Went for the blackened swordfish but was a little disappointed it was substituted for Mahi-Mahi. The disappointment ended when the meal came however. Very, very good. My wife had the Oysters Rockefeller which was the best she ever had. Go to Coast Seafood NAO!
(5)
Hana M.
Since my last review I have been back a couple of times because it is one of everyone else's favorite places to eat. Coast has amazing seafood entrees. During the dinner portion, I could say "this is one of the best entrees I've had" but their appetizers are so awful in comparison so i say "phew i'm glad this is one of the best entrees I have ever had, it makes up for that sucky calamari" Skip the appetizers! Last time I had appetizer of crab, goat cheese and avocado ravioli... Seemed like a trifecta from heaven, 3 of my favorite things in a pocket of dough - amazing?? It was not!! The crab tasted like canned tuna. My first thought was cat food but that's a little harsh. Then the main dish arrived, crispy whole founder, with jicama slaw and aioli. Sooo good! It was crunchy and delightfully spicy with the slaw and aioli. One of the best dishes I have eaten in Charleston, word. My whole party was extremely engaged in their dinner (but not their appetizers.) Coast puts all their effort in giving you an incredible entree, and fresh fish (except maybe not my crab!). Without equally good appetizers, they are just coasting by.
(3)
Mark W.
Coast is a great place for dinner. I had the shrimp and grits, and my wife had the ribeye steak. She is a true carnivore, and could not stop talking about how delicious it was. The only negative was the length of time it took for the waitress to give us menus and take a drink order. We sat at the communal tables by the kitchen. Maybe that was the reason?
(4)
I M.
The food is great. We had mahi-mahi grilled and crab cake (entree) which btw was gluten free and delicious. Service by the waiter was wonderful... place is much bigger so dont get deterred (make sure you get seated in the back - they have 2 person booths which is nice). Only reason I knocking down a star is because we ordered a Mango Mojito which was suppose to be "award winning" (it was all syrup, pre made and super sweet, too sweet). My husband has a sweet tooth and couldn't take it, didn't finish his drink and when he went back to the bartender to help "fix it" - wanted to just put more ice instead of actually fixing the drink. The drink ended up being left on the side for the whole meal....
(4)
Kara T.
So-so food but attentive service. Although my husband enjoyed his oysters and wood oven grouper, my cioppino was more like tomato sauce than broth. The seafood was plentiful and fresh but it lacked a savory flavor. My Mahi Mahi fish tacos had bones, little flavor and the cabbage was too tough and bland. Marinating it and removing the bones would have helped. The cocktails were a disappointment. Too much sugar in the Limonada and the natural blonde bloody Mary was bland. It improved after I added the vinegar dip from my husband's oysters and asked for a side of worshester sauce. With so many great food options in Charleston I wouldn't bother going to Coast. You could do a lot better.
(3)
Neil A.
I was lucky enough to get a room at the Hampton Inn next door as this is one of my Charleston fav's. Came in on a Monday which is pretty quite so hot seated right away. They have some nice covered outdoor seating but it was too hot and there was a game on. The menu is so diverse I would up mixing and matching app's (shrimp tacos, fried green Tom's and cornbread). It's nice they have the choices to do this - and get a nice meal - or go full blown market priced fish dinner. Had a really smooth Sonoma Pinot (yea I know it's not kosher with fish) for a tasty finish. If you come here Fri-Sun arrive early when they open @ 5:30 or be ready to wait.
(5)
Matt E.
We sat at a table with 4, and had: Tilapia, shrimp and grits, flat iron, fried oysters, chippino, and fish tacos. Shrimp and grits were redonculous, crab crusted tilapia was tasty, flank steak was cooked perfect; flavorful with the perfect snap. Fried oysters were perfectly fried and succulant with a dwlicious sauce. Chiopino seafood was fresh and tender with just the right touch of spice. The fish tacos were the ugly stepchild in this meal, just ok, they need to work a bit on the flavor profile. Overall a good place!
(4)
Mark S.
Very good meal and large portions. Come ready to eat. I ordered a dozen oysters and cioppino. Oysters were fresh. Cioppino was okay. I would not order that again. Wife loved her almond crusted salmon over grits. CaeSar salad was very good as well. Service was exceptional. price was reasonable. Would return for sure.
(4)
Kelly Z.
Best calamari I ever had. The food was very good so was the service. The only reason why I don't give a place 5 stars is because the portions were very small and the place very loud to have a conversation and lack some privacy.
(4)
Ashton B.
This place was amazing. It was a long wait time, but I suggest being patient. The crab dip with the bread is a great appetizer and the crab manicotti is good for any pasta lover. I'll definitely be a frequent visitor.
(4)
Holly S.
My food (crab encrusted tilapia) was alright and my mom said her salmon was great. The staff at the front hostess station were kind of friendly and the girl that brought us water never made eye contact or spoke even after I said thank you. Our waitress was better but overall I wasn't really won over...
(3)
Crystal S.
Great food, great restaurant! I went there with some friends for my birthday dinner and the meal was great. The wait was pretty long. Granted, we went on a Saturday night, I still expected a shorter wait since we made reservations. We waited about 45 minutes before being seated. Once we were seated, we had a great experience. I order the seafood paella topped with swordfish, which was AMAZING. This was, hands down, the best seafood that I've ever had. Everything was cooked just right and the portion was HUGE. I made three meals out of my dinner. My friends ordered the seafood platters and shrimp and grits, which they all enjoyed. I will definitely be visiting again.
(5)
Brittany D.
I enjoyed every bite I had at this restaurant! We had the fried oysters to start which were perfectly fried + had a really good sauce on top. For our entrees we had the blackened swordfish with jalapeño cornbread and braised grouper with grits.. Both were absolutely outstanding! The service was great as well. I would highly recommend!
(5)
Taylor G.
Coast was wonderful! We attended for dinner with a party of 6. The atmosphere is comfy with a coastal charm. Cadie our waitress was on point with the service and helped make a menu with tons of great choices more convenient for us. She extended the phrase "southern hospitality" onto our table. I highly recommend everyone to try out their crab dip, ceviche, and the grouper. All was very delicious. Looking forward to another meal here.
(5)
Lindsey G.
Coast is by far one of my new favorite seafood restuarants...and I live in SF where some of the greatest seafood in the US is! We went during restuarant week and it was pretty packed, but it took them only 20 min to seat our group of 8. The waitress was incredibly knowledgeable about all the specials going on for restaurant week, and helping us find something for the picky seafood eaters. I tried what the waitress suggested, the braised grouper, and it was amazing! I am not a fan of grits, but the cheesy grits sitting underneath the fish had me converted. We also tried the mussles and the salmon tartar and I would definitely suggest both. Overall, it was a great experience. We were well cared for and well fed and I can't wait to get back to SC to try Coast again!
(5)
Steve K.
We asked our pedal-cab driver for a great seafood restaurant and was steered to Coast. From the heirloom tomato salad to the blackened swordfish everything was spectacular! I was in the mood for scallops and as I only saw them in the ceviche menu asked for other options. I went with a grilled shrimp and scallop combo which was amazing. Went well with the perfect classic mohito. Highly recommend!!
(5)
Meredith M.
You definitely want a reservation here on a Saturday night. We waited 1+ hours for a table of 4 around 7 last Saturday. We sipped one of the famous Mojitos and enjoyed the breeze outside. I don't mind waiting for a good meal. The place was packed with bachelor and bachelorette parties. Even the bar seats were reserved! The bartenders were very nice and people let us squeeze in to grab a beverage. The hostess seemed a bit annoyed that we didn't have a reservation. Then when I asked if we could wait at the bar she snapped that those tables were reserved as well. Chill out, lady! This is not a fancy place so that upturned nose and nasty snarl did not fit in with the scenery. The setting is beautiful, an open air old warehouse that has been transformed to a cozy dining space. Our waitress was lovely. She seemed very knowledgable of the menu and happy to serve us our meal. The crab encrusted tilapia was cooked to perfection, crispy breading on the outside and tender on the inside. I barely had to move my fork to cut a piece. Everyone at our table left their plates clean. We did not have room for dessert, but maybe next time. Overall this seems like a good place to take a large party of people for dinner. The mood is very upbeat and a bit loud for a romantic dinner. I would come back here again, but make a reservation next time! It would be a 5 star experience if I hadn't had the rude encounter with the host!
(4)
Cat P.
If you're tired of being all fancy and just want a chill watering hole or relaxed atmosphere to grab a bite, consider Coast. They have live music and ample indoor and outdoor seating plus an extensive bar. The mood is very fun and youthful. Servers are friendly and come by frequently. The four stars, or 3.5, rather, are more for the environment than the food, however. I would consider Coast's preparation of seafood very American, more traditional American. Nothing particularly exciting, with the exception of the fried okra salad. Slivers of fried okra atop some tomatoes described as salad and served to the ravenous diner=yay! My friend got sick from the ceviche...Though she has a weak stomach, consider ordering a cooked dish if that's also your problem. My crab cake appetizer was good but not outstanding; it lacked something that made it distinctive from other crab cakes, a secret ingredient or way of preparing.... My friend's seafood Cobb salad was very American-gargantuan, sloppy, doused in dressing, basically a bed of lettuce with bits of seafood atop--I hope the flavors were more impressive than the appearance of this dish. The mussels were tasty... It was a mixed bag, but this is a good place for hanging out. It's a breath of fresh air from all the pretentious spots dotting the downtown area. Here's a place where you can kick back and be a little louder, a little sillier...
(4)
Shante P.
Arrived here based on the recommendation of a co-worker. My co-workers And I were in town at a conference and chose this restaurant over several recommended. It's tucked away in the alley so you have to pay close attention. We were told a 45 to an hour wait or we could sit at the "community table"(first come first served). The mojitos were good according to my coworker the escolar was cooked to perfection according to another coworker. I had the shrimp adobo and wasn't so thrilled about my grits, I've had better. Overall, the food was good and I'm sure you can't go wrong with any of the seafood.
(4)
Dillon T.
First of all, Coast is tucked away in a small alley of the main road. You almost have to know where it is to find it. When you walk in it is an open space with warm light and an inviting feel. Great decor. We started dinner off with a couple of cocktails - expertly done, tasted fresh and delicious. First came the appetizers: I got the steamed mussels and my friend got the crab dip. Holy smokes. Both were so amazing we ordered more bread (baked in house) just to sop up the left over mussel broth and scrape the crap dip bowl completely clean. For the main course we had the shrimp adobo (picture), the crab cakes, and the grilled salmon. The flavors were so perfect and went incredibly well together for each and every dish. The main word for all of the courses is FRESH. You can tell how fresh the seafood was by the pure taste of it. I've been in Charleston for almost 5 weeks now, and I've been to many highly rated and recommended restaurants. Let me just say that Coast is by far the best, tastiest one I've been to with the ambiance and friendly atmosphere to match. Easily 5 stars, if you like seafood you MUST visit Coast. Prices are fair for what you're getting, not cheap, but you're not breaking the bank either. Worth every penny.
(5)
l b.
When we arrived on a Saturday evening, we were told it would be an hour and a half wait. So we took up seats at the bar. I'm always fine with eating at the bar, but this bar is a bit high for the chairs.... Anyway, we had mixed drinks and wine because this isn't the spot for craft beer. We started with appetizers and couldn't stop. Their soups were great as well. We filled up on these dishes so we never made it to the entrees. The food style is gourmet and they do a very good job with it! Yum!! We ended up getting seated at a table after maybe 30 minutes at the bar. It was a wonderful experience! The atmosphere is rustic and casual though most people were more dressed up.
(4)
Ariel T.
I don't think there is anything on the menu here that is bad! The place is great all around! The environment, the employees, the food all spectacular. I will harp on the salmon. I have got it multiple times and it has always melted in my mouth. I think it has been the best salmon I have had in Charleston. The sides to choose from are also great. I believe the sauce I get for the salmon is something with butter and lemon and it just tops the fish off perfectly! From group experiences they were super accommodating and do take reservations. The process for reservations is a little complicated because it is a voice message system but overall they took great care of us. Anyone that is new or visiting the area I refer to Coast (plus people get excited when you tell them that alley is in Dear John).
(5)
Laurina S.
This place is delicious. Our server was extremely attentive I love the vibe. It's a combination of eccentric and hipster decor. They have unique menu options that'll make your dinner experience memorable. I'll be back!
(5)
Boone D.
We had dinner here on the night of my bachelorette party. Love the rustic ambiance. It was definitely my kind of place. I had the local grouper which I definitely recommend. The crispy okra was delicious too. The only reason I'm giving 4 stars, and not 5, is because the server was kind of a jerk. He forgot the oyster shooters that my friends ordered. When they brought it to his attention he didn't apologize and disappeared. When he came back he gave them a random concoction that the bartender made and said it was on the house. That would have been nice but it wasn't even what they ordered, and it wasn't good.
(4)
Brittany B.
There are no words to describe this place! Well okay, I guess I'll try ;) My boyfriend and I were visiting Charleston on vacation, and looked up Coast through Yelp when we were in the mood for seafood. It doesn't get any fresher than the fare we were served at this classy restaurant. We forgot to make reservations, but were able to sit out on the covered and heated front porch. It was toasty and looked just as comfortable as the inside seating. To start, we ordered the bacon-wrapped sea scallops which were rich, but out of this world. For my main meal, I went with the mahi mahi and paired it with sauteed veggies and Brussels sprouts. Even if you aren't a veggie lover-- try the Brussels sprouts! They were so juicy and cooked perfectly, I'm still trying to recreate the style at home. Of course, the fish was great too, especially with the side of pesto sauce I asked for. If we're ever in the area again, we will definitely be back!
(5)
Lisa T.
This was a fabulous meal!! All Alone in Charleston so I pulled up my yelp. Coast FYI it's also 39 rue de jean kinda confusing, had 4 stars with great reviews so I gave it a try! Old brick building with lots of charm. As I am looking over the menu my neighbor gets a hamburger brought to her table. It's looked yummy!! I don't think she could actually get her mouth bun to bun. Lol I got the snapper special with Parmesan risotto, with 2 crab cakes on an arugula salad. It was out of this world. I will definitely be back!! Waitstaff was on point also Thank you Christie your service was amazing!!
(5)
Kevin R.
This place is hard to find... Find 39 Rue St Jean, then walk down the alley where there are several restaurants. Service and food were both excellent. Started to get lobster and avocado ravioli. Absolutely wonderful! I had the lobster Ceviche which has a strong flavor. I wasn't a total fan, but their house white wine helped with the strong flavor. It wasn't a cheap meal, but I would return!
(5)
Mac R.
We chose Coast for our anniversary dinner in Charleston after reading a slew of Yelp reviews for places all over town. We felt we chose quite well. It's super cute & sits in the alley off James Street before it intersects with King. Lots of exposed brick and it almost has a vibe of Tiki Huts over some of the tables that brings down the soaring ceiling to make spaces more intimate but still keeps the modern feel with very cool lighting. Beer selections were fun & we started off with IPA & a Belgian Brown. Whenever there is calamari on an appetizer menu, we order it & that's where we started here. The calamari was definitely fresh & well prepared with a nice light breading and cooked to perfection. It was served with lemon aioli & marinara, both of which could use some work flavor wise. They have many fresh catch options with multiple sauce preparations to choose from. I chose crab encrusted tilapia off the regular menu & my hubby chose the fresh grouper with the spicy adobo sauce. He was the clear winner on the night and I'm going to be bold and say his grouper was the best prepared fresh grouper I've ever had. It was grilled with some nice char that perfectly enhanced an amazing piece of fish. I'm a lucky girl that he shared as much as he did! My tilapia was really good but once I tasted that grouper, I couldn't focus on mine. My green beans were expertly prepared and hubby's squash juliennes were delicious, too. Service from our waiter, Jeremy, was stellar and if we lived here, we'd frequent this restaurant. Well done!!
(4)
Adrian G.
I have to say this place is solid all around. It didn't give me that wow factor aside from the coast crab soup but everything is very good. I tried the steak and salmon and its good, steak isn't anything special. Mahi Mahi was good as was the crab cakes. Probably my second favorite thing at the place was there bread pudding which is made with bananas. It is a little pricey but for the area that seems to be about the norm, overall I had a good experience.
(4)
Alana R.
I ate dinner at the bar here. I had the cucumber melon mojito and the shrimp and blue crab manicotti; both far exceeded my expectations! The mojito was light and refreshing. The manicotti had a good amount of shrimp and crab in the filling that you could actually taste it and there was also a nice garlic flavor to the dish. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone and both of the items I ordered!
(5)
Nicole R.
Atmosphere was nice...restaurant smelled great and was packed. We were only there for drinks. The drink I ordered was eh...they were out of one ingredient...it was very sweet. My moms drink...the cantaloupe mojito...was good. Live music on Sunday...I wouldn't go back.
(2)
Robert S.
Cadie, the atmosphere and food, were all beyond the highest of expectations. Well do e!
(5)
Amelia S.
Eh...the service was pretty good and we enjoyed the 50% off wine night but im still struggling to figure out what kind of restaurant this really is. If it's fish, they have too many other options... I went with buffalo fried shrimp. It basically tasted like fried pieces of lard with buffalo sauce thrown on. I was expecting it to be more like buffalo grilled shrimp. My mistake... It's okay, but with how many great restaurants in that area they are, it wasn't my first choice and I probably wouldn't go back.
As a restaurant for food, I give coast 5 stars! In a city on the coast with many fantastic seafood options, Coast is my favorite. I really enjoy the Escolar, which is a fish you won't find many places. Service is always good, food is fairly priced, and the atmosphere is casual and fun! Highly recommend this place! For drinks, 3 stars. The draft beer list is decent but small, and the cocktails are average. If you're looking for a fantastic cocktail or rare beer with your dinner, seek elsewhere.... But if you primarily want a truly fantastic meal at a fair price, then Coast is my favorite in the city for seafood.
(5)
Gary R.
Great restaurant! We searched for a place to enjoy a nice seafood dinner for our anniversary and after reading local yelp reviews selected Coast. I'm glad we did. Fabulous! The location was a little tricky to find and our GPS told us we had arrived but I couldn't see it. Turns out its down a cute little alley with a quaint entrance that is very reminiscent of restaurants in New Orleans. Once in, we were seated right away. The atmosphere is very warm and welcoming and our server, Jeremy was superb. We started with some local draft beer and an order of calamari which proved to be a good choice. Yum. I opted for the grilled local grouper with the dry adobo rub and my wife chose the crab encrusted tilapia! They both sound fabulous don't they? They were!!! My grouper was among the best I've ever had - cooked to absolute perfection. My wife's tilapia was very good but didn't quite measure up to mine. I'd go back in a heartbeat. The menu options are plentiful and I know it would be another great dinner. My next trip to Charleston will include a stop at Coast!!
Let's start off by how you get here. Coast is in a small alley way that transports you to a European coastal town lined with brick and vines. Upon entering you immediately smell the fresh seafood. Rachel, our waitress, sat us and explained the menu and her favorite items (she was great). We chose to get several appetizers and share. We ordered the crab dip (yum!), crab cakes (okay but not worth it), 4 ceviche sampler, fish tacos, shrimp cocktail and oysters (that cocktail sauce was to die for). We also got mojitos. Let me just go back to that ceviche...the lobster ceviche and cangrejo ceviche are incredible. I eat ceviche often and know how to make it so I'm a harsh critic but what they make is what I will dream about when I go back home. And the mojito...I'm from Miami, I know mojitos and this one was great (go for classic). Enjoy!!
(5)
TJ L.
I like Coast. Although not as "crafty" or "trendy" as some places in the downtown area, I dig the atmosphere and what they have going. The inside is like a semi-upscale (not classy, but not real casual either) wharf or dock side seafood joint. Very cool. And, although not on the menu anymore, the recipe of their Blackened Escolar was one of my all-time fav fish dishes. You can still order it, but the recipe has changed since I ordered it a couple of years ago. Sweet sweet potato gnocchi... Definitely worth a stop if you are trying to conquer the restaurants in Charleston!
(4)
Ryan L.
Good atmosphere, live music, and great seafood. Oysters-raw and steamed, ceviche, and soup ( split a bowl into two cups) for apps and then my wife and I split the Paella as dinner. It was the perfect amount of food. Tasted great and plenty for left overs. The Ceviche was definitely a must try appetizer! Would highly recommend to others!
(5)
Diane Z.
Get the raw platter and the cioppino! Yum!
(4)
Tiffany L.
Despite some of the reviews written on Yelp, I would consider Coast to be a mediocre seafood restaurant. For appetizers, my boyfriend and I ordered salt and pepper calamari and the coast crab dip. The calamari was nothing unique and a bit on the soggy side. The coast crap dip was too salty and there was not enough bread to eat with the dip. Coast is known for their grilled fish on their smokey oak wood grill. I tried the grilled combo of salmon, shrimp wrapped in bacon, and mahi mahi with mashed potatoes and julienned vegetables. For a grilled platter, everything seemed overly oily. The fish portions were also smaller than I pictured. My boyfriend ordered the snapper almondine. This was nothing spectacular as well. I could have made these two entrees for half the price at home. The server was attentive and was sure to refill my water often.
(3)
Amanda M.
Read great reviews here on yelp about this place so decided to give them a try for my birthday while I was down here and I'm so glad I did. I had ordered the fried oysters which were absolutely delicious and their crab encrusted tilapia, and their parmesan mashed potatoes were addictive, however their veggies weren't seasoned at all just steamed. Also I tried their white peach mojito which was beyond good. The service wasn't the best; the host and server was sweet, but our waiter was idk...I'm going to be nice and say he probably had a bad night lol. My cousin was starving way before we got there and just asked him how long is usually the wait for the food and he asked her if she had somewhere else to be...what?! Who asks that?? Well overall great food, o.k. service and the restaurant's ambiance was so charming and rustic. If in town again I would definitely stop by for some fried oysters and white peach mojitos.
(4)
Tico K.
Absolutely awesome food and atmosphere. The whole fried flounder is beautiful and delicious.
(5)
Sasha H.
Great, lively ambience. Graham Worley is awesome live. The buffalo shrimp tacos are to die for. Their cioppino is delicious, as are their cocktails. Service is great.
(4)
Elle F.
Had the fish tacos they were delicious and had the crabmeat on the tilapia ( not sure what it was called). My husband had the shrimp and grits he loved it. Only down side it was very busy and didn't see our waitress that often.
(4)
Kat R.
We just stopped by here for some frozen drinks. The bartender made them with his own twist for us and we all loved it! We did not have the chance to eat here, but the food looked great and it was busy.
(5)
David F.
So much noms... Lacking a little on the beer list but they had some local stuff for me so it's no biggie delicious food and helpful bartenders
(4)
Steve R.
My wife and I decided to try Coast on the recommendation of someone here in Charleston, a server at a restaurant actually. It's kind of hidden so if you're driving around looking you'd probably never see it if you didn't know it was there. The atmosphere and decor is awesome and the bar area has a high ceiling that adds to the experience in my opinion. We made reservations (recommended) but didn't specify inside or out but once we got there realized outside would be nice. So we waited at the bar for about 15 min. The bartender was very nice and attentive. The food....let's talk about the food. The wife ordered a dozen on the half shell and there were a few different types on the plate. I know nothing about these little snot filled shells but she says there were different textures to them all. I'll stick to my grouper, which is what I had. I ordered the special grouper filet from their grill with mashed potatoes and veggies. The fish was very flavorful although it could have been a little more tender. They source all their fish local so I know it was fresh, could have been it was a tad overcooked. The price is comparable to similar menus around town from what we've seen and I would definitely return here again if we were staying longer.
(4)
Steve M.
The fish was delicious and the locals know where to eat down town Charleston,write off of kings st.
(5)
Shannon R.
Great location and beautiful place! Good food and bar selections; especially the sangria! Crowded on the weekends - at least a one hour wait
(5)
Rich M.
We have enjoyed this pace every time we go. The food is excellent, staff friendly, reservations definitely recommended.
(4)
Chadwick C.
Had the she crab soup to start with. A tad bit too thick for my taste but had very large chunks of fresh crab which caused me to find the bottom of the bowl fast. Ribeye with blackened scallops for dinner. Steak was perfectly cooked to med rare, scallops were excellent. I'll be coming back for sure.
(4)
John S.
Great menu choices of fresh varieties of oysters numerous ways prepared. Callie was professional and friendly and highly recommended server (see photo). Escolar rarely seen in menu, especially cooked, I've only had as sushi before and not terrible grilled but nothing to write home about. Swordfish, grouper, bacon wrapped shrimp and scallops in mixed grill all as good as they get. Fish tacos were well liked and looked savory. Fish chowder recommended too. Small dessert menu, all in-house made and white chocolate-banana bread pudding was wonderful served hot and so gooey sweet and melts in your mouth. Other desserts all raved about too. Great food, laid-back ambiance and professional service, highly recommended for casual dining and seafood in Charleston.
(4)
Kate F.
Between two people we split about 4 apps and had some drinks. We wanted to focus on different kinds of seafood rather than expend a bunch of calories on big entrees with side dishes. We had the crab cakes (tasted like actual crab -- imagine that!), salads, raw oysters, and the scallops. I think the scallops were our favorite. Perfectly done, not that you can go wrong with bacon and a smoky sauce. We also split the bread pudding for dessert. I found it a little rich and heavy, but my boyfriend seemed to dig it. I liked that the atmosphere was casual compared to some similarly priced seafood places around town. We weren't looking for anything formal and Coast definitely fit the bill.
(4)
Hollis W.
We were on the hunt for "the best (gluten free) shrimp & grits in Charleston" and recommendations from locals led us here. I didn't actually taste the shrimp & grits, so I can't comment on that, but... Ambiance: The decor/ambiance was fine but felt like I was inside a restaurant where entrees would be much less expensive than what they were. Service: We were in the far back left corner of the dining room and waited about 15 minutes before someone came to take our drink order. After that, service was prompt but not overly friendly. The waiter did make some extra effort to accommodate our gluten free diner in the group by talking to the chef and having a different sauce/gravy made for her, which was very appreciated (since that was why we were there :) Food: this is really where the experience suffered. The bread that is brought to every table was room temperature and was on the "leave it" end of "take it or leave it". We ordered the Oysters Rockafeller and Fried Green Tomatoes as appetizers. I've never had Oysters Rockafeller before so not sure what they should be like, but they were just cheesy, bacony and bland. The Fried Green Tomatoes were the real disappointment - there was absolutely nothing special about them or the "relish" that came with them. They were bland and forgettable. As a main course I ordered the Braised Grouper. It was a slimy piece of fish atop a generous mound of grits with a bland, unnecessary cream sauce with floating pieces of mushroom. When the plate/bowl was delivered, it had very little curb appeal. Two of us ordered this dish and I added pepper, my dining partner added salt, to try to up the flavor of this sad, very bland dish. The "truffled bacon grits" tasted neither of truffle nor of bacon. The mushrooms floating around were fine but contributed to the overall sliminess of this below average dish. I'll also note that on the menu was a very common seaside fish restaurant option of picking your fish and your sauce. I'm generally turned off by this concept, since I'd prefer the kitchen put together their best fishes with their most flattering sauces and accompanying sizes vs. leaving that to the customer. So all in all, I would recommend any other restaurant (Magnolia's, Fig, Husk, S.N.O.B.) over this back-alley flop.
(2)
Asif B.
The exterior of the building was authentic (highlighting vines covering its facade). The interior was beautiful with the high ceilings. The fried oyster appetizer was amazing with its tangy sauce but the entrees were surprisingly sub par. Nonetheless, great experience with a very accommodating and speedy waitress!
(4)
Abe D.
Found a seat at the bar without a Reservation. my wife had the filet. I had the paella. It was very good, the smoked grouper was a bonus treat. The creamed spinach with my wife's filet was great, if salty. We'd definitely return.
(5)
Zach P.
Coast was recommended by my cousin who lives in Charleston. The place looks like a hole in the wall but when you get inside it feels like an underground city. It's extremely high ceilings were well decorated and all around exciting atmosphere. The host said 2 hour wait but we could eat at the bar. We opted for the latter and glad we did. We visited during restaurant week and opted for the three courses for 30$. I started with the ceviche which was great and the spicy sauce was awesome! We both had the 5oz sirloin and jalapeño bacon wrapped shrimp. Any time charcoal is involved the end result is in your favor. At this point we had to get the desserts Togo as we were stuffed. But the mousse was very good also. Bartenders were very diligent and despite the busy evening took time to chat with us about local things to try out! Beer selection was one of best in Charleston and I would definitely return on our next trip to Charleston! Tip- make a reservation!
(4)
Denise B.
I thought about going back to Husk tonight, but thought it was gluttony.I would have been a lot happier if I had. Very busy tonight so we went into the bar to wait, had a good bartender who made great Old Fashions. Ordered the Bacon Wrapped Scallops which were raved about in a previous review...gritty, fishy and the Bacon was burned, Fried green tomatoes were good. Cornbread-not so much, dry and crumbly,,,Drinks were good so we stayed for that and then gave up our table and. "Coasted" out of there...
(1)
Natalie G.
Great food! I had the seared tuna that was amazing. Also tried the shrimp and grits, crab cakes and local oysters from Folly River. All so good.Our server Michael was very nice too.
(5)
Eric N.
Coast has a great selection on their menu. We had the crab dip as an appetizer. It was good. As the main course I had the seafood paella. It was tasty. However it should have had more seafood. There rice to seafood ratio was a lot more rice. Overall the service was great. Rachel did a great job. I would definitely come back.
(4)
Chelle M.
Six thumbs up! Tucked in an alcove, you might miss Coast if you blink while walking or driving by, but keep your eyes wide open for this place. My party of three gave this place 6 thumbs up. The crab dip was declared "hands down AMAZING." The fried green tomatoes? "Better than my Grandma's," one declared. The Monterey Chicken was chosen by the non-seafood lover of the group. When asked how it was, he answered with a wide eyed nod and added a verbally emphatic "yes!" The mixed greens salad was a great compliment to the fish tacos made with grilled mahi mahi and a mango pineapple salsa. The only negative was that the tacks were a little dry, so I added a couple of dollops of the crab dip, and then it was AMAZING! The crab cakes were awesome. Very rich, no fillers. Which means these crab cakes were literally CRAB cakes. The service was great, and the decor was great... But to be honest, I didn't pay too much attention to the decor cuz the food was so awesome.
Had the crusted tuna. It was excellent. Probably the best piece of tuna I've ever had. Excellent restaurant with a fun atmosphere and extremely high ceilings. Shrimp and grits were delicious!!!! Highly recommended!!!!!
(5)
Andi M.
We visited Coast while vacationing in Charleston, and I'm not sure we would return. I had the crab bisque, which was ultra rich, had very few crab pieces, and was a bit too large of a portion. I would have preferred a smaller portion for a lower cost. For my entree, I had their seafood (i.e., shrimp, calamari, and mussels) linguini with a blue crab sauce. It was wet and a bit messy, but my biggest complaint was with the numerous crab shells I had to pick out of the dish. It certainly detracted from my experience. My hubby got a salad to start, and had the ribeye for his entree. He requested it medium-rare, and it was quite rare in some places, but he refused to send it back. I certainly would have done so. The best thing going for Coast is its location. The restaurant is set off in an alley, and is comfortable and spacious inside. The prices were a bit high for the overall experience. Magnolia's was much better, and it was not too much more expensive, either!
(3)
Ian M.
The location was great, my fiance and I were put at a table where we could see the water. Our waiter was a little slow with our drinks, but nothing terrible. She got the Shrimp Creole and loved it, I got the Crawfish Etouffee and also really liked it. HOWEVER, that night I got horrible food poisoning into the next morning. Huey's was great, but STAY AWAY FROM THE ETOUFFEE
(2)
Chedo P.
My wife and I had our rehearsal dinner there. Service was good, food was OK, not hot. My wife got food poisoning the night before the wedding. When I called to let them know that it was from the salmon almomdine they tried to tell me she couldn't get food poisoning that quick she is in the medical field and knows about these things. I felt so bad for her. I spoke with the assistant manager and he said someone would call. No one has called. Was not looking for a free meal just an apology. Nothing. Will never eat there again
(1)
Julia P.
This place is one of my favorites in Charleston! My favorite dish is the seared tuna. I order it almost every time I go. The only downside is it can be a bit loud.
(4)
Regina D.
everything about this place is great. the atmosphere, the service, the food. thr ahi tuna was perfect and the shrimp and crab mannicotta was delicious. it is a must do
(5)
David A.
Stopped into Coast to beat the heat and get a quick drink and appetizers. We arrived just as they were opening for the night so service was a little slow at the beginning. Enjoyed the Seersucker (Firefly Vodka, Pineapple juice, lemon lime soda) along with the fish tacos and buffalo shrimp tacos. Both types of tacos were tasty, although portions were on the small size (2 tacos per order). We didn't venture into the entrees but the wood fired grill visible from the bar was definitely enticing!
(4)
Jackie E.
We recommended this by our concierge and it was perfect! We started with the ceviche and then had the buffalo shrimp tacos and bacon wrapped scallops. All of it was amazing and very reasonably priced. Our server Michael and bartender Keith were fantastic! Highly recommend!
(5)
Mark K.
This was a hard one -- food and server were very good. We had grilled fish (grouper and snapper) and both grilled perfectly. Sides were very tasty as were the appetizers. We both had a cocktail and wine and the Bill was under $100. The down side is the hostess lied to us ... called for reservations and was told 6:15 or 8:30. At 7:00 there are multiple empty tables. Asked for a two person booth and told all reserved and yet one still open. Makes no sense.
(3)
Conrad B.
Seemed to be a very popular place. We couldn't get reservations even at 6:30 but if we came 'right away" (5:30) they would be able to sit us. Since we like to eat early, we jumped out and ran over. It was restaurant week so many places were offering special menus and special prices. We started off with their caesar salad... followed by their Salt & Pepper Calamari. Both very good. The calamari was nice and tender and seasoned just right. But they're known for their grilling... so we both had their surf and turf special. Not a huge portion... but very nice. 4 oz of sirloin and a bunch of shrimp with parmesan mashed potatoes. Steak done perfectly and tasty... shrimp season with cajan spices. Since we both took their special... $30 fixed price for salad, appetizer, entree and dessert... they allowed us to substitute the dessert for a glass of wine. Nice touch. (our waistlines are both grateful! )
(4)
Marilee K.
Five of us had an over the top experience. We're on vacation and had a big lunch, so an appetizer or salad was in order. They squeezed three bar height tables together and we were seated immediately. Not a lot of room, so someone else might not be so lucky. Everyone loved the shared fried green tomatoes. Great selection of beers. I had the special strawberry rhubarb mojito. The syrup gave a hint of sweetness with equal amounts of tartness. Perfection. A friend and I shared the crab cakes. They voluntarily spit the plates. The crab was moist with little or no filler. I don't know how they were held together. I guess their slaw with bacon and bleu cheese is their signature dish. I have never eaten more than one bite of slaw in my life, but this was so fantastic, that another bowl was ordered for the table. The other couple just wanted to try the fish tacos, but ended up ordering the buffalo shrimp also. Sunday night special of only $4/each. What's that about? I didn't try, but they swooned over the shrimp tacos and the fish were grilled to perfection and beautifully seasoned. There was so much fish that it had to be eaten with a fork before it could be picked up and finished. The musician, Graham Whorley, plays on Sunday nights and now I have to track down his music. We loved the vibe of the place. We had wonderful service and I can't believe that a bad review was ever written about this place.
(5)
Kate V.
Perfectly executed food, and service. Calamari had a light batter very crisp, and tender. Mixed grill w mahi mahi and NY strip were cooked to order, mashed w julienned veg were a perfect accomplishment. Goat cheese ravioli W crab, superb. Come here!
(5)
Lexie G.
I wish I could review the dining portion and bar portion of this restaurant separately as I had two entirely different experiences. We arrived later into a Saturday evening. I believe we arrived close to 8, 830 pm. We were told there would be a 30 minute wait. No big deal as we wanted to grab a cocktail first. We managed to find two seats at the very end of the very crowded bar. There were 2 bartenders working as well as what appeared to be a bar-back. It took the bartenders FOREVER to come down to us. Correction. They came to our section, but it was only after one of their friends managed to find seats next to us and flag down said bartender. Instead of greeting us (who had been sitting there for close to 20 minutes sans beverage) he took all of their drink orders and proceeded to take care of them. After much flirting and very little paying attention to other restaurant guests our order was taken by the other bartender who was manning the other side of the bar. He made out drinks just in time for our table to be ready. When we were seated, we were greeted immediately by a friendly waitress who told us of the days specials. I settled on oysters while my mother settled on shrimp. A friend in the area told me I needed to order a side of the cornbread so I did....and shamelessly ate the entire piece (which I am positive was meant for at least 2 people, if not 3) myself. Our entrees came out promptly (I don't think I still even managed to finish that beverage I had waited soo long for when the dinners came out) and were very fresh. The shrimp was cooked well and the oysters were fantastic. I'd give my bar experience a 1, the dining portion a 4.
(3)
K K.
Stumbled in here on a Sunday night - and boy are we glad we chose it over the higher priced restaurants in town. We went to Husk the next night and wished we had just come back to Coast. It was half-priced wine night, so we were able to get a bottle of Oregon Pino Gris for $16 - the cocktail list looked great as well. Husband and I split an order of oysters (had the local SC variety), which were served with warm bread and butter. We also split a taco (Sunday is $4 fish taco night) which was very, very good. High quality fish and sauce/slaw with just the right amount of bite. We took a leap and ordered the paella to split - wow. Huge, huge portion filled with clams, large shrimp, sausage and topped with a generous portion of swordfish. Seasoned perfectly. Way too much for one person to eat - satisfied us both and our wallets as well. We ended up sitting at a community table as the wait was about an hour and a half - we have no problem at all with it, and we still felt as if we were dining alone.
(5)
Richard R.
Great great food..easily missed location being tucked away down an alley but well worth the hunt. The homemade blue cheese dressing is off the chain. All entrees ordered were awesome. If in town make sure you drop by.
(5)
Gary F.
As the last review stated I too had one of the most tastiest grouper dinner grilled to perfection. My appetizer was as good as my meal. Bacon wrapped fresh scallops to die for. A little bite to them but just the way Like it. I will be there again
(4)
Nicole D.
This restaurant came highly recommended by friends so we made a reservation while in town. Don't do it! The service and atmosphere was great! The hostess was helpful prior to our visit with parking and very friendly. Restaurant was clean and around the bar area you could tell everyone was enjoying themselves. Unfortunately the food itself did not meet the expectations. Even if I had not heard great things about it I would still have been dissapponted. We did have some very good peel and eat shrimp. That and the fries were the only thing worth having. I did not go out expecting to appreciate the fries as the best part of my meal! I had the crab cake appetizer as my meal and the crab "ball" I received was gooey and flavorless. The sauce that came with it was a great dip for the fries. The other dish we had was the seared rare tuna, huge mistake!!!!!!! The tuna was encrusted in something that was a mess. The noodles and sauce it was served on looked like something out of a toilet rather than something you would eat in a restaurant. The dark brown sauce was so unappetizing we immediately removed the tuna from the top and had the dish taken away. Whoever had the idea to serve something that looks like that has no idea how presentation affects the meal!!! We did observe the majority of the people ordered from the raw bar and seemed very satisfied. If this restaurant would stick to the things it does well and drop some of the more pretentious items from the menu I believe they would have a lot more satisfied customers. Also I should have taken the advice of others Yelp reviewers and steered away from the cocktails. I have never had a bad drink until the one I ordered from here!!! The only reason I even drank the 3/4s I did was because I felt dumb spending $8 on a cocktail just to leave it sitting. Overall this good be a good place with a few changes; manager and chef being two of the first!
(2)
Karey Q.
Oh my goodness. This place takes the crab cake. The oysters and mussels were absolutely fresh and delicious and the crab dip was so good! Very fun design, bartenders are friendly and knowledgable. A Real gem! I'll be back!
(5)
Daniel A.
Coast has always been a favorite of mine when family comes to town as was the case this past weekend (Sat Labor Day) I expected crowds and we opted for reservations at 9:15 as the other option was 5:15. The bar area at 8:30 was full but after 1 minute 4 seats opened and we sat right down. Appetizers were the bacon wrapped scallops, and the buffalo shrimp highly recommend with a nice pale ale. We were promptly seated at 9:00 and the dining area was quite full, I and my brother opted for the Halibut special with the squash casserole and a side of the creamy okra. Great choice!! My wife's entree came with creamed spinach let me tell you, ham makes any vegetable taste good. All in all it was a hit with the visiting family thank you COAST for not letting me down.
(4)
Andy S.
Not good if you are looking for quality seafood. This is about the same as a Joe's Crab Shack level of food with perhaps less consistency. Only thing worse than the quality of the seafood is the service. The hostess has either no idea how long the wait for your table will be or they purposefully just say, "we are cleaning up the table and it'll be a couple minutes." They will say that to you several times for the better part of 30-45 minutes. For what it is- it's fine but the bistro next door is a whole lot better if you are going out for good food. However, for college kids on a budget and in the mood for mostly liquor and beer, it's probably a safe bet. I visit charleston every summer for 2 weeks and will not return to coast. So many many other better places to try.
(2)
Selphyne B.
Currently my favorite joint in the Charleston area! All I want and ever expect from a geographic region that is coastal, is fresh, properly, creatively prepared, seafood. Coast is the only restaurant we have tried so far that has succeeded! We had one item we didn't care for and it was something I don't ever like anyways but my husband wanted to try it: the crab dip appetizer. It wasn't awful, I just don't like crab and it was very reminiscent of cat food in every way possible. We went on a Sunday evening at open. The bar opens first a half an hour before seating begins. We waited at the bar and we were seated immediately when dining hours began. All staff were incredibly friendly and seemingly comfortable in their environment. Fresh baked bread and herbaceous butter was brought to the table first and were so delightful I could have dined only on that! Sunday nights at coast offer a special on their fish tacos at $4 each which is what I opted for. My husband selected that evenings special which was a grilled swordfish steak accompanied by a pumpkin cornbread, charred Brussels sprouts on a creamy mushroom gravy. My fish tacos were good but would have been infinitely better if the Mahi were left whole rather than shredded. Because of its preparation my tacos were barely warm when they got to the table. The tropical fruit slaw and sauces on the taco were flavorful and the fish was fresh tasting, I just suggest asking if it's possible to not have it shredded! My husbands specialty was truly out of this world. The fish was gorgeously grilled, moist but well done. The pumpkin cornbread tasted good but it heavy for my stomach. The Brussels sprouts (which I typically hate btw!) were so fantastic and wish there had been more! The sauce was wonderful as well! My husband and I have been wanting to return since we left that night! I can't wait and I highly suggest this place and warn: it is pricey! I felt like it was worth the cost, however, and will spread out the visits :)
Came for my anniversary dinner on a Friday night. Really busy, but we had a reservation and were seated on time for it. The chef special was a grilled swordfish and it was really good. Our waiter was probably the one of the best waiters I've ever had and was on it with the recommendations. And they gave us a slice of cheesecake and some champagne to celebrate.
(4)
J T.
Wow what a great place to meet up with friends! The service was fantastic and food was scrumptious. Highly recommend the "Raw Bar Sampler" Atmosphere was fun, and convenient location.
(5)
Junie W.
Went there last night for dinner on a recommendation. Food was good not differentiating. Service was outstanding. The ceviche was really good however the main dish was average. Be careful as this establishment sits off an alley and we actually saw a rat run thru the restaurant. We reported it to the manager and he asked how he could help. We ask him to comp a bottle of wine and he declined. A little overrated as I was looking for a higher grade of local fare.
(3)
Bryan G.
Cool atmosphere. Great cocktails. It was very noisy so if your looking for intimate, find another place. Our waiter also messed up a order. Told us to keep it and brought out a new one.
(4)
Caitlin M.
Coast was a good, fairly casual meal in a pretty high-priced town. On Sunday nights they have half-priced bottles of wine, which was a great deal. I had the crab encrusted tilapia; I didn't quite taste the crab but the meal was good nonetheless. My husband had the grilled swordfish, he enjoyed it as well.
(4)
Kate Z.
This is a great place for a few friends getting together. Make sure to try their speciality drinks and the crab stuffed lobster. We tried the cream crab soup for an appetizer and we were not disappointed. It's a little pricey if you're on a budget but well worth the extra bucks!
(4)
Hunter B.
Total sea shore feel. Wood floors and tables, and an open kitchen to view your catch of the day, grilling to perfection. Large menu full of seafood favorites. The crab dip is something they are known for.
(4)
Ron M.
Mixed grill at $28 is unbeatable if you want a great wood grilled assortment of seafood. Service was stellar too. Not super romantic place. More of a couples place or coworkers spot.
(5)
Scott S.
Coast was everything I expected it to be and more. We started at the bar with some drinks and found their beer selection to be top notch. They also made a great Mojito that one of the guest in my parties really enjoyed. We were seated right away and the atmosphere was perfect. Not to loud not to quiet. As we got started we got some crab drip and bread both of which were amazing, the crab dip could be a meal in itself. For dinner I got the brazed grouper, this dish was outstanding. For desert we got some bread pudding and pumpkin cheesecake both of which helped to cap of a perfect dining experience.
(5)
John C.
Mind-blowing. Ceviche was so good I thought I was transplanted to another universe. Our server was an artist. This guy was so good I couldn't believe it. I served for 3 years and I wasn't half the server this guy was. Absolutely phenomenal. I feel like I eat steak constantly. The flat iron here was literally the best I've ever tasted. Perfectly cooked. I can't make a single complaint about this place - it was near perfection.
(5)
Alison M.
After meandering a bit off the beaten path (AKA King and Market) to find a place for happy hour with my family, we ended up in the hidden alcove of Coast. It's been recommended to me for a couple years and I was thrilled to discover the ship-like atmosphere and attractive waitstaff. Our bartender was really informative and patient as I got familiar with Craft beer offerings on draft and he made a great recommendation. Event wine list as well. I started with a cup of she-crab soup which I would give a four out of five. The only improvement I would ask for is more crab meat, but it was creamy and delicious to the taste. We ordered calamari which was decent and fried green tomatoes which everyone loved. Overall I would absolutely go back to Coast for a more sit-down meal.
(4)
Tarzan N Jane O.
Great seafood, Andrew was our server and did a wonderful job. We did the fried seafood platter with three types of fish which was adequate in portion size and although came with fries only had one hush puppy. One of my favorite atmospheres.
(4)
Lesley P.
LOVE this place! We come back every year and we absolutely love the bartenders! BEST MOJITO in this rockin town make sure to try cucumber melon!!! High five Jeremy for us!
(5)
An N.
They have the best cornbread I've ever tasted in my life, ever. The menu is extensive. They have an assortment of tasty cocktails and I could see the bread being freshly sliced on the side from our table. Also the space is really large, spacious, with high ceilings. The entrance is concealed from the main street, in a small alleyway. Good ambiance for starting a night out at. We were a party of 11, coming for a bachelorette weekend, and they had plenty of space to accommodate us and a couple other large parties as well.
(4)
kevin s.
I have spent several weeks in Charleston for work, which means I had a chance to eat at a lot of the restaurants in this culinary rich city. Of all the places I went Coast was my favorite. The food is awesome. Like the name implies it is mostly seafood. The snapper alomidine was especially good. Be sure to look at the daily specials as they are often the best things available. Besides the amazing food the bartenders/wait staff are also awesome. They do a great job of being attentive, but not being to pushy. If you are there on business travel it is a great place to spend an evening.
(5)
Mia B.
Nice atmosphere and great location and even better food. We decided to try Coast because it was a short walk from the hotel. It was a great choice! The shrimp and grits were amazing! My dining partner had the crab crusted tilapia which was also very good. They have decent mojitos, although they're small. Service was mediocre, not great, but not bad enough to keep me from returning. It was a little pricey, but quality of the food was well worth it.
(4)
Ashley H.
The fiance and I had such a great experience here, from start to finish. We were told it would be a 2 hour wait (eek, it was 8pm on a Saturday), but bar seating was first come, first served basis, so we hung out there for a few minutes. We decided to order a drink while we waited. The bartenders were really moving! But, one still managed to stop and take our order. I ordered their "award-winning" mint mojito. I can see why it was so special; it was amazing! The same bartender also kept an eye out for seating for us, which I thought was very nice since he was super busy. We finally grabbed a seat (we waited about 20 mins) and was greeted by another bartender who took our food order. Both bartenders were super attentive and checked on us often, offering bread and refills. They were also great conversationalists, and managed to match us up with another group from our home state that happened to be sitting near us. I ordered the shrimp and crab penne pasta. It was absolutely divine; the dish included a lobster-garlic sauce with roasted tomatoes, spinach, and manchego cheese. I couldn't believe how delicious it was! My fiance was thoroughly impressed with his dish as well, noting that the cook on the steak was spot on. We've never been to a restaurant that produced a truly rare steak. It seems that most are afraid to do that. Coast did that perfectly. This has definitely become one of our go-to spots in Charelston!
(5)
Alexa M.
Visited coast with a group of nine for my friend's bachelorette party and without a doubt, we had a wonderful experience at Coast! The menu is huge and has something for everyone. Everyone enjoyed their fresh seafood and we really appreciated the fair prices for all of the dishes and bottles of wine. Our server was sweet too! We loved the oysters and fried Brussels sprouts for our apps and I thought the Adobo Shrimp was delicious. My only qualm was the mashed potatoes I ordered as they were pretty flavorless - partially my fault as I substituted them for the grits that my dish came with. Fun, lively atmosphere where you feel like you are on vacation. I'd like to come back!
(5)
Fareez A.
Amazing. Everything from lobster ceviche to buffalo shrimp to jalapeño-cheddar cornbread. And reasonably priced, great service, and were accommodating to my strict pescatarian diet... Hats off to the owners/chefs.
(5)
Andrea W.
The food should truly get 5 stars. It's a little pricey but worth it. It was pretty hot inside, considering I don't think they had ac and the bathroom was sweltering. The reason it is 3 stars was that the bartender was not mean at all but you could definitely tell he favorited certain people. He was very personable to his regulars and certain other tourists. It wasn't until we asked the guy helping him to ask him for the check that he came back over and tried to talk.
(3)
Rebecca O.
Very good. I must admit that I don't eat seafood but I went because I knew my significant other would love the fresh fish (which he did). I got the ribeye and mashed potatoes which were both very good. I was worried about it having a slightly fishy taste, as that normally happens when you order non-fish at a seafood restaurant, but I didn't notice anything. I went on a Friday night and it was pretty busy, so I had to sit at the bar. I would suggest calling ahead or be okay with sitting at the bar. Parking is actually better than most of the downtown Charleston places. There's a metered lot and a $5 lot on John St.
(4)
Alex T.
There are only some moments in life where one eats a bit of food and loses control of facial expression. The oysters Rockefeller do that at Coast. Impeccable service from island locals that will answer and question you may have.
(5)
Alisha K.
A large group of us came here for my sister's bachelorette party on a Friday night. Everyone loves seafood except for me, but I figured we had to try a seafood restaurant while in Charleston. We ordered both red and white sangria and both were delicious except that we could not taste any alcohol in it. For appetizers, everyone loved the crab and avavocado ravioli. I got the grilled chicken topped with cheddar, crumbled jalapeno bacon, tomatoes, & scallions with bacon blue cheese slaw, mashed potatoes, & pomegranate bbq sauce. Absolutely wonderful for being at a seafood restaurant. Everyone in our party really enjoyed their meals. We had a really fun time and I definitely recommend it for groups, seafood eaters or not!
(4)
Rob K.
Oysters, oysters, ceviche, ceviche, ceviche, and calamari galore! All fantastic. The whole flounder and the blackened escolar were also both delicious. The shrimp and grits you can't go wrong there. The sea scallop dish is also excellent. If you write something negative about this place you didn't order the right thing. The Mojitos are out of this world!
(5)
Alex C.
Good. Fish. Enough said. The mahi mahi was excellently cooked. Juicy, firm, flaky and perfectly seasoned. I also happen to order a half pound of steamed shrimp, also perfectly cooked. I hate it when places overcook the steamed shrimp and it starts to disintegrate. You won't find that here.
(5)
Jill B.
Had dinner at Coast tonight. I recommend you make a reservation instead of having to wait for over an hour for a table. That being said, the wait was worth it. We started with the fried oysters and steamed mussels. Both were excellent. The oysters were light, and deliciously sweet and seasoned. The mussels were brimming with flavor and just delicious. We split the Seafood paella for our entree and I'm glad we did. It came in a dutch oven and there was plenty of food for two people! Just delicious.
(5)
Todd Y.
My wife would kill me if I gave this place a 1 star even though it deserved it.. what happened.. holy terrible service and semi terrible food Service: Was so bad that it was terrible. Our wait person, I should have tipped him $1 each time we saw him...he would have made $3. He never came around to refill water,ask how the meal was or bring me a spoon for my soup. Ordered the soup and what's the most important thing to have with the soup.. A SPOON... no spoon and it took 10 minutes before I could flag someone to get me a spoon. Then with surf and turf, what's the most important thing to have with your steak... A STEAK KNIFE... another 5 minutes. FOOD The quality was miserable, I asked the person who delivered the food what the restaurants definition of medium and they said hot pink,I asked do you mean deep purple.. she was like no.. then I said this steak isnt cooked. Was returned, you would think your wait person would come over and see what was going on, NOTHING... he was more interested in talking to one of his tables about what bars to go to tonight... If I lived in the area, would never return ...
(2)
Em B.
My husband was so looking forward to good seafood the night we were in Charleston and chose Coast because it had good reviews. He ordered the fish special and it was undercooked. The calamari was good, though. I ordered the steak with mashed potatoes and a side of cornbread to share with our young daughter, but everything was very salty. If it wasn't for that, we would have enjoyed the meal.
(2)
Sean C.
I love seafood and Coast delivers. Great spot in downtown Charleston for a nice dinner of great seafood. The appetizers are abundant and delicious and the entrees are incredible. My wife and i sat on the patio they have out front and it was still cozy because the restaurant is tucked away down an alley. Nice and quiet, and very clean. The deserts are very good. Great spot for a nice date night. Service was stellar. the waiter knew the food and was very well versed about pairing wines with our meals. really attentive service.
(5)
Pamela S.
Friendly staff with a nice casual atmosphere. Oysters were fresh and delicious. Be sure to try the vinegar jalapeno sauce. I had the special Escobar, Salmon and shrimp. All were good along with the Parmesan mashed potatoes and fresh veggies. Gerald had the scallops. All seafood cooked with perfection. A don't miss place in Charleston, though it can be a slight challenge to find.
(5)
Lara B.
We had just eaten at Amen the night before with pretty much the same order, fish tacos and bloody mary's. At Amen we tasted freshness at Coast, the bloody Mary was just ok, nothing special. Our food came out very quickly, which is usually a sign that food was prepared ahead of time and just warmed up. Service was ok. We would not go back again.
(2)
Jessica L.
If you love mojitos, this is truly the place for you! Cucumber melon is award winning and worth a stop here on your weekend bar crawl. Last time I was there, I was talking too much with my hands and my full drink that was just placed in front of me toppled over and the glass shattered everywhere! It was clearly my clumsy fault, but the bartender snatched it all up, wiped down the table, brought me another mojito and didn't even charge for the one I spilled. Quite the service! I usually go here for apps and drinks so if that's how you find yourself, try the bacon wrapped scallops!
(5)
Joel G.
The food and drinks were great. The bartender made drinks not on the menu. Traditional ceviche was amazing. Grilled shrimp and grits were good. Homemade cheesecake was good. This is from someone who has won awards for my cheesecake. I will come back to Charleston again and eat here. Crabcake was delicious. Mostly crab...no fillers.
(5)
Randy H.
Had dinner here on Halloween, a Thursday night. Sat "in the bar", but at four-top under the awning along the street. Great, attentive service - but never cloying. Offered me a sort of sample platter not listed on the menu: grilled tuna, mahi, and skewered shrimp. I asked if we could substitute a small steak for the shrimp, and got it for a $2 upcharge. Also got a cup of the crab bisque (instead of the listed bowl), and was offered ANOTHER crab soup (tomato based) which was a specialty of that particular chef, but recently removed from the menu. Let's review: 1) a single person sitting at a four-top 2) in a prime section, 3) ordered the entree off the menu, 4) SUBSTITUTED 5) steak, ordered a 6) downsized portion of the signature soup. Yep, the nightmare customer. Nevertheless, I was treated with a grace and goodwill bordering on enthusiasm, and of course I tipped the b'jeezus on the guy. The food itself was very nice, with huge portions of julianned vegetables, a mound of Parmesan potatoes, and 7oz portions of three meats. It would have easily fed my family of three back home. All for 28 bucks. All in all, I spent a lovely evening there watching the costumed revelers in the alley scurry through the rain, and sipping my wine. Compliments to the staff at Coast, and thank you. Oh, and I had to send the wine back, too...
(5)
Mike E.
We got into town around 7 on a recent Saturday night and my girlfriend and I followed the motel's desk attendant's advice and walked the few block to Coast. I asked for a good spot to get some seafood and he said it was very good but would be busy. After arriving the hostess said it would be about an hour before we could get a table so we worked our way to the bar. The place was pretty much packed with people out having fun so it was an easy place to fit in. After a few minutes we scored seats at the bar - thank you to the very nice couple that gave us their seats! We were both on Mountain time so we weren't really that hungry, no problem we'll just start drinking. And when they told us they had a table we decided to stay at the bar because we were having so much fun! We managed to split an order of the Oysters Rockefeller in the midst of our drinking, it had lots of cheese and was very good! We had a great time hanging out with some locals and the bartender, before long we decided to bag dinner and just keep drinking. We were just a little bummed that we didn't get a chance to eat anything else on the impressive menu. Flash forward a few days. We were in the area to help my parents celebrate their 50th anniversary and they asked if we knew of any places in Charleston that would be a good place to have dinner. Eureka, do we ever! We got there a couple of minutes late for the reservations and were quickly seated. We dove in with both feet and got some Traditional Ceviche, Crab Dip, and a dozen Oysters on the Half Shell. All were good, especially the Crab Dip, wow! I went with the Lobster & Crab Gratin, I was feeling like something decadent and it was perfect. Mmmm good!! Others got the Spicy Adobo Shrimp, Paella, and Cashew Encrusted Grouper. Everyone was pretty happy with their selections. Also, to mark the occasion they comped us a large piece of Coast Lime Pie which was really tasty. Great food and service, if I make it back to Charleston I will definitely be stopping back by for more of each!
(4)
Amanda J.
Our meal here was superb. Great service, great deals with restaurant week, could not have asked for more. My boyfriend wanted fresh, South Carolina oysters so that was why we picked this place. He got a half dozen and was very happy. Best oysters he has ever had, he said! I tried the Seersucker cocktail and it was decent. The pineapple was a little much but I still enjoyed it. For apps we got the mixed green salad with blue cheese and the calamari. Both awesome. We both got the surf and turf for our entree and were highly satisfied. The spice on my shrimp was a little overpowering, but I just took off the bacon and it was great. Got one of each dessert (white chocolate mousse or key lime pie) and they were great as well. My only critique would be the bathrooms - missing locks and broken toilets. Leaves something to be desired. Rae was our server and she was both polite and prompt. Like I said before, what more could you ask for?
(5)
Racquel P.
I wanted seafood for dinner so my colleague took me here for dinner on a Monday night. What an excellent choice! We were seats immediately and our server was at our table quickly. Very nice and explained all of the daily specials as well as the options on the main menu. I decided on the 1/2 dozen oysters.. She recommended 2 kinds (forgot what they were) and I ate them a little too quickly!! So yummy. My colleague ordered the pei mussels and it was a good amount. Our server brought extra bread as she knew we would want to dip it into the broth, which we did and it took everything to not wipe the bowl dry!! For the main course, I ordered the rare tuna with the sobe noodles. The sobe noodles flavor was kind of bland but the tuna was amazing. I was getting full on the tuna itself. My colleague ordered the pecan crusted grouper and she said it was the best fish she has ever had! If I ever am in downtown Charleston again and had a craving for seafood, I would love to come back to Coast. Definitely hit the spot!!
(5)
Ed B.
So many good meals at this restaurant over the past 5 years, tonight was not one of them! Starting with the bread, not warm and actually seemed old! Their bread is usually a great start. The Oysters Rockefeller was excellent and the fried squid good. My go to dish the Pecan Encrusted Grouper was a great disappointment! Potatoes were cold, green beans cold and sauce watery! My fish was three small pieces, they were hot and decent. I will dine at Coast again but really hope it returns to a 4 star experience.
(3)
Deb W.
Love the alley that Coast is located on and the fantastic atmosphere inside. The wait staff was great as were our fantastic mojitos. My husband was very happy with the selection of beers on tap. We had the crab dip and fried oyster appetizers. Both very good. I was quite disappointed with my seafood paella. The amount of seafood was minimal and the pieces were so small they were hard to find. There was a TON of very tasty rice. My husband had a shrimp and grits dish that was fantastic. Very large, perfectly cooked shrimp. We will definitely be going back. I can't wait to ty their happy hour!
(4)
Tali K.
I was very pleasantly surprised by this hidden gem. The service was great, everyone was very helpful and friendly. Definitely a unique and memorable ambiance. We ordered the crab and avocado ravioli appetizer- A MA ZING! Such a unique flair and so light and refreshing. We audio ordered the seated rare tuna. This too was delicious. Pecan crusted atop pomegranate reduction noodles made for an absolutist delightful flavor combination. I would definitely come again.
(5)
Kristen B.
This restaurant is a-ok, just as a three star rating states. Satisfying but not anything that stands out. The signature cocktails are underwhelming. Too sweet and uninspiring. Raw oyster starters were ok. They had a small selection for a fresh seafood restaurant and were out of one of the options. Of the oysters we did receive, they were nice and cold and fresh. We ordered the shrimp and grits as well as the wood-fire grilled escolar. The shrimp and grits were good but again nothing special. The escolar was delicous. Cooked perfectly. The sides that came with the fish were average (potatoes and mixed veggies).
(3)
Aly S.
We got a reservation the night before on Open Table for 2 and all that was left was 8:30. When we arrived it wasn't too crowded, no one was waiting except a group of girls who said they had a reservation from online and the hostess told her they don't accept online reservations for 6 or more and totally turned away their business. I was kind of annoyed by that, they definitely could have offered them a drink and found a way to accommodate them. They have a great wine list which I was not expecting from reviews. I was happy about that and enjoyed a Sauvignon Blanc from Ferrari Carano in California that I have had before and love. The orange rosemary table bread was different and I enjoyed it. For an appetizer we got the avocado crab ravioli -- YUM! Get that. For dinner both my boyfriend and I went with some of the nightly chef's specials. Mine was salmon, it had a very smokey flavor. They definitely cook the fish on a hickory wood grill which was not advertised on the specials menu. I don't like that smokey flavor so I wasn't thrilled about it. It was also pretty large and slightly overcooked. My boyfriend got a surf and turf with sirloin and mahi- the steak was cooked perfectly, the mahi was also smokey. My boyfriends sides here were not good, the mashed potatoes tasted like the boxed kind. The sliced veggie thing was just blah. But the asparagus and fingerling potatoes were actually really good on my plate. What is the theme of this place? They had nice exposed brick covered up with tiki stuff and pictures of fisherman on the walls. I give it 4 stars because of the wine, ravioli, and my boyfriend loved his steak and mahi mahi.
(4)
Jim D.
It's all about seafood and a nice casual atmosphere nice place to take a date I made a dinner and appetizers the fried calamari's were good the shrimp tacos were a little spicy I suggest no hot sauce and Caesar salad was full of anchovies something that I likeI would not recommend the crab ceviche market not the best try the regular ceviche or the shrimp ceviche enjoy
(4)
Scotty C.
I've never had dinner at Coast, but I've been in to the bar area a few times and sampled plenty of their appetizers as well. I recently came in for drinks with a birthday crowd as the Bday girl was obsessed with their award winning mojitos. After stating that I don't really like mojitos or sweet drinks, I was still barraged with everyone suggesting I try theirs because it was the best one. Surprise, I still don't like 'em... too sweet for me. I ordered a Dark & Stormy instead and it was excellent. In the past, I recall every one of the apps being top notch. In one sitting, we passed around the lobster ceviche, fried oysters, calamari, and fried green tomato's. Everyone loved it all. Even the tomato's, which you would expect to be boring compared to the other options, stood on their own up against any seafood app. Something about the calamari made it extra special too... one of my favorites. I'm definitely interested in checking out the dinner service as well. The other night we had dinner at Rue and then came to Coast for Drinks. Maybe next time we do things the other way around.
(4)
Nicole A.
Overall pretty good. I wouldn't rush back, but the environment itself is pretty trendy and it's nice that it's next to the music hall and off of King Street in it's own little nook. Drink-wise, the cucumber Mojito is the way to go. Delicious and refreshing - great in the summer. Also it won best Mojito or best something in Charleston for 2010 - fun fact. Now food - we ordered a lot and if I could re-do it all over I totally would. To begin we had the crab ravioli, tuna tartar, baja tacos, and the crab soup. Reflecting back we all agreed the play is - crab soup (perhaps 2 to share for the table), and 2 ravioli. The tuna tartar was just okay, and the tacos were also just okay. Okay so now for entrees, if your thinking the tuna, I would do the tuna but rather than the pomegranate noodle, I would get it with potatoes and Brussel sprouts or some other side. In my opinion the noodles were good but they either needed a peanut crunch to cancel out all the sweetness or they should have done less noodles. Nevertheless, it wasn't my favorite, but to be fair, the tuna was cooked perfectly so I have no complaints there. My friend ordered the blackened swordfish and that was honestly the best entree on the table. I almost ordered it because of the jalapeño corn bread but ended up getting a side of that instead. Clearly a dumb decision on my part, I totally should have just ordered it. It came with a crab ratatouille so it had this warm shrimp and grits, southern flare to it, that tourist like myself crave when we come down to Charleston. My sister who we make fun of for ordering burgers at seafood restaurants, surprised us all and killed it with her order. She started with the crab soup and then got a Caesar salad with calamari - the calamari was fresh and delicious - it also was the perfect balance of comfort food and an attempt at being healthy. Which honestly, if you take anything away from this review, it should be to order the soup. You won't be disappointed. The cashew encrusted grouper was very good too - also (side note) the server made it sound like the mashed potatoes were a signature dish but they were nothing to rave about We didn't do dessert or anything like that because we were so full. But if you have done all the top notch restaurants in Charleston and are looking for fresh fish or even going to the music hall for a show, it's worth checking out... Like I said though, I wouldn't rush back.
(3)
Glenn J.
Great seafood. The grilled swordfish was fantastic. The bacon wrapped scallops were delicious. Overall a very cool atmosphere and good food.
(4)
Lakeisha C.
I figured it was about time for me to review this restaurant, being that I go to Charleston and myrtle beach every year. This restaurant is by far one of my favorite places in Charleston. It's nestled between some quaint little buildings in the downtown area. So it's a little hidden but that makes it all the more fun to get to. It's cozy and has live music. A very intimate feeling falls upon you when dining here. It's a great place to go on a date or with friends. I tried the creole fried oysters and the crab dip. Both were extremely yummy and filling! I couldn't eat anything else after those two dishes and a glass of wine. That was my very first time eating an oyster and that's the only place I'd eat one at. Overall, it was a great experience. I'll always return here.
We got a last minute reservation at coast, which was lucky because we were starving on our first night in Charleston and everything seemed to be booked solid, being Labor Day weekend and all. We ordered the daily surf and turf special, the crab dip and something else that I can't remember for the life of me even though it's only been three days...which makes me think it was average. The bacon wrapped scallops were the highlight of the meal; the scallops practically melt in our mouth; I debated between a 3 and a 4 and the scallops deserve the 4th star. The crab dip was more cheese and salt than crab and our medium steak looked more rare. It's also very loud in there and we both felt like we were shouting. Overall, I would say give this place a chance, but probably better for groups.
(4)
Cassandra S.
This was by far one of the best restaurants I tried on my trip to Charleston. I had a cashew crusted grouper and it was awesome. We came in as a large group with a pre-fixe menu and they handled all 40 of us like a breeze despite the rest of the restaurant being packed.
(4)
Marie A.
I have been wanting to try Coast ever since I moved to Charleston - 5 years ago. Tonight was the night. It did not disappoint. Appetizer we tried was the ceviche sampler ... Very fresh and tasty. My main dish was the blackened swordfish with jalapeño cheddar corn bread, blue crab etouffe, and pickled okra. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Good flavors that went well together. I wish there was more pickled okra on the plate! We had excellent service on a Friday night. Seated quickly since we had a reservation. Huge menu selection and wine selection. I wish I would have had room for a dessert. The decor was cute and had a very Charleston feel. I would definitely go back again!
(4)
Tiffany S.
Great atmosphere. Very reasonably priced meals, and delicious. I would highly recommend the seared tuna.
Delicious food! We had steamed oysters as appetizers that were pretty huge. I had melon mojito which was delicious as well.
(5)
Dave M.
2.5 stars for me. After hearing great things about this place, I have to say I was a little disappointed. The crab ceviche was great - the highlight of my meal. The blackened escolar was good in theory but my piece of fish was too under for my liking. I actually needed a steak knife to cut it, but instead set most of it aside. The rest of the dish was okay. The coast key lime pie was also a little disappointment for me - reminded me more of a lemon meringue pie with its consistency and texture. I like this place but wish I had ordered differently. Maybe that's what I get for listening to the advice of the nice, long haired, bearded, hippie looking bartender. I strongly prefer Rue de Jean next door, although it's menu is more limited for seafood, but I think better overall.
(3)
Frank C.
Coast was fab! Absolutely amazing! We were told to come here, and it was a don't miss restaurant! There was great service, the food was great, and it was a great family friendly atmosphere! For an appetizer we got oysters, and they were great! The food was FANTASTIC! We got blackened escolar , braised sea bass, and fish sticks. TIP!! The kids fish sticks are fresh made to order Tilapia filets breaded , delightful!!! My wife said that they were the best she had ever eaten!! This is a MUST when you go to Charleston!
(5)
Chris M.
Had a great experience at Coast with my wife and two teen agers. Everyone enjoyed their meal and our waiter was attentive and friendly. I had baked tilapia and it was excellent. My daughter had the fish tacos and a salad, she's 14; and said the fish tacos were "okay". My 16 year old son had Adobo shrimp dish and he really liked it; said it was excellent. That Adobo dish is spicey but he likes spicey. My wife had angel hair pasta with shrimp. She gave it a 7 out of a 10 and said she'd order it again. It was a classy but casual atmosphere. I expect we'll keep Coast on our radar for places we like but we've got a lot of restaurants to try in Charleston before we'll be back.
(4)
Francesca D.
One of my favorite casual seafood restaurants in Charleston that's not over priced. When my husband and I dine here, we opt for the community table to have a casual experience, and so we can watch the powerhouse behind the scenes (you can see right into the kitchen!). Always order the oysters- so good. And get a few apps to share and you'll be nice and full (fried green tomatoes, fish tacos are a must!) Their sangria is also amazing and can catch up to you quickly! :) My only complaint is that the service can be spotty. I hate when you have great service leading up to the end of the meal and then the server disappears when you are ready for the check- that's happened here a few times, but would never prevent me from coming back. We love this place!
(4)
Penny H.
Best restaurant we tried in Charleston. The atmosphere was like an open air courtyard, but we were inside. The food was amazing! Great fish, steak, and scallops. Service was great, too!
(5)
Jessica J.
I ordered the salmon ( medium) with garlic parsley butter sauce, vegetables and mashed potatoes. The salmon was fresh and moist...not over cooked or dry. The vegetables were nicely seasoned. I would definitely return to Coast. My food was delicious and the service was great.
(4)
Becca R.
The best thing here were the oysters. Hands down the best oysters I've ever had (note that I have not been more north than here along the east coast). For around $24 you could pick your assortment from local and around the east coast. We ended up getting an additional dozen of our favorites after trying them all out. The cocktail sauce was very good and flavorful. I would buy a bottle of that sauce!! Going off previous reviews, we got the traditional ceviche. It was okay... Not great. I got the shrimp n grits which was a different take on it and pretty tasty. Maybe not my favorite rendition of the dish, but I would get it again. My husband got a steak, which was not seasoned at all. He was bummed. Honestly, the meal brought the rating from 5 stars to 4. The service was great. We were at Coast quite a while enjoying the oysters and our meal and our waiter was very available and friendly. Overall, this is an excellent place for a date night and I would love to try other items off their menu!
(4)
Melissa C.
I really enjoyed my visit to Coast. There was a 50 top that my server was also dealing with so the service was a bit slow but with a 50 top, he still did a decent job. The food was outstanding! I ordered the cioppino and blackened escolar. It was served on top of a large piece of jalapeno cornbread which was surrounded by blue crab etouffee. The entire thing was perfect. The fish was delicious and moist. The cornbread soaked up the right amount of etouffee. I really enjoyed it! The cioppino was one of my favorite items that I ate all week in Charleston. So flavorful! The location down in the alley with all the ivy at the entrance is so neat. Great food with a fun atmosphere.
(4)
Carol R.
The salmon was awesome! My husband got the combo steak, shrimp and salmon. Said was one of his best meals. Server nice and helpful. We made reservations for Monday, missed out on Sunday (1 1/2 hr wait). Reasonably priced.
(5)
Christy M.
The hubs and I hit up Coast for Restaurant Week. We went early, although we had made reservations. I like the vibe there, it's kind of an upscale nautical feel restaurant, but not so upscale that you couldn't wear nice jeans (in my opinion). I was a little bummed that despite that it was pretty empty we were put next to two people that were within arms length (or less probably) of us and they were loud enough it made the experience a little awkward... it felt like we were the two different friend groups in junior high stuck at the same lunch table, both trying to pretend the other is not there... (except for when they were commenting on our food... you know, cause that's not awkward or anything)... In hindsight I would have been more comfortable and probably enjoyed the night more if we were at the bar. There are some booths, which would have been nice, but I understand why we were put at the smaller closer tables, since it was just the two of us and they probably expected to be packed for restaurant week. Anyway... We both did the 3 for $30 and split everything, because we just love to try different food. We started with drinks, I got a Palmetto Mule which is Absolut hibiscus vodka, ginger beer, fresh lime and cranberry juice. I had such high hopes for this, as I love hibiscus and I love Moscow mules, but... to be honest, it was just disappointing, it tasted watery. The Hibiscus drinks at Republic and the Moscow Mules at Rarebit have set my standards too high to really enjoy this Palmetto Mule. The hubs got a beer. To Coast's credit, they have a pretty big list of beer and wine. For appetizers, we ordered the Peruvian Style Ceviche and the Blackened Seafood Chowder. I've tried ceviche three times in my life now, once on the coast in Mexico (with raw fish, it made me gag), once on the coast in the Bahamas (with raw conch, it also made me gag) and once at Coast in Charleston (with shrimp, it did not make me gag! Whoo!). It's a bit acidic (which it should be) with big chunks of sweet potato and shrimp. If you like "pickled-ish" things, you'd probably like this ceviche. The Blackened Seafood Chowder was creamy, rich and a little bacon-y (that's a word right?) with a few big chunks of seafood in it. I would order this again, although I'd hate to see the nutrition label info (but who really ever looks at those right?) I then ordered the Surf and Turf, which did not disappoint. Will I come back just for this again, no, it wasn't "crave-worthy" but it was pretty good and every single little part of this dish was good... the Parmesan potatoes, the veggies, the Beurre Blanc, every single thing. The hubs got the shrimp and grits, which also was a solid dish. I would say this would compete for the top two shrimp and grits I've had in Charleston. The flavors popped, the grits were smooth and creamy. We shared the desserts as well, getting one of each (White Chocolate Mousse and Coast Key Lime Pie). They were both smooth, sweet, and enjoyable. I liked Coast, it was good. I expected it to be good. It wasn't a "shock me" good but it didn't disappoint either. I'm glad I tried it. Overall for 2 apps, main dishes, desserts, drinks and tip we threw down around $100... would I do it again? ehhhh, maybe it's just not my style, or... maybe a good drink and great atmosphere is what puts me over the top about somewhere and those were the two things lacking here.
(4)
Carla D.
Fabulous restaurant off the beaten path. Very cool bar area. I am hooked on oysters at the moment and Coast definitely did not disappoint. I ordered a half dozen, all different varieties. What can I say? They were all tremendous! I also ordered a small mixed greens salad and the cioppino. For less than $10, I expected the cioppino to be a smallish cup but it was a meal! The tomato broth was divine and it was filled with plenty of tender seafood. The side salad was also huge, and I couldn't finish it. Coast is truly sensational, I had a really great meal!
(5)
Logan L.
This was my favorite meal in Charleston. Tucked away in an alley was this nice relaxing restaurant and a great kick off for our time in Charleston. I had the crab encrusted tilapia and WOW was it great! The green beans needed a bit more salt but overall the meal was delicious. My husband had their fish of the day (mahi mahi) oak grilled and wasn't as thrilled with it (he said he tasted the char from the grill more than the actual fish). The service was friendly. My strawberry mojito was way too sweet with no 'kick' behind it--after 2 I felt nothing, which honestly for me I should start feeling something by then. I do recommend the restaurant, but we found other and better options that suited us a bit better. Still a good first meal in Charleston!
