful, light, and refreshing cocktail.
Since it was late, I only had the Barbeque Shrimp and Grits appetizer for my main. It was the perfect size. Very good, but different. It really was a barbeque sauce flavor unlike the typical sauce that is served with shrimp and grits. I really like it though.
I will definitely go back the next time I'm in Charleston. Which I hope is soon! -
Review from Lisa T.
New Windsor, MD
4/11/2012 Seated via OpenTable
Great restaurant. The atmosphere is lovely and you have a choice of outside or inside. The food was delicious with interesting options. Foodies would be delighted. It is the type of place you feel special at.
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Review from Marc S.
Garden Grove, CA
7/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is one of those restaurants that makes you hate yourself after you finish your meal.
Walking to the restaurant along Queen St. you pass many, many restaurants that seem as if they were out of a Civil War history book. The architecture in Charleston, in general, stops the "Northerner" in his tracks (a term Charlestonians use frequently to describe all those who are not from the Deep South) every few steps, as you pass the antebellum houses and shops.
I found this restaurant, thanks to Yelp, one of the greatest travel aids a traveler can ask for. I searched "best She-Crab soup". Several restaurants came up, each claiming to have the best, but doing a search for reviews from local Charlestonians, this seemed to win their hearts. It won mine.
After much inner dialogue, I decided to get everything on the menu. Well, almost... Fried Peaches and Fried green tomatoes to start. She-crab soup. Crab Cakes for the main course. And Chocolate and Bourbon Pecan Pie to finish me off.
Not usually a fan of peaches, the Fried peaches were an oddity I had never before seen at a restaurant. I had to get them. The sugars within the peaches caramelize around the edges and gave a nice crunch each bite. The acidity was cooked away in perfection. The fried green tomatoes, were just as excellent. But no as much of a surprise for me, because I already knew how good they are. Although, the fried tomatoes here are among the best I've had.
Now to the reason I came here. The She Crab Soup. I am glad I didn't look up the recipe for she-crab soup, because I might not have sought a restaurant that served it. Ignorance served me well. Look it up after you eat it! It was by far, the best soup I've ever had. The sherry gave it a fine biting aftertaste that complemented the creme and balanced out the fullness of the crab. The soup, along with the kindness of the Charlestonians (especially the maître d', whose Charleston accent was so thick and welcoming) convinced me I could remain in Charleston forever... If only I could.
Being in Charleston, and having already eaten the she-crab soup, I decided I needed to try the crab cakes. Again, the perfect choice. Very crabby, in a good way.
As if I hadn't eaten enough, I ordered the Chocolate and Bourbon pecan pie for dessert. A sucker for pecan pie, it was a must. It ranks among the top 2 pecan pies I've ever had, tied with the honey pecan pie at Tupelo Honey Cafe in Asheville, NC. Although, the bourbon in this recipe might put this pecan pie in first place.
... The ambience of 82 Queen was, to define it in a couple words, fancy and Southern. I felt like I was dining a few hundred years ago, in a well-furnished, opulent, and candlelit household adorned with the finest decorations from Europe and East Asia.
The few drawbacks of this place, for me are that trying to find the hostess kiosk to make a reservation. We had to wait for about 30 minutes as our table was prepared in the bar. Which was a pleasant time as I sipped the local Charleston beer. And the price was expensive. But you get what you pay for. A delicious meal, with a price. And the best (only) she-crab soup I've ever had.
~@OpulentVagabond
http://www.opulentvaga... -
Review from Tradd A.
Clemson, SC
1/30/2012 Seated via OpenTable
82 Queen never disappoints. They always have great specials or you can go with the classics on their smaller menu. The shrimp and grits are awesome. I have to talk myself out of getting it every single time so I can try something new. Also def try the she crap soup. One of the best in Charleston. Great place to go on a quiet date or to take friends that are coming in town to show off Charleston cuisine.
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Review from Ryan B.