(3)
Robert G.
Went to Coast and had the shrimp tacos and it was excellent. The hostess and waiter were very attentive. Would come back and recommend to friends
(4)
Christina G.
The food here is just wonderful. I really loved it. Especially the dessert was a dream! Service was great. Overall very nice atmosphere in the restaurant. Would always return!
(5)
John L.
YES! Tucked into a back corner behind Rue 39, Coast looks on the outside like a 1980s sci-fi dive, complete with Neon sign. You go in, and it's a great fish place with a full bar! Food and service here are amazing. The oysters were a combination of salty and yummy, the crab dip was amazing, and the buffalo shrimp tacos were really good. The Parmesan mashed potatoes were a little underwhelming, but otherwise the food here was excellent. The only weird thing was the bathroom floors. I don't get the flooring in there. It's impossible to gain traction, even when the floor is dry. It's weird, but it does not take away from the greatness that is Coast.
(5)
J C.
We had the blue crab and spinach manicotti and the fish taco's. REALLY good food. The flavors were amazing. These guys know how to do it. Sunday's are half off bottles of wine.
(5)
King L.
Not what you want for Charleston Seafood. High volume, mass produced and mediocre. Slightly better fish and shrimp than Red Lobster without Cheddar Bay Biscuits which makes it a wash.
(3)
Jeff Y.
Really 4.5 stars! My friends and I had road-tripped down to Charleston and Yelped places for dinner. The valet at our hotel also recommended that we consider dining at Coast. We put our names down for Coast (45-minute wait), then strolled down King St. to pass the time. You leave a cell number, and they call when your table is ready. Coast is a fairly large restaurant with a lot of farmland/farming-themed paintings on the wall. It had a very casual, relaxed atmosphere. Our waiter was great and attentive, although it took a while to find him (i.e. flag him down) at times since the restaurant is so big. The food was very tasty with fairly large portions. My dining companions loved the she crab soup, and I thoroughly enjoyed my whole fried flounder, which came in the most unique curled shape. Highly recommend! =)
(4)
kate j.
hands down the best seafood I've ever had in my life. we went a few days ago and have literally not stopped talking about it since. coast came highly recommended to us by some friends from the area and it seemed that everyone we mentioned it to either loved it or couldn't wait to try it. they didn't take reservations by the time we tried calling, which was close to dinner time, and they dont take reservations via open table. if you run into this issue, just go and sit at the bar until a table is ready. it's so worth it! we waited 30 minutes at the bar and I tried the cucumber melon mojito. it was awesome. we were a little disappointed to be seated at the "community seating table" instead of a private table but it ended up being a good way to talk to other people visiting charleston and to see what different entrees looked like as they were brought out. our server recommended the cioppino and it was far and away the best soup I've ever tasted. the tomato broth was unlike anything I've ever had and the seafood was ridiculously fresh and tasty. I ordered the pecan encrusted salmon and brussels sprouts for my entree; everything was awesome but to be honest I only ate about half of it because I finished every last bite of the soup. my boyfriend ordered the shrimp and grits (best I've ever had) and my brother had the shrimp and crab penne pasta. to top it all off, the service was great and the prices were reasonable. all I can say is that I wish there were seafood restaurants at this level of freshness and quality in the philadelphia or jersey shore areas. I plan on hunting for cioppino soup like what I had at coast up her but if I find any I'm sure they won't be half as good!!!
(5)
Joan M.
I reserved a table with my sister here two weeks ago. It was outstanding. Period. We had the Cerviche Platter to share. Amazing. Green fried Tomatoes & lobster and Crab au Gratin. All of the food was outstanding. The restaurant has a great vibe amazing bar & also a seafood bar. A great place to take people. Make sure you reserve a table. We were there on a Monday night & the walk ins had a 90 min wait & it's just early April. Outstanding & very very well priced by Charleston Standards.
(5)
Ashley H.
I don't ever really review on Yelp, but my experience at Coast was so incredible that I HAD to post something. I'm from the midwest and was visiting Charleston, looking for a great seafood meal. Two of us walked in at dinner on a Saturday night and got seats at the bar right away. We ordered a traditional mojito and a mango mojito - the mango was by far the BEST cocktail I have ever had. We then split the crab dip (AMAZING), the buffalo fried shrimp, and the crab-encrusted tilapia entree. All of that was a perfect amount of food for two people...and seriously probably one of the best meals of my entire life, hands down the best food I've ever had in Charleston. Fresh, warm, and delicious. Plus, everyone behind the bar was extremely friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the food and drinks. We asked to put on a specific college football game and the bartender did so for us -- the bartenders and other patrons even got involved in the game with us. The atmosphere, service, food, and drinks were so fantastic that I didn't want to leave. Thanks, Coast, for such a memorable night -- I can't wait to come back soon!
(5)
Kristy E.
We happened upon Coast on a Sunday night and lucked out to get a seat on the patio without a reservation. We loved the ravioli appetizer and the cold peel and eat shrimp had the most amazing cocktail sauce served with them. All of the entrees were delicious, but my favorite was my husband's seared ahi tuna. SO GOOD. Also, Sunday they have 1/2 priced bottles so we indulged with a great white blend and prosecco to celebrate my sister's birthday. The server even brought her a complimentary dessert with a candle. We loved this place and will definitely be back!
(5)
Jess M.
Loved the ambiance of this place - brick...dark wood...from the get go, I loved. I decided to order the Chef's special (tracker fish...I think. Had never heard of it!) It came with butter bean side and grits - definitely worth trying! The server was AWESOME - I wish I remembered her name so I could post it here. Try this place - good for dinner with friends, a date...the patio looked fun too.
We had very high expectations for this place that were somewhat misplaced. Don't get me wrong, dinner here was perfectly pleasant. It just didn't knock our socks off. The service was very nice (kudos to Rachel). The food was just ok. We shared three starters. Lobster ceviche was very fresh and light, and the lobster shined through. The cornmeal crusted fried oysters with habañero aioli and mango salsa were sort of tasty but texturally were kind of odd. The hot crabmeat dip was all mayonnaise and fairly gross. My daughter had the crabmeat and avocado ravioli appetizer as an entree. It was just OK. My son had spicy Cajun-style shrimp which were REALLY spicy and delicious, perfectly cooked. I had grilled swordfish with a beurre blanc sauce which was pretty good, if not spectacular. The mashed potatoes were excellent, though. I was told that Hank's is better for seafood, but I wanted to do something more casual. Next time I am in Charleston I will go there instead.
(3)
Kim O.
We stayed at a hotel nearby so decided to eat there. Ended up eating there several times! Wonderful selections and great atmosphere. A must if visiting Charleston.
(5)
Katie B.
Definitely a bland experience. I took my extended family here when they came to visit me, and the overall consensus was mediocre food for too much money. I had the crab encrusted tilapia and thought it was bland and dry. Not a piece of fish I would expect served to me in a downtown Charleston restaurant. My uncle had the Seafood Paella (grilled fish with scallops, shrimp, clams, mussels, housemade chorizo sausage, peppers, onions & saffron calasparra rice), which sounds absolutely amazing, but sadly was the most underwhelming concoction. In sum, none of our 8 dishes were anything exciting or anything worth paying gourmet prices. In a foodie city, such as downtown Charleston, it is definitely disappointing.
(2)
Matt B.
My waitress was a little slow to start and appeared to be in the weeds with only 3 tables including me (solo). She seemed to step it up a little after delivering the entrees to her other two tables. The food was really good. I had the flat iron steak and it was cooked perfect, tender and flavorful. The blue cheese butter was exceptional. The calamari was good, but not spectacular. The remoulade sauce and marinara were both delicious. Prices were very reasonable for the quality. The live guitar and singing was enjoyable. Not too loud and and the guy had talent. I would definitely make this a regular stop when in Charleston.
(4)
Cinnatea L.
So glad we tried this place. A little hard to find in the alley, but totally worth wandering around in the cold looking for it lol. Great service, seated promptly. We had the Creole Fried Oysters. Yumm. And some Australian Shiraz - super yumm. But the highlights of the meal, aside from superb service, were the blackened escolar with crab etouffee and jalapeno cornbread, and the hazelnut chocolate cheesecake. Holy heaven Batman!!! Excellent preparation and presentation. Our socks were definitely knocked off!! Bravo!! Will be back!
(5)
Andrea W.
The atmosphere is great. Beautifully decorated and not too fussy. Wish we had time to hang out at the bar before dinner. Food was good, all the seafood rated really fresh. Our bacon wrapped scallops tasted a little burned, but everything else was excellent. I think you could probably get comparable seafood at other places in Charleston, but Coast wins my vote for the decor and atmosphere.
(4)
Nathan S.
Seafood restaurant, and very good at it. Shrimp & grits was a pretty small serving, but my fried combo was big enough. Nice staff, good location, good seafood variety. Loved it.
(5)
Anna L.
Crowded, but no wait on a Monday night. Family friendly and also great for dates. Service was kind of slow, but made up for it with the delicious seafood! Salmon was excellent. I wish there was a front door in front of the patio.
(4)
Alyssa M.
On a visit to Charleston we were on the look-out for good seafood in a non-touristy place. This place was packed late on a Thursday with locals which I took as a good sign. I absolutely loved what I ordered (peel & eat shrimp and the bacon wrapped scallops). My bf got the whole fried flounder and it was amazing! The rest of the trip I wanted to come back for more. For the quality and service I thought it was reasonably priced. Skip Hymens and head here if you're an out-of-towner looking for seafood.
(5)
Michael R.
Was visiting Charleston with family recently, and my parents had eaten at Coast in 2011 for their anniversary and absolutely loved it, so we wanted to check it out. It's located in an old, open, warehouse off of a bit of an alley, so the entrance itself builds up it's image. Coast goes for the Islander/Surfer Dude theme, in that they've got Straw huts over some tables, and have worked to turn the cavernous space into a very chill feel. When we visited on a weekend evening, they had live music going in their bar area, which filtered over nicely into the dining space. Their drink menu is pretty expansive, and we were all able to settle on a wine choice to go with our food. The service here was excellent, both with our primary server, and the supporting staff, as they worked well to ensure that water glasses were kept full, and we were attended to, but all without being overbearing. The food here is well worth the reputation, as the tend to toe the line between creole, down-home southern, and a latin american flair, all of which are good influences that help make their dishes unique among some of the other restaurants in Charleston. We started off with one of their Crab Dips, which came out piping hot with some crusty bread, and was very cheesy and creamy; I would have liked a better crab to dip ratio, however the dip was deliciously flavored none the less. We all went with Seafood dishes; my family all went with different Grilled items including Salmon, Swordfish, and their special of the day, a Surf and Turf special of Rib-eye, Salmon, and Shrimp, while I went with their Cashew Coated I think it was Grouper. The fish was heavenly here, simply amazing all around. All of the grilled fish came out exceptionally well, and was still moist, even the swordfish, which I know is a hard fish to grill without drying out. Their sides too were all flavorful, I quite enjoyed the Parm mashed potatoes, and their green beans were on the al dente side which I liked but to my parents were a bit under done. Coast's portions are quite filling, however not as large as I've seen for other similarly priced venues, which would be my only drawback here. Either way, they left us satiated such that we passed on Dessert. I'd definitely make this a return trip choice to check out some differing options on their menu
(4)
Abby L.
My favorite place to get seafood in Charleston. The atmosphere here is amazing and the wait staff is super helpful and willing to answer numerous questions. The dinners are all full of fresh, delicious ingredients and are the perfect size to fill you up. I had the scallops and they were cooked to perfection, large, and plump. If you love seafood I would highly recommend Coast.
(5)
Tina T.
Best. food. ever. I had Grilled Spicy Adobo Shrimp with mango salsa, grits, and grilled veggies. So delicious it was ridiculous. Service was okay and we had to wait for a little bit, but the food made up for it all.
(5)
Sam P.
Crowded place with mediocre food. Paella was ok, but not impressive. Crab encrusted tilapia was a meager serving with unremarkable taste.
(2)
Alisha W.
Not worth the money. The appetizers are small portions not enough to share. The good thing was the frozen southern lemonade.
(2)
Amy B.
Everything was delicious, fresh, memorable. Ceviche trio; liked the shrimp best, but it was all perfectly prepared; Seared Salmon was divine; Red snapper sublime. Mojitos were a little weak, but the flavors were spot on. I will go back here every time I visit Charleston until I have exhausted the menu!
(5)
Arnaud B.
A generous 4 stars. Service was good, food was average, and overall pricey.... But would still recommend to have diner here if you are in charleston for vacation. The architecture of this place is unique and pretty awesome. Looks like eating in a giant historic warehouse. Neat.
(4)
Terri J.
We had just arrived in Charleston and Coast looked like a perfect, somewhat casual dinner spot. I have to say the ceviche was out of this world! I recommend the ceviche trio - with the lobster ceviche - to enjoy several tastes. We then shared their fresh catch of the day. Their fish is so fresh and delightfully prepared. Excellent!
(5)
Tom G.
I really like Coast - third time there last night. The food is awesome - never had anything close to bad there. The service has also always been great. The menu is good, mostly seafood, which is what you'd expect for a seafood restaurant. Only 2 steaks on the menu and one chicken dish, which if one person in a group isn't into seafood would have a really limited selection. It's not cheap, but also not super expensive. Dinner for 4 with a dozen oysters and drinks came to $210 with a nice tip.
(4)
C W.
We went to Coast last night for drinks and dinner. We sat at the bar and had a drink while waiting for our table. All the staff were friendly and helpful. The bacon wrapped scallops were the best and I don't like scallops. I recommend the grilled salmon very fresh and well prepared. The menu has a large selection of appetizers, vegetables and seafood dishes that I plan to come back and try.
(5)
Medrano D.
There were 7 of us and we all loved everything we ordered. The cevice was delicious. Fresh. Fresh bread brought before we ate was soooo good.
(5)
Clint W.
Dark, with lots of brick inside. The bar and kitchen are the first part of the place that you walk into. A larger dining room is around the corner, with booths and such. During the summer, there is sort of an outside seating area that is enclosed, facing the alley. Staff was quick to us, and pretty patient explaining the menu. It's a pretty substantial selection of seafood to pick from. I went after the ahi this time and got an enormous portion. Two huge chunks sitting on my plate. Solid, but not exceptional. Since it was pretty quiet, we were in and out rapidly.
(4)
Tom W.
Service and food was outstanding! Had the snapper almondine. Best fish dish I've ever had. Paired with stags leap cab. Great night!
(5)
Zee B.
First time in Old Charleston this past weekend. Nice place to grab some local fare. Service was pretty good and the sweet potato fries were a delight! I will go back when I am in town next time.
(4)
Lauren W.
This was my second time at Coast and yet again my expectations were exceeded. They were booked for the night but managed to get us in. Wonderful atmosphere. Oysters were excellent. I had the Salmon with vegetables and mashed potatoes. Service was superb! Couldn't have asked for a better experience. Can't wait to visit Charleston again... This will be first on my list!
(5)
Jason G.
Great open space with an outstanding atmosphere that was intimate, inviting and not too loud. We ate at the bar and enjoyed outstanding service and the food was delicious. We luckily discovered that Sunday was half price bottles of wine night... Combined with awesome Oysters Bienville and Seafood Paella, the night was perfect. We ate as a couple at the bar, but there were a number of children there with families that appeared to be having a great time. We look forward to going back.
(5)
Esteban M.
We ordered the crab encrusted tilapia and shrimp and grits, along with the crab dip as an appetizer. Unfortunately the dip was the best part. The tilapia looked as if it were a TV dinner and the stoneground grits were "soupy". On the plus side the ambiance was nice and mojitos were good...a little overpriced but good none the less. In the future I would go just to have drinks and dessert with a client or it's the perfect place for a first date.
(3)
D V.
Great crab cakes. Crab crusted tilapia was really good too. Crab dip is warm and served w/toasted crusty bread - not what I was expecting, but very good. Slaw - YUK!! Atmosphere is terrific and house Cabernet was very smooth. Overall, a good meal. Would visit again.
Good, fresh seafood. Hush puppies were a little bit disappointing, as they were very, very dry. Decor is fun and interesting, but borders on being cheesy.
(4)
Michael B.
2 words............. mango mojito 4 words......... half price wine sundays and the best part of all their food is good too!
(4)
Kendra C.
I was really excited to try the Lobster & Crab Gratin (half lobster stuffed with blue crabmeat, lobster & parmesan cream herb breadcrumb crust, green beans & parmesan mashed potatoes). It was good but not what I was expecting for $27. It was like a crab cake stuffed inside a lobster tail. I don't think I tasted any lobster at all!. Big let down. My friend had the fish tacos and she loved them. I must give them credit for serving good food when we sat down 10 minutes before close on a Monday night.
(3)
Cruz K.
The staff at my hotel said this place was good and they were so right,always ask a local..The shrimp was some of the best ive ever had,good service,great location,right down town,walking distance from my hotel,if I ever go back to charleston this will be a must stop.Also the beer was cold.
(5)
Kathleen S.
I am visiting in the area and a group,of us went to Coast on a Friday night. It was very good. Excellent service, a fair beer list, really good food.
(4)
Ian P.
We had the ceviche, oysters Rockefeller, wreckfish, and fish sticks for the kids. First of all, the ceviche was incredible! It was whole scallops and shrimp, not chopped up like most places. They were as fresh and delicious as you could possibly hope for, and the scallops were huge. The oysters and wreckfish were also delicious, but the fish fingers were surprisingly perfect. When I think fish fingers I think of heavy breading, and nasty fish. This was a kids' dish ($5), but it was delicious. It was more like fish and chips than fish fingers. The fish was super fresh, piping hot, with a very thin breading. I could have eaten two plates of the kids' fish fingers and been absolutely satisfied and happy. We finished dinner with the chocolate cake, which was probably the best chocolate cake we've ever eaten.
(5)
Eric S.
Highlight of our trip to Charleston! Atmosphere is great in an old warehouse, service was attentive but not obtrusive and the food was to die for. Started out with ceviche trio (shellfish, lobster and octopus) that was amazing, great brightness of flavors through the acidity. Wife had the grouper over creamy grits and she loved it. I had the paella which had wonderful flavors, huge portions and so much seafood I couldn't finish it all (escolar, scallops, mussels, clams and shrimp) along with a house made chorizo that stole the show, simply amazing!! (Sancerre by the glass was a nice surprise too!) Finished off with white chocolate banana bread pudding and key lime pie that were a perfect finish to the best meal of our trip! If you are in town you MUST try Coast. We ate early (6pm) with reservations and were in and out in 50 minutes to boot!!
(5)
Emely B.
Fantastic! We had a great experience, the trio ceviche was delicious, juicy full of flavors. We had the mango mojito and the cucumber melon mojito both great and refreshing. For entrees we had the crab crusted tilapia and the Rockefeller shrimp linguine which was peppery, creamy and yummy. The prices and the ambiance were right on point. We highly recommended and hope to be back!!
(5)
Stef J.
Awesome! Try the groupers with nuts, tilapia and as a tip the buffalo shrimp tacos - 6 stars for all that!! After a three week southern US tour we came here one night and it was simply delicious, good service, good prices - the best meal in 3 weeks US! Extremely recommendable!!
(5)
Kelly C.
Coast is one of our favorite restaurants in Charleston. If you are looking for a great seafood place, look no further! They always have several 'catch of the day' options that you can have cooked several different ways and many other menu options to choose from. Coast also has the BEST mojitos! Even if you can't make it there for dinner, I highly suggest making the bar your first stop on a night out. It's definitely a hidden gem, find it if you can!
(4)
Lauren G.
On a girls weekend in Charleston, my sister and I tried this restaurant through a recommendation from our B&B. It's tucked away from the main road, so you might not stumble across it just strolling around town; I'm really glad we knew to look for it! The food and service were great, and the atmosphere was relatively upscale, yet still casual and relaxed. We sat on the porch, which was perfect in the May evening weather. We tried the crab and avocado ravioli for an appetizer, and seriously considered getting a second order - it was THAT good! Ultimately, we decided to try the calamari instead. It was also good, but the ravioli stole the show. For my entree, I had the scallops, which were delicious. My sister opted for the oakwood grill dish, and tried the mahi mahi with pineapple chili salsa. I tried a bite of her salsa, and would definitely recommend it! For dessert, we had the special, which was a chocolate mousse/strawberry "bomb" that was a great end to a delicious meal. We also tried one of their pinot noirs, and were very happy with that. (Unfortunately I don't remember the name of the wine, but they have a pretty large wine list and the servers are happy to make recommendations.)
(5)
Ashley B.
All over great.
(4)
Michelle B.
This place had somewhat high reviews so I wanted to give it a go. My friend and I were looking for a fried fish alternative and their menu looked big enough to accomodate our cravings. I wanted something a little lite so I ordered the mahi mahi fish tacos. It came with 2 soft tacos and nothing else. The waitress warned me that the meal would be more like an appetizer, which was fine with me. I also ordered a basket of 5 hushpuppies that came with jalapeno butter. I should have just stuck with the tacos because the hushpuppies weren't anything to write home about (or on Yelp) and just acted as lead weight in my stomach. My friend ordered the tuna with soba noodles which turned out to be a pretty good chocie. The tuna was cooked perfectly, or as I like to eat it, just slightly kissing the grill on both sides. Overall the place would be good for a crowd or family but there are much better options for fish in Charleston.
(2)
Greg S.
This place is very casual and had the ambiance of sitting in the hull of a large, old wooden boat. Anyway, it was all about seafood, of course. We had blackened escolar on a piece of corn bread bathed in a crab roux (loved it) and a cerviche sampler and a crab cake with fries (I'd call it a 3.5 out of 5 - can't win 'em all). It was 1/2 off wine night, so it took away some of the sting of my not as good selection.
(3)
Garen M.
A great gourmet seafood experience. Sit at a community table and you will make some new friends. Delicious and memorable dinner.
(4)
Chris K.
Very casual, so its a good place after a day of sightseeing. Excellent seafood, very fresh with imaginative preparations and tasty sides. We liked it so much we went back the next night. Make a reservation. It fills up pretty quickly.
(5)
Meg R.
4.5 star review for Coast. I give my main course - the blackened escolar with sweet potato gnocchi - a perfect 5 stars as it was one of the best meals I've eaten in a long, long time. As for the rest of my review, I have to say that Coast does seafood well. My family loved their meals (the salmon Ceasar salad and the fried platter with scallops and oysters). The restaurant is tucked away in an alley on John St (behind 39 Rue de Jean) right near popular King St. There is a public parking garage on the same side of the street as Coast as well as a lot across the street. The only reason that I didn't give 5 stars was because of the service. Our waitress wasn't attentive to our drinks, which upset me since I was hydrating for the Cooper River Bridge Run. It took a long time to get our check and then to have her take our payment. The restaurant wasn't that busy, but my experience with the service would not keep me from returning just for that escolar!!!
(5)
Kathleen M.
Great decor and fabulous smell greet you as you enter. It just made me happy we had come on the recommendation of our concierge who also made us a reservation. For appetizer, we split the crab dip which was plentiful but pretty salty. The bread they gave however was so fabulous that I wish we had just had that for the appetizer - it was manna from heaven. It is worth the trip just for the bread. My husband had the stuffed lobster and I had the paella. I used to live in Spain, I taught Spanish for most of my adult life, I really like paella. This really wasn't paella. The seafood had not been cooked down into the rice and the sausage was Mexican, not Spanish. Having said that, it was pretty good just not Spanish. Call it something else - spicy seafood and rice casserole would be more accurate. Dessert and coffee were great - I had the blondie sundae and it was delicious and enough for 3 people. My husband had the key lime pie which he finished. Great service added to the enjoyment of the night. Had the paella been a true paella, I could stretch this to five stars. Guess I will have to just go back to Spain!
(4)
Alicia V.
The Coast is incredible! I had the Blue crab cioppino and the seared scallops. The cioppino was overflowing with a variety of seafood and sauce was rich and tasty. My seared scallops were seared perfectly and the orzotto that the scallops were on were creamy and delicious! If you are in Charleston you owe it to yourself to eat at the Coast.
(5)
Kate N.
We hit up Coast during RW, but decided to go with the regular menu! We were pretty pleased. We started with the octopus ceviche and it was truly delicious. We're still having dreams about it. We also had some calamari as an app, which was good. The lemon aioli is very lemony -- just how I like it. I got the seafood paella with Mahi-mahi. It was great! Huge though -- didn't come close to finishing it. My boyfriend got the spicy shrimp, and he did not love it. I had a taste and didn't care for it myself, but I am also not into the super spicy. I would, however, recommend the strawberry rhubarb mojito, as it was delicious! We enjoyed our experience at Coast. It's a bit pricey, but the ambiance is nice and the food was tasty. Especially the ceviche. Get the ceviche.
(4)
Lauren L.
Coast was recommended by our hotel, and if not for our iPhones we would have never have found it. (It's down an alley off a side street in downtown.) But when we reached Coast, and I had one bite of their hushpuppies and jalapeno butter, I literally called my girlfriend to set up a road trip to Charleston cause, as far as I'm concerned, everyone within an 800-mile radius needs to try these. (No seriously, I was that excited.) The boyfriend absolutely loved the plantain-crusted mahi mahi (which was the deciding dish in us coming here), and my veggie plate was damn good (although I wished there was a bit more carbs on it, since veggies don't work that well for soaking up alcohol). This was definitely a local place, which was a change of pace from the other dinners we had in Charleston, and will absolutely be on the top of my list next time I'm in SC.
(5)
Lesley S.
One of my favorite restaurants in any major city. Great food, service and setting. We had oysters, scallops, spicy shrimp and an amazing desert. Couldn;t tell ya what my drink was because the waiter picked it for me but it was good. Very reasonably priced. Loved the music.
(5)
Shannon P.
We ate dinner Saturday night with a very large group-16. When we arrived for our reservation we were very promptly seated and immediately attended by our server. The mojitios were flavorful and strong- we tried the melon, strawberry, and peach. The beer selection was adequate but not outstanding. For appetizers, the BBQ oysters are unbelievable! It's not a flavor combination I thought I would like but everyone loved them...including me. Other delicious options ordered at our table were hush puppies with jalapeño butter, octopus ceviche, and crab soup. The main courses did not disappoint. The top selections at our table were: mixed grill, bacon wrapped scallops, escolar, lobster, and pecan crusted tilapia. As a side the mashed potatoes were delicious. Desserts ordered: snickers cheesecake and key lime pie. Not so much as a crumb was left on any plates! Located on a charming alley just off King with reasonably priced parking directly across the street-- it's the perfect downtown Charleston spot! After dinner we window shopped and crowd-watched before heading back to our island rental. Coast is an excellent option among Charleston's best dining establishments. We will definitely return anytime we are in town.
(5)
Gerald P.
Good solid evening out place to eat. I had grilled halibut special. Very good, vegetables on the side were actually super good and we had crab dip for appitizer that really was good. Calamari was good but not anything different than most good restaurants. Staff was very good, attentive. We had an extra person show up and they made room for us. Nice recommendation.
(4)
Darren F.
A very neat place with casual atmosphere and great food. The prices are reasonable. Service was very good even though they were very busy. I had the mixed grill and everything was prepared spot on, even the hangar steak, which is hard to cook without it becoming rubbery. Can't wait to go back and try some other dishes.
(4)
Gil S.
I had the swordfish which was good, but not knock your socks off delicious. For appetizer we had the fried calamari. Quality of the calamari was ok, but we believe it could have been better. The breading used on the calamari was marginal. Service was ok, but not superb. However they had a large golfers party (about 35 guests ) that night, so this may have pit some abnormal strains on the waitstaff. Ambience is relaxed and casual. Acoustics were not so hot. If you are looking for an intimate setting this is not the place. They have a sister restaurant around the corner (39 rue de Jean) which is probably more intimate. But for a group of people it certainly is a fine restaurant. I would go back to The Coast, but not as my first pick. Bon Appetit!
(3)
Scott C.
Very disappointing, service was average, waiter missed appetizer order. Changed tone completely when we didn't order the $30 catch of the day. Food was also very average. Side of grilled vegetables turned out to be mostly pepper with a few onions. Seemed to be targeting the tourist crowd over all. Definitely not the typical Charleston dining experience.
(2)
Tastybeverages T.
Went there on a Tuesday night with 5 adults and 2 kids. The ambience at the bar was probably the best part of this place. Nice lighting, good vibe. Overall the food was average, with the apps being better than the entrees. Started with some calamari, buffalo shrimp, and crab dip, all of which were well received by the whole table. The entrees were just not good. Two of us got the braised grouper, after which I felt like I had eaten a stick of butter, so oily and heavy. My wife got the talapia, which was not bad. One of us got the shrimp and grits which were the strangest s and g I have ever seen, and not in a good way. They were like a stew, with no definition, just a plate of muddled blandness. They have been written about by others on yelp, so I am hoping nobody ever orders that dish again. All in all, a forgettable dining experience, but if you want a good bar with some apps, worth hitting up. I will say the service was very good, always a plus.
(3)
Craig F.
Eh. OK place. Love the location and the atmosphere is something quite special. Service was quite attentive and the appetizers were a great start. The love affair came to a halt when I got the shrimp and grits. DEFINITELY were not wild shrimp...looked like the kind of teeny shrimp you get in one of those cans in the grocery store. No flavour and it was swimming in this salty salty broth. No bacon or scallions either. Just a horribly devised version of shrimp and grits, when, in a town KNOWN and revered for shrimp and grits, they would be advised to pull it off the menu for some fine tuning. I will try them again because my party all liked their meals and the desserts were a perfect ending. BUT...avoid the shrimp and grits. Please.
(3)
Paula L.
Without question one of the best meals I have ever eaten. We started off with bacon-wrapped sea scallops and everyone at the table loved them. I had the snapper almondine and I can honestly say it is the best I have ever eaten. This fish actually melted in my mouth. Everything about this restaurant is first class. Call ahead and make a reservation - you will need one. Service was outstanding.
(5)
Justin C.
I recommend starting with the fried green tomatoes and ordering the grilled mahi mahi with tropical salsa. Rodney strong Pinot noir was very affordable. Enjoy.
(4)
John T.
Just had dinner here last night. This is a real tourist trap. My grilled fish dinner came with a plate full of mash potatoes. Couldn't believe a $23.00 entree consisted of a small piece of fish and boxed mashed potatoes. The grilled fish was swimming in watery mashed potatoes. A glass of beer, house salad and this lousy meal total cost $45 (minus tip). You could get the same meal at the Golden Coral for $5.00. Also got stomach cramps from the meal. This place is a bar. Stay away from the food. Go to Bonefish Grill for a better meal and a good price. Downtown Charleston is loaded with these overpriced tourist trap restaurants. Stay away!
(1)
George H.
After hearing about all the fresh shrimp that you can get in Charleston from the Boat Tour, I knew that seafood was a must for dinner. Looking on Yelp, for suggestions, Coast popped up. #1 Do not walk past like my group did. You must go in the alley like corridor to find the restaurant, and believe me, you want to find this restaurant. The sampler has the freshest seafood I have had in a LONG time. The Shrimp Cocktail was literally AMAZING. The ceviche, very well done. We tried the Octopus. If the meal ended here, it was would have been a perfect 5. Then came the main course and crab cakes were so filling and really tasty. The lack of 5 stars comes from the Paella. It needs to be cooked in the pan and you could tell they moved it into a serving vessel and the rice just clumped. It was more a risotto then Paella and that is a very clear distinction they need to make. The dessert was great, the Banana Bread Pudding. So tasty and not too sweet. I would come back here for the Shrimp Cocktail in a second.
(4)
A G.
Here on holiday, food atmosphere and service were all great. Had grilled grouper perfectly cooked. Service was perfect.
(4)
Candice R.
We went to Coast with a large party for a birthday. The location is good and the atmosphere was nice but erred a little bit on the side of cheesy tourist. We ordered the crab cake appetizer which only came with one crab cake for 9 people and they served it with fries which we all the thought was odd. Why wouldn't the server tell us it was only one crab cake? And then it didn't take very good. The entrees were better but were all a bit on the salty side. It was not a bad experience but I would not go out of my way to eat here again.
(3)
Whitney H.
My family came to charleston on vacation for the weekend from Myrtle Beach and found Coast right next to the hotel we are staying in. The reviews were promising so we went. I definitely recommend making reservations, we waited about an hour for a table of 5 at 8:30pm, but it was so worth it. Our server was super sweet and friendly and the atmosphere was great. Fun, funky, unique and casual. We requested a booth since our 2.5 yo was asleep and the staff arranged us exactly what we needed. Now to the food, the amazing food. For an appetizer we ordered the Salt and Pepper Calamari and I don't hesitate to say it was the best calamari I've ever eaten. Buttery, tender and the lemon aoli was incredible. I ordered the Moscato from the extensive wine list and my husband had a 22oz Fat Tire to drink. For dinner my husband ordered the Seared Tuna and I had the Crab Encrusted Talapia. The tuna was amazing, perfectly seasoned and seared atop a pile of soba noodles. My entree was, as my husband said, the best thing he has ever eaten. The fish was so fresh and cooked just perfectly. That roasted red pepper sauce was perfect and even the green beans and mashed potatoes were super yummy. My kids ordered the Fish Sticks (which were only $5 for a plate full) and even those were delicious. They were not what I would call fish sticks at all, but rather a plate of crispy, flaky fish and chips. We ended the meal with the White Chocolate Cheesecake which was on par with the rest of the meal. To say that the meal was great is a bit of an understatement. We will definitely return again and again.
(5)
Krista G.
Charleston School of Law hosted its annual moot court competition at the Embassy Suites, so our group decided to try nearby Coast for our last meal in Charleston. For appetizers, we ordered half a dozen oysters on the half shell as well as scallops wrapped in bacon. Both were delicious! For my main course, I asked the waiter if he recommended the seared tuna or the plantain-crusted mahi-mahi - he immediately touted the tuna, and I'm happy to say I was NOT disappointed. The tuna was perfectly cooked - seared on the outside, buttery on the inside. It was served with a pomegranate-soy reduction which tasted absolutely amazing over the soba noodles. The other members of our party also raved about their dishes. I thought the prices were reasonable (we split the check for expensing purposes, so the individual bills came to $30-$60 including drinks) considering the quality of the food. I would definitely recommend Coast if you're looking for a delicious, fresh seafood dinner!
(4)
Daragh C.
I enjoyed my trip to Coast. My husband and I were hoping to have a good dinner after a disappointing time at Social the night before and Coast delivered. I had the plantain encrusted Mahi Mahi, however they were out of the brussell sprouts. I asked if they would replace it with the kale they were serving in the nightly special and thank goodness they did, the kale was delicious. I bet it would have been great with the brussell sprouts but it doesn't matter since it was to die for with the kale. My husband had the special for the evening; 7oz Swordfish steak over pork belly and kale. He said it was delicious. We also had the cioppino soup which was very tasty. I especially liked that all the seafood was without the shell making it easy to eat. It was a decent portion and a very reasonable price. The only downside to the experience was that our service was just okay. The server had a little bit of an "I could care less" attitude about her and seemed annoyed when I asked for another minute before deciding on dinner. She also didn't seem all that knowledgeable about the menu items above what was already listed and when we asked her how the chef prepared the kale, she said it was sauteed on the grill. Perhaps that is true, but my husband and I were a little confused by the response. Aside from the service, we were happy with our experience and would come back again, especially if they are offering the "sauteed on the grill" kale!
(4)
Kathy S.
For starters we had the oysters. They brought out the wrong ones but corrected the error by bringing the right ones later. Not a bad one in the bunch. The heirloom tomatoes were nice. The salt and pepper calamari was excellent! This was followed by the seafood ravioli, KILLER. A companion ordered the green bean, carrot and shiitake dish (awesomely delish) and let us share. After having dutifully eaten our vegetables (the kind they serve in heaven), we indulged in the banana bread pudding. Worth dying for.
(4)
Kimberly K.
We were staying on Kiawah for a few days for vacation a wanted a really good meal so decided to drive into Charleston. I would say we are a bit of food snobs so when this place turned out awesome we were thrilled. First off, its tucked down an alley and the building just has a cool vibe. I know it might not have a ton of history like others, but it just feels cool. We had a pound of shrimp to start and they were fresh and fantastic. I can't remember all the entrees, but my husband had the fried oysters and they were some of the best we have ever had. I think the whole meal was so great because the service was great as well. Not the "fake great" that you sometimes get from servers in busy tourist towns, but a truly, great waitress who had fun with us. Was it the best meal on the planet? No. Was it worth 5 stars and well worth what we paid? Definitely yes.
(5)
Nicole L.
This place exudes both modern southern flair and charm, and it's great for a large party! What to order? That's a tough recommendation to make. Everything we tried was a winner in my book. And since there was a group of 12 of us, I was able to try a good portion of the COAST menu (however, I still didn't put a dent in the list of things I wanted to sample!) So what in particular did I try and love? * Coast Crab Dip - Blue crab claw meat, horseradish, cheese, & grilled bread - Rich and creamy, great for sharing. And who doesn't love grilled bread?! * Plantain Encrusted Mahi-Mahi - Blue cheese mashed potatoes, asparagus & sweet basil butter - Amazing as it sounds, holy cow this dish packed in the most beautiful flavors. * Seared Rare Tuna - Fresh tuna dusted with cashews and peanuts; with diced mango, cilantro, pomegranate soy reduction over soba noodles - I can't get enough of Asian flavors with fish. Tossing in some mango, pomegranate and cilantro took this to the next level. * Crispy Fried Whole Flounder - Hush puppies & jicama slaw; cilantro jalapeno aioli - This dish oozes Southern flavors. For more highlights on this dining escapade and menu favs, check out my blog post: bit.ly/pu5kjm
(5)
Dekun P.
We came to this place based on the overwhelming positive review from yelp. From the look of it, it seems like your Joe's Crab Shack around the block. However, don't let its looks fool you. It's fine dinning seafood in a family ambiance. We arrived early on a Saturday night and did not reserve a table and we were quickly seated. Had the crab ravioli for appetizer which I can definitely recommend. For entrees, girlfriend had the shrimp and grits and it's done nicely. I had the plantain encrusted mahi-mahi, which was slightly over-salted, contributing to the 4 star rating.
(4)
Felix M.
I recently had dinner at Coast and thoroughly enjoyed it. The seafood was fresh and perfectly prepared. Our waiter was fast, attentive and knowledgeable. The ambiance was great - it had a tropical, laid-back, comfortable feel. The live music - two guitarists - were excellent.
(4)
Kevin C.
I honestly kept looking around and had to double check on the way out that we had come to the right place, because I was pretty sure we just ate at bonefish grill or some other crappy midwest chain of seafood restaurants. (if that's your kind of place, by all means, add two stars to this review and read no further!) . Yelpers you have failed me. Ok, good news first - Service was fantastic. That's it for good news. Had the "thai chile" shrimp ceviche - uh, those weren't thai chiles and that shrimp was cooked with heat, not with citrus. Next up was the seafood cioppino. Tasted like... canned tomato soup. Finally was the mixed seafood grill. I know, lame choice but they had escolar and salmon my two favorite Frutti di Mare. The server asked if is was OK for the salmon to be cooked "medium". Of course, that's fine. The salmon was rare, and i do mean rare. Which is OK with me and it tasted fine, but just annoying as not as advertised. Charleston, you better do me better before i leave town.
(2)
Mike D.
Nice atmosphere in the bar area and an awkward outside area in front of the resturant that executes like an afterthought. After some pleading, the hostess allowed us inside, after she first told us there was no room inside (on a very hot early evening). Thank you. The braised grouper was extremely good, as was the greek salad. Our friends said their tilapia was very good as well. The Lobster and Crab gratin looked great as I noticed it coming out of the kitchen for another table. However, the one we received was significantly smaller (there was no size option) and although it was mostly terrific, we left a little not because we were full, but due to the fact that some of it was charred. The service was better from the runners and bussers (very pleasant and friendly) than it was from our server "Lacy". Maybe Lacy was just in the weeds, but she was just going through the motions and clearly didn't care enough to provide a level of service that her employer would like to think they deliver. Every night in Charleston is Saturday night, so that's no excuse. The food was (mostly) top notch, but they just didn't deliver the complete experience that we paid for.
(2)
Ellen L.
This was out second time at Coast during our trip to Charleston. What a fun place, and the food was to die for. We started with some blue point oysters that were so fresh and yummy. We also got the bacon wrapped scallops. The sauce on the scallops was delicious, and so was the crab soup. Best I've had in a long time. For entrees, cashew crusted grouper - delicious!!! Seafood pasta - good and the grilled salmon with chili pineapple sauce. Only complaint was that the chili pineapple sauce was not really spicy. For dessert the table ordered the chocolate cake. Omg it was killer, especially with the raspberry sauce. We will definitely be back next time we are in Charleston.
(5)
Erin C.
My friend & wanted a good dinner to top off our Charleston visit. We perused the AAA recs and decided on Coast: seafood in many manifestations. Lobster rolls sold me, and I don't even like lobster much. We had reservations on a Thursday night, didn't have to wait long, and took our seats in the dining room. Decor was expansive, coastal, and consisted of lots of textures. The forks are three-pronged though. Eh. Glasses of wine, reasonably priced. Crab dip appetizer, to die for. When it came to our table, our waitress lit up the heat beneath and we dove in immediately with accompanying bread. The ghosts of so many flavors are haunting and taunting me even now. Before we knew it, entrees had arrived. I had the cashew & pistachio crusted seared tune with mango and sobe noodles in a pomegranate soy reduction. The dish had vibrant flavors, but alas I could not finish it off. Our waitress was helpful and visited our table with perfect in/frequency. She wrapped our crab dip to go (tastes Just as good cold, in a car, on crackers) and cheerfully told us how to get to Kaminsky's for dessert.
(4)
Mark W.
The food was outstanding as well as the service. The Blackened Escolar was to die for. The ceviche sampler was an interesting experiment. Really cool atmosphere, but you have to walk down an alley to get to it(we almost missed it). Would love to go back and try other offerings.
(5)
Alice M.
Having heard Charleston is known for its culinary excellence, this restaurant was just mediocre. My husband and I had the ceviche trio, which was ok. The lobster one was our favorite, but none compared to the ceviche I had in Cancun. I got the crab encrusted tilapia. The fish was like butter--super tender and melted in your mouth. Excellent. But everything else on the plate was sub-par. I honestly think the mashed potatoes were instant. My husband's grilled jumbo shrimp was nothing spectacular. The sauce was too hot and the seasonal vegetables mainly consisted of just onion. For those of you who dine out often and have a higher standard of quality, this place is a let-down; however, it is not a bad place. Seemed to me a lot of college students frequent this place.
(3)
Robbie M.
Just had dinner here tonight. It was fantastic. Boiled shrimp for an app and blackened escolar over sweet potato gnocchi. The escolar was phenomenal with a light fig reduction sauce over it. Unbelievable - would eat it daily if I could! The place was packed. I was dining alone so sat at the bar. Service was great.
(5)
John G.
Very nice casual seafood restaurant. In the old part of town in an historic building. Wooden tables, nice paintings on the wall, and turning fans are the setting. Excellent service. Very friendly and explained some of the local dishes plus the specials. Our party of 10 had a mix of selections. Appetizers included stone crab, crab dip and calamari. All very well prepared and very tasty. Nice selection of wine and beer. Entrees included lobster & crab gratin, crusted tapia, grouper, shrimp and a pasta seafood. All were very well cooked, spiced just right and very delectable to the palate. Desserts were coast lime pie and sundaes. Very nice experience. The customer service is really tops. Will repeat next time in Charleston.
(4)
Lindsay W.
After reading the yelp reviews I headed to coast. The valet Brian across the street had good things to say about coast as well. The bartender john was really welcoming. I enjoyed hush puppies, crab encrusted talipa with green beans that weren't overcooked and my mashed potatoes looked they were squeezed on my plate with an icing decorator. The strawberry raspberry mojito was also tastey but not $9 worth. Another guy at the bar said he'd been to Hymans and called it a tourist trap. He said this was much better than other places he'd been to locally.
(4)
Pasha G.
Service was very warm and amiable. The food was pretty good as well. Oysters were very fresh. The soup was also very good. I had some fish for my main dish with a side order of grits. It was not something outstanding, but pretty good.
(4)
Jacqueline S.
DELICIOUS! Nothing terribly fancy- you can wear jeans but also dress up with heels. I've seen several bachelorette parties, there. The fried green tomatoes are divine. I had the special- some sort of bass with zucchini sauce and substituted the olive tapenade with the citrus salsa and it was wonderful! The mojitos are wonderful- and I don't even really like mojitos. They tasted like smoothies.
(4)
Gil G.
This was a memorable experience. The staff and food were both awesome. I will go back during my next visit to Charleston.
(5)
Terry L.
When we were being led to our table, the hostess led us to a table for 4. However, there was an empty 2 person booth, so I asked if we could be seated there instead. Instead of sure, no problem, it was more like a sigh and too much trouble for her to take us to that booth. Also when we left, none of the hosteses said "Thanks for coming, or please come back soon". But we didn't go there for the hosteses, we went for the food others had raved about. Greek salad was yum but the hush puppies at Hymans were better, the jalapeno butter had no jalapeno flavor at all. . The triple tail fish was very tasty, I could taste the hickory grilled flavor. My wife's crab stuffed lobster tail was good as well, although she said it was kind of like a deviled crab lobster mix inside a lobster tail shell. Overall the food was pretty good, the server was very nice, efficient and made good recommendations.
(3)
Boon K.
The mango Mojito was refreshing but I couldn't get enough of the Cioppino, it was so fresh and tender. It was amazing. The plaintain mahi mahi was good too but I though the blue cheese mash potatoes was on the salty side. The crab encrusted tilapia was tasty too.
(4)
Serena B.
Fantastic seafood restaurant! Since I had the warning that it was difficult to find, I poked my head down the alley (instead of hunting for it on the street) and didn't have a problem getting there in time for the reservation! Speaking of reservation, it was a bit of a challenge, I wish they were on OpenTable as that would have been easier. I had to call a few times to get someone to answer, so that was slightly inconveniencing. I enjoyed the decor, cute but not too much. I like the open kitchen feel and the brick walls. The dining area, with its high ceilings, was quiet and great for a nice dinner for two. The appetizer was delicious- the crab dip was thick and creamy, very flavorful. We couldn't get enough of it. My entree, the plantain encrusted mahi-mahi was also very delicious. On Sundays there is a 1/2 price bottle of wine special and thought I can't remember what exactly we had ordered, it was very good.
(5)
Becky W.
Outstanding. We came here based on a recommendation from a gal at the desk of our hotel. Three of us. One had shrimp linguine, one had grilled salmon and I had the appetizer special, heirloom tomatoes caprese style, and the bacon wrapped scallops appetizer. Everyone said it was delicious. I can testify mine was fantastic. Not inexpensive but not outrageous. Highly recommend.
(5)
Kris G.
I visited Coast at the beginning of November. It was a little difficult to locate, down a back alley, but was close enough to downtown. I liked the atmosphere. The food seemed to be hit or miss. I went with a large group so we got to try a lot of different things. I had the ribeye as an entree and the crabcake for an appetizer. Although mine was fine, my friend found shell in her crabcake. The ribeye was not flavorful at all. Another friend had the Plantain Encrusted Mahi Mahi. That was very good. The Shrimp & Stoneground Grits was very good as well. This was only my second time trying grits, although not something I would choose all the time, they were very well done. I like the preparation better here than I did at Hominy Grill.
(2)
Gustavo B.
I'm here in Charleston for work and went out to Coast for a delicious dinner. Had the Plantain-Fried Mahi-Mahi and it was prefect. Not heavy and filling at all. That poor dish didnt have a chance! I licked it clean. Not a fan of the Palmettos (IPA or Amber) in general because of their bitterness but there was a special beer on tap I sampled that I really liked. Don't remember the name but it was white in color and definitely a Belgian ale. I wanna go back just to order a pint!
(5)
Natalia A.
AMAZING FOOD! The ambiance is great too, very busy. We went on a Saturday night, like 40 minutess before they closed and had to wait for a place to open up at the bar because they were crowded and had no more room. So make reservations! The Mojitos are my only complain, too sweet not great! But i'm spoiled with cocktails, though.... We had a pork belly and scallop appetizer with a soy sauce reduction that was outstanding!!!
(4)
Angel E.
We went there late at night (around 9:30pm) after spending good 2 hrs on board of a boat -- hungry but too tired to eat. Maybe it was too late at night and everyone was tired, it took our waiter 10 min or so to get our wine (house cab sauvignon -- nasty :( (((I had to take antacid before going to bed ). The food we ordered included steamed oysters (excellent), bacon wrapped sea scallops (wish they didn't put that sweet BBQ sauce on top of them -- it ruined everything), and crab meat with avocado aioli (not bad but chives were too strong and there was some serious aftertaste). All in all, I think there's too much hype about the restaurant. The smell of grilled wood is great and it is all over the neighborhood, however, it's very artificial - once you come into the restaurant, that smell is nowhere to be found.
(3)
Laura T.
While the atmosphere is cozy and cute, trying to actually locate Coast is a slight challenge. Perhaps if on foot, you will see the signage down the small alley, but when driving this place will remain hidden. Once we successfully asked the right person and received the right answer, we found our way to the front door. Too chilly to dine outdoors, we found a high top table and poured over the extensive menu. Hush puppies immediately jumped out from the menu. These were not just the ordinary hush puppies. A slight hint of jalapeno spiced up the otherwise bland treat. Gorging ourselves on these fried packages of butter soaked deliciousness, we ordered a few small items to fulfill a later mid week dinner. The fish tacos were enjoyable, but nothing truly spectacular. The sauvignon blanc was eh. The best part of the meal were those darn hush puppies.
(3)
Isaac P.
This place was okay. The service was decent and the food was fresh, it just wasn't anything to get excited over. I had ordered the crab soup and wasn't very impressed. The soup was too much cream and not enough crab. In fact all the crab had sunk to the bottom. Not too impressive. The atmosphere in this place was really cool though. It is in a warehouse of some sort and had super tall ceilings.
(3)
Annie R.
How have I never reviewed Coast? Best seafood in Charleston hands down. The fried flounder is out of this world as well as the paella. The ceviche is fantastic as well, the mojitos are incredible. It is a laid back ambiance and reasonably priced. LOVE IT!
(4)
Julie R.
I was looking for more of a fine dining atmosphere, which is why I gave it 3 stars. The food was really good, but the fact that it was loud and not very intimate turned me off. We had a table of 20 guys next to us for a bachelor party, which the waitress kept apologizing for, although it wasn't her fault. The Tuna that I got was great, as was my husband's mahi-mahi. The wait staff was good, for what they had to deal with next to us. If you are looking for fine dining, this isn't the place to go, but they do have good food.
(3)
Shy A.
Coast was fairly difficult to find. Its tucked away on a little alley. I almost expected it to be a smaller establishment but was I wrong! Its an impressive open space, beautifully lit creating a very cool laid back feel. I like it already! Our menu: Spicy shrimp ceviche- one of the best that I've ever had. Spicy and fresh. The delicate shrimp was not overwhelmed by the lime or spice. It was a beautiful balance. I wasn't thrilled with the toasted chips they served with it, it was quite greasy and almost took away from the sophistication of the ceviche. Blackened escolar with sauteed field peas, smoked bacon and potato croquettes. HOLY MOLY! This was incredible! Escolar is a white, firm and buttery fish. It was cooked to perfection! The potato croquettes stayed crispy on the outside and buttery and fluffy in the inside. The field peas provided an amazing textural contrast on the tongue. An excellent dish! Salmon-the server asked what temperature my table mate wanted her salmon. We both looked at each other in confusion until he explained the difference. Apparently, she wanted it well done. The salmon was also cooked toperfection and complimented her sides perfectly. We were stuffed and couldn't squeeze a dessert in but they had a great selection of the typical variety. The service was quick and efficient, it wasn't overly warm but not dismissive...the freshness and quality of the dishes definitely made up for it! I'll be back to Charleston and definitely coming back to Coast! Amazing job!
(4)
Jason B.
Very delicious fish dishes. The staff is well knowledged. Everything was excellent when we had dinner. Rare tuna five stars !
(5)
E S.
Can't believe how good my escolar (fish) was there! Truly above and beyond flavor profiles and might I add I have eaten at just about every TOP restaurant in Chucktown: Fig, Hank's, Hominy Grill, etc... then also dined at Pearlz (buh) AW Shucks, (ok) and finally the Gin Joint (totally awesome for a drink and cheese.) But back to Coast... such an unbelievably tasty meal. Truly unique smokey flavors, the beans they served looked like capers but tasted like white beans. The hush puppies were delicious with the jalapeno butter spread. And finally, the dark and stormy drinks were great! Wonderful service, really appealing locals dining there, and that says something! Yeah, it cost me more than I would have liked $50 for 2 drinks, entree, hush puppies and dessert, but hey, when in Chucktown...
(5)
Rachel M.
Laid back, hip atmosphere. The food was yummy and fresh , with attention to local fare. The mashed potatoes were so delicious...creamy and flavorful, with nice chunks of red potatoes. Fresh grilled Mexican corn was great too. I had grilled barrel fish. Good sauce. The fish was a little dry for my taste. Overall, one of the better meals we've had here.
(4)
Tyler R.
I had the shrimp pasta, which was very good. The waiter forgot to bring put our order in for crab dip. So we didnt get to try that. Really cool place inside but a little pricey.
(3)
Michael H.
Spent a weekend in Charleston in April, and this was the one meal I enjoyed the most. The setting was nice but not too formal, the service was good, and the food was outstanding and came at a very reasonable price. Was disappointed that I only got to eat there once, would love to go back. The crab-stuffed lobster tail was insanely good.
(4)
Patrick H.
Extensive seafood menu. Really enjoyed the meal and atmosphere. Service was ok. Great location.
(4)
Anne B.
Wow! Best fried flounder I've had! Recommended to us by a local resident, Coast is really worth a visit. Our server recommended the local flounder, deep fried in an herb crust. It was awesome, especially with the spicy remoulade sauce. Perfectly cooked and so delicious. Sadly, the sides let the side down a bit. The "jalapneo hush puppies" were room temp, somewhat tough dough balls. The alluring jicama slaw was limp and not too flavorful. It was probably good when it was first made. Back on the plus side, hubby had the night's special, local swordfish steak over bow tie pasta with a sun dried tomato, cherry tomato and goats milk creme fraiche sauce. It was cooked to perfection and delicious. The wine list had very reasonable choices. We had a Martin Codex '08 Albarino for a mere $29. Our two cost centers (ages 12 & 14) again had the kids menu (when will their taste buds grow up?) which was quite good. One had penne with marinara and the other had "chicken tenders" which looked to me like fried chicken breasts, and fries. Both were excellent and cost 5 bucks each! They had quite delicious ice-cream Sundaes for dessert that come with bananas, strawberries, nuts, whipped cream and both chocolate and strawberry sauce. Yum! We were there on the early side and were one of several families but the place looks like it probably heats up after kiddie bedtime. Coast can be a bit hard to find the first time. It is near the tourist info office, in an alley beyond a good-looking French bistro-type place. The decor was fun. Sort of a beach shack built inside in a 1890 train station. The service was very good. In short, the sides were nothing special, but Coast is very much worth the hike out of the old historic center for the excellent seafood.
(4)
David H.
Great ambiance disguises average food quality. It's popular. I expected my main course to have better seasoned vegetables and could tell the mashed potatoes were from powder. Put this meal on a white plate and a 24hr diner's meal on another white plate, and I wouldn't be ate to tell you the difference. Food is overpriced for the quality level. If you want a popular place in a popular place and are ok with the smell of bleach and beer aroma at the bar, then this is your place. Look around more if you're looking to get value for your money.
(2)
Scott T.
Great place, even with kids. We had the crab and avocado ravioli for an appetizer, very good. We went simple for dinner with the fried scallops, tilapia, and oysters. All very good. Great little place.
(5)
Kenneth C.
Outstanding seafood restaurant in the heart of Charleston. I cant say enough good things about them so you'll just have to try the food and see for yourself.
(5)
Korrie B.
My fiance and I had a reservation for 7:30. We arrived about 10 minutes early and were seated immediately upon arrival. This restaurant is very "cool." It has a very "come hang out and have a great meal" vibe. It is in an old restored building. VERY high (2 story) ceilings and exposed brick. We started with the salt and pepper calamari. It had an excellent flavor. Just a squirt of lemon was all it needed. It didn't really need either of the dipping sauces. To drink we tried the White Peach Sangria. It was too sweet for my taste. Too much peach schnapps and not enough wine. I ended up adding some water to my glass to make it more like a spritzer and to cut down on some of the sweetness! =) For our main dishes we had the Crab and Lobster Gratin and Oak Grilled Snapper. Both came with Parmesan mashed potatoes which were good but the consistency was similar to instant mashed potatoes. The gratin was also served with green beans, not a whole lot of flavor. The gratin itself was very tasty. It was more the consistency of Stuffed/Deviled Crab and it is served inside of a lobster shell (more than just the tail...everything down to the claws!) The snapper was simply grilled and had an amazing flavor! You can choose your sauce. I chose the pineapple-chile salsa and the waiter suggested the white wine sauce as well. He was spot on! The wine sauce was amazing with the fish. The salsa was great too...I ended up eating it like it was its own side. Overall, we have had better seafood in Charleston but not with this kind of a laid back atmosphere. I would definitely recommend this place to others!
(4)
Tye O.
Walked in around 9pm and the place was packed. I was under the assumption that 9pm on a weekday wouldn't require a reservation, so we just walked in and asked for a table. We were told the wait was about 45 minutes, so we took a seat in the bar area and ordered some drinks. We got a chance to look at the menu, and we weren't all that hungry, so no real complaints. And of course, any restaurant that carries Yuengling must be a good restaurant. We ordered a few dishes, including some appetizers. We started with a dozen raw oysters, which were large and tasted fresh. The ceviche was delicious, as was the paella I had as a main course. The meal sizes were perfect, and the prices were reasonable. Service wasn't bad at all, so I really have nothing to complain about. Next time I'm in the area, I'll definitely visit Coast again.
(5)
Ginny L.
Comfortable atmosphere, food was superb, friendly waitstaff. My favorite was the salmon I added to my salad. Calamari was great - I'd skip the buff shrimp next time though because it was pricey and the portion was on the smaller side.
(5)
Daniel M.
The food was fantastic. The portions were exactly perfect. I know some reviews stated the portions were small for the price. I have ate at many fine restaurants and this restaurants quality of food and price pair well together.
(5)
Amy D.
The journey to find Coast is truly an adventure in itself, with cobblestone paths and alleys leading you to the restaurant. The building is gorgeous with its red brick walls, high ceilings, and industrial yet dark lighting. We had made reservations, but had to wait slightly to clear out a few tables, but we waited in the bar area. To start out meal we had a pitcher of red wine sangria, which was fruity but not too sweet. For our apps i had the traditional ceviche with lime and cilantro and red onions, however when it came it just tasted like slightly mushy fish with not a lot of flavour. I was expecting flavour, the promised cilantro element was missing. Also the serving size was massive, i didn't want to waste any but i wanted to save room for my main, it would have been perfect shared though. My sis had the grilled fish tacos, and again they flavours were too light, we wanted to taste great seasoned fish, they really held back. For my main i had the grilled shrimp with adobo and grits with roasted veg. The grits were great, coarse as i like them. The shrimp was super smoky and you could really taste the char, however i didn't like the sauce, it just tasted like they were brushed solely with stuff that comes in a can. The roasted veg were alright but kinda unnecessary in the meal. Coast was our first supper restaurant in Charleston and i had such high hopes but it was kind of a flop.
(2)
Marty W.
Cute location right off street. Inviting atmosphere with ambiance. Key Lime martini was delicious and the wood grilled snapper was tasty.
(4)
J B.
Wow, this place is awesome. Came for the Tilefish and the bartender directed me to the Braised Tilefish. Awesome. Staff is friendly and nice decor. I will be back.
(5)
Jen S.
Had a group of 14 here for our casual after wedding dinner. I didn't want to complain and ruin the evening, but my lobster and crab gratin was cool in the middle and my brother in-law said his food wasn't that great and his steak wasn't cooked to order. The ambiance is great, but means little if the food isn't up to par.
(2)
Andrea H.
Our first honeymoon stop. Recommended by the concierge at our hotel. It was packed out to the sidewalk with people waiting but we decided to sit at the bar instead of waiting for a table. Great food, staff and customers. We will go back the next time we visit Charleston.
(5)
Dirk L.
Great meal! The ceviche trio is a must if you like seafood. We had oysters, the grilled fish (escolar was my choice), and the fish en papillote. All were excellent. We will definitely come back each time we visit Charleston.
(5)
Dan A.
Food is good but pricy.
(3)
E K.
Everything about this place is fantastic. The decor and atmosphere is really interesting and unique while still classy. All of the food we got was amazing. Crab dip, steamed shrimp, hush puppies, plantain encrusted mahi, sangria... Everything was delicious. The service was outstanding and our server was extremely knowledgeable about the menu as well as seafood in general. They try to use all local caught fish so it's very fresh.
(5)
Jessica R.
Went on a Saturday night of July 4th weekend. They were not seating tables anymore but we managed to get one in the bar area. The bartender waited on us and he was great! Mojito's were great and I am picky about them. Raw oysters were small in my opinion and not worth the price. Get the CEVICHE!!!! Sooo good . The gazpacho was very good too!!!!
(4)
Matt R.
Crab cakes and crab gazpacho were excellent. I was on a crab fix that day. Gotta love being near the coast!
(5)
Burbalicious X.
I love having Yelp on my iPhone. Why? Because after the dude at the visitor's center recommended a bunch of crap nasty tourist traps for seafood restaurants, we did a quick Yelp search and stumbled on Coast with it's 4.5 star rating. Spot on! We loved it. We started with a crab and avocado ravioli appetizer that was outstanding. I had plantain-encrusted mahi with blue cheese mashed potatoes for my entree, and husband had the adobo shrimp and grits which he loved. Shared a banana bread pudding for dessert, very good. Everything was great, including the service and atmosphere. The only negative was trying to decide what to eat because so many of the menu items sounded delicious! Highly recommended!
(5)
Andrew G.
We decided to go to Coast on a Saturday night while visiting Charleston recently. It was jammed packed. Luckily, we were 6 and had a reservation. The restaurant itself is really fun and lively and not too loud. The staff was really friendly. Our meal was great except for some key things. They forgot my aunt's shrimp basket, undercooked two plates of salmon and overcooked two plates of tuna. I actually began to feel queasy by the end of the meal. Luckily they brought a whole new plate out for us. Other dishes looked more promising. From seeing all the great reviews I had higher expectations of this place, however, I won't give it any higher than a three.
(3)
J C.
Amazing food! I think the best seared Tuna over soba noodles I have ever eaten. My girls ordered the mesclun salad and it was as good a salad as one could want. Need a better Chardonnay by the glass selection. But I am spoiled by excellent California Chard's. This is a good place and a wonderful atmosphere, not a tourist trap at all. Highly reccommend!!!
(5)
Muhammad M.
It was a great dining experience. Tasty and delicious good. Highly recommended.
(5)
Dee N.
We ate at Coast last Monday night with a group of 6 adults, 3 teenagers+, and 3 under the age of 10. This restaurant was AMAZING. Our server was Jeremy who was BY far the most knowledgable server I have had in a very long time. He knew the wines, he knew each and every oyster choice, he detailed each dish. He even deterred us from a meal that just could not be split for the little kids. It was an incredible evening and every person in our party LOVED their meals. I had the blackened mahi-mahi. A few had the escolar, someone had salmon, and the rest of the choices were random. We live in a seaside community in the Northeast where fish is plentiful. My fish was prepared as well as any I have ever had in my life. Every piece of fish on our table was perfect. I would recommend to everone. Not cheap but certainly not expensive. About 33 dollars a person including tip. Several rounds of alcholic drinks for 7, dessert, and a few bottles of wine. Also would like to mention that we are weekly+ visitors to all kinds of restaurants. A++++++++++++ Jeremy ROCKED!
(5)
Eleanor C.
Coast is a great restaurant with excellent food. However, do not expect to find a Crispy Flounder that compares in any way with that found at Garabaldi's which is currently closed and rumored to reopen. Coast's crispy flounder is fried and comes with a sauce that is not on the flounder itself but served on the side. It was a disappointment.
(3)
John A.
We visited Charleston just for the heck of it and asked the Concierge to point us to a place where the locals go. He recommended Coast and we could not be more pleased. The Okra and Tomato salad was excellent and the Cashew-encrusted Grouper was fantastic. The service staff was very attentive. I would recommend this place to anyone.
(5)
Ellen A.
There is no shortage of seafood restaurants in Charleston. One of the reasons we chose Coast for our visit was that it participates in the Sustainable Seafood Program through the aquarium ( scaquarium.org/SSI/defau… ) and we were glad we did. Although there was a two hour wait when we showed up at prime dinner time on a Saturday night, we were able to be seated right away on the patio. I was impressed that our waiter was not only very attentive, but also surprisingly knowledgeable about the seafood when we asked what was local and fresh. We ordered the spicy ceviche, which was a larger portion than we expected and was delicious. For entrees we tried the lobster gratin and grouper with truffled grits and shitakes. The gratin was severed in the lobster shell and was not the creamy, gloopy mess that is more often served. It was actually quite light and the main ingredient was the lobster and crab, rather than filler. The grouper was cooked perfectly and was very light. The grits were flavored extraordinarily well and are now one of my restaurant favorites (I do not believe you can get this flavor a la carte). The feel is nice casual (rather than eating-in-a-shack beach casual) and the price is exactly in line with the other restaurants in this area (which is slightly pricey, but not over the top), but is far better in quality than other restaurants. We will be back - Yum!
(5)
Keith M.
It had been a long day trying to figure out where I lost my camera the night before until I came to grips that I handed it to someone to take a photo and then I walked off. Lesson learned when your not rich don't act like your rich and either lose break or get wet your phone or camera. Needless to say iphones are not water proof. Long story short it was a hell banger of an evening to say the least which lead into the next alcohol driven extravaganza of a lovely day in Mt. Pleasant. To begin with a boat ride, no make that a kayak on the shipping lane, which was quite nice with dolphins and ships and the occasional seal clubber. Anyhow the strict disregard for the sign that said no beer on the kayak was over sought it was paddle paddle sip sip. We took the whole 4 hours and i stuck my friend with the bill conveniently enough as to though express funds. However the message was 'Earhart-ed' and the next event on the agenda was to go downtown and eat. I say casual they say sure, I ask how much and they, oh the food's so good, I see the menu and the hour & 1/2 wait and say we go, so we did and it turned out to be a ploy to meander about the city streets and take it all in. We pasted dozens of places that look cool unique and better budgeted though the all along was to eat at this place, Coast. So the way back proved to not be as time consuming as one might thought and even though we were still on the list, there was going to be a wait to prepare our booth. A beer for me please, I was already upset that fate had brought me back to the pocketbook breaking beast of a place, sure what kind,,, oh an IPA,,, yeah I'll close out now..,,,? 8 bucks... does this come with free refills. I swallow my pride and the preconceived hurting this even was bringing to my wad. Nonetheless it was go broke time and act rich again so yes I will have a bottle of wine, no not a glass thank you. Well needless to say dessert was a request for a punch in the face which I think was gleefully declined from the waiter to much of my surprise but that still didn't mean the evening didn't fade to black...
(3)
J C.
bad food and bad service...only time in my life i've ever sent a dish back!
(1)
Travis K.
We first visited Coast about four years ago, it was great food then. We visited again and was not disappointed! My wife had the plantain encrusted mahi mahi. It was awesome! I had the chef's special surf and turf. Yummy! We ordered the kids fish sticks for our son and I think I could have had that for myself it was so good. We also ordered the fried green tomatoes, perfect! Drinks were very tasty too! Highly recommend visiting Coast! You won't be disappointed!
(5)
gregory b.
Amazingly fresh. Terrific chefs. Top flight service. Some good drinks too. The world's best grits.
(5)
sarah c.
The crab dip and Mojitos are amazing!
(4)
Drew k.
Awesome food, good wait staff. Horrible host! We called 4 times for help with directions, Megan never mentioned once that there was a 2 hour wait. We got there and she gave us major attitude. We made reservations and came back the next day. Wow. Prices are somewhat high, beer prices are insanly high. $7.50 for a local draft?
(4)
Allen H.
We visited Coast during restaurant week, and are we glad we did. First, its a little off the beatn path, and every now and then we need to be away from East Bay street. The decor is casual and comfortable. Entrees for our group included the paella and grouper. We got four rave reviews. Probably the second best paella I have had - tons of fish and shellfish. I rarely leave without cleaning my plate, but this time some went home. But try as I might, I don't think I'll be able to get my wife or daughter to order anything but the grouper. The wine list was very good, with great variety - a lost of spanish and south American wines at prices I was willing to experiment with. Worth a visit.
(4)
Meredith N.
Coast is by far the best seafood that I've ever had in Charleston. For appetizers, we got the crab and avocado ravioli. Incredible. Then as entrees, my mom got the blackened escolar. She hates anything blackened, but because of all the great reviews, she took the risk. She literally slicked her plate clean, she liked it so much. I got the crab encrusted tilapia. The fish was incredible, mashed potatoes were absolutely delicious. And it was even better the next day! The only reason I gave it 4 stars was the overwhelming amount of cilantro that was used in the first appetizer that we ordered, Ceviche. I hate cilantro anyway, but this was just too much.
(4)
Taite B.
Refreshing peach Blanca sangria. Fried okra tomato salad would not have been my first pick, but it was amazing. Bread is fresh but not warm. The braised grouper was delish. Nothing about the dessert menu tempted us enough to indulge. Overall a great meal and decent service!
(4)
Andrew H.
I dined at Coast a little over a week ago while on a trip to Charleston. I've had my share of seafood but I can say that the ceviche and grilled swordfish (that night's special, wasn't on the regular menu) were among the best I've had. The ceviche was more than enough for two people and had a variety of very tasty fish. The swordfish was very basic, but was grilled to perfection while remaining moist throughout. The salt & pepper calamari were also good. We stumbled into half price wine Sunday, so that made our bill very reasonable (under $90 with a bottle of wine, two appetizers, two entrees, tax and tip.) The inside seemed very nice, but we chose to sit in the alleyway (cobblestoned and clean, not like what I'm used to in Chicago) instead. It was a really cool place to eat a meal and would definitely do the same next time. I'd recommend this place to anyone looking for great seafood at a reasonable price in Charleston.
(5)
Hannah C.
This was a great restaurant!!! Enjoyed dining here, kinda hidden but the inside is very cool. My dad got the seared tuna which was sooo yummy! I got the mesclun salad which was one of the better salads I've had. The lemon vinaigrette was perfect on it. Would definitely return!
(5)
Steve S.
I had crusted flounder-excellent. Waitress very friendly and attentive.
(5)
Rachel C.
Loved it! the location, service, food and feel of the whole experience was great!
(5)
Bonnie M.
For lunch Rue de Jean was comfy with butcher paper on tables and an old wooden bar. The quiche du jour was tasty and creative. The lamb sandwich was very flavorful and delicious but fries should be replaced with the salad that came with the quiche. Yummy. Wait staff was attentive and unobtrusive.
(5)
Dave S.
The sangria here is good but sweet. The peel and eat shrimp were the best I have ever had. The stuffed lobster was delicious and the drinks at the bar were top notch. Service was friendly, the bartenders were engaging but the hostess did not have the mostest...she was trying to discourage us from dining as it was 915 with an hour wait. O
(5)
Da H.
Great seafood. One of our party said it was one of the best seafood dinners she ever had. She had the blackened escolar with sweet potato gnocchi. I had the Ahi tuna on soba. I liked mine; but not as much as the escolar. It was seared but the inside of the fish was cold . . . which left me cold too. Ambiance - old renovated warehouse.
(5)
Chad M.
EXCELLENT!!! If you are in Charleston, give the coast a try. very fresh fish. good menu selections. excellent service. they were busy, but we had a reservation.
(5)
S Y.
Nothing exceptional, but good seafood.
(4)
Jim C.
Great seafood! Great atmosphere with live music. Casual dining at it's best.
(5)
Melissa W.
I went with a group of 6 on Sunday night. I'm just visiting Charleston and am trying to eat seafood every night. So far so good. Its helpful to know where you're headed because the sign is not obvious from the street. It must not be a problem though, because even with reservations we still waited about 10 minutes for a table. The menu is 90% seafood and I think there were about 3 other options including chicken. I had the pecan crusted grouper and 3 others at my table got the sampler. Everyone really enjoyed their meals. The service was very good and the decor was interesting.
(4)
Tabitha Z.
Fun atmosphere and the Crab Encrusted Tilapia was amazing! Will definitely dine here again the next time I'm in town!
(5)
Paul S.
Cool spot, good food but small portions. I got the yellow fin Tuna and it was probably only 3 oz. $25 for 3 oz is kinda pricey.
(4)
Frank H.
Wanted to try this restaurant, left name, time request and telephone number. Never received confirmation of reservation request. Guess business is to good for follow up. Not going to wait 11/2 hours without. Reservations, to many other restaurants to try.
(1)
Barbara R.
Had many good meals in Charleston, SC this past weekend, but the tuna and the cerviche here where the best I've ever eaten ANYWHERE
(5)
Becky L.
My favorite restaurant in Charleston! The seafood is AMAZING!!! I seriously love this place and can't say enough good things about this place. Oh and be sure to try the Key Lime Pie Martini. Tastes like the real thing. They always have great specials, and I recommend listening to the servers about what they recoomend, they really know their stuff. I seriously seriously love this place, and miss it greatly!!!
(5)
L L.
This place is awesome! The crab and avocado raviolis were ridiculously good. The lobster and crab gratin was phenomenal. Great service, nice ambiance. My only complaint would be that they are heavy on salt with their food but that would not stop me from returning in the future. Highly recommended. Hard to find - when you get to the actual address, you have to walk down the alley to find the restaurant.
(5)
Wendy K.
I love business trips.. thats how I get to go to all of these cool places.. Place was good.. service wasn't fantastic.. It was packed.. I'd go back I can't remember what I ate.. but I did drink some yummy wine.
(4)
Richard N.
It can't get any better than this. Great food, great service, and great location. A must if visiting Charleston.
(5)
Jason C.
Terrific service in a nice atmosphere. Solid ambiance, and a fun place for after hours drinks. I got the grouper, and it was not the quality I expected in Charleston. The cuts were not filet, and it was a bit over-cooked. The apps we shared were very nice. I would go back.
(4)
Christine P.
Terrific place to eat in Charleston. Service was fabulous. Food was loved by all. Terrific seafood. You can eat a ton of food or you can order some light entrees as well. Nice ambience too. Not touristy at all, reasonably priced as well. I'd go back.
(4)
Boll W.
When I tentatively approached Coast from the outer side, I had the notion that it might actually be an expensive/tie/suit kind of place. I was delightfully surprised when I walked inside to see people of all attires carousing about. I sat at the bar and recieved fair service from a busy bartender and even met a local couple next to me who were very nice, southern style. Met some other girls who were quickly packing the bar area and had a phenomenal meal. I ordered the fried green tomatoes to start. Good, as expected. Ventured on to have the plantain encrusted Mahi Mahi with blue cheese mashed potatoes and asparagus. Divine. I had to call it quits at that point. I didn't want to indulge the senses any more. If you're in Chas. and want to have a fine restaurant experience, look no further!
(5)
Tim S.
I hesitantly give this three stars because we only had drinks and apps, so we didn't get the full experience. I still feel like the food and drinks were over priced considering the 2 $$! I was expecting something amazing with all the reviews, but don't get me wrong it was still good. We had the crab dip app, fish tacos, and the buffalo shrimp tacos. The crab dip had amazing flavor, but not very much crab meat. My buffalo shrimp tacos were amazing with three large shrimp in each taco. The fish tacos were only decent. The highlight of the meal was the drinks and atmosphere. The mango mojito is a must-try for ladies, the cucumber mojito was also interesting. The building was very cool exposed brick with awesome decor, open kitchen, and nice bar area. Seemed like a pretty young crowd considering it is off the beaten path down an alley. I would still recommend anyone to check it out and we will be back to taste the entrees.
(3)
liz A.
Delicious food and a large menu to select from. Always crowded but worth the wait.
(5)
Keith C.
I love the Coast. Good food. Good atmosphere. Go there for fresh seafood experience. I like the shrimp and grits.
(4)
jane r.
went here with my mother for dinner - did not disappoint. the inside may be a bit loud - it's not a refined atmosphere, but is comfortable and cozy. we ate outside in the little alley way in front of the restaurant and really enjoyed it. the weather was pleasant and we liked the more quiet, more atmospheric spot. wasn't quite sure what to expect of the food. looking at the menu, i was thinking of more of a standard fish joint, but the food is much more refined. in fact, the food was exceptional. i had the snapper almondine, and my mother had grilled escolar with sweet potato gnocchi. we both loved our meals. the flavors were well balanced and not overwhelming of the fish. i loved the sauce with the fish. it was all just lovely. fish was also cooked well, which seems to be a challenge in some restaurants. server was very friendly and attentive. it was the best meal we had in charleston.
(5)
Tiffany L.