Charleston, SC
3/19/2012
Atmosphere left something to be desired, we were ushered into a small, very quiet, very empty room. She-crab soup was tasty, but a little too rich for my preference. The wine special was a $27 bottle of some nasty concoction with a twist-off cap. The real kicker, however, came when I ordered the chef's special, a steak with grits and asparagus. I ordered it medium-rare, as I do any steak at a restaurant (unless I'm somewhere suspect). Let's be clear what medium-rare is. Rare is red in the middle, medium-rare is pink, and might have some red in there. This puppy came out cooked all the way through and crusty on the outside. I sent it back. No harm done, just bring me another one that's cooked the way I ordered. Apparently I ruffled some feathers back there, because the next one that came out would have had to beg a Frenchman to be called 'bleu'. It was raw. The waitress, who was actually very friendly and helpful, offered to take it back and have it cooked more. I'm not waiting on my steak to be brought out a third time. I can train an ape to cook a steak medium-rare. Apparently the chef's at this place cannot be, and are prideful when asked to step up to the task. Overpriced for some food that wasn't up to par. Not the worst I've had, but I wont be back.
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Review from Dr Monique B.
Cleveland, MS
10/31/2011
Great place for lunch or brunch! Plan on having some time as for some reason service is a bit slow. She crab soup is divine!
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Review from Demetria M.
Charlotte, NC
82 Queen's patio reminds me of the French Quarter in New Orleans....definitely a good look on a nice day. The biscuits here are the real deal and the perfect start to any meal served hot with butter and jelly.....yum! We ordered several different items.....chicken and waffles, sweet potato french toast(need I say more), and I enjoyed the crab cakes with hashatash(potatoes, onions, and lima beans)....I'm talking southern cuisine at it's best so on my next trip, I think I'm going to have to try them for dinner because it was just that darn good!
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Review from Susie G.
Mt Pleasant, SC
12/2/2010 5 photos
As restaurant week was coming to a close we selected 82 Queen as our last stop of the tour. I didn't know much about the restaurant, but I did know that their dress code was very confusing. Some sites listed it as "Business Classy", others as "Business Casual", so I decided to get a better understanding by stopping by the restaurant ahead of time.
The restaurant is an old home with small rooms and a lovely courtyard. The hostess less than clarified the dress code by saying, "We really don't have one but if I were to define it I would say business casual." So rather than being underdressed, we went the "Business Classy" route.
The courtyard was less than lovely when it's raining, which it was when we arrived. All three hostesses huddled under an overhang while customers tried to stay close to the outside of the building to avoid some of the showers. We were escorted up a flight of wet (also not protected against the elements), wrought iron stairs (also slippery when wet) to our table. I was now damp and came to quickly find out, incredibly overdressed, as a woman seated at one of the nearby tables was wearing gym shorts and flip flops. Golf shorts and tee shirts were also a popular item. I felt like a cocker spaniel after a rain storm.
We were seated in a room with four tables. It was dimly lit and old fashioned wallpaper adorned the walls. There was an old, nonworking fireplace and a few enclosed bookshelves, but that was it for ambiance. The only word that came to mind was dank. In the hallway at the top of the stairs that was in our view was a makeshift bus station - cluttered and stacked with dirty plates and glasses. The music was very low and everyone spoke in very hushed tones.
Our waiter, Lindsey was a gem. His talents seemed very out of place for the restaurant. I asked him how long he had worked at the restaurant. He said that it hadn't been long and that he had worked for more formal dining locations previously, but 82 Queen was convenient to where he lived. I also asked how business was during restaurant week. He said that it had been "insane" and that they were booked with reservations for 320 people that night. "I'm used to more formal service; here it's just churn and burn. Get 'em in and get 'em out." Well, that was encouraging.
I ordered a Stoli cosmopolitan and we ordered a bottle of sparkling water for the table. My drink was terrible. It tasted as if it were simply lime juice with a splash of cranberry as a teaser. Warm, herb yeast rolls were quickly brought to the table. Although they were warm, they were not flavorful and the butter was served in a plastic ramekin that seemed very cheap and out of place. Everything about this place was starting to feel very dated.
Our appetizers, "Crisp Romaine Hearts" (aka a Caesar salad) and "Fried Green Tomatoes" arrived very quickly and were also bad. My salad had zero flavor and the "Focaccia Croutons" had to be store bought. The Fried Green Tomatoes were hot, but mushy and also lacked flavor. I began to feel like I was at a bad wedding and the "Get 'em in and Get 'em out" attitude meant that all of the food was being held in warming in chests in the back of the house. At this point, I was hoping I was wrong.
Dinner arrived as soon as our appetizer plates were removed. Lindsey recommended the "Grilled Angus Rib Eye". He said that it was "on the menu for $30.00, so it was a real deal." The table next to us had ordered off the menu and the rib eye was one of their selections. It looked beautiful. So my husband chose that. I selected the Braised Pork Osso Buco. Both dishes were a disaster.