The atmosphere of Coast is very inviting and warm, and the food is very good. We sat at the bar while waiting for our table, and I had the most delicious Mojito I've ever had. All of their Mojito's are very, very good (and award winners) -- especially the Hawaiin Peach and Mango. The service is friendly (maybe the male bartender helping me was a little too friendly -- but it's all good). For dinner, to start I believe we shared a crap dip which was very good. For my entree I had the Cashew Encrusted Grouper with oven roasted potatoes, haricot verts and a cilantro pesto cream. My dish was very good, the fish was cooked perfectly and was delicious. Some element of my dish was overly-salted, but that was only a minor complaint. The potatoes were good, the haricot verts were crisp and the cilantro pesto cream was very good, the cilantro giving it a unique and lighter flavor than original basil. The seafood here is fresh, and no one was disappointed with their meals. We had dessert, unfortunately I can't remember what it was, but I do remember that I ordered tea and they arrived with a variety of teas that I could choose from, which was very nice. It's little things like that that tend to make restaurants and dining experiences more memorable. Touche, Coast!
(4)
Maria D.
The food was amazing, the service was great; and talk about ambiance! I had the best paella ever and can't wait to go back this fall. Charleston itself is a great little city that I truly enjoyed. People actually talk to you out of the blue and ask how you're doing. They seem so genuine, it's like going back in time.
(5)
Sharon I.
This is a good looking place - it just looks like fun and good food. While they have outdoor seating and a big dining room, we at at the bar. The bar area is huge and festive. Also, the restaurant seems to be packed. We had the scallops wrapped with bacon and served with a pomegranate sauce two nights in a row - i could eat them every night. We also enjoyed the avocado ravioli and that too was delicious. The chef does a nice job of combining savory with sweet and it all works quite well.
(5)
Morgan S.
Coast is great for many occasions - whether for dinner with the family, drinks with friends, or a first date. The atmosphere is laid back but there's a buzz in the air at all times. Do not leave without trying the mango mojito - unbelieveable (and award winning!). I'm a creature of habit and choose the same dish each time I'm there: crab stuffed flounder. No matter what you choose, you won't be disappointed. Final note - head there on Sunday night if you can. Half price wine and a jazz trio set for a great start to your work week!
(4)
Amy D.
We ate at Coast in April 2010 and were seated outside. Not a great idea in April. There were gnats biting my husband, but we it wasn't bad enough to move inside. My husband and I each ordered an appetizer. I had the Mesclun Salad which was very nice though the lemon vinaigrette was too tart. My husband had the Coast Crab Dip which he enjoyed, but it was served with a lot of bread and they brought out bread with our drinks. For dinner, he had the catch of the day which was Halibut. It was a very small portion, but tasty. The fish sat on a bed of rice and peas and the peas were undercooked. I had the Grilled Monterrey Chicken topped with crumbled jalapeno bacon, tomatoes and scallions, served with bacon blue cheese slaw (awful) and green beans & pomegranate BBQ sauce. The chicken was delicious, but all in all, it was a VERY expensive meal that wasn't worth the price. We would not return.
(3)
Dan M.
Delicious food. Prompt service. The special, barrel fish, was the best cut of fish I've had in a long time. Their crab cake was the best I've had. Period. The feel is informal, but the food is fantastic.
(5)
mis h.
My family goes here every time they come visit me, which is awesome cause then I get to eat there. I also took the Boy here for his birthday. The waitstaff isn't very attentive. They're nice and helpful when they speak to you, but you have to get them to stop at your table first. I've had amazing food here and I've had eh food here. The fish tacos were amazing, but I would suggest them as a meal, not an appetizer. Just go for the entree and enjoy the free bread. Don't bother with the appetizers or dessert...They're nothing to write home about. All the fish is cooked on a wood burning grill so it tastes fantastic. I've ended up getting the same thing every time I go cause I don't want to get something "eh" again. It's a lot more casual than you would be led to believe and it's family friendly...There's usually 10 people whenever my family goes. It's not arranged very well for big groups though so go over 6 people and you're going to get kinda cramped. Oh, and they have $1 Coronas on Thursdays, which is totally sweet.
(4)
Yukihiro Y.
Would give it 4 but crab soup was too saucy/thick/salty for a soup, oysters Rockefeller were so-so, and this is based on sitting at the bar. Crab cake was full of crab tho sauce was lacking. Mussels were nice and more brinier than I've had in recent years. Complimentary corn bread was Lishious, 4.5* and fre
(3)
Jack W.
MUST GO TO SPOT!!!! I don't know how we found it. but I am sure happy we did. The oysters made my night and service was really friendly and helpful. We did come with a friend who drank to much as was being rude to our waitress. But she was spunky and had a good head on her shoulders. I wish I could remember her name but she needs a raise. Thanks for everything I enjoyed the night.
(5)
Eric S.
Not sure where to start. Never made it past appetizers they were soooo good. Fresh local oysters, bacon wrapped scallops, mussels so good I finished all the dipping bread (and I don't eat bread;). But best of all a generous, people and service oriented bartender, (John) who just rocked it. All for a very reasonable price!!
(5)
Vic W.
This is a hard post to write.. Initially, I had a good impression of the service and food. To make a long story short, at the end of the dinner, my date and I saw a huge RAT run across the floor. Yes, a rat !.. Another couples saw the same thing. Immediately, told my girlfriend that we were done. Call the waiter over to tell him what we saw. His response was, "what do you expect from a 100 year old building." I called the manager over and he was apologetic, but didn't offer not to have us pay for the check or anything. I called back a day later and insisted they refund my money, which he agreed to. This was ridiculous!. Even a few days later I hate thinking about this.
(1)
Carrie J.
AMAZING!!! I had the sea scallops with the whipped Boursin mashed potatoes and the Malbec! EXCELLENT! They know how to cook seafood right!
(5)
Sase D.
Loved the atmosphere. The waitress was very nice and so helpful with explaining items on the menu and every request we made. Me and my husband decided to forgo the appetizers and shared a variety of oysters and ceviche instead and there was a single thing that I didn't like. Even the kids loved their pasta. Highly recommend for any occasion!
(5)
Alex Z.
Overall we were rather satisfied. We got the calamari as an appetizer. It was nice and tender, the breading stuck well. A little bit of a kick in one of the sauces might have been nice. The options for different cuisines in the entrees is great. You can get anything from simply grilled fish to southern shrimp and grits, Spanish paella, Japanese-style tune, and seafood pasta. Overall the food was rather good. The blackened escolar was seasoned well and the field pea succotash and polenta went well with it (though I'm not sure why they chose to use polenta rather than grits). My main complaint is the prices. While seafood is generally more expensive, the prices here really don't match the more casual ambiance. Few of the entrees are less than $20. The day after we went here, we went to a more upscale restaurant that also served a lot of seafood, and the prices were almost the same.
(4)
Sez R.
Nothing too special. I had ahi tuna, and it was 'ok'. Nothing is particularly bad about this place, but nothing is good either. Same goes for both the food and the service. If you are looking for a place just to eat, then it is ok. If you want a memorable experience, this is not the right place.
(4)
SJane D.
Although highly recommended by some locals, my experience had some highs and lows. Tough to choose between a 2 and three on this one. The wait staff was attentive, friendly and efficient. The Food - I opted for the Restaurant Week $30 trilogy of appetizer, entree and dessert. The appetizer chosen was a mixed seafood ceviche, with was excellent in portion size, freshness and taste. Very, very good. Dessert - I chose a key lime pie which was the best I've ever had, including my quest for "the Perfect Key Lime Pie" in Key West. The ceviche and pie is the reason Coast gets a three instead of a two. The entree was awful. I LOVE shrimp and grits, and really never met a plate of shrimp and grits I didn't like, but this shrimp had such a strong taste of bitterness, (maybe iodine?). You could smell it before it even got to your mouth, and it was so over powering that even the tasso tasted bitter. Shouldn't be this way, folks. Busy Restaurant week or not, if they have lousy shrimp they should take it off the menu until they get a better batch. I was not the only diner in Coast that night that left their shrimp (from the shrimp and grits) on their plate. I saw a few, so I am sure they knew they were serving an inferior product. Not okay.
(3)
Katie S.
Amazing fish! We both ordered the escarole with basil butter sauce and nearly licked our plates clean! The mojitos were tasty too. We will definitely be back on our next trip!
A friend's friend recommended this place. Great food, casual atmosphere. Hush puppies w/ jalepeno butter are a MUST HAVE. Lobster & Crab Gratin - my friend and I ordered the same dish! It was amazzzzzzzing. Chef's Mixed Grill - my friend loved her dish Tilapia - my friend loved this too Simply Southern Lemonade - heavenly!! Mango Mojito - yummy but a little to tangy/sweet Coast Lime Pie - SO GOOD Triple Layer Chocolate Cake - yummy but I've had better Blueberry Lemonade White Chocolate Cheesecake - TO DIE FOR. You won't regret dining here. The service was amazing. next time I come to Charleston, and I WILL be back with my hubby, I'm totally bringing him here!
(5)
Jef B.
Holy cow. Go for the grilled fish and of course the local oysters. Meaty and the combo of sauce mignonette and Mexican hot sauce was well, sublime.
(5)
Ed G.
Outstanding meal! Had the cerviche de cangreho which was more than enough for two for an appetizer . Dinner was cashew encrusted grouper and braised grouper. Both were excellent. The truffled bacon cheese grits were amazing. Grits with fish? Apparently it works.
(5)
Angie P.
Wow! This place is amazing! Nice decor, friendly staff & delicious food! Here's what I had: cucumber mojito (no wonder it won an award last year!) shrimp ceviche (yuuuuum) & the crispy fried flounder entree. The fish came right off the bone; it was fried perfectly! The jalapeño aioli...oh my - I want a jar of this at home! And...I've never had jimaca slaw before, but WOW! Do yourself a favor & eat here as much as possible!
(5)
Taylor A.
For a city already teeming with fantastic restaurants, and seafood restaurants at that, Coast is a solid option that belongs in the echelons of the Charleston dining scene. From the short wait on a Saturday night, to the welcoming bartenders and educated wait staff, the service was immaculate. There was never an empty glass without drink on the way from the bar. We hadn't eaten since 11:30am, so by the time we had sat down to dinner a little after 9pm we were starving so we ordered like mad. We started with both lobster and shrimp ceviche and they were both brimming with their respective crustaceans. The table was split on which was better, but all agreed they were both delicious. I had a mixed grill (baller!) special with a 6oz ribeye, 4oz red snapper, and 4 jalapeno-bacon wrappend shrimp. The ribeye itself wasn't anything spectacular (probably Grade A versus Prime), but the red snapper and shrimp were fantastic. Usually bacon wrapped anything makes whatever is wrapped overcooked, but the shrimp were plump and juicy. So, for a great meal in Charleston, Coast is a wonderful option!
(4)
Lawrence T.
Very fresh oysters for an appetizer - also a great selection. Entrees were escolar and striped bass - both fresh and perfectly grilled. We would definitely dine here again.
(5)
Stephen W.
We had a great experience here for dinner on a Saturday night. We arrived early, without reservations, but they seated us in the outdoor patio area which was fine. It's a casual place so the experience is a bit different from Magnolia's which is more formal. We started with the crab dip which was very good but too salty for my wife. For the entrees, I got the crab cakes which WERE THE BEST CRAB CAKES I HAVE HAD IN MY LIFE. And I am a crab fan and have tasted them all from Maryland to Oregon. NO filler, all sweet crab. Just excellent. The wife got the lobster and crab gratin and it too was excellent, no filler and all luscious meat. The service was good and they had a killer micro brew, Sweetwater IPA which was perfect with crab. This place cost about 1/2 as much as Magnolia. We would both eagerly return. I can't wait!
(5)
Bill J.
Nice spot. Usually busy, but still comfortable. Little bit of a bar scene, in a good way. Food is good, sometimes real good. Drinks and bartenders are good. Casual.
(4)
Doris D.
Went to Charleston for a Convention got a recommendation from a local resident to go here. It was really good!! Great service, food and drink! We had the Paella and Sangria, will definitely go back if I'm in the area.
(5)
Jessica S.
LOVED this place. The service was great, atmosphere was nice and the food was out of this world. I got the escolar and it was outstanding. Cooked to perfection. The vegetables were excellent, the succotash, I could've done without. But this place was great. I even got dessert of the banana bread pudding and that was rich, but delicious. You def need to go here when in Charleston.
(5)
Trogdor B.
service wasn't really the greatest, but the food was excellent. i was seated, given water, and was then given some 15 -20 minutes of quiet time before a waitress actually came up to take my order. i'm hoping this isn't typical, cuz if it is....the food isn't worth that kind of wait. anyhow, i had the black grouper with the lemon-white wine sauce. i didn't know cooked fish could taste this good. the parmesan mashed potatoes were pretty good, but i'm not a huge fan of mashed potatoes...and the steamed veggies were over salted. regardless, the fish was really good.
(4)
kelly s.
great seafood spot! cool decor/space and delicious drink menu. reasonably priced. good for date night!
(4)
Michael E.
Be prepared to wait, but it is worth it. They had 5 quality draft beers to pick from, none of which could get you into a NASCAR event. The service was fantastic! I went way to simple with the fried oysters, but they were very good. Not overly greasy like some places can be. The bacon blue cheese slaw was very good, nice atmosphere, a lot of people but you get a private feel.
(4)
Janet N.
Our experience at Coast was outstanding, we tell people it was one of our top 5 restaurant experiences ever. We had a ceviche trio (our favorites were the octopus and lobster but the classic was also very tasty) and hush puppies to start, then for entrees the escolar off the wood smoke grill with the pineapple chili salsa (our server's excellent recommendation) and the shrimp and grits. Finished off with the "coast lime pie" which was key lime but with a very light texture. We will be back to Charleston and to Coast.
(5)
Bridgette C.
Beyond delicious! Mashed potatoes were amazing as was my crab crusted tilapia! The swordfish was cooked perfectly! A must go if looking for some amazing seafood. The atmosphere is wonderful as well and the service was fantastic.
(5)
Salvatore C.
Okay our dinner at Coast was impeccable despite the mixed reviews, Most were actually good. I had pan seared scallops with mushrooms and a garlic mashed potato fantastic! My beautiful wife had tilapia with fresh crabmeat encrusted, As she would say to die for! Appetizers were fantastic Blue point oysters were beautiful . the flourless chocolate cake was great and our server Tiffany was very attentive, Actually the best server we that in a long long time.
(5)
Julie S.
Wonderful choice for our first dinner in Down Town Charleston. We were immediately seated outside in the patio room which was a little toasty but better than waiting for a table inside. I had the crab infused tilapia with mashed potatoes and green beans. It was delicious, warm and fresh. My mom enjoyed her fried shrimp as well. The server was very friendly and attentive. I highly recommend this restaurant and will return if I'm in the area.
(5)
Tara G.
I like Coast because they have options other than seafood! It was perfect because everyone was wanting seafood except me, and Coast has salads, chicken, veggies, etc. I had the monterrey chicken, and it was delicious! The BBQ sauce on it was tasty & so was the jalapeno bacon. They also had bottled wine specials for $12/bottle. You can't beat that!
(4)
Cullen E.
A gentleman at Coast Brewing Company (purely coincidence) recommended Coast Bar & Grill to us for our one evening spent in Charleston. We showed up on a Saturday evening around 7pm without a reservation and were immediately seated on the patio. It was pretty cold out but they had those nifty propane tower heaters so it was just right. I had the Blackened Seafood Chowder and my wife had the Coast Oysters Rockefeller. Both were excellent! For our main course we tried the Lobster & Crab Gratin. Words cannot express how amazing this was...but I'll try. It was the best seafood I have ever had. The wife had the Triple Layer Chocolate Cake and enjoyed it, but said it wasn't anything worth writing home about. Overall, a great experience here at Coast. We would definitely go back again when we return to SC.
Gave it a try for Restaurant Week. They claimed to have a crispy flounder fillet on the menu. Now, being in Charleston for many, many years, crispy flounder is something that restaurants fight over to claim as the first to create it. It's a local favorite. We were brought out two fried flounder (it could have been any tasteless white fish) with some crazy white sauce. WTH? That was my biggest let down of the night. I hate having to apologize to any of my company for a menu recommendation. Bad. Bad. The rest of the food was on par with California Dreaming or any other "shoneys" type eats. I didn't gag on anything and no one got sick. There are a dozen other places that *wow* me in this town. Sorry guys and gals...
(2)
Meredith V.
Coast has consistently given me a very good seafood experience. Standouts have been their escolar, whole fried snapper & swordfish dishes, not to mention their award winning mojitos!
(4)
Shannon K.
Amazing food, and great service. We went on a Friday night at 6:30. We were told we would have a 45 minute wait, but were seated in about 20. The wait staff was amazing. You could tell that they had a good system down. Dirty plates and cups were cleared quickly, and drinks refilled constantly. The food was amazing! We would highly recommend the ceviche. It was delicious. All the food was cooked to perfection, including a steak. Great experience, and will definitely return soon.
(5)
Anna H.
I took my boyfriend out to dinner at Coast while we were on vacation in Charleston over 4th of July weekend. It was a great dinner, and both of us were impressed not only with the food, but the ambience. Our dining experience had all the right touches - delicious food, courteous service, and the perfect pacing. It was the first romantic dinner we've had out on the town in quite some time, and it was really perfect in every way. I'd definitely suggest their shrimp ceviche, oysters rockefeller, and - yum - the out-of-this-world peach margaritas! Even more impressive than the dining experience, itself, was the careful attention paid to us by the reservations/host staff. We showed up around 6pm in the afternoon after a day of sightseeing, on a Friday, with no reservation. The hostess, Hyatt, was so kind to us, and penciled us in for a table a bit later, even though they were fully booked. This gave us time to go back to the hotel, get ready, then come back to enjoy a proper evening out. Initially we were told it might be as much as an hour, but right after we got back to the hotel room (about 10 minutes later), she gave us a call to say a table had opened up. Since we were just hopping in the shower, I begged her to give that table away and hold the next one for us. I know that in many cases, that might not have been possible, but she was so sweet and totally made it work. That skill and professionalism made all the difference, creating a great lead-in to what ended up being the best meal of our vacation. Can't wait to visit next time we're back in SC!
(5)
Mike M.
Good seafood and good drinks. Crab cakes were good, not a soggy breadcrumb mess. Their Oysters Rockefeller were fantastic as well.
(4)
Audra W.
We had a great meal here while visiting Charlseton last month. The atmosphere is great- live music was awesome and it has a rustic, ship-like vibe that I love. I got the tomato-based seafood soup which was outstanding and the ceasar salad which was also great. My husband and I shared the surf and turf which was amazing. Wood-fired salmon, perfectly cooked steak and a delicious sides. We were all in all thrilled with this find!
(5)
Brandon B.
We made a 6pm reservation but arrived around 5:40. They seated us right away. Our waitress, Brittany, was wonderful! She answered questions we had about different entrees and was very attentive and personable. I ordered swordfish from the grill and my wife ordered salmon. It was delicious! I can honestly say it was the best seafood meal I've ever eaten. It wasn't any more expensive than I expected it to be for a nice meal (around $25 each). I'm so glad we went here!
(5)
Tamara P.
What a fantastic experience! Everything from the hostess to the decor was top notch. Our waitress, Viola I think, was exceptional. She helped us decide on everything. All four of us were completely enthralled with the place. This place will treat all of your senses in a way that they haven't been treated in a long time. We were full after our entrees but couldn't resist sharing the coconut blondie with a delicious cup of coffee. Don't miss a chance to come to the Coast when you have the chance. You can thank me later.
(5)
David S.
A friend highly recommended Coast to me. I have to admit. I was a little disappointed. The service was subpar. The Shrimp and Grits and Seafood Paella we good but not as good as we expected from a Charleston restraurant. Maybe we were there on a bad night, but we will not return with all of the other great choices in Charleston.
(3)
Sanders G.
My family and I had dinner at Coast, and our experience was good. Two of our party had the spicy shrimp dish, and they raved about it. Another of our party had the braised grouper, and while she did not rave, she seemed to enjoy it. I had the cashew encrusted grouper, and it was great, though the portion was much larger than the size of my appetite. For appetizers we had the fried green tomatoes, which were at best a solid "2" on a "10" point scaled, and the crab dip, which was good, but would have been better if served with something other than cold, white bread. Not sure I will return, as Charleston has more than its fair share of really good restaurants, but you won't go wrong by choosing Coast for a solid meal with huge proportions.
(3)
Dawn K.
Really great back alley feel. 5 stars for oyster rockefeller. Escolar . Cashew grouper. Just plan on a wait.
(5)
Scott M.
Medeocre food at gourmet prices. The most memorable thing about this place was how much of it I've forgotten...aside from how much I paid for it. I visited with my wife and 6 year old daughter. We got appetizers, meals, and a cocktail or two, but even though the visit was only about a week ago, I can't remember anything I ate or drink (this isn't to say the drink was so good it erased my memory, unless they rufied me or something). I know we didn't dislike the food but we really disliked seeing a bill of over $100 for what we had just experienced. The service is good, the atmosphere is fine, the food is unmemorable, the location is pretty bad, and the value is awful.
(1)
G G.
Fresh from the coast. Crab dip appetizer was great. Bread Grilled on the wood fired grill. (they cook lots of variety of fish on this grill too) Had oysters on the half shell that were not from the area (due to the season) but were outstanding. I ordered 2 more appetizers for my meal: the fish tacos, which were good but I've had better at numerous locations in California. Good flavor tho. And saving the best for last, the mussels appetizer was probably the best I've ever had. Fresh, perfectly cooked mussels in a white wine, garlic sauce that adds to the flavor but doesn't overpower the mussels. They were a home run! Great casual/fancy atmosphere in a unique location. Very good and friendly service. Will be returning on my next visit.
(5)
Addie T.
Very disappointed with the quality of the food. I ordered the mussels with a side of mashed potatoes. The mashed potatoes were okay, but the mussels were not cleaned properly. The beards were still attached, and some of them were barely cooked. Would not order again.
(2)
Jillian F.
The food was good but I've had better in charleston. We started off with a few cocktails. The melon mojito was okay along with the sangria. However their hibiscus mule was too sweet. The bread was delicious and slightly sweet. I ordered the shrimp with bacon grits. It had lots of flavor and a bit of spice. My dad ordered a similar salmon entree made similarly to my shrimp. Then my mom ordered a buttery white fish. It was cooked great. Overall the food was good but average for charleston. The atmosphere is very casual and relaxing if you aren't looking for something fancy.
(3)
Carlo B.
Talk about a hidden gem...... Coast is the place for a great seafood meal. We started with the Coast Crab Dip. It consisted of Blue Crab meat, horseradish sauce and grilled bread. Delicious!!!! I had Shrimp Linguini with bacon, shallots & peppers in a creamy Rockefeller sauce. A nice size portion that exceeded my expectations. My wife had Baja fish tacos which she raved over. Service was awesome. I can't remember the name of the young lady who took care of us but she was attentive and had that southern charm which Charleston is known for. Thank you and the staff for a great dining experience.
(5)
Zak G.
A friend and I were visiting Charleston for the weekend and were craving some seafood so we tried Coast out. Coast is a little bit hard to find since it is in an alley off of a cross street, but once you find the alley you'll realize that it adds greatly to the ambience of the place. Before entering the dining room you first walk through some nice porch seating, which is separated from the inside of the restaurant by an old garage door with windows. On nice days, like the day that we visited, this garage door is up giving the place a nice open air feel. Inside, the high ceilings and weathered brick walls add to the illusion that you are outside. Overall the ambience was very nice and had the feel of an oceanside seafood restaurant without being tacky. Along with it's regular menu items, the restaurant offered a host of fresh fish options which it prepared on its "smokey oakwood grill." I opted to go with this option ordering the grouper with the spicy adobo dry rub. The fish was well prepared and very tasty. I was pleasantly surprised that the dry rub was as spicy as billed. In addition to the fish I was treated to a mixture of julienne squash and carrots which were very tasty and the lentil and qunoia pilaf which was unrelentingly delicious. Service at the restaurant was excellent. Originally the fish came with mashed potatoes but the waitress was very friendly in switching it to the qunoia pilaf. The food came quickly and everything was delivered as ordered. I would definitely recommend Coast to anyone looking for great seafood in a relaxing environment in Charleston!
(4)
Marqus R.
Wow! It's difficult not to fall in love with this place. How high are the ceilings; 50 feet or something, old brick, rustic, with a perfect relaxed Southern Charleston atmosphere and ambiance. Finally, it was a thrill to find an alert bartender as well as a waiter who was clearly professional in every detail, leading to a most enjoyable evening. The food; perfectly prepared and done with an exquisite presentation. I started off with the lobster ceviche, which though obviously not a native Charleston dish, was excellent in flavor as well as in presentation. I followed that with one of the finest braised groupers ever. So, for me, I'm a fan and look forward to my return.
(4)
William W.
My lobster and crab au gratin was mostly bread and crab meat but I did find a sliver of lobster. It's a crap shoot with this dish apparently and was disappointing. Management didn't seem to care and i surely wouldn't recommend.
(2)
Priscilla W.
We had reservations here for Mother's Day dinner. Last time I visited we couldn't get a table so I have been anxiously awaiting a meal here. We were promptly seated when we arrived. Parking is a breeze as there is a garage literally next door. The space itself is interesting, large super high ceilings but with the "patio" side areas inside it us quite cozy at those tables and the noise level is very tolerable for such a large restaurant. Our server was prompt and polite but not overly talkative. My daughter and I both ordered mojitis - I got the cucumber melon and she ordered the strawberry . Both were tasty and refreshing. I ordered the crab cakes with fries, blue cheese cole slaw and a ramoulatte. The cakes were large and moist and tasty but the real star of the plate was the cole slaw- very good! My daughter ordered the plank fired mahi mahi with a fruit salsa and fresh veggies and Parmesan whipped potatoes. Her fish was outstanding, cooked to perfection. My son-in-law ordered the shrimp and grits which he said was very good. A very enjoyable dinner.
(4)
Carrie E.
Fresh seafood with a southern twist. The decor is rustic coastal which was really cool. Food was good and priced fairly. I had the shrimp and grits and really enjoyed it. Take the longer walk from downtown. It is worth it.
(4)
Ryan K.
Wife and I love his place. My Cajun shrimp orzo dish was very excellent but my wife's dish was overly rich (some sort of braised fish w/ mashed taters). The bartender noticed she didn't like it (we are not ones to complain) and to our surprise, they removed it from the bill. We gave him a BIG tip in result. Definitely always enjoy the 2 guys behind the bar. They're there every year we visit and definitely add to the social life and overall experience. Give it a try!
(5)
Helen B.
We were visiting the area and saw that this place was getting lots of good reviews so decided to give it a try. Overall we had a very good experience. There was quite a wait but we were able to get seats in their patio area, which is closed off from the street in winter but we were right by the heat lamps so it was very pleasant. Our server was on top of things despite having a lot of tables and was very pleasant. I had one of their award winning mojitos and thought it was quite tasty (a little sweet but I like them that way). My wife had a mint julep and thought it was also very good. I ordered the escolar from the wood fire grill and she ordered the shrimp and grits. Both were excellent (especially the shrimp dish) - if I had just one complaint it was that my dish was underseasoned, although the fish was cooked nicely. We would definitely come back if we were in the area.
(4)
Ann L.
I am here from out of town on business and was looking for somewhere with fresh seafood that was open on a Sunday. Coast did not disappoint! We both had the fresh Escolar, but with different sauces (you get to pick from about 8 different kinds). It was wonderful! Very fresh and cooked perfectly. As an added bonus, all bottles of wine are half price until 8PM on Sundays, and the wine list is quite good! The server was knowledgeable about the menu, and was attentive without rushing us at all. We sat on the patio, which was great because it was a beautiful evening, and enjoyed the live music which added to the ambiance without interfering with conversation. Great place! Will definitely come back next time I'm in Charleston!
(5)
Jack K.
Ate here twice on this trip. Firstly, the bar knows how to make drinks. Nothing was watered down but always nicely balanced. The first visit I ordered the paella. Absolutely amazing! It's a large meal with all of the rice but all the seafood was perfectly cooked. The second visit I tried the crab cakes. They were also very good. Plenty of crabmeat and nicely spiced. Excellent flavor. One of my favorites in Charleston.
(5)
Travis F.
This place is great. I am traveling for work and wanted to taste the local seafood and found the perfect place. The environment is great, the restaurant has a really cool look, and the food was great. I had dozen oysters and the buffalo shrimp tacos. Delicious! Also, there was a live acoustic guitar player jamming in the bar area of the restaurant and he was great and really added to the atmosphere.
(5)
David P.
Coast is a nice place to get some awesome seafood but if you expect good food and good service, you went to the wrong restaurant. My waiter was great until the food arrived, then he was a bartender and totally forgot about my table. After 1hr 30m he decided maybe we would like to have another beer and more water. The service was so bad that I considered just putting a $20 on the table and walking off. I would have been out of the state before he realized we left. Maybe the way to go is get a to-go order. The food good, service non-existing.
(2)
Malynda M.
Amazing! The Oysters Rockefeller, Bacon wrapped scallops, Seafood Paella, Lobster & Crab Gratin, and Jalapeño & cheese grits are absolutely delicious! The staff is friendly, amenable, happy, and responsive. Eating here is a must if you are in Charleston.
(5)
Reggie R.
The place was amazing. The waitress was wonderful and new everything. The Escolar was delicious and there bacon wrapped shrimp were very good. This is a place you must go to if your in Charleston.
(5)
Andrea W.
With so many wonderful places to eat in Charleston, you would think we would try a different one each time we return. But Coast just calls our name! Off the beaten path by just a few steps, this place is worth looking for. Every meal we have had has been wonderful. Every server attentive. Every drink, perfect! The peach sangria should be bought by the pitcher. Delish! If you are looking for exceptional food, this is your place. When you can't get a reservation at one of the more widely know spots, go to Coast. Can't wait till we are back in Savannah.
(5)
Mike E.
We got into town around 7 on a recent Saturday night and my girlfriend and I followed the motel's desk attendant's advice and walked the few block to Coast. I asked for a good spot to get some seafood and he said it was very good but would be busy. After arriving the hostess said it would be about an hour before we could get a table so we worked our way to the bar. The place was pretty much packed with people out having fun so it was an easy place to fit in. After a few minutes we scored seats at the bar - thank you to the very nice couple that gave us their seats! We were both on Mountain time so we weren't really that hungry, no problem we'll just start drinking. And when they told us they had a table we decided to stay at the bar because we were having so much fun! We managed to split an order of the Oysters Rockefeller in the midst of our drinking, it had lots of cheese and was very good! We had a great time hanging out with some locals and the bartender, before long we decided to bag dinner and just keep drinking. We were just a little bummed that we didn't get a chance to eat anything else on the impressive menu. Flash forward a few days. We were in the area to help my parents celebrate their 50th anniversary and they asked if we knew of any places in Charleston that would be a good place to have dinner. Eureka, do we ever! We got there a couple of minutes late for the reservations and were quickly seated. We dove in with both feet and got some Traditional Ceviche, Crab Dip, and a dozen Oysters on the Half Shell. All were good, especially the Crab Dip, wow! I went with the Lobster & Crab Gratin, I was feeling like something decadent and it was perfect. Mmmm good!! Others got the Spicy Adobo Shrimp, Paella, and Cashew Encrusted Grouper. Everyone was pretty happy with their selections. Also, to mark the occasion they comped us a large piece of Coast Lime Pie which was really tasty. Great food and service, if I make it back to Charleston I will definitely be stopping back by for more of each!
(4)
Amanda J.
Our meal here was superb. Great service, great deals with restaurant week, could not have asked for more. My boyfriend wanted fresh, South Carolina oysters so that was why we picked this place. He got a half dozen and was very happy. Best oysters he has ever had, he said! I tried the Seersucker cocktail and it was decent. The pineapple was a little much but I still enjoyed it. For apps we got the mixed green salad with blue cheese and the calamari. Both awesome. We both got the surf and turf for our entree and were highly satisfied. The spice on my shrimp was a little overpowering, but I just took off the bacon and it was great. Got one of each dessert (white chocolate mousse or key lime pie) and they were great as well. My only critique would be the bathrooms - missing locks and broken toilets. Leaves something to be desired. Rae was our server and she was both polite and prompt. Like I said before, what more could you ask for?
(5)
Michael E.
Be prepared to wait, but it is worth it. They had 5 quality draft beers to pick from, none of which could get you into a NASCAR event. The service was fantastic! I went way to simple with the fried oysters, but they were very good. Not overly greasy like some places can be. The bacon blue cheese slaw was very good, nice atmosphere, a lot of people but you get a private feel.
(4)
Janet N.
Our experience at Coast was outstanding, we tell people it was one of our top 5 restaurant experiences ever. We had a ceviche trio (our favorites were the octopus and lobster but the classic was also very tasty) and hush puppies to start, then for entrees the escolar off the wood smoke grill with the pineapple chili salsa (our server's excellent recommendation) and the shrimp and grits. Finished off with the "coast lime pie" which was key lime but with a very light texture. We will be back to Charleston and to Coast.
(5)
Bridgette C.
Beyond delicious! Mashed potatoes were amazing as was my crab crusted tilapia! The swordfish was cooked perfectly! A must go if looking for some amazing seafood. The atmosphere is wonderful as well and the service was fantastic.
(5)
Salvatore C.
Okay our dinner at Coast was impeccable despite the mixed reviews, Most were actually good. I had pan seared scallops with mushrooms and a garlic mashed potato fantastic! My beautiful wife had tilapia with fresh crabmeat encrusted, As she would say to die for! Appetizers were fantastic Blue point oysters were beautiful . the flourless chocolate cake was great and our server Tiffany was very attentive, Actually the best server we that in a long long time.
(5)
Julie S.
Wonderful choice for our first dinner in Down Town Charleston. We were immediately seated outside in the patio room which was a little toasty but better than waiting for a table inside. I had the crab infused tilapia with mashed potatoes and green beans. It was delicious, warm and fresh. My mom enjoyed her fried shrimp as well. The server was very friendly and attentive. I highly recommend this restaurant and will return if I'm in the area.
(5)
Tara G.
I like Coast because they have options other than seafood! It was perfect because everyone was wanting seafood except me, and Coast has salads, chicken, veggies, etc. I had the monterrey chicken, and it was delicious! The BBQ sauce on it was tasty & so was the jalapeno bacon. They also had bottled wine specials for $12/bottle. You can't beat that!
(4)
Cullen E.
A gentleman at Coast Brewing Company (purely coincidence) recommended Coast Bar & Grill to us for our one evening spent in Charleston. We showed up on a Saturday evening around 7pm without a reservation and were immediately seated on the patio. It was pretty cold out but they had those nifty propane tower heaters so it was just right. I had the Blackened Seafood Chowder and my wife had the Coast Oysters Rockefeller. Both were excellent! For our main course we tried the Lobster & Crab Gratin. Words cannot express how amazing this was...but I'll try. It was the best seafood I have ever had. The wife had the Triple Layer Chocolate Cake and enjoyed it, but said it wasn't anything worth writing home about. Overall, a great experience here at Coast. We would definitely go back again when we return to SC.
Gave it a try for Restaurant Week. They claimed to have a crispy flounder fillet on the menu. Now, being in Charleston for many, many years, crispy flounder is something that restaurants fight over to claim as the first to create it. It's a local favorite. We were brought out two fried flounder (it could have been any tasteless white fish) with some crazy white sauce. WTH? That was my biggest let down of the night. I hate having to apologize to any of my company for a menu recommendation. Bad. Bad. The rest of the food was on par with California Dreaming or any other "shoneys" type eats. I didn't gag on anything and no one got sick. There are a dozen other places that *wow* me in this town. Sorry guys and gals...
(2)
Meredith V.
Coast has consistently given me a very good seafood experience. Standouts have been their escolar, whole fried snapper & swordfish dishes, not to mention their award winning mojitos!
(4)
Shannon K.
Amazing food, and great service. We went on a Friday night at 6:30. We were told we would have a 45 minute wait, but were seated in about 20. The wait staff was amazing. You could tell that they had a good system down. Dirty plates and cups were cleared quickly, and drinks refilled constantly. The food was amazing! We would highly recommend the ceviche. It was delicious. All the food was cooked to perfection, including a steak. Great experience, and will definitely return soon.
(5)
Anna H.
I took my boyfriend out to dinner at Coast while we were on vacation in Charleston over 4th of July weekend. It was a great dinner, and both of us were impressed not only with the food, but the ambience. Our dining experience had all the right touches - delicious food, courteous service, and the perfect pacing. It was the first romantic dinner we've had out on the town in quite some time, and it was really perfect in every way. I'd definitely suggest their shrimp ceviche, oysters rockefeller, and - yum - the out-of-this-world peach margaritas! Even more impressive than the dining experience, itself, was the careful attention paid to us by the reservations/host staff. We showed up around 6pm in the afternoon after a day of sightseeing, on a Friday, with no reservation. The hostess, Hyatt, was so kind to us, and penciled us in for a table a bit later, even though they were fully booked. This gave us time to go back to the hotel, get ready, then come back to enjoy a proper evening out. Initially we were told it might be as much as an hour, but right after we got back to the hotel room (about 10 minutes later), she gave us a call to say a table had opened up. Since we were just hopping in the shower, I begged her to give that table away and hold the next one for us. I know that in many cases, that might not have been possible, but she was so sweet and totally made it work. That skill and professionalism made all the difference, creating a great lead-in to what ended up being the best meal of our vacation. Can't wait to visit next time we're back in SC!
(5)
Mike M.
Good seafood and good drinks. Crab cakes were good, not a soggy breadcrumb mess. Their Oysters Rockefeller were fantastic as well.
(4)
Audra W.
We had a great meal here while visiting Charlseton last month. The atmosphere is great- live music was awesome and it has a rustic, ship-like vibe that I love. I got the tomato-based seafood soup which was outstanding and the ceasar salad which was also great. My husband and I shared the surf and turf which was amazing. Wood-fired salmon, perfectly cooked steak and a delicious sides. We were all in all thrilled with this find!
(5)
Nicole D.
This restaurant came highly recommended by friends so we made a reservation while in town. Don't do it! The service and atmosphere was great! The hostess was helpful prior to our visit with parking and very friendly. Restaurant was clean and around the bar area you could tell everyone was enjoying themselves. Unfortunately the food itself did not meet the expectations. Even if I had not heard great things about it I would still have been dissapponted. We did have some very good peel and eat shrimp. That and the fries were the only thing worth having. I did not go out expecting to appreciate the fries as the best part of my meal! I had the crab cake appetizer as my meal and the crab "ball" I received was gooey and flavorless. The sauce that came with it was a great dip for the fries. The other dish we had was the seared rare tuna, huge mistake!!!!!!! The tuna was encrusted in something that was a mess. The noodles and sauce it was served on looked like something out of a toilet rather than something you would eat in a restaurant. The dark brown sauce was so unappetizing we immediately removed the tuna from the top and had the dish taken away. Whoever had the idea to serve something that looks like that has no idea how presentation affects the meal!!! We did observe the majority of the people ordered from the raw bar and seemed very satisfied. If this restaurant would stick to the things it does well and drop some of the more pretentious items from the menu I believe they would have a lot more satisfied customers. Also I should have taken the advice of others Yelp reviewers and steered away from the cocktails. I have never had a bad drink until the one I ordered from here!!! The only reason I even drank the 3/4s I did was because I felt dumb spending $8 on a cocktail just to leave it sitting. Overall this good be a good place with a few changes; manager and chef being two of the first!
(2)
Karey Q.
Oh my goodness. This place takes the crab cake. The oysters and mussels were absolutely fresh and delicious and the crab dip was so good! Very fun design, bartenders are friendly and knowledgable. A Real gem! I'll be back!
(5)
Daniel A.
Coast has always been a favorite of mine when family comes to town as was the case this past weekend (Sat Labor Day) I expected crowds and we opted for reservations at 9:15 as the other option was 5:15. The bar area at 8:30 was full but after 1 minute 4 seats opened and we sat right down. Appetizers were the bacon wrapped scallops, and the buffalo shrimp highly recommend with a nice pale ale. We were promptly seated at 9:00 and the dining area was quite full, I and my brother opted for the Halibut special with the squash casserole and a side of the creamy okra. Great choice!! My wife's entree came with creamed spinach let me tell you, ham makes any vegetable taste good. All in all it was a hit with the visiting family thank you COAST for not letting me down.
(4)
Andy S.
Not good if you are looking for quality seafood. This is about the same as a Joe's Crab Shack level of food with perhaps less consistency. Only thing worse than the quality of the seafood is the service. The hostess has either no idea how long the wait for your table will be or they purposefully just say, "we are cleaning up the table and it'll be a couple minutes." They will say that to you several times for the better part of 30-45 minutes. For what it is- it's fine but the bistro next door is a whole lot better if you are going out for good food. However, for college kids on a budget and in the mood for mostly liquor and beer, it's probably a safe bet. I visit charleston every summer for 2 weeks and will not return to coast. So many many other better places to try.
(2)
Selphyne B.
Currently my favorite joint in the Charleston area! All I want and ever expect from a geographic region that is coastal, is fresh, properly, creatively prepared, seafood. Coast is the only restaurant we have tried so far that has succeeded! We had one item we didn't care for and it was something I don't ever like anyways but my husband wanted to try it: the crab dip appetizer. It wasn't awful, I just don't like crab and it was very reminiscent of cat food in every way possible. We went on a Sunday evening at open. The bar opens first a half an hour before seating begins. We waited at the bar and we were seated immediately when dining hours began. All staff were incredibly friendly and seemingly comfortable in their environment. Fresh baked bread and herbaceous butter was brought to the table first and were so delightful I could have dined only on that! Sunday nights at coast offer a special on their fish tacos at $4 each which is what I opted for. My husband selected that evenings special which was a grilled swordfish steak accompanied by a pumpkin cornbread, charred Brussels sprouts on a creamy mushroom gravy. My fish tacos were good but would have been infinitely better if the Mahi were left whole rather than shredded. Because of its preparation my tacos were barely warm when they got to the table. The tropical fruit slaw and sauces on the taco were flavorful and the fish was fresh tasting, I just suggest asking if it's possible to not have it shredded! My husbands specialty was truly out of this world. The fish was gorgeously grilled, moist but well done. The pumpkin cornbread tasted good but it heavy for my stomach. The Brussels sprouts (which I typically hate btw!) were so fantastic and wish there had been more! The sauce was wonderful as well! My husband and I have been wanting to return since we left that night! I can't wait and I highly suggest this place and warn: it is pricey! I felt like it was worth the cost, however, and will spread out the visits :)
A friend and I were visiting Charleston for the weekend and were craving some seafood so we tried Coast out. Coast is a little bit hard to find since it is in an alley off of a cross street, but once you find the alley you'll realize that it adds greatly to the ambience of the place. Before entering the dining room you first walk through some nice porch seating, which is separated from the inside of the restaurant by an old garage door with windows. On nice days, like the day that we visited, this garage door is up giving the place a nice open air feel. Inside, the high ceilings and weathered brick walls add to the illusion that you are outside. Overall the ambience was very nice and had the feel of an oceanside seafood restaurant without being tacky. Along with it's regular menu items, the restaurant offered a host of fresh fish options which it prepared on its "smokey oakwood grill." I opted to go with this option ordering the grouper with the spicy adobo dry rub. The fish was well prepared and very tasty. I was pleasantly surprised that the dry rub was as spicy as billed. In addition to the fish I was treated to a mixture of julienne squash and carrots which were very tasty and the lentil and qunoia pilaf which was unrelentingly delicious. Service at the restaurant was excellent. Originally the fish came with mashed potatoes but the waitress was very friendly in switching it to the qunoia pilaf. The food came quickly and everything was delivered as ordered. I would definitely recommend Coast to anyone looking for great seafood in a relaxing environment in Charleston!
(4)
Marqus R.
Wow! It's difficult not to fall in love with this place. How high are the ceilings; 50 feet or something, old brick, rustic, with a perfect relaxed Southern Charleston atmosphere and ambiance. Finally, it was a thrill to find an alert bartender as well as a waiter who was clearly professional in every detail, leading to a most enjoyable evening. The food; perfectly prepared and done with an exquisite presentation. I started off with the lobster ceviche, which though obviously not a native Charleston dish, was excellent in flavor as well as in presentation. I followed that with one of the finest braised groupers ever. So, for me, I'm a fan and look forward to my return.
(4)
William W.
My lobster and crab au gratin was mostly bread and crab meat but I did find a sliver of lobster. It's a crap shoot with this dish apparently and was disappointing. Management didn't seem to care and i surely wouldn't recommend.
(2)
Priscilla W.
We had reservations here for Mother's Day dinner. Last time I visited we couldn't get a table so I have been anxiously awaiting a meal here. We were promptly seated when we arrived. Parking is a breeze as there is a garage literally next door. The space itself is interesting, large super high ceilings but with the "patio" side areas inside it us quite cozy at those tables and the noise level is very tolerable for such a large restaurant. Our server was prompt and polite but not overly talkative. My daughter and I both ordered mojitis - I got the cucumber melon and she ordered the strawberry . Both were tasty and refreshing. I ordered the crab cakes with fries, blue cheese cole slaw and a ramoulatte. The cakes were large and moist and tasty but the real star of the plate was the cole slaw- very good! My daughter ordered the plank fired mahi mahi with a fruit salsa and fresh veggies and Parmesan whipped potatoes. Her fish was outstanding, cooked to perfection. My son-in-law ordered the shrimp and grits which he said was very good. A very enjoyable dinner.
(4)
Carrie E.
Fresh seafood with a southern twist. The decor is rustic coastal which was really cool. Food was good and priced fairly. I had the shrimp and grits and really enjoyed it. Take the longer walk from downtown. It is worth it.
(4)
Ryan K.
Wife and I love his place. My Cajun shrimp orzo dish was very excellent but my wife's dish was overly rich (some sort of braised fish w/ mashed taters). The bartender noticed she didn't like it (we are not ones to complain) and to our surprise, they removed it from the bill. We gave him a BIG tip in result. Definitely always enjoy the 2 guys behind the bar. They're there every year we visit and definitely add to the social life and overall experience. Give it a try!
(5)
Helen B.
We were visiting the area and saw that this place was getting lots of good reviews so decided to give it a try. Overall we had a very good experience. There was quite a wait but we were able to get seats in their patio area, which is closed off from the street in winter but we were right by the heat lamps so it was very pleasant. Our server was on top of things despite having a lot of tables and was very pleasant. I had one of their award winning mojitos and thought it was quite tasty (a little sweet but I like them that way). My wife had a mint julep and thought it was also very good. I ordered the escolar from the wood fire grill and she ordered the shrimp and grits. Both were excellent (especially the shrimp dish) - if I had just one complaint it was that my dish was underseasoned, although the fish was cooked nicely. We would definitely come back if we were in the area.
(4)
Ann L.
I am here from out of town on business and was looking for somewhere with fresh seafood that was open on a Sunday. Coast did not disappoint! We both had the fresh Escolar, but with different sauces (you get to pick from about 8 different kinds). It was wonderful! Very fresh and cooked perfectly. As an added bonus, all bottles of wine are half price until 8PM on Sundays, and the wine list is quite good! The server was knowledgeable about the menu, and was attentive without rushing us at all. We sat on the patio, which was great because it was a beautiful evening, and enjoyed the live music which added to the ambiance without interfering with conversation. Great place! Will definitely come back next time I'm in Charleston!
(5)
Jack K.
Ate here twice on this trip. Firstly, the bar knows how to make drinks. Nothing was watered down but always nicely balanced. The first visit I ordered the paella. Absolutely amazing! It's a large meal with all of the rice but all the seafood was perfectly cooked. The second visit I tried the crab cakes. They were also very good. Plenty of crabmeat and nicely spiced. Excellent flavor. One of my favorites in Charleston.
(5)
Travis F.
This place is great. I am traveling for work and wanted to taste the local seafood and found the perfect place. The environment is great, the restaurant has a really cool look, and the food was great. I had dozen oysters and the buffalo shrimp tacos. Delicious! Also, there was a live acoustic guitar player jamming in the bar area of the restaurant and he was great and really added to the atmosphere.
(5)
David P.
Coast is a nice place to get some awesome seafood but if you expect good food and good service, you went to the wrong restaurant. My waiter was great until the food arrived, then he was a bartender and totally forgot about my table. After 1hr 30m he decided maybe we would like to have another beer and more water. The service was so bad that I considered just putting a $20 on the table and walking off. I would have been out of the state before he realized we left. Maybe the way to go is get a to-go order. The food good, service non-existing.
(2)
Malynda M.
Amazing! The Oysters Rockefeller, Bacon wrapped scallops, Seafood Paella, Lobster & Crab Gratin, and Jalapeño & cheese grits are absolutely delicious! The staff is friendly, amenable, happy, and responsive. Eating here is a must if you are in Charleston.
(5)
Reggie R.
The place was amazing. The waitress was wonderful and new everything. The Escolar was delicious and there bacon wrapped shrimp were very good. This is a place you must go to if your in Charleston.
(5)
Andrea W.
With so many wonderful places to eat in Charleston, you would think we would try a different one each time we return. But Coast just calls our name! Off the beaten path by just a few steps, this place is worth looking for. Every meal we have had has been wonderful. Every server attentive. Every drink, perfect! The peach sangria should be bought by the pitcher. Delish! If you are looking for exceptional food, this is your place. When you can't get a reservation at one of the more widely know spots, go to Coast. Can't wait till we are back in Savannah.
(5)
Jess M.
Loved the ambiance of this place - brick...dark wood...from the get go, I loved. I decided to order the Chef's special (tracker fish...I think. Had never heard of it!) It came with butter bean side and grits - definitely worth trying! The server was AWESOME - I wish I remembered her name so I could post it here. Try this place - good for dinner with friends, a date...the patio looked fun too.
Would give it 4 but crab soup was too saucy/thick/salty for a soup, oysters Rockefeller were so-so, and this is based on sitting at the bar. Crab cake was full of crab tho sauce was lacking. Mussels were nice and more brinier than I've had in recent years. Complimentary corn bread was Lishious, 4.5* and fre
We had very high expectations for this place that were somewhat misplaced. Don't get me wrong, dinner here was perfectly pleasant. It just didn't knock our socks off. The service was very nice (kudos to Rachel). The food was just ok. We shared three starters. Lobster ceviche was very fresh and light, and the lobster shined through. The cornmeal crusted fried oysters with habañero aioli and mango salsa were sort of tasty but texturally were kind of odd. The hot crabmeat dip was all mayonnaise and fairly gross. My daughter had the crabmeat and avocado ravioli appetizer as an entree. It was just OK. My son had spicy Cajun-style shrimp which were REALLY spicy and delicious, perfectly cooked. I had grilled swordfish with a beurre blanc sauce which was pretty good, if not spectacular. The mashed potatoes were excellent, though. I was told that Hank's is better for seafood, but I wanted to do something more casual. Next time I am in Charleston I will go there instead.
(3)
Kim O.
We stayed at a hotel nearby so decided to eat there. Ended up eating there several times! Wonderful selections and great atmosphere. A must if visiting Charleston.
(5)
Katie B.
Definitely a bland experience. I took my extended family here when they came to visit me, and the overall consensus was mediocre food for too much money. I had the crab encrusted tilapia and thought it was bland and dry. Not a piece of fish I would expect served to me in a downtown Charleston restaurant. My uncle had the Seafood Paella (grilled fish with scallops, shrimp, clams, mussels, housemade chorizo sausage, peppers, onions & saffron calasparra rice), which sounds absolutely amazing, but sadly was the most underwhelming concoction. In sum, none of our 8 dishes were anything exciting or anything worth paying gourmet prices. In a foodie city, such as downtown Charleston, it is definitely disappointing.
(2)
Matt B.
My waitress was a little slow to start and appeared to be in the weeds with only 3 tables including me (solo). She seemed to step it up a little after delivering the entrees to her other two tables. The food was really good. I had the flat iron steak and it was cooked perfect, tender and flavorful. The blue cheese butter was exceptional. The calamari was good, but not spectacular. The remoulade sauce and marinara were both delicious. Prices were very reasonable for the quality. The live guitar and singing was enjoyable. Not too loud and and the guy had talent. I would definitely make this a regular stop when in Charleston.
(4)
Cinnatea L.
So glad we tried this place. A little hard to find in the alley, but totally worth wandering around in the cold looking for it lol. Great service, seated promptly. We had the Creole Fried Oysters. Yumm. And some Australian Shiraz - super yumm. But the highlights of the meal, aside from superb service, were the blackened escolar with crab etouffee and jalapeno cornbread, and the hazelnut chocolate cheesecake. Holy heaven Batman!!! Excellent preparation and presentation. Our socks were definitely knocked off!! Bravo!! Will be back!
(5)
Andrea W.
The atmosphere is great. Beautifully decorated and not too fussy. Wish we had time to hang out at the bar before dinner. Food was good, all the seafood rated really fresh. Our bacon wrapped scallops tasted a little burned, but everything else was excellent. I think you could probably get comparable seafood at other places in Charleston, but Coast wins my vote for the decor and atmosphere.
(4)
Nathan S.
Seafood restaurant, and very good at it. Shrimp & grits was a pretty small serving, but my fried combo was big enough. Nice staff, good location, good seafood variety. Loved it.
(5)
Anna L.
Crowded, but no wait on a Monday night. Family friendly and also great for dates. Service was kind of slow, but made up for it with the delicious seafood! Salmon was excellent. I wish there was a front door in front of the patio.
(4)
Alyssa M.
On a visit to Charleston we were on the look-out for good seafood in a non-touristy place. This place was packed late on a Thursday with locals which I took as a good sign. I absolutely loved what I ordered (peel & eat shrimp and the bacon wrapped scallops). My bf got the whole fried flounder and it was amazing! The rest of the trip I wanted to come back for more. For the quality and service I thought it was reasonably priced. Skip Hymens and head here if you're an out-of-towner looking for seafood.
(5)
Michael R.
Was visiting Charleston with family recently, and my parents had eaten at Coast in 2011 for their anniversary and absolutely loved it, so we wanted to check it out. It's located in an old, open, warehouse off of a bit of an alley, so the entrance itself builds up it's image. Coast goes for the Islander/Surfer Dude theme, in that they've got Straw huts over some tables, and have worked to turn the cavernous space into a very chill feel. When we visited on a weekend evening, they had live music going in their bar area, which filtered over nicely into the dining space. Their drink menu is pretty expansive, and we were all able to settle on a wine choice to go with our food. The service here was excellent, both with our primary server, and the supporting staff, as they worked well to ensure that water glasses were kept full, and we were attended to, but all without being overbearing. The food here is well worth the reputation, as the tend to toe the line between creole, down-home southern, and a latin american flair, all of which are good influences that help make their dishes unique among some of the other restaurants in Charleston. We started off with one of their Crab Dips, which came out piping hot with some crusty bread, and was very cheesy and creamy; I would have liked a better crab to dip ratio, however the dip was deliciously flavored none the less. We all went with Seafood dishes; my family all went with different Grilled items including Salmon, Swordfish, and their special of the day, a Surf and Turf special of Rib-eye, Salmon, and Shrimp, while I went with their Cashew Coated I think it was Grouper. The fish was heavenly here, simply amazing all around. All of the grilled fish came out exceptionally well, and was still moist, even the swordfish, which I know is a hard fish to grill without drying out. Their sides too were all flavorful, I quite enjoyed the Parm mashed potatoes, and their green beans were on the al dente side which I liked but to my parents were a bit under done. Coast's portions are quite filling, however not as large as I've seen for other similarly priced venues, which would be my only drawback here. Either way, they left us satiated such that we passed on Dessert. I'd definitely make this a return trip choice to check out some differing options on their menu
(4)
Abby L.
My favorite place to get seafood in Charleston. The atmosphere here is amazing and the wait staff is super helpful and willing to answer numerous questions. The dinners are all full of fresh, delicious ingredients and are the perfect size to fill you up. I had the scallops and they were cooked to perfection, large, and plump. If you love seafood I would highly recommend Coast.
(5)
Tina T.
Best. food. ever. I had Grilled Spicy Adobo Shrimp with mango salsa, grits, and grilled veggies. So delicious it was ridiculous. Service was okay and we had to wait for a little bit, but the food made up for it all.
(5)
Sam P.
Crowded place with mediocre food. Paella was ok, but not impressive. Crab encrusted tilapia was a meager serving with unremarkable taste.
(2)
Alisha W.
Not worth the money. The appetizers are small portions not enough to share. The good thing was the frozen southern lemonade.
(2)
Amy B.
Everything was delicious, fresh, memorable. Ceviche trio; liked the shrimp best, but it was all perfectly prepared; Seared Salmon was divine; Red snapper sublime. Mojitos were a little weak, but the flavors were spot on. I will go back here every time I visit Charleston until I have exhausted the menu!
(5)
Arnaud B.
A generous 4 stars. Service was good, food was average, and overall pricey.... But would still recommend to have diner here if you are in charleston for vacation. The architecture of this place is unique and pretty awesome. Looks like eating in a giant historic warehouse. Neat.
(4)
Terri J.
We had just arrived in Charleston and Coast looked like a perfect, somewhat casual dinner spot. I have to say the ceviche was out of this world! I recommend the ceviche trio - with the lobster ceviche - to enjoy several tastes. We then shared their fresh catch of the day. Their fish is so fresh and delightfully prepared. Excellent!
(5)
Tom G.
I really like Coast - third time there last night. The food is awesome - never had anything close to bad there. The service has also always been great. The menu is good, mostly seafood, which is what you'd expect for a seafood restaurant. Only 2 steaks on the menu and one chicken dish, which if one person in a group isn't into seafood would have a really limited selection. It's not cheap, but also not super expensive. Dinner for 4 with a dozen oysters and drinks came to $210 with a nice tip.
(4)
Jack W.
MUST GO TO SPOT!!!! I don't know how we found it. but I am sure happy we did. The oysters made my night and service was really friendly and helpful. We did come with a friend who drank to much as was being rude to our waitress. But she was spunky and had a good head on her shoulders. I wish I could remember her name but she needs a raise. Thanks for everything I enjoyed the night.
(5)
Eric S.
Not sure where to start. Never made it past appetizers they were soooo good. Fresh local oysters, bacon wrapped scallops, mussels so good I finished all the dipping bread (and I don't eat bread;). But best of all a generous, people and service oriented bartender, (John) who just rocked it. All for a very reasonable price!!
(5)
Vic W.
This is a hard post to write.. Initially, I had a good impression of the service and food. To make a long story short, at the end of the dinner, my date and I saw a huge RAT run across the floor. Yes, a rat !.. Another couples saw the same thing. Immediately, told my girlfriend that we were done. Call the waiter over to tell him what we saw. His response was, "what do you expect from a 100 year old building." I called the manager over and he was apologetic, but didn't offer not to have us pay for the check or anything. I called back a day later and insisted they refund my money, which he agreed to. This was ridiculous!. Even a few days later I hate thinking about this.
(1)
Carrie J.
AMAZING!!! I had the sea scallops with the whipped Boursin mashed potatoes and the Malbec! EXCELLENT! They know how to cook seafood right!
(5)
Sase D.
Loved the atmosphere. The waitress was very nice and so helpful with explaining items on the menu and every request we made. Me and my husband decided to forgo the appetizers and shared a variety of oysters and ceviche instead and there was a single thing that I didn't like. Even the kids loved their pasta. Highly recommend for any occasion!
(5)
Alex Z.
Overall we were rather satisfied. We got the calamari as an appetizer. It was nice and tender, the breading stuck well. A little bit of a kick in one of the sauces might have been nice. The options for different cuisines in the entrees is great. You can get anything from simply grilled fish to southern shrimp and grits, Spanish paella, Japanese-style tune, and seafood pasta. Overall the food was rather good. The blackened escolar was seasoned well and the field pea succotash and polenta went well with it (though I'm not sure why they chose to use polenta rather than grits). My main complaint is the prices. While seafood is generally more expensive, the prices here really don't match the more casual ambiance. Few of the entrees are less than $20. The day after we went here, we went to a more upscale restaurant that also served a lot of seafood, and the prices were almost the same.
(4)
Sez R.
Nothing too special. I had ahi tuna, and it was 'ok'. Nothing is particularly bad about this place, but nothing is good either. Same goes for both the food and the service. If you are looking for a place just to eat, then it is ok. If you want a memorable experience, this is not the right place.
(4)
SJane D.
Although highly recommended by some locals, my experience had some highs and lows. Tough to choose between a 2 and three on this one. The wait staff was attentive, friendly and efficient. The Food - I opted for the Restaurant Week $30 trilogy of appetizer, entree and dessert. The appetizer chosen was a mixed seafood ceviche, with was excellent in portion size, freshness and taste. Very, very good. Dessert - I chose a key lime pie which was the best I've ever had, including my quest for "the Perfect Key Lime Pie" in Key West. The ceviche and pie is the reason Coast gets a three instead of a two. The entree was awful. I LOVE shrimp and grits, and really never met a plate of shrimp and grits I didn't like, but this shrimp had such a strong taste of bitterness, (maybe iodine?). You could smell it before it even got to your mouth, and it was so over powering that even the tasso tasted bitter. Shouldn't be this way, folks. Busy Restaurant week or not, if they have lousy shrimp they should take it off the menu until they get a better batch. I was not the only diner in Coast that night that left their shrimp (from the shrimp and grits) on their plate. I saw a few, so I am sure they knew they were serving an inferior product. Not okay.
(3)
Katie S.
Amazing fish! We both ordered the escarole with basil butter sauce and nearly licked our plates clean! The mojitos were tasty too. We will definitely be back on our next trip!
A friend's friend recommended this place. Great food, casual atmosphere. Hush puppies w/ jalepeno butter are a MUST HAVE. Lobster & Crab Gratin - my friend and I ordered the same dish! It was amazzzzzzzing. Chef's Mixed Grill - my friend loved her dish Tilapia - my friend loved this too Simply Southern Lemonade - heavenly!! Mango Mojito - yummy but a little to tangy/sweet Coast Lime Pie - SO GOOD Triple Layer Chocolate Cake - yummy but I've had better Blueberry Lemonade White Chocolate Cheesecake - TO DIE FOR. You won't regret dining here. The service was amazing. next time I come to Charleston, and I WILL be back with my hubby, I'm totally bringing him here!
(5)
Jef B.
Holy cow. Go for the grilled fish and of course the local oysters. Meaty and the combo of sauce mignonette and Mexican hot sauce was well, sublime.
(5)
Ed G.
Outstanding meal! Had the cerviche de cangreho which was more than enough for two for an appetizer . Dinner was cashew encrusted grouper and braised grouper. Both were excellent. The truffled bacon cheese grits were amazing. Grits with fish? Apparently it works.
(5)
Brandon B.
We made a 6pm reservation but arrived around 5:40. They seated us right away. Our waitress, Brittany, was wonderful! She answered questions we had about different entrees and was very attentive and personable. I ordered swordfish from the grill and my wife ordered salmon. It was delicious! I can honestly say it was the best seafood meal I've ever eaten. It wasn't any more expensive than I expected it to be for a nice meal (around $25 each). I'm so glad we went here!
(5)
Tamara P.
What a fantastic experience! Everything from the hostess to the decor was top notch. Our waitress, Viola I think, was exceptional. She helped us decide on everything. All four of us were completely enthralled with the place. This place will treat all of your senses in a way that they haven't been treated in a long time. We were full after our entrees but couldn't resist sharing the coconut blondie with a delicious cup of coffee. Don't miss a chance to come to the Coast when you have the chance. You can thank me later.
(5)
David S.
A friend highly recommended Coast to me. I have to admit. I was a little disappointed. The service was subpar. The Shrimp and Grits and Seafood Paella we good but not as good as we expected from a Charleston restraurant. Maybe we were there on a bad night, but we will not return with all of the other great choices in Charleston.
(3)
Sanders G.
My family and I had dinner at Coast, and our experience was good. Two of our party had the spicy shrimp dish, and they raved about it. Another of our party had the braised grouper, and while she did not rave, she seemed to enjoy it. I had the cashew encrusted grouper, and it was great, though the portion was much larger than the size of my appetite. For appetizers we had the fried green tomatoes, which were at best a solid "2" on a "10" point scaled, and the crab dip, which was good, but would have been better if served with something other than cold, white bread. Not sure I will return, as Charleston has more than its fair share of really good restaurants, but you won't go wrong by choosing Coast for a solid meal with huge proportions.
(3)
Dawn K.
Really great back alley feel. 5 stars for oyster rockefeller. Escolar . Cashew grouper. Just plan on a wait.
(5)
Scott M.
Medeocre food at gourmet prices. The most memorable thing about this place was how much of it I've forgotten...aside from how much I paid for it. I visited with my wife and 6 year old daughter. We got appetizers, meals, and a cocktail or two, but even though the visit was only about a week ago, I can't remember anything I ate or drink (this isn't to say the drink was so good it erased my memory, unless they rufied me or something). I know we didn't dislike the food but we really disliked seeing a bill of over $100 for what we had just experienced. The service is good, the atmosphere is fine, the food is unmemorable, the location is pretty bad, and the value is awful.
(1)
G G.
Fresh from the coast. Crab dip appetizer was great. Bread Grilled on the wood fired grill. (they cook lots of variety of fish on this grill too) Had oysters on the half shell that were not from the area (due to the season) but were outstanding. I ordered 2 more appetizers for my meal: the fish tacos, which were good but I've had better at numerous locations in California. Good flavor tho. And saving the best for last, the mussels appetizer was probably the best I've ever had. Fresh, perfectly cooked mussels in a white wine, garlic sauce that adds to the flavor but doesn't overpower the mussels. They were a home run! Great casual/fancy atmosphere in a unique location. Very good and friendly service. Will be returning on my next visit.
(5)
Addie T.
Very disappointed with the quality of the food. I ordered the mussels with a side of mashed potatoes. The mashed potatoes were okay, but the mussels were not cleaned properly. The beards were still attached, and some of them were barely cooked. Would not order again.
(2)
Jillian F.
The food was good but I've had better in charleston. We started off with a few cocktails. The melon mojito was okay along with the sangria. However their hibiscus mule was too sweet. The bread was delicious and slightly sweet. I ordered the shrimp with bacon grits. It had lots of flavor and a bit of spice. My dad ordered a similar salmon entree made similarly to my shrimp. Then my mom ordered a buttery white fish. It was cooked great. Overall the food was good but average for charleston. The atmosphere is very casual and relaxing if you aren't looking for something fancy.
(3)
Carlo B.
Talk about a hidden gem...... Coast is the place for a great seafood meal. We started with the Coast Crab Dip. It consisted of Blue Crab meat, horseradish sauce and grilled bread. Delicious!!!! I had Shrimp Linguini with bacon, shallots & peppers in a creamy Rockefeller sauce. A nice size portion that exceeded my expectations. My wife had Baja fish tacos which she raved over. Service was awesome. I can't remember the name of the young lady who took care of us but she was attentive and had that southern charm which Charleston is known for. Thank you and the staff for a great dining experience.
(5)
C W.
We went to Coast last night for drinks and dinner. We sat at the bar and had a drink while waiting for our table. All the staff were friendly and helpful. The bacon wrapped scallops were the best and I don't like scallops. I recommend the grilled salmon very fresh and well prepared. The menu has a large selection of appetizers, vegetables and seafood dishes that I plan to come back and try.
(5)
Medrano D.
There were 7 of us and we all loved everything we ordered. The cevice was delicious. Fresh. Fresh bread brought before we ate was soooo good.
(5)
Clint W.
Dark, with lots of brick inside. The bar and kitchen are the first part of the place that you walk into. A larger dining room is around the corner, with booths and such. During the summer, there is sort of an outside seating area that is enclosed, facing the alley. Staff was quick to us, and pretty patient explaining the menu. It's a pretty substantial selection of seafood to pick from. I went after the ahi this time and got an enormous portion. Two huge chunks sitting on my plate. Solid, but not exceptional. Since it was pretty quiet, we were in and out rapidly.
(4)
Tom W.
Service and food was outstanding! Had the snapper almondine. Best fish dish I've ever had. Paired with stags leap cab. Great night!
(5)
Zee B.
First time in Old Charleston this past weekend. Nice place to grab some local fare. Service was pretty good and the sweet potato fries were a delight! I will go back when I am in town next time.
(4)
Lauren W.
This was my second time at Coast and yet again my expectations were exceeded. They were booked for the night but managed to get us in. Wonderful atmosphere. Oysters were excellent. I had the Salmon with vegetables and mashed potatoes. Service was superb! Couldn't have asked for a better experience. Can't wait to visit Charleston again... This will be first on my list!
(5)
Jason G.
Great open space with an outstanding atmosphere that was intimate, inviting and not too loud. We ate at the bar and enjoyed outstanding service and the food was delicious. We luckily discovered that Sunday was half price bottles of wine night... Combined with awesome Oysters Bienville and Seafood Paella, the night was perfect. We ate as a couple at the bar, but there were a number of children there with families that appeared to be having a great time. We look forward to going back.
(5)
Esteban M.
We ordered the crab encrusted tilapia and shrimp and grits, along with the crab dip as an appetizer. Unfortunately the dip was the best part. The tilapia looked as if it were a TV dinner and the stoneground grits were "soupy". On the plus side the ambiance was nice and mojitos were good...a little overpriced but good none the less. In the future I would go just to have drinks and dessert with a client or it's the perfect place for a first date.
(3)
D V.
Great crab cakes. Crab crusted tilapia was really good too. Crab dip is warm and served w/toasted crusty bread - not what I was expecting, but very good. Slaw - YUK!! Atmosphere is terrific and house Cabernet was very smooth. Overall, a good meal. Would visit again.
Good, fresh seafood. Hush puppies were a little bit disappointing, as they were very, very dry. Decor is fun and interesting, but borders on being cheesy.
(4)
Michael B.
2 words............. mango mojito 4 words......... half price wine sundays and the best part of all their food is good too!
(4)
Kendra C.
I was really excited to try the Lobster & Crab Gratin (half lobster stuffed with blue crabmeat, lobster & parmesan cream herb breadcrumb crust, green beans & parmesan mashed potatoes). It was good but not what I was expecting for $27. It was like a crab cake stuffed inside a lobster tail. I don't think I tasted any lobster at all!. Big let down. My friend had the fish tacos and she loved them. I must give them credit for serving good food when we sat down 10 minutes before close on a Monday night.
(3)
Cruz K.
The staff at my hotel said this place was good and they were so right,always ask a local..The shrimp was some of the best ive ever had,good service,great location,right down town,walking distance from my hotel,if I ever go back to charleston this will be a must stop.Also the beer was cold.
(5)
Kathleen S.
I am visiting in the area and a group,of us went to Coast on a Friday night. It was very good. Excellent service, a fair beer list, really good food.
(4)
Ian P.
We had the ceviche, oysters Rockefeller, wreckfish, and fish sticks for the kids. First of all, the ceviche was incredible! It was whole scallops and shrimp, not chopped up like most places. They were as fresh and delicious as you could possibly hope for, and the scallops were huge. The oysters and wreckfish were also delicious, but the fish fingers were surprisingly perfect. When I think fish fingers I think of heavy breading, and nasty fish. This was a kids' dish ($5), but it was delicious. It was more like fish and chips than fish fingers. The fish was super fresh, piping hot, with a very thin breading. I could have eaten two plates of the kids' fish fingers and been absolutely satisfied and happy. We finished dinner with the chocolate cake, which was probably the best chocolate cake we've ever eaten.
(5)
Eric S.
Highlight of our trip to Charleston! Atmosphere is great in an old warehouse, service was attentive but not obtrusive and the food was to die for. Started out with ceviche trio (shellfish, lobster and octopus) that was amazing, great brightness of flavors through the acidity. Wife had the grouper over creamy grits and she loved it. I had the paella which had wonderful flavors, huge portions and so much seafood I couldn't finish it all (escolar, scallops, mussels, clams and shrimp) along with a house made chorizo that stole the show, simply amazing!! (Sancerre by the glass was a nice surprise too!) Finished off with white chocolate banana bread pudding and key lime pie that were a perfect finish to the best meal of our trip! If you are in town you MUST try Coast. We ate early (6pm) with reservations and were in and out in 50 minutes to boot!!
(5)
Carla D.
Fabulous restaurant off the beaten path. Very cool bar area. I am hooked on oysters at the moment and Coast definitely did not disappoint. I ordered a half dozen, all different varieties. What can I say? They were all tremendous! I also ordered a small mixed greens salad and the cioppino. For less than $10, I expected the cioppino to be a smallish cup but it was a meal! The tomato broth was divine and it was filled with plenty of tender seafood. The side salad was also huge, and I couldn't finish it. Coast is truly sensational, I had a really great meal!
(5)
Racquel P.
I wanted seafood for dinner so my colleague took me here for dinner on a Monday night. What an excellent choice! We were seats immediately and our server was at our table quickly. Very nice and explained all of the daily specials as well as the options on the main menu. I decided on the 1/2 dozen oysters.. She recommended 2 kinds (forgot what they were) and I ate them a little too quickly!! So yummy. My colleague ordered the pei mussels and it was a good amount. Our server brought extra bread as she knew we would want to dip it into the broth, which we did and it took everything to not wipe the bowl dry!! For the main course, I ordered the rare tuna with the sobe noodles. The sobe noodles flavor was kind of bland but the tuna was amazing. I was getting full on the tuna itself. My colleague ordered the pecan crusted grouper and she said it was the best fish she has ever had! If I ever am in downtown Charleston again and had a craving for seafood, I would love to come back to Coast. Definitely hit the spot!!
(5)
Ed B.
So many good meals at this restaurant over the past 5 years, tonight was not one of them! Starting with the bread, not warm and actually seemed old! Their bread is usually a great start. The Oysters Rockefeller was excellent and the fried squid good. My go to dish the Pecan Encrusted Grouper was a great disappointment! Potatoes were cold, green beans cold and sauce watery! My fish was three small pieces, they were hot and decent. I will dine at Coast again but really hope it returns to a 4 star experience.
(3)
Deb W.
Love the alley that Coast is located on and the fantastic atmosphere inside. The wait staff was great as were our fantastic mojitos. My husband was very happy with the selection of beers on tap. We had the crab dip and fried oyster appetizers. Both very good. I was quite disappointed with my seafood paella. The amount of seafood was minimal and the pieces were so small they were hard to find. There was a TON of very tasty rice. My husband had a shrimp and grits dish that was fantastic. Very large, perfectly cooked shrimp. We will definitely be going back. I can't wait to ty their happy hour!
(4)
Tali K.
I was very pleasantly surprised by this hidden gem. The service was great, everyone was very helpful and friendly. Definitely a unique and memorable ambiance. We ordered the crab and avocado ravioli appetizer- A MA ZING! Such a unique flair and so light and refreshing. We audio ordered the seated rare tuna. This too was delicious. Pecan crusted atop pomegranate reduction noodles made for an absolutist delightful flavor combination. I would definitely come again.
(5)
Kristen B.
This restaurant is a-ok, just as a three star rating states. Satisfying but not anything that stands out. The signature cocktails are underwhelming. Too sweet and uninspiring. Raw oyster starters were ok. They had a small selection for a fresh seafood restaurant and were out of one of the options. Of the oysters we did receive, they were nice and cold and fresh. We ordered the shrimp and grits as well as the wood-fire grilled escolar. The shrimp and grits were good but again nothing special. The escolar was delicous. Cooked perfectly. The sides that came with the fish were average (potatoes and mixed veggies).
(3)
Aly S.
We got a reservation the night before on Open Table for 2 and all that was left was 8:30. When we arrived it wasn't too crowded, no one was waiting except a group of girls who said they had a reservation from online and the hostess told her they don't accept online reservations for 6 or more and totally turned away their business. I was kind of annoyed by that, they definitely could have offered them a drink and found a way to accommodate them. They have a great wine list which I was not expecting from reviews. I was happy about that and enjoyed a Sauvignon Blanc from Ferrari Carano in California that I have had before and love. The orange rosemary table bread was different and I enjoyed it. For an appetizer we got the avocado crab ravioli -- YUM! Get that. For dinner both my boyfriend and I went with some of the nightly chef's specials. Mine was salmon, it had a very smokey flavor. They definitely cook the fish on a hickory wood grill which was not advertised on the specials menu. I don't like that smokey flavor so I wasn't thrilled about it. It was also pretty large and slightly overcooked. My boyfriend got a surf and turf with sirloin and mahi- the steak was cooked perfectly, the mahi was also smokey. My boyfriends sides here were not good, the mashed potatoes tasted like the boxed kind. The sliced veggie thing was just blah. But the asparagus and fingerling potatoes were actually really good on my plate. What is the theme of this place? They had nice exposed brick covered up with tiki stuff and pictures of fisherman on the walls. I give it 4 stars because of the wine, ravioli, and my boyfriend loved his steak and mahi mahi.
(4)
Jim D.
It's all about seafood and a nice casual atmosphere nice place to take a date I made a dinner and appetizers the fried calamari's were good the shrimp tacos were a little spicy I suggest no hot sauce and Caesar salad was full of anchovies something that I likeI would not recommend the crab ceviche market not the best try the regular ceviche or the shrimp ceviche enjoy
(4)
Scotty C.
I've never had dinner at Coast, but I've been in to the bar area a few times and sampled plenty of their appetizers as well. I recently came in for drinks with a birthday crowd as the Bday girl was obsessed with their award winning mojitos. After stating that I don't really like mojitos or sweet drinks, I was still barraged with everyone suggesting I try theirs because it was the best one. Surprise, I still don't like 'em... too sweet for me. I ordered a Dark & Stormy instead and it was excellent. In the past, I recall every one of the apps being top notch. In one sitting, we passed around the lobster ceviche, fried oysters, calamari, and fried green tomato's. Everyone loved it all. Even the tomato's, which you would expect to be boring compared to the other options, stood on their own up against any seafood app. Something about the calamari made it extra special too... one of my favorites. I'm definitely interested in checking out the dinner service as well. The other night we had dinner at Rue and then came to Coast for Drinks. Maybe next time we do things the other way around.
(4)
Nicole A.
Overall pretty good. I wouldn't rush back, but the environment itself is pretty trendy and it's nice that it's next to the music hall and off of King Street in it's own little nook. Drink-wise, the cucumber Mojito is the way to go. Delicious and refreshing - great in the summer. Also it won best Mojito or best something in Charleston for 2010 - fun fact. Now food - we ordered a lot and if I could re-do it all over I totally would. To begin we had the crab ravioli, tuna tartar, baja tacos, and the crab soup. Reflecting back we all agreed the play is - crab soup (perhaps 2 to share for the table), and 2 ravioli. The tuna tartar was just okay, and the tacos were also just okay. Okay so now for entrees, if your thinking the tuna, I would do the tuna but rather than the pomegranate noodle, I would get it with potatoes and Brussel sprouts or some other side. In my opinion the noodles were good but they either needed a peanut crunch to cancel out all the sweetness or they should have done less noodles. Nevertheless, it wasn't my favorite, but to be fair, the tuna was cooked perfectly so I have no complaints there. My friend ordered the blackened swordfish and that was honestly the best entree on the table. I almost ordered it because of the jalapeño corn bread but ended up getting a side of that instead. Clearly a dumb decision on my part, I totally should have just ordered it. It came with a crab ratatouille so it had this warm shrimp and grits, southern flare to it, that tourist like myself crave when we come down to Charleston. My sister who we make fun of for ordering burgers at seafood restaurants, surprised us all and killed it with her order. She started with the crab soup and then got a Caesar salad with calamari - the calamari was fresh and delicious - it also was the perfect balance of comfort food and an attempt at being healthy. Which honestly, if you take anything away from this review, it should be to order the soup. You won't be disappointed. The cashew encrusted grouper was very good too - also (side note) the server made it sound like the mashed potatoes were a signature dish but they were nothing to rave about We didn't do dessert or anything like that because we were so full. But if you have done all the top notch restaurants in Charleston and are looking for fresh fish or even going to the music hall for a show, it's worth checking out... Like I said though, I wouldn't rush back.
(3)
Glenn J.
Great seafood. The grilled swordfish was fantastic. The bacon wrapped scallops were delicious. Overall a very cool atmosphere and good food.
(4)
Lakeisha C.
I figured it was about time for me to review this restaurant, being that I go to Charleston and myrtle beach every year. This restaurant is by far one of my favorite places in Charleston. It's nestled between some quaint little buildings in the downtown area. So it's a little hidden but that makes it all the more fun to get to. It's cozy and has live music. A very intimate feeling falls upon you when dining here. It's a great place to go on a date or with friends. I tried the creole fried oysters and the crab dip. Both were extremely yummy and filling! I couldn't eat anything else after those two dishes and a glass of wine. That was my very first time eating an oyster and that's the only place I'd eat one at. Overall, it was a great experience. I'll always return here.
We got a last minute reservation at coast, which was lucky because we were starving on our first night in Charleston and everything seemed to be booked solid, being Labor Day weekend and all. We ordered the daily surf and turf special, the crab dip and something else that I can't remember for the life of me even though it's only been three days...which makes me think it was average. The bacon wrapped scallops were the highlight of the meal; the scallops practically melt in our mouth; I debated between a 3 and a 4 and the scallops deserve the 4th star. The crab dip was more cheese and salt than crab and our medium steak looked more rare. It's also very loud in there and we both felt like we were shouting. Overall, I would say give this place a chance, but probably better for groups.
(4)
Cassandra S.
This was by far one of the best restaurants I tried on my trip to Charleston. I had a cashew crusted grouper and it was awesome. We came in as a large group with a pre-fixe menu and they handled all 40 of us like a breeze despite the rest of the restaurant being packed.
(4)
Marie A.
I have been wanting to try Coast ever since I moved to Charleston - 5 years ago. Tonight was the night. It did not disappoint. Appetizer we tried was the ceviche sampler ... Very fresh and tasty. My main dish was the blackened swordfish with jalapeño cheddar corn bread, blue crab etouffe, and pickled okra. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Good flavors that went well together. I wish there was more pickled okra on the plate! We had excellent service on a Friday night. Seated quickly since we had a reservation. Huge menu selection and wine selection. I wish I would have had room for a dessert. The decor was cute and had a very Charleston feel. I would definitely go back again!
(4)
Tiffany S.
Great atmosphere. Very reasonably priced meals, and delicious. I would highly recommend the seared tuna.
Delicious food! We had steamed oysters as appetizers that were pretty huge. I had melon mojito which was delicious as well.
(5)
Dave M.
2.5 stars for me. After hearing great things about this place, I have to say I was a little disappointed. The crab ceviche was great - the highlight of my meal. The blackened escolar was good in theory but my piece of fish was too under for my liking. I actually needed a steak knife to cut it, but instead set most of it aside. The rest of the dish was okay. The coast key lime pie was also a little disappointment for me - reminded me more of a lemon meringue pie with its consistency and texture. I like this place but wish I had ordered differently. Maybe that's what I get for listening to the advice of the nice, long haired, bearded, hippie looking bartender. I strongly prefer Rue de Jean next door, although it's menu is more limited for seafood, but I think better overall.
(3)
Frank C.
Coast was fab! Absolutely amazing! We were told to come here, and it was a don't miss restaurant! There was great service, the food was great, and it was a great family friendly atmosphere! For an appetizer we got oysters, and they were great! The food was FANTASTIC! We got blackened escolar , braised sea bass, and fish sticks. TIP!! The kids fish sticks are fresh made to order Tilapia filets breaded , delightful!!! My wife said that they were the best she had ever eaten!! This is a MUST when you go to Charleston!
(5)
Chris M.
Had a great experience at Coast with my wife and two teen agers. Everyone enjoyed their meal and our waiter was attentive and friendly. I had baked tilapia and it was excellent. My daughter had the fish tacos and a salad, she's 14; and said the fish tacos were "okay". My 16 year old son had Adobo shrimp dish and he really liked it; said it was excellent. That Adobo dish is spicey but he likes spicey. My wife had angel hair pasta with shrimp. She gave it a 7 out of a 10 and said she'd order it again. It was a classy but casual atmosphere. I expect we'll keep Coast on our radar for places we like but we've got a lot of restaurants to try in Charleston before we'll be back.
(4)
Francesca D.
One of my favorite casual seafood restaurants in Charleston that's not over priced. When my husband and I dine here, we opt for the community table to have a casual experience, and so we can watch the powerhouse behind the scenes (you can see right into the kitchen!). Always order the oysters- so good. And get a few apps to share and you'll be nice and full (fried green tomatoes, fish tacos are a must!) Their sangria is also amazing and can catch up to you quickly! :) My only complaint is that the service can be spotty. I hate when you have great service leading up to the end of the meal and then the server disappears when you are ready for the check- that's happened here a few times, but would never prevent me from coming back. We love this place!
(4)
Penny H.
Best restaurant we tried in Charleston. The atmosphere was like an open air courtyard, but we were inside. The food was amazing! Great fish, steak, and scallops. Service was great, too!
(5)
Jessica J.
I ordered the salmon ( medium) with garlic parsley butter sauce, vegetables and mashed potatoes. The salmon was fresh and moist...not over cooked or dry. The vegetables were nicely seasoned. I would definitely return to Coast. My food was delicious and the service was great.
(4)
Becca R.
The best thing here were the oysters. Hands down the best oysters I've ever had (note that I have not been more north than here along the east coast). For around $24 you could pick your assortment from local and around the east coast. We ended up getting an additional dozen of our favorites after trying them all out. The cocktail sauce was very good and flavorful. I would buy a bottle of that sauce!! Going off previous reviews, we got the traditional ceviche. It was okay... Not great. I got the shrimp n grits which was a different take on it and pretty tasty. Maybe not my favorite rendition of the dish, but I would get it again. My husband got a steak, which was not seasoned at all. He was bummed. Honestly, the meal brought the rating from 5 stars to 4. The service was great. We were at Coast quite a while enjoying the oysters and our meal and our waiter was very available and friendly. Overall, this is an excellent place for a date night and I would love to try other items off their menu!
(4)
Melissa C.
I really enjoyed my visit to Coast. There was a 50 top that my server was also dealing with so the service was a bit slow but with a 50 top, he still did a decent job. The food was outstanding! I ordered the cioppino and blackened escolar. It was served on top of a large piece of jalapeno cornbread which was surrounded by blue crab etouffee. The entire thing was perfect. The fish was delicious and moist. The cornbread soaked up the right amount of etouffee. I really enjoyed it! The cioppino was one of my favorite items that I ate all week in Charleston. So flavorful! The location down in the alley with all the ivy at the entrance is so neat. Great food with a fun atmosphere.
(4)
Carol R.
The salmon was awesome! My husband got the combo steak, shrimp and salmon. Said was one of his best meals. Server nice and helpful. We made reservations for Monday, missed out on Sunday (1 1/2 hr wait). Reasonably priced.
(5)
Christy M.
The hubs and I hit up Coast for Restaurant Week. We went early, although we had made reservations. I like the vibe there, it's kind of an upscale nautical feel restaurant, but not so upscale that you couldn't wear nice jeans (in my opinion). I was a little bummed that despite that it was pretty empty we were put next to two people that were within arms length (or less probably) of us and they were loud enough it made the experience a little awkward... it felt like we were the two different friend groups in junior high stuck at the same lunch table, both trying to pretend the other is not there... (except for when they were commenting on our food... you know, cause that's not awkward or anything)... In hindsight I would have been more comfortable and probably enjoyed the night more if we were at the bar. There are some booths, which would have been nice, but I understand why we were put at the smaller closer tables, since it was just the two of us and they probably expected to be packed for restaurant week. Anyway... We both did the 3 for $30 and split everything, because we just love to try different food. We started with drinks, I got a Palmetto Mule which is Absolut hibiscus vodka, ginger beer, fresh lime and cranberry juice. I had such high hopes for this, as I love hibiscus and I love Moscow mules, but... to be honest, it was just disappointing, it tasted watery. The Hibiscus drinks at Republic and the Moscow Mules at Rarebit have set my standards too high to really enjoy this Palmetto Mule. The hubs got a beer. To Coast's credit, they have a pretty big list of beer and wine. For appetizers, we ordered the Peruvian Style Ceviche and the Blackened Seafood Chowder. I've tried ceviche three times in my life now, once on the coast in Mexico (with raw fish, it made me gag), once on the coast in the Bahamas (with raw conch, it also made me gag) and once at Coast in Charleston (with shrimp, it did not make me gag! Whoo!). It's a bit acidic (which it should be) with big chunks of sweet potato and shrimp. If you like "pickled-ish" things, you'd probably like this ceviche. The Blackened Seafood Chowder was creamy, rich and a little bacon-y (that's a word right?) with a few big chunks of seafood in it. I would order this again, although I'd hate to see the nutrition label info (but who really ever looks at those right?) I then ordered the Surf and Turf, which did not disappoint. Will I come back just for this again, no, it wasn't "crave-worthy" but it was pretty good and every single little part of this dish was good... the Parmesan potatoes, the veggies, the Beurre Blanc, every single thing. The hubs got the shrimp and grits, which also was a solid dish. I would say this would compete for the top two shrimp and grits I've had in Charleston. The flavors popped, the grits were smooth and creamy. We shared the desserts as well, getting one of each (White Chocolate Mousse and Coast Key Lime Pie). They were both smooth, sweet, and enjoyable. I liked Coast, it was good. I expected it to be good. It wasn't a "shock me" good but it didn't disappoint either. I'm glad I tried it. Overall for 2 apps, main dishes, desserts, drinks and tip we threw down around $100... would I do it again? ehhhh, maybe it's just not my style, or... maybe a good drink and great atmosphere is what puts me over the top about somewhere and those were the two things lacking here.
(4)
Logan L.
This was my favorite meal in Charleston. Tucked away in an alley was this nice relaxing restaurant and a great kick off for our time in Charleston. I had the crab encrusted tilapia and WOW was it great! The green beans needed a bit more salt but overall the meal was delicious. My husband had their fish of the day (mahi mahi) oak grilled and wasn't as thrilled with it (he said he tasted the char from the grill more than the actual fish). The service was friendly. My strawberry mojito was way too sweet with no 'kick' behind it--after 2 I felt nothing, which honestly for me I should start feeling something by then. I do recommend the restaurant, but we found other and better options that suited us a bit better. Still a good first meal in Charleston!
(3)
Robert G.
Went to Coast and had the shrimp tacos and it was excellent. The hostess and waiter were very attentive. Would come back and recommend to friends
(4)
Christina G.
The food here is just wonderful. I really loved it. Especially the dessert was a dream! Service was great. Overall very nice atmosphere in the restaurant. Would always return!
(5)
John L.
YES! Tucked into a back corner behind Rue 39, Coast looks on the outside like a 1980s sci-fi dive, complete with Neon sign. You go in, and it's a great fish place with a full bar! Food and service here are amazing. The oysters were a combination of salty and yummy, the crab dip was amazing, and the buffalo shrimp tacos were really good. The Parmesan mashed potatoes were a little underwhelming, but otherwise the food here was excellent. The only weird thing was the bathroom floors. I don't get the flooring in there. It's impossible to gain traction, even when the floor is dry. It's weird, but it does not take away from the greatness that is Coast.
(5)
J C.
We had the blue crab and spinach manicotti and the fish taco's. REALLY good food. The flavors were amazing. These guys know how to do it. Sunday's are half off bottles of wine.
(5)
King L.
Not what you want for Charleston Seafood. High volume, mass produced and mediocre. Slightly better fish and shrimp than Red Lobster without Cheddar Bay Biscuits which makes it a wash.
(3)
Jeff Y.
Really 4.5 stars! My friends and I had road-tripped down to Charleston and Yelped places for dinner. The valet at our hotel also recommended that we consider dining at Coast. We put our names down for Coast (45-minute wait), then strolled down King St. to pass the time. You leave a cell number, and they call when your table is ready. Coast is a fairly large restaurant with a lot of farmland/farming-themed paintings on the wall. It had a very casual, relaxed atmosphere. Our waiter was great and attentive, although it took a while to find him (i.e. flag him down) at times since the restaurant is so big. The food was very tasty with fairly large portions. My dining companions loved the she crab soup, and I thoroughly enjoyed my whole fried flounder, which came in the most unique curled shape. Highly recommend! =)
(4)
Rob F.
Went for the blackened swordfish but was a little disappointed it was substituted for Mahi-Mahi. The disappointment ended when the meal came however. Very, very good. My wife had the Oysters Rockefeller which was the best she ever had. Go to Coast Seafood NAO!
(5)
Neil A.
I was lucky enough to get a room at the Hampton Inn next door as this is one of my Charleston fav's. Came in on a Monday which is pretty quite so hot seated right away. They have some nice covered outdoor seating but it was too hot and there was a game on. The menu is so diverse I would up mixing and matching app's (shrimp tacos, fried green Tom's and cornbread). It's nice they have the choices to do this - and get a nice meal - or go full blown market priced fish dinner. Had a really smooth Sonoma Pinot (yea I know it's not kosher with fish) for a tasty finish. If you come here Fri-Sun arrive early when they open @ 5:30 or be ready to wait.
(5)
Hana M.
Since my last review I have been back a couple of times because it is one of everyone else's favorite places to eat. Coast has amazing seafood entrees. During the dinner portion, I could say "this is one of the best entrees I've had" but their appetizers are so awful in comparison so i say "phew i'm glad this is one of the best entrees I have ever had, it makes up for that sucky calamari" Skip the appetizers! Last time I had appetizer of crab, goat cheese and avocado ravioli... Seemed like a trifecta from heaven, 3 of my favorite things in a pocket of dough - amazing?? It was not!! The crab tasted like canned tuna. My first thought was cat food but that's a little harsh. Then the main dish arrived, crispy whole founder, with jicama slaw and aioli. Sooo good! It was crunchy and delightfully spicy with the slaw and aioli. One of the best dishes I have eaten in Charleston, word. My whole party was extremely engaged in their dinner (but not their appetizers.) Coast puts all their effort in giving you an incredible entree, and fresh fish (except maybe not my crab!). Without equally good appetizers, they are just coasting by.
(3)
Mark W.
Coast is a great place for dinner. I had the shrimp and grits, and my wife had the ribeye steak. She is a true carnivore, and could not stop talking about how delicious it was. The only negative was the length of time it took for the waitress to give us menus and take a drink order. We sat at the communal tables by the kitchen. Maybe that was the reason?
(4)
I M.
The food is great. We had mahi-mahi grilled and crab cake (entree) which btw was gluten free and delicious. Service by the waiter was wonderful... place is much bigger so dont get deterred (make sure you get seated in the back - they have 2 person booths which is nice). Only reason I knocking down a star is because we ordered a Mango Mojito which was suppose to be "award winning" (it was all syrup, pre made and super sweet, too sweet). My husband has a sweet tooth and couldn't take it, didn't finish his drink and when he went back to the bartender to help "fix it" - wanted to just put more ice instead of actually fixing the drink. The drink ended up being left on the side for the whole meal....
(4)
Kara T.
So-so food but attentive service. Although my husband enjoyed his oysters and wood oven grouper, my cioppino was more like tomato sauce than broth. The seafood was plentiful and fresh but it lacked a savory flavor. My Mahi Mahi fish tacos had bones, little flavor and the cabbage was too tough and bland. Marinating it and removing the bones would have helped. The cocktails were a disappointment. Too much sugar in the Limonada and the natural blonde bloody Mary was bland. It improved after I added the vinegar dip from my husband's oysters and asked for a side of worshester sauce. With so many great food options in Charleston I wouldn't bother going to Coast. You could do a lot better.
(3)
Matt E.
We sat at a table with 4, and had: Tilapia, shrimp and grits, flat iron, fried oysters, chippino, and fish tacos. Shrimp and grits were redonculous, crab crusted tilapia was tasty, flank steak was cooked perfect; flavorful with the perfect snap. Fried oysters were perfectly fried and succulant with a dwlicious sauce. Chiopino seafood was fresh and tender with just the right touch of spice. The fish tacos were the ugly stepchild in this meal, just ok, they need to work a bit on the flavor profile. Overall a good place!
(4)
Mark S.
Very good meal and large portions. Come ready to eat. I ordered a dozen oysters and cioppino. Oysters were fresh. Cioppino was okay. I would not order that again. Wife loved her almond crusted salmon over grits. CaeSar salad was very good as well. Service was exceptional. price was reasonable. Would return for sure.
(4)
Kelly Z.
Best calamari I ever had. The food was very good so was the service. The only reason why I don't give a place 5 stars is because the portions were very small and the place very loud to have a conversation and lack some privacy.
(4)
Ashton B.
This place was amazing. It was a long wait time, but I suggest being patient. The crab dip with the bread is a great appetizer and the crab manicotti is good for any pasta lover. I'll definitely be a frequent visitor.
(4)
Holly S.
My food (crab encrusted tilapia) was alright and my mom said her salmon was great. The staff at the front hostess station were kind of friendly and the girl that brought us water never made eye contact or spoke even after I said thank you. Our waitress was better but overall I wasn't really won over...
(3)
Crystal S.
Great food, great restaurant! I went there with some friends for my birthday dinner and the meal was great. The wait was pretty long. Granted, we went on a Saturday night, I still expected a shorter wait since we made reservations. We waited about 45 minutes before being seated. Once we were seated, we had a great experience. I order the seafood paella topped with swordfish, which was AMAZING. This was, hands down, the best seafood that I've ever had. Everything was cooked just right and the portion was HUGE. I made three meals out of my dinner. My friends ordered the seafood platters and shrimp and grits, which they all enjoyed. I will definitely be visiting again.
(5)
Brittany D.
I enjoyed every bite I had at this restaurant! We had the fried oysters to start which were perfectly fried + had a really good sauce on top. For our entrees we had the blackened swordfish with jalapeño cornbread and braised grouper with grits.. Both were absolutely outstanding! The service was great as well. I would highly recommend!
(5)
Taylor G.
Coast was wonderful! We attended for dinner with a party of 6. The atmosphere is comfy with a coastal charm. Cadie our waitress was on point with the service and helped make a menu with tons of great choices more convenient for us. She extended the phrase "southern hospitality" onto our table. I highly recommend everyone to try out their crab dip, ceviche, and the grouper. All was very delicious. Looking forward to another meal here.
(5)
Lindsey G.
Coast is by far one of my new favorite seafood restuarants...and I live in SF where some of the greatest seafood in the US is! We went during restuarant week and it was pretty packed, but it took them only 20 min to seat our group of 8. The waitress was incredibly knowledgeable about all the specials going on for restaurant week, and helping us find something for the picky seafood eaters. I tried what the waitress suggested, the braised grouper, and it was amazing! I am not a fan of grits, but the cheesy grits sitting underneath the fish had me converted. We also tried the mussles and the salmon tartar and I would definitely suggest both. Overall, it was a great experience. We were well cared for and well fed and I can't wait to get back to SC to try Coast again!
(5)
Steve K.
We asked our pedal-cab driver for a great seafood restaurant and was steered to Coast. From the heirloom tomato salad to the blackened swordfish everything was spectacular! I was in the mood for scallops and as I only saw them in the ceviche menu asked for other options. I went with a grilled shrimp and scallop combo which was amazing. Went well with the perfect classic mohito. Highly recommend!!
(5)
Meredith M.
You definitely want a reservation here on a Saturday night. We waited 1+ hours for a table of 4 around 7 last Saturday. We sipped one of the famous Mojitos and enjoyed the breeze outside. I don't mind waiting for a good meal. The place was packed with bachelor and bachelorette parties. Even the bar seats were reserved! The bartenders were very nice and people let us squeeze in to grab a beverage. The hostess seemed a bit annoyed that we didn't have a reservation. Then when I asked if we could wait at the bar she snapped that those tables were reserved as well. Chill out, lady! This is not a fancy place so that upturned nose and nasty snarl did not fit in with the scenery. The setting is beautiful, an open air old warehouse that has been transformed to a cozy dining space. Our waitress was lovely. She seemed very knowledgable of the menu and happy to serve us our meal. The crab encrusted tilapia was cooked to perfection, crispy breading on the outside and tender on the inside. I barely had to move my fork to cut a piece. Everyone at our table left their plates clean. We did not have room for dessert, but maybe next time. Overall this seems like a good place to take a large party of people for dinner. The mood is very upbeat and a bit loud for a romantic dinner. I would come back here again, but make a reservation next time! It would be a 5 star experience if I hadn't had the rude encounter with the host!
(4)
Cat P.
If you're tired of being all fancy and just want a chill watering hole or relaxed atmosphere to grab a bite, consider Coast. They have live music and ample indoor and outdoor seating plus an extensive bar. The mood is very fun and youthful. Servers are friendly and come by frequently. The four stars, or 3.5, rather, are more for the environment than the food, however. I would consider Coast's preparation of seafood very American, more traditional American. Nothing particularly exciting, with the exception of the fried okra salad. Slivers of fried okra atop some tomatoes described as salad and served to the ravenous diner=yay! My friend got sick from the ceviche...Though she has a weak stomach, consider ordering a cooked dish if that's also your problem. My crab cake appetizer was good but not outstanding; it lacked something that made it distinctive from other crab cakes, a secret ingredient or way of preparing.... My friend's seafood Cobb salad was very American-gargantuan, sloppy, doused in dressing, basically a bed of lettuce with bits of seafood atop--I hope the flavors were more impressive than the appearance of this dish. The mussels were tasty... It was a mixed bag, but this is a good place for hanging out. It's a breath of fresh air from all the pretentious spots dotting the downtown area. Here's a place where you can kick back and be a little louder, a little sillier...
(4)
Shante P.
Arrived here based on the recommendation of a co-worker. My co-workers And I were in town at a conference and chose this restaurant over several recommended. It's tucked away in the alley so you have to pay close attention. We were told a 45 to an hour wait or we could sit at the "community table"(first come first served). The mojitos were good according to my coworker the escolar was cooked to perfection according to another coworker. I had the shrimp adobo and wasn't so thrilled about my grits, I've had better. Overall, the food was good and I'm sure you can't go wrong with any of the seafood.
(4)
Dillon T.
First of all, Coast is tucked away in a small alley of the main road. You almost have to know where it is to find it. When you walk in it is an open space with warm light and an inviting feel. Great decor. We started dinner off with a couple of cocktails - expertly done, tasted fresh and delicious. First came the appetizers: I got the steamed mussels and my friend got the crab dip. Holy smokes. Both were so amazing we ordered more bread (baked in house) just to sop up the left over mussel broth and scrape the crap dip bowl completely clean. For the main course we had the shrimp adobo (picture), the crab cakes, and the grilled salmon. The flavors were so perfect and went incredibly well together for each and every dish. The main word for all of the courses is FRESH. You can tell how fresh the seafood was by the pure taste of it. I've been in Charleston for almost 5 weeks now, and I've been to many highly rated and recommended restaurants. Let me just say that Coast is by far the best, tastiest one I've been to with the ambiance and friendly atmosphere to match. Easily 5 stars, if you like seafood you MUST visit Coast. Prices are fair for what you're getting, not cheap, but you're not breaking the bank either. Worth every penny.
(5)
l b.
When we arrived on a Saturday evening, we were told it would be an hour and a half wait. So we took up seats at the bar. I'm always fine with eating at the bar, but this bar is a bit high for the chairs.... Anyway, we had mixed drinks and wine because this isn't the spot for craft beer. We started with appetizers and couldn't stop. Their soups were great as well. We filled up on these dishes so we never made it to the entrees. The food style is gourmet and they do a very good job with it! Yum!! We ended up getting seated at a table after maybe 30 minutes at the bar. It was a wonderful experience! The atmosphere is rustic and casual though most people were more dressed up.
(4)
Ariel T.
I don't think there is anything on the menu here that is bad! The place is great all around! The environment, the employees, the food all spectacular. I will harp on the salmon. I have got it multiple times and it has always melted in my mouth. I think it has been the best salmon I have had in Charleston. The sides to choose from are also great. I believe the sauce I get for the salmon is something with butter and lemon and it just tops the fish off perfectly! From group experiences they were super accommodating and do take reservations. The process for reservations is a little complicated because it is a voice message system but overall they took great care of us. Anyone that is new or visiting the area I refer to Coast (plus people get excited when you tell them that alley is in Dear John).
(5)
Laurina S.
This place is delicious. Our server was extremely attentive I love the vibe. It's a combination of eccentric and hipster decor. They have unique menu options that'll make your dinner experience memorable. I'll be back!
(5)
Boone D.
We had dinner here on the night of my bachelorette party. Love the rustic ambiance. It was definitely my kind of place. I had the local grouper which I definitely recommend. The crispy okra was delicious too. The only reason I'm giving 4 stars, and not 5, is because the server was kind of a jerk. He forgot the oyster shooters that my friends ordered. When they brought it to his attention he didn't apologize and disappeared. When he came back he gave them a random concoction that the bartender made and said it was on the house. That would have been nice but it wasn't even what they ordered, and it wasn't good.
(4)
Brittany B.
There are no words to describe this place! Well okay, I guess I'll try ;) My boyfriend and I were visiting Charleston on vacation, and looked up Coast through Yelp when we were in the mood for seafood. It doesn't get any fresher than the fare we were served at this classy restaurant. We forgot to make reservations, but were able to sit out on the covered and heated front porch. It was toasty and looked just as comfortable as the inside seating. To start, we ordered the bacon-wrapped sea scallops which were rich, but out of this world. For my main meal, I went with the mahi mahi and paired it with sauteed veggies and Brussels sprouts. Even if you aren't a veggie lover-- try the Brussels sprouts! They were so juicy and cooked perfectly, I'm still trying to recreate the style at home. Of course, the fish was great too, especially with the side of pesto sauce I asked for. If we're ever in the area again, we will definitely be back!
(5)
Lisa T.
This was a fabulous meal!! All Alone in Charleston so I pulled up my yelp. Coast FYI it's also 39 rue de jean kinda confusing, had 4 stars with great reviews so I gave it a try! Old brick building with lots of charm. As I am looking over the menu my neighbor gets a hamburger brought to her table. It's looked yummy!! I don't think she could actually get her mouth bun to bun. Lol I got the snapper special with Parmesan risotto, with 2 crab cakes on an arugula salad. It was out of this world. I will definitely be back!! Waitstaff was on point also Thank you Christie your service was amazing!!
(5)
Kevin R.
This place is hard to find... Find 39 Rue St Jean, then walk down the alley where there are several restaurants. Service and food were both excellent. Started to get lobster and avocado ravioli. Absolutely wonderful! I had the lobster Ceviche which has a strong flavor. I wasn't a total fan, but their house white wine helped with the strong flavor. It wasn't a cheap meal, but I would return!
(5)
Mac R.
We chose Coast for our anniversary dinner in Charleston after reading a slew of Yelp reviews for places all over town. We felt we chose quite well. It's super cute & sits in the alley off James Street before it intersects with King. Lots of exposed brick and it almost has a vibe of Tiki Huts over some of the tables that brings down the soaring ceiling to make spaces more intimate but still keeps the modern feel with very cool lighting. Beer selections were fun & we started off with IPA & a Belgian Brown. Whenever there is calamari on an appetizer menu, we order it & that's where we started here. The calamari was definitely fresh & well prepared with a nice light breading and cooked to perfection. It was served with lemon aioli & marinara, both of which could use some work flavor wise. They have many fresh catch options with multiple sauce preparations to choose from. I chose crab encrusted tilapia off the regular menu & my hubby chose the fresh grouper with the spicy adobo sauce. He was the clear winner on the night and I'm going to be bold and say his grouper was the best prepared fresh grouper I've ever had. It was grilled with some nice char that perfectly enhanced an amazing piece of fish. I'm a lucky girl that he shared as much as he did! My tilapia was really good but once I tasted that grouper, I couldn't focus on mine. My green beans were expertly prepared and hubby's squash juliennes were delicious, too. Service from our waiter, Jeremy, was stellar and if we lived here, we'd frequent this restaurant. Well done!!
(4)
Adrian G.
I have to say this place is solid all around. It didn't give me that wow factor aside from the coast crab soup but everything is very good. I tried the steak and salmon and its good, steak isn't anything special. Mahi Mahi was good as was the crab cakes. Probably my second favorite thing at the place was there bread pudding which is made with bananas. It is a little pricey but for the area that seems to be about the norm, overall I had a good experience.
(4)
Alana R.
I ate dinner at the bar here. I had the cucumber melon mojito and the shrimp and blue crab manicotti; both far exceeded my expectations! The mojito was light and refreshing. The manicotti had a good amount of shrimp and crab in the filling that you could actually taste it and there was also a nice garlic flavor to the dish. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone and both of the items I ordered!
(5)
Nicole R.
Atmosphere was nice...restaurant smelled great and was packed. We were only there for drinks. The drink I ordered was eh...they were out of one ingredient...it was very sweet. My moms drink...the cantaloupe mojito...was good. Live music on Sunday...I wouldn't go back.
(2)
Robert S.
Cadie, the atmosphere and food, were all beyond the highest of expectations. Well do e!
(5)
Amelia S.
Eh...the service was pretty good and we enjoyed the 50% off wine night but im still struggling to figure out what kind of restaurant this really is. If it's fish, they have too many other options... I went with buffalo fried shrimp. It basically tasted like fried pieces of lard with buffalo sauce thrown on. I was expecting it to be more like buffalo grilled shrimp. My mistake... It's okay, but with how many great restaurants in that area they are, it wasn't my first choice and I probably wouldn't go back.
As a restaurant for food, I give coast 5 stars! In a city on the coast with many fantastic seafood options, Coast is my favorite. I really enjoy the Escolar, which is a fish you won't find many places. Service is always good, food is fairly priced, and the atmosphere is casual and fun! Highly recommend this place! For drinks, 3 stars. The draft beer list is decent but small, and the cocktails are average. If you're looking for a fantastic cocktail or rare beer with your dinner, seek elsewhere.... But if you primarily want a truly fantastic meal at a fair price, then Coast is my favorite in the city for seafood.
(5)
Gary R.
Great restaurant! We searched for a place to enjoy a nice seafood dinner for our anniversary and after reading local yelp reviews selected Coast. I'm glad we did. Fabulous! The location was a little tricky to find and our GPS told us we had arrived but I couldn't see it. Turns out its down a cute little alley with a quaint entrance that is very reminiscent of restaurants in New Orleans. Once in, we were seated right away. The atmosphere is very warm and welcoming and our server, Jeremy was superb. We started with some local draft beer and an order of calamari which proved to be a good choice. Yum. I opted for the grilled local grouper with the dry adobo rub and my wife chose the crab encrusted tilapia! They both sound fabulous don't they? They were!!! My grouper was among the best I've ever had - cooked to absolute perfection. My wife's tilapia was very good but didn't quite measure up to mine. I'd go back in a heartbeat. The menu options are plentiful and I know it would be another great dinner. My next trip to Charleston will include a stop at Coast!!
Let's start off by how you get here. Coast is in a small alley way that transports you to a European coastal town lined with brick and vines. Upon entering you immediately smell the fresh seafood. Rachel, our waitress, sat us and explained the menu and her favorite items (she was great). We chose to get several appetizers and share. We ordered the crab dip (yum!), crab cakes (okay but not worth it), 4 ceviche sampler, fish tacos, shrimp cocktail and oysters (that cocktail sauce was to die for). We also got mojitos. Let me just go back to that ceviche...the lobster ceviche and cangrejo ceviche are incredible. I eat ceviche often and know how to make it so I'm a harsh critic but what they make is what I will dream about when I go back home. And the mojito...I'm from Miami, I know mojitos and this one was great (go for classic). Enjoy!!
(5)
TJ L.
I like Coast. Although not as "crafty" or "trendy" as some places in the downtown area, I dig the atmosphere and what they have going. The inside is like a semi-upscale (not classy, but not real casual either) wharf or dock side seafood joint. Very cool. And, although not on the menu anymore, the recipe of their Blackened Escolar was one of my all-time fav fish dishes. You can still order it, but the recipe has changed since I ordered it a couple of years ago. Sweet sweet potato gnocchi... Definitely worth a stop if you are trying to conquer the restaurants in Charleston!
(4)
Ryan L.
Good atmosphere, live music, and great seafood. Oysters-raw and steamed, ceviche, and soup ( split a bowl into two cups) for apps and then my wife and I split the Paella as dinner. It was the perfect amount of food. Tasted great and plenty for left overs. The Ceviche was definitely a must try appetizer! Would highly recommend to others!
(5)
kate j.
hands down the best seafood I've ever had in my life. we went a few days ago and have literally not stopped talking about it since. coast came highly recommended to us by some friends from the area and it seemed that everyone we mentioned it to either loved it or couldn't wait to try it. they didn't take reservations by the time we tried calling, which was close to dinner time, and they dont take reservations via open table. if you run into this issue, just go and sit at the bar until a table is ready. it's so worth it! we waited 30 minutes at the bar and I tried the cucumber melon mojito. it was awesome. we were a little disappointed to be seated at the "community seating table" instead of a private table but it ended up being a good way to talk to other people visiting charleston and to see what different entrees looked like as they were brought out. our server recommended the cioppino and it was far and away the best soup I've ever tasted. the tomato broth was unlike anything I've ever had and the seafood was ridiculously fresh and tasty. I ordered the pecan encrusted salmon and brussels sprouts for my entree; everything was awesome but to be honest I only ate about half of it because I finished every last bite of the soup. my boyfriend ordered the shrimp and grits (best I've ever had) and my brother had the shrimp and crab penne pasta. to top it all off, the service was great and the prices were reasonable. all I can say is that I wish there were seafood restaurants at this level of freshness and quality in the philadelphia or jersey shore areas. I plan on hunting for cioppino soup like what I had at coast up her but if I find any I'm sure they won't be half as good!!!
(5)
Joan M.
I reserved a table with my sister here two weeks ago. It was outstanding. Period. We had the Cerviche Platter to share. Amazing. Green fried Tomatoes & lobster and Crab au Gratin. All of the food was outstanding. The restaurant has a great vibe amazing bar & also a seafood bar. A great place to take people. Make sure you reserve a table. We were there on a Monday night & the walk ins had a 90 min wait & it's just early April. Outstanding & very very well priced by Charleston Standards.
(5)
Ashley H.
I don't ever really review on Yelp, but my experience at Coast was so incredible that I HAD to post something. I'm from the midwest and was visiting Charleston, looking for a great seafood meal. Two of us walked in at dinner on a Saturday night and got seats at the bar right away. We ordered a traditional mojito and a mango mojito - the mango was by far the BEST cocktail I have ever had. We then split the crab dip (AMAZING), the buffalo fried shrimp, and the crab-encrusted tilapia entree. All of that was a perfect amount of food for two people...and seriously probably one of the best meals of my entire life, hands down the best food I've ever had in Charleston. Fresh, warm, and delicious. Plus, everyone behind the bar was extremely friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the food and drinks. We asked to put on a specific college football game and the bartender did so for us -- the bartenders and other patrons even got involved in the game with us. The atmosphere, service, food, and drinks were so fantastic that I didn't want to leave. Thanks, Coast, for such a memorable night -- I can't wait to come back soon!
(5)
Kristy E.
We happened upon Coast on a Sunday night and lucked out to get a seat on the patio without a reservation. We loved the ravioli appetizer and the cold peel and eat shrimp had the most amazing cocktail sauce served with them. All of the entrees were delicious, but my favorite was my husband's seared ahi tuna. SO GOOD. Also, Sunday they have 1/2 priced bottles so we indulged with a great white blend and prosecco to celebrate my sister's birthday. The server even brought her a complimentary dessert with a candle. We loved this place and will definitely be back!
(5)
Tiffany L.
Despite some of the reviews written on Yelp, I would consider Coast to be a mediocre seafood restaurant. For appetizers, my boyfriend and I ordered salt and pepper calamari and the coast crab dip. The calamari was nothing unique and a bit on the soggy side. The coast crap dip was too salty and there was not enough bread to eat with the dip. Coast is known for their grilled fish on their smokey oak wood grill. I tried the grilled combo of salmon, shrimp wrapped in bacon, and mahi mahi with mashed potatoes and julienned vegetables. For a grilled platter, everything seemed overly oily. The fish portions were also smaller than I pictured. My boyfriend ordered the snapper almondine. This was nothing spectacular as well. I could have made these two entrees for half the price at home. The server was attentive and was sure to refill my water often.
(3)
Steve M.
The fish was delicious and the locals know where to eat down town Charleston,write off of kings st.
(5)
Shannon R.
Great location and beautiful place! Good food and bar selections; especially the sangria! Crowded on the weekends - at least a one hour wait
(5)
Rich M.
We have enjoyed this pace every time we go. The food is excellent, staff friendly, reservations definitely recommended.
(4)
Amanda M.
Read great reviews here on yelp about this place so decided to give them a try for my birthday while I was down here and I'm so glad I did. I had ordered the fried oysters which were absolutely delicious and their crab encrusted tilapia, and their parmesan mashed potatoes were addictive, however their veggies weren't seasoned at all just steamed. Also I tried their white peach mojito which was beyond good. The service wasn't the best; the host and server was sweet, but our waiter was idk...I'm going to be nice and say he probably had a bad night lol. My cousin was starving way before we got there and just asked him how long is usually the wait for the food and he asked her if she had somewhere else to be...what?! Who asks that?? Well overall great food, o.k. service and the restaurant's ambiance was so charming and rustic. If in town again I would definitely stop by for some fried oysters and white peach mojitos.
(4)
Tico K.
Absolutely awesome food and atmosphere. The whole fried flounder is beautiful and delicious.
(5)
Sasha H.
Great, lively ambience. Graham Worley is awesome live. The buffalo shrimp tacos are to die for. Their cioppino is delicious, as are their cocktails. Service is great.
(4)
Elle F.
Had the fish tacos they were delicious and had the crabmeat on the tilapia ( not sure what it was called). My husband had the shrimp and grits he loved it. Only down side it was very busy and didn't see our waitress that often.
(4)
Kat R.
We just stopped by here for some frozen drinks. The bartender made them with his own twist for us and we all loved it! We did not have the chance to eat here, but the food looked great and it was busy.
(5)
David F.
So much noms... Lacking a little on the beer list but they had some local stuff for me so it's no biggie delicious food and helpful bartenders
(4)
Steve R.
My wife and I decided to try Coast on the recommendation of someone here in Charleston, a server at a restaurant actually. It's kind of hidden so if you're driving around looking you'd probably never see it if you didn't know it was there. The atmosphere and decor is awesome and the bar area has a high ceiling that adds to the experience in my opinion. We made reservations (recommended) but didn't specify inside or out but once we got there realized outside would be nice. So we waited at the bar for about 15 min. The bartender was very nice and attentive. The food....let's talk about the food. The wife ordered a dozen on the half shell and there were a few different types on the plate. I know nothing about these little snot filled shells but she says there were different textures to them all. I'll stick to my grouper, which is what I had. I ordered the special grouper filet from their grill with mashed potatoes and veggies. The fish was very flavorful although it could have been a little more tender. They source all their fish local so I know it was fresh, could have been it was a tad overcooked. The price is comparable to similar menus around town from what we've seen and I would definitely return here again if we were staying longer.
(4)
Chadwick C.
Had the she crab soup to start with. A tad bit too thick for my taste but had very large chunks of fresh crab which caused me to find the bottom of the bowl fast. Ribeye with blackened scallops for dinner. Steak was perfectly cooked to med rare, scallops were excellent. I'll be coming back for sure.
(4)
John S.
Great menu choices of fresh varieties of oysters numerous ways prepared. Callie was professional and friendly and highly recommended server (see photo). Escolar rarely seen in menu, especially cooked, I've only had as sushi before and not terrible grilled but nothing to write home about. Swordfish, grouper, bacon wrapped shrimp and scallops in mixed grill all as good as they get. Fish tacos were well liked and looked savory. Fish chowder recommended too. Small dessert menu, all in-house made and white chocolate-banana bread pudding was wonderful served hot and so gooey sweet and melts in your mouth. Other desserts all raved about too. Great food, laid-back ambiance and professional service, highly recommended for casual dining and seafood in Charleston.
(4)
Kate F.
Between two people we split about 4 apps and had some drinks. We wanted to focus on different kinds of seafood rather than expend a bunch of calories on big entrees with side dishes. We had the crab cakes (tasted like actual crab -- imagine that!), salads, raw oysters, and the scallops. I think the scallops were our favorite. Perfectly done, not that you can go wrong with bacon and a smoky sauce. We also split the bread pudding for dessert. I found it a little rich and heavy, but my boyfriend seemed to dig it. I liked that the atmosphere was casual compared to some similarly priced seafood places around town. We weren't looking for anything formal and Coast definitely fit the bill.
(4)
David B.
Had the crusted tuna. It was excellent. Probably the best piece of tuna I've ever had. Excellent restaurant with a fun atmosphere and extremely high ceilings. Shrimp and grits were delicious!!!! Highly recommended!!!!!
(5)
Andi M.
We visited Coast while vacationing in Charleston, and I'm not sure we would return. I had the crab bisque, which was ultra rich, had very few crab pieces, and was a bit too large of a portion. I would have preferred a smaller portion for a lower cost. For my entree, I had their seafood (i.e., shrimp, calamari, and mussels) linguini with a blue crab sauce. It was wet and a bit messy, but my biggest complaint was with the numerous crab shells I had to pick out of the dish. It certainly detracted from my experience. My hubby got a salad to start, and had the ribeye for his entree. He requested it medium-rare, and it was quite rare in some places, but he refused to send it back. I certainly would have done so. The best thing going for Coast is its location. The restaurant is set off in an alley, and is comfortable and spacious inside. The prices were a bit high for the overall experience. Magnolia's was much better, and it was not too much more expensive, either!
(3)
Hollis W.
We were on the hunt for "the best (gluten free) shrimp & grits in Charleston" and recommendations from locals led us here. I didn't actually taste the shrimp & grits, so I can't comment on that, but... Ambiance: The decor/ambiance was fine but felt like I was inside a restaurant where entrees would be much less expensive than what they were. Service: We were in the far back left corner of the dining room and waited about 15 minutes before someone came to take our drink order. After that, service was prompt but not overly friendly. The waiter did make some extra effort to accommodate our gluten free diner in the group by talking to the chef and having a different sauce/gravy made for her, which was very appreciated (since that was why we were there :) Food: this is really where the experience suffered. The bread that is brought to every table was room temperature and was on the "leave it" end of "take it or leave it". We ordered the Oysters Rockafeller and Fried Green Tomatoes as appetizers. I've never had Oysters Rockafeller before so not sure what they should be like, but they were just cheesy, bacony and bland. The Fried Green Tomatoes were the real disappointment - there was absolutely nothing special about them or the "relish" that came with them. They were bland and forgettable. As a main course I ordered the Braised Grouper. It was a slimy piece of fish atop a generous mound of grits with a bland, unnecessary cream sauce with floating pieces of mushroom. When the plate/bowl was delivered, it had very little curb appeal. Two of us ordered this dish and I added pepper, my dining partner added salt, to try to up the flavor of this sad, very bland dish. The "truffled bacon grits" tasted neither of truffle nor of bacon. The mushrooms floating around were fine but contributed to the overall sliminess of this below average dish. I'll also note that on the menu was a very common seaside fish restaurant option of picking your fish and your sauce. I'm generally turned off by this concept, since I'd prefer the kitchen put together their best fishes with their most flattering sauces and accompanying sizes vs. leaving that to the customer. So all in all, I would recommend any other restaurant (Magnolia's, Fig, Husk, S.N.O.B.) over this back-alley flop.
(2)
Asif B.
The exterior of the building was authentic (highlighting vines covering its facade). The interior was beautiful with the high ceilings. The fried oyster appetizer was amazing with its tangy sauce but the entrees were surprisingly sub par. Nonetheless, great experience with a very accommodating and speedy waitress!
(4)
Abe D.
Found a seat at the bar without a Reservation. my wife had the filet. I had the paella. It was very good, the smoked grouper was a bonus treat. The creamed spinach with my wife's filet was great, if salty. We'd definitely return.
Coast was recommended by my cousin who lives in Charleston. The place looks like a hole in the wall but when you get inside it feels like an underground city. It's extremely high ceilings were well decorated and all around exciting atmosphere. The host said 2 hour wait but we could eat at the bar. We opted for the latter and glad we did. We visited during restaurant week and opted for the three courses for 30$. I started with the ceviche which was great and the spicy sauce was awesome! We both had the 5oz sirloin and jalapeño bacon wrapped shrimp. Any time charcoal is involved the end result is in your favor. At this point we had to get the desserts Togo as we were stuffed. But the mousse was very good also. Bartenders were very diligent and despite the busy evening took time to chat with us about local things to try out! Beer selection was one of best in Charleston and I would definitely return on our next trip to Charleston! Tip- make a reservation!
(4)
Denise B.
I thought about going back to Husk tonight, but thought it was gluttony.I would have been a lot happier if I had. Very busy tonight so we went into the bar to wait, had a good bartender who made great Old Fashions. Ordered the Bacon Wrapped Scallops which were raved about in a previous review...gritty, fishy and the Bacon was burned, Fried green tomatoes were good. Cornbread-not so much, dry and crumbly,,,Drinks were good so we stayed for that and then gave up our table and. "Coasted" out of there...
(1)
Natalie G.
Great food! I had the seared tuna that was amazing. Also tried the shrimp and grits, crab cakes and local oysters from Folly River. All so good.Our server Michael was very nice too.
(5)
Eric N.
Coast has a great selection on their menu. We had the crab dip as an appetizer. It was good. As the main course I had the seafood paella. It was tasty. However it should have had more seafood. There rice to seafood ratio was a lot more rice. Overall the service was great. Rachel did a great job. I would definitely come back.
(4)
Chelle M.
Six thumbs up! Tucked in an alcove, you might miss Coast if you blink while walking or driving by, but keep your eyes wide open for this place. My party of three gave this place 6 thumbs up. The crab dip was declared "hands down AMAZING." The fried green tomatoes? "Better than my Grandma's," one declared. The Monterey Chicken was chosen by the non-seafood lover of the group. When asked how it was, he answered with a wide eyed nod and added a verbally emphatic "yes!" The mixed greens salad was a great compliment to the fish tacos made with grilled mahi mahi and a mango pineapple salsa. The only negative was that the tacks were a little dry, so I added a couple of dollops of the crab dip, and then it was AMAZING! The crab cakes were awesome. Very rich, no fillers. Which means these crab cakes were literally CRAB cakes. The service was great, and the decor was great... But to be honest, I didn't pay too much attention to the decor cuz the food was so awesome.
(5)
Diane Z.
Get the raw platter and the cioppino! Yum!
(4)
Ian M.
The location was great, my fiance and I were put at a table where we could see the water. Our waiter was a little slow with our drinks, but nothing terrible. She got the Shrimp Creole and loved it, I got the Crawfish Etouffee and also really liked it. HOWEVER, that night I got horrible food poisoning into the next morning. Huey's was great, but STAY AWAY FROM THE ETOUFFEE
(2)
Chedo P.
My wife and I had our rehearsal dinner there. Service was good, food was OK, not hot. My wife got food poisoning the night before the wedding. When I called to let them know that it was from the salmon almomdine they tried to tell me she couldn't get food poisoning that quick she is in the medical field and knows about these things. I felt so bad for her. I spoke with the assistant manager and he said someone would call. No one has called. Was not looking for a free meal just an apology. Nothing. Will never eat there again
(1)
Julia P.
This place is one of my favorites in Charleston! My favorite dish is the seared tuna. I order it almost every time I go. The only downside is it can be a bit loud.
(4)
Regina D.
everything about this place is great. the atmosphere, the service, the food. thr ahi tuna was perfect and the shrimp and crab mannicotta was delicious. it is a must do
(5)
David A.
Stopped into Coast to beat the heat and get a quick drink and appetizers. We arrived just as they were opening for the night so service was a little slow at the beginning. Enjoyed the Seersucker (Firefly Vodka, Pineapple juice, lemon lime soda) along with the fish tacos and buffalo shrimp tacos. Both types of tacos were tasty, although portions were on the small size (2 tacos per order). We didn't venture into the entrees but the wood fired grill visible from the bar was definitely enticing!
(4)
Jackie E.
We recommended this by our concierge and it was perfect! We started with the ceviche and then had the buffalo shrimp tacos and bacon wrapped scallops. All of it was amazing and very reasonably priced. Our server Michael and bartender Keith were fantastic! Highly recommend!
(5)
Mark K.
This was a hard one -- food and server were very good. We had grilled fish (grouper and snapper) and both grilled perfectly. Sides were very tasty as were the appetizers. We both had a cocktail and wine and the Bill was under $100. The down side is the hostess lied to us ... called for reservations and was told 6:15 or 8:30. At 7:00 there are multiple empty tables. Asked for a two person booth and told all reserved and yet one still open. Makes no sense.
(3)
Conrad B.
Seemed to be a very popular place. We couldn't get reservations even at 6:30 but if we came 'right away" (5:30) they would be able to sit us. Since we like to eat early, we jumped out and ran over. It was restaurant week so many places were offering special menus and special prices. We started off with their caesar salad... followed by their Salt & Pepper Calamari. Both very good. The calamari was nice and tender and seasoned just right. But they're known for their grilling... so we both had their surf and turf special. Not a huge portion... but very nice. 4 oz of sirloin and a bunch of shrimp with parmesan mashed potatoes. Steak done perfectly and tasty... shrimp season with cajan spices. Since we both took their special... $30 fixed price for salad, appetizer, entree and dessert... they allowed us to substitute the dessert for a glass of wine. Nice touch. (our waistlines are both grateful! )
(4)
Marilee K.
Five of us had an over the top experience. We're on vacation and had a big lunch, so an appetizer or salad was in order. They squeezed three bar height tables together and we were seated immediately. Not a lot of room, so someone else might not be so lucky. Everyone loved the shared fried green tomatoes. Great selection of beers. I had the special strawberry rhubarb mojito. The syrup gave a hint of sweetness with equal amounts of tartness. Perfection. A friend and I shared the crab cakes. They voluntarily spit the plates. The crab was moist with little or no filler. I don't know how they were held together. I guess their slaw with bacon and bleu cheese is their signature dish. I have never eaten more than one bite of slaw in my life, but this was so fantastic, that another bowl was ordered for the table. The other couple just wanted to try the fish tacos, but ended up ordering the buffalo shrimp also. Sunday night special of only $4/each. What's that about? I didn't try, but they swooned over the shrimp tacos and the fish were grilled to perfection and beautifully seasoned. There was so much fish that it had to be eaten with a fork before it could be picked up and finished. The musician, Graham Whorley, plays on Sunday nights and now I have to track down his music. We loved the vibe of the place. We had wonderful service and I can't believe that a bad review was ever written about this place.
(5)
Kate V.
Perfectly executed food, and service. Calamari had a light batter very crisp, and tender. Mixed grill w mahi mahi and NY strip were cooked to order, mashed w julienned veg were a perfect accomplishment. Goat cheese ravioli W crab, superb. Come here!
(5)
Lexie G.
I wish I could review the dining portion and bar portion of this restaurant separately as I had two entirely different experiences. We arrived later into a Saturday evening. I believe we arrived close to 8, 830 pm. We were told there would be a 30 minute wait. No big deal as we wanted to grab a cocktail first. We managed to find two seats at the very end of the very crowded bar. There were 2 bartenders working as well as what appeared to be a bar-back. It took the bartenders FOREVER to come down to us. Correction. They came to our section, but it was only after one of their friends managed to find seats next to us and flag down said bartender. Instead of greeting us (who had been sitting there for close to 20 minutes sans beverage) he took all of their drink orders and proceeded to take care of them. After much flirting and very little paying attention to other restaurant guests our order was taken by the other bartender who was manning the other side of the bar. He made out drinks just in time for our table to be ready. When we were seated, we were greeted immediately by a friendly waitress who told us of the days specials. I settled on oysters while my mother settled on shrimp. A friend in the area told me I needed to order a side of the cornbread so I did....and shamelessly ate the entire piece (which I am positive was meant for at least 2 people, if not 3) myself. Our entrees came out promptly (I don't think I still even managed to finish that beverage I had waited soo long for when the dinners came out) and were very fresh. The shrimp was cooked well and the oysters were fantastic. I'd give my bar experience a 1, the dining portion a 4.
(3)
K K.
Stumbled in here on a Sunday night - and boy are we glad we chose it over the higher priced restaurants in town. We went to Husk the next night and wished we had just come back to Coast. It was half-priced wine night, so we were able to get a bottle of Oregon Pino Gris for $16 - the cocktail list looked great as well. Husband and I split an order of oysters (had the local SC variety), which were served with warm bread and butter. We also split a taco (Sunday is $4 fish taco night) which was very, very good. High quality fish and sauce/slaw with just the right amount of bite. We took a leap and ordered the paella to split - wow. Huge, huge portion filled with clams, large shrimp, sausage and topped with a generous portion of swordfish. Seasoned perfectly. Way too much for one person to eat - satisfied us both and our wallets as well. We ended up sitting at a community table as the wait was about an hour and a half - we have no problem at all with it, and we still felt as if we were dining alone.
(5)
Richard R.
Great great food..easily missed location being tucked away down an alley but well worth the hunt. The homemade blue cheese dressing is off the chain. All entrees ordered were awesome. If in town make sure you drop by.
(5)
Gary F.
As the last review stated I too had one of the most tastiest grouper dinner grilled to perfection. My appetizer was as good as my meal. Bacon wrapped fresh scallops to die for. A little bite to them but just the way Like it. I will be there again
(4)
Bryan P.
Came for my anniversary dinner on a Friday night. Really busy, but we had a reservation and were seated on time for it. The chef special was a grilled swordfish and it was really good. Our waiter was probably the one of the best waiters I've ever had and was on it with the recommendations. And they gave us a slice of cheesecake and some champagne to celebrate.
(4)
J T.
Wow what a great place to meet up with friends! The service was fantastic and food was scrumptious. Highly recommend the "Raw Bar Sampler" Atmosphere was fun, and convenient location.
(5)
Junie W.
Went there last night for dinner on a recommendation. Food was good not differentiating. Service was outstanding. The ceviche was really good however the main dish was average. Be careful as this establishment sits off an alley and we actually saw a rat run thru the restaurant. We reported it to the manager and he asked how he could help. We ask him to comp a bottle of wine and he declined. A little overrated as I was looking for a higher grade of local fare.
(3)
Bryan G.
Cool atmosphere. Great cocktails. It was very noisy so if your looking for intimate, find another place. Our waiter also messed up a order. Told us to keep it and brought out a new one.
(4)
Caitlin M.
Coast was a good, fairly casual meal in a pretty high-priced town. On Sunday nights they have half-priced bottles of wine, which was a great deal. I had the crab encrusted tilapia; I didn't quite taste the crab but the meal was good nonetheless. My husband had the grilled swordfish, he enjoyed it as well.
(4)
Kate Z.
This is a great place for a few friends getting together. Make sure to try their speciality drinks and the crab stuffed lobster. We tried the cream crab soup for an appetizer and we were not disappointed. It's a little pricey if you're on a budget but well worth the extra bucks!
(4)
Hunter B.
Total sea shore feel. Wood floors and tables, and an open kitchen to view your catch of the day, grilling to perfection. Large menu full of seafood favorites. The crab dip is something they are known for.
(4)
Ron M.
Mixed grill at $28 is unbeatable if you want a great wood grilled assortment of seafood. Service was stellar too. Not super romantic place. More of a couples place or coworkers spot.
(5)
Scott S.
Coast was everything I expected it to be and more. We started at the bar with some drinks and found their beer selection to be top notch. They also made a great Mojito that one of the guest in my parties really enjoyed. We were seated right away and the atmosphere was perfect. Not to loud not to quiet. As we got started we got some crab drip and bread both of which were amazing, the crab dip could be a meal in itself. For dinner I got the brazed grouper, this dish was outstanding. For desert we got some bread pudding and pumpkin cheesecake both of which helped to cap of a perfect dining experience.
(5)
John C.
Mind-blowing. Ceviche was so good I thought I was transplanted to another universe. Our server was an artist. This guy was so good I couldn't believe it. I served for 3 years and I wasn't half the server this guy was. Absolutely phenomenal. I feel like I eat steak constantly. The flat iron here was literally the best I've ever tasted. Perfectly cooked. I can't make a single complaint about this place - it was near perfection.
(5)
Alison M.
After meandering a bit off the beaten path (AKA King and Market) to find a place for happy hour with my family, we ended up in the hidden alcove of Coast. It's been recommended to me for a couple years and I was thrilled to discover the ship-like atmosphere and attractive waitstaff. Our bartender was really informative and patient as I got familiar with Craft beer offerings on draft and he made a great recommendation. Event wine list as well. I started with a cup of she-crab soup which I would give a four out of five. The only improvement I would ask for is more crab meat, but it was creamy and delicious to the taste. We ordered calamari which was decent and fried green tomatoes which everyone loved. Overall I would absolutely go back to Coast for a more sit-down meal.
(4)
Tarzan N Jane O.
Great seafood, Andrew was our server and did a wonderful job. We did the fried seafood platter with three types of fish which was adequate in portion size and although came with fries only had one hush puppy. One of my favorite atmospheres.
(4)
Lesley P.
LOVE this place! We come back every year and we absolutely love the bartenders! BEST MOJITO in this rockin town make sure to try cucumber melon!!! High five Jeremy for us!
(5)
An N.
They have the best cornbread I've ever tasted in my life, ever. The menu is extensive. They have an assortment of tasty cocktails and I could see the bread being freshly sliced on the side from our table. Also the space is really large, spacious, with high ceilings. The entrance is concealed from the main street, in a small alleyway. Good ambiance for starting a night out at. We were a party of 11, coming for a bachelorette weekend, and they had plenty of space to accommodate us and a couple other large parties as well.
(4)
kevin s.
I have spent several weeks in Charleston for work, which means I had a chance to eat at a lot of the restaurants in this culinary rich city. Of all the places I went Coast was my favorite. The food is awesome. Like the name implies it is mostly seafood. The snapper alomidine was especially good. Be sure to look at the daily specials as they are often the best things available. Besides the amazing food the bartenders/wait staff are also awesome. They do a great job of being attentive, but not being to pushy. If you are there on business travel it is a great place to spend an evening.
(5)
Mia B.
Nice atmosphere and great location and even better food. We decided to try Coast because it was a short walk from the hotel. It was a great choice! The shrimp and grits were amazing! My dining partner had the crab crusted tilapia which was also very good. They have decent mojitos, although they're small. Service was mediocre, not great, but not bad enough to keep me from returning. It was a little pricey, but quality of the food was well worth it.
(4)
Ashley H.
The fiance and I had such a great experience here, from start to finish. We were told it would be a 2 hour wait (eek, it was 8pm on a Saturday), but bar seating was first come, first served basis, so we hung out there for a few minutes. We decided to order a drink while we waited. The bartenders were really moving! But, one still managed to stop and take our order. I ordered their "award-winning" mint mojito. I can see why it was so special; it was amazing! The same bartender also kept an eye out for seating for us, which I thought was very nice since he was super busy. We finally grabbed a seat (we waited about 20 mins) and was greeted by another bartender who took our food order. Both bartenders were super attentive and checked on us often, offering bread and refills. They were also great conversationalists, and managed to match us up with another group from our home state that happened to be sitting near us. I ordered the shrimp and crab penne pasta. It was absolutely divine; the dish included a lobster-garlic sauce with roasted tomatoes, spinach, and manchego cheese. I couldn't believe how delicious it was! My fiance was thoroughly impressed with his dish as well, noting that the cook on the steak was spot on. We've never been to a restaurant that produced a truly rare steak. It seems that most are afraid to do that. Coast did that perfectly. This has definitely become one of our go-to spots in Charelston!
(5)
Alexa M.
Visited coast with a group of nine for my friend's bachelorette party and without a doubt, we had a wonderful experience at Coast! The menu is huge and has something for everyone. Everyone enjoyed their fresh seafood and we really appreciated the fair prices for all of the dishes and bottles of wine. Our server was sweet too! We loved the oysters and fried Brussels sprouts for our apps and I thought the Adobo Shrimp was delicious. My only qualm was the mashed potatoes I ordered as they were pretty flavorless - partially my fault as I substituted them for the grits that my dish came with. Fun, lively atmosphere where you feel like you are on vacation. I'd like to come back!
(5)
Fareez A.
Amazing. Everything from lobster ceviche to buffalo shrimp to jalapeño-cheddar cornbread. And reasonably priced, great service, and were accommodating to my strict pescatarian diet... Hats off to the owners/chefs.
(5)
Andrea W.
The food should truly get 5 stars. It's a little pricey but worth it. It was pretty hot inside, considering I don't think they had ac and the bathroom was sweltering. The reason it is 3 stars was that the bartender was not mean at all but you could definitely tell he favorited certain people. He was very personable to his regulars and certain other tourists. It wasn't until we asked the guy helping him to ask him for the check that he came back over and tried to talk.
(3)
Rebecca O.
Very good. I must admit that I don't eat seafood but I went because I knew my significant other would love the fresh fish (which he did). I got the ribeye and mashed potatoes which were both very good. I was worried about it having a slightly fishy taste, as that normally happens when you order non-fish at a seafood restaurant, but I didn't notice anything. I went on a Friday night and it was pretty busy, so I had to sit at the bar. I would suggest calling ahead or be okay with sitting at the bar. Parking is actually better than most of the downtown Charleston places. There's a metered lot and a $5 lot on John St.
(4)
Alex T.
There are only some moments in life where one eats a bit of food and loses control of facial expression. The oysters Rockefeller do that at Coast. Impeccable service from island locals that will answer and question you may have.
(5)
Alisha K.
A large group of us came here for my sister's bachelorette party on a Friday night. Everyone loves seafood except for me, but I figured we had to try a seafood restaurant while in Charleston. We ordered both red and white sangria and both were delicious except that we could not taste any alcohol in it. For appetizers, everyone loved the crab and avavocado ravioli. I got the grilled chicken topped with cheddar, crumbled jalapeno bacon, tomatoes, & scallions with bacon blue cheese slaw, mashed potatoes, & pomegranate bbq sauce. Absolutely wonderful for being at a seafood restaurant. Everyone in our party really enjoyed their meals. We had a really fun time and I definitely recommend it for groups, seafood eaters or not!
(4)
Rob K.
Oysters, oysters, ceviche, ceviche, ceviche, and calamari galore! All fantastic. The whole flounder and the blackened escolar were also both delicious. The shrimp and grits you can't go wrong there. The sea scallop dish is also excellent. If you write something negative about this place you didn't order the right thing. The Mojitos are out of this world!
(5)
Alex C.
Good. Fish. Enough said. The mahi mahi was excellently cooked. Juicy, firm, flaky and perfectly seasoned. I also happen to order a half pound of steamed shrimp, also perfectly cooked. I hate it when places overcook the steamed shrimp and it starts to disintegrate. You won't find that here.
(5)
Jill B.
Had dinner at Coast tonight. I recommend you make a reservation instead of having to wait for over an hour for a table. That being said, the wait was worth it. We started with the fried oysters and steamed mussels. Both were excellent. The oysters were light, and deliciously sweet and seasoned. The mussels were brimming with flavor and just delicious. We split the Seafood paella for our entree and I'm glad we did. It came in a dutch oven and there was plenty of food for two people! Just delicious.
(5)
Todd Y.
My wife would kill me if I gave this place a 1 star even though it deserved it.. what happened.. holy terrible service and semi terrible food Service: Was so bad that it was terrible. Our wait person, I should have tipped him $1 each time we saw him...he would have made $3. He never came around to refill water,ask how the meal was or bring me a spoon for my soup. Ordered the soup and what's the most important thing to have with the soup.. A SPOON... no spoon and it took 10 minutes before I could flag someone to get me a spoon. Then with surf and turf, what's the most important thing to have with your steak... A STEAK KNIFE... another 5 minutes. FOOD The quality was miserable, I asked the person who delivered the food what the restaurants definition of medium and they said hot pink,I asked do you mean deep purple.. she was like no.. then I said this steak isnt cooked. Was returned, you would think your wait person would come over and see what was going on, NOTHING... he was more interested in talking to one of his tables about what bars to go to tonight... If I lived in the area, would never return ...
(2)
Em B.
My husband was so looking forward to good seafood the night we were in Charleston and chose Coast because it had good reviews. He ordered the fish special and it was undercooked. The calamari was good, though. I ordered the steak with mashed potatoes and a side of cornbread to share with our young daughter, but everything was very salty. If it wasn't for that, we would have enjoyed the meal.
(2)
Sean C.
I love seafood and Coast delivers. Great spot in downtown Charleston for a nice dinner of great seafood. The appetizers are abundant and delicious and the entrees are incredible. My wife and i sat on the patio they have out front and it was still cozy because the restaurant is tucked away down an alley. Nice and quiet, and very clean. The deserts are very good. Great spot for a nice date night. Service was stellar. the waiter knew the food and was very well versed about pairing wines with our meals. really attentive service.
(5)
Pamela S.
Friendly staff with a nice casual atmosphere. Oysters were fresh and delicious. Be sure to try the vinegar jalapeno sauce. I had the special Escobar, Salmon and shrimp. All were good along with the Parmesan mashed potatoes and fresh veggies. Gerald had the scallops. All seafood cooked with perfection. A don't miss place in Charleston, though it can be a slight challenge to find.
(5)
Lara B.
We had just eaten at Amen the night before with pretty much the same order, fish tacos and bloody mary's. At Amen we tasted freshness at Coast, the bloody Mary was just ok, nothing special. Our food came out very quickly, which is usually a sign that food was prepared ahead of time and just warmed up. Service was ok. We would not go back again.
(2)
Jessica L.
If you love mojitos, this is truly the place for you! Cucumber melon is award winning and worth a stop here on your weekend bar crawl. Last time I was there, I was talking too much with my hands and my full drink that was just placed in front of me toppled over and the glass shattered everywhere! It was clearly my clumsy fault, but the bartender snatched it all up, wiped down the table, brought me another mojito and didn't even charge for the one I spilled. Quite the service! I usually go here for apps and drinks so if that's how you find yourself, try the bacon wrapped scallops!
(5)
Joel G.
The food and drinks were great. The bartender made drinks not on the menu. Traditional ceviche was amazing. Grilled shrimp and grits were good. Homemade cheesecake was good. This is from someone who has won awards for my cheesecake. I will come back to Charleston again and eat here. Crabcake was delicious. Mostly crab...no fillers.
(5)
Randy H.
Had dinner here on Halloween, a Thursday night. Sat "in the bar", but at four-top under the awning along the street. Great, attentive service - but never cloying. Offered me a sort of sample platter not listed on the menu: grilled tuna, mahi, and skewered shrimp. I asked if we could substitute a small steak for the shrimp, and got it for a $2 upcharge. Also got a cup of the crab bisque (instead of the listed bowl), and was offered ANOTHER crab soup (tomato based) which was a specialty of that particular chef, but recently removed from the menu. Let's review: 1) a single person sitting at a four-top 2) in a prime section, 3) ordered the entree off the menu, 4) SUBSTITUTED 5) steak, ordered a 6) downsized portion of the signature soup. Yep, the nightmare customer. Nevertheless, I was treated with a grace and goodwill bordering on enthusiasm, and of course I tipped the b'jeezus on the guy. The food itself was very nice, with huge portions of julianned vegetables, a mound of Parmesan potatoes, and 7oz portions of three meats. It would have easily fed my family of three back home. All for 28 bucks. All in all, I spent a lovely evening there watching the costumed revelers in the alley scurry through the rain, and sipping my wine. Compliments to the staff at Coast, and thank you. Oh, and I had to send the wine back, too...
(5)
John T.
Just had dinner here last night. This is a real tourist trap. My grilled fish dinner came with a plate full of mash potatoes. Couldn't believe a $23.00 entree consisted of a small piece of fish and boxed mashed potatoes. The grilled fish was swimming in watery mashed potatoes. A glass of beer, house salad and this lousy meal total cost $45 (minus tip). You could get the same meal at the Golden Coral for $5.00. Also got stomach cramps from the meal. This place is a bar. Stay away from the food. Go to Bonefish Grill for a better meal and a good price. Downtown Charleston is loaded with these overpriced tourist trap restaurants. Stay away!
(1)
Lindsay W.
After reading the yelp reviews I headed to coast. The valet Brian across the street had good things to say about coast as well. The bartender john was really welcoming. I enjoyed hush puppies, crab encrusted talipa with green beans that weren't overcooked and my mashed potatoes looked they were squeezed on my plate with an icing decorator. The strawberry raspberry mojito was also tastey but not $9 worth. Another guy at the bar said he'd been to Hymans and called it a tourist trap. He said this was much better than other places he'd been to locally.
(4)
Pasha G.
Service was very warm and amiable. The food was pretty good as well. Oysters were very fresh. The soup was also very good. I had some fish for my main dish with a side order of grits. It was not something outstanding, but pretty good.
(4)
Jacqueline S.
DELICIOUS! Nothing terribly fancy- you can wear jeans but also dress up with heels. I've seen several bachelorette parties, there. The fried green tomatoes are divine. I had the special- some sort of bass with zucchini sauce and substituted the olive tapenade with the citrus salsa and it was wonderful! The mojitos are wonderful- and I don't even really like mojitos. They tasted like smoothies.
(4)
Gil G.
This was a memorable experience. The staff and food were both awesome. I will go back during my next visit to Charleston.
(5)
Terry L.
When we were being led to our table, the hostess led us to a table for 4. However, there was an empty 2 person booth, so I asked if we could be seated there instead. Instead of sure, no problem, it was more like a sigh and too much trouble for her to take us to that booth. Also when we left, none of the hosteses said "Thanks for coming, or please come back soon". But we didn't go there for the hosteses, we went for the food others had raved about. Greek salad was yum but the hush puppies at Hymans were better, the jalapeno butter had no jalapeno flavor at all. . The triple tail fish was very tasty, I could taste the hickory grilled flavor. My wife's crab stuffed lobster tail was good as well, although she said it was kind of like a deviled crab lobster mix inside a lobster tail shell. Overall the food was pretty good, the server was very nice, efficient and made good recommendations.
(3)
Boon K.
The mango Mojito was refreshing but I couldn't get enough of the Cioppino, it was so fresh and tender. It was amazing. The plaintain mahi mahi was good too but I though the blue cheese mash potatoes was on the salty side. The crab encrusted tilapia was tasty too.
(4)
Serena B.
Fantastic seafood restaurant! Since I had the warning that it was difficult to find, I poked my head down the alley (instead of hunting for it on the street) and didn't have a problem getting there in time for the reservation! Speaking of reservation, it was a bit of a challenge, I wish they were on OpenTable as that would have been easier. I had to call a few times to get someone to answer, so that was slightly inconveniencing. I enjoyed the decor, cute but not too much. I like the open kitchen feel and the brick walls. The dining area, with its high ceilings, was quiet and great for a nice dinner for two. The appetizer was delicious- the crab dip was thick and creamy, very flavorful. We couldn't get enough of it. My entree, the plantain encrusted mahi-mahi was also very delicious. On Sundays there is a 1/2 price bottle of wine special and thought I can't remember what exactly we had ordered, it was very good.
(5)
Becky W.
Outstanding. We came here based on a recommendation from a gal at the desk of our hotel. Three of us. One had shrimp linguine, one had grilled salmon and I had the appetizer special, heirloom tomatoes caprese style, and the bacon wrapped scallops appetizer. Everyone said it was delicious. I can testify mine was fantastic. Not inexpensive but not outrageous. Highly recommend.
(5)
Kris G.
I visited Coast at the beginning of November. It was a little difficult to locate, down a back alley, but was close enough to downtown. I liked the atmosphere. The food seemed to be hit or miss. I went with a large group so we got to try a lot of different things. I had the ribeye as an entree and the crabcake for an appetizer. Although mine was fine, my friend found shell in her crabcake. The ribeye was not flavorful at all. Another friend had the Plantain Encrusted Mahi Mahi. That was very good. The Shrimp & Stoneground Grits was very good as well. This was only my second time trying grits, although not something I would choose all the time, they were very well done. I like the preparation better here than I did at Hominy Grill.
(2)
Gustavo B.
I'm here in Charleston for work and went out to Coast for a delicious dinner. Had the Plantain-Fried Mahi-Mahi and it was prefect. Not heavy and filling at all. That poor dish didnt have a chance! I licked it clean. Not a fan of the Palmettos (IPA or Amber) in general because of their bitterness but there was a special beer on tap I sampled that I really liked. Don't remember the name but it was white in color and definitely a Belgian ale. I wanna go back just to order a pint!
(5)
Natalia A.
AMAZING FOOD! The ambiance is great too, very busy. We went on a Saturday night, like 40 minutess before they closed and had to wait for a place to open up at the bar because they were crowded and had no more room. So make reservations! The Mojitos are my only complain, too sweet not great! But i'm spoiled with cocktails, though.... We had a pork belly and scallop appetizer with a soy sauce reduction that was outstanding!!!
(4)
Angel E.
We went there late at night (around 9:30pm) after spending good 2 hrs on board of a boat -- hungry but too tired to eat. Maybe it was too late at night and everyone was tired, it took our waiter 10 min or so to get our wine (house cab sauvignon -- nasty :( (((I had to take antacid before going to bed ). The food we ordered included steamed oysters (excellent), bacon wrapped sea scallops (wish they didn't put that sweet BBQ sauce on top of them -- it ruined everything), and crab meat with avocado aioli (not bad but chives were too strong and there was some serious aftertaste). All in all, I think there's too much hype about the restaurant. The smell of grilled wood is great and it is all over the neighborhood, however, it's very artificial - once you come into the restaurant, that smell is nowhere to be found.
(3)
Laura T.
While the atmosphere is cozy and cute, trying to actually locate Coast is a slight challenge. Perhaps if on foot, you will see the signage down the small alley, but when driving this place will remain hidden. Once we successfully asked the right person and received the right answer, we found our way to the front door. Too chilly to dine outdoors, we found a high top table and poured over the extensive menu. Hush puppies immediately jumped out from the menu. These were not just the ordinary hush puppies. A slight hint of jalapeno spiced up the otherwise bland treat. Gorging ourselves on these fried packages of butter soaked deliciousness, we ordered a few small items to fulfill a later mid week dinner. The fish tacos were enjoyable, but nothing truly spectacular. The sauvignon blanc was eh. The best part of the meal were those darn hush puppies.
(3)
Isaac P.