My Osso Buco was so dry it was inedible. What I had envisioned as something, "falling off the bone" needed a chain saw. The collard greens and mac 'n cheese were both cold. The rib eye looked NOTHING like the one that was served to the gentleman next to us. It was a half inch grey flat piece of overcooked meat resting atop of cold, flavorless goat cheese-chive mashed potatoes and tempura covered fried green beans (who does that with beans???) We sent both dishes back.
Lindsey arrived back at the table and suggested that I order something else. He said, "If I bring another one of those to you, you will probably just send it back." He suggested the Chicken, Sausage and Crawfish Purleau. He described it as "a lighter dish since the tomatoes were not cooking directly in it, but added later and it was with rice. Based on his recommendation, this is what I selected.
The rib eye returned, still gray, still tasteless, but the sides were hot. My dish was a glob of sticky overcooked "something". It appeared that it had sat in a stock pot all day. Mushy, thick, tough... warm though, (at this point of the night we're looking for any win). I had a few bites and that was it.
We decided to take our desserts to go. Lindsey was happy to oblige. They were the best part of the meal. -
Review from joel w.
Madison, SD
11/10/2011
We had lunch here and enjoyed it immensely. The she-crab soup was creamy and delicious. The jambalaya was tasty and provided a mild spice "glow." My spouse's crab cake was presented on a bed of vegetables with a creamy sauce and was excellent, although a bit on the small side. The luncheon prices were typical of most nicer restaurants these days ($10-15/entree). Service was excellent but not intrusive. The outdoor seating was delightful on a mild, sunny day.
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Review from Tim G.
Charlotte, NC
10/1/2010
I ain't lying when I tell you this was some of the best southern food I've had since I've been in the south. Me and my girlfriend wanted to check out Charleston and get a feel of the "real south." We asked around and once place that was recommended highly was 82queen.
It was a challenge finding the front door, as it's located on a dingy side street. But you walk into this amazing courtyard with tables setup all over. Brings me back to 1920's even though I wasn't alive then...... We walked into this old buidling in the back and sat in a very homely atmosphere.
We had the grilled chicken (rocking), Jumbalaya (rocking), Key Lime Pie (unreal), but the best meal we had was the shrimp and grits. I have contemplated several times just driving back for those shrimp and grits. It was an unbelievable experience and an explosion in my mouth. I have never had an explosion in my mouth.
Please please please, if you go to Charleston, eat at this place. Everything was phenomenal. The atmosphere is great. It beats the hell out of any other place in Charleston....I promise. -
Review from C R.
Charlotte, NC
11/22/2011
Only been one time. Food was good (had shrimp and grits). We sat inside which is kind of stuffy. Would have had a better experience if we sat outside. I would go again but sit outside this time. Wine menu was average.
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Review from David J.
Union City, CA
1/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
nice place for a date... not for the large group we went in... the food was good... i enjoyed the dinner and had the famous she-crab soup... try it.. u wont be disappointed ... my dinner was good and heavy... had me the crab cake.... it had huge lumps of crab and was the best crab cake i have ever had... but this was only my 3rd time having crab cake
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Review from Amanda S.
Chicago, IL
3/24/2011
We had dinner at 82 Queen. We opted to sit inside because it was a little chilly out. The courtyard looked like an amazing place to have dinner though.
We had a reservation and were promptly seated. We started with the She Crab soup and Fried Green Tomatoes. The soup was creamy and delicious. The real star, however, were the tomatoes! They were amazing! For dinner we had the Frogmore Stew and the Shrimp and Grits. My husband loved his stew with its smoky sausage. The shrimp and grits were creamy, delicious, and extremely filling. Sadly, we had no room for dessert.
There was some issues with timing of our food coming out, which the server explained was because of which kitchen prepares what menu items and that a large party had placed an order right a head of us. We also had problems with the temperature of the wine we ordered (white for me, red for him). Both glasses were on the warm side.
If I could, I'd give this a 2.75 star rating. It could be better in some ways, but the things that were really well done were great. -
Review from Irwin F.
Bethesda, MD
2/21/2012
Lovely restaurant, but don't get the brisket. It had a much too sweet and cloying sauce and the meat was tough and stringy. The requested sharp knife helped. The accompanying macaroni and cheese was just so so. The collard greens were OK. The service was excellent as was the she-crab soup. Recommended place except for the brisket.
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Review from Allie S.
Seattle, WA
2/20/2011
Wow, amazing from beginning to end!