This place was okay. The service was decent and the food was fresh, it just wasn't anything to get excited over. I had ordered the crab soup and wasn't very impressed. The soup was too much cream and not enough crab. In fact all the crab had sunk to the bottom. Not too impressive. The atmosphere in this place was really cool though. It is in a warehouse of some sort and had super tall ceilings.
(3)
Annie R.
How have I never reviewed Coast? Best seafood in Charleston hands down. The fried flounder is out of this world as well as the paella. The ceviche is fantastic as well, the mojitos are incredible. It is a laid back ambiance and reasonably priced. LOVE IT!
(4)
Julie R.
I was looking for more of a fine dining atmosphere, which is why I gave it 3 stars. The food was really good, but the fact that it was loud and not very intimate turned me off. We had a table of 20 guys next to us for a bachelor party, which the waitress kept apologizing for, although it wasn't her fault. The Tuna that I got was great, as was my husband's mahi-mahi. The wait staff was good, for what they had to deal with next to us. If you are looking for fine dining, this isn't the place to go, but they do have good food.
(3)
Shy A.
Coast was fairly difficult to find. Its tucked away on a little alley. I almost expected it to be a smaller establishment but was I wrong! Its an impressive open space, beautifully lit creating a very cool laid back feel. I like it already! Our menu: Spicy shrimp ceviche- one of the best that I've ever had. Spicy and fresh. The delicate shrimp was not overwhelmed by the lime or spice. It was a beautiful balance. I wasn't thrilled with the toasted chips they served with it, it was quite greasy and almost took away from the sophistication of the ceviche. Blackened escolar with sauteed field peas, smoked bacon and potato croquettes. HOLY MOLY! This was incredible! Escolar is a white, firm and buttery fish. It was cooked to perfection! The potato croquettes stayed crispy on the outside and buttery and fluffy in the inside. The field peas provided an amazing textural contrast on the tongue. An excellent dish! Salmon-the server asked what temperature my table mate wanted her salmon. We both looked at each other in confusion until he explained the difference. Apparently, she wanted it well done. The salmon was also cooked toperfection and complimented her sides perfectly. We were stuffed and couldn't squeeze a dessert in but they had a great selection of the typical variety. The service was quick and efficient, it wasn't overly warm but not dismissive...the freshness and quality of the dishes definitely made up for it! I'll be back to Charleston and definitely coming back to Coast! Amazing job!
(4)
Jason B.
Very delicious fish dishes. The staff is well knowledged. Everything was excellent when we had dinner. Rare tuna five stars !
(5)
E S.
Can't believe how good my escolar (fish) was there! Truly above and beyond flavor profiles and might I add I have eaten at just about every TOP restaurant in Chucktown: Fig, Hank's, Hominy Grill, etc... then also dined at Pearlz (buh) AW Shucks, (ok) and finally the Gin Joint (totally awesome for a drink and cheese.) But back to Coast... such an unbelievably tasty meal. Truly unique smokey flavors, the beans they served looked like capers but tasted like white beans. The hush puppies were delicious with the jalapeno butter spread. And finally, the dark and stormy drinks were great! Wonderful service, really appealing locals dining there, and that says something! Yeah, it cost me more than I would have liked $50 for 2 drinks, entree, hush puppies and dessert, but hey, when in Chucktown...
(5)
David H.
Great ambiance disguises average food quality. It's popular. I expected my main course to have better seasoned vegetables and could tell the mashed potatoes were from powder. Put this meal on a white plate and a 24hr diner's meal on another white plate, and I wouldn't be ate to tell you the difference. Food is overpriced for the quality level. If you want a popular place in a popular place and are ok with the smell of bleach and beer aroma at the bar, then this is your place. Look around more if you're looking to get value for your money.
(2)
Scott T.
Great place, even with kids. We had the crab and avocado ravioli for an appetizer, very good. We went simple for dinner with the fried scallops, tilapia, and oysters. All very good. Great little place.
(5)
Kenneth C.
Outstanding seafood restaurant in the heart of Charleston. I cant say enough good things about them so you'll just have to try the food and see for yourself.
(5)
E K.
Everything about this place is fantastic. The decor and atmosphere is really interesting and unique while still classy. All of the food we got was amazing. Crab dip, steamed shrimp, hush puppies, plantain encrusted mahi, sangria... Everything was delicious. The service was outstanding and our server was extremely knowledgeable about the menu as well as seafood in general. They try to use all local caught fish so it's very fresh.
(5)
Jessica R.
Went on a Saturday night of July 4th weekend. They were not seating tables anymore but we managed to get one in the bar area. The bartender waited on us and he was great! Mojito's were great and I am picky about them. Raw oysters were small in my opinion and not worth the price. Get the CEVICHE!!!! Sooo good . The gazpacho was very good too!!!!
(4)
Matt R.
Crab cakes and crab gazpacho were excellent. I was on a crab fix that day. Gotta love being near the coast!
(5)
Amy D.
The journey to find Coast is truly an adventure in itself, with cobblestone paths and alleys leading you to the restaurant. The building is gorgeous with its red brick walls, high ceilings, and industrial yet dark lighting. We had made reservations, but had to wait slightly to clear out a few tables, but we waited in the bar area. To start out meal we had a pitcher of red wine sangria, which was fruity but not too sweet. For our apps i had the traditional ceviche with lime and cilantro and red onions, however when it came it just tasted like slightly mushy fish with not a lot of flavour. I was expecting flavour, the promised cilantro element was missing. Also the serving size was massive, i didn't want to waste any but i wanted to save room for my main, it would have been perfect shared though. My sis had the grilled fish tacos, and again they flavours were too light, we wanted to taste great seasoned fish, they really held back. For my main i had the grilled shrimp with adobo and grits with roasted veg. The grits were great, coarse as i like them. The shrimp was super smoky and you could really taste the char, however i didn't like the sauce, it just tasted like they were brushed solely with stuff that comes in a can. The roasted veg were alright but kinda unnecessary in the meal. Coast was our first supper restaurant in Charleston and i had such high hopes but it was kind of a flop.
(2)
Marty W.
Cute location right off street. Inviting atmosphere with ambiance. Key Lime martini was delicious and the wood grilled snapper was tasty.
(4)
J B.
Wow, this place is awesome. Came for the Tilefish and the bartender directed me to the Braised Tilefish. Awesome. Staff is friendly and nice decor. I will be back.
(5)
Jen S.
Had a group of 14 here for our casual after wedding dinner. I didn't want to complain and ruin the evening, but my lobster and crab gratin was cool in the middle and my brother in-law said his food wasn't that great and his steak wasn't cooked to order. The ambiance is great, but means little if the food isn't up to par.
(2)
Andrea H.
Our first honeymoon stop. Recommended by the concierge at our hotel. It was packed out to the sidewalk with people waiting but we decided to sit at the bar instead of waiting for a table. Great food, staff and customers. We will go back the next time we visit Charleston.
(5)
Dirk L.
Great meal! The ceviche trio is a must if you like seafood. We had oysters, the grilled fish (escolar was my choice), and the fish en papillote. All were excellent. We will definitely come back each time we visit Charleston.
(5)
Dan A.
Food is good but pricy.
(3)
Burbalicious X.
I love having Yelp on my iPhone. Why? Because after the dude at the visitor's center recommended a bunch of crap nasty tourist traps for seafood restaurants, we did a quick Yelp search and stumbled on Coast with it's 4.5 star rating. Spot on! We loved it. We started with a crab and avocado ravioli appetizer that was outstanding. I had plantain-encrusted mahi with blue cheese mashed potatoes for my entree, and husband had the adobo shrimp and grits which he loved. Shared a banana bread pudding for dessert, very good. Everything was great, including the service and atmosphere. The only negative was trying to decide what to eat because so many of the menu items sounded delicious! Highly recommended!
(5)
Andrew G.
We decided to go to Coast on a Saturday night while visiting Charleston recently. It was jammed packed. Luckily, we were 6 and had a reservation. The restaurant itself is really fun and lively and not too loud. The staff was really friendly. Our meal was great except for some key things. They forgot my aunt's shrimp basket, undercooked two plates of salmon and overcooked two plates of tuna. I actually began to feel queasy by the end of the meal. Luckily they brought a whole new plate out for us. Other dishes looked more promising. From seeing all the great reviews I had higher expectations of this place, however, I won't give it any higher than a three.
(3)
Dee N.
We ate at Coast last Monday night with a group of 6 adults, 3 teenagers+, and 3 under the age of 10. This restaurant was AMAZING. Our server was Jeremy who was BY far the most knowledgable server I have had in a very long time. He knew the wines, he knew each and every oyster choice, he detailed each dish. He even deterred us from a meal that just could not be split for the little kids. It was an incredible evening and every person in our party LOVED their meals. I had the blackened mahi-mahi. A few had the escolar, someone had salmon, and the rest of the choices were random. We live in a seaside community in the Northeast where fish is plentiful. My fish was prepared as well as any I have ever had in my life. Every piece of fish on our table was perfect. I would recommend to everone. Not cheap but certainly not expensive. About 33 dollars a person including tip. Several rounds of alcholic drinks for 7, dessert, and a few bottles of wine. Also would like to mention that we are weekly+ visitors to all kinds of restaurants. A++++++++++++ Jeremy ROCKED!
(5)
Eleanor C.
Coast is a great restaurant with excellent food. However, do not expect to find a Crispy Flounder that compares in any way with that found at Garabaldi's which is currently closed and rumored to reopen. Coast's crispy flounder is fried and comes with a sauce that is not on the flounder itself but served on the side. It was a disappointment.
(3)
John A.
We visited Charleston just for the heck of it and asked the Concierge to point us to a place where the locals go. He recommended Coast and we could not be more pleased. The Okra and Tomato salad was excellent and the Cashew-encrusted Grouper was fantastic. The service staff was very attentive. I would recommend this place to anyone.
(5)
Ellen A.
There is no shortage of seafood restaurants in Charleston. One of the reasons we chose Coast for our visit was that it participates in the Sustainable Seafood Program through the aquarium ( scaquarium.org/SSI/defau… ) and we were glad we did. Although there was a two hour wait when we showed up at prime dinner time on a Saturday night, we were able to be seated right away on the patio. I was impressed that our waiter was not only very attentive, but also surprisingly knowledgeable about the seafood when we asked what was local and fresh. We ordered the spicy ceviche, which was a larger portion than we expected and was delicious. For entrees we tried the lobster gratin and grouper with truffled grits and shitakes. The gratin was severed in the lobster shell and was not the creamy, gloopy mess that is more often served. It was actually quite light and the main ingredient was the lobster and crab, rather than filler. The grouper was cooked perfectly and was very light. The grits were flavored extraordinarily well and are now one of my restaurant favorites (I do not believe you can get this flavor a la carte). The feel is nice casual (rather than eating-in-a-shack beach casual) and the price is exactly in line with the other restaurants in this area (which is slightly pricey, but not over the top), but is far better in quality than other restaurants. We will be back - Yum!
(5)
Keith M.
It had been a long day trying to figure out where I lost my camera the night before until I came to grips that I handed it to someone to take a photo and then I walked off. Lesson learned when your not rich don't act like your rich and either lose break or get wet your phone or camera. Needless to say iphones are not water proof. Long story short it was a hell banger of an evening to say the least which lead into the next alcohol driven extravaganza of a lovely day in Mt. Pleasant. To begin with a boat ride, no make that a kayak on the shipping lane, which was quite nice with dolphins and ships and the occasional seal clubber. Anyhow the strict disregard for the sign that said no beer on the kayak was over sought it was paddle paddle sip sip. We took the whole 4 hours and i stuck my friend with the bill conveniently enough as to though express funds. However the message was 'Earhart-ed' and the next event on the agenda was to go downtown and eat. I say casual they say sure, I ask how much and they, oh the food's so good, I see the menu and the hour & 1/2 wait and say we go, so we did and it turned out to be a ploy to meander about the city streets and take it all in. We pasted dozens of places that look cool unique and better budgeted though the all along was to eat at this place, Coast. So the way back proved to not be as time consuming as one might thought and even though we were still on the list, there was going to be a wait to prepare our booth. A beer for me please, I was already upset that fate had brought me back to the pocketbook breaking beast of a place, sure what kind,,, oh an IPA,,, yeah I'll close out now..,,,? 8 bucks... does this come with free refills. I swallow my pride and the preconceived hurting this even was bringing to my wad. Nonetheless it was go broke time and act rich again so yes I will have a bottle of wine, no not a glass thank you. Well needless to say dessert was a request for a punch in the face which I think was gleefully declined from the waiter to much of my surprise but that still didn't mean the evening didn't fade to black...
(3)
J C.
bad food and bad service...only time in my life i've ever sent a dish back!
(1)
Travis K.
We first visited Coast about four years ago, it was great food then. We visited again and was not disappointed! My wife had the plantain encrusted mahi mahi. It was awesome! I had the chef's special surf and turf. Yummy! We ordered the kids fish sticks for our son and I think I could have had that for myself it was so good. We also ordered the fried green tomatoes, perfect! Drinks were very tasty too! Highly recommend visiting Coast! You won't be disappointed!
(5)
gregory b.
Amazingly fresh. Terrific chefs. Top flight service. Some good drinks too. The world's best grits.
(5)
sarah c.
The crab dip and Mojitos are amazing!
(4)
Drew k.
Awesome food, good wait staff. Horrible host! We called 4 times for help with directions, Megan never mentioned once that there was a 2 hour wait. We got there and she gave us major attitude. We made reservations and came back the next day. Wow. Prices are somewhat high, beer prices are insanly high. $7.50 for a local draft?
(4)
Allen H.
We visited Coast during restaurant week, and are we glad we did. First, its a little off the beatn path, and every now and then we need to be away from East Bay street. The decor is casual and comfortable. Entrees for our group included the paella and grouper. We got four rave reviews. Probably the second best paella I have had - tons of fish and shellfish. I rarely leave without cleaning my plate, but this time some went home. But try as I might, I don't think I'll be able to get my wife or daughter to order anything but the grouper. The wine list was very good, with great variety - a lost of spanish and south American wines at prices I was willing to experiment with. Worth a visit.
(4)
Meredith N.
Coast is by far the best seafood that I've ever had in Charleston. For appetizers, we got the crab and avocado ravioli. Incredible. Then as entrees, my mom got the blackened escolar. She hates anything blackened, but because of all the great reviews, she took the risk. She literally slicked her plate clean, she liked it so much. I got the crab encrusted tilapia. The fish was incredible, mashed potatoes were absolutely delicious. And it was even better the next day! The only reason I gave it 4 stars was the overwhelming amount of cilantro that was used in the first appetizer that we ordered, Ceviche. I hate cilantro anyway, but this was just too much.
(4)
Taite B.
Refreshing peach Blanca sangria. Fried okra tomato salad would not have been my first pick, but it was amazing. Bread is fresh but not warm. The braised grouper was delish. Nothing about the dessert menu tempted us enough to indulge. Overall a great meal and decent service!
(4)
Andrew H.
I dined at Coast a little over a week ago while on a trip to Charleston. I've had my share of seafood but I can say that the ceviche and grilled swordfish (that night's special, wasn't on the regular menu) were among the best I've had. The ceviche was more than enough for two people and had a variety of very tasty fish. The swordfish was very basic, but was grilled to perfection while remaining moist throughout. The salt & pepper calamari were also good. We stumbled into half price wine Sunday, so that made our bill very reasonable (under $90 with a bottle of wine, two appetizers, two entrees, tax and tip.) The inside seemed very nice, but we chose to sit in the alleyway (cobblestoned and clean, not like what I'm used to in Chicago) instead. It was a really cool place to eat a meal and would definitely do the same next time. I'd recommend this place to anyone looking for great seafood at a reasonable price in Charleston.
(5)
Hannah C.
This was a great restaurant!!! Enjoyed dining here, kinda hidden but the inside is very cool. My dad got the seared tuna which was sooo yummy! I got the mesclun salad which was one of the better salads I've had. The lemon vinaigrette was perfect on it. Would definitely return!
(5)
Steve S.
I had crusted flounder-excellent. Waitress very friendly and attentive.
(5)
Rachel C.
Loved it! the location, service, food and feel of the whole experience was great!
(5)
J C.
Amazing food! I think the best seared Tuna over soba noodles I have ever eaten. My girls ordered the mesclun salad and it was as good a salad as one could want. Need a better Chardonnay by the glass selection. But I am spoiled by excellent California Chard's. This is a good place and a wonderful atmosphere, not a tourist trap at all. Highly reccommend!!!
(5)
Muhammad M.
It was a great dining experience. Tasty and delicious good. Highly recommended.
(5)
Bonnie M.
For lunch Rue de Jean was comfy with butcher paper on tables and an old wooden bar. The quiche du jour was tasty and creative. The lamb sandwich was very flavorful and delicious but fries should be replaced with the salad that came with the quiche. Yummy. Wait staff was attentive and unobtrusive.
(5)
Dave S.
The sangria here is good but sweet. The peel and eat shrimp were the best I have ever had. The stuffed lobster was delicious and the drinks at the bar were top notch. Service was friendly, the bartenders were engaging but the hostess did not have the mostest...she was trying to discourage us from dining as it was 915 with an hour wait. O
(5)
Da H.
Great seafood. One of our party said it was one of the best seafood dinners she ever had. She had the blackened escolar with sweet potato gnocchi. I had the Ahi tuna on soba. I liked mine; but not as much as the escolar. It was seared but the inside of the fish was cold . . . which left me cold too. Ambiance - old renovated warehouse.
(5)
Chad M.
EXCELLENT!!! If you are in Charleston, give the coast a try. very fresh fish. good menu selections. excellent service. they were busy, but we had a reservation.
(5)
S Y.
Nothing exceptional, but good seafood.
(4)
Jim C.
Great seafood! Great atmosphere with live music. Casual dining at it's best.
(5)
Melissa W.
I went with a group of 6 on Sunday night. I'm just visiting Charleston and am trying to eat seafood every night. So far so good. Its helpful to know where you're headed because the sign is not obvious from the street. It must not be a problem though, because even with reservations we still waited about 10 minutes for a table. The menu is 90% seafood and I think there were about 3 other options including chicken. I had the pecan crusted grouper and 3 others at my table got the sampler. Everyone really enjoyed their meals. The service was very good and the decor was interesting.
(4)
Tabitha Z.
Fun atmosphere and the Crab Encrusted Tilapia was amazing! Will definitely dine here again the next time I'm in town!
(5)
Paul S.
Cool spot, good food but small portions. I got the yellow fin Tuna and it was probably only 3 oz. $25 for 3 oz is kinda pricey.
(4)
Frank H.
Wanted to try this restaurant, left name, time request and telephone number. Never received confirmation of reservation request. Guess business is to good for follow up. Not going to wait 11/2 hours without. Reservations, to many other restaurants to try.
(1)
Barbara R.
Had many good meals in Charleston, SC this past weekend, but the tuna and the cerviche here where the best I've ever eaten ANYWHERE
(5)
Becky L.
My favorite restaurant in Charleston! The seafood is AMAZING!!! I seriously love this place and can't say enough good things about this place. Oh and be sure to try the Key Lime Pie Martini. Tastes like the real thing. They always have great specials, and I recommend listening to the servers about what they recoomend, they really know their stuff. I seriously seriously love this place, and miss it greatly!!!
(5)
L L.
This place is awesome! The crab and avocado raviolis were ridiculously good. The lobster and crab gratin was phenomenal. Great service, nice ambiance. My only complaint would be that they are heavy on salt with their food but that would not stop me from returning in the future. Highly recommended. Hard to find - when you get to the actual address, you have to walk down the alley to find the restaurant.
(5)
Wendy K.
I love business trips.. thats how I get to go to all of these cool places.. Place was good.. service wasn't fantastic.. It was packed.. I'd go back I can't remember what I ate.. but I did drink some yummy wine.
(4)
Richard N.
It can't get any better than this. Great food, great service, and great location. A must if visiting Charleston.
(5)
Jason C.
Terrific service in a nice atmosphere. Solid ambiance, and a fun place for after hours drinks. I got the grouper, and it was not the quality I expected in Charleston. The cuts were not filet, and it was a bit over-cooked. The apps we shared were very nice. I would go back.
(4)
Rachel M.
Laid back, hip atmosphere. The food was yummy and fresh , with attention to local fare. The mashed potatoes were so delicious...creamy and flavorful, with nice chunks of red potatoes. Fresh grilled Mexican corn was great too. I had grilled barrel fish. Good sauce. The fish was a little dry for my taste. Overall, one of the better meals we've had here.
(4)
Tyler R.
I had the shrimp pasta, which was very good. The waiter forgot to bring put our order in for crab dip. So we didnt get to try that. Really cool place inside but a little pricey.
(3)
Michael H.
Spent a weekend in Charleston in April, and this was the one meal I enjoyed the most. The setting was nice but not too formal, the service was good, and the food was outstanding and came at a very reasonable price. Was disappointed that I only got to eat there once, would love to go back. The crab-stuffed lobster tail was insanely good.
(4)
Patrick H.
Extensive seafood menu. Really enjoyed the meal and atmosphere. Service was ok. Great location.
(4)
Anne B.
Wow! Best fried flounder I've had! Recommended to us by a local resident, Coast is really worth a visit. Our server recommended the local flounder, deep fried in an herb crust. It was awesome, especially with the spicy remoulade sauce. Perfectly cooked and so delicious. Sadly, the sides let the side down a bit. The "jalapneo hush puppies" were room temp, somewhat tough dough balls. The alluring jicama slaw was limp and not too flavorful. It was probably good when it was first made. Back on the plus side, hubby had the night's special, local swordfish steak over bow tie pasta with a sun dried tomato, cherry tomato and goats milk creme fraiche sauce. It was cooked to perfection and delicious. The wine list had very reasonable choices. We had a Martin Codex '08 Albarino for a mere $29. Our two cost centers (ages 12 & 14) again had the kids menu (when will their taste buds grow up?) which was quite good. One had penne with marinara and the other had "chicken tenders" which looked to me like fried chicken breasts, and fries. Both were excellent and cost 5 bucks each! They had quite delicious ice-cream Sundaes for dessert that come with bananas, strawberries, nuts, whipped cream and both chocolate and strawberry sauce. Yum! We were there on the early side and were one of several families but the place looks like it probably heats up after kiddie bedtime. Coast can be a bit hard to find the first time. It is near the tourist info office, in an alley beyond a good-looking French bistro-type place. The decor was fun. Sort of a beach shack built inside in a 1890 train station. The service was very good. In short, the sides were nothing special, but Coast is very much worth the hike out of the old historic center for the excellent seafood.
(4)
Korrie B.
My fiance and I had a reservation for 7:30. We arrived about 10 minutes early and were seated immediately upon arrival. This restaurant is very "cool." It has a very "come hang out and have a great meal" vibe. It is in an old restored building. VERY high (2 story) ceilings and exposed brick. We started with the salt and pepper calamari. It had an excellent flavor. Just a squirt of lemon was all it needed. It didn't really need either of the dipping sauces. To drink we tried the White Peach Sangria. It was too sweet for my taste. Too much peach schnapps and not enough wine. I ended up adding some water to my glass to make it more like a spritzer and to cut down on some of the sweetness! =) For our main dishes we had the Crab and Lobster Gratin and Oak Grilled Snapper. Both came with Parmesan mashed potatoes which were good but the consistency was similar to instant mashed potatoes. The gratin was also served with green beans, not a whole lot of flavor. The gratin itself was very tasty. It was more the consistency of Stuffed/Deviled Crab and it is served inside of a lobster shell (more than just the tail...everything down to the claws!) The snapper was simply grilled and had an amazing flavor! You can choose your sauce. I chose the pineapple-chile salsa and the waiter suggested the white wine sauce as well. He was spot on! The wine sauce was amazing with the fish. The salsa was great too...I ended up eating it like it was its own side. Overall, we have had better seafood in Charleston but not with this kind of a laid back atmosphere. I would definitely recommend this place to others!
(4)
Tye O.
Walked in around 9pm and the place was packed. I was under the assumption that 9pm on a weekday wouldn't require a reservation, so we just walked in and asked for a table. We were told the wait was about 45 minutes, so we took a seat in the bar area and ordered some drinks. We got a chance to look at the menu, and we weren't all that hungry, so no real complaints. And of course, any restaurant that carries Yuengling must be a good restaurant. We ordered a few dishes, including some appetizers. We started with a dozen raw oysters, which were large and tasted fresh. The ceviche was delicious, as was the paella I had as a main course. The meal sizes were perfect, and the prices were reasonable. Service wasn't bad at all, so I really have nothing to complain about. Next time I'm in the area, I'll definitely visit Coast again.
(5)
Ginny L.
Comfortable atmosphere, food was superb, friendly waitstaff. My favorite was the salmon I added to my salad. Calamari was great - I'd skip the buff shrimp next time though because it was pricey and the portion was on the smaller side.
(5)
Daniel M.
The food was fantastic. The portions were exactly perfect. I know some reviews stated the portions were small for the price. I have ate at many fine restaurants and this restaurants quality of food and price pair well together.
(5)
Amy D.
We ate at Coast in April 2010 and were seated outside. Not a great idea in April. There were gnats biting my husband, but we it wasn't bad enough to move inside. My husband and I each ordered an appetizer. I had the Mesclun Salad which was very nice though the lemon vinaigrette was too tart. My husband had the Coast Crab Dip which he enjoyed, but it was served with a lot of bread and they brought out bread with our drinks. For dinner, he had the catch of the day which was Halibut. It was a very small portion, but tasty. The fish sat on a bed of rice and peas and the peas were undercooked. I had the Grilled Monterrey Chicken topped with crumbled jalapeno bacon, tomatoes and scallions, served with bacon blue cheese slaw (awful) and green beans & pomegranate BBQ sauce. The chicken was delicious, but all in all, it was a VERY expensive meal that wasn't worth the price. We would not return.
(3)
Dan M.
Delicious food. Prompt service. The special, barrel fish, was the best cut of fish I've had in a long time. Their crab cake was the best I've had. Period. The feel is informal, but the food is fantastic.
(5)
mis h.
My family goes here every time they come visit me, which is awesome cause then I get to eat there. I also took the Boy here for his birthday. The waitstaff isn't very attentive. They're nice and helpful when they speak to you, but you have to get them to stop at your table first. I've had amazing food here and I've had eh food here. The fish tacos were amazing, but I would suggest them as a meal, not an appetizer. Just go for the entree and enjoy the free bread. Don't bother with the appetizers or dessert...They're nothing to write home about. All the fish is cooked on a wood burning grill so it tastes fantastic. I've ended up getting the same thing every time I go cause I don't want to get something "eh" again. It's a lot more casual than you would be led to believe and it's family friendly...There's usually 10 people whenever my family goes. It's not arranged very well for big groups though so go over 6 people and you're going to get kinda cramped. Oh, and they have $1 Coronas on Thursdays, which is totally sweet.
(4)
Bill J.
Nice spot. Usually busy, but still comfortable. Little bit of a bar scene, in a good way. Food is good, sometimes real good. Drinks and bartenders are good. Casual.
(4)
Doris D.
Went to Charleston for a Convention got a recommendation from a local resident to go here. It was really good!! Great service, food and drink! We had the Paella and Sangria, will definitely go back if I'm in the area.
(5)
Jessica S.
LOVED this place. The service was great, atmosphere was nice and the food was out of this world. I got the escolar and it was outstanding. Cooked to perfection. The vegetables were excellent, the succotash, I could've done without. But this place was great. I even got dessert of the banana bread pudding and that was rich, but delicious. You def need to go here when in Charleston.
(5)
Trogdor B.
service wasn't really the greatest, but the food was excellent. i was seated, given water, and was then given some 15 -20 minutes of quiet time before a waitress actually came up to take my order. i'm hoping this isn't typical, cuz if it is....the food isn't worth that kind of wait. anyhow, i had the black grouper with the lemon-white wine sauce. i didn't know cooked fish could taste this good. the parmesan mashed potatoes were pretty good, but i'm not a huge fan of mashed potatoes...and the steamed veggies were over salted. regardless, the fish was really good.
(4)
kelly s.
great seafood spot! cool decor/space and delicious drink menu. reasonably priced. good for date night!
(4)
Christine P.
Terrific place to eat in Charleston. Service was fabulous. Food was loved by all. Terrific seafood. You can eat a ton of food or you can order some light entrees as well. Nice ambience too. Not touristy at all, reasonably priced as well. I'd go back.
(4)
Boll W.
When I tentatively approached Coast from the outer side, I had the notion that it might actually be an expensive/tie/suit kind of place. I was delightfully surprised when I walked inside to see people of all attires carousing about. I sat at the bar and recieved fair service from a busy bartender and even met a local couple next to me who were very nice, southern style. Met some other girls who were quickly packing the bar area and had a phenomenal meal. I ordered the fried green tomatoes to start. Good, as expected. Ventured on to have the plantain encrusted Mahi Mahi with blue cheese mashed potatoes and asparagus. Divine. I had to call it quits at that point. I didn't want to indulge the senses any more. If you're in Chas. and want to have a fine restaurant experience, look no further!
(5)
Tim S.
I hesitantly give this three stars because we only had drinks and apps, so we didn't get the full experience. I still feel like the food and drinks were over priced considering the 2 $$! I was expecting something amazing with all the reviews, but don't get me wrong it was still good. We had the crab dip app, fish tacos, and the buffalo shrimp tacos. The crab dip had amazing flavor, but not very much crab meat. My buffalo shrimp tacos were amazing with three large shrimp in each taco. The fish tacos were only decent. The highlight of the meal was the drinks and atmosphere. The mango mojito is a must-try for ladies, the cucumber mojito was also interesting. The building was very cool exposed brick with awesome decor, open kitchen, and nice bar area. Seemed like a pretty young crowd considering it is off the beaten path down an alley. I would still recommend anyone to check it out and we will be back to taste the entrees.
(3)
liz A.
Delicious food and a large menu to select from. Always crowded but worth the wait.
(5)
Keith C.
I love the Coast. Good food. Good atmosphere. Go there for fresh seafood experience. I like the shrimp and grits.
(4)
jane r.
went here with my mother for dinner - did not disappoint. the inside may be a bit loud - it's not a refined atmosphere, but is comfortable and cozy. we ate outside in the little alley way in front of the restaurant and really enjoyed it. the weather was pleasant and we liked the more quiet, more atmospheric spot. wasn't quite sure what to expect of the food. looking at the menu, i was thinking of more of a standard fish joint, but the food is much more refined. in fact, the food was exceptional. i had the snapper almondine, and my mother had grilled escolar with sweet potato gnocchi. we both loved our meals. the flavors were well balanced and not overwhelming of the fish. i loved the sauce with the fish. it was all just lovely. fish was also cooked well, which seems to be a challenge in some restaurants. server was very friendly and attentive. it was the best meal we had in charleston.
(5)
Tiffany L.
The atmosphere of Coast is very inviting and warm, and the food is very good. We sat at the bar while waiting for our table, and I had the most delicious Mojito I've ever had. All of their Mojito's are very, very good (and award winners) -- especially the Hawaiin Peach and Mango. The service is friendly (maybe the male bartender helping me was a little too friendly -- but it's all good). For dinner, to start I believe we shared a crap dip which was very good. For my entree I had the Cashew Encrusted Grouper with oven roasted potatoes, haricot verts and a cilantro pesto cream. My dish was very good, the fish was cooked perfectly and was delicious. Some element of my dish was overly-salted, but that was only a minor complaint. The potatoes were good, the haricot verts were crisp and the cilantro pesto cream was very good, the cilantro giving it a unique and lighter flavor than original basil. The seafood here is fresh, and no one was disappointed with their meals. We had dessert, unfortunately I can't remember what it was, but I do remember that I ordered tea and they arrived with a variety of teas that I could choose from, which was very nice. It's little things like that that tend to make restaurants and dining experiences more memorable. Touche, Coast!
(4)
Maria D.
The food was amazing, the service was great; and talk about ambiance! I had the best paella ever and can't wait to go back this fall. Charleston itself is a great little city that I truly enjoyed. People actually talk to you out of the blue and ask how you're doing. They seem so genuine, it's like going back in time.
(5)
Sharon I.
This is a good looking place - it just looks like fun and good food. While they have outdoor seating and a big dining room, we at at the bar. The bar area is huge and festive. Also, the restaurant seems to be packed. We had the scallops wrapped with bacon and served with a pomegranate sauce two nights in a row - i could eat them every night. We also enjoyed the avocado ravioli and that too was delicious. The chef does a nice job of combining savory with sweet and it all works quite well.
(5)
Morgan S.
Coast is great for many occasions - whether for dinner with the family, drinks with friends, or a first date. The atmosphere is laid back but there's a buzz in the air at all times. Do not leave without trying the mango mojito - unbelieveable (and award winning!). I'm a creature of habit and choose the same dish each time I'm there: crab stuffed flounder. No matter what you choose, you won't be disappointed. Final note - head there on Sunday night if you can. Half price wine and a jazz trio set for a great start to your work week!
(4)
Angie P.
Wow! This place is amazing! Nice decor, friendly staff & delicious food! Here's what I had: cucumber mojito (no wonder it won an award last year!) shrimp ceviche (yuuuuum) & the crispy fried flounder entree. The fish came right off the bone; it was fried perfectly! The jalapeño aioli...oh my - I want a jar of this at home! And...I've never had jimaca slaw before, but WOW! Do yourself a favor & eat here as much as possible!
(5)
Taylor A.
For a city already teeming with fantastic restaurants, and seafood restaurants at that, Coast is a solid option that belongs in the echelons of the Charleston dining scene. From the short wait on a Saturday night, to the welcoming bartenders and educated wait staff, the service was immaculate. There was never an empty glass without drink on the way from the bar. We hadn't eaten since 11:30am, so by the time we had sat down to dinner a little after 9pm we were starving so we ordered like mad. We started with both lobster and shrimp ceviche and they were both brimming with their respective crustaceans. The table was split on which was better, but all agreed they were both delicious. I had a mixed grill (baller!) special with a 6oz ribeye, 4oz red snapper, and 4 jalapeno-bacon wrappend shrimp. The ribeye itself wasn't anything spectacular (probably Grade A versus Prime), but the red snapper and shrimp were fantastic. Usually bacon wrapped anything makes whatever is wrapped overcooked, but the shrimp were plump and juicy. So, for a great meal in Charleston, Coast is a wonderful option!
(4)
Lawrence T.
Very fresh oysters for an appetizer - also a great selection. Entrees were escolar and striped bass - both fresh and perfectly grilled. We would definitely dine here again.
(5)
Stephen W.
We had a great experience here for dinner on a Saturday night. We arrived early, without reservations, but they seated us in the outdoor patio area which was fine. It's a casual place so the experience is a bit different from Magnolia's which is more formal. We started with the crab dip which was very good but too salty for my wife. For the entrees, I got the crab cakes which WERE THE BEST CRAB CAKES I HAVE HAD IN MY LIFE. And I am a crab fan and have tasted them all from Maryland to Oregon. NO filler, all sweet crab. Just excellent. The wife got the lobster and crab gratin and it too was excellent, no filler and all luscious meat. The service was good and they had a killer micro brew, Sweetwater IPA which was perfect with crab. This place cost about 1/2 as much as Magnolia. We would both eagerly return. I can't wait!
(5)
Emely B.
Fantastic! We had a great experience, the trio ceviche was delicious, juicy full of flavors. We had the mango mojito and the cucumber melon mojito both great and refreshing. For entrees we had the crab crusted tilapia and the Rockefeller shrimp linguine which was peppery, creamy and yummy. The prices and the ambiance were right on point. We highly recommended and hope to be back!!
(5)
Stef J.
Awesome! Try the groupers with nuts, tilapia and as a tip the buffalo shrimp tacos - 6 stars for all that!! After a three week southern US tour we came here one night and it was simply delicious, good service, good prices - the best meal in 3 weeks US! Extremely recommendable!!
(5)
Kelly C.
Coast is one of our favorite restaurants in Charleston. If you are looking for a great seafood place, look no further! They always have several 'catch of the day' options that you can have cooked several different ways and many other menu options to choose from. Coast also has the BEST mojitos! Even if you can't make it there for dinner, I highly suggest making the bar your first stop on a night out. It's definitely a hidden gem, find it if you can!
(4)
Lauren G.
On a girls weekend in Charleston, my sister and I tried this restaurant through a recommendation from our B&B. It's tucked away from the main road, so you might not stumble across it just strolling around town; I'm really glad we knew to look for it! The food and service were great, and the atmosphere was relatively upscale, yet still casual and relaxed. We sat on the porch, which was perfect in the May evening weather. We tried the crab and avocado ravioli for an appetizer, and seriously considered getting a second order - it was THAT good! Ultimately, we decided to try the calamari instead. It was also good, but the ravioli stole the show. For my entree, I had the scallops, which were delicious. My sister opted for the oakwood grill dish, and tried the mahi mahi with pineapple chili salsa. I tried a bite of her salsa, and would definitely recommend it! For dessert, we had the special, which was a chocolate mousse/strawberry "bomb" that was a great end to a delicious meal. We also tried one of their pinot noirs, and were very happy with that. (Unfortunately I don't remember the name of the wine, but they have a pretty large wine list and the servers are happy to make recommendations.)
(5)
Ashley B.
All over great.
(4)
Michelle B.
This place had somewhat high reviews so I wanted to give it a go. My friend and I were looking for a fried fish alternative and their menu looked big enough to accomodate our cravings. I wanted something a little lite so I ordered the mahi mahi fish tacos. It came with 2 soft tacos and nothing else. The waitress warned me that the meal would be more like an appetizer, which was fine with me. I also ordered a basket of 5 hushpuppies that came with jalapeno butter. I should have just stuck with the tacos because the hushpuppies weren't anything to write home about (or on Yelp) and just acted as lead weight in my stomach. My friend ordered the tuna with soba noodles which turned out to be a pretty good chocie. The tuna was cooked perfectly, or as I like to eat it, just slightly kissing the grill on both sides. Overall the place would be good for a crowd or family but there are much better options for fish in Charleston.
(2)
Greg S.
This place is very casual and had the ambiance of sitting in the hull of a large, old wooden boat. Anyway, it was all about seafood, of course. We had blackened escolar on a piece of corn bread bathed in a crab roux (loved it) and a cerviche sampler and a crab cake with fries (I'd call it a 3.5 out of 5 - can't win 'em all). It was 1/2 off wine night, so it took away some of the sting of my not as good selection.
(3)
Garen M.
A great gourmet seafood experience. Sit at a community table and you will make some new friends. Delicious and memorable dinner.
(4)
Chris K.
Very casual, so its a good place after a day of sightseeing. Excellent seafood, very fresh with imaginative preparations and tasty sides. We liked it so much we went back the next night. Make a reservation. It fills up pretty quickly.
(5)
Meg R.
4.5 star review for Coast. I give my main course - the blackened escolar with sweet potato gnocchi - a perfect 5 stars as it was one of the best meals I've eaten in a long, long time. As for the rest of my review, I have to say that Coast does seafood well. My family loved their meals (the salmon Ceasar salad and the fried platter with scallops and oysters). The restaurant is tucked away in an alley on John St (behind 39 Rue de Jean) right near popular King St. There is a public parking garage on the same side of the street as Coast as well as a lot across the street. The only reason that I didn't give 5 stars was because of the service. Our waitress wasn't attentive to our drinks, which upset me since I was hydrating for the Cooper River Bridge Run. It took a long time to get our check and then to have her take our payment. The restaurant wasn't that busy, but my experience with the service would not keep me from returning just for that escolar!!!
(5)
Kathleen M.
Great decor and fabulous smell greet you as you enter. It just made me happy we had come on the recommendation of our concierge who also made us a reservation. For appetizer, we split the crab dip which was plentiful but pretty salty. The bread they gave however was so fabulous that I wish we had just had that for the appetizer - it was manna from heaven. It is worth the trip just for the bread. My husband had the stuffed lobster and I had the paella. I used to live in Spain, I taught Spanish for most of my adult life, I really like paella. This really wasn't paella. The seafood had not been cooked down into the rice and the sausage was Mexican, not Spanish. Having said that, it was pretty good just not Spanish. Call it something else - spicy seafood and rice casserole would be more accurate. Dessert and coffee were great - I had the blondie sundae and it was delicious and enough for 3 people. My husband had the key lime pie which he finished. Great service added to the enjoyment of the night. Had the paella been a true paella, I could stretch this to five stars. Guess I will have to just go back to Spain!
(4)
Alicia V.
The Coast is incredible! I had the Blue crab cioppino and the seared scallops. The cioppino was overflowing with a variety of seafood and sauce was rich and tasty. My seared scallops were seared perfectly and the orzotto that the scallops were on were creamy and delicious! If you are in Charleston you owe it to yourself to eat at the Coast.
(5)
Kate N.
We hit up Coast during RW, but decided to go with the regular menu! We were pretty pleased. We started with the octopus ceviche and it was truly delicious. We're still having dreams about it. We also had some calamari as an app, which was good. The lemon aioli is very lemony -- just how I like it. I got the seafood paella with Mahi-mahi. It was great! Huge though -- didn't come close to finishing it. My boyfriend got the spicy shrimp, and he did not love it. I had a taste and didn't care for it myself, but I am also not into the super spicy. I would, however, recommend the strawberry rhubarb mojito, as it was delicious! We enjoyed our experience at Coast. It's a bit pricey, but the ambiance is nice and the food was tasty. Especially the ceviche. Get the ceviche.
(4)
Lauren L.
Coast was recommended by our hotel, and if not for our iPhones we would have never have found it. (It's down an alley off a side street in downtown.) But when we reached Coast, and I had one bite of their hushpuppies and jalapeno butter, I literally called my girlfriend to set up a road trip to Charleston cause, as far as I'm concerned, everyone within an 800-mile radius needs to try these. (No seriously, I was that excited.) The boyfriend absolutely loved the plantain-crusted mahi mahi (which was the deciding dish in us coming here), and my veggie plate was damn good (although I wished there was a bit more carbs on it, since veggies don't work that well for soaking up alcohol). This was definitely a local place, which was a change of pace from the other dinners we had in Charleston, and will absolutely be on the top of my list next time I'm in SC.
(5)
Lesley S.
One of my favorite restaurants in any major city. Great food, service and setting. We had oysters, scallops, spicy shrimp and an amazing desert. Couldn;t tell ya what my drink was because the waiter picked it for me but it was good. Very reasonably priced. Loved the music.
(5)
Shannon P.
We ate dinner Saturday night with a very large group-16. When we arrived for our reservation we were very promptly seated and immediately attended by our server. The mojitios were flavorful and strong- we tried the melon, strawberry, and peach. The beer selection was adequate but not outstanding. For appetizers, the BBQ oysters are unbelievable! It's not a flavor combination I thought I would like but everyone loved them...including me. Other delicious options ordered at our table were hush puppies with jalapeño butter, octopus ceviche, and crab soup. The main courses did not disappoint. The top selections at our table were: mixed grill, bacon wrapped scallops, escolar, lobster, and pecan crusted tilapia. As a side the mashed potatoes were delicious. Desserts ordered: snickers cheesecake and key lime pie. Not so much as a crumb was left on any plates! Located on a charming alley just off King with reasonably priced parking directly across the street-- it's the perfect downtown Charleston spot! After dinner we window shopped and crowd-watched before heading back to our island rental. Coast is an excellent option among Charleston's best dining establishments. We will definitely return anytime we are in town.
(5)
Gerald P.
Good solid evening out place to eat. I had grilled halibut special. Very good, vegetables on the side were actually super good and we had crab dip for appitizer that really was good. Calamari was good but not anything different than most good restaurants. Staff was very good, attentive. We had an extra person show up and they made room for us. Nice recommendation.
(4)
Darren F.
A very neat place with casual atmosphere and great food. The prices are reasonable. Service was very good even though they were very busy. I had the mixed grill and everything was prepared spot on, even the hangar steak, which is hard to cook without it becoming rubbery. Can't wait to go back and try some other dishes.
(4)
Gil S.
I had the swordfish which was good, but not knock your socks off delicious. For appetizer we had the fried calamari. Quality of the calamari was ok, but we believe it could have been better. The breading used on the calamari was marginal. Service was ok, but not superb. However they had a large golfers party (about 35 guests ) that night, so this may have pit some abnormal strains on the waitstaff. Ambience is relaxed and casual. Acoustics were not so hot. If you are looking for an intimate setting this is not the place. They have a sister restaurant around the corner (39 rue de Jean) which is probably more intimate. But for a group of people it certainly is a fine restaurant. I would go back to The Coast, but not as my first pick. Bon Appetit!
(3)
Scott C.
Very disappointing, service was average, waiter missed appetizer order. Changed tone completely when we didn't order the $30 catch of the day. Food was also very average. Side of grilled vegetables turned out to be mostly pepper with a few onions. Seemed to be targeting the tourist crowd over all. Definitely not the typical Charleston dining experience.
(2)
Tastybeverages T.
Went there on a Tuesday night with 5 adults and 2 kids. The ambience at the bar was probably the best part of this place. Nice lighting, good vibe. Overall the food was average, with the apps being better than the entrees. Started with some calamari, buffalo shrimp, and crab dip, all of which were well received by the whole table. The entrees were just not good. Two of us got the braised grouper, after which I felt like I had eaten a stick of butter, so oily and heavy. My wife got the talapia, which was not bad. One of us got the shrimp and grits which were the strangest s and g I have ever seen, and not in a good way. They were like a stew, with no definition, just a plate of muddled blandness. They have been written about by others on yelp, so I am hoping nobody ever orders that dish again. All in all, a forgettable dining experience, but if you want a good bar with some apps, worth hitting up. I will say the service was very good, always a plus.
(3)
Craig F.
Eh. OK place. Love the location and the atmosphere is something quite special. Service was quite attentive and the appetizers were a great start. The love affair came to a halt when I got the shrimp and grits. DEFINITELY were not wild shrimp...looked like the kind of teeny shrimp you get in one of those cans in the grocery store. No flavour and it was swimming in this salty salty broth. No bacon or scallions either. Just a horribly devised version of shrimp and grits, when, in a town KNOWN and revered for shrimp and grits, they would be advised to pull it off the menu for some fine tuning. I will try them again because my party all liked their meals and the desserts were a perfect ending. BUT...avoid the shrimp and grits. Please.
(3)
Paula L.
Without question one of the best meals I have ever eaten. We started off with bacon-wrapped sea scallops and everyone at the table loved them. I had the snapper almondine and I can honestly say it is the best I have ever eaten. This fish actually melted in my mouth. Everything about this restaurant is first class. Call ahead and make a reservation - you will need one. Service was outstanding.
(5)
Justin C.
I recommend starting with the fried green tomatoes and ordering the grilled mahi mahi with tropical salsa. Rodney strong Pinot noir was very affordable. Enjoy.
(4)
George H.
After hearing about all the fresh shrimp that you can get in Charleston from the Boat Tour, I knew that seafood was a must for dinner. Looking on Yelp, for suggestions, Coast popped up. #1 Do not walk past like my group did. You must go in the alley like corridor to find the restaurant, and believe me, you want to find this restaurant. The sampler has the freshest seafood I have had in a LONG time. The Shrimp Cocktail was literally AMAZING. The ceviche, very well done. We tried the Octopus. If the meal ended here, it was would have been a perfect 5. Then came the main course and crab cakes were so filling and really tasty. The lack of 5 stars comes from the Paella. It needs to be cooked in the pan and you could tell they moved it into a serving vessel and the rice just clumped. It was more a risotto then Paella and that is a very clear distinction they need to make. The dessert was great, the Banana Bread Pudding. So tasty and not too sweet. I would come back here for the Shrimp Cocktail in a second.
(4)
A G.
Here on holiday, food atmosphere and service were all great. Had grilled grouper perfectly cooked. Service was perfect.
(4)
Candice R.
We went to Coast with a large party for a birthday. The location is good and the atmosphere was nice but erred a little bit on the side of cheesy tourist. We ordered the crab cake appetizer which only came with one crab cake for 9 people and they served it with fries which we all the thought was odd. Why wouldn't the server tell us it was only one crab cake? And then it didn't take very good. The entrees were better but were all a bit on the salty side. It was not a bad experience but I would not go out of my way to eat here again.
(3)
Whitney H.
My family came to charleston on vacation for the weekend from Myrtle Beach and found Coast right next to the hotel we are staying in. The reviews were promising so we went. I definitely recommend making reservations, we waited about an hour for a table of 5 at 8:30pm, but it was so worth it. Our server was super sweet and friendly and the atmosphere was great. Fun, funky, unique and casual. We requested a booth since our 2.5 yo was asleep and the staff arranged us exactly what we needed. Now to the food, the amazing food. For an appetizer we ordered the Salt and Pepper Calamari and I don't hesitate to say it was the best calamari I've ever eaten. Buttery, tender and the lemon aoli was incredible. I ordered the Moscato from the extensive wine list and my husband had a 22oz Fat Tire to drink. For dinner my husband ordered the Seared Tuna and I had the Crab Encrusted Talapia. The tuna was amazing, perfectly seasoned and seared atop a pile of soba noodles. My entree was, as my husband said, the best thing he has ever eaten. The fish was so fresh and cooked just perfectly. That roasted red pepper sauce was perfect and even the green beans and mashed potatoes were super yummy. My kids ordered the Fish Sticks (which were only $5 for a plate full) and even those were delicious. They were not what I would call fish sticks at all, but rather a plate of crispy, flaky fish and chips. We ended the meal with the White Chocolate Cheesecake which was on par with the rest of the meal. To say that the meal was great is a bit of an understatement. We will definitely return again and again.
(5)
Krista G.
Charleston School of Law hosted its annual moot court competition at the Embassy Suites, so our group decided to try nearby Coast for our last meal in Charleston. For appetizers, we ordered half a dozen oysters on the half shell as well as scallops wrapped in bacon. Both were delicious! For my main course, I asked the waiter if he recommended the seared tuna or the plantain-crusted mahi-mahi - he immediately touted the tuna, and I'm happy to say I was NOT disappointed. The tuna was perfectly cooked - seared on the outside, buttery on the inside. It was served with a pomegranate-soy reduction which tasted absolutely amazing over the soba noodles. The other members of our party also raved about their dishes. I thought the prices were reasonable (we split the check for expensing purposes, so the individual bills came to $30-$60 including drinks) considering the quality of the food. I would definitely recommend Coast if you're looking for a delicious, fresh seafood dinner!
(4)
Daragh C.
I enjoyed my trip to Coast. My husband and I were hoping to have a good dinner after a disappointing time at Social the night before and Coast delivered. I had the plantain encrusted Mahi Mahi, however they were out of the brussell sprouts. I asked if they would replace it with the kale they were serving in the nightly special and thank goodness they did, the kale was delicious. I bet it would have been great with the brussell sprouts but it doesn't matter since it was to die for with the kale. My husband had the special for the evening; 7oz Swordfish steak over pork belly and kale. He said it was delicious. We also had the cioppino soup which was very tasty. I especially liked that all the seafood was without the shell making it easy to eat. It was a decent portion and a very reasonable price. The only downside to the experience was that our service was just okay. The server had a little bit of an "I could care less" attitude about her and seemed annoyed when I asked for another minute before deciding on dinner. She also didn't seem all that knowledgeable about the menu items above what was already listed and when we asked her how the chef prepared the kale, she said it was sauteed on the grill. Perhaps that is true, but my husband and I were a little confused by the response. Aside from the service, we were happy with our experience and would come back again, especially if they are offering the "sauteed on the grill" kale!
(4)
Kathy S.
For starters we had the oysters. They brought out the wrong ones but corrected the error by bringing the right ones later. Not a bad one in the bunch. The heirloom tomatoes were nice. The salt and pepper calamari was excellent! This was followed by the seafood ravioli, KILLER. A companion ordered the green bean, carrot and shiitake dish (awesomely delish) and let us share. After having dutifully eaten our vegetables (the kind they serve in heaven), we indulged in the banana bread pudding. Worth dying for.
(4)
Kimberly K.
We were staying on Kiawah for a few days for vacation a wanted a really good meal so decided to drive into Charleston. I would say we are a bit of food snobs so when this place turned out awesome we were thrilled. First off, its tucked down an alley and the building just has a cool vibe. I know it might not have a ton of history like others, but it just feels cool. We had a pound of shrimp to start and they were fresh and fantastic. I can't remember all the entrees, but my husband had the fried oysters and they were some of the best we have ever had. I think the whole meal was so great because the service was great as well. Not the "fake great" that you sometimes get from servers in busy tourist towns, but a truly, great waitress who had fun with us. Was it the best meal on the planet? No. Was it worth 5 stars and well worth what we paid? Definitely yes.
(5)
Nicole L.
This place exudes both modern southern flair and charm, and it's great for a large party! What to order? That's a tough recommendation to make. Everything we tried was a winner in my book. And since there was a group of 12 of us, I was able to try a good portion of the COAST menu (however, I still didn't put a dent in the list of things I wanted to sample!) So what in particular did I try and love? * Coast Crab Dip - Blue crab claw meat, horseradish, cheese, & grilled bread - Rich and creamy, great for sharing. And who doesn't love grilled bread?! * Plantain Encrusted Mahi-Mahi - Blue cheese mashed potatoes, asparagus & sweet basil butter - Amazing as it sounds, holy cow this dish packed in the most beautiful flavors. * Seared Rare Tuna - Fresh tuna dusted with cashews and peanuts; with diced mango, cilantro, pomegranate soy reduction over soba noodles - I can't get enough of Asian flavors with fish. Tossing in some mango, pomegranate and cilantro took this to the next level. * Crispy Fried Whole Flounder - Hush puppies & jicama slaw; cilantro jalapeno aioli - This dish oozes Southern flavors. For more highlights on this dining escapade and menu favs, check out my blog post: bit.ly/pu5kjm
(5)
Dekun P.
We came to this place based on the overwhelming positive review from yelp. From the look of it, it seems like your Joe's Crab Shack around the block. However, don't let its looks fool you. It's fine dinning seafood in a family ambiance. We arrived early on a Saturday night and did not reserve a table and we were quickly seated. Had the crab ravioli for appetizer which I can definitely recommend. For entrees, girlfriend had the shrimp and grits and it's done nicely. I had the plantain encrusted mahi-mahi, which was slightly over-salted, contributing to the 4 star rating.
(4)
Felix M.
I recently had dinner at Coast and thoroughly enjoyed it. The seafood was fresh and perfectly prepared. Our waiter was fast, attentive and knowledgeable. The ambiance was great - it had a tropical, laid-back, comfortable feel. The live music - two guitarists - were excellent.
(4)
Kevin C.
I honestly kept looking around and had to double check on the way out that we had come to the right place, because I was pretty sure we just ate at bonefish grill or some other crappy midwest chain of seafood restaurants. (if that's your kind of place, by all means, add two stars to this review and read no further!) . Yelpers you have failed me. Ok, good news first - Service was fantastic. That's it for good news. Had the "thai chile" shrimp ceviche - uh, those weren't thai chiles and that shrimp was cooked with heat, not with citrus. Next up was the seafood cioppino. Tasted like... canned tomato soup. Finally was the mixed seafood grill. I know, lame choice but they had escolar and salmon my two favorite Frutti di Mare. The server asked if is was OK for the salmon to be cooked "medium". Of course, that's fine. The salmon was rare, and i do mean rare. Which is OK with me and it tasted fine, but just annoying as not as advertised. Charleston, you better do me better before i leave town.
(2)
Mike D.
Nice atmosphere in the bar area and an awkward outside area in front of the resturant that executes like an afterthought. After some pleading, the hostess allowed us inside, after she first told us there was no room inside (on a very hot early evening). Thank you. The braised grouper was extremely good, as was the greek salad. Our friends said their tilapia was very good as well. The Lobster and Crab gratin looked great as I noticed it coming out of the kitchen for another table. However, the one we received was significantly smaller (there was no size option) and although it was mostly terrific, we left a little not because we were full, but due to the fact that some of it was charred. The service was better from the runners and bussers (very pleasant and friendly) than it was from our server "Lacy". Maybe Lacy was just in the weeds, but she was just going through the motions and clearly didn't care enough to provide a level of service that her employer would like to think they deliver. Every night in Charleston is Saturday night, so that's no excuse. The food was (mostly) top notch, but they just didn't deliver the complete experience that we paid for.
(2)
Ellen L.
This was out second time at Coast during our trip to Charleston. What a fun place, and the food was to die for. We started with some blue point oysters that were so fresh and yummy. We also got the bacon wrapped scallops. The sauce on the scallops was delicious, and so was the crab soup. Best I've had in a long time. For entrees, cashew crusted grouper - delicious!!! Seafood pasta - good and the grilled salmon with chili pineapple sauce. Only complaint was that the chili pineapple sauce was not really spicy. For dessert the table ordered the chocolate cake. Omg it was killer, especially with the raspberry sauce. We will definitely be back next time we are in Charleston.
(5)
Erin C.
My friend & wanted a good dinner to top off our Charleston visit. We perused the AAA recs and decided on Coast: seafood in many manifestations. Lobster rolls sold me, and I don't even like lobster much. We had reservations on a Thursday night, didn't have to wait long, and took our seats in the dining room. Decor was expansive, coastal, and consisted of lots of textures. The forks are three-pronged though. Eh. Glasses of wine, reasonably priced. Crab dip appetizer, to die for. When it came to our table, our waitress lit up the heat beneath and we dove in immediately with accompanying bread. The ghosts of so many flavors are haunting and taunting me even now. Before we knew it, entrees had arrived. I had the cashew & pistachio crusted seared tune with mango and sobe noodles in a pomegranate soy reduction. The dish had vibrant flavors, but alas I could not finish it off. Our waitress was helpful and visited our table with perfect in/frequency. She wrapped our crab dip to go (tastes Just as good cold, in a car, on crackers) and cheerfully told us how to get to Kaminsky's for dessert.
(4)
Mark W.
The food was outstanding as well as the service. The Blackened Escolar was to die for. The ceviche sampler was an interesting experiment. Really cool atmosphere, but you have to walk down an alley to get to it(we almost missed it). Would love to go back and try other offerings.
(5)
Alice M.
Having heard Charleston is known for its culinary excellence, this restaurant was just mediocre. My husband and I had the ceviche trio, which was ok. The lobster one was our favorite, but none compared to the ceviche I had in Cancun. I got the crab encrusted tilapia. The fish was like butter--super tender and melted in your mouth. Excellent. But everything else on the plate was sub-par. I honestly think the mashed potatoes were instant. My husband's grilled jumbo shrimp was nothing spectacular. The sauce was too hot and the seasonal vegetables mainly consisted of just onion. For those of you who dine out often and have a higher standard of quality, this place is a let-down; however, it is not a bad place. Seemed to me a lot of college students frequent this place.
(3)
Robbie M.
Just had dinner here tonight. It was fantastic. Boiled shrimp for an app and blackened escolar over sweet potato gnocchi. The escolar was phenomenal with a light fig reduction sauce over it. Unbelievable - would eat it daily if I could! The place was packed. I was dining alone so sat at the bar. Service was great.
(5)
John G.
Very nice casual seafood restaurant. In the old part of town in an historic building. Wooden tables, nice paintings on the wall, and turning fans are the setting. Excellent service. Very friendly and explained some of the local dishes plus the specials. Our party of 10 had a mix of selections. Appetizers included stone crab, crab dip and calamari. All very well prepared and very tasty. Nice selection of wine and beer. Entrees included lobster & crab gratin, crusted tapia, grouper, shrimp and a pasta seafood. All were very well cooked, spiced just right and very delectable to the palate. Desserts were coast lime pie and sundaes. Very nice experience. The customer service is really tops. Will repeat next time in Charleston.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Garage, Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Rob F.
Went for the blackened swordfish but was a little disappointed it was substituted for Mahi-Mahi. The disappointment ended when the meal came however. Very, very good. My wife had the Oysters Rockefeller which was the best she ever had. Go to Coast Seafood NAO!
(5)Hana M.
Since my last review I have been back a couple of times because it is one of everyone else's favorite places to eat. Coast has amazing seafood entrees. During the dinner portion, I could say "this is one of the best entrees I've had" but their appetizers are so awful in comparison so i say "phew i'm glad this is one of the best entrees I have ever had, it makes up for that sucky calamari" Skip the appetizers! Last time I had appetizer of crab, goat cheese and avocado ravioli... Seemed like a trifecta from heaven, 3 of my favorite things in a pocket of dough - amazing?? It was not!! The crab tasted like canned tuna. My first thought was cat food but that's a little harsh. Then the main dish arrived, crispy whole founder, with jicama slaw and aioli. Sooo good! It was crunchy and delightfully spicy with the slaw and aioli. One of the best dishes I have eaten in Charleston, word. My whole party was extremely engaged in their dinner (but not their appetizers.) Coast puts all their effort in giving you an incredible entree, and fresh fish (except maybe not my crab!). Without equally good appetizers, they are just coasting by.
(3)Mark W.
Coast is a great place for dinner. I had the shrimp and grits, and my wife had the ribeye steak. She is a true carnivore, and could not stop talking about how delicious it was. The only negative was the length of time it took for the waitress to give us menus and take a drink order. We sat at the communal tables by the kitchen. Maybe that was the reason?
(4)I M.
The food is great. We had mahi-mahi grilled and crab cake (entree) which btw was gluten free and delicious. Service by the waiter was wonderful... place is much bigger so dont get deterred (make sure you get seated in the back - they have 2 person booths which is nice). Only reason I knocking down a star is because we ordered a Mango Mojito which was suppose to be "award winning" (it was all syrup, pre made and super sweet, too sweet). My husband has a sweet tooth and couldn't take it, didn't finish his drink and when he went back to the bartender to help "fix it" - wanted to just put more ice instead of actually fixing the drink. The drink ended up being left on the side for the whole meal....
(4)Kara T.
So-so food but attentive service. Although my husband enjoyed his oysters and wood oven grouper, my cioppino was more like tomato sauce than broth. The seafood was plentiful and fresh but it lacked a savory flavor. My Mahi Mahi fish tacos had bones, little flavor and the cabbage was too tough and bland. Marinating it and removing the bones would have helped. The cocktails were a disappointment. Too much sugar in the Limonada and the natural blonde bloody Mary was bland. It improved after I added the vinegar dip from my husband's oysters and asked for a side of worshester sauce. With so many great food options in Charleston I wouldn't bother going to Coast. You could do a lot better.
(3)Neil A.
I was lucky enough to get a room at the Hampton Inn next door as this is one of my Charleston fav's. Came in on a Monday which is pretty quite so hot seated right away. They have some nice covered outdoor seating but it was too hot and there was a game on. The menu is so diverse I would up mixing and matching app's (shrimp tacos, fried green Tom's and cornbread). It's nice they have the choices to do this - and get a nice meal - or go full blown market priced fish dinner. Had a really smooth Sonoma Pinot (yea I know it's not kosher with fish) for a tasty finish. If you come here Fri-Sun arrive early when they open @ 5:30 or be ready to wait.
(5)Matt E.
We sat at a table with 4, and had: Tilapia, shrimp and grits, flat iron, fried oysters, chippino, and fish tacos. Shrimp and grits were redonculous, crab crusted tilapia was tasty, flank steak was cooked perfect; flavorful with the perfect snap. Fried oysters were perfectly fried and succulant with a dwlicious sauce. Chiopino seafood was fresh and tender with just the right touch of spice. The fish tacos were the ugly stepchild in this meal, just ok, they need to work a bit on the flavor profile. Overall a good place!
(4)Mark S.
Very good meal and large portions. Come ready to eat. I ordered a dozen oysters and cioppino. Oysters were fresh. Cioppino was okay. I would not order that again. Wife loved her almond crusted salmon over grits. CaeSar salad was very good as well. Service was exceptional. price was reasonable. Would return for sure.
(4)Kelly Z.
Best calamari I ever had. The food was very good so was the service. The only reason why I don't give a place 5 stars is because the portions were very small and the place very loud to have a conversation and lack some privacy.
(4)Ashton B.
This place was amazing. It was a long wait time, but I suggest being patient. The crab dip with the bread is a great appetizer and the crab manicotti is good for any pasta lover. I'll definitely be a frequent visitor.
(4)Holly S.
My food (crab encrusted tilapia) was alright and my mom said her salmon was great. The staff at the front hostess station were kind of friendly and the girl that brought us water never made eye contact or spoke even after I said thank you. Our waitress was better but overall I wasn't really won over...
(3)Crystal S.
Great food, great restaurant! I went there with some friends for my birthday dinner and the meal was great. The wait was pretty long. Granted, we went on a Saturday night, I still expected a shorter wait since we made reservations. We waited about 45 minutes before being seated. Once we were seated, we had a great experience. I order the seafood paella topped with swordfish, which was AMAZING. This was, hands down, the best seafood that I've ever had. Everything was cooked just right and the portion was HUGE. I made three meals out of my dinner. My friends ordered the seafood platters and shrimp and grits, which they all enjoyed. I will definitely be visiting again.
(5)Brittany D.
I enjoyed every bite I had at this restaurant! We had the fried oysters to start which were perfectly fried + had a really good sauce on top. For our entrees we had the blackened swordfish with jalapeño cornbread and braised grouper with grits.. Both were absolutely outstanding! The service was great as well. I would highly recommend!
(5)Taylor G.
Coast was wonderful! We attended for dinner with a party of 6. The atmosphere is comfy with a coastal charm. Cadie our waitress was on point with the service and helped make a menu with tons of great choices more convenient for us. She extended the phrase "southern hospitality" onto our table. I highly recommend everyone to try out their crab dip, ceviche, and the grouper. All was very delicious. Looking forward to another meal here.
(5)Lindsey G.
Coast is by far one of my new favorite seafood restuarants...and I live in SF where some of the greatest seafood in the US is! We went during restuarant week and it was pretty packed, but it took them only 20 min to seat our group of 8. The waitress was incredibly knowledgeable about all the specials going on for restaurant week, and helping us find something for the picky seafood eaters. I tried what the waitress suggested, the braised grouper, and it was amazing! I am not a fan of grits, but the cheesy grits sitting underneath the fish had me converted. We also tried the mussles and the salmon tartar and I would definitely suggest both. Overall, it was a great experience. We were well cared for and well fed and I can't wait to get back to SC to try Coast again!
(5)Steve K.
We asked our pedal-cab driver for a great seafood restaurant and was steered to Coast. From the heirloom tomato salad to the blackened swordfish everything was spectacular! I was in the mood for scallops and as I only saw them in the ceviche menu asked for other options. I went with a grilled shrimp and scallop combo which was amazing. Went well with the perfect classic mohito. Highly recommend!!
(5)Meredith M.
You definitely want a reservation here on a Saturday night. We waited 1+ hours for a table of 4 around 7 last Saturday. We sipped one of the famous Mojitos and enjoyed the breeze outside. I don't mind waiting for a good meal. The place was packed with bachelor and bachelorette parties. Even the bar seats were reserved! The bartenders were very nice and people let us squeeze in to grab a beverage. The hostess seemed a bit annoyed that we didn't have a reservation. Then when I asked if we could wait at the bar she snapped that those tables were reserved as well. Chill out, lady! This is not a fancy place so that upturned nose and nasty snarl did not fit in with the scenery. The setting is beautiful, an open air old warehouse that has been transformed to a cozy dining space. Our waitress was lovely. She seemed very knowledgable of the menu and happy to serve us our meal. The crab encrusted tilapia was cooked to perfection, crispy breading on the outside and tender on the inside. I barely had to move my fork to cut a piece. Everyone at our table left their plates clean. We did not have room for dessert, but maybe next time. Overall this seems like a good place to take a large party of people for dinner. The mood is very upbeat and a bit loud for a romantic dinner. I would come back here again, but make a reservation next time! It would be a 5 star experience if I hadn't had the rude encounter with the host!
(4)Cat P.
If you're tired of being all fancy and just want a chill watering hole or relaxed atmosphere to grab a bite, consider Coast. They have live music and ample indoor and outdoor seating plus an extensive bar. The mood is very fun and youthful. Servers are friendly and come by frequently. The four stars, or 3.5, rather, are more for the environment than the food, however. I would consider Coast's preparation of seafood very American, more traditional American. Nothing particularly exciting, with the exception of the fried okra salad. Slivers of fried okra atop some tomatoes described as salad and served to the ravenous diner=yay! My friend got sick from the ceviche...Though she has a weak stomach, consider ordering a cooked dish if that's also your problem. My crab cake appetizer was good but not outstanding; it lacked something that made it distinctive from other crab cakes, a secret ingredient or way of preparing.... My friend's seafood Cobb salad was very American-gargantuan, sloppy, doused in dressing, basically a bed of lettuce with bits of seafood atop--I hope the flavors were more impressive than the appearance of this dish. The mussels were tasty... It was a mixed bag, but this is a good place for hanging out. It's a breath of fresh air from all the pretentious spots dotting the downtown area. Here's a place where you can kick back and be a little louder, a little sillier...
(4)Shante P.
Arrived here based on the recommendation of a co-worker. My co-workers And I were in town at a conference and chose this restaurant over several recommended. It's tucked away in the alley so you have to pay close attention. We were told a 45 to an hour wait or we could sit at the "community table"(first come first served). The mojitos were good according to my coworker the escolar was cooked to perfection according to another coworker. I had the shrimp adobo and wasn't so thrilled about my grits, I've had better. Overall, the food was good and I'm sure you can't go wrong with any of the seafood.
(4)Dillon T.
First of all, Coast is tucked away in a small alley of the main road. You almost have to know where it is to find it. When you walk in it is an open space with warm light and an inviting feel. Great decor. We started dinner off with a couple of cocktails - expertly done, tasted fresh and delicious. First came the appetizers: I got the steamed mussels and my friend got the crab dip. Holy smokes. Both were so amazing we ordered more bread (baked in house) just to sop up the left over mussel broth and scrape the crap dip bowl completely clean. For the main course we had the shrimp adobo (picture), the crab cakes, and the grilled salmon. The flavors were so perfect and went incredibly well together for each and every dish. The main word for all of the courses is FRESH. You can tell how fresh the seafood was by the pure taste of it. I've been in Charleston for almost 5 weeks now, and I've been to many highly rated and recommended restaurants. Let me just say that Coast is by far the best, tastiest one I've been to with the ambiance and friendly atmosphere to match. Easily 5 stars, if you like seafood you MUST visit Coast. Prices are fair for what you're getting, not cheap, but you're not breaking the bank either. Worth every penny.
(5)l b.
When we arrived on a Saturday evening, we were told it would be an hour and a half wait. So we took up seats at the bar. I'm always fine with eating at the bar, but this bar is a bit high for the chairs.... Anyway, we had mixed drinks and wine because this isn't the spot for craft beer. We started with appetizers and couldn't stop. Their soups were great as well. We filled up on these dishes so we never made it to the entrees. The food style is gourmet and they do a very good job with it! Yum!! We ended up getting seated at a table after maybe 30 minutes at the bar. It was a wonderful experience! The atmosphere is rustic and casual though most people were more dressed up.
(4)Ariel T.
I don't think there is anything on the menu here that is bad! The place is great all around! The environment, the employees, the food all spectacular. I will harp on the salmon. I have got it multiple times and it has always melted in my mouth. I think it has been the best salmon I have had in Charleston. The sides to choose from are also great. I believe the sauce I get for the salmon is something with butter and lemon and it just tops the fish off perfectly! From group experiences they were super accommodating and do take reservations. The process for reservations is a little complicated because it is a voice message system but overall they took great care of us. Anyone that is new or visiting the area I refer to Coast (plus people get excited when you tell them that alley is in Dear John).
(5)Laurina S.
This place is delicious. Our server was extremely attentive I love the vibe. It's a combination of eccentric and hipster decor. They have unique menu options that'll make your dinner experience memorable. I'll be back!
(5)Boone D.
We had dinner here on the night of my bachelorette party. Love the rustic ambiance. It was definitely my kind of place. I had the local grouper which I definitely recommend. The crispy okra was delicious too. The only reason I'm giving 4 stars, and not 5, is because the server was kind of a jerk. He forgot the oyster shooters that my friends ordered. When they brought it to his attention he didn't apologize and disappeared. When he came back he gave them a random concoction that the bartender made and said it was on the house. That would have been nice but it wasn't even what they ordered, and it wasn't good.
(4)Brittany B.
There are no words to describe this place! Well okay, I guess I'll try ;) My boyfriend and I were visiting Charleston on vacation, and looked up Coast through Yelp when we were in the mood for seafood. It doesn't get any fresher than the fare we were served at this classy restaurant. We forgot to make reservations, but were able to sit out on the covered and heated front porch. It was toasty and looked just as comfortable as the inside seating. To start, we ordered the bacon-wrapped sea scallops which were rich, but out of this world. For my main meal, I went with the mahi mahi and paired it with sauteed veggies and Brussels sprouts. Even if you aren't a veggie lover-- try the Brussels sprouts! They were so juicy and cooked perfectly, I'm still trying to recreate the style at home. Of course, the fish was great too, especially with the side of pesto sauce I asked for. If we're ever in the area again, we will definitely be back!
(5)Lisa T.
This was a fabulous meal!! All Alone in Charleston so I pulled up my yelp. Coast FYI it's also 39 rue de jean kinda confusing, had 4 stars with great reviews so I gave it a try! Old brick building with lots of charm. As I am looking over the menu my neighbor gets a hamburger brought to her table. It's looked yummy!! I don't think she could actually get her mouth bun to bun. Lol I got the snapper special with Parmesan risotto, with 2 crab cakes on an arugula salad. It was out of this world. I will definitely be back!! Waitstaff was on point also Thank you Christie your service was amazing!!
(5)Kevin R.
This place is hard to find... Find 39 Rue St Jean, then walk down the alley where there are several restaurants. Service and food were both excellent. Started to get lobster and avocado ravioli. Absolutely wonderful! I had the lobster Ceviche which has a strong flavor. I wasn't a total fan, but their house white wine helped with the strong flavor. It wasn't a cheap meal, but I would return!
(5)Mac R.
We chose Coast for our anniversary dinner in Charleston after reading a slew of Yelp reviews for places all over town. We felt we chose quite well. It's super cute & sits in the alley off James Street before it intersects with King. Lots of exposed brick and it almost has a vibe of Tiki Huts over some of the tables that brings down the soaring ceiling to make spaces more intimate but still keeps the modern feel with very cool lighting. Beer selections were fun & we started off with IPA & a Belgian Brown. Whenever there is calamari on an appetizer menu, we order it & that's where we started here. The calamari was definitely fresh & well prepared with a nice light breading and cooked to perfection. It was served with lemon aioli & marinara, both of which could use some work flavor wise. They have many fresh catch options with multiple sauce preparations to choose from. I chose crab encrusted tilapia off the regular menu & my hubby chose the fresh grouper with the spicy adobo sauce. He was the clear winner on the night and I'm going to be bold and say his grouper was the best prepared fresh grouper I've ever had. It was grilled with some nice char that perfectly enhanced an amazing piece of fish. I'm a lucky girl that he shared as much as he did! My tilapia was really good but once I tasted that grouper, I couldn't focus on mine. My green beans were expertly prepared and hubby's squash juliennes were delicious, too. Service from our waiter, Jeremy, was stellar and if we lived here, we'd frequent this restaurant. Well done!!
(4)Adrian G.
I have to say this place is solid all around. It didn't give me that wow factor aside from the coast crab soup but everything is very good. I tried the steak and salmon and its good, steak isn't anything special. Mahi Mahi was good as was the crab cakes. Probably my second favorite thing at the place was there bread pudding which is made with bananas. It is a little pricey but for the area that seems to be about the norm, overall I had a good experience.
(4)Alana R.
I ate dinner at the bar here. I had the cucumber melon mojito and the shrimp and blue crab manicotti; both far exceeded my expectations! The mojito was light and refreshing. The manicotti had a good amount of shrimp and crab in the filling that you could actually taste it and there was also a nice garlic flavor to the dish. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone and both of the items I ordered!
(5)Nicole R.
Atmosphere was nice...restaurant smelled great and was packed. We were only there for drinks. The drink I ordered was eh...they were out of one ingredient...it was very sweet. My moms drink...the cantaloupe mojito...was good. Live music on Sunday...I wouldn't go back.
(2)Robert S.
Cadie, the atmosphere and food, were all beyond the highest of expectations. Well do e!
(5)Amelia S.
Eh...the service was pretty good and we enjoyed the 50% off wine night but im still struggling to figure out what kind of restaurant this really is. If it's fish, they have too many other options... I went with buffalo fried shrimp. It basically tasted like fried pieces of lard with buffalo sauce thrown on. I was expecting it to be more like buffalo grilled shrimp. My mistake... It's okay, but with how many great restaurants in that area they are, it wasn't my first choice and I probably wouldn't go back.
(2)Christina M.
Top ten dining experiences. The place is beautiful, high exposed brick walls, decorated beach eclectic. Wonderful wait staff, very attentive without going over the top. I had the blackened swordfish with the crab étouffée and it was unreal! My husband had the paella and beyond enjoyed it as well. We put it to the top of our list in Charleston.
(5)Nathan O.