Delicious sophisticated southern food!
The ambiance was beautiful! We sat in the courtyard which was lit by strings of lights in a large tree, candles, and being that it is February, they provided tall propane heaters to take the edge off.
Our server, Austin, was attentive, professional, detailed, and helpful, he really made our great experience even better.
My husband and I split the Lump Crab Cake appetizer and the Fried Green Tomatoes appetizer, both were delicious.
I got the crispy duck breast with bing cherry glaze and sweet potato & pecan hash and green beans, my husband got the basil fried flounder with stone ground grits, fried green tomatoes and roasted tomato aioli. Both were superb!
Overall we had a very enjoyable experience, and will be recommending it to anyone we know coming to Charleston in the future. -
Review from annonymous l.
San Leandro, CA
9/6/2010
Wow. I was shocked to read the bad reviews. I love 82 Queen. It's my favorite restaurant in Charleston and I go there whenever I am in Charleston. I love the duck there.
So far, my 3 favorite cities-- Salzburg, Austria; San Francisco and my dear Charleston. If you are reading this from there, I wish you a wonderful evening. And I recommend the ghost tours. Those are a lot of fun, especially if you love US history. -
Review from Thomas L.
Charleston, SC
11/7/2011
I had heard good things about 82 Queen before I went, but what we experienced was pretty terrible.
First we were led into a small room that was brighter than high-noon that could not be dimmed. Not that big of a deal...
-Order a ceasar salad. It came "grilled", even though it was not advertised as such. Open up the lettuce and it has gone bad.
-Beets from beet sald diced exactly like cannned beets. Tasted like they were canned.
-Shrimp, Scallops, and grits for entree. $27. The portion wasn't worth $10. Not only was the meal tiny, the grits tasted like they were instant and had almost become gelatanous from sitting under a hotplate for an extended period before it was served.
-Someone in the party had shrimp that were not completely cooked.
Needless to say the meal was dissapointing and way too expensive.
Service was pretty decent and wine was good as well. The only redeemer of the meal was the fried okra fries (pretty tasty). -
Review from Barbara M.
Littleton, CO
4/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Didn't have much of a chance to compare to other restaurants in Charleston, but no need. 82 Queen was delicious, comfortable, outdoor patio was delightful, server was prompt but didn't rush, It's all good and if you don't order the She Crab soup, you've missed out! I had the nightly special of bourbon BBQ brisket which was moist, flavorful and spot on.
This restaurant won't disappoint! -
Review from Vanessa T.
Atlanta, GA
1/13/2010
We grow violently hungry at inconvenient times. There was the time at the top of the roller coaster, and that other time, just as the funeral started. What we should be used to by now - but aren't - is the murky time between lunch and dinner, when so many restaurants close.
When we're traveling, it turns into a masochistic game of Look Up Restaurants' Hours Without Peeking At Their Menu So As Not To Entice One Self But Oh Look, They Have _________. We skipped that game altogether due to my photographic memory and the recollection that 82 Queen was not only a block away from where we were standing, but, more importantly, open and serving food.
They were serving food, but not much of it. It was an abbreviated menu, which was fine, but we probably would have gone in a different direction with our food selections if the dinner menu were possible. We went with the lobster- sweet corn fritters, a burger, and an inordinate amount of fries. Service was fair [and not as friendly and effusive as previous reviewers mention] but I suspect it had something to do with the off-ish hours.
The lobster-sweet corn fritters, served with truffled honey butter, were extremely flavorful and moist but inched too closely to the overly sweet line. There wasn't enough contrast between the sweet corn and the honey butter. But hey, I was frigging starving, so they were all consumed in 3.9 seconds. The burger was cooked to our preference and came out in a wonderful pretzel bun, which I had never had before. Slightly greasy, but tasty, nonetheless and the bun could more than manage the absorption duties. The fries were great - hot and crispy.
Bellies were stuffed. Nothing offensive transpired. Mission accomplished. -
Review from Lana C.
Lutz, FL
9/7/2010
Our meal was spectacular! We ate at several wonderful places in Charleston, but this was our party of four's favorite by far! Our waitress was fantastic and bent over backwards to make sure our experience was great.
The she crab soup is not to be missed!
We had Jambalaya, Etouffe, crab cakes, and shrimp & grits. All were awesome!
We shared a couple of peach cobbler ala modes for dessert, and I was sorry I agreed to share!
We will definitely be back!