As a restaurant for food, I give coast 5 stars! In a city on the coast with many fantastic seafood options, Coast is my favorite. I really enjoy the Escolar, which is a fish you won't find many places. Service is always good, food is fairly priced, and the atmosphere is casual and fun! Highly recommend this place! For drinks, 3 stars. The draft beer list is decent but small, and the cocktails are average. If you're looking for a fantastic cocktail or rare beer with your dinner, seek elsewhere.... But if you primarily want a truly fantastic meal at a fair price, then Coast is my favorite in the city for seafood.
(5)Gary R.
Great restaurant! We searched for a place to enjoy a nice seafood dinner for our anniversary and after reading local yelp reviews selected Coast. I'm glad we did. Fabulous! The location was a little tricky to find and our GPS told us we had arrived but I couldn't see it. Turns out its down a cute little alley with a quaint entrance that is very reminiscent of restaurants in New Orleans. Once in, we were seated right away. The atmosphere is very warm and welcoming and our server, Jeremy was superb. We started with some local draft beer and an order of calamari which proved to be a good choice. Yum. I opted for the grilled local grouper with the dry adobo rub and my wife chose the crab encrusted tilapia! They both sound fabulous don't they? They were!!! My grouper was among the best I've ever had - cooked to absolute perfection. My wife's tilapia was very good but didn't quite measure up to mine. I'd go back in a heartbeat. The menu options are plentiful and I know it would be another great dinner. My next trip to Charleston will include a stop at Coast!!
(4)Rusty S.
A group of us has been coming to the Coast every January for 7 years and we are never disappointed. We start with white wine sangria which is made with white wine, vodka, peach purée, and soda (we think!) Then we feast on fried green tomatoes, buffalo shrimp, oysters Rockefeller, calamari, rosemary and orange scented bread and cold butter. Finished up with peach juleps. Sorry to say, we never make it past the appetizers and we've never had dessert. But it looks amazing!
(5)Cristy Z.
Let's start off by how you get here. Coast is in a small alley way that transports you to a European coastal town lined with brick and vines. Upon entering you immediately smell the fresh seafood. Rachel, our waitress, sat us and explained the menu and her favorite items (she was great). We chose to get several appetizers and share. We ordered the crab dip (yum!), crab cakes (okay but not worth it), 4 ceviche sampler, fish tacos, shrimp cocktail and oysters (that cocktail sauce was to die for). We also got mojitos. Let me just go back to that ceviche...the lobster ceviche and cangrejo ceviche are incredible. I eat ceviche often and know how to make it so I'm a harsh critic but what they make is what I will dream about when I go back home. And the mojito...I'm from Miami, I know mojitos and this one was great (go for classic). Enjoy!!
(5)TJ L.
I like Coast. Although not as "crafty" or "trendy" as some places in the downtown area, I dig the atmosphere and what they have going. The inside is like a semi-upscale (not classy, but not real casual either) wharf or dock side seafood joint. Very cool. And, although not on the menu anymore, the recipe of their Blackened Escolar was one of my all-time fav fish dishes. You can still order it, but the recipe has changed since I ordered it a couple of years ago. Sweet sweet potato gnocchi... Definitely worth a stop if you are trying to conquer the restaurants in Charleston!
(4)Ryan L.
Good atmosphere, live music, and great seafood. Oysters-raw and steamed, ceviche, and soup ( split a bowl into two cups) for apps and then my wife and I split the Paella as dinner. It was the perfect amount of food. Tasted great and plenty for left overs. The Ceviche was definitely a must try appetizer! Would highly recommend to others!
(5)Diane Z.
Get the raw platter and the cioppino! Yum!
(4)Tiffany L.
Despite some of the reviews written on Yelp, I would consider Coast to be a mediocre seafood restaurant. For appetizers, my boyfriend and I ordered salt and pepper calamari and the coast crab dip. The calamari was nothing unique and a bit on the soggy side. The coast crap dip was too salty and there was not enough bread to eat with the dip. Coast is known for their grilled fish on their smokey oak wood grill. I tried the grilled combo of salmon, shrimp wrapped in bacon, and mahi mahi with mashed potatoes and julienned vegetables. For a grilled platter, everything seemed overly oily. The fish portions were also smaller than I pictured. My boyfriend ordered the snapper almondine. This was nothing spectacular as well. I could have made these two entrees for half the price at home. The server was attentive and was sure to refill my water often.
(3)Amanda M.
Read great reviews here on yelp about this place so decided to give them a try for my birthday while I was down here and I'm so glad I did. I had ordered the fried oysters which were absolutely delicious and their crab encrusted tilapia, and their parmesan mashed potatoes were addictive, however their veggies weren't seasoned at all just steamed. Also I tried their white peach mojito which was beyond good. The service wasn't the best; the host and server was sweet, but our waiter was idk...I'm going to be nice and say he probably had a bad night lol. My cousin was starving way before we got there and just asked him how long is usually the wait for the food and he asked her if she had somewhere else to be...what?! Who asks that?? Well overall great food, o.k. service and the restaurant's ambiance was so charming and rustic. If in town again I would definitely stop by for some fried oysters and white peach mojitos.
(4)Tico K.
Absolutely awesome food and atmosphere. The whole fried flounder is beautiful and delicious.
(5)Sasha H.
Great, lively ambience. Graham Worley is awesome live. The buffalo shrimp tacos are to die for. Their cioppino is delicious, as are their cocktails. Service is great.
(4)Elle F.
Had the fish tacos they were delicious and had the crabmeat on the tilapia ( not sure what it was called). My husband had the shrimp and grits he loved it. Only down side it was very busy and didn't see our waitress that often.
(4)Kat R.
We just stopped by here for some frozen drinks. The bartender made them with his own twist for us and we all loved it! We did not have the chance to eat here, but the food looked great and it was busy.
(5)David F.
So much noms... Lacking a little on the beer list but they had some local stuff for me so it's no biggie delicious food and helpful bartenders
(4)Steve R.
My wife and I decided to try Coast on the recommendation of someone here in Charleston, a server at a restaurant actually. It's kind of hidden so if you're driving around looking you'd probably never see it if you didn't know it was there. The atmosphere and decor is awesome and the bar area has a high ceiling that adds to the experience in my opinion. We made reservations (recommended) but didn't specify inside or out but once we got there realized outside would be nice. So we waited at the bar for about 15 min. The bartender was very nice and attentive. The food....let's talk about the food. The wife ordered a dozen on the half shell and there were a few different types on the plate. I know nothing about these little snot filled shells but she says there were different textures to them all. I'll stick to my grouper, which is what I had. I ordered the special grouper filet from their grill with mashed potatoes and veggies. The fish was very flavorful although it could have been a little more tender. They source all their fish local so I know it was fresh, could have been it was a tad overcooked. The price is comparable to similar menus around town from what we've seen and I would definitely return here again if we were staying longer.
(4)Steve M.
The fish was delicious and the locals know where to eat down town Charleston,write off of kings st.
(5)Shannon R.
Great location and beautiful place! Good food and bar selections; especially the sangria! Crowded on the weekends - at least a one hour wait
(5)Rich M.
We have enjoyed this pace every time we go. The food is excellent, staff friendly, reservations definitely recommended.
(4)Chadwick C.
Had the she crab soup to start with. A tad bit too thick for my taste but had very large chunks of fresh crab which caused me to find the bottom of the bowl fast. Ribeye with blackened scallops for dinner. Steak was perfectly cooked to med rare, scallops were excellent. I'll be coming back for sure.
(4)John S.
Great menu choices of fresh varieties of oysters numerous ways prepared. Callie was professional and friendly and highly recommended server (see photo). Escolar rarely seen in menu, especially cooked, I've only had as sushi before and not terrible grilled but nothing to write home about. Swordfish, grouper, bacon wrapped shrimp and scallops in mixed grill all as good as they get. Fish tacos were well liked and looked savory. Fish chowder recommended too. Small dessert menu, all in-house made and white chocolate-banana bread pudding was wonderful served hot and so gooey sweet and melts in your mouth. Other desserts all raved about too. Great food, laid-back ambiance and professional service, highly recommended for casual dining and seafood in Charleston.
(4)Kate F.
Between two people we split about 4 apps and had some drinks. We wanted to focus on different kinds of seafood rather than expend a bunch of calories on big entrees with side dishes. We had the crab cakes (tasted like actual crab -- imagine that!), salads, raw oysters, and the scallops. I think the scallops were our favorite. Perfectly done, not that you can go wrong with bacon and a smoky sauce. We also split the bread pudding for dessert. I found it a little rich and heavy, but my boyfriend seemed to dig it. I liked that the atmosphere was casual compared to some similarly priced seafood places around town. We weren't looking for anything formal and Coast definitely fit the bill.
(4)Hollis W.
We were on the hunt for "the best (gluten free) shrimp & grits in Charleston" and recommendations from locals led us here. I didn't actually taste the shrimp & grits, so I can't comment on that, but... Ambiance: The decor/ambiance was fine but felt like I was inside a restaurant where entrees would be much less expensive than what they were. Service: We were in the far back left corner of the dining room and waited about 15 minutes before someone came to take our drink order. After that, service was prompt but not overly friendly. The waiter did make some extra effort to accommodate our gluten free diner in the group by talking to the chef and having a different sauce/gravy made for her, which was very appreciated (since that was why we were there :) Food: this is really where the experience suffered. The bread that is brought to every table was room temperature and was on the "leave it" end of "take it or leave it". We ordered the Oysters Rockafeller and Fried Green Tomatoes as appetizers. I've never had Oysters Rockafeller before so not sure what they should be like, but they were just cheesy, bacony and bland. The Fried Green Tomatoes were the real disappointment - there was absolutely nothing special about them or the "relish" that came with them. They were bland and forgettable. As a main course I ordered the Braised Grouper. It was a slimy piece of fish atop a generous mound of grits with a bland, unnecessary cream sauce with floating pieces of mushroom. When the plate/bowl was delivered, it had very little curb appeal. Two of us ordered this dish and I added pepper, my dining partner added salt, to try to up the flavor of this sad, very bland dish. The "truffled bacon grits" tasted neither of truffle nor of bacon. The mushrooms floating around were fine but contributed to the overall sliminess of this below average dish. I'll also note that on the menu was a very common seaside fish restaurant option of picking your fish and your sauce. I'm generally turned off by this concept, since I'd prefer the kitchen put together their best fishes with their most flattering sauces and accompanying sizes vs. leaving that to the customer. So all in all, I would recommend any other restaurant (Magnolia's, Fig, Husk, S.N.O.B.) over this back-alley flop.
(2)Asif B.
The exterior of the building was authentic (highlighting vines covering its facade). The interior was beautiful with the high ceilings. The fried oyster appetizer was amazing with its tangy sauce but the entrees were surprisingly sub par. Nonetheless, great experience with a very accommodating and speedy waitress!
(4)Abe D.
Found a seat at the bar without a Reservation. my wife had the filet. I had the paella. It was very good, the smoked grouper was a bonus treat. The creamed spinach with my wife's filet was great, if salty. We'd definitely return.
(5)Zach P.
Coast was recommended by my cousin who lives in Charleston. The place looks like a hole in the wall but when you get inside it feels like an underground city. It's extremely high ceilings were well decorated and all around exciting atmosphere. The host said 2 hour wait but we could eat at the bar. We opted for the latter and glad we did. We visited during restaurant week and opted for the three courses for 30$. I started with the ceviche which was great and the spicy sauce was awesome! We both had the 5oz sirloin and jalapeño bacon wrapped shrimp. Any time charcoal is involved the end result is in your favor. At this point we had to get the desserts Togo as we were stuffed. But the mousse was very good also. Bartenders were very diligent and despite the busy evening took time to chat with us about local things to try out! Beer selection was one of best in Charleston and I would definitely return on our next trip to Charleston! Tip- make a reservation!
(4)Denise B.
I thought about going back to Husk tonight, but thought it was gluttony.I would have been a lot happier if I had. Very busy tonight so we went into the bar to wait, had a good bartender who made great Old Fashions. Ordered the Bacon Wrapped Scallops which were raved about in a previous review...gritty, fishy and the Bacon was burned, Fried green tomatoes were good. Cornbread-not so much, dry and crumbly,,,Drinks were good so we stayed for that and then gave up our table and. "Coasted" out of there...
(1)Natalie G.
Great food! I had the seared tuna that was amazing. Also tried the shrimp and grits, crab cakes and local oysters from Folly River. All so good.Our server Michael was very nice too.
(5)Eric N.
Coast has a great selection on their menu. We had the crab dip as an appetizer. It was good. As the main course I had the seafood paella. It was tasty. However it should have had more seafood. There rice to seafood ratio was a lot more rice. Overall the service was great. Rachel did a great job. I would definitely come back.
(4)Chelle M.
Six thumbs up! Tucked in an alcove, you might miss Coast if you blink while walking or driving by, but keep your eyes wide open for this place. My party of three gave this place 6 thumbs up. The crab dip was declared "hands down AMAZING." The fried green tomatoes? "Better than my Grandma's," one declared. The Monterey Chicken was chosen by the non-seafood lover of the group. When asked how it was, he answered with a wide eyed nod and added a verbally emphatic "yes!" The mixed greens salad was a great compliment to the fish tacos made with grilled mahi mahi and a mango pineapple salsa. The only negative was that the tacks were a little dry, so I added a couple of dollops of the crab dip, and then it was AMAZING! The crab cakes were awesome. Very rich, no fillers. Which means these crab cakes were literally CRAB cakes. The service was great, and the decor was great... But to be honest, I didn't pay too much attention to the decor cuz the food was so awesome.
(5)Dre E.
Came with a group of four and collectively got oysters and mussels for appetizers. Both were great. 5 stars. I had the blackened escolar with blue crab étouffée for dinner and it was AMAZING. Definitely one of the best seafood dishes I had in a while. Service wasn't amazing and the rest of the group suggested 4 stars based on their meals (I can't remember what they had) but my escolar was so good I couldn't give it anything other than a 5.
(5)David B.
Had the crusted tuna. It was excellent. Probably the best piece of tuna I've ever had. Excellent restaurant with a fun atmosphere and extremely high ceilings. Shrimp and grits were delicious!!!! Highly recommended!!!!!
(5)Andi M.
We visited Coast while vacationing in Charleston, and I'm not sure we would return. I had the crab bisque, which was ultra rich, had very few crab pieces, and was a bit too large of a portion. I would have preferred a smaller portion for a lower cost. For my entree, I had their seafood (i.e., shrimp, calamari, and mussels) linguini with a blue crab sauce. It was wet and a bit messy, but my biggest complaint was with the numerous crab shells I had to pick out of the dish. It certainly detracted from my experience. My hubby got a salad to start, and had the ribeye for his entree. He requested it medium-rare, and it was quite rare in some places, but he refused to send it back. I certainly would have done so. The best thing going for Coast is its location. The restaurant is set off in an alley, and is comfortable and spacious inside. The prices were a bit high for the overall experience. Magnolia's was much better, and it was not too much more expensive, either!
(3)Ian M.
The location was great, my fiance and I were put at a table where we could see the water. Our waiter was a little slow with our drinks, but nothing terrible. She got the Shrimp Creole and loved it, I got the Crawfish Etouffee and also really liked it. HOWEVER, that night I got horrible food poisoning into the next morning. Huey's was great, but STAY AWAY FROM THE ETOUFFEE
(2)Chedo P.
My wife and I had our rehearsal dinner there. Service was good, food was OK, not hot. My wife got food poisoning the night before the wedding. When I called to let them know that it was from the salmon almomdine they tried to tell me she couldn't get food poisoning that quick she is in the medical field and knows about these things. I felt so bad for her. I spoke with the assistant manager and he said someone would call. No one has called. Was not looking for a free meal just an apology. Nothing. Will never eat there again
(1)Julia P.
This place is one of my favorites in Charleston! My favorite dish is the seared tuna. I order it almost every time I go. The only downside is it can be a bit loud.
(4)Regina D.
everything about this place is great. the atmosphere, the service, the food. thr ahi tuna was perfect and the shrimp and crab mannicotta was delicious. it is a must do
(5)David A.
Stopped into Coast to beat the heat and get a quick drink and appetizers. We arrived just as they were opening for the night so service was a little slow at the beginning. Enjoyed the Seersucker (Firefly Vodka, Pineapple juice, lemon lime soda) along with the fish tacos and buffalo shrimp tacos. Both types of tacos were tasty, although portions were on the small size (2 tacos per order). We didn't venture into the entrees but the wood fired grill visible from the bar was definitely enticing!
(4)Jackie E.
We recommended this by our concierge and it was perfect! We started with the ceviche and then had the buffalo shrimp tacos and bacon wrapped scallops. All of it was amazing and very reasonably priced. Our server Michael and bartender Keith were fantastic! Highly recommend!
(5)Mark K.
This was a hard one -- food and server were very good. We had grilled fish (grouper and snapper) and both grilled perfectly. Sides were very tasty as were the appetizers. We both had a cocktail and wine and the Bill was under $100. The down side is the hostess lied to us ... called for reservations and was told 6:15 or 8:30. At 7:00 there are multiple empty tables. Asked for a two person booth and told all reserved and yet one still open. Makes no sense.
(3)Conrad B.
Seemed to be a very popular place. We couldn't get reservations even at 6:30 but if we came 'right away" (5:30) they would be able to sit us. Since we like to eat early, we jumped out and ran over. It was restaurant week so many places were offering special menus and special prices. We started off with their caesar salad... followed by their Salt & Pepper Calamari. Both very good. The calamari was nice and tender and seasoned just right. But they're known for their grilling... so we both had their surf and turf special. Not a huge portion... but very nice. 4 oz of sirloin and a bunch of shrimp with parmesan mashed potatoes. Steak done perfectly and tasty... shrimp season with cajan spices. Since we both took their special... $30 fixed price for salad, appetizer, entree and dessert... they allowed us to substitute the dessert for a glass of wine. Nice touch. (our waistlines are both grateful! )
(4)Marilee K.
Five of us had an over the top experience. We're on vacation and had a big lunch, so an appetizer or salad was in order. They squeezed three bar height tables together and we were seated immediately. Not a lot of room, so someone else might not be so lucky. Everyone loved the shared fried green tomatoes. Great selection of beers. I had the special strawberry rhubarb mojito. The syrup gave a hint of sweetness with equal amounts of tartness. Perfection. A friend and I shared the crab cakes. They voluntarily spit the plates. The crab was moist with little or no filler. I don't know how they were held together. I guess their slaw with bacon and bleu cheese is their signature dish. I have never eaten more than one bite of slaw in my life, but this was so fantastic, that another bowl was ordered for the table. The other couple just wanted to try the fish tacos, but ended up ordering the buffalo shrimp also. Sunday night special of only $4/each. What's that about? I didn't try, but they swooned over the shrimp tacos and the fish were grilled to perfection and beautifully seasoned. There was so much fish that it had to be eaten with a fork before it could be picked up and finished. The musician, Graham Whorley, plays on Sunday nights and now I have to track down his music. We loved the vibe of the place. We had wonderful service and I can't believe that a bad review was ever written about this place.
(5)Kate V.
Perfectly executed food, and service. Calamari had a light batter very crisp, and tender. Mixed grill w mahi mahi and NY strip were cooked to order, mashed w julienned veg were a perfect accomplishment. Goat cheese ravioli W crab, superb. Come here!
(5)Lexie G.
I wish I could review the dining portion and bar portion of this restaurant separately as I had two entirely different experiences. We arrived later into a Saturday evening. I believe we arrived close to 8, 830 pm. We were told there would be a 30 minute wait. No big deal as we wanted to grab a cocktail first. We managed to find two seats at the very end of the very crowded bar. There were 2 bartenders working as well as what appeared to be a bar-back. It took the bartenders FOREVER to come down to us. Correction. They came to our section, but it was only after one of their friends managed to find seats next to us and flag down said bartender. Instead of greeting us (who had been sitting there for close to 20 minutes sans beverage) he took all of their drink orders and proceeded to take care of them. After much flirting and very little paying attention to other restaurant guests our order was taken by the other bartender who was manning the other side of the bar. He made out drinks just in time for our table to be ready. When we were seated, we were greeted immediately by a friendly waitress who told us of the days specials. I settled on oysters while my mother settled on shrimp. A friend in the area told me I needed to order a side of the cornbread so I did....and shamelessly ate the entire piece (which I am positive was meant for at least 2 people, if not 3) myself. Our entrees came out promptly (I don't think I still even managed to finish that beverage I had waited soo long for when the dinners came out) and were very fresh. The shrimp was cooked well and the oysters were fantastic. I'd give my bar experience a 1, the dining portion a 4.
(3)K K.
Stumbled in here on a Sunday night - and boy are we glad we chose it over the higher priced restaurants in town. We went to Husk the next night and wished we had just come back to Coast. It was half-priced wine night, so we were able to get a bottle of Oregon Pino Gris for $16 - the cocktail list looked great as well. Husband and I split an order of oysters (had the local SC variety), which were served with warm bread and butter. We also split a taco (Sunday is $4 fish taco night) which was very, very good. High quality fish and sauce/slaw with just the right amount of bite. We took a leap and ordered the paella to split - wow. Huge, huge portion filled with clams, large shrimp, sausage and topped with a generous portion of swordfish. Seasoned perfectly. Way too much for one person to eat - satisfied us both and our wallets as well. We ended up sitting at a community table as the wait was about an hour and a half - we have no problem at all with it, and we still felt as if we were dining alone.
(5)Richard R.
Great great food..easily missed location being tucked away down an alley but well worth the hunt. The homemade blue cheese dressing is off the chain. All entrees ordered were awesome. If in town make sure you drop by.
(5)Gary F.
As the last review stated I too had one of the most tastiest grouper dinner grilled to perfection. My appetizer was as good as my meal. Bacon wrapped fresh scallops to die for. A little bite to them but just the way Like it. I will be there again
(4)Nicole D.
This restaurant came highly recommended by friends so we made a reservation while in town. Don't do it! The service and atmosphere was great! The hostess was helpful prior to our visit with parking and very friendly. Restaurant was clean and around the bar area you could tell everyone was enjoying themselves. Unfortunately the food itself did not meet the expectations. Even if I had not heard great things about it I would still have been dissapponted. We did have some very good peel and eat shrimp. That and the fries were the only thing worth having. I did not go out expecting to appreciate the fries as the best part of my meal! I had the crab cake appetizer as my meal and the crab "ball" I received was gooey and flavorless. The sauce that came with it was a great dip for the fries. The other dish we had was the seared rare tuna, huge mistake!!!!!!! The tuna was encrusted in something that was a mess. The noodles and sauce it was served on looked like something out of a toilet rather than something you would eat in a restaurant. The dark brown sauce was so unappetizing we immediately removed the tuna from the top and had the dish taken away. Whoever had the idea to serve something that looks like that has no idea how presentation affects the meal!!! We did observe the majority of the people ordered from the raw bar and seemed very satisfied. If this restaurant would stick to the things it does well and drop some of the more pretentious items from the menu I believe they would have a lot more satisfied customers. Also I should have taken the advice of others Yelp reviewers and steered away from the cocktails. I have never had a bad drink until the one I ordered from here!!! The only reason I even drank the 3/4s I did was because I felt dumb spending $8 on a cocktail just to leave it sitting. Overall this good be a good place with a few changes; manager and chef being two of the first!
(2)Karey Q.
Oh my goodness. This place takes the crab cake. The oysters and mussels were absolutely fresh and delicious and the crab dip was so good! Very fun design, bartenders are friendly and knowledgable. A Real gem! I'll be back!
(5)Daniel A.
Coast has always been a favorite of mine when family comes to town as was the case this past weekend (Sat Labor Day) I expected crowds and we opted for reservations at 9:15 as the other option was 5:15. The bar area at 8:30 was full but after 1 minute 4 seats opened and we sat right down. Appetizers were the bacon wrapped scallops, and the buffalo shrimp highly recommend with a nice pale ale. We were promptly seated at 9:00 and the dining area was quite full, I and my brother opted for the Halibut special with the squash casserole and a side of the creamy okra. Great choice!! My wife's entree came with creamed spinach let me tell you, ham makes any vegetable taste good. All in all it was a hit with the visiting family thank you COAST for not letting me down.
(4)Andy S.
Not good if you are looking for quality seafood. This is about the same as a Joe's Crab Shack level of food with perhaps less consistency. Only thing worse than the quality of the seafood is the service. The hostess has either no idea how long the wait for your table will be or they purposefully just say, "we are cleaning up the table and it'll be a couple minutes." They will say that to you several times for the better part of 30-45 minutes. For what it is- it's fine but the bistro next door is a whole lot better if you are going out for good food. However, for college kids on a budget and in the mood for mostly liquor and beer, it's probably a safe bet. I visit charleston every summer for 2 weeks and will not return to coast. So many many other better places to try.
(2)Selphyne B.
Currently my favorite joint in the Charleston area! All I want and ever expect from a geographic region that is coastal, is fresh, properly, creatively prepared, seafood. Coast is the only restaurant we have tried so far that has succeeded! We had one item we didn't care for and it was something I don't ever like anyways but my husband wanted to try it: the crab dip appetizer. It wasn't awful, I just don't like crab and it was very reminiscent of cat food in every way possible. We went on a Sunday evening at open. The bar opens first a half an hour before seating begins. We waited at the bar and we were seated immediately when dining hours began. All staff were incredibly friendly and seemingly comfortable in their environment. Fresh baked bread and herbaceous butter was brought to the table first and were so delightful I could have dined only on that! Sunday nights at coast offer a special on their fish tacos at $4 each which is what I opted for. My husband selected that evenings special which was a grilled swordfish steak accompanied by a pumpkin cornbread, charred Brussels sprouts on a creamy mushroom gravy. My fish tacos were good but would have been infinitely better if the Mahi were left whole rather than shredded. Because of its preparation my tacos were barely warm when they got to the table. The tropical fruit slaw and sauces on the taco were flavorful and the fish was fresh tasting, I just suggest asking if it's possible to not have it shredded! My husbands specialty was truly out of this world. The fish was gorgeously grilled, moist but well done. The pumpkin cornbread tasted good but it heavy for my stomach. The Brussels sprouts (which I typically hate btw!) were so fantastic and wish there had been more! The sauce was wonderful as well! My husband and I have been wanting to return since we left that night! I can't wait and I highly suggest this place and warn: it is pricey! I felt like it was worth the cost, however, and will spread out the visits :)
(5)Jakob F.
Good food and great atmosphere. Bartender was very friendly. My fiancé and I randomly stopped here our first night in charleston and although the entrees were good they weren't amazing, but the she crab soup (which is what we were trying to get every place we went) was excellent. I felt like it could have had a little more than the 2 lumps of crab we found in the bowl, if a bit more crab was added it would be hands down the best she crab soup we had in Charleston.
(4)Bryan P.
Came for my anniversary dinner on a Friday night. Really busy, but we had a reservation and were seated on time for it. The chef special was a grilled swordfish and it was really good. Our waiter was probably the one of the best waiters I've ever had and was on it with the recommendations. And they gave us a slice of cheesecake and some champagne to celebrate.
(4)J T.
Wow what a great place to meet up with friends! The service was fantastic and food was scrumptious. Highly recommend the "Raw Bar Sampler" Atmosphere was fun, and convenient location.
(5)Junie W.
Went there last night for dinner on a recommendation. Food was good not differentiating. Service was outstanding. The ceviche was really good however the main dish was average. Be careful as this establishment sits off an alley and we actually saw a rat run thru the restaurant. We reported it to the manager and he asked how he could help. We ask him to comp a bottle of wine and he declined. A little overrated as I was looking for a higher grade of local fare.
(3)Bryan G.
Cool atmosphere. Great cocktails. It was very noisy so if your looking for intimate, find another place. Our waiter also messed up a order. Told us to keep it and brought out a new one.
(4)Caitlin M.
Coast was a good, fairly casual meal in a pretty high-priced town. On Sunday nights they have half-priced bottles of wine, which was a great deal. I had the crab encrusted tilapia; I didn't quite taste the crab but the meal was good nonetheless. My husband had the grilled swordfish, he enjoyed it as well.
(4)Kate Z.
This is a great place for a few friends getting together. Make sure to try their speciality drinks and the crab stuffed lobster. We tried the cream crab soup for an appetizer and we were not disappointed. It's a little pricey if you're on a budget but well worth the extra bucks!
(4)Hunter B.
Total sea shore feel. Wood floors and tables, and an open kitchen to view your catch of the day, grilling to perfection. Large menu full of seafood favorites. The crab dip is something they are known for.
(4)Ron M.
Mixed grill at $28 is unbeatable if you want a great wood grilled assortment of seafood. Service was stellar too. Not super romantic place. More of a couples place or coworkers spot.
(5)Scott S.
Coast was everything I expected it to be and more. We started at the bar with some drinks and found their beer selection to be top notch. They also made a great Mojito that one of the guest in my parties really enjoyed. We were seated right away and the atmosphere was perfect. Not to loud not to quiet. As we got started we got some crab drip and bread both of which were amazing, the crab dip could be a meal in itself. For dinner I got the brazed grouper, this dish was outstanding. For desert we got some bread pudding and pumpkin cheesecake both of which helped to cap of a perfect dining experience.
(5)John C.
Mind-blowing. Ceviche was so good I thought I was transplanted to another universe. Our server was an artist. This guy was so good I couldn't believe it. I served for 3 years and I wasn't half the server this guy was. Absolutely phenomenal. I feel like I eat steak constantly. The flat iron here was literally the best I've ever tasted. Perfectly cooked. I can't make a single complaint about this place - it was near perfection.
(5)Alison M.
After meandering a bit off the beaten path (AKA King and Market) to find a place for happy hour with my family, we ended up in the hidden alcove of Coast. It's been recommended to me for a couple years and I was thrilled to discover the ship-like atmosphere and attractive waitstaff. Our bartender was really informative and patient as I got familiar with Craft beer offerings on draft and he made a great recommendation. Event wine list as well. I started with a cup of she-crab soup which I would give a four out of five. The only improvement I would ask for is more crab meat, but it was creamy and delicious to the taste. We ordered calamari which was decent and fried green tomatoes which everyone loved. Overall I would absolutely go back to Coast for a more sit-down meal.
(4)Tarzan N Jane O.
Great seafood, Andrew was our server and did a wonderful job. We did the fried seafood platter with three types of fish which was adequate in portion size and although came with fries only had one hush puppy. One of my favorite atmospheres.
(4)Lesley P.
LOVE this place! We come back every year and we absolutely love the bartenders! BEST MOJITO in this rockin town make sure to try cucumber melon!!! High five Jeremy for us!
(5)An N.
They have the best cornbread I've ever tasted in my life, ever. The menu is extensive. They have an assortment of tasty cocktails and I could see the bread being freshly sliced on the side from our table. Also the space is really large, spacious, with high ceilings. The entrance is concealed from the main street, in a small alleyway. Good ambiance for starting a night out at. We were a party of 11, coming for a bachelorette weekend, and they had plenty of space to accommodate us and a couple other large parties as well.
(4)kevin s.
I have spent several weeks in Charleston for work, which means I had a chance to eat at a lot of the restaurants in this culinary rich city. Of all the places I went Coast was my favorite. The food is awesome. Like the name implies it is mostly seafood. The snapper alomidine was especially good. Be sure to look at the daily specials as they are often the best things available. Besides the amazing food the bartenders/wait staff are also awesome. They do a great job of being attentive, but not being to pushy. If you are there on business travel it is a great place to spend an evening.
(5)Mia B.
Nice atmosphere and great location and even better food. We decided to try Coast because it was a short walk from the hotel. It was a great choice! The shrimp and grits were amazing! My dining partner had the crab crusted tilapia which was also very good. They have decent mojitos, although they're small. Service was mediocre, not great, but not bad enough to keep me from returning. It was a little pricey, but quality of the food was well worth it.
(4)Ashley H.
The fiance and I had such a great experience here, from start to finish. We were told it would be a 2 hour wait (eek, it was 8pm on a Saturday), but bar seating was first come, first served basis, so we hung out there for a few minutes. We decided to order a drink while we waited. The bartenders were really moving! But, one still managed to stop and take our order. I ordered their "award-winning" mint mojito. I can see why it was so special; it was amazing! The same bartender also kept an eye out for seating for us, which I thought was very nice since he was super busy. We finally grabbed a seat (we waited about 20 mins) and was greeted by another bartender who took our food order. Both bartenders were super attentive and checked on us often, offering bread and refills. They were also great conversationalists, and managed to match us up with another group from our home state that happened to be sitting near us. I ordered the shrimp and crab penne pasta. It was absolutely divine; the dish included a lobster-garlic sauce with roasted tomatoes, spinach, and manchego cheese. I couldn't believe how delicious it was! My fiance was thoroughly impressed with his dish as well, noting that the cook on the steak was spot on. We've never been to a restaurant that produced a truly rare steak. It seems that most are afraid to do that. Coast did that perfectly. This has definitely become one of our go-to spots in Charelston!
(5)Alexa M.
Visited coast with a group of nine for my friend's bachelorette party and without a doubt, we had a wonderful experience at Coast! The menu is huge and has something for everyone. Everyone enjoyed their fresh seafood and we really appreciated the fair prices for all of the dishes and bottles of wine. Our server was sweet too! We loved the oysters and fried Brussels sprouts for our apps and I thought the Adobo Shrimp was delicious. My only qualm was the mashed potatoes I ordered as they were pretty flavorless - partially my fault as I substituted them for the grits that my dish came with. Fun, lively atmosphere where you feel like you are on vacation. I'd like to come back!
(5)Fareez A.
Amazing. Everything from lobster ceviche to buffalo shrimp to jalapeño-cheddar cornbread. And reasonably priced, great service, and were accommodating to my strict pescatarian diet... Hats off to the owners/chefs.
(5)Andrea W.
The food should truly get 5 stars. It's a little pricey but worth it. It was pretty hot inside, considering I don't think they had ac and the bathroom was sweltering. The reason it is 3 stars was that the bartender was not mean at all but you could definitely tell he favorited certain people. He was very personable to his regulars and certain other tourists. It wasn't until we asked the guy helping him to ask him for the check that he came back over and tried to talk.
(3)Rebecca O.
Very good. I must admit that I don't eat seafood but I went because I knew my significant other would love the fresh fish (which he did). I got the ribeye and mashed potatoes which were both very good. I was worried about it having a slightly fishy taste, as that normally happens when you order non-fish at a seafood restaurant, but I didn't notice anything. I went on a Friday night and it was pretty busy, so I had to sit at the bar. I would suggest calling ahead or be okay with sitting at the bar. Parking is actually better than most of the downtown Charleston places. There's a metered lot and a $5 lot on John St.
(4)Alex T.
There are only some moments in life where one eats a bit of food and loses control of facial expression. The oysters Rockefeller do that at Coast. Impeccable service from island locals that will answer and question you may have.
(5)Alisha K.
A large group of us came here for my sister's bachelorette party on a Friday night. Everyone loves seafood except for me, but I figured we had to try a seafood restaurant while in Charleston. We ordered both red and white sangria and both were delicious except that we could not taste any alcohol in it. For appetizers, everyone loved the crab and avavocado ravioli. I got the grilled chicken topped with cheddar, crumbled jalapeno bacon, tomatoes, & scallions with bacon blue cheese slaw, mashed potatoes, & pomegranate bbq sauce. Absolutely wonderful for being at a seafood restaurant. Everyone in our party really enjoyed their meals. We had a really fun time and I definitely recommend it for groups, seafood eaters or not!
(4)Rob K.
Oysters, oysters, ceviche, ceviche, ceviche, and calamari galore! All fantastic. The whole flounder and the blackened escolar were also both delicious. The shrimp and grits you can't go wrong there. The sea scallop dish is also excellent. If you write something negative about this place you didn't order the right thing. The Mojitos are out of this world!
(5)Alex C.
Good. Fish. Enough said. The mahi mahi was excellently cooked. Juicy, firm, flaky and perfectly seasoned. I also happen to order a half pound of steamed shrimp, also perfectly cooked. I hate it when places overcook the steamed shrimp and it starts to disintegrate. You won't find that here.
(5)Jill B.
Had dinner at Coast tonight. I recommend you make a reservation instead of having to wait for over an hour for a table. That being said, the wait was worth it. We started with the fried oysters and steamed mussels. Both were excellent. The oysters were light, and deliciously sweet and seasoned. The mussels were brimming with flavor and just delicious. We split the Seafood paella for our entree and I'm glad we did. It came in a dutch oven and there was plenty of food for two people! Just delicious.
(5)Todd Y.
My wife would kill me if I gave this place a 1 star even though it deserved it.. what happened.. holy terrible service and semi terrible food Service: Was so bad that it was terrible. Our wait person, I should have tipped him $1 each time we saw him...he would have made $3. He never came around to refill water,ask how the meal was or bring me a spoon for my soup. Ordered the soup and what's the most important thing to have with the soup.. A SPOON... no spoon and it took 10 minutes before I could flag someone to get me a spoon. Then with surf and turf, what's the most important thing to have with your steak... A STEAK KNIFE... another 5 minutes. FOOD The quality was miserable, I asked the person who delivered the food what the restaurants definition of medium and they said hot pink,I asked do you mean deep purple.. she was like no.. then I said this steak isnt cooked. Was returned, you would think your wait person would come over and see what was going on, NOTHING... he was more interested in talking to one of his tables about what bars to go to tonight... If I lived in the area, would never return ...
(2)Em B.
My husband was so looking forward to good seafood the night we were in Charleston and chose Coast because it had good reviews. He ordered the fish special and it was undercooked. The calamari was good, though. I ordered the steak with mashed potatoes and a side of cornbread to share with our young daughter, but everything was very salty. If it wasn't for that, we would have enjoyed the meal.
(2)Sean C.
I love seafood and Coast delivers. Great spot in downtown Charleston for a nice dinner of great seafood. The appetizers are abundant and delicious and the entrees are incredible. My wife and i sat on the patio they have out front and it was still cozy because the restaurant is tucked away down an alley. Nice and quiet, and very clean. The deserts are very good. Great spot for a nice date night. Service was stellar. the waiter knew the food and was very well versed about pairing wines with our meals. really attentive service.
(5)Pamela S.
Friendly staff with a nice casual atmosphere. Oysters were fresh and delicious. Be sure to try the vinegar jalapeno sauce. I had the special Escobar, Salmon and shrimp. All were good along with the Parmesan mashed potatoes and fresh veggies. Gerald had the scallops. All seafood cooked with perfection. A don't miss place in Charleston, though it can be a slight challenge to find.
(5)Lara B.
We had just eaten at Amen the night before with pretty much the same order, fish tacos and bloody mary's. At Amen we tasted freshness at Coast, the bloody Mary was just ok, nothing special. Our food came out very quickly, which is usually a sign that food was prepared ahead of time and just warmed up. Service was ok. We would not go back again.
(2)Jessica L.
If you love mojitos, this is truly the place for you! Cucumber melon is award winning and worth a stop here on your weekend bar crawl. Last time I was there, I was talking too much with my hands and my full drink that was just placed in front of me toppled over and the glass shattered everywhere! It was clearly my clumsy fault, but the bartender snatched it all up, wiped down the table, brought me another mojito and didn't even charge for the one I spilled. Quite the service! I usually go here for apps and drinks so if that's how you find yourself, try the bacon wrapped scallops!
(5)Joel G.
The food and drinks were great. The bartender made drinks not on the menu. Traditional ceviche was amazing. Grilled shrimp and grits were good. Homemade cheesecake was good. This is from someone who has won awards for my cheesecake. I will come back to Charleston again and eat here. Crabcake was delicious. Mostly crab...no fillers.
(5)Randy H.
Had dinner here on Halloween, a Thursday night. Sat "in the bar", but at four-top under the awning along the street. Great, attentive service - but never cloying. Offered me a sort of sample platter not listed on the menu: grilled tuna, mahi, and skewered shrimp. I asked if we could substitute a small steak for the shrimp, and got it for a $2 upcharge. Also got a cup of the crab bisque (instead of the listed bowl), and was offered ANOTHER crab soup (tomato based) which was a specialty of that particular chef, but recently removed from the menu. Let's review: 1) a single person sitting at a four-top 2) in a prime section, 3) ordered the entree off the menu, 4) SUBSTITUTED 5) steak, ordered a 6) downsized portion of the signature soup. Yep, the nightmare customer. Nevertheless, I was treated with a grace and goodwill bordering on enthusiasm, and of course I tipped the b'jeezus on the guy. The food itself was very nice, with huge portions of julianned vegetables, a mound of Parmesan potatoes, and 7oz portions of three meats. It would have easily fed my family of three back home. All for 28 bucks. All in all, I spent a lovely evening there watching the costumed revelers in the alley scurry through the rain, and sipping my wine. Compliments to the staff at Coast, and thank you. Oh, and I had to send the wine back, too...
(5)Mike E.
We got into town around 7 on a recent Saturday night and my girlfriend and I followed the motel's desk attendant's advice and walked the few block to Coast. I asked for a good spot to get some seafood and he said it was very good but would be busy. After arriving the hostess said it would be about an hour before we could get a table so we worked our way to the bar. The place was pretty much packed with people out having fun so it was an easy place to fit in. After a few minutes we scored seats at the bar - thank you to the very nice couple that gave us their seats! We were both on Mountain time so we weren't really that hungry, no problem we'll just start drinking. And when they told us they had a table we decided to stay at the bar because we were having so much fun! We managed to split an order of the Oysters Rockefeller in the midst of our drinking, it had lots of cheese and was very good! We had a great time hanging out with some locals and the bartender, before long we decided to bag dinner and just keep drinking. We were just a little bummed that we didn't get a chance to eat anything else on the impressive menu. Flash forward a few days. We were in the area to help my parents celebrate their 50th anniversary and they asked if we knew of any places in Charleston that would be a good place to have dinner. Eureka, do we ever! We got there a couple of minutes late for the reservations and were quickly seated. We dove in with both feet and got some Traditional Ceviche, Crab Dip, and a dozen Oysters on the Half Shell. All were good, especially the Crab Dip, wow! I went with the Lobster & Crab Gratin, I was feeling like something decadent and it was perfect. Mmmm good!! Others got the Spicy Adobo Shrimp, Paella, and Cashew Encrusted Grouper. Everyone was pretty happy with their selections. Also, to mark the occasion they comped us a large piece of Coast Lime Pie which was really tasty. Great food and service, if I make it back to Charleston I will definitely be stopping back by for more of each!
(4)Amanda J.
Our meal here was superb. Great service, great deals with restaurant week, could not have asked for more. My boyfriend wanted fresh, South Carolina oysters so that was why we picked this place. He got a half dozen and was very happy. Best oysters he has ever had, he said! I tried the Seersucker cocktail and it was decent. The pineapple was a little much but I still enjoyed it. For apps we got the mixed green salad with blue cheese and the calamari. Both awesome. We both got the surf and turf for our entree and were highly satisfied. The spice on my shrimp was a little overpowering, but I just took off the bacon and it was great. Got one of each dessert (white chocolate mousse or key lime pie) and they were great as well. My only critique would be the bathrooms - missing locks and broken toilets. Leaves something to be desired. Rae was our server and she was both polite and prompt. Like I said before, what more could you ask for?
(5)Racquel P.
I wanted seafood for dinner so my colleague took me here for dinner on a Monday night. What an excellent choice! We were seats immediately and our server was at our table quickly. Very nice and explained all of the daily specials as well as the options on the main menu. I decided on the 1/2 dozen oysters.. She recommended 2 kinds (forgot what they were) and I ate them a little too quickly!! So yummy. My colleague ordered the pei mussels and it was a good amount. Our server brought extra bread as she knew we would want to dip it into the broth, which we did and it took everything to not wipe the bowl dry!! For the main course, I ordered the rare tuna with the sobe noodles. The sobe noodles flavor was kind of bland but the tuna was amazing. I was getting full on the tuna itself. My colleague ordered the pecan crusted grouper and she said it was the best fish she has ever had! If I ever am in downtown Charleston again and had a craving for seafood, I would love to come back to Coast. Definitely hit the spot!!
(5)Ed B.
So many good meals at this restaurant over the past 5 years, tonight was not one of them! Starting with the bread, not warm and actually seemed old! Their bread is usually a great start. The Oysters Rockefeller was excellent and the fried squid good. My go to dish the Pecan Encrusted Grouper was a great disappointment! Potatoes were cold, green beans cold and sauce watery! My fish was three small pieces, they were hot and decent. I will dine at Coast again but really hope it returns to a 4 star experience.
(3)Deb W.
Love the alley that Coast is located on and the fantastic atmosphere inside. The wait staff was great as were our fantastic mojitos. My husband was very happy with the selection of beers on tap. We had the crab dip and fried oyster appetizers. Both very good. I was quite disappointed with my seafood paella. The amount of seafood was minimal and the pieces were so small they were hard to find. There was a TON of very tasty rice. My husband had a shrimp and grits dish that was fantastic. Very large, perfectly cooked shrimp. We will definitely be going back. I can't wait to ty their happy hour!
(4)Tali K.
I was very pleasantly surprised by this hidden gem. The service was great, everyone was very helpful and friendly. Definitely a unique and memorable ambiance. We ordered the crab and avocado ravioli appetizer- A MA ZING! Such a unique flair and so light and refreshing. We audio ordered the seated rare tuna. This too was delicious. Pecan crusted atop pomegranate reduction noodles made for an absolutist delightful flavor combination. I would definitely come again.
(5)Kristen B.
This restaurant is a-ok, just as a three star rating states. Satisfying but not anything that stands out. The signature cocktails are underwhelming. Too sweet and uninspiring. Raw oyster starters were ok. They had a small selection for a fresh seafood restaurant and were out of one of the options. Of the oysters we did receive, they were nice and cold and fresh. We ordered the shrimp and grits as well as the wood-fire grilled escolar. The shrimp and grits were good but again nothing special. The escolar was delicous. Cooked perfectly. The sides that came with the fish were average (potatoes and mixed veggies).
(3)Aly S.
We got a reservation the night before on Open Table for 2 and all that was left was 8:30. When we arrived it wasn't too crowded, no one was waiting except a group of girls who said they had a reservation from online and the hostess told her they don't accept online reservations for 6 or more and totally turned away their business. I was kind of annoyed by that, they definitely could have offered them a drink and found a way to accommodate them. They have a great wine list which I was not expecting from reviews. I was happy about that and enjoyed a Sauvignon Blanc from Ferrari Carano in California that I have had before and love. The orange rosemary table bread was different and I enjoyed it. For an appetizer we got the avocado crab ravioli -- YUM! Get that. For dinner both my boyfriend and I went with some of the nightly chef's specials. Mine was salmon, it had a very smokey flavor. They definitely cook the fish on a hickory wood grill which was not advertised on the specials menu. I don't like that smokey flavor so I wasn't thrilled about it. It was also pretty large and slightly overcooked. My boyfriend got a surf and turf with sirloin and mahi- the steak was cooked perfectly, the mahi was also smokey. My boyfriends sides here were not good, the mashed potatoes tasted like the boxed kind. The sliced veggie thing was just blah. But the asparagus and fingerling potatoes were actually really good on my plate. What is the theme of this place? They had nice exposed brick covered up with tiki stuff and pictures of fisherman on the walls. I give it 4 stars because of the wine, ravioli, and my boyfriend loved his steak and mahi mahi.
(4)Jim D.
It's all about seafood and a nice casual atmosphere nice place to take a date I made a dinner and appetizers the fried calamari's were good the shrimp tacos were a little spicy I suggest no hot sauce and Caesar salad was full of anchovies something that I likeI would not recommend the crab ceviche market not the best try the regular ceviche or the shrimp ceviche enjoy
(4)Scotty C.
I've never had dinner at Coast, but I've been in to the bar area a few times and sampled plenty of their appetizers as well. I recently came in for drinks with a birthday crowd as the Bday girl was obsessed with their award winning mojitos. After stating that I don't really like mojitos or sweet drinks, I was still barraged with everyone suggesting I try theirs because it was the best one. Surprise, I still don't like 'em... too sweet for me. I ordered a Dark & Stormy instead and it was excellent. In the past, I recall every one of the apps being top notch. In one sitting, we passed around the lobster ceviche, fried oysters, calamari, and fried green tomato's. Everyone loved it all. Even the tomato's, which you would expect to be boring compared to the other options, stood on their own up against any seafood app. Something about the calamari made it extra special too... one of my favorites. I'm definitely interested in checking out the dinner service as well. The other night we had dinner at Rue and then came to Coast for Drinks. Maybe next time we do things the other way around.
(4)Nicole A.
Overall pretty good. I wouldn't rush back, but the environment itself is pretty trendy and it's nice that it's next to the music hall and off of King Street in it's own little nook. Drink-wise, the cucumber Mojito is the way to go. Delicious and refreshing - great in the summer. Also it won best Mojito or best something in Charleston for 2010 - fun fact. Now food - we ordered a lot and if I could re-do it all over I totally would. To begin we had the crab ravioli, tuna tartar, baja tacos, and the crab soup. Reflecting back we all agreed the play is - crab soup (perhaps 2 to share for the table), and 2 ravioli. The tuna tartar was just okay, and the tacos were also just okay. Okay so now for entrees, if your thinking the tuna, I would do the tuna but rather than the pomegranate noodle, I would get it with potatoes and Brussel sprouts or some other side. In my opinion the noodles were good but they either needed a peanut crunch to cancel out all the sweetness or they should have done less noodles. Nevertheless, it wasn't my favorite, but to be fair, the tuna was cooked perfectly so I have no complaints there. My friend ordered the blackened swordfish and that was honestly the best entree on the table. I almost ordered it because of the jalapeño corn bread but ended up getting a side of that instead. Clearly a dumb decision on my part, I totally should have just ordered it. It came with a crab ratatouille so it had this warm shrimp and grits, southern flare to it, that tourist like myself crave when we come down to Charleston. My sister who we make fun of for ordering burgers at seafood restaurants, surprised us all and killed it with her order. She started with the crab soup and then got a Caesar salad with calamari - the calamari was fresh and delicious - it also was the perfect balance of comfort food and an attempt at being healthy. Which honestly, if you take anything away from this review, it should be to order the soup. You won't be disappointed. The cashew encrusted grouper was very good too - also (side note) the server made it sound like the mashed potatoes were a signature dish but they were nothing to rave about We didn't do dessert or anything like that because we were so full. But if you have done all the top notch restaurants in Charleston and are looking for fresh fish or even going to the music hall for a show, it's worth checking out... Like I said though, I wouldn't rush back.
(3)Glenn J.
Great seafood. The grilled swordfish was fantastic. The bacon wrapped scallops were delicious. Overall a very cool atmosphere and good food.
(4)Lakeisha C.
I figured it was about time for me to review this restaurant, being that I go to Charleston and myrtle beach every year. This restaurant is by far one of my favorite places in Charleston. It's nestled between some quaint little buildings in the downtown area. So it's a little hidden but that makes it all the more fun to get to. It's cozy and has live music. A very intimate feeling falls upon you when dining here. It's a great place to go on a date or with friends. I tried the creole fried oysters and the crab dip. Both were extremely yummy and filling! I couldn't eat anything else after those two dishes and a glass of wine. That was my very first time eating an oyster and that's the only place I'd eat one at. Overall, it was a great experience. I'll always return here.
(4)Charlie P.
Coast has great seafood options and solid service, but the fact that its not particularly trendy or unique in any way I think is the reason its not often talked about in Charleston. The interiors are upscale nautical and the atmosphere is casual meets fine dining. The menu is pretty large and home to all kinds of seafood options, from a raw bar to fried seafood platters to all kinds of grilled, blackened and baked fish. The appetizer menu is also pretty extensive, with lots of options for sharing which I love, like salt and pepper calamari, bacon wrapped scallops, crab dip and oysters. I also love the selection of different sauces available with the fresh fish of the day, such as pineapple-chili salsa that pairs well with anything.The prices are expensive, but not outrageous, at around $20-25 an entree. I ordered the Grilled Mahi Mahi for dinner the other night, which came with a hefty helping of sautéed vegetables and parmesan mashed potatoes on the side. It was good, no complaints. And I think good, no complaints kind of summarizes Coast as a whole. If you are seeking slightly upscale seafood in downtown Charleston, I would pair Amen Street and Coast as tied for your best bet. If you are more concerned with just the food and looking for more of a dive seafood shack, give Roadside Seafood on James Island a try! Must-order items: Cucumber Mojito, especially when its hot as heck out Fresh Fish of the Day w. specialty sauce Crab Encrusted Tilapia
(4)Tina N.
We got a last minute reservation at coast, which was lucky because we were starving on our first night in Charleston and everything seemed to be booked solid, being Labor Day weekend and all. We ordered the daily surf and turf special, the crab dip and something else that I can't remember for the life of me even though it's only been three days...which makes me think it was average. The bacon wrapped scallops were the highlight of the meal; the scallops practically melt in our mouth; I debated between a 3 and a 4 and the scallops deserve the 4th star. The crab dip was more cheese and salt than crab and our medium steak looked more rare. It's also very loud in there and we both felt like we were shouting. Overall, I would say give this place a chance, but probably better for groups.
(4)Cassandra S.
This was by far one of the best restaurants I tried on my trip to Charleston. I had a cashew crusted grouper and it was awesome. We came in as a large group with a pre-fixe menu and they handled all 40 of us like a breeze despite the rest of the restaurant being packed.
(4)Marie A.
I have been wanting to try Coast ever since I moved to Charleston - 5 years ago. Tonight was the night. It did not disappoint. Appetizer we tried was the ceviche sampler ... Very fresh and tasty. My main dish was the blackened swordfish with jalapeño cheddar corn bread, blue crab etouffe, and pickled okra. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Good flavors that went well together. I wish there was more pickled okra on the plate! We had excellent service on a Friday night. Seated quickly since we had a reservation. Huge menu selection and wine selection. I wish I would have had room for a dessert. The decor was cute and had a very Charleston feel. I would definitely go back again!
(4)Tiffany S.
Great atmosphere. Very reasonably priced meals, and delicious. I would highly recommend the seared tuna.
(5)Ed M.
Top notch seafood in a town where you come to expect great seafood. We went here for my fiance's birthday and had a great time. It's really a pretty cool place that has really good vibes for a seafood restaurant. We started the the coast soup which was one of the best soups we have had in some time. Jumbo lump crab with sherry and cream you really can't go wrong. For dinner my fiancé had the grilled Mahi Mahi with veggies and mashed potatoes. The mahi was real fresh and the chimichurri sauce it came with was awesome. I had the grouper entree with bacon cheese grits and shiitake mushrooms. The grits were ok but I have come to the realization I am not much of grits person. The grouper though was perfectly cooked and it was really an excellent dish. All in all we were pumped to have dinner here...really great staff and awesome food.
(4)Mary R.
Delicious food! We had steamed oysters as appetizers that were pretty huge. I had melon mojito which was delicious as well.
(5)Dave M.
2.5 stars for me. After hearing great things about this place, I have to say I was a little disappointed. The crab ceviche was great - the highlight of my meal. The blackened escolar was good in theory but my piece of fish was too under for my liking. I actually needed a steak knife to cut it, but instead set most of it aside. The rest of the dish was okay. The coast key lime pie was also a little disappointment for me - reminded me more of a lemon meringue pie with its consistency and texture. I like this place but wish I had ordered differently. Maybe that's what I get for listening to the advice of the nice, long haired, bearded, hippie looking bartender. I strongly prefer Rue de Jean next door, although it's menu is more limited for seafood, but I think better overall.
(3)Frank C.
Coast was fab! Absolutely amazing! We were told to come here, and it was a don't miss restaurant! There was great service, the food was great, and it was a great family friendly atmosphere! For an appetizer we got oysters, and they were great! The food was FANTASTIC! We got blackened escolar , braised sea bass, and fish sticks. TIP!! The kids fish sticks are fresh made to order Tilapia filets breaded , delightful!!! My wife said that they were the best she had ever eaten!! This is a MUST when you go to Charleston!
(5)Chris M.
Had a great experience at Coast with my wife and two teen agers. Everyone enjoyed their meal and our waiter was attentive and friendly. I had baked tilapia and it was excellent. My daughter had the fish tacos and a salad, she's 14; and said the fish tacos were "okay". My 16 year old son had Adobo shrimp dish and he really liked it; said it was excellent. That Adobo dish is spicey but he likes spicey. My wife had angel hair pasta with shrimp. She gave it a 7 out of a 10 and said she'd order it again. It was a classy but casual atmosphere. I expect we'll keep Coast on our radar for places we like but we've got a lot of restaurants to try in Charleston before we'll be back.
(4)Francesca D.
One of my favorite casual seafood restaurants in Charleston that's not over priced. When my husband and I dine here, we opt for the community table to have a casual experience, and so we can watch the powerhouse behind the scenes (you can see right into the kitchen!). Always order the oysters- so good. And get a few apps to share and you'll be nice and full (fried green tomatoes, fish tacos are a must!) Their sangria is also amazing and can catch up to you quickly! :) My only complaint is that the service can be spotty. I hate when you have great service leading up to the end of the meal and then the server disappears when you are ready for the check- that's happened here a few times, but would never prevent me from coming back. We love this place!
(4)Penny H.
Best restaurant we tried in Charleston. The atmosphere was like an open air courtyard, but we were inside. The food was amazing! Great fish, steak, and scallops. Service was great, too!
(5)Jessica J.
I ordered the salmon ( medium) with garlic parsley butter sauce, vegetables and mashed potatoes. The salmon was fresh and moist...not over cooked or dry. The vegetables were nicely seasoned. I would definitely return to Coast. My food was delicious and the service was great.
(4)Becca R.
The best thing here were the oysters. Hands down the best oysters I've ever had (note that I have not been more north than here along the east coast). For around $24 you could pick your assortment from local and around the east coast. We ended up getting an additional dozen of our favorites after trying them all out. The cocktail sauce was very good and flavorful. I would buy a bottle of that sauce!! Going off previous reviews, we got the traditional ceviche. It was okay... Not great. I got the shrimp n grits which was a different take on it and pretty tasty. Maybe not my favorite rendition of the dish, but I would get it again. My husband got a steak, which was not seasoned at all. He was bummed. Honestly, the meal brought the rating from 5 stars to 4. The service was great. We were at Coast quite a while enjoying the oysters and our meal and our waiter was very available and friendly. Overall, this is an excellent place for a date night and I would love to try other items off their menu!
(4)Melissa C.
I really enjoyed my visit to Coast. There was a 50 top that my server was also dealing with so the service was a bit slow but with a 50 top, he still did a decent job. The food was outstanding! I ordered the cioppino and blackened escolar. It was served on top of a large piece of jalapeno cornbread which was surrounded by blue crab etouffee. The entire thing was perfect. The fish was delicious and moist. The cornbread soaked up the right amount of etouffee. I really enjoyed it! The cioppino was one of my favorite items that I ate all week in Charleston. So flavorful! The location down in the alley with all the ivy at the entrance is so neat. Great food with a fun atmosphere.
(4)Carol R.
The salmon was awesome! My husband got the combo steak, shrimp and salmon. Said was one of his best meals. Server nice and helpful. We made reservations for Monday, missed out on Sunday (1 1/2 hr wait). Reasonably priced.
(5)Christy M.
The hubs and I hit up Coast for Restaurant Week. We went early, although we had made reservations. I like the vibe there, it's kind of an upscale nautical feel restaurant, but not so upscale that you couldn't wear nice jeans (in my opinion). I was a little bummed that despite that it was pretty empty we were put next to two people that were within arms length (or less probably) of us and they were loud enough it made the experience a little awkward... it felt like we were the two different friend groups in junior high stuck at the same lunch table, both trying to pretend the other is not there... (except for when they were commenting on our food... you know, cause that's not awkward or anything)... In hindsight I would have been more comfortable and probably enjoyed the night more if we were at the bar. There are some booths, which would have been nice, but I understand why we were put at the smaller closer tables, since it was just the two of us and they probably expected to be packed for restaurant week. Anyway... We both did the 3 for $30 and split everything, because we just love to try different food. We started with drinks, I got a Palmetto Mule which is Absolut hibiscus vodka, ginger beer, fresh lime and cranberry juice. I had such high hopes for this, as I love hibiscus and I love Moscow mules, but... to be honest, it was just disappointing, it tasted watery. The Hibiscus drinks at Republic and the Moscow Mules at Rarebit have set my standards too high to really enjoy this Palmetto Mule. The hubs got a beer. To Coast's credit, they have a pretty big list of beer and wine. For appetizers, we ordered the Peruvian Style Ceviche and the Blackened Seafood Chowder. I've tried ceviche three times in my life now, once on the coast in Mexico (with raw fish, it made me gag), once on the coast in the Bahamas (with raw conch, it also made me gag) and once at Coast in Charleston (with shrimp, it did not make me gag! Whoo!). It's a bit acidic (which it should be) with big chunks of sweet potato and shrimp. If you like "pickled-ish" things, you'd probably like this ceviche. The Blackened Seafood Chowder was creamy, rich and a little bacon-y (that's a word right?) with a few big chunks of seafood in it. I would order this again, although I'd hate to see the nutrition label info (but who really ever looks at those right?) I then ordered the Surf and Turf, which did not disappoint. Will I come back just for this again, no, it wasn't "crave-worthy" but it was pretty good and every single little part of this dish was good... the Parmesan potatoes, the veggies, the Beurre Blanc, every single thing. The hubs got the shrimp and grits, which also was a solid dish. I would say this would compete for the top two shrimp and grits I've had in Charleston. The flavors popped, the grits were smooth and creamy. We shared the desserts as well, getting one of each (White Chocolate Mousse and Coast Key Lime Pie). They were both smooth, sweet, and enjoyable. I liked Coast, it was good. I expected it to be good. It wasn't a "shock me" good but it didn't disappoint either. I'm glad I tried it. Overall for 2 apps, main dishes, desserts, drinks and tip we threw down around $100... would I do it again? ehhhh, maybe it's just not my style, or... maybe a good drink and great atmosphere is what puts me over the top about somewhere and those were the two things lacking here.
(4)Carla D.
Fabulous restaurant off the beaten path. Very cool bar area. I am hooked on oysters at the moment and Coast definitely did not disappoint. I ordered a half dozen, all different varieties. What can I say? They were all tremendous! I also ordered a small mixed greens salad and the cioppino. For less than $10, I expected the cioppino to be a smallish cup but it was a meal! The tomato broth was divine and it was filled with plenty of tender seafood. The side salad was also huge, and I couldn't finish it. Coast is truly sensational, I had a really great meal!
(5)Logan L.
This was my favorite meal in Charleston. Tucked away in an alley was this nice relaxing restaurant and a great kick off for our time in Charleston. I had the crab encrusted tilapia and WOW was it great! The green beans needed a bit more salt but overall the meal was delicious. My husband had their fish of the day (mahi mahi) oak grilled and wasn't as thrilled with it (he said he tasted the char from the grill more than the actual fish). The service was friendly. My strawberry mojito was way too sweet with no 'kick' behind it--after 2 I felt nothing, which honestly for me I should start feeling something by then. I do recommend the restaurant, but we found other and better options that suited us a bit better. Still a good first meal in Charleston!
(3)Robert G.
Went to Coast and had the shrimp tacos and it was excellent. The hostess and waiter were very attentive. Would come back and recommend to friends
(4)Christina G.
The food here is just wonderful. I really loved it. Especially the dessert was a dream! Service was great. Overall very nice atmosphere in the restaurant. Would always return!
(5)John L.
YES! Tucked into a back corner behind Rue 39, Coast looks on the outside like a 1980s sci-fi dive, complete with Neon sign. You go in, and it's a great fish place with a full bar! Food and service here are amazing. The oysters were a combination of salty and yummy, the crab dip was amazing, and the buffalo shrimp tacos were really good. The Parmesan mashed potatoes were a little underwhelming, but otherwise the food here was excellent. The only weird thing was the bathroom floors. I don't get the flooring in there. It's impossible to gain traction, even when the floor is dry. It's weird, but it does not take away from the greatness that is Coast.
(5)J C.
We had the blue crab and spinach manicotti and the fish taco's. REALLY good food. The flavors were amazing. These guys know how to do it. Sunday's are half off bottles of wine.
(5)King L.
Not what you want for Charleston Seafood. High volume, mass produced and mediocre. Slightly better fish and shrimp than Red Lobster without Cheddar Bay Biscuits which makes it a wash.
(3)Jeff Y.
Really 4.5 stars! My friends and I had road-tripped down to Charleston and Yelped places for dinner. The valet at our hotel also recommended that we consider dining at Coast. We put our names down for Coast (45-minute wait), then strolled down King St. to pass the time. You leave a cell number, and they call when your table is ready. Coast is a fairly large restaurant with a lot of farmland/farming-themed paintings on the wall. It had a very casual, relaxed atmosphere. Our waiter was great and attentive, although it took a while to find him (i.e. flag him down) at times since the restaurant is so big. The food was very tasty with fairly large portions. My dining companions loved the she crab soup, and I thoroughly enjoyed my whole fried flounder, which came in the most unique curled shape. Highly recommend! =)
(4)kate j.
hands down the best seafood I've ever had in my life. we went a few days ago and have literally not stopped talking about it since. coast came highly recommended to us by some friends from the area and it seemed that everyone we mentioned it to either loved it or couldn't wait to try it. they didn't take reservations by the time we tried calling, which was close to dinner time, and they dont take reservations via open table. if you run into this issue, just go and sit at the bar until a table is ready. it's so worth it! we waited 30 minutes at the bar and I tried the cucumber melon mojito. it was awesome. we were a little disappointed to be seated at the "community seating table" instead of a private table but it ended up being a good way to talk to other people visiting charleston and to see what different entrees looked like as they were brought out. our server recommended the cioppino and it was far and away the best soup I've ever tasted. the tomato broth was unlike anything I've ever had and the seafood was ridiculously fresh and tasty. I ordered the pecan encrusted salmon and brussels sprouts for my entree; everything was awesome but to be honest I only ate about half of it because I finished every last bite of the soup. my boyfriend ordered the shrimp and grits (best I've ever had) and my brother had the shrimp and crab penne pasta. to top it all off, the service was great and the prices were reasonable. all I can say is that I wish there were seafood restaurants at this level of freshness and quality in the philadelphia or jersey shore areas. I plan on hunting for cioppino soup like what I had at coast up her but if I find any I'm sure they won't be half as good!!!
(5)Joan M.
I reserved a table with my sister here two weeks ago. It was outstanding. Period. We had the Cerviche Platter to share. Amazing. Green fried Tomatoes & lobster and Crab au Gratin. All of the food was outstanding. The restaurant has a great vibe amazing bar & also a seafood bar. A great place to take people. Make sure you reserve a table. We were there on a Monday night & the walk ins had a 90 min wait & it's just early April. Outstanding & very very well priced by Charleston Standards.
(5)Ashley H.
I don't ever really review on Yelp, but my experience at Coast was so incredible that I HAD to post something. I'm from the midwest and was visiting Charleston, looking for a great seafood meal. Two of us walked in at dinner on a Saturday night and got seats at the bar right away. We ordered a traditional mojito and a mango mojito - the mango was by far the BEST cocktail I have ever had. We then split the crab dip (AMAZING), the buffalo fried shrimp, and the crab-encrusted tilapia entree. All of that was a perfect amount of food for two people...and seriously probably one of the best meals of my entire life, hands down the best food I've ever had in Charleston. Fresh, warm, and delicious. Plus, everyone behind the bar was extremely friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the food and drinks. We asked to put on a specific college football game and the bartender did so for us -- the bartenders and other patrons even got involved in the game with us. The atmosphere, service, food, and drinks were so fantastic that I didn't want to leave. Thanks, Coast, for such a memorable night -- I can't wait to come back soon!
(5)Kristy E.
We happened upon Coast on a Sunday night and lucked out to get a seat on the patio without a reservation. We loved the ravioli appetizer and the cold peel and eat shrimp had the most amazing cocktail sauce served with them. All of the entrees were delicious, but my favorite was my husband's seared ahi tuna. SO GOOD. Also, Sunday they have 1/2 priced bottles so we indulged with a great white blend and prosecco to celebrate my sister's birthday. The server even brought her a complimentary dessert with a candle. We loved this place and will definitely be back!
(5)Jess M.
Loved the ambiance of this place - brick...dark wood...from the get go, I loved. I decided to order the Chef's special (tracker fish...I think. Had never heard of it!) It came with butter bean side and grits - definitely worth trying! The server was AWESOME - I wish I remembered her name so I could post it here. Try this place - good for dinner with friends, a date...the patio looked fun too.
(4)Matt T.
I had the fish tacos - probably should have done something more testing of the kitchen, but was too full from an earlier feeding - and they were 'fine': any time I go to a restaurant and order something I can make at home, I feel like the professional version should be better; these weren't so much, although they were good. (Just not great.) My friend had the blackened escarole, on top of étouffée. It looked pretty good to me (truthfully, better than mine!). He's a bit of a foodie, and he ruled the fish as "fine", but the étouffée as the best of the dish.
(3)Michael M.
If you want excellent seafood in Charleston, this is the place to be. Went here on Friday night with a group of 3 friends, and everything was fantastic. We started at the bar, for a drink, and enjoyed a Bulleit Rye Manhattan. It was delicious. Next, we went to our table, and enjoyed the Ceviche, and upped it to a 4-way. Every fish in it was delicious and fresh. That is the one thing about seafood, if it is fresh, it does not have a fishy smell to it. Finally for our entrées, 3 of us ordered the mahi mahi fish tacos. I ordered the shrimp taco. Everything was cooked to perfection. Yeah, I will be back.
(5)Jim D.
Enjoying Charleston with my family and this restaurant enhances the experience. Great for kids, but a wonderful menu for us adults. My wife enjoyed a local fish---blackened Escolar, prepared in an étouffée, really good. I had a southern treat, shrimp n grits, had spice but not overwhelmed by it. Service was attentive and friendly as well. This place deserves all the positive reviews it gets.
(4)Steven H.
We had very high expectations for this place that were somewhat misplaced. Don't get me wrong, dinner here was perfectly pleasant. It just didn't knock our socks off. The service was very nice (kudos to Rachel). The food was just ok. We shared three starters. Lobster ceviche was very fresh and light, and the lobster shined through. The cornmeal crusted fried oysters with habañero aioli and mango salsa were sort of tasty but texturally were kind of odd. The hot crabmeat dip was all mayonnaise and fairly gross. My daughter had the crabmeat and avocado ravioli appetizer as an entree. It was just OK. My son had spicy Cajun-style shrimp which were REALLY spicy and delicious, perfectly cooked. I had grilled swordfish with a beurre blanc sauce which was pretty good, if not spectacular. The mashed potatoes were excellent, though. I was told that Hank's is better for seafood, but I wanted to do something more casual. Next time I am in Charleston I will go there instead.
(3)Kim O.
We stayed at a hotel nearby so decided to eat there. Ended up eating there several times! Wonderful selections and great atmosphere. A must if visiting Charleston.
(5)Katie B.
Definitely a bland experience. I took my extended family here when they came to visit me, and the overall consensus was mediocre food for too much money. I had the crab encrusted tilapia and thought it was bland and dry. Not a piece of fish I would expect served to me in a downtown Charleston restaurant. My uncle had the Seafood Paella (grilled fish with scallops, shrimp, clams, mussels, housemade chorizo sausage, peppers, onions & saffron calasparra rice), which sounds absolutely amazing, but sadly was the most underwhelming concoction. In sum, none of our 8 dishes were anything exciting or anything worth paying gourmet prices. In a foodie city, such as downtown Charleston, it is definitely disappointing.
(2)Matt B.
My waitress was a little slow to start and appeared to be in the weeds with only 3 tables including me (solo). She seemed to step it up a little after delivering the entrees to her other two tables. The food was really good. I had the flat iron steak and it was cooked perfect, tender and flavorful. The blue cheese butter was exceptional. The calamari was good, but not spectacular. The remoulade sauce and marinara were both delicious. Prices were very reasonable for the quality. The live guitar and singing was enjoyable. Not too loud and and the guy had talent. I would definitely make this a regular stop when in Charleston.
(4)Cinnatea L.
So glad we tried this place. A little hard to find in the alley, but totally worth wandering around in the cold looking for it lol. Great service, seated promptly. We had the Creole Fried Oysters. Yumm. And some Australian Shiraz - super yumm. But the highlights of the meal, aside from superb service, were the blackened escolar with crab etouffee and jalapeno cornbread, and the hazelnut chocolate cheesecake. Holy heaven Batman!!! Excellent preparation and presentation. Our socks were definitely knocked off!! Bravo!! Will be back!
(5)Andrea W.
The atmosphere is great. Beautifully decorated and not too fussy. Wish we had time to hang out at the bar before dinner. Food was good, all the seafood rated really fresh. Our bacon wrapped scallops tasted a little burned, but everything else was excellent. I think you could probably get comparable seafood at other places in Charleston, but Coast wins my vote for the decor and atmosphere.
(4)Nathan S.
Seafood restaurant, and very good at it. Shrimp & grits was a pretty small serving, but my fried combo was big enough. Nice staff, good location, good seafood variety. Loved it.
(5)Anna L.
Crowded, but no wait on a Monday night. Family friendly and also great for dates. Service was kind of slow, but made up for it with the delicious seafood! Salmon was excellent. I wish there was a front door in front of the patio.
(4)Alyssa M.
On a visit to Charleston we were on the look-out for good seafood in a non-touristy place. This place was packed late on a Thursday with locals which I took as a good sign. I absolutely loved what I ordered (peel & eat shrimp and the bacon wrapped scallops). My bf got the whole fried flounder and it was amazing! The rest of the trip I wanted to come back for more. For the quality and service I thought it was reasonably priced. Skip Hymens and head here if you're an out-of-towner looking for seafood.
(5)Michael R.
Was visiting Charleston with family recently, and my parents had eaten at Coast in 2011 for their anniversary and absolutely loved it, so we wanted to check it out. It's located in an old, open, warehouse off of a bit of an alley, so the entrance itself builds up it's image. Coast goes for the Islander/Surfer Dude theme, in that they've got Straw huts over some tables, and have worked to turn the cavernous space into a very chill feel. When we visited on a weekend evening, they had live music going in their bar area, which filtered over nicely into the dining space. Their drink menu is pretty expansive, and we were all able to settle on a wine choice to go with our food. The service here was excellent, both with our primary server, and the supporting staff, as they worked well to ensure that water glasses were kept full, and we were attended to, but all without being overbearing. The food here is well worth the reputation, as the tend to toe the line between creole, down-home southern, and a latin american flair, all of which are good influences that help make their dishes unique among some of the other restaurants in Charleston. We started off with one of their Crab Dips, which came out piping hot with some crusty bread, and was very cheesy and creamy; I would have liked a better crab to dip ratio, however the dip was deliciously flavored none the less. We all went with Seafood dishes; my family all went with different Grilled items including Salmon, Swordfish, and their special of the day, a Surf and Turf special of Rib-eye, Salmon, and Shrimp, while I went with their Cashew Coated I think it was Grouper. The fish was heavenly here, simply amazing all around. All of the grilled fish came out exceptionally well, and was still moist, even the swordfish, which I know is a hard fish to grill without drying out. Their sides too were all flavorful, I quite enjoyed the Parm mashed potatoes, and their green beans were on the al dente side which I liked but to my parents were a bit under done. Coast's portions are quite filling, however not as large as I've seen for other similarly priced venues, which would be my only drawback here. Either way, they left us satiated such that we passed on Dessert. I'd definitely make this a return trip choice to check out some differing options on their menu
(4)Abby L.
My favorite place to get seafood in Charleston. The atmosphere here is amazing and the wait staff is super helpful and willing to answer numerous questions. The dinners are all full of fresh, delicious ingredients and are the perfect size to fill you up. I had the scallops and they were cooked to perfection, large, and plump. If you love seafood I would highly recommend Coast.
(5)Tina T.
Best. food. ever. I had Grilled Spicy Adobo Shrimp with mango salsa, grits, and grilled veggies. So delicious it was ridiculous. Service was okay and we had to wait for a little bit, but the food made up for it all.
(5)Sam P.
Crowded place with mediocre food. Paella was ok, but not impressive. Crab encrusted tilapia was a meager serving with unremarkable taste.
(2)Alisha W.
Not worth the money. The appetizers are small portions not enough to share. The good thing was the frozen southern lemonade.
(2)Amy B.
Everything was delicious, fresh, memorable. Ceviche trio; liked the shrimp best, but it was all perfectly prepared; Seared Salmon was divine; Red snapper sublime. Mojitos were a little weak, but the flavors were spot on. I will go back here every time I visit Charleston until I have exhausted the menu!
(5)Arnaud B.
A generous 4 stars. Service was good, food was average, and overall pricey.... But would still recommend to have diner here if you are in charleston for vacation. The architecture of this place is unique and pretty awesome. Looks like eating in a giant historic warehouse. Neat.
(4)Terri J.
We had just arrived in Charleston and Coast looked like a perfect, somewhat casual dinner spot. I have to say the ceviche was out of this world! I recommend the ceviche trio - with the lobster ceviche - to enjoy several tastes. We then shared their fresh catch of the day. Their fish is so fresh and delightfully prepared. Excellent!
(5)Tom G.
I really like Coast - third time there last night. The food is awesome - never had anything close to bad there. The service has also always been great. The menu is good, mostly seafood, which is what you'd expect for a seafood restaurant. Only 2 steaks on the menu and one chicken dish, which if one person in a group isn't into seafood would have a really limited selection. It's not cheap, but also not super expensive. Dinner for 4 with a dozen oysters and drinks came to $210 with a nice tip.
(4)C W.
We went to Coast last night for drinks and dinner. We sat at the bar and had a drink while waiting for our table. All the staff were friendly and helpful. The bacon wrapped scallops were the best and I don't like scallops. I recommend the grilled salmon very fresh and well prepared. The menu has a large selection of appetizers, vegetables and seafood dishes that I plan to come back and try.
(5)Medrano D.
There were 7 of us and we all loved everything we ordered. The cevice was delicious. Fresh. Fresh bread brought before we ate was soooo good.
(5)Clint W.
Dark, with lots of brick inside. The bar and kitchen are the first part of the place that you walk into. A larger dining room is around the corner, with booths and such. During the summer, there is sort of an outside seating area that is enclosed, facing the alley. Staff was quick to us, and pretty patient explaining the menu. It's a pretty substantial selection of seafood to pick from. I went after the ahi this time and got an enormous portion. Two huge chunks sitting on my plate. Solid, but not exceptional. Since it was pretty quiet, we were in and out rapidly.
(4)Tom W.
Service and food was outstanding! Had the snapper almondine. Best fish dish I've ever had. Paired with stags leap cab. Great night!
(5)Zee B.
First time in Old Charleston this past weekend. Nice place to grab some local fare. Service was pretty good and the sweet potato fries were a delight! I will go back when I am in town next time.
(4)Lauren W.
This was my second time at Coast and yet again my expectations were exceeded. They were booked for the night but managed to get us in. Wonderful atmosphere. Oysters were excellent. I had the Salmon with vegetables and mashed potatoes. Service was superb! Couldn't have asked for a better experience. Can't wait to visit Charleston again... This will be first on my list!
(5)Jason G.
Great open space with an outstanding atmosphere that was intimate, inviting and not too loud. We ate at the bar and enjoyed outstanding service and the food was delicious. We luckily discovered that Sunday was half price bottles of wine night... Combined with awesome Oysters Bienville and Seafood Paella, the night was perfect. We ate as a couple at the bar, but there were a number of children there with families that appeared to be having a great time. We look forward to going back.
(5)Esteban M.
We ordered the crab encrusted tilapia and shrimp and grits, along with the crab dip as an appetizer. Unfortunately the dip was the best part. The tilapia looked as if it were a TV dinner and the stoneground grits were "soupy". On the plus side the ambiance was nice and mojitos were good...a little overpriced but good none the less. In the future I would go just to have drinks and dessert with a client or it's the perfect place for a first date.
(3)D V.
Great crab cakes. Crab crusted tilapia was really good too. Crab dip is warm and served w/toasted crusty bread - not what I was expecting, but very good. Slaw - YUK!! Atmosphere is terrific and house Cabernet was very smooth. Overall, a good meal. Would visit again.
(4)Susie G.
A Skillful Recovery Will Bring Us Back... On a very balmy first day of winter we decided to give the restaurant, Coast a try. I have heard great things about it, and was excited to see if it met its hype. As it was described to me it is definitely "tucked away" and located in an alley behind 39 Rue du Jean. We actually drove past it but in doing so were lucky to find a parking space on Meeting Street and walked the few blocks to the restaurant. The restaurant itself was a nice surprise. It's much bigger than I'd expected with a very long bar, ample seating in the bar area, and many tables. What are also very attractive are the 30' ceilings and the brick-lined walls. The dining room is dimly lit and has a light tropical feel, as the booth we sat in was under what appeared to be a large, tropical hut. The décor is otherwise not overdone with a few colorful pieces of glass and a rogue coconut here and there. Andy, our server, immediately approached us and took our drink order. We asked him what on the menu were some of his favorites and he quickly was able to review each section of the menu and make recommendations. We placed an order for the Crab and Avocado Ravioli, which was one of his suggestions. Warm, fresh bread and butter were quickly brought to the table. Literally in a blink of an eye our ravioli appeared. We actually thought it might be a mistake and asked him if this order could be for another table. He said no, and we started to dig in. Three, over-sized ravioli circled a fresh, lightly dressed mound of greens that were topped with a few dabs of goat cheese. Other than a little heavy handed with the olive oil in the preparation, the ravioli were very good. Since we had received our appetizer so quickly I was curious to see how long it would take to get our entrees. A short nine minutes later our entrees arrived. It's odd for my husband to even eat at a seafood restaurant since he's not a big seafood fan, but after his first bit of his Grilled Spicy Adobo Shrimp the comments were, "I think I'm in love." His spicy shrimp sat atop perhaps what were the best tasting grits that we've had since we've lived here. I thought, "Hmm, we may be on to something." But alas, there was only to be one person at the table that was to have such a relationship. My order of the evening's special - Grilled Escobar, Salmon, bacon wrapped jalapeno shrimp served with parmesan mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables was like a bad blind date. You know right away it's not going to go well, but you're at a loss as to what to do next. My mashed potatoes and vegetables were cold. Not chilly, cold. That's ok, as it can be an easy fix. When Andy came to check on us I explained that they were cold and asked for two new sides, I kept my fish as I did not want it to get cold as he went for the sides. He seemed frustrated. I did not know if his frustration was with his kitchen team, with me, or a little bit of both. Whatever the source, I completely understood his feelings. The sides were out in a flash and they were great. But then... I tried my bacon wrapped jalapeno shrimp. There didn't seem to be any jalapenos, which I expected so I asked Andy as he walked by. He said that the jalapenos were infused within the bacon - not so much. The bacon just tasted like bacon. As I unwrapped them (I'm not that big of a bacon fan), I noticed that the bacon closest to the shrimp wasn't cooked and the shrimp was also undercooked. I genuinely was too embarrassed to ask for anything else, but did mention it to Andy when he picked up our plates. Showing some additional frustration he said, "We'll just take this off your check because it didn't meet your expectation." We told him thank you, but he didn't have to do that. A short time later a very tall gentleman approached the table. We assumed it was the manager, but it was odd he didn't introduce himself. He apologized and then started rattling off things that he could quickly bring me, "Soup, salad, anything that you'd like." I thankfully declined. He told us that he'd taken the dinner off of the check because things weren't done correctly. He said he felt bad and that "If you leave hungry, then we haven't done our job." To me, Coast skillfully recovered last night. I am certain that the manager would have done anything necessary to make sure I was well fed and happy. What else can you ask for? We'll give Coast another try soon.
(3)Randy R.
Good, fresh seafood. Hush puppies were a little bit disappointing, as they were very, very dry. Decor is fun and interesting, but borders on being cheesy.
(4)Michael B.
2 words............. mango mojito 4 words......... half price wine sundays and the best part of all their food is good too!
(4)Kendra C.
I was really excited to try the Lobster & Crab Gratin (half lobster stuffed with blue crabmeat, lobster & parmesan cream herb breadcrumb crust, green beans & parmesan mashed potatoes). It was good but not what I was expecting for $27. It was like a crab cake stuffed inside a lobster tail. I don't think I tasted any lobster at all!. Big let down. My friend had the fish tacos and she loved them. I must give them credit for serving good food when we sat down 10 minutes before close on a Monday night.
(3)Cruz K.
The staff at my hotel said this place was good and they were so right,always ask a local..The shrimp was some of the best ive ever had,good service,great location,right down town,walking distance from my hotel,if I ever go back to charleston this will be a must stop.Also the beer was cold.
(5)Kathleen S.
I am visiting in the area and a group,of us went to Coast on a Friday night. It was very good. Excellent service, a fair beer list, really good food.
(4)Ian P.
We had the ceviche, oysters Rockefeller, wreckfish, and fish sticks for the kids. First of all, the ceviche was incredible! It was whole scallops and shrimp, not chopped up like most places. They were as fresh and delicious as you could possibly hope for, and the scallops were huge. The oysters and wreckfish were also delicious, but the fish fingers were surprisingly perfect. When I think fish fingers I think of heavy breading, and nasty fish. This was a kids' dish ($5), but it was delicious. It was more like fish and chips than fish fingers. The fish was super fresh, piping hot, with a very thin breading. I could have eaten two plates of the kids' fish fingers and been absolutely satisfied and happy. We finished dinner with the chocolate cake, which was probably the best chocolate cake we've ever eaten.
(5)Eric S.
Highlight of our trip to Charleston! Atmosphere is great in an old warehouse, service was attentive but not obtrusive and the food was to die for. Started out with ceviche trio (shellfish, lobster and octopus) that was amazing, great brightness of flavors through the acidity. Wife had the grouper over creamy grits and she loved it. I had the paella which had wonderful flavors, huge portions and so much seafood I couldn't finish it all (escolar, scallops, mussels, clams and shrimp) along with a house made chorizo that stole the show, simply amazing!! (Sancerre by the glass was a nice surprise too!) Finished off with white chocolate banana bread pudding and key lime pie that were a perfect finish to the best meal of our trip! If you are in town you MUST try Coast. We ate early (6pm) with reservations and were in and out in 50 minutes to boot!!
(5)Emely B.
Fantastic! We had a great experience, the trio ceviche was delicious, juicy full of flavors. We had the mango mojito and the cucumber melon mojito both great and refreshing. For entrees we had the crab crusted tilapia and the Rockefeller shrimp linguine which was peppery, creamy and yummy. The prices and the ambiance were right on point. We highly recommended and hope to be back!!
(5)Stef J.
Awesome! Try the groupers with nuts, tilapia and as a tip the buffalo shrimp tacos - 6 stars for all that!! After a three week southern US tour we came here one night and it was simply delicious, good service, good prices - the best meal in 3 weeks US! Extremely recommendable!!
(5)Kelly C.
Coast is one of our favorite restaurants in Charleston. If you are looking for a great seafood place, look no further! They always have several 'catch of the day' options that you can have cooked several different ways and many other menu options to choose from. Coast also has the BEST mojitos! Even if you can't make it there for dinner, I highly suggest making the bar your first stop on a night out. It's definitely a hidden gem, find it if you can!
(4)Lauren G.
On a girls weekend in Charleston, my sister and I tried this restaurant through a recommendation from our B&B. It's tucked away from the main road, so you might not stumble across it just strolling around town; I'm really glad we knew to look for it! The food and service were great, and the atmosphere was relatively upscale, yet still casual and relaxed. We sat on the porch, which was perfect in the May evening weather. We tried the crab and avocado ravioli for an appetizer, and seriously considered getting a second order - it was THAT good! Ultimately, we decided to try the calamari instead. It was also good, but the ravioli stole the show. For my entree, I had the scallops, which were delicious. My sister opted for the oakwood grill dish, and tried the mahi mahi with pineapple chili salsa. I tried a bite of her salsa, and would definitely recommend it! For dessert, we had the special, which was a chocolate mousse/strawberry "bomb" that was a great end to a delicious meal. We also tried one of their pinot noirs, and were very happy with that. (Unfortunately I don't remember the name of the wine, but they have a pretty large wine list and the servers are happy to make recommendations.)
(5)Ashley B.
All over great.
(4)Michelle B.
This place had somewhat high reviews so I wanted to give it a go. My friend and I were looking for a fried fish alternative and their menu looked big enough to accomodate our cravings. I wanted something a little lite so I ordered the mahi mahi fish tacos. It came with 2 soft tacos and nothing else. The waitress warned me that the meal would be more like an appetizer, which was fine with me. I also ordered a basket of 5 hushpuppies that came with jalapeno butter. I should have just stuck with the tacos because the hushpuppies weren't anything to write home about (or on Yelp) and just acted as lead weight in my stomach. My friend ordered the tuna with soba noodles which turned out to be a pretty good chocie. The tuna was cooked perfectly, or as I like to eat it, just slightly kissing the grill on both sides. Overall the place would be good for a crowd or family but there are much better options for fish in Charleston.
(2)Greg S.
This place is very casual and had the ambiance of sitting in the hull of a large, old wooden boat. Anyway, it was all about seafood, of course. We had blackened escolar on a piece of corn bread bathed in a crab roux (loved it) and a cerviche sampler and a crab cake with fries (I'd call it a 3.5 out of 5 - can't win 'em all). It was 1/2 off wine night, so it took away some of the sting of my not as good selection.
(3)Garen M.
A great gourmet seafood experience. Sit at a community table and you will make some new friends. Delicious and memorable dinner.
(4)Chris K.
Very casual, so its a good place after a day of sightseeing. Excellent seafood, very fresh with imaginative preparations and tasty sides. We liked it so much we went back the next night. Make a reservation. It fills up pretty quickly.
(5)Meg R.
4.5 star review for Coast. I give my main course - the blackened escolar with sweet potato gnocchi - a perfect 5 stars as it was one of the best meals I've eaten in a long, long time. As for the rest of my review, I have to say that Coast does seafood well. My family loved their meals (the salmon Ceasar salad and the fried platter with scallops and oysters). The restaurant is tucked away in an alley on John St (behind 39 Rue de Jean) right near popular King St. There is a public parking garage on the same side of the street as Coast as well as a lot across the street. The only reason that I didn't give 5 stars was because of the service. Our waitress wasn't attentive to our drinks, which upset me since I was hydrating for the Cooper River Bridge Run. It took a long time to get our check and then to have her take our payment. The restaurant wasn't that busy, but my experience with the service would not keep me from returning just for that escolar!!!
(5)Kathleen M.
Great decor and fabulous smell greet you as you enter. It just made me happy we had come on the recommendation of our concierge who also made us a reservation. For appetizer, we split the crab dip which was plentiful but pretty salty. The bread they gave however was so fabulous that I wish we had just had that for the appetizer - it was manna from heaven. It is worth the trip just for the bread. My husband had the stuffed lobster and I had the paella. I used to live in Spain, I taught Spanish for most of my adult life, I really like paella. This really wasn't paella. The seafood had not been cooked down into the rice and the sausage was Mexican, not Spanish. Having said that, it was pretty good just not Spanish. Call it something else - spicy seafood and rice casserole would be more accurate. Dessert and coffee were great - I had the blondie sundae and it was delicious and enough for 3 people. My husband had the key lime pie which he finished. Great service added to the enjoyment of the night. Had the paella been a true paella, I could stretch this to five stars. Guess I will have to just go back to Spain!
(4)Alicia V.
The Coast is incredible! I had the Blue crab cioppino and the seared scallops. The cioppino was overflowing with a variety of seafood and sauce was rich and tasty. My seared scallops were seared perfectly and the orzotto that the scallops were on were creamy and delicious! If you are in Charleston you owe it to yourself to eat at the Coast.
(5)Kate N.
We hit up Coast during RW, but decided to go with the regular menu! We were pretty pleased. We started with the octopus ceviche and it was truly delicious. We're still having dreams about it. We also had some calamari as an app, which was good. The lemon aioli is very lemony -- just how I like it. I got the seafood paella with Mahi-mahi. It was great! Huge though -- didn't come close to finishing it. My boyfriend got the spicy shrimp, and he did not love it. I had a taste and didn't care for it myself, but I am also not into the super spicy. I would, however, recommend the strawberry rhubarb mojito, as it was delicious! We enjoyed our experience at Coast. It's a bit pricey, but the ambiance is nice and the food was tasty. Especially the ceviche. Get the ceviche.
(4)Lauren L.
Coast was recommended by our hotel, and if not for our iPhones we would have never have found it. (It's down an alley off a side street in downtown.) But when we reached Coast, and I had one bite of their hushpuppies and jalapeno butter, I literally called my girlfriend to set up a road trip to Charleston cause, as far as I'm concerned, everyone within an 800-mile radius needs to try these. (No seriously, I was that excited.) The boyfriend absolutely loved the plantain-crusted mahi mahi (which was the deciding dish in us coming here), and my veggie plate was damn good (although I wished there was a bit more carbs on it, since veggies don't work that well for soaking up alcohol). This was definitely a local place, which was a change of pace from the other dinners we had in Charleston, and will absolutely be on the top of my list next time I'm in SC.
(5)Lesley S.
One of my favorite restaurants in any major city. Great food, service and setting. We had oysters, scallops, spicy shrimp and an amazing desert. Couldn;t tell ya what my drink was because the waiter picked it for me but it was good. Very reasonably priced. Loved the music.
(5)Shannon P.
We ate dinner Saturday night with a very large group-16. When we arrived for our reservation we were very promptly seated and immediately attended by our server. The mojitios were flavorful and strong- we tried the melon, strawberry, and peach. The beer selection was adequate but not outstanding. For appetizers, the BBQ oysters are unbelievable! It's not a flavor combination I thought I would like but everyone loved them...including me. Other delicious options ordered at our table were hush puppies with jalapeño butter, octopus ceviche, and crab soup. The main courses did not disappoint. The top selections at our table were: mixed grill, bacon wrapped scallops, escolar, lobster, and pecan crusted tilapia. As a side the mashed potatoes were delicious. Desserts ordered: snickers cheesecake and key lime pie. Not so much as a crumb was left on any plates! Located on a charming alley just off King with reasonably priced parking directly across the street-- it's the perfect downtown Charleston spot! After dinner we window shopped and crowd-watched before heading back to our island rental. Coast is an excellent option among Charleston's best dining establishments. We will definitely return anytime we are in town.
(5)Gerald P.
Good solid evening out place to eat. I had grilled halibut special. Very good, vegetables on the side were actually super good and we had crab dip for appitizer that really was good. Calamari was good but not anything different than most good restaurants. Staff was very good, attentive. We had an extra person show up and they made room for us. Nice recommendation.
(4)Darren F.
A very neat place with casual atmosphere and great food. The prices are reasonable. Service was very good even though they were very busy. I had the mixed grill and everything was prepared spot on, even the hangar steak, which is hard to cook without it becoming rubbery. Can't wait to go back and try some other dishes.
(4)Gil S.
I had the swordfish which was good, but not knock your socks off delicious. For appetizer we had the fried calamari. Quality of the calamari was ok, but we believe it could have been better. The breading used on the calamari was marginal. Service was ok, but not superb. However they had a large golfers party (about 35 guests ) that night, so this may have pit some abnormal strains on the waitstaff. Ambience is relaxed and casual. Acoustics were not so hot. If you are looking for an intimate setting this is not the place. They have a sister restaurant around the corner (39 rue de Jean) which is probably more intimate. But for a group of people it certainly is a fine restaurant. I would go back to The Coast, but not as my first pick. Bon Appetit!
(3)Scott C.
Very disappointing, service was average, waiter missed appetizer order. Changed tone completely when we didn't order the $30 catch of the day. Food was also very average. Side of grilled vegetables turned out to be mostly pepper with a few onions. Seemed to be targeting the tourist crowd over all. Definitely not the typical Charleston dining experience.
(2)Tastybeverages T.
Went there on a Tuesday night with 5 adults and 2 kids. The ambience at the bar was probably the best part of this place. Nice lighting, good vibe. Overall the food was average, with the apps being better than the entrees. Started with some calamari, buffalo shrimp, and crab dip, all of which were well received by the whole table. The entrees were just not good. Two of us got the braised grouper, after which I felt like I had eaten a stick of butter, so oily and heavy. My wife got the talapia, which was not bad. One of us got the shrimp and grits which were the strangest s and g I have ever seen, and not in a good way. They were like a stew, with no definition, just a plate of muddled blandness. They have been written about by others on yelp, so I am hoping nobody ever orders that dish again. All in all, a forgettable dining experience, but if you want a good bar with some apps, worth hitting up. I will say the service was very good, always a plus.
(3)Craig F.
Eh. OK place. Love the location and the atmosphere is something quite special. Service was quite attentive and the appetizers were a great start. The love affair came to a halt when I got the shrimp and grits. DEFINITELY were not wild shrimp...looked like the kind of teeny shrimp you get in one of those cans in the grocery store. No flavour and it was swimming in this salty salty broth. No bacon or scallions either. Just a horribly devised version of shrimp and grits, when, in a town KNOWN and revered for shrimp and grits, they would be advised to pull it off the menu for some fine tuning. I will try them again because my party all liked their meals and the desserts were a perfect ending. BUT...avoid the shrimp and grits. Please.
(3)Paula L.
Without question one of the best meals I have ever eaten. We started off with bacon-wrapped sea scallops and everyone at the table loved them. I had the snapper almondine and I can honestly say it is the best I have ever eaten. This fish actually melted in my mouth. Everything about this restaurant is first class. Call ahead and make a reservation - you will need one. Service was outstanding.
(5)Justin C.
I recommend starting with the fried green tomatoes and ordering the grilled mahi mahi with tropical salsa. Rodney strong Pinot noir was very affordable. Enjoy.
(4)John T.
Just had dinner here last night. This is a real tourist trap. My grilled fish dinner came with a plate full of mash potatoes. Couldn't believe a $23.00 entree consisted of a small piece of fish and boxed mashed potatoes. The grilled fish was swimming in watery mashed potatoes. A glass of beer, house salad and this lousy meal total cost $45 (minus tip). You could get the same meal at the Golden Coral for $5.00. Also got stomach cramps from the meal. This place is a bar. Stay away from the food. Go to Bonefish Grill for a better meal and a good price. Downtown Charleston is loaded with these overpriced tourist trap restaurants. Stay away!
(1)George H.
After hearing about all the fresh shrimp that you can get in Charleston from the Boat Tour, I knew that seafood was a must for dinner. Looking on Yelp, for suggestions, Coast popped up. #1 Do not walk past like my group did. You must go in the alley like corridor to find the restaurant, and believe me, you want to find this restaurant. The sampler has the freshest seafood I have had in a LONG time. The Shrimp Cocktail was literally AMAZING. The ceviche, very well done. We tried the Octopus. If the meal ended here, it was would have been a perfect 5. Then came the main course and crab cakes were so filling and really tasty. The lack of 5 stars comes from the Paella. It needs to be cooked in the pan and you could tell they moved it into a serving vessel and the rice just clumped. It was more a risotto then Paella and that is a very clear distinction they need to make. The dessert was great, the Banana Bread Pudding. So tasty and not too sweet. I would come back here for the Shrimp Cocktail in a second.
(4)A G.
Here on holiday, food atmosphere and service were all great. Had grilled grouper perfectly cooked. Service was perfect.
(4)Candice R.
We went to Coast with a large party for a birthday. The location is good and the atmosphere was nice but erred a little bit on the side of cheesy tourist. We ordered the crab cake appetizer which only came with one crab cake for 9 people and they served it with fries which we all the thought was odd. Why wouldn't the server tell us it was only one crab cake? And then it didn't take very good. The entrees were better but were all a bit on the salty side. It was not a bad experience but I would not go out of my way to eat here again.
(3)Whitney H.
My family came to charleston on vacation for the weekend from Myrtle Beach and found Coast right next to the hotel we are staying in. The reviews were promising so we went. I definitely recommend making reservations, we waited about an hour for a table of 5 at 8:30pm, but it was so worth it. Our server was super sweet and friendly and the atmosphere was great. Fun, funky, unique and casual. We requested a booth since our 2.5 yo was asleep and the staff arranged us exactly what we needed. Now to the food, the amazing food. For an appetizer we ordered the Salt and Pepper Calamari and I don't hesitate to say it was the best calamari I've ever eaten. Buttery, tender and the lemon aoli was incredible. I ordered the Moscato from the extensive wine list and my husband had a 22oz Fat Tire to drink. For dinner my husband ordered the Seared Tuna and I had the Crab Encrusted Talapia. The tuna was amazing, perfectly seasoned and seared atop a pile of soba noodles. My entree was, as my husband said, the best thing he has ever eaten. The fish was so fresh and cooked just perfectly. That roasted red pepper sauce was perfect and even the green beans and mashed potatoes were super yummy. My kids ordered the Fish Sticks (which were only $5 for a plate full) and even those were delicious. They were not what I would call fish sticks at all, but rather a plate of crispy, flaky fish and chips. We ended the meal with the White Chocolate Cheesecake which was on par with the rest of the meal. To say that the meal was great is a bit of an understatement. We will definitely return again and again.
(5)Krista G.
Charleston School of Law hosted its annual moot court competition at the Embassy Suites, so our group decided to try nearby Coast for our last meal in Charleston. For appetizers, we ordered half a dozen oysters on the half shell as well as scallops wrapped in bacon. Both were delicious! For my main course, I asked the waiter if he recommended the seared tuna or the plantain-crusted mahi-mahi - he immediately touted the tuna, and I'm happy to say I was NOT disappointed. The tuna was perfectly cooked - seared on the outside, buttery on the inside. It was served with a pomegranate-soy reduction which tasted absolutely amazing over the soba noodles. The other members of our party also raved about their dishes. I thought the prices were reasonable (we split the check for expensing purposes, so the individual bills came to $30-$60 including drinks) considering the quality of the food. I would definitely recommend Coast if you're looking for a delicious, fresh seafood dinner!
(4)Daragh C.
I enjoyed my trip to Coast. My husband and I were hoping to have a good dinner after a disappointing time at Social the night before and Coast delivered. I had the plantain encrusted Mahi Mahi, however they were out of the brussell sprouts. I asked if they would replace it with the kale they were serving in the nightly special and thank goodness they did, the kale was delicious. I bet it would have been great with the brussell sprouts but it doesn't matter since it was to die for with the kale. My husband had the special for the evening; 7oz Swordfish steak over pork belly and kale. He said it was delicious. We also had the cioppino soup which was very tasty. I especially liked that all the seafood was without the shell making it easy to eat. It was a decent portion and a very reasonable price. The only downside to the experience was that our service was just okay. The server had a little bit of an "I could care less" attitude about her and seemed annoyed when I asked for another minute before deciding on dinner. She also didn't seem all that knowledgeable about the menu items above what was already listed and when we asked her how the chef prepared the kale, she said it was sauteed on the grill. Perhaps that is true, but my husband and I were a little confused by the response. Aside from the service, we were happy with our experience and would come back again, especially if they are offering the "sauteed on the grill" kale!
(4)Kathy S.
For starters we had the oysters. They brought out the wrong ones but corrected the error by bringing the right ones later. Not a bad one in the bunch. The heirloom tomatoes were nice. The salt and pepper calamari was excellent! This was followed by the seafood ravioli, KILLER. A companion ordered the green bean, carrot and shiitake dish (awesomely delish) and let us share. After having dutifully eaten our vegetables (the kind they serve in heaven), we indulged in the banana bread pudding. Worth dying for.
(4)Kimberly K.
We were staying on Kiawah for a few days for vacation a wanted a really good meal so decided to drive into Charleston. I would say we are a bit of food snobs so when this place turned out awesome we were thrilled. First off, its tucked down an alley and the building just has a cool vibe. I know it might not have a ton of history like others, but it just feels cool. We had a pound of shrimp to start and they were fresh and fantastic. I can't remember all the entrees, but my husband had the fried oysters and they were some of the best we have ever had. I think the whole meal was so great because the service was great as well. Not the "fake great" that you sometimes get from servers in busy tourist towns, but a truly, great waitress who had fun with us. Was it the best meal on the planet? No. Was it worth 5 stars and well worth what we paid? Definitely yes.
(5)Nicole L.
This place exudes both modern southern flair and charm, and it's great for a large party! What to order? That's a tough recommendation to make. Everything we tried was a winner in my book. And since there was a group of 12 of us, I was able to try a good portion of the COAST menu (however, I still didn't put a dent in the list of things I wanted to sample!) So what in particular did I try and love? * Coast Crab Dip - Blue crab claw meat, horseradish, cheese, & grilled bread - Rich and creamy, great for sharing. And who doesn't love grilled bread?! * Plantain Encrusted Mahi-Mahi - Blue cheese mashed potatoes, asparagus & sweet basil butter - Amazing as it sounds, holy cow this dish packed in the most beautiful flavors. * Seared Rare Tuna - Fresh tuna dusted with cashews and peanuts; with diced mango, cilantro, pomegranate soy reduction over soba noodles - I can't get enough of Asian flavors with fish. Tossing in some mango, pomegranate and cilantro took this to the next level. * Crispy Fried Whole Flounder - Hush puppies & jicama slaw; cilantro jalapeno aioli - This dish oozes Southern flavors. For more highlights on this dining escapade and menu favs, check out my blog post: bit.ly/pu5kjm
(5)Dekun P.
We came to this place based on the overwhelming positive review from yelp. From the look of it, it seems like your Joe's Crab Shack around the block. However, don't let its looks fool you. It's fine dinning seafood in a family ambiance. We arrived early on a Saturday night and did not reserve a table and we were quickly seated. Had the crab ravioli for appetizer which I can definitely recommend. For entrees, girlfriend had the shrimp and grits and it's done nicely. I had the plantain encrusted mahi-mahi, which was slightly over-salted, contributing to the 4 star rating.
(4)Felix M.
I recently had dinner at Coast and thoroughly enjoyed it. The seafood was fresh and perfectly prepared. Our waiter was fast, attentive and knowledgeable. The ambiance was great - it had a tropical, laid-back, comfortable feel. The live music - two guitarists - were excellent.
(4)Kevin C.
I honestly kept looking around and had to double check on the way out that we had come to the right place, because I was pretty sure we just ate at bonefish grill or some other crappy midwest chain of seafood restaurants. (if that's your kind of place, by all means, add two stars to this review and read no further!) . Yelpers you have failed me. Ok, good news first - Service was fantastic. That's it for good news. Had the "thai chile" shrimp ceviche - uh, those weren't thai chiles and that shrimp was cooked with heat, not with citrus. Next up was the seafood cioppino. Tasted like... canned tomato soup. Finally was the mixed seafood grill. I know, lame choice but they had escolar and salmon my two favorite Frutti di Mare. The server asked if is was OK for the salmon to be cooked "medium". Of course, that's fine. The salmon was rare, and i do mean rare. Which is OK with me and it tasted fine, but just annoying as not as advertised. Charleston, you better do me better before i leave town.
(2)Mike D.
Nice atmosphere in the bar area and an awkward outside area in front of the resturant that executes like an afterthought. After some pleading, the hostess allowed us inside, after she first told us there was no room inside (on a very hot early evening). Thank you. The braised grouper was extremely good, as was the greek salad. Our friends said their tilapia was very good as well. The Lobster and Crab gratin looked great as I noticed it coming out of the kitchen for another table. However, the one we received was significantly smaller (there was no size option) and although it was mostly terrific, we left a little not because we were full, but due to the fact that some of it was charred. The service was better from the runners and bussers (very pleasant and friendly) than it was from our server "Lacy". Maybe Lacy was just in the weeds, but she was just going through the motions and clearly didn't care enough to provide a level of service that her employer would like to think they deliver. Every night in Charleston is Saturday night, so that's no excuse. The food was (mostly) top notch, but they just didn't deliver the complete experience that we paid for.
(2)Ellen L.
This was out second time at Coast during our trip to Charleston. What a fun place, and the food was to die for. We started with some blue point oysters that were so fresh and yummy. We also got the bacon wrapped scallops. The sauce on the scallops was delicious, and so was the crab soup. Best I've had in a long time. For entrees, cashew crusted grouper - delicious!!! Seafood pasta - good and the grilled salmon with chili pineapple sauce. Only complaint was that the chili pineapple sauce was not really spicy. For dessert the table ordered the chocolate cake. Omg it was killer, especially with the raspberry sauce. We will definitely be back next time we are in Charleston.
(5)Erin C.
My friend & wanted a good dinner to top off our Charleston visit. We perused the AAA recs and decided on Coast: seafood in many manifestations. Lobster rolls sold me, and I don't even like lobster much. We had reservations on a Thursday night, didn't have to wait long, and took our seats in the dining room. Decor was expansive, coastal, and consisted of lots of textures. The forks are three-pronged though. Eh. Glasses of wine, reasonably priced. Crab dip appetizer, to die for. When it came to our table, our waitress lit up the heat beneath and we dove in immediately with accompanying bread. The ghosts of so many flavors are haunting and taunting me even now. Before we knew it, entrees had arrived. I had the cashew & pistachio crusted seared tune with mango and sobe noodles in a pomegranate soy reduction. The dish had vibrant flavors, but alas I could not finish it off. Our waitress was helpful and visited our table with perfect in/frequency. She wrapped our crab dip to go (tastes Just as good cold, in a car, on crackers) and cheerfully told us how to get to Kaminsky's for dessert.
(4)Mark W.
The food was outstanding as well as the service. The Blackened Escolar was to die for. The ceviche sampler was an interesting experiment. Really cool atmosphere, but you have to walk down an alley to get to it(we almost missed it). Would love to go back and try other offerings.
(5)Alice M.
Having heard Charleston is known for its culinary excellence, this restaurant was just mediocre. My husband and I had the ceviche trio, which was ok. The lobster one was our favorite, but none compared to the ceviche I had in Cancun. I got the crab encrusted tilapia. The fish was like butter--super tender and melted in your mouth. Excellent. But everything else on the plate was sub-par. I honestly think the mashed potatoes were instant. My husband's grilled jumbo shrimp was nothing spectacular. The sauce was too hot and the seasonal vegetables mainly consisted of just onion. For those of you who dine out often and have a higher standard of quality, this place is a let-down; however, it is not a bad place. Seemed to me a lot of college students frequent this place.
(3)Robbie M.
Just had dinner here tonight. It was fantastic. Boiled shrimp for an app and blackened escolar over sweet potato gnocchi. The escolar was phenomenal with a light fig reduction sauce over it. Unbelievable - would eat it daily if I could! The place was packed. I was dining alone so sat at the bar. Service was great.
(5)John G.
Very nice casual seafood restaurant. In the old part of town in an historic building. Wooden tables, nice paintings on the wall, and turning fans are the setting. Excellent service. Very friendly and explained some of the local dishes plus the specials. Our party of 10 had a mix of selections. Appetizers included stone crab, crab dip and calamari. All very well prepared and very tasty. Nice selection of wine and beer. Entrees included lobster & crab gratin, crusted tapia, grouper, shrimp and a pasta seafood. All were very well cooked, spiced just right and very delectable to the palate. Desserts were coast lime pie and sundaes. Very nice experience. The customer service is really tops. Will repeat next time in Charleston.
(4)Lindsay W.
After reading the yelp reviews I headed to coast. The valet Brian across the street had good things to say about coast as well. The bartender john was really welcoming. I enjoyed hush puppies, crab encrusted talipa with green beans that weren't overcooked and my mashed potatoes looked they were squeezed on my plate with an icing decorator. The strawberry raspberry mojito was also tastey but not $9 worth. Another guy at the bar said he'd been to Hymans and called it a tourist trap. He said this was much better than other places he'd been to locally.
(4)Pasha G.
Service was very warm and amiable. The food was pretty good as well. Oysters were very fresh. The soup was also very good. I had some fish for my main dish with a side order of grits. It was not something outstanding, but pretty good.
(4)Jacqueline S.
DELICIOUS! Nothing terribly fancy- you can wear jeans but also dress up with heels. I've seen several bachelorette parties, there. The fried green tomatoes are divine. I had the special- some sort of bass with zucchini sauce and substituted the olive tapenade with the citrus salsa and it was wonderful! The mojitos are wonderful- and I don't even really like mojitos. They tasted like smoothies.
(4)Gil G.
This was a memorable experience. The staff and food were both awesome. I will go back during my next visit to Charleston.
(5)Terry L.
When we were being led to our table, the hostess led us to a table for 4. However, there was an empty 2 person booth, so I asked if we could be seated there instead. Instead of sure, no problem, it was more like a sigh and too much trouble for her to take us to that booth. Also when we left, none of the hosteses said "Thanks for coming, or please come back soon". But we didn't go there for the hosteses, we went for the food others had raved about. Greek salad was yum but the hush puppies at Hymans were better, the jalapeno butter had no jalapeno flavor at all. . The triple tail fish was very tasty, I could taste the hickory grilled flavor. My wife's crab stuffed lobster tail was good as well, although she said it was kind of like a deviled crab lobster mix inside a lobster tail shell. Overall the food was pretty good, the server was very nice, efficient and made good recommendations.
(3)Boon K.
The mango Mojito was refreshing but I couldn't get enough of the Cioppino, it was so fresh and tender. It was amazing. The plaintain mahi mahi was good too but I though the blue cheese mash potatoes was on the salty side. The crab encrusted tilapia was tasty too.
(4)Serena B.
Fantastic seafood restaurant! Since I had the warning that it was difficult to find, I poked my head down the alley (instead of hunting for it on the street) and didn't have a problem getting there in time for the reservation! Speaking of reservation, it was a bit of a challenge, I wish they were on OpenTable as that would have been easier. I had to call a few times to get someone to answer, so that was slightly inconveniencing. I enjoyed the decor, cute but not too much. I like the open kitchen feel and the brick walls. The dining area, with its high ceilings, was quiet and great for a nice dinner for two. The appetizer was delicious- the crab dip was thick and creamy, very flavorful. We couldn't get enough of it. My entree, the plantain encrusted mahi-mahi was also very delicious. On Sundays there is a 1/2 price bottle of wine special and thought I can't remember what exactly we had ordered, it was very good.
(5)Becky W.
Outstanding. We came here based on a recommendation from a gal at the desk of our hotel. Three of us. One had shrimp linguine, one had grilled salmon and I had the appetizer special, heirloom tomatoes caprese style, and the bacon wrapped scallops appetizer. Everyone said it was delicious. I can testify mine was fantastic. Not inexpensive but not outrageous. Highly recommend.
(5)Kris G.
I visited Coast at the beginning of November. It was a little difficult to locate, down a back alley, but was close enough to downtown. I liked the atmosphere. The food seemed to be hit or miss. I went with a large group so we got to try a lot of different things. I had the ribeye as an entree and the crabcake for an appetizer. Although mine was fine, my friend found shell in her crabcake. The ribeye was not flavorful at all. Another friend had the Plantain Encrusted Mahi Mahi. That was very good. The Shrimp & Stoneground Grits was very good as well. This was only my second time trying grits, although not something I would choose all the time, they were very well done. I like the preparation better here than I did at Hominy Grill.
(2)Gustavo B.
I'm here in Charleston for work and went out to Coast for a delicious dinner. Had the Plantain-Fried Mahi-Mahi and it was prefect. Not heavy and filling at all. That poor dish didnt have a chance! I licked it clean. Not a fan of the Palmettos (IPA or Amber) in general because of their bitterness but there was a special beer on tap I sampled that I really liked. Don't remember the name but it was white in color and definitely a Belgian ale. I wanna go back just to order a pint!
(5)Natalia A.
AMAZING FOOD! The ambiance is great too, very busy. We went on a Saturday night, like 40 minutess before they closed and had to wait for a place to open up at the bar because they were crowded and had no more room. So make reservations! The Mojitos are my only complain, too sweet not great! But i'm spoiled with cocktails, though.... We had a pork belly and scallop appetizer with a soy sauce reduction that was outstanding!!!
(4)Angel E.
We went there late at night (around 9:30pm) after spending good 2 hrs on board of a boat -- hungry but too tired to eat. Maybe it was too late at night and everyone was tired, it took our waiter 10 min or so to get our wine (house cab sauvignon -- nasty :( (((I had to take antacid before going to bed ). The food we ordered included steamed oysters (excellent), bacon wrapped sea scallops (wish they didn't put that sweet BBQ sauce on top of them -- it ruined everything), and crab meat with avocado aioli (not bad but chives were too strong and there was some serious aftertaste). All in all, I think there's too much hype about the restaurant. The smell of grilled wood is great and it is all over the neighborhood, however, it's very artificial - once you come into the restaurant, that smell is nowhere to be found.
(3)Laura T.
While the atmosphere is cozy and cute, trying to actually locate Coast is a slight challenge. Perhaps if on foot, you will see the signage down the small alley, but when driving this place will remain hidden. Once we successfully asked the right person and received the right answer, we found our way to the front door. Too chilly to dine outdoors, we found a high top table and poured over the extensive menu. Hush puppies immediately jumped out from the menu. These were not just the ordinary hush puppies. A slight hint of jalapeno spiced up the otherwise bland treat. Gorging ourselves on these fried packages of butter soaked deliciousness, we ordered a few small items to fulfill a later mid week dinner. The fish tacos were enjoyable, but nothing truly spectacular. The sauvignon blanc was eh. The best part of the meal were those darn hush puppies.
(3)Isaac P.
This place was okay. The service was decent and the food was fresh, it just wasn't anything to get excited over. I had ordered the crab soup and wasn't very impressed. The soup was too much cream and not enough crab. In fact all the crab had sunk to the bottom. Not too impressive. The atmosphere in this place was really cool though. It is in a warehouse of some sort and had super tall ceilings.
(3)Annie R.
How have I never reviewed Coast? Best seafood in Charleston hands down. The fried flounder is out of this world as well as the paella. The ceviche is fantastic as well, the mojitos are incredible. It is a laid back ambiance and reasonably priced. LOVE IT!
(4)Julie R.
I was looking for more of a fine dining atmosphere, which is why I gave it 3 stars. The food was really good, but the fact that it was loud and not very intimate turned me off. We had a table of 20 guys next to us for a bachelor party, which the waitress kept apologizing for, although it wasn't her fault. The Tuna that I got was great, as was my husband's mahi-mahi. The wait staff was good, for what they had to deal with next to us. If you are looking for fine dining, this isn't the place to go, but they do have good food.
(3)Shy A.
Coast was fairly difficult to find. Its tucked away on a little alley. I almost expected it to be a smaller establishment but was I wrong! Its an impressive open space, beautifully lit creating a very cool laid back feel. I like it already! Our menu: Spicy shrimp ceviche- one of the best that I've ever had. Spicy and fresh. The delicate shrimp was not overwhelmed by the lime or spice. It was a beautiful balance. I wasn't thrilled with the toasted chips they served with it, it was quite greasy and almost took away from the sophistication of the ceviche. Blackened escolar with sauteed field peas, smoked bacon and potato croquettes. HOLY MOLY! This was incredible! Escolar is a white, firm and buttery fish. It was cooked to perfection! The potato croquettes stayed crispy on the outside and buttery and fluffy in the inside. The field peas provided an amazing textural contrast on the tongue. An excellent dish! Salmon-the server asked what temperature my table mate wanted her salmon. We both looked at each other in confusion until he explained the difference. Apparently, she wanted it well done. The salmon was also cooked toperfection and complimented her sides perfectly. We were stuffed and couldn't squeeze a dessert in but they had a great selection of the typical variety. The service was quick and efficient, it wasn't overly warm but not dismissive...the freshness and quality of the dishes definitely made up for it! I'll be back to Charleston and definitely coming back to Coast! Amazing job!
(4)Jason B.
Very delicious fish dishes. The staff is well knowledged. Everything was excellent when we had dinner. Rare tuna five stars !
(5)E S.
Can't believe how good my escolar (fish) was there! Truly above and beyond flavor profiles and might I add I have eaten at just about every TOP restaurant in Chucktown: Fig, Hank's, Hominy Grill, etc... then also dined at Pearlz (buh) AW Shucks, (ok) and finally the Gin Joint (totally awesome for a drink and cheese.) But back to Coast... such an unbelievably tasty meal. Truly unique smokey flavors, the beans they served looked like capers but tasted like white beans. The hush puppies were delicious with the jalapeno butter spread. And finally, the dark and stormy drinks were great! Wonderful service, really appealing locals dining there, and that says something! Yeah, it cost me more than I would have liked $50 for 2 drinks, entree, hush puppies and dessert, but hey, when in Chucktown...
(5)Rachel M.
Laid back, hip atmosphere. The food was yummy and fresh , with attention to local fare. The mashed potatoes were so delicious...creamy and flavorful, with nice chunks of red potatoes. Fresh grilled Mexican corn was great too. I had grilled barrel fish. Good sauce. The fish was a little dry for my taste. Overall, one of the better meals we've had here.
(4)Tyler R.
I had the shrimp pasta, which was very good. The waiter forgot to bring put our order in for crab dip. So we didnt get to try that. Really cool place inside but a little pricey.
(3)Michael H.
Spent a weekend in Charleston in April, and this was the one meal I enjoyed the most. The setting was nice but not too formal, the service was good, and the food was outstanding and came at a very reasonable price. Was disappointed that I only got to eat there once, would love to go back. The crab-stuffed lobster tail was insanely good.
(4)Patrick H.
Extensive seafood menu. Really enjoyed the meal and atmosphere. Service was ok. Great location.
(4)Anne B.
Wow! Best fried flounder I've had! Recommended to us by a local resident, Coast is really worth a visit. Our server recommended the local flounder, deep fried in an herb crust. It was awesome, especially with the spicy remoulade sauce. Perfectly cooked and so delicious. Sadly, the sides let the side down a bit. The "jalapneo hush puppies" were room temp, somewhat tough dough balls. The alluring jicama slaw was limp and not too flavorful. It was probably good when it was first made. Back on the plus side, hubby had the night's special, local swordfish steak over bow tie pasta with a sun dried tomato, cherry tomato and goats milk creme fraiche sauce. It was cooked to perfection and delicious. The wine list had very reasonable choices. We had a Martin Codex '08 Albarino for a mere $29. Our two cost centers (ages 12 & 14) again had the kids menu (when will their taste buds grow up?) which was quite good. One had penne with marinara and the other had "chicken tenders" which looked to me like fried chicken breasts, and fries. Both were excellent and cost 5 bucks each! They had quite delicious ice-cream Sundaes for dessert that come with bananas, strawberries, nuts, whipped cream and both chocolate and strawberry sauce. Yum! We were there on the early side and were one of several families but the place looks like it probably heats up after kiddie bedtime. Coast can be a bit hard to find the first time. It is near the tourist info office, in an alley beyond a good-looking French bistro-type place. The decor was fun. Sort of a beach shack built inside in a 1890 train station. The service was very good. In short, the sides were nothing special, but Coast is very much worth the hike out of the old historic center for the excellent seafood.
(4)David H.
Great ambiance disguises average food quality. It's popular. I expected my main course to have better seasoned vegetables and could tell the mashed potatoes were from powder. Put this meal on a white plate and a 24hr diner's meal on another white plate, and I wouldn't be ate to tell you the difference. Food is overpriced for the quality level. If you want a popular place in a popular place and are ok with the smell of bleach and beer aroma at the bar, then this is your place. Look around more if you're looking to get value for your money.
(2)Scott T.
Great place, even with kids. We had the crab and avocado ravioli for an appetizer, very good. We went simple for dinner with the fried scallops, tilapia, and oysters. All very good. Great little place.
(5)Kenneth C.
Outstanding seafood restaurant in the heart of Charleston. I cant say enough good things about them so you'll just have to try the food and see for yourself.
(5)Korrie B.
My fiance and I had a reservation for 7:30. We arrived about 10 minutes early and were seated immediately upon arrival. This restaurant is very "cool." It has a very "come hang out and have a great meal" vibe. It is in an old restored building. VERY high (2 story) ceilings and exposed brick. We started with the salt and pepper calamari. It had an excellent flavor. Just a squirt of lemon was all it needed. It didn't really need either of the dipping sauces. To drink we tried the White Peach Sangria. It was too sweet for my taste. Too much peach schnapps and not enough wine. I ended up adding some water to my glass to make it more like a spritzer and to cut down on some of the sweetness! =) For our main dishes we had the Crab and Lobster Gratin and Oak Grilled Snapper. Both came with Parmesan mashed potatoes which were good but the consistency was similar to instant mashed potatoes. The gratin was also served with green beans, not a whole lot of flavor. The gratin itself was very tasty. It was more the consistency of Stuffed/Deviled Crab and it is served inside of a lobster shell (more than just the tail...everything down to the claws!) The snapper was simply grilled and had an amazing flavor! You can choose your sauce. I chose the pineapple-chile salsa and the waiter suggested the white wine sauce as well. He was spot on! The wine sauce was amazing with the fish. The salsa was great too...I ended up eating it like it was its own side. Overall, we have had better seafood in Charleston but not with this kind of a laid back atmosphere. I would definitely recommend this place to others!
(4)Tye O.
Walked in around 9pm and the place was packed. I was under the assumption that 9pm on a weekday wouldn't require a reservation, so we just walked in and asked for a table. We were told the wait was about 45 minutes, so we took a seat in the bar area and ordered some drinks. We got a chance to look at the menu, and we weren't all that hungry, so no real complaints. And of course, any restaurant that carries Yuengling must be a good restaurant. We ordered a few dishes, including some appetizers. We started with a dozen raw oysters, which were large and tasted fresh. The ceviche was delicious, as was the paella I had as a main course. The meal sizes were perfect, and the prices were reasonable. Service wasn't bad at all, so I really have nothing to complain about. Next time I'm in the area, I'll definitely visit Coast again.
(5)Ginny L.
Comfortable atmosphere, food was superb, friendly waitstaff. My favorite was the salmon I added to my salad. Calamari was great - I'd skip the buff shrimp next time though because it was pricey and the portion was on the smaller side.
(5)Daniel M.
The food was fantastic. The portions were exactly perfect. I know some reviews stated the portions were small for the price. I have ate at many fine restaurants and this restaurants quality of food and price pair well together.
(5)Amy D.
The journey to find Coast is truly an adventure in itself, with cobblestone paths and alleys leading you to the restaurant. The building is gorgeous with its red brick walls, high ceilings, and industrial yet dark lighting. We had made reservations, but had to wait slightly to clear out a few tables, but we waited in the bar area. To start out meal we had a pitcher of red wine sangria, which was fruity but not too sweet. For our apps i had the traditional ceviche with lime and cilantro and red onions, however when it came it just tasted like slightly mushy fish with not a lot of flavour. I was expecting flavour, the promised cilantro element was missing. Also the serving size was massive, i didn't want to waste any but i wanted to save room for my main, it would have been perfect shared though. My sis had the grilled fish tacos, and again they flavours were too light, we wanted to taste great seasoned fish, they really held back. For my main i had the grilled shrimp with adobo and grits with roasted veg. The grits were great, coarse as i like them. The shrimp was super smoky and you could really taste the char, however i didn't like the sauce, it just tasted like they were brushed solely with stuff that comes in a can. The roasted veg were alright but kinda unnecessary in the meal. Coast was our first supper restaurant in Charleston and i had such high hopes but it was kind of a flop.
(2)Marty W.
Cute location right off street. Inviting atmosphere with ambiance. Key Lime martini was delicious and the wood grilled snapper was tasty.
(4)J B.
Wow, this place is awesome. Came for the Tilefish and the bartender directed me to the Braised Tilefish. Awesome. Staff is friendly and nice decor. I will be back.
(5)Jen S.
Had a group of 14 here for our casual after wedding dinner. I didn't want to complain and ruin the evening, but my lobster and crab gratin was cool in the middle and my brother in-law said his food wasn't that great and his steak wasn't cooked to order. The ambiance is great, but means little if the food isn't up to par.
(2)Andrea H.
Our first honeymoon stop. Recommended by the concierge at our hotel. It was packed out to the sidewalk with people waiting but we decided to sit at the bar instead of waiting for a table. Great food, staff and customers. We will go back the next time we visit Charleston.
(5)Dirk L.
Great meal! The ceviche trio is a must if you like seafood. We had oysters, the grilled fish (escolar was my choice), and the fish en papillote. All were excellent. We will definitely come back each time we visit Charleston.
(5)Dan A.
Food is good but pricy.
(3)E K.
Everything about this place is fantastic. The decor and atmosphere is really interesting and unique while still classy. All of the food we got was amazing. Crab dip, steamed shrimp, hush puppies, plantain encrusted mahi, sangria... Everything was delicious. The service was outstanding and our server was extremely knowledgeable about the menu as well as seafood in general. They try to use all local caught fish so it's very fresh.
(5)Jessica R.
Went on a Saturday night of July 4th weekend. They were not seating tables anymore but we managed to get one in the bar area. The bartender waited on us and he was great! Mojito's were great and I am picky about them. Raw oysters were small in my opinion and not worth the price. Get the CEVICHE!!!! Sooo good . The gazpacho was very good too!!!!
(4)Matt R.
Crab cakes and crab gazpacho were excellent. I was on a crab fix that day. Gotta love being near the coast!
(5)Burbalicious X.
I love having Yelp on my iPhone. Why? Because after the dude at the visitor's center recommended a bunch of crap nasty tourist traps for seafood restaurants, we did a quick Yelp search and stumbled on Coast with it's 4.5 star rating. Spot on! We loved it. We started with a crab and avocado ravioli appetizer that was outstanding. I had plantain-encrusted mahi with blue cheese mashed potatoes for my entree, and husband had the adobo shrimp and grits which he loved. Shared a banana bread pudding for dessert, very good. Everything was great, including the service and atmosphere. The only negative was trying to decide what to eat because so many of the menu items sounded delicious! Highly recommended!
(5)Andrew G.
We decided to go to Coast on a Saturday night while visiting Charleston recently. It was jammed packed. Luckily, we were 6 and had a reservation. The restaurant itself is really fun and lively and not too loud. The staff was really friendly. Our meal was great except for some key things. They forgot my aunt's shrimp basket, undercooked two plates of salmon and overcooked two plates of tuna. I actually began to feel queasy by the end of the meal. Luckily they brought a whole new plate out for us. Other dishes looked more promising. From seeing all the great reviews I had higher expectations of this place, however, I won't give it any higher than a three.
(3)J C.
Amazing food! I think the best seared Tuna over soba noodles I have ever eaten. My girls ordered the mesclun salad and it was as good a salad as one could want. Need a better Chardonnay by the glass selection. But I am spoiled by excellent California Chard's. This is a good place and a wonderful atmosphere, not a tourist trap at all. Highly reccommend!!!
(5)Muhammad M.
It was a great dining experience. Tasty and delicious good. Highly recommended.
(5)Dee N.
We ate at Coast last Monday night with a group of 6 adults, 3 teenagers+, and 3 under the age of 10. This restaurant was AMAZING. Our server was Jeremy who was BY far the most knowledgable server I have had in a very long time. He knew the wines, he knew each and every oyster choice, he detailed each dish. He even deterred us from a meal that just could not be split for the little kids. It was an incredible evening and every person in our party LOVED their meals. I had the blackened mahi-mahi. A few had the escolar, someone had salmon, and the rest of the choices were random. We live in a seaside community in the Northeast where fish is plentiful. My fish was prepared as well as any I have ever had in my life. Every piece of fish on our table was perfect. I would recommend to everone. Not cheap but certainly not expensive. About 33 dollars a person including tip. Several rounds of alcholic drinks for 7, dessert, and a few bottles of wine. Also would like to mention that we are weekly+ visitors to all kinds of restaurants. A++++++++++++ Jeremy ROCKED!
(5)Eleanor C.
Coast is a great restaurant with excellent food. However, do not expect to find a Crispy Flounder that compares in any way with that found at Garabaldi's which is currently closed and rumored to reopen. Coast's crispy flounder is fried and comes with a sauce that is not on the flounder itself but served on the side. It was a disappointment.
(3)John A.
We visited Charleston just for the heck of it and asked the Concierge to point us to a place where the locals go. He recommended Coast and we could not be more pleased. The Okra and Tomato salad was excellent and the Cashew-encrusted Grouper was fantastic. The service staff was very attentive. I would recommend this place to anyone.
(5)Ellen A.
There is no shortage of seafood restaurants in Charleston. One of the reasons we chose Coast for our visit was that it participates in the Sustainable Seafood Program through the aquarium ( scaquarium.org/SSI/defau… ) and we were glad we did. Although there was a two hour wait when we showed up at prime dinner time on a Saturday night, we were able to be seated right away on the patio. I was impressed that our waiter was not only very attentive, but also surprisingly knowledgeable about the seafood when we asked what was local and fresh. We ordered the spicy ceviche, which was a larger portion than we expected and was delicious. For entrees we tried the lobster gratin and grouper with truffled grits and shitakes. The gratin was severed in the lobster shell and was not the creamy, gloopy mess that is more often served. It was actually quite light and the main ingredient was the lobster and crab, rather than filler. The grouper was cooked perfectly and was very light. The grits were flavored extraordinarily well and are now one of my restaurant favorites (I do not believe you can get this flavor a la carte). The feel is nice casual (rather than eating-in-a-shack beach casual) and the price is exactly in line with the other restaurants in this area (which is slightly pricey, but not over the top), but is far better in quality than other restaurants. We will be back - Yum!
(5)Keith M.
It had been a long day trying to figure out where I lost my camera the night before until I came to grips that I handed it to someone to take a photo and then I walked off. Lesson learned when your not rich don't act like your rich and either lose break or get wet your phone or camera. Needless to say iphones are not water proof. Long story short it was a hell banger of an evening to say the least which lead into the next alcohol driven extravaganza of a lovely day in Mt. Pleasant. To begin with a boat ride, no make that a kayak on the shipping lane, which was quite nice with dolphins and ships and the occasional seal clubber. Anyhow the strict disregard for the sign that said no beer on the kayak was over sought it was paddle paddle sip sip. We took the whole 4 hours and i stuck my friend with the bill conveniently enough as to though express funds. However the message was 'Earhart-ed' and the next event on the agenda was to go downtown and eat. I say casual they say sure, I ask how much and they, oh the food's so good, I see the menu and the hour & 1/2 wait and say we go, so we did and it turned out to be a ploy to meander about the city streets and take it all in. We pasted dozens of places that look cool unique and better budgeted though the all along was to eat at this place, Coast. So the way back proved to not be as time consuming as one might thought and even though we were still on the list, there was going to be a wait to prepare our booth. A beer for me please, I was already upset that fate had brought me back to the pocketbook breaking beast of a place, sure what kind,,, oh an IPA,,, yeah I'll close out now..,,,? 8 bucks... does this come with free refills. I swallow my pride and the preconceived hurting this even was bringing to my wad. Nonetheless it was go broke time and act rich again so yes I will have a bottle of wine, no not a glass thank you. Well needless to say dessert was a request for a punch in the face which I think was gleefully declined from the waiter to much of my surprise but that still didn't mean the evening didn't fade to black...
(3)J C.
bad food and bad service...only time in my life i've ever sent a dish back!
(1)Travis K.
We first visited Coast about four years ago, it was great food then. We visited again and was not disappointed! My wife had the plantain encrusted mahi mahi. It was awesome! I had the chef's special surf and turf. Yummy! We ordered the kids fish sticks for our son and I think I could have had that for myself it was so good. We also ordered the fried green tomatoes, perfect! Drinks were very tasty too! Highly recommend visiting Coast! You won't be disappointed!
(5)gregory b.
Amazingly fresh. Terrific chefs. Top flight service. Some good drinks too. The world's best grits.
(5)sarah c.
The crab dip and Mojitos are amazing!
(4)Drew k.
Awesome food, good wait staff. Horrible host! We called 4 times for help with directions, Megan never mentioned once that there was a 2 hour wait. We got there and she gave us major attitude. We made reservations and came back the next day. Wow. Prices are somewhat high, beer prices are insanly high. $7.50 for a local draft?
(4)Allen H.
We visited Coast during restaurant week, and are we glad we did. First, its a little off the beatn path, and every now and then we need to be away from East Bay street. The decor is casual and comfortable. Entrees for our group included the paella and grouper. We got four rave reviews. Probably the second best paella I have had - tons of fish and shellfish. I rarely leave without cleaning my plate, but this time some went home. But try as I might, I don't think I'll be able to get my wife or daughter to order anything but the grouper. The wine list was very good, with great variety - a lost of spanish and south American wines at prices I was willing to experiment with. Worth a visit.
(4)Meredith N.
Coast is by far the best seafood that I've ever had in Charleston. For appetizers, we got the crab and avocado ravioli. Incredible. Then as entrees, my mom got the blackened escolar. She hates anything blackened, but because of all the great reviews, she took the risk. She literally slicked her plate clean, she liked it so much. I got the crab encrusted tilapia. The fish was incredible, mashed potatoes were absolutely delicious. And it was even better the next day! The only reason I gave it 4 stars was the overwhelming amount of cilantro that was used in the first appetizer that we ordered, Ceviche. I hate cilantro anyway, but this was just too much.
(4)Taite B.
Refreshing peach Blanca sangria. Fried okra tomato salad would not have been my first pick, but it was amazing. Bread is fresh but not warm. The braised grouper was delish. Nothing about the dessert menu tempted us enough to indulge. Overall a great meal and decent service!
(4)Andrew H.
I dined at Coast a little over a week ago while on a trip to Charleston. I've had my share of seafood but I can say that the ceviche and grilled swordfish (that night's special, wasn't on the regular menu) were among the best I've had. The ceviche was more than enough for two people and had a variety of very tasty fish. The swordfish was very basic, but was grilled to perfection while remaining moist throughout. The salt & pepper calamari were also good. We stumbled into half price wine Sunday, so that made our bill very reasonable (under $90 with a bottle of wine, two appetizers, two entrees, tax and tip.) The inside seemed very nice, but we chose to sit in the alleyway (cobblestoned and clean, not like what I'm used to in Chicago) instead. It was a really cool place to eat a meal and would definitely do the same next time. I'd recommend this place to anyone looking for great seafood at a reasonable price in Charleston.
(5)Hannah C.
This was a great restaurant!!! Enjoyed dining here, kinda hidden but the inside is very cool. My dad got the seared tuna which was sooo yummy! I got the mesclun salad which was one of the better salads I've had. The lemon vinaigrette was perfect on it. Would definitely return!
(5)Steve S.
I had crusted flounder-excellent. Waitress very friendly and attentive.
(5)Rachel C.
Loved it! the location, service, food and feel of the whole experience was great!
(5)Bonnie M.
For lunch Rue de Jean was comfy with butcher paper on tables and an old wooden bar. The quiche du jour was tasty and creative. The lamb sandwich was very flavorful and delicious but fries should be replaced with the salad that came with the quiche. Yummy. Wait staff was attentive and unobtrusive.
(5)Dave S.
The sangria here is good but sweet. The peel and eat shrimp were the best I have ever had. The stuffed lobster was delicious and the drinks at the bar were top notch. Service was friendly, the bartenders were engaging but the hostess did not have the mostest...she was trying to discourage us from dining as it was 915 with an hour wait. O
(5)Da H.
Great seafood. One of our party said it was one of the best seafood dinners she ever had. She had the blackened escolar with sweet potato gnocchi. I had the Ahi tuna on soba. I liked mine; but not as much as the escolar. It was seared but the inside of the fish was cold . . . which left me cold too. Ambiance - old renovated warehouse.
(5)Chad M.
EXCELLENT!!! If you are in Charleston, give the coast a try. very fresh fish. good menu selections. excellent service. they were busy, but we had a reservation.
(5)S Y.
Nothing exceptional, but good seafood.
(4)Jim C.
Great seafood! Great atmosphere with live music. Casual dining at it's best.
(5)Melissa W.
I went with a group of 6 on Sunday night. I'm just visiting Charleston and am trying to eat seafood every night. So far so good. Its helpful to know where you're headed because the sign is not obvious from the street. It must not be a problem though, because even with reservations we still waited about 10 minutes for a table. The menu is 90% seafood and I think there were about 3 other options including chicken. I had the pecan crusted grouper and 3 others at my table got the sampler. Everyone really enjoyed their meals. The service was very good and the decor was interesting.
(4)Tabitha Z.
Fun atmosphere and the Crab Encrusted Tilapia was amazing! Will definitely dine here again the next time I'm in town!
(5)Paul S.
Cool spot, good food but small portions. I got the yellow fin Tuna and it was probably only 3 oz. $25 for 3 oz is kinda pricey.
(4)Frank H.
Wanted to try this restaurant, left name, time request and telephone number. Never received confirmation of reservation request. Guess business is to good for follow up. Not going to wait 11/2 hours without. Reservations, to many other restaurants to try.
(1)Barbara R.
Had many good meals in Charleston, SC this past weekend, but the tuna and the cerviche here where the best I've ever eaten ANYWHERE
(5)Becky L.
My favorite restaurant in Charleston! The seafood is AMAZING!!! I seriously love this place and can't say enough good things about this place. Oh and be sure to try the Key Lime Pie Martini. Tastes like the real thing. They always have great specials, and I recommend listening to the servers about what they recoomend, they really know their stuff. I seriously seriously love this place, and miss it greatly!!!
(5)L L.
This place is awesome! The crab and avocado raviolis were ridiculously good. The lobster and crab gratin was phenomenal. Great service, nice ambiance. My only complaint would be that they are heavy on salt with their food but that would not stop me from returning in the future. Highly recommended. Hard to find - when you get to the actual address, you have to walk down the alley to find the restaurant.
(5)Wendy K.
I love business trips.. thats how I get to go to all of these cool places.. Place was good.. service wasn't fantastic.. It was packed.. I'd go back I can't remember what I ate.. but I did drink some yummy wine.
(4)Richard N.
It can't get any better than this. Great food, great service, and great location. A must if visiting Charleston.
(5)Jason C.
Terrific service in a nice atmosphere. Solid ambiance, and a fun place for after hours drinks. I got the grouper, and it was not the quality I expected in Charleston. The cuts were not filet, and it was a bit over-cooked. The apps we shared were very nice. I would go back.
(4)Christine P.
Terrific place to eat in Charleston. Service was fabulous. Food was loved by all. Terrific seafood. You can eat a ton of food or you can order some light entrees as well. Nice ambience too. Not touristy at all, reasonably priced as well. I'd go back.
(4)Boll W.
When I tentatively approached Coast from the outer side, I had the notion that it might actually be an expensive/tie/suit kind of place. I was delightfully surprised when I walked inside to see people of all attires carousing about. I sat at the bar and recieved fair service from a busy bartender and even met a local couple next to me who were very nice, southern style. Met some other girls who were quickly packing the bar area and had a phenomenal meal. I ordered the fried green tomatoes to start. Good, as expected. Ventured on to have the plantain encrusted Mahi Mahi with blue cheese mashed potatoes and asparagus. Divine. I had to call it quits at that point. I didn't want to indulge the senses any more. If you're in Chas. and want to have a fine restaurant experience, look no further!
(5)Tim S.
I hesitantly give this three stars because we only had drinks and apps, so we didn't get the full experience. I still feel like the food and drinks were over priced considering the 2 $$! I was expecting something amazing with all the reviews, but don't get me wrong it was still good. We had the crab dip app, fish tacos, and the buffalo shrimp tacos. The crab dip had amazing flavor, but not very much crab meat. My buffalo shrimp tacos were amazing with three large shrimp in each taco. The fish tacos were only decent. The highlight of the meal was the drinks and atmosphere. The mango mojito is a must-try for ladies, the cucumber mojito was also interesting. The building was very cool exposed brick with awesome decor, open kitchen, and nice bar area. Seemed like a pretty young crowd considering it is off the beaten path down an alley. I would still recommend anyone to check it out and we will be back to taste the entrees.
(3)liz A.
Delicious food and a large menu to select from. Always crowded but worth the wait.
(5)Keith C.
I love the Coast. Good food. Good atmosphere. Go there for fresh seafood experience. I like the shrimp and grits.
(4)jane r.
went here with my mother for dinner - did not disappoint. the inside may be a bit loud - it's not a refined atmosphere, but is comfortable and cozy. we ate outside in the little alley way in front of the restaurant and really enjoyed it. the weather was pleasant and we liked the more quiet, more atmospheric spot. wasn't quite sure what to expect of the food. looking at the menu, i was thinking of more of a standard fish joint, but the food is much more refined. in fact, the food was exceptional. i had the snapper almondine, and my mother had grilled escolar with sweet potato gnocchi. we both loved our meals. the flavors were well balanced and not overwhelming of the fish. i loved the sauce with the fish. it was all just lovely. fish was also cooked well, which seems to be a challenge in some restaurants. server was very friendly and attentive. it was the best meal we had in charleston.
(5)Tiffany L.
The atmosphere of Coast is very inviting and warm, and the food is very good. We sat at the bar while waiting for our table, and I had the most delicious Mojito I've ever had. All of their Mojito's are very, very good (and award winners) -- especially the Hawaiin Peach and Mango. The service is friendly (maybe the male bartender helping me was a little too friendly -- but it's all good). For dinner, to start I believe we shared a crap dip which was very good. For my entree I had the Cashew Encrusted Grouper with oven roasted potatoes, haricot verts and a cilantro pesto cream. My dish was very good, the fish was cooked perfectly and was delicious. Some element of my dish was overly-salted, but that was only a minor complaint. The potatoes were good, the haricot verts were crisp and the cilantro pesto cream was very good, the cilantro giving it a unique and lighter flavor than original basil. The seafood here is fresh, and no one was disappointed with their meals. We had dessert, unfortunately I can't remember what it was, but I do remember that I ordered tea and they arrived with a variety of teas that I could choose from, which was very nice. It's little things like that that tend to make restaurants and dining experiences more memorable. Touche, Coast!
(4)Maria D.
The food was amazing, the service was great; and talk about ambiance! I had the best paella ever and can't wait to go back this fall. Charleston itself is a great little city that I truly enjoyed. People actually talk to you out of the blue and ask how you're doing. They seem so genuine, it's like going back in time.
(5)Sharon I.
This is a good looking place - it just looks like fun and good food. While they have outdoor seating and a big dining room, we at at the bar. The bar area is huge and festive. Also, the restaurant seems to be packed. We had the scallops wrapped with bacon and served with a pomegranate sauce two nights in a row - i could eat them every night. We also enjoyed the avocado ravioli and that too was delicious. The chef does a nice job of combining savory with sweet and it all works quite well.
(5)Morgan S.
Coast is great for many occasions - whether for dinner with the family, drinks with friends, or a first date. The atmosphere is laid back but there's a buzz in the air at all times. Do not leave without trying the mango mojito - unbelieveable (and award winning!). I'm a creature of habit and choose the same dish each time I'm there: crab stuffed flounder. No matter what you choose, you won't be disappointed. Final note - head there on Sunday night if you can. Half price wine and a jazz trio set for a great start to your work week!
(4)Amy D.
We ate at Coast in April 2010 and were seated outside. Not a great idea in April. There were gnats biting my husband, but we it wasn't bad enough to move inside. My husband and I each ordered an appetizer. I had the Mesclun Salad which was very nice though the lemon vinaigrette was too tart. My husband had the Coast Crab Dip which he enjoyed, but it was served with a lot of bread and they brought out bread with our drinks. For dinner, he had the catch of the day which was Halibut. It was a very small portion, but tasty. The fish sat on a bed of rice and peas and the peas were undercooked. I had the Grilled Monterrey Chicken topped with crumbled jalapeno bacon, tomatoes and scallions, served with bacon blue cheese slaw (awful) and green beans & pomegranate BBQ sauce. The chicken was delicious, but all in all, it was a VERY expensive meal that wasn't worth the price. We would not return.
(3)Dan M.
Delicious food. Prompt service. The special, barrel fish, was the best cut of fish I've had in a long time. Their crab cake was the best I've had. Period. The feel is informal, but the food is fantastic.
(5)mis h.
My family goes here every time they come visit me, which is awesome cause then I get to eat there. I also took the Boy here for his birthday. The waitstaff isn't very attentive. They're nice and helpful when they speak to you, but you have to get them to stop at your table first. I've had amazing food here and I've had eh food here. The fish tacos were amazing, but I would suggest them as a meal, not an appetizer. Just go for the entree and enjoy the free bread. Don't bother with the appetizers or dessert...They're nothing to write home about. All the fish is cooked on a wood burning grill so it tastes fantastic. I've ended up getting the same thing every time I go cause I don't want to get something "eh" again. It's a lot more casual than you would be led to believe and it's family friendly...There's usually 10 people whenever my family goes. It's not arranged very well for big groups though so go over 6 people and you're going to get kinda cramped. Oh, and they have $1 Coronas on Thursdays, which is totally sweet.
(4)Yukihiro Y.
Would give it 4 but crab soup was too saucy/thick/salty for a soup, oysters Rockefeller were so-so, and this is based on sitting at the bar. Crab cake was full of crab tho sauce was lacking. Mussels were nice and more brinier than I've had in recent years. Complimentary corn bread was Lishious, 4.5* and fre
(3)Jack W.
MUST GO TO SPOT!!!! I don't know how we found it. but I am sure happy we did. The oysters made my night and service was really friendly and helpful. We did come with a friend who drank to much as was being rude to our waitress. But she was spunky and had a good head on her shoulders. I wish I could remember her name but she needs a raise. Thanks for everything I enjoyed the night.
(5)Eric S.
Not sure where to start. Never made it past appetizers they were soooo good. Fresh local oysters, bacon wrapped scallops, mussels so good I finished all the dipping bread (and I don't eat bread;). But best of all a generous, people and service oriented bartender, (John) who just rocked it. All for a very reasonable price!!
(5)Vic W.
This is a hard post to write.. Initially, I had a good impression of the service and food. To make a long story short, at the end of the dinner, my date and I saw a huge RAT run across the floor. Yes, a rat !.. Another couples saw the same thing. Immediately, told my girlfriend that we were done. Call the waiter over to tell him what we saw. His response was, "what do you expect from a 100 year old building." I called the manager over and he was apologetic, but didn't offer not to have us pay for the check or anything. I called back a day later and insisted they refund my money, which he agreed to. This was ridiculous!. Even a few days later I hate thinking about this.
(1)Carrie J.
AMAZING!!! I had the sea scallops with the whipped Boursin mashed potatoes and the Malbec! EXCELLENT! They know how to cook seafood right!
(5)Sase D.
Loved the atmosphere. The waitress was very nice and so helpful with explaining items on the menu and every request we made. Me and my husband decided to forgo the appetizers and shared a variety of oysters and ceviche instead and there was a single thing that I didn't like. Even the kids loved their pasta. Highly recommend for any occasion!
(5)Alex Z.
Overall we were rather satisfied. We got the calamari as an appetizer. It was nice and tender, the breading stuck well. A little bit of a kick in one of the sauces might have been nice. The options for different cuisines in the entrees is great. You can get anything from simply grilled fish to southern shrimp and grits, Spanish paella, Japanese-style tune, and seafood pasta. Overall the food was rather good. The blackened escolar was seasoned well and the field pea succotash and polenta went well with it (though I'm not sure why they chose to use polenta rather than grits). My main complaint is the prices. While seafood is generally more expensive, the prices here really don't match the more casual ambiance. Few of the entrees are less than $20. The day after we went here, we went to a more upscale restaurant that also served a lot of seafood, and the prices were almost the same.
(4)Sez R.
Nothing too special. I had ahi tuna, and it was 'ok'. Nothing is particularly bad about this place, but nothing is good either. Same goes for both the food and the service. If you are looking for a place just to eat, then it is ok. If you want a memorable experience, this is not the right place.
(4)SJane D.
Although highly recommended by some locals, my experience had some highs and lows. Tough to choose between a 2 and three on this one. The wait staff was attentive, friendly and efficient. The Food - I opted for the Restaurant Week $30 trilogy of appetizer, entree and dessert. The appetizer chosen was a mixed seafood ceviche, with was excellent in portion size, freshness and taste. Very, very good. Dessert - I chose a key lime pie which was the best I've ever had, including my quest for "the Perfect Key Lime Pie" in Key West. The ceviche and pie is the reason Coast gets a three instead of a two. The entree was awful. I LOVE shrimp and grits, and really never met a plate of shrimp and grits I didn't like, but this shrimp had such a strong taste of bitterness, (maybe iodine?). You could smell it before it even got to your mouth, and it was so over powering that even the tasso tasted bitter. Shouldn't be this way, folks. Busy Restaurant week or not, if they have lousy shrimp they should take it off the menu until they get a better batch. I was not the only diner in Coast that night that left their shrimp (from the shrimp and grits) on their plate. I saw a few, so I am sure they knew they were serving an inferior product. Not okay.
(3)Katie S.
Amazing fish! We both ordered the escarole with basil butter sauce and nearly licked our plates clean! The mojitos were tasty too. We will definitely be back on our next trip!
(5)Mick D.
Nevermind that we set fire to the bread basket. The food at this comfortably upscale but relaxed establishment is outstanding. Tucked away down a small alleyway in historic downtown Charleston, fresh-caught cuisine is what's on the menu, and the effort to procure the freshest seafood and produce in the Lowcountry really shows. We started off with a dozen on the half shell (the selections change daily). I don't know how you feel about oysters--these were perfect. Served with extra horseradish and some crackers, one could easily make a meal out of these. But we continued with a couple of entrées: We had the Snapper Almondine. (Delicate Snapper encrusted with almond & herb breadcrumbs, served over some kick-ass bacon & cheese grits, and right next to some asparagus.) The Braised Grouper entree was the winner of the evening. (Braised grouper and shitake mushrooms and tomatoes served over some truffled bacon & cheese grits.) I have trouble describing why this was so good. The sauce over the whole thing makes you stop for a second. Simply fantastic. I wish I had room for dessert. But alas... I recommend making a reservation. I imagine this place stays busy, especially on weekends. Getting a seat outside might take a little extra time, and it would have been nice to do so, but I was very glad we stayed inside. Hugely tall (forty-feet) ceilings house a series of tin-roofed table enclosures, which felt practically like being outside. And no, it wasn't kitschy. It was very cool and comfortable. Staff also took excellent care of us. I always respect staff that will actually talk me *out* of a chef's special, and our server did. His suggestions were right on target. Plus, they didn't get mad when we set the bread basket on fire. (But we're not going to talk about that.) An award-winning specialty drink selection (you will want to chug the "peach mojito"), along-side a very well matched wine-list, and some *good* beer, make Coast a very popular dining destination. We also saw a variety of groups and larger parties tucking in and celebrating that evening. It's clear that locals and tourists alike really love this place. I look forward to visiting again.
(4)Sarah W.
A friend's friend recommended this place. Great food, casual atmosphere. Hush puppies w/ jalepeno butter are a MUST HAVE. Lobster & Crab Gratin - my friend and I ordered the same dish! It was amazzzzzzzing. Chef's Mixed Grill - my friend loved her dish Tilapia - my friend loved this too Simply Southern Lemonade - heavenly!! Mango Mojito - yummy but a little to tangy/sweet Coast Lime Pie - SO GOOD Triple Layer Chocolate Cake - yummy but I've had better Blueberry Lemonade White Chocolate Cheesecake - TO DIE FOR. You won't regret dining here. The service was amazing. next time I come to Charleston, and I WILL be back with my hubby, I'm totally bringing him here!
(5)Jef B.
Holy cow. Go for the grilled fish and of course the local oysters. Meaty and the combo of sauce mignonette and Mexican hot sauce was well, sublime.
(5)Ed G.
Outstanding meal! Had the cerviche de cangreho which was more than enough for two for an appetizer . Dinner was cashew encrusted grouper and braised grouper. Both were excellent. The truffled bacon cheese grits were amazing. Grits with fish? Apparently it works.
(5)Angie P.
Wow! This place is amazing! Nice decor, friendly staff & delicious food! Here's what I had: cucumber mojito (no wonder it won an award last year!) shrimp ceviche (yuuuuum) & the crispy fried flounder entree. The fish came right off the bone; it was fried perfectly! The jalapeño aioli...oh my - I want a jar of this at home! And...I've never had jimaca slaw before, but WOW! Do yourself a favor & eat here as much as possible!
(5)Taylor A.
For a city already teeming with fantastic restaurants, and seafood restaurants at that, Coast is a solid option that belongs in the echelons of the Charleston dining scene. From the short wait on a Saturday night, to the welcoming bartenders and educated wait staff, the service was immaculate. There was never an empty glass without drink on the way from the bar. We hadn't eaten since 11:30am, so by the time we had sat down to dinner a little after 9pm we were starving so we ordered like mad. We started with both lobster and shrimp ceviche and they were both brimming with their respective crustaceans. The table was split on which was better, but all agreed they were both delicious. I had a mixed grill (baller!) special with a 6oz ribeye, 4oz red snapper, and 4 jalapeno-bacon wrappend shrimp. The ribeye itself wasn't anything spectacular (probably Grade A versus Prime), but the red snapper and shrimp were fantastic. Usually bacon wrapped anything makes whatever is wrapped overcooked, but the shrimp were plump and juicy. So, for a great meal in Charleston, Coast is a wonderful option!
(4)Lawrence T.
Very fresh oysters for an appetizer - also a great selection. Entrees were escolar and striped bass - both fresh and perfectly grilled. We would definitely dine here again.
(5)Stephen W.
We had a great experience here for dinner on a Saturday night. We arrived early, without reservations, but they seated us in the outdoor patio area which was fine. It's a casual place so the experience is a bit different from Magnolia's which is more formal. We started with the crab dip which was very good but too salty for my wife. For the entrees, I got the crab cakes which WERE THE BEST CRAB CAKES I HAVE HAD IN MY LIFE. And I am a crab fan and have tasted them all from Maryland to Oregon. NO filler, all sweet crab. Just excellent. The wife got the lobster and crab gratin and it too was excellent, no filler and all luscious meat. The service was good and they had a killer micro brew, Sweetwater IPA which was perfect with crab. This place cost about 1/2 as much as Magnolia. We would both eagerly return. I can't wait!
(5)Bill J.
Nice spot. Usually busy, but still comfortable. Little bit of a bar scene, in a good way. Food is good, sometimes real good. Drinks and bartenders are good. Casual.
(4)Doris D.
Went to Charleston for a Convention got a recommendation from a local resident to go here. It was really good!! Great service, food and drink! We had the Paella and Sangria, will definitely go back if I'm in the area.
(5)Jessica S.
LOVED this place. The service was great, atmosphere was nice and the food was out of this world. I got the escolar and it was outstanding. Cooked to perfection. The vegetables were excellent, the succotash, I could've done without. But this place was great. I even got dessert of the banana bread pudding and that was rich, but delicious. You def need to go here when in Charleston.
(5)Trogdor B.
service wasn't really the greatest, but the food was excellent. i was seated, given water, and was then given some 15 -20 minutes of quiet time before a waitress actually came up to take my order. i'm hoping this isn't typical, cuz if it is....the food isn't worth that kind of wait. anyhow, i had the black grouper with the lemon-white wine sauce. i didn't know cooked fish could taste this good. the parmesan mashed potatoes were pretty good, but i'm not a huge fan of mashed potatoes...and the steamed veggies were over salted. regardless, the fish was really good.
(4)kelly s.
great seafood spot! cool decor/space and delicious drink menu. reasonably priced. good for date night!
(4)Michael E.
Be prepared to wait, but it is worth it. They had 5 quality draft beers to pick from, none of which could get you into a NASCAR event. The service was fantastic! I went way to simple with the fried oysters, but they were very good. Not overly greasy like some places can be. The bacon blue cheese slaw was very good, nice atmosphere, a lot of people but you get a private feel.
(4)Janet N.
Our experience at Coast was outstanding, we tell people it was one of our top 5 restaurant experiences ever. We had a ceviche trio (our favorites were the octopus and lobster but the classic was also very tasty) and hush puppies to start, then for entrees the escolar off the wood smoke grill with the pineapple chili salsa (our server's excellent recommendation) and the shrimp and grits. Finished off with the "coast lime pie" which was key lime but with a very light texture. We will be back to Charleston and to Coast.
(5)Bridgette C.
Beyond delicious! Mashed potatoes were amazing as was my crab crusted tilapia! The swordfish was cooked perfectly! A must go if looking for some amazing seafood. The atmosphere is wonderful as well and the service was fantastic.
(5)Salvatore C.
Okay our dinner at Coast was impeccable despite the mixed reviews, Most were actually good. I had pan seared scallops with mushrooms and a garlic mashed potato fantastic! My beautiful wife had tilapia with fresh crabmeat encrusted, As she would say to die for! Appetizers were fantastic Blue point oysters were beautiful . the flourless chocolate cake was great and our server Tiffany was very attentive, Actually the best server we that in a long long time.
(5)Julie S.
Wonderful choice for our first dinner in Down Town Charleston. We were immediately seated outside in the patio room which was a little toasty but better than waiting for a table inside. I had the crab infused tilapia with mashed potatoes and green beans. It was delicious, warm and fresh. My mom enjoyed her fried shrimp as well. The server was very friendly and attentive. I highly recommend this restaurant and will return if I'm in the area.
(5)Tara G.
I like Coast because they have options other than seafood! It was perfect because everyone was wanting seafood except me, and Coast has salads, chicken, veggies, etc. I had the monterrey chicken, and it was delicious! The BBQ sauce on it was tasty & so was the jalapeno bacon. They also had bottled wine specials for $12/bottle. You can't beat that!
(4)Cullen E.
A gentleman at Coast Brewing Company (purely coincidence) recommended Coast Bar & Grill to us for our one evening spent in Charleston. We showed up on a Saturday evening around 7pm without a reservation and were immediately seated on the patio. It was pretty cold out but they had those nifty propane tower heaters so it was just right. I had the Blackened Seafood Chowder and my wife had the Coast Oysters Rockefeller. Both were excellent! For our main course we tried the Lobster & Crab Gratin. Words cannot express how amazing this was...but I'll try. It was the best seafood I have ever had. The wife had the Triple Layer Chocolate Cake and enjoyed it, but said it wasn't anything worth writing home about. Overall, a great experience here at Coast. We would definitely go back again when we return to SC.
(5)Emily E.
Wonderful ceviche and reasonable prices. Really unique décor and great service. The almondine snapper is also delicious. You can't go wrong here!
(5)Deb B.
Gave it a try for Restaurant Week. They claimed to have a crispy flounder fillet on the menu. Now, being in Charleston for many, many years, crispy flounder is something that restaurants fight over to claim as the first to create it. It's a local favorite. We were brought out two fried flounder (it could have been any tasteless white fish) with some crazy white sauce. WTH? That was my biggest let down of the night. I hate having to apologize to any of my company for a menu recommendation. Bad. Bad. The rest of the food was on par with California Dreaming or any other "shoneys" type eats. I didn't gag on anything and no one got sick. There are a dozen other places that *wow* me in this town. Sorry guys and gals...
(2)Meredith V.
Coast has consistently given me a very good seafood experience. Standouts have been their escolar, whole fried snapper & swordfish dishes, not to mention their award winning mojitos!
(4)Shannon K.
Amazing food, and great service. We went on a Friday night at 6:30. We were told we would have a 45 minute wait, but were seated in about 20. The wait staff was amazing. You could tell that they had a good system down. Dirty plates and cups were cleared quickly, and drinks refilled constantly. The food was amazing! We would highly recommend the ceviche. It was delicious. All the food was cooked to perfection, including a steak. Great experience, and will definitely return soon.
(5)Anna H.
I took my boyfriend out to dinner at Coast while we were on vacation in Charleston over 4th of July weekend. It was a great dinner, and both of us were impressed not only with the food, but the ambience. Our dining experience had all the right touches - delicious food, courteous service, and the perfect pacing. It was the first romantic dinner we've had out on the town in quite some time, and it was really perfect in every way. I'd definitely suggest their shrimp ceviche, oysters rockefeller, and - yum - the out-of-this-world peach margaritas! Even more impressive than the dining experience, itself, was the careful attention paid to us by the reservations/host staff. We showed up around 6pm in the afternoon after a day of sightseeing, on a Friday, with no reservation. The hostess, Hyatt, was so kind to us, and penciled us in for a table a bit later, even though they were fully booked. This gave us time to go back to the hotel, get ready, then come back to enjoy a proper evening out. Initially we were told it might be as much as an hour, but right after we got back to the hotel room (about 10 minutes later), she gave us a call to say a table had opened up. Since we were just hopping in the shower, I begged her to give that table away and hold the next one for us. I know that in many cases, that might not have been possible, but she was so sweet and totally made it work. That skill and professionalism made all the difference, creating a great lead-in to what ended up being the best meal of our vacation. Can't wait to visit next time we're back in SC!
(5)Mike M.
Good seafood and good drinks. Crab cakes were good, not a soggy breadcrumb mess. Their Oysters Rockefeller were fantastic as well.
(4)Audra W.
We had a great meal here while visiting Charlseton last month. The atmosphere is great- live music was awesome and it has a rustic, ship-like vibe that I love. I got the tomato-based seafood soup which was outstanding and the ceasar salad which was also great. My husband and I shared the surf and turf which was amazing. Wood-fired salmon, perfectly cooked steak and a delicious sides. We were all in all thrilled with this find!
(5)Brandon B.
We made a 6pm reservation but arrived around 5:40. They seated us right away. Our waitress, Brittany, was wonderful! She answered questions we had about different entrees and was very attentive and personable. I ordered swordfish from the grill and my wife ordered salmon. It was delicious! I can honestly say it was the best seafood meal I've ever eaten. It wasn't any more expensive than I expected it to be for a nice meal (around $25 each). I'm so glad we went here!
(5)Tamara P.
What a fantastic experience! Everything from the hostess to the decor was top notch. Our waitress, Viola I think, was exceptional. She helped us decide on everything. All four of us were completely enthralled with the place. This place will treat all of your senses in a way that they haven't been treated in a long time. We were full after our entrees but couldn't resist sharing the coconut blondie with a delicious cup of coffee. Don't miss a chance to come to the Coast when you have the chance. You can thank me later.
(5)David S.
A friend highly recommended Coast to me. I have to admit. I was a little disappointed. The service was subpar. The Shrimp and Grits and Seafood Paella we good but not as good as we expected from a Charleston restraurant. Maybe we were there on a bad night, but we will not return with all of the other great choices in Charleston.
(3)Sanders G.
My family and I had dinner at Coast, and our experience was good. Two of our party had the spicy shrimp dish, and they raved about it. Another of our party had the braised grouper, and while she did not rave, she seemed to enjoy it. I had the cashew encrusted grouper, and it was great, though the portion was much larger than the size of my appetite. For appetizers we had the fried green tomatoes, which were at best a solid "2" on a "10" point scaled, and the crab dip, which was good, but would have been better if served with something other than cold, white bread. Not sure I will return, as Charleston has more than its fair share of really good restaurants, but you won't go wrong by choosing Coast for a solid meal with huge proportions.
(3)Dawn K.
Really great back alley feel. 5 stars for oyster rockefeller. Escolar . Cashew grouper. Just plan on a wait.
(5)Scott M.
Medeocre food at gourmet prices. The most memorable thing about this place was how much of it I've forgotten...aside from how much I paid for it. I visited with my wife and 6 year old daughter. We got appetizers, meals, and a cocktail or two, but even though the visit was only about a week ago, I can't remember anything I ate or drink (this isn't to say the drink was so good it erased my memory, unless they rufied me or something). I know we didn't dislike the food but we really disliked seeing a bill of over $100 for what we had just experienced. The service is good, the atmosphere is fine, the food is unmemorable, the location is pretty bad, and the value is awful.
(1)G G.
Fresh from the coast. Crab dip appetizer was great. Bread Grilled on the wood fired grill. (they cook lots of variety of fish on this grill too) Had oysters on the half shell that were not from the area (due to the season) but were outstanding. I ordered 2 more appetizers for my meal: the fish tacos, which were good but I've had better at numerous locations in California. Good flavor tho. And saving the best for last, the mussels appetizer was probably the best I've ever had. Fresh, perfectly cooked mussels in a white wine, garlic sauce that adds to the flavor but doesn't overpower the mussels. They were a home run! Great casual/fancy atmosphere in a unique location. Very good and friendly service. Will be returning on my next visit.
(5)Addie T.
Very disappointed with the quality of the food. I ordered the mussels with a side of mashed potatoes. The mashed potatoes were okay, but the mussels were not cleaned properly. The beards were still attached, and some of them were barely cooked. Would not order again.
(2)Jillian F.
The food was good but I've had better in charleston. We started off with a few cocktails. The melon mojito was okay along with the sangria. However their hibiscus mule was too sweet. The bread was delicious and slightly sweet. I ordered the shrimp with bacon grits. It had lots of flavor and a bit of spice. My dad ordered a similar salmon entree made similarly to my shrimp. Then my mom ordered a buttery white fish. It was cooked great. Overall the food was good but average for charleston. The atmosphere is very casual and relaxing if you aren't looking for something fancy.
(3)Carlo B.
Talk about a hidden gem...... Coast is the place for a great seafood meal. We started with the Coast Crab Dip. It consisted of Blue Crab meat, horseradish sauce and grilled bread. Delicious!!!! I had Shrimp Linguini with bacon, shallots & peppers in a creamy Rockefeller sauce. A nice size portion that exceeded my expectations. My wife had Baja fish tacos which she raved over. Service was awesome. I can't remember the name of the young lady who took care of us but she was attentive and had that southern charm which Charleston is known for. Thank you and the staff for a great dining experience.
(5)Zak G.
A friend and I were visiting Charleston for the weekend and were craving some seafood so we tried Coast out. Coast is a little bit hard to find since it is in an alley off of a cross street, but once you find the alley you'll realize that it adds greatly to the ambience of the place. Before entering the dining room you first walk through some nice porch seating, which is separated from the inside of the restaurant by an old garage door with windows. On nice days, like the day that we visited, this garage door is up giving the place a nice open air feel. Inside, the high ceilings and weathered brick walls add to the illusion that you are outside. Overall the ambience was very nice and had the feel of an oceanside seafood restaurant without being tacky. Along with it's regular menu items, the restaurant offered a host of fresh fish options which it prepared on its "smokey oakwood grill." I opted to go with this option ordering the grouper with the spicy adobo dry rub. The fish was well prepared and very tasty. I was pleasantly surprised that the dry rub was as spicy as billed. In addition to the fish I was treated to a mixture of julienne squash and carrots which were very tasty and the lentil and qunoia pilaf which was unrelentingly delicious. Service at the restaurant was excellent. Originally the fish came with mashed potatoes but the waitress was very friendly in switching it to the qunoia pilaf. The food came quickly and everything was delivered as ordered. I would definitely recommend Coast to anyone looking for great seafood in a relaxing environment in Charleston!
(4)Marqus R.
Wow! It's difficult not to fall in love with this place. How high are the ceilings; 50 feet or something, old brick, rustic, with a perfect relaxed Southern Charleston atmosphere and ambiance. Finally, it was a thrill to find an alert bartender as well as a waiter who was clearly professional in every detail, leading to a most enjoyable evening. The food; perfectly prepared and done with an exquisite presentation. I started off with the lobster ceviche, which though obviously not a native Charleston dish, was excellent in flavor as well as in presentation. I followed that with one of the finest braised groupers ever. So, for me, I'm a fan and look forward to my return.
(4)William W.
My lobster and crab au gratin was mostly bread and crab meat but I did find a sliver of lobster. It's a crap shoot with this dish apparently and was disappointing. Management didn't seem to care and i surely wouldn't recommend.
(2)Priscilla W.
We had reservations here for Mother's Day dinner. Last time I visited we couldn't get a table so I have been anxiously awaiting a meal here. We were promptly seated when we arrived. Parking is a breeze as there is a garage literally next door. The space itself is interesting, large super high ceilings but with the "patio" side areas inside it us quite cozy at those tables and the noise level is very tolerable for such a large restaurant. Our server was prompt and polite but not overly talkative. My daughter and I both ordered mojitis - I got the cucumber melon and she ordered the strawberry . Both were tasty and refreshing. I ordered the crab cakes with fries, blue cheese cole slaw and a ramoulatte. The cakes were large and moist and tasty but the real star of the plate was the cole slaw- very good! My daughter ordered the plank fired mahi mahi with a fruit salsa and fresh veggies and Parmesan whipped potatoes. Her fish was outstanding, cooked to perfection. My son-in-law ordered the shrimp and grits which he said was very good. A very enjoyable dinner.
(4)Carrie E.
Fresh seafood with a southern twist. The decor is rustic coastal which was really cool. Food was good and priced fairly. I had the shrimp and grits and really enjoyed it. Take the longer walk from downtown. It is worth it.
(4)Ryan K.
Wife and I love his place. My Cajun shrimp orzo dish was very excellent but my wife's dish was overly rich (some sort of braised fish w/ mashed taters). The bartender noticed she didn't like it (we are not ones to complain) and to our surprise, they removed it from the bill. We gave him a BIG tip in result. Definitely always enjoy the 2 guys behind the bar. They're there every year we visit and definitely add to the social life and overall experience. Give it a try!
(5)Helen B.
We were visiting the area and saw that this place was getting lots of good reviews so decided to give it a try. Overall we had a very good experience. There was quite a wait but we were able to get seats in their patio area, which is closed off from the street in winter but we were right by the heat lamps so it was very pleasant. Our server was on top of things despite having a lot of tables and was very pleasant. I had one of their award winning mojitos and thought it was quite tasty (a little sweet but I like them that way). My wife had a mint julep and thought it was also very good. I ordered the escolar from the wood fire grill and she ordered the shrimp and grits. Both were excellent (especially the shrimp dish) - if I had just one complaint it was that my dish was underseasoned, although the fish was cooked nicely. We would definitely come back if we were in the area.
(4)Ann L.
I am here from out of town on business and was looking for somewhere with fresh seafood that was open on a Sunday. Coast did not disappoint! We both had the fresh Escolar, but with different sauces (you get to pick from about 8 different kinds). It was wonderful! Very fresh and cooked perfectly. As an added bonus, all bottles of wine are half price until 8PM on Sundays, and the wine list is quite good! The server was knowledgeable about the menu, and was attentive without rushing us at all. We sat on the patio, which was great because it was a beautiful evening, and enjoyed the live music which added to the ambiance without interfering with conversation. Great place! Will definitely come back next time I'm in Charleston!
(5)Jack K.
Ate here twice on this trip. Firstly, the bar knows how to make drinks. Nothing was watered down but always nicely balanced. The first visit I ordered the paella. Absolutely amazing! It's a large meal with all of the rice but all the seafood was perfectly cooked. The second visit I tried the crab cakes. They were also very good. Plenty of crabmeat and nicely spiced. Excellent flavor. One of my favorites in Charleston.
(5)Travis F.
This place is great. I am traveling for work and wanted to taste the local seafood and found the perfect place. The environment is great, the restaurant has a really cool look, and the food was great. I had dozen oysters and the buffalo shrimp tacos. Delicious! Also, there was a live acoustic guitar player jamming in the bar area of the restaurant and he was great and really added to the atmosphere.
(5)David P.
Coast is a nice place to get some awesome seafood but if you expect good food and good service, you went to the wrong restaurant. My waiter was great until the food arrived, then he was a bartender and totally forgot about my table. After 1hr 30m he decided maybe we would like to have another beer and more water. The service was so bad that I considered just putting a $20 on the table and walking off. I would have been out of the state before he realized we left. Maybe the way to go is get a to-go order. The food good, service non-existing.
(2)Malynda M.
Amazing! The Oysters Rockefeller, Bacon wrapped scallops, Seafood Paella, Lobster & Crab Gratin, and Jalapeño & cheese grits are absolutely delicious! The staff is friendly, amenable, happy, and responsive. Eating here is a must if you are in Charleston.
(5)Reggie R.
The place was amazing. The waitress was wonderful and new everything. The Escolar was delicious and there bacon wrapped shrimp were very good. This is a place you must go to if your in Charleston.
(5)Andrea W.
With so many wonderful places to eat in Charleston, you would think we would try a different one each time we return. But Coast just calls our name! Off the beaten path by just a few steps, this place is worth looking for. Every meal we have had has been wonderful. Every server attentive. Every drink, perfect! The peach sangria should be bought by the pitcher. Delish! If you are looking for exceptional food, this is your place. When you can't get a reservation at one of the more widely know spots, go to Coast. Can't wait till we are back in Savannah.
(5)Mike E.
We got into town around 7 on a recent Saturday night and my girlfriend and I followed the motel's desk attendant's advice and walked the few block to Coast. I asked for a good spot to get some seafood and he said it was very good but would be busy. After arriving the hostess said it would be about an hour before we could get a table so we worked our way to the bar. The place was pretty much packed with people out having fun so it was an easy place to fit in. After a few minutes we scored seats at the bar - thank you to the very nice couple that gave us their seats! We were both on Mountain time so we weren't really that hungry, no problem we'll just start drinking. And when they told us they had a table we decided to stay at the bar because we were having so much fun! We managed to split an order of the Oysters Rockefeller in the midst of our drinking, it had lots of cheese and was very good! We had a great time hanging out with some locals and the bartender, before long we decided to bag dinner and just keep drinking. We were just a little bummed that we didn't get a chance to eat anything else on the impressive menu. Flash forward a few days. We were in the area to help my parents celebrate their 50th anniversary and they asked if we knew of any places in Charleston that would be a good place to have dinner. Eureka, do we ever! We got there a couple of minutes late for the reservations and were quickly seated. We dove in with both feet and got some Traditional Ceviche, Crab Dip, and a dozen Oysters on the Half Shell. All were good, especially the Crab Dip, wow! I went with the Lobster & Crab Gratin, I was feeling like something decadent and it was perfect. Mmmm good!! Others got the Spicy Adobo Shrimp, Paella, and Cashew Encrusted Grouper. Everyone was pretty happy with their selections. Also, to mark the occasion they comped us a large piece of Coast Lime Pie which was really tasty. Great food and service, if I make it back to Charleston I will definitely be stopping back by for more of each!
(4)Amanda J.
Our meal here was superb. Great service, great deals with restaurant week, could not have asked for more. My boyfriend wanted fresh, South Carolina oysters so that was why we picked this place. He got a half dozen and was very happy. Best oysters he has ever had, he said! I tried the Seersucker cocktail and it was decent. The pineapple was a little much but I still enjoyed it. For apps we got the mixed green salad with blue cheese and the calamari. Both awesome. We both got the surf and turf for our entree and were highly satisfied. The spice on my shrimp was a little overpowering, but I just took off the bacon and it was great. Got one of each dessert (white chocolate mousse or key lime pie) and they were great as well. My only critique would be the bathrooms - missing locks and broken toilets. Leaves something to be desired. Rae was our server and she was both polite and prompt. Like I said before, what more could you ask for?
(5)Michael E.
Be prepared to wait, but it is worth it. They had 5 quality draft beers to pick from, none of which could get you into a NASCAR event. The service was fantastic! I went way to simple with the fried oysters, but they were very good. Not overly greasy like some places can be. The bacon blue cheese slaw was very good, nice atmosphere, a lot of people but you get a private feel.
(4)Janet N.
Our experience at Coast was outstanding, we tell people it was one of our top 5 restaurant experiences ever. We had a ceviche trio (our favorites were the octopus and lobster but the classic was also very tasty) and hush puppies to start, then for entrees the escolar off the wood smoke grill with the pineapple chili salsa (our server's excellent recommendation) and the shrimp and grits. Finished off with the "coast lime pie" which was key lime but with a very light texture. We will be back to Charleston and to Coast.
(5)Bridgette C.
Beyond delicious! Mashed potatoes were amazing as was my crab crusted tilapia! The swordfish was cooked perfectly! A must go if looking for some amazing seafood. The atmosphere is wonderful as well and the service was fantastic.
(5)Salvatore C.
Okay our dinner at Coast was impeccable despite the mixed reviews, Most were actually good. I had pan seared scallops with mushrooms and a garlic mashed potato fantastic! My beautiful wife had tilapia with fresh crabmeat encrusted, As she would say to die for! Appetizers were fantastic Blue point oysters were beautiful . the flourless chocolate cake was great and our server Tiffany was very attentive, Actually the best server we that in a long long time.
(5)Julie S.
Wonderful choice for our first dinner in Down Town Charleston. We were immediately seated outside in the patio room which was a little toasty but better than waiting for a table inside. I had the crab infused tilapia with mashed potatoes and green beans. It was delicious, warm and fresh. My mom enjoyed her fried shrimp as well. The server was very friendly and attentive. I highly recommend this restaurant and will return if I'm in the area.
(5)Tara G.
I like Coast because they have options other than seafood! It was perfect because everyone was wanting seafood except me, and Coast has salads, chicken, veggies, etc. I had the monterrey chicken, and it was delicious! The BBQ sauce on it was tasty & so was the jalapeno bacon. They also had bottled wine specials for $12/bottle. You can't beat that!
(4)Cullen E.
A gentleman at Coast Brewing Company (purely coincidence) recommended Coast Bar & Grill to us for our one evening spent in Charleston. We showed up on a Saturday evening around 7pm without a reservation and were immediately seated on the patio. It was pretty cold out but they had those nifty propane tower heaters so it was just right. I had the Blackened Seafood Chowder and my wife had the Coast Oysters Rockefeller. Both were excellent! For our main course we tried the Lobster & Crab Gratin. Words cannot express how amazing this was...but I'll try. It was the best seafood I have ever had. The wife had the Triple Layer Chocolate Cake and enjoyed it, but said it wasn't anything worth writing home about. Overall, a great experience here at Coast. We would definitely go back again when we return to SC.
(5)Emily E.
Wonderful ceviche and reasonable prices. Really unique décor and great service. The almondine snapper is also delicious. You can't go wrong here!
(5)Deb B.
Gave it a try for Restaurant Week. They claimed to have a crispy flounder fillet on the menu. Now, being in Charleston for many, many years, crispy flounder is something that restaurants fight over to claim as the first to create it. It's a local favorite. We were brought out two fried flounder (it could have been any tasteless white fish) with some crazy white sauce. WTH? That was my biggest let down of the night. I hate having to apologize to any of my company for a menu recommendation. Bad. Bad. The rest of the food was on par with California Dreaming or any other "shoneys" type eats. I didn't gag on anything and no one got sick. There are a dozen other places that *wow* me in this town. Sorry guys and gals...
(2)Meredith V.
Coast has consistently given me a very good seafood experience. Standouts have been their escolar, whole fried snapper & swordfish dishes, not to mention their award winning mojitos!
(4)Shannon K.
Amazing food, and great service. We went on a Friday night at 6:30. We were told we would have a 45 minute wait, but were seated in about 20. The wait staff was amazing. You could tell that they had a good system down. Dirty plates and cups were cleared quickly, and drinks refilled constantly. The food was amazing! We would highly recommend the ceviche. It was delicious. All the food was cooked to perfection, including a steak. Great experience, and will definitely return soon.
(5)Anna H.
I took my boyfriend out to dinner at Coast while we were on vacation in Charleston over 4th of July weekend. It was a great dinner, and both of us were impressed not only with the food, but the ambience. Our dining experience had all the right touches - delicious food, courteous service, and the perfect pacing. It was the first romantic dinner we've had out on the town in quite some time, and it was really perfect in every way. I'd definitely suggest their shrimp ceviche, oysters rockefeller, and - yum - the out-of-this-world peach margaritas! Even more impressive than the dining experience, itself, was the careful attention paid to us by the reservations/host staff. We showed up around 6pm in the afternoon after a day of sightseeing, on a Friday, with no reservation. The hostess, Hyatt, was so kind to us, and penciled us in for a table a bit later, even though they were fully booked. This gave us time to go back to the hotel, get ready, then come back to enjoy a proper evening out. Initially we were told it might be as much as an hour, but right after we got back to the hotel room (about 10 minutes later), she gave us a call to say a table had opened up. Since we were just hopping in the shower, I begged her to give that table away and hold the next one for us. I know that in many cases, that might not have been possible, but she was so sweet and totally made it work. That skill and professionalism made all the difference, creating a great lead-in to what ended up being the best meal of our vacation. Can't wait to visit next time we're back in SC!
(5)Mike M.
Good seafood and good drinks. Crab cakes were good, not a soggy breadcrumb mess. Their Oysters Rockefeller were fantastic as well.
(4)Audra W.
We had a great meal here while visiting Charlseton last month. The atmosphere is great- live music was awesome and it has a rustic, ship-like vibe that I love. I got the tomato-based seafood soup which was outstanding and the ceasar salad which was also great. My husband and I shared the surf and turf which was amazing. Wood-fired salmon, perfectly cooked steak and a delicious sides. We were all in all thrilled with this find!
(5)Nicole D.
This restaurant came highly recommended by friends so we made a reservation while in town. Don't do it! The service and atmosphere was great! The hostess was helpful prior to our visit with parking and very friendly. Restaurant was clean and around the bar area you could tell everyone was enjoying themselves. Unfortunately the food itself did not meet the expectations. Even if I had not heard great things about it I would still have been dissapponted. We did have some very good peel and eat shrimp. That and the fries were the only thing worth having. I did not go out expecting to appreciate the fries as the best part of my meal! I had the crab cake appetizer as my meal and the crab "ball" I received was gooey and flavorless. The sauce that came with it was a great dip for the fries. The other dish we had was the seared rare tuna, huge mistake!!!!!!! The tuna was encrusted in something that was a mess. The noodles and sauce it was served on looked like something out of a toilet rather than something you would eat in a restaurant. The dark brown sauce was so unappetizing we immediately removed the tuna from the top and had the dish taken away. Whoever had the idea to serve something that looks like that has no idea how presentation affects the meal!!! We did observe the majority of the people ordered from the raw bar and seemed very satisfied. If this restaurant would stick to the things it does well and drop some of the more pretentious items from the menu I believe they would have a lot more satisfied customers. Also I should have taken the advice of others Yelp reviewers and steered away from the cocktails. I have never had a bad drink until the one I ordered from here!!! The only reason I even drank the 3/4s I did was because I felt dumb spending $8 on a cocktail just to leave it sitting. Overall this good be a good place with a few changes; manager and chef being two of the first!
(2)Karey Q.
Oh my goodness. This place takes the crab cake. The oysters and mussels were absolutely fresh and delicious and the crab dip was so good! Very fun design, bartenders are friendly and knowledgable. A Real gem! I'll be back!
(5)Daniel A.
Coast has always been a favorite of mine when family comes to town as was the case this past weekend (Sat Labor Day) I expected crowds and we opted for reservations at 9:15 as the other option was 5:15. The bar area at 8:30 was full but after 1 minute 4 seats opened and we sat right down. Appetizers were the bacon wrapped scallops, and the buffalo shrimp highly recommend with a nice pale ale. We were promptly seated at 9:00 and the dining area was quite full, I and my brother opted for the Halibut special with the squash casserole and a side of the creamy okra. Great choice!! My wife's entree came with creamed spinach let me tell you, ham makes any vegetable taste good. All in all it was a hit with the visiting family thank you COAST for not letting me down.
(4)Andy S.
Not good if you are looking for quality seafood. This is about the same as a Joe's Crab Shack level of food with perhaps less consistency. Only thing worse than the quality of the seafood is the service. The hostess has either no idea how long the wait for your table will be or they purposefully just say, "we are cleaning up the table and it'll be a couple minutes." They will say that to you several times for the better part of 30-45 minutes. For what it is- it's fine but the bistro next door is a whole lot better if you are going out for good food. However, for college kids on a budget and in the mood for mostly liquor and beer, it's probably a safe bet. I visit charleston every summer for 2 weeks and will not return to coast. So many many other better places to try.
(2)Selphyne B.
Currently my favorite joint in the Charleston area! All I want and ever expect from a geographic region that is coastal, is fresh, properly, creatively prepared, seafood. Coast is the only restaurant we have tried so far that has succeeded! We had one item we didn't care for and it was something I don't ever like anyways but my husband wanted to try it: the crab dip appetizer. It wasn't awful, I just don't like crab and it was very reminiscent of cat food in every way possible. We went on a Sunday evening at open. The bar opens first a half an hour before seating begins. We waited at the bar and we were seated immediately when dining hours began. All staff were incredibly friendly and seemingly comfortable in their environment. Fresh baked bread and herbaceous butter was brought to the table first and were so delightful I could have dined only on that! Sunday nights at coast offer a special on their fish tacos at $4 each which is what I opted for. My husband selected that evenings special which was a grilled swordfish steak accompanied by a pumpkin cornbread, charred Brussels sprouts on a creamy mushroom gravy. My fish tacos were good but would have been infinitely better if the Mahi were left whole rather than shredded. Because of its preparation my tacos were barely warm when they got to the table. The tropical fruit slaw and sauces on the taco were flavorful and the fish was fresh tasting, I just suggest asking if it's possible to not have it shredded! My husbands specialty was truly out of this world. The fish was gorgeously grilled, moist but well done. The pumpkin cornbread tasted good but it heavy for my stomach. The Brussels sprouts (which I typically hate btw!) were so fantastic and wish there had been more! The sauce was wonderful as well! My husband and I have been wanting to return since we left that night! I can't wait and I highly suggest this place and warn: it is pricey! I felt like it was worth the cost, however, and will spread out the visits :)
(5)Jakob F.
Good food and great atmosphere. Bartender was very friendly. My fiancé and I randomly stopped here our first night in charleston and although the entrees were good they weren't amazing, but the she crab soup (which is what we were trying to get every place we went) was excellent. I felt like it could have had a little more than the 2 lumps of crab we found in the bowl, if a bit more crab was added it would be hands down the best she crab soup we had in Charleston.
(4)Zak G.
A friend and I were visiting Charleston for the weekend and were craving some seafood so we tried Coast out. Coast is a little bit hard to find since it is in an alley off of a cross street, but once you find the alley you'll realize that it adds greatly to the ambience of the place. Before entering the dining room you first walk through some nice porch seating, which is separated from the inside of the restaurant by an old garage door with windows. On nice days, like the day that we visited, this garage door is up giving the place a nice open air feel. Inside, the high ceilings and weathered brick walls add to the illusion that you are outside. Overall the ambience was very nice and had the feel of an oceanside seafood restaurant without being tacky. Along with it's regular menu items, the restaurant offered a host of fresh fish options which it prepared on its "smokey oakwood grill." I opted to go with this option ordering the grouper with the spicy adobo dry rub. The fish was well prepared and very tasty. I was pleasantly surprised that the dry rub was as spicy as billed. In addition to the fish I was treated to a mixture of julienne squash and carrots which were very tasty and the lentil and qunoia pilaf which was unrelentingly delicious. Service at the restaurant was excellent. Originally the fish came with mashed potatoes but the waitress was very friendly in switching it to the qunoia pilaf. The food came quickly and everything was delivered as ordered. I would definitely recommend Coast to anyone looking for great seafood in a relaxing environment in Charleston!
(4)Marqus R.
Wow! It's difficult not to fall in love with this place. How high are the ceilings; 50 feet or something, old brick, rustic, with a perfect relaxed Southern Charleston atmosphere and ambiance. Finally, it was a thrill to find an alert bartender as well as a waiter who was clearly professional in every detail, leading to a most enjoyable evening. The food; perfectly prepared and done with an exquisite presentation. I started off with the lobster ceviche, which though obviously not a native Charleston dish, was excellent in flavor as well as in presentation. I followed that with one of the finest braised groupers ever. So, for me, I'm a fan and look forward to my return.
(4)William W.
My lobster and crab au gratin was mostly bread and crab meat but I did find a sliver of lobster. It's a crap shoot with this dish apparently and was disappointing. Management didn't seem to care and i surely wouldn't recommend.
(2)Priscilla W.
We had reservations here for Mother's Day dinner. Last time I visited we couldn't get a table so I have been anxiously awaiting a meal here. We were promptly seated when we arrived. Parking is a breeze as there is a garage literally next door. The space itself is interesting, large super high ceilings but with the "patio" side areas inside it us quite cozy at those tables and the noise level is very tolerable for such a large restaurant. Our server was prompt and polite but not overly talkative. My daughter and I both ordered mojitis - I got the cucumber melon and she ordered the strawberry . Both were tasty and refreshing. I ordered the crab cakes with fries, blue cheese cole slaw and a ramoulatte. The cakes were large and moist and tasty but the real star of the plate was the cole slaw- very good! My daughter ordered the plank fired mahi mahi with a fruit salsa and fresh veggies and Parmesan whipped potatoes. Her fish was outstanding, cooked to perfection. My son-in-law ordered the shrimp and grits which he said was very good. A very enjoyable dinner.
(4)Carrie E.
Fresh seafood with a southern twist. The decor is rustic coastal which was really cool. Food was good and priced fairly. I had the shrimp and grits and really enjoyed it. Take the longer walk from downtown. It is worth it.
(4)Ryan K.
Wife and I love his place. My Cajun shrimp orzo dish was very excellent but my wife's dish was overly rich (some sort of braised fish w/ mashed taters). The bartender noticed she didn't like it (we are not ones to complain) and to our surprise, they removed it from the bill. We gave him a BIG tip in result. Definitely always enjoy the 2 guys behind the bar. They're there every year we visit and definitely add to the social life and overall experience. Give it a try!
(5)Helen B.
We were visiting the area and saw that this place was getting lots of good reviews so decided to give it a try. Overall we had a very good experience. There was quite a wait but we were able to get seats in their patio area, which is closed off from the street in winter but we were right by the heat lamps so it was very pleasant. Our server was on top of things despite having a lot of tables and was very pleasant. I had one of their award winning mojitos and thought it was quite tasty (a little sweet but I like them that way). My wife had a mint julep and thought it was also very good. I ordered the escolar from the wood fire grill and she ordered the shrimp and grits. Both were excellent (especially the shrimp dish) - if I had just one complaint it was that my dish was underseasoned, although the fish was cooked nicely. We would definitely come back if we were in the area.
(4)Ann L.
I am here from out of town on business and was looking for somewhere with fresh seafood that was open on a Sunday. Coast did not disappoint! We both had the fresh Escolar, but with different sauces (you get to pick from about 8 different kinds). It was wonderful! Very fresh and cooked perfectly. As an added bonus, all bottles of wine are half price until 8PM on Sundays, and the wine list is quite good! The server was knowledgeable about the menu, and was attentive without rushing us at all. We sat on the patio, which was great because it was a beautiful evening, and enjoyed the live music which added to the ambiance without interfering with conversation. Great place! Will definitely come back next time I'm in Charleston!
(5)Jack K.
Ate here twice on this trip. Firstly, the bar knows how to make drinks. Nothing was watered down but always nicely balanced. The first visit I ordered the paella. Absolutely amazing! It's a large meal with all of the rice but all the seafood was perfectly cooked. The second visit I tried the crab cakes. They were also very good. Plenty of crabmeat and nicely spiced. Excellent flavor. One of my favorites in Charleston.
(5)Travis F.
This place is great. I am traveling for work and wanted to taste the local seafood and found the perfect place. The environment is great, the restaurant has a really cool look, and the food was great. I had dozen oysters and the buffalo shrimp tacos. Delicious! Also, there was a live acoustic guitar player jamming in the bar area of the restaurant and he was great and really added to the atmosphere.
(5)David P.
Coast is a nice place to get some awesome seafood but if you expect good food and good service, you went to the wrong restaurant. My waiter was great until the food arrived, then he was a bartender and totally forgot about my table. After 1hr 30m he decided maybe we would like to have another beer and more water. The service was so bad that I considered just putting a $20 on the table and walking off. I would have been out of the state before he realized we left. Maybe the way to go is get a to-go order. The food good, service non-existing.
(2)Malynda M.
Amazing! The Oysters Rockefeller, Bacon wrapped scallops, Seafood Paella, Lobster & Crab Gratin, and Jalapeño & cheese grits are absolutely delicious! The staff is friendly, amenable, happy, and responsive. Eating here is a must if you are in Charleston.
(5)Reggie R.
The place was amazing. The waitress was wonderful and new everything. The Escolar was delicious and there bacon wrapped shrimp were very good. This is a place you must go to if your in Charleston.
(5)Andrea W.
With so many wonderful places to eat in Charleston, you would think we would try a different one each time we return. But Coast just calls our name! Off the beaten path by just a few steps, this place is worth looking for. Every meal we have had has been wonderful. Every server attentive. Every drink, perfect! The peach sangria should be bought by the pitcher. Delish! If you are looking for exceptional food, this is your place. When you can't get a reservation at one of the more widely know spots, go to Coast. Can't wait till we are back in Savannah.
(5)Jess M.
Loved the ambiance of this place - brick...dark wood...from the get go, I loved. I decided to order the Chef's special (tracker fish...I think. Had never heard of it!) It came with butter bean side and grits - definitely worth trying! The server was AWESOME - I wish I remembered her name so I could post it here. Try this place - good for dinner with friends, a date...the patio looked fun too.
(4)Matt T.
I had the fish tacos - probably should have done something more testing of the kitchen, but was too full from an earlier feeding - and they were 'fine': any time I go to a restaurant and order something I can make at home, I feel like the professional version should be better; these weren't so much, although they were good. (Just not great.) My friend had the blackened escarole, on top of étouffée. It looked pretty good to me (truthfully, better than mine!). He's a bit of a foodie, and he ruled the fish as "fine", but the étouffée as the best of the dish.
(3)Yukihiro Y.
Would give it 4 but crab soup was too saucy/thick/salty for a soup, oysters Rockefeller were so-so, and this is based on sitting at the bar. Crab cake was full of crab tho sauce was lacking. Mussels were nice and more brinier than I've had in recent years. Complimentary corn bread was Lishious, 4.5* and fre
(3)Michael M.
If you want excellent seafood in Charleston, this is the place to be. Went here on Friday night with a group of 3 friends, and everything was fantastic. We started at the bar, for a drink, and enjoyed a Bulleit Rye Manhattan. It was delicious. Next, we went to our table, and enjoyed the Ceviche, and upped it to a 4-way. Every fish in it was delicious and fresh. That is the one thing about seafood, if it is fresh, it does not have a fishy smell to it. Finally for our entrées, 3 of us ordered the mahi mahi fish tacos. I ordered the shrimp taco. Everything was cooked to perfection. Yeah, I will be back.
(5)Jim D.
Enjoying Charleston with my family and this restaurant enhances the experience. Great for kids, but a wonderful menu for us adults. My wife enjoyed a local fish---blackened Escolar, prepared in an étouffée, really good. I had a southern treat, shrimp n grits, had spice but not overwhelmed by it. Service was attentive and friendly as well. This place deserves all the positive reviews it gets.
(4)Steven H.
We had very high expectations for this place that were somewhat misplaced. Don't get me wrong, dinner here was perfectly pleasant. It just didn't knock our socks off. The service was very nice (kudos to Rachel). The food was just ok. We shared three starters. Lobster ceviche was very fresh and light, and the lobster shined through. The cornmeal crusted fried oysters with habañero aioli and mango salsa were sort of tasty but texturally were kind of odd. The hot crabmeat dip was all mayonnaise and fairly gross. My daughter had the crabmeat and avocado ravioli appetizer as an entree. It was just OK. My son had spicy Cajun-style shrimp which were REALLY spicy and delicious, perfectly cooked. I had grilled swordfish with a beurre blanc sauce which was pretty good, if not spectacular. The mashed potatoes were excellent, though. I was told that Hank's is better for seafood, but I wanted to do something more casual. Next time I am in Charleston I will go there instead.
(3)Kim O.
We stayed at a hotel nearby so decided to eat there. Ended up eating there several times! Wonderful selections and great atmosphere. A must if visiting Charleston.
(5)Katie B.
Definitely a bland experience. I took my extended family here when they came to visit me, and the overall consensus was mediocre food for too much money. I had the crab encrusted tilapia and thought it was bland and dry. Not a piece of fish I would expect served to me in a downtown Charleston restaurant. My uncle had the Seafood Paella (grilled fish with scallops, shrimp, clams, mussels, housemade chorizo sausage, peppers, onions & saffron calasparra rice), which sounds absolutely amazing, but sadly was the most underwhelming concoction. In sum, none of our 8 dishes were anything exciting or anything worth paying gourmet prices. In a foodie city, such as downtown Charleston, it is definitely disappointing.
(2)Matt B.
My waitress was a little slow to start and appeared to be in the weeds with only 3 tables including me (solo). She seemed to step it up a little after delivering the entrees to her other two tables. The food was really good. I had the flat iron steak and it was cooked perfect, tender and flavorful. The blue cheese butter was exceptional. The calamari was good, but not spectacular. The remoulade sauce and marinara were both delicious. Prices were very reasonable for the quality. The live guitar and singing was enjoyable. Not too loud and and the guy had talent. I would definitely make this a regular stop when in Charleston.
(4)Cinnatea L.
So glad we tried this place. A little hard to find in the alley, but totally worth wandering around in the cold looking for it lol. Great service, seated promptly. We had the Creole Fried Oysters. Yumm. And some Australian Shiraz - super yumm. But the highlights of the meal, aside from superb service, were the blackened escolar with crab etouffee and jalapeno cornbread, and the hazelnut chocolate cheesecake. Holy heaven Batman!!! Excellent preparation and presentation. Our socks were definitely knocked off!! Bravo!! Will be back!
(5)Andrea W.
The atmosphere is great. Beautifully decorated and not too fussy. Wish we had time to hang out at the bar before dinner. Food was good, all the seafood rated really fresh. Our bacon wrapped scallops tasted a little burned, but everything else was excellent. I think you could probably get comparable seafood at other places in Charleston, but Coast wins my vote for the decor and atmosphere.
(4)Nathan S.
Seafood restaurant, and very good at it. Shrimp & grits was a pretty small serving, but my fried combo was big enough. Nice staff, good location, good seafood variety. Loved it.
(5)Anna L.
Crowded, but no wait on a Monday night. Family friendly and also great for dates. Service was kind of slow, but made up for it with the delicious seafood! Salmon was excellent. I wish there was a front door in front of the patio.
(4)Alyssa M.
On a visit to Charleston we were on the look-out for good seafood in a non-touristy place. This place was packed late on a Thursday with locals which I took as a good sign. I absolutely loved what I ordered (peel & eat shrimp and the bacon wrapped scallops). My bf got the whole fried flounder and it was amazing! The rest of the trip I wanted to come back for more. For the quality and service I thought it was reasonably priced. Skip Hymens and head here if you're an out-of-towner looking for seafood.
(5)Michael R.
Was visiting Charleston with family recently, and my parents had eaten at Coast in 2011 for their anniversary and absolutely loved it, so we wanted to check it out. It's located in an old, open, warehouse off of a bit of an alley, so the entrance itself builds up it's image. Coast goes for the Islander/Surfer Dude theme, in that they've got Straw huts over some tables, and have worked to turn the cavernous space into a very chill feel. When we visited on a weekend evening, they had live music going in their bar area, which filtered over nicely into the dining space. Their drink menu is pretty expansive, and we were all able to settle on a wine choice to go with our food. The service here was excellent, both with our primary server, and the supporting staff, as they worked well to ensure that water glasses were kept full, and we were attended to, but all without being overbearing. The food here is well worth the reputation, as the tend to toe the line between creole, down-home southern, and a latin american flair, all of which are good influences that help make their dishes unique among some of the other restaurants in Charleston. We started off with one of their Crab Dips, which came out piping hot with some crusty bread, and was very cheesy and creamy; I would have liked a better crab to dip ratio, however the dip was deliciously flavored none the less. We all went with Seafood dishes; my family all went with different Grilled items including Salmon, Swordfish, and their special of the day, a Surf and Turf special of Rib-eye, Salmon, and Shrimp, while I went with their Cashew Coated I think it was Grouper. The fish was heavenly here, simply amazing all around. All of the grilled fish came out exceptionally well, and was still moist, even the swordfish, which I know is a hard fish to grill without drying out. Their sides too were all flavorful, I quite enjoyed the Parm mashed potatoes, and their green beans were on the al dente side which I liked but to my parents were a bit under done. Coast's portions are quite filling, however not as large as I've seen for other similarly priced venues, which would be my only drawback here. Either way, they left us satiated such that we passed on Dessert. I'd definitely make this a return trip choice to check out some differing options on their menu
(4)Abby L.
My favorite place to get seafood in Charleston. The atmosphere here is amazing and the wait staff is super helpful and willing to answer numerous questions. The dinners are all full of fresh, delicious ingredients and are the perfect size to fill you up. I had the scallops and they were cooked to perfection, large, and plump. If you love seafood I would highly recommend Coast.
(5)Tina T.
Best. food. ever. I had Grilled Spicy Adobo Shrimp with mango salsa, grits, and grilled veggies. So delicious it was ridiculous. Service was okay and we had to wait for a little bit, but the food made up for it all.
(5)Sam P.
Crowded place with mediocre food. Paella was ok, but not impressive. Crab encrusted tilapia was a meager serving with unremarkable taste.
(2)Alisha W.
Not worth the money. The appetizers are small portions not enough to share. The good thing was the frozen southern lemonade.
(2)Amy B.
Everything was delicious, fresh, memorable. Ceviche trio; liked the shrimp best, but it was all perfectly prepared; Seared Salmon was divine; Red snapper sublime. Mojitos were a little weak, but the flavors were spot on. I will go back here every time I visit Charleston until I have exhausted the menu!
(5)Arnaud B.
A generous 4 stars. Service was good, food was average, and overall pricey.... But would still recommend to have diner here if you are in charleston for vacation. The architecture of this place is unique and pretty awesome. Looks like eating in a giant historic warehouse. Neat.
(4)Terri J.
We had just arrived in Charleston and Coast looked like a perfect, somewhat casual dinner spot. I have to say the ceviche was out of this world! I recommend the ceviche trio - with the lobster ceviche - to enjoy several tastes. We then shared their fresh catch of the day. Their fish is so fresh and delightfully prepared. Excellent!
(5)Tom G.
I really like Coast - third time there last night. The food is awesome - never had anything close to bad there. The service has also always been great. The menu is good, mostly seafood, which is what you'd expect for a seafood restaurant. Only 2 steaks on the menu and one chicken dish, which if one person in a group isn't into seafood would have a really limited selection. It's not cheap, but also not super expensive. Dinner for 4 with a dozen oysters and drinks came to $210 with a nice tip.
(4)Jack W.
MUST GO TO SPOT!!!! I don't know how we found it. but I am sure happy we did. The oysters made my night and service was really friendly and helpful. We did come with a friend who drank to much as was being rude to our waitress. But she was spunky and had a good head on her shoulders. I wish I could remember her name but she needs a raise. Thanks for everything I enjoyed the night.
(5)Eric S.
Not sure where to start. Never made it past appetizers they were soooo good. Fresh local oysters, bacon wrapped scallops, mussels so good I finished all the dipping bread (and I don't eat bread;). But best of all a generous, people and service oriented bartender, (John) who just rocked it. All for a very reasonable price!!
(5)Vic W.
This is a hard post to write.. Initially, I had a good impression of the service and food. To make a long story short, at the end of the dinner, my date and I saw a huge RAT run across the floor. Yes, a rat !.. Another couples saw the same thing. Immediately, told my girlfriend that we were done. Call the waiter over to tell him what we saw. His response was, "what do you expect from a 100 year old building." I called the manager over and he was apologetic, but didn't offer not to have us pay for the check or anything. I called back a day later and insisted they refund my money, which he agreed to. This was ridiculous!. Even a few days later I hate thinking about this.
(1)Carrie J.
AMAZING!!! I had the sea scallops with the whipped Boursin mashed potatoes and the Malbec! EXCELLENT! They know how to cook seafood right!
(5)Sase D.
Loved the atmosphere. The waitress was very nice and so helpful with explaining items on the menu and every request we made. Me and my husband decided to forgo the appetizers and shared a variety of oysters and ceviche instead and there was a single thing that I didn't like. Even the kids loved their pasta. Highly recommend for any occasion!
(5)Alex Z.
Overall we were rather satisfied. We got the calamari as an appetizer. It was nice and tender, the breading stuck well. A little bit of a kick in one of the sauces might have been nice. The options for different cuisines in the entrees is great. You can get anything from simply grilled fish to southern shrimp and grits, Spanish paella, Japanese-style tune, and seafood pasta. Overall the food was rather good. The blackened escolar was seasoned well and the field pea succotash and polenta went well with it (though I'm not sure why they chose to use polenta rather than grits). My main complaint is the prices. While seafood is generally more expensive, the prices here really don't match the more casual ambiance. Few of the entrees are less than $20. The day after we went here, we went to a more upscale restaurant that also served a lot of seafood, and the prices were almost the same.
(4)Sez R.
Nothing too special. I had ahi tuna, and it was 'ok'. Nothing is particularly bad about this place, but nothing is good either. Same goes for both the food and the service. If you are looking for a place just to eat, then it is ok. If you want a memorable experience, this is not the right place.
(4)SJane D.
Although highly recommended by some locals, my experience had some highs and lows. Tough to choose between a 2 and three on this one. The wait staff was attentive, friendly and efficient. The Food - I opted for the Restaurant Week $30 trilogy of appetizer, entree and dessert. The appetizer chosen was a mixed seafood ceviche, with was excellent in portion size, freshness and taste. Very, very good. Dessert - I chose a key lime pie which was the best I've ever had, including my quest for "the Perfect Key Lime Pie" in Key West. The ceviche and pie is the reason Coast gets a three instead of a two. The entree was awful. I LOVE shrimp and grits, and really never met a plate of shrimp and grits I didn't like, but this shrimp had such a strong taste of bitterness, (maybe iodine?). You could smell it before it even got to your mouth, and it was so over powering that even the tasso tasted bitter. Shouldn't be this way, folks. Busy Restaurant week or not, if they have lousy shrimp they should take it off the menu until they get a better batch. I was not the only diner in Coast that night that left their shrimp (from the shrimp and grits) on their plate. I saw a few, so I am sure they knew they were serving an inferior product. Not okay.
(3)Katie S.
Amazing fish! We both ordered the escarole with basil butter sauce and nearly licked our plates clean! The mojitos were tasty too. We will definitely be back on our next trip!
(5)Mick D.
Nevermind that we set fire to the bread basket. The food at this comfortably upscale but relaxed establishment is outstanding. Tucked away down a small alleyway in historic downtown Charleston, fresh-caught cuisine is what's on the menu, and the effort to procure the freshest seafood and produce in the Lowcountry really shows. We started off with a dozen on the half shell (the selections change daily). I don't know how you feel about oysters--these were perfect. Served with extra horseradish and some crackers, one could easily make a meal out of these. But we continued with a couple of entrées: We had the Snapper Almondine. (Delicate Snapper encrusted with almond & herb breadcrumbs, served over some kick-ass bacon & cheese grits, and right next to some asparagus.) The Braised Grouper entree was the winner of the evening. (Braised grouper and shitake mushrooms and tomatoes served over some truffled bacon & cheese grits.) I have trouble describing why this was so good. The sauce over the whole thing makes you stop for a second. Simply fantastic. I wish I had room for dessert. But alas... I recommend making a reservation. I imagine this place stays busy, especially on weekends. Getting a seat outside might take a little extra time, and it would have been nice to do so, but I was very glad we stayed inside. Hugely tall (forty-feet) ceilings house a series of tin-roofed table enclosures, which felt practically like being outside. And no, it wasn't kitschy. It was very cool and comfortable. Staff also took excellent care of us. I always respect staff that will actually talk me *out* of a chef's special, and our server did. His suggestions were right on target. Plus, they didn't get mad when we set the bread basket on fire. (But we're not going to talk about that.) An award-winning specialty drink selection (you will want to chug the "peach mojito"), along-side a very well matched wine-list, and some *good* beer, make Coast a very popular dining destination. We also saw a variety of groups and larger parties tucking in and celebrating that evening. It's clear that locals and tourists alike really love this place. I look forward to visiting again.
(4)Sarah W.
A friend's friend recommended this place. Great food, casual atmosphere. Hush puppies w/ jalepeno butter are a MUST HAVE. Lobster & Crab Gratin - my friend and I ordered the same dish! It was amazzzzzzzing. Chef's Mixed Grill - my friend loved her dish Tilapia - my friend loved this too Simply Southern Lemonade - heavenly!! Mango Mojito - yummy but a little to tangy/sweet Coast Lime Pie - SO GOOD Triple Layer Chocolate Cake - yummy but I've had better Blueberry Lemonade White Chocolate Cheesecake - TO DIE FOR. You won't regret dining here. The service was amazing. next time I come to Charleston, and I WILL be back with my hubby, I'm totally bringing him here!
(5)Jef B.
Holy cow. Go for the grilled fish and of course the local oysters. Meaty and the combo of sauce mignonette and Mexican hot sauce was well, sublime.
(5)Ed G.
Outstanding meal! Had the cerviche de cangreho which was more than enough for two for an appetizer . Dinner was cashew encrusted grouper and braised grouper. Both were excellent. The truffled bacon cheese grits were amazing. Grits with fish? Apparently it works.
(5)Brandon B.
We made a 6pm reservation but arrived around 5:40. They seated us right away. Our waitress, Brittany, was wonderful! She answered questions we had about different entrees and was very attentive and personable. I ordered swordfish from the grill and my wife ordered salmon. It was delicious! I can honestly say it was the best seafood meal I've ever eaten. It wasn't any more expensive than I expected it to be for a nice meal (around $25 each). I'm so glad we went here!
(5)Tamara P.
What a fantastic experience! Everything from the hostess to the decor was top notch. Our waitress, Viola I think, was exceptional. She helped us decide on everything. All four of us were completely enthralled with the place. This place will treat all of your senses in a way that they haven't been treated in a long time. We were full after our entrees but couldn't resist sharing the coconut blondie with a delicious cup of coffee. Don't miss a chance to come to the Coast when you have the chance. You can thank me later.
(5)David S.
A friend highly recommended Coast to me. I have to admit. I was a little disappointed. The service was subpar. The Shrimp and Grits and Seafood Paella we good but not as good as we expected from a Charleston restraurant. Maybe we were there on a bad night, but we will not return with all of the other great choices in Charleston.
(3)Sanders G.
My family and I had dinner at Coast, and our experience was good. Two of our party had the spicy shrimp dish, and they raved about it. Another of our party had the braised grouper, and while she did not rave, she seemed to enjoy it. I had the cashew encrusted grouper, and it was great, though the portion was much larger than the size of my appetite. For appetizers we had the fried green tomatoes, which were at best a solid "2" on a "10" point scaled, and the crab dip, which was good, but would have been better if served with something other than cold, white bread. Not sure I will return, as Charleston has more than its fair share of really good restaurants, but you won't go wrong by choosing Coast for a solid meal with huge proportions.
(3)Dawn K.
Really great back alley feel. 5 stars for oyster rockefeller. Escolar . Cashew grouper. Just plan on a wait.
(5)Scott M.
Medeocre food at gourmet prices. The most memorable thing about this place was how much of it I've forgotten...aside from how much I paid for it. I visited with my wife and 6 year old daughter. We got appetizers, meals, and a cocktail or two, but even though the visit was only about a week ago, I can't remember anything I ate or drink (this isn't to say the drink was so good it erased my memory, unless they rufied me or something). I know we didn't dislike the food but we really disliked seeing a bill of over $100 for what we had just experienced. The service is good, the atmosphere is fine, the food is unmemorable, the location is pretty bad, and the value is awful.
(1)G G.
Fresh from the coast. Crab dip appetizer was great. Bread Grilled on the wood fired grill. (they cook lots of variety of fish on this grill too) Had oysters on the half shell that were not from the area (due to the season) but were outstanding. I ordered 2 more appetizers for my meal: the fish tacos, which were good but I've had better at numerous locations in California. Good flavor tho. And saving the best for last, the mussels appetizer was probably the best I've ever had. Fresh, perfectly cooked mussels in a white wine, garlic sauce that adds to the flavor but doesn't overpower the mussels. They were a home run! Great casual/fancy atmosphere in a unique location. Very good and friendly service. Will be returning on my next visit.
(5)Addie T.
Very disappointed with the quality of the food. I ordered the mussels with a side of mashed potatoes. The mashed potatoes were okay, but the mussels were not cleaned properly. The beards were still attached, and some of them were barely cooked. Would not order again.
(2)Jillian F.
The food was good but I've had better in charleston. We started off with a few cocktails. The melon mojito was okay along with the sangria. However their hibiscus mule was too sweet. The bread was delicious and slightly sweet. I ordered the shrimp with bacon grits. It had lots of flavor and a bit of spice. My dad ordered a similar salmon entree made similarly to my shrimp. Then my mom ordered a buttery white fish. It was cooked great. Overall the food was good but average for charleston. The atmosphere is very casual and relaxing if you aren't looking for something fancy.
(3)Carlo B.
Talk about a hidden gem...... Coast is the place for a great seafood meal. We started with the Coast Crab Dip. It consisted of Blue Crab meat, horseradish sauce and grilled bread. Delicious!!!! I had Shrimp Linguini with bacon, shallots & peppers in a creamy Rockefeller sauce. A nice size portion that exceeded my expectations. My wife had Baja fish tacos which she raved over. Service was awesome. I can't remember the name of the young lady who took care of us but she was attentive and had that southern charm which Charleston is known for. Thank you and the staff for a great dining experience.
(5)C W.
We went to Coast last night for drinks and dinner. We sat at the bar and had a drink while waiting for our table. All the staff were friendly and helpful. The bacon wrapped scallops were the best and I don't like scallops. I recommend the grilled salmon very fresh and well prepared. The menu has a large selection of appetizers, vegetables and seafood dishes that I plan to come back and try.
(5)Medrano D.
There were 7 of us and we all loved everything we ordered. The cevice was delicious. Fresh. Fresh bread brought before we ate was soooo good.
(5)Clint W.
Dark, with lots of brick inside. The bar and kitchen are the first part of the place that you walk into. A larger dining room is around the corner, with booths and such. During the summer, there is sort of an outside seating area that is enclosed, facing the alley. Staff was quick to us, and pretty patient explaining the menu. It's a pretty substantial selection of seafood to pick from. I went after the ahi this time and got an enormous portion. Two huge chunks sitting on my plate. Solid, but not exceptional. Since it was pretty quiet, we were in and out rapidly.
(4)Tom W.
Service and food was outstanding! Had the snapper almondine. Best fish dish I've ever had. Paired with stags leap cab. Great night!
(5)Zee B.
First time in Old Charleston this past weekend. Nice place to grab some local fare. Service was pretty good and the sweet potato fries were a delight! I will go back when I am in town next time.
(4)Lauren W.
This was my second time at Coast and yet again my expectations were exceeded. They were booked for the night but managed to get us in. Wonderful atmosphere. Oysters were excellent. I had the Salmon with vegetables and mashed potatoes. Service was superb! Couldn't have asked for a better experience. Can't wait to visit Charleston again... This will be first on my list!
(5)Jason G.
Great open space with an outstanding atmosphere that was intimate, inviting and not too loud. We ate at the bar and enjoyed outstanding service and the food was delicious. We luckily discovered that Sunday was half price bottles of wine night... Combined with awesome Oysters Bienville and Seafood Paella, the night was perfect. We ate as a couple at the bar, but there were a number of children there with families that appeared to be having a great time. We look forward to going back.
(5)Esteban M.
We ordered the crab encrusted tilapia and shrimp and grits, along with the crab dip as an appetizer. Unfortunately the dip was the best part. The tilapia looked as if it were a TV dinner and the stoneground grits were "soupy". On the plus side the ambiance was nice and mojitos were good...a little overpriced but good none the less. In the future I would go just to have drinks and dessert with a client or it's the perfect place for a first date.
(3)D V.
Great crab cakes. Crab crusted tilapia was really good too. Crab dip is warm and served w/toasted crusty bread - not what I was expecting, but very good. Slaw - YUK!! Atmosphere is terrific and house Cabernet was very smooth. Overall, a good meal. Would visit again.
(4)Susie G.
A Skillful Recovery Will Bring Us Back... On a very balmy first day of winter we decided to give the restaurant, Coast a try. I have heard great things about it, and was excited to see if it met its hype. As it was described to me it is definitely "tucked away" and located in an alley behind 39 Rue du Jean. We actually drove past it but in doing so were lucky to find a parking space on Meeting Street and walked the few blocks to the restaurant. The restaurant itself was a nice surprise. It's much bigger than I'd expected with a very long bar, ample seating in the bar area, and many tables. What are also very attractive are the 30' ceilings and the brick-lined walls. The dining room is dimly lit and has a light tropical feel, as the booth we sat in was under what appeared to be a large, tropical hut. The décor is otherwise not overdone with a few colorful pieces of glass and a rogue coconut here and there. Andy, our server, immediately approached us and took our drink order. We asked him what on the menu were some of his favorites and he quickly was able to review each section of the menu and make recommendations. We placed an order for the Crab and Avocado Ravioli, which was one of his suggestions. Warm, fresh bread and butter were quickly brought to the table. Literally in a blink of an eye our ravioli appeared. We actually thought it might be a mistake and asked him if this order could be for another table. He said no, and we started to dig in. Three, over-sized ravioli circled a fresh, lightly dressed mound of greens that were topped with a few dabs of goat cheese. Other than a little heavy handed with the olive oil in the preparation, the ravioli were very good. Since we had received our appetizer so quickly I was curious to see how long it would take to get our entrees. A short nine minutes later our entrees arrived. It's odd for my husband to even eat at a seafood restaurant since he's not a big seafood fan, but after his first bit of his Grilled Spicy Adobo Shrimp the comments were, "I think I'm in love." His spicy shrimp sat atop perhaps what were the best tasting grits that we've had since we've lived here. I thought, "Hmm, we may be on to something." But alas, there was only to be one person at the table that was to have such a relationship. My order of the evening's special - Grilled Escobar, Salmon, bacon wrapped jalapeno shrimp served with parmesan mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables was like a bad blind date. You know right away it's not going to go well, but you're at a loss as to what to do next. My mashed potatoes and vegetables were cold. Not chilly, cold. That's ok, as it can be an easy fix. When Andy came to check on us I explained that they were cold and asked for two new sides, I kept my fish as I did not want it to get cold as he went for the sides. He seemed frustrated. I did not know if his frustration was with his kitchen team, with me, or a little bit of both. Whatever the source, I completely understood his feelings. The sides were out in a flash and they were great. But then... I tried my bacon wrapped jalapeno shrimp. There didn't seem to be any jalapenos, which I expected so I asked Andy as he walked by. He said that the jalapenos were infused within the bacon - not so much. The bacon just tasted like bacon. As I unwrapped them (I'm not that big of a bacon fan), I noticed that the bacon closest to the shrimp wasn't cooked and the shrimp was also undercooked. I genuinely was too embarrassed to ask for anything else, but did mention it to Andy when he picked up our plates. Showing some additional frustration he said, "We'll just take this off your check because it didn't meet your expectation." We told him thank you, but he didn't have to do that. A short time later a very tall gentleman approached the table. We assumed it was the manager, but it was odd he didn't introduce himself. He apologized and then started rattling off things that he could quickly bring me, "Soup, salad, anything that you'd like." I thankfully declined. He told us that he'd taken the dinner off of the check because things weren't done correctly. He said he felt bad and that "If you leave hungry, then we haven't done our job." To me, Coast skillfully recovered last night. I am certain that the manager would have done anything necessary to make sure I was well fed and happy. What else can you ask for? We'll give Coast another try soon.
(3)Randy R.
Good, fresh seafood. Hush puppies were a little bit disappointing, as they were very, very dry. Decor is fun and interesting, but borders on being cheesy.
(4)Michael B.
2 words............. mango mojito 4 words......... half price wine sundays and the best part of all their food is good too!
(4)Kendra C.
I was really excited to try the Lobster & Crab Gratin (half lobster stuffed with blue crabmeat, lobster & parmesan cream herb breadcrumb crust, green beans & parmesan mashed potatoes). It was good but not what I was expecting for $27. It was like a crab cake stuffed inside a lobster tail. I don't think I tasted any lobster at all!. Big let down. My friend had the fish tacos and she loved them. I must give them credit for serving good food when we sat down 10 minutes before close on a Monday night.
(3)Cruz K.
The staff at my hotel said this place was good and they were so right,always ask a local..The shrimp was some of the best ive ever had,good service,great location,right down town,walking distance from my hotel,if I ever go back to charleston this will be a must stop.Also the beer was cold.
(5)Kathleen S.
I am visiting in the area and a group,of us went to Coast on a Friday night. It was very good. Excellent service, a fair beer list, really good food.
(4)Ian P.
We had the ceviche, oysters Rockefeller, wreckfish, and fish sticks for the kids. First of all, the ceviche was incredible! It was whole scallops and shrimp, not chopped up like most places. They were as fresh and delicious as you could possibly hope for, and the scallops were huge. The oysters and wreckfish were also delicious, but the fish fingers were surprisingly perfect. When I think fish fingers I think of heavy breading, and nasty fish. This was a kids' dish ($5), but it was delicious. It was more like fish and chips than fish fingers. The fish was super fresh, piping hot, with a very thin breading. I could have eaten two plates of the kids' fish fingers and been absolutely satisfied and happy. We finished dinner with the chocolate cake, which was probably the best chocolate cake we've ever eaten.
(5)Eric S.
Highlight of our trip to Charleston! Atmosphere is great in an old warehouse, service was attentive but not obtrusive and the food was to die for. Started out with ceviche trio (shellfish, lobster and octopus) that was amazing, great brightness of flavors through the acidity. Wife had the grouper over creamy grits and she loved it. I had the paella which had wonderful flavors, huge portions and so much seafood I couldn't finish it all (escolar, scallops, mussels, clams and shrimp) along with a house made chorizo that stole the show, simply amazing!! (Sancerre by the glass was a nice surprise too!) Finished off with white chocolate banana bread pudding and key lime pie that were a perfect finish to the best meal of our trip! If you are in town you MUST try Coast. We ate early (6pm) with reservations and were in and out in 50 minutes to boot!!
(5)Carla D.
Fabulous restaurant off the beaten path. Very cool bar area. I am hooked on oysters at the moment and Coast definitely did not disappoint. I ordered a half dozen, all different varieties. What can I say? They were all tremendous! I also ordered a small mixed greens salad and the cioppino. For less than $10, I expected the cioppino to be a smallish cup but it was a meal! The tomato broth was divine and it was filled with plenty of tender seafood. The side salad was also huge, and I couldn't finish it. Coast is truly sensational, I had a really great meal!
(5)Racquel P.
I wanted seafood for dinner so my colleague took me here for dinner on a Monday night. What an excellent choice! We were seats immediately and our server was at our table quickly. Very nice and explained all of the daily specials as well as the options on the main menu. I decided on the 1/2 dozen oysters.. She recommended 2 kinds (forgot what they were) and I ate them a little too quickly!! So yummy. My colleague ordered the pei mussels and it was a good amount. Our server brought extra bread as she knew we would want to dip it into the broth, which we did and it took everything to not wipe the bowl dry!! For the main course, I ordered the rare tuna with the sobe noodles. The sobe noodles flavor was kind of bland but the tuna was amazing. I was getting full on the tuna itself. My colleague ordered the pecan crusted grouper and she said it was the best fish she has ever had! If I ever am in downtown Charleston again and had a craving for seafood, I would love to come back to Coast. Definitely hit the spot!!
(5)Ed B.
So many good meals at this restaurant over the past 5 years, tonight was not one of them! Starting with the bread, not warm and actually seemed old! Their bread is usually a great start. The Oysters Rockefeller was excellent and the fried squid good. My go to dish the Pecan Encrusted Grouper was a great disappointment! Potatoes were cold, green beans cold and sauce watery! My fish was three small pieces, they were hot and decent. I will dine at Coast again but really hope it returns to a 4 star experience.
(3)Deb W.
Love the alley that Coast is located on and the fantastic atmosphere inside. The wait staff was great as were our fantastic mojitos. My husband was very happy with the selection of beers on tap. We had the crab dip and fried oyster appetizers. Both very good. I was quite disappointed with my seafood paella. The amount of seafood was minimal and the pieces were so small they were hard to find. There was a TON of very tasty rice. My husband had a shrimp and grits dish that was fantastic. Very large, perfectly cooked shrimp. We will definitely be going back. I can't wait to ty their happy hour!
(4)Tali K.
I was very pleasantly surprised by this hidden gem. The service was great, everyone was very helpful and friendly. Definitely a unique and memorable ambiance. We ordered the crab and avocado ravioli appetizer- A MA ZING! Such a unique flair and so light and refreshing. We audio ordered the seated rare tuna. This too was delicious. Pecan crusted atop pomegranate reduction noodles made for an absolutist delightful flavor combination. I would definitely come again.
(5)Kristen B.
This restaurant is a-ok, just as a three star rating states. Satisfying but not anything that stands out. The signature cocktails are underwhelming. Too sweet and uninspiring. Raw oyster starters were ok. They had a small selection for a fresh seafood restaurant and were out of one of the options. Of the oysters we did receive, they were nice and cold and fresh. We ordered the shrimp and grits as well as the wood-fire grilled escolar. The shrimp and grits were good but again nothing special. The escolar was delicous. Cooked perfectly. The sides that came with the fish were average (potatoes and mixed veggies).
(3)Aly S.
We got a reservation the night before on Open Table for 2 and all that was left was 8:30. When we arrived it wasn't too crowded, no one was waiting except a group of girls who said they had a reservation from online and the hostess told her they don't accept online reservations for 6 or more and totally turned away their business. I was kind of annoyed by that, they definitely could have offered them a drink and found a way to accommodate them. They have a great wine list which I was not expecting from reviews. I was happy about that and enjoyed a Sauvignon Blanc from Ferrari Carano in California that I have had before and love. The orange rosemary table bread was different and I enjoyed it. For an appetizer we got the avocado crab ravioli -- YUM! Get that. For dinner both my boyfriend and I went with some of the nightly chef's specials. Mine was salmon, it had a very smokey flavor. They definitely cook the fish on a hickory wood grill which was not advertised on the specials menu. I don't like that smokey flavor so I wasn't thrilled about it. It was also pretty large and slightly overcooked. My boyfriend got a surf and turf with sirloin and mahi- the steak was cooked perfectly, the mahi was also smokey. My boyfriends sides here were not good, the mashed potatoes tasted like the boxed kind. The sliced veggie thing was just blah. But the asparagus and fingerling potatoes were actually really good on my plate. What is the theme of this place? They had nice exposed brick covered up with tiki stuff and pictures of fisherman on the walls. I give it 4 stars because of the wine, ravioli, and my boyfriend loved his steak and mahi mahi.
(4)Jim D.
It's all about seafood and a nice casual atmosphere nice place to take a date I made a dinner and appetizers the fried calamari's were good the shrimp tacos were a little spicy I suggest no hot sauce and Caesar salad was full of anchovies something that I likeI would not recommend the crab ceviche market not the best try the regular ceviche or the shrimp ceviche enjoy
(4)Scotty C.
I've never had dinner at Coast, but I've been in to the bar area a few times and sampled plenty of their appetizers as well. I recently came in for drinks with a birthday crowd as the Bday girl was obsessed with their award winning mojitos. After stating that I don't really like mojitos or sweet drinks, I was still barraged with everyone suggesting I try theirs because it was the best one. Surprise, I still don't like 'em... too sweet for me. I ordered a Dark & Stormy instead and it was excellent. In the past, I recall every one of the apps being top notch. In one sitting, we passed around the lobster ceviche, fried oysters, calamari, and fried green tomato's. Everyone loved it all. Even the tomato's, which you would expect to be boring compared to the other options, stood on their own up against any seafood app. Something about the calamari made it extra special too... one of my favorites. I'm definitely interested in checking out the dinner service as well. The other night we had dinner at Rue and then came to Coast for Drinks. Maybe next time we do things the other way around.
(4)Nicole A.
Overall pretty good. I wouldn't rush back, but the environment itself is pretty trendy and it's nice that it's next to the music hall and off of King Street in it's own little nook. Drink-wise, the cucumber Mojito is the way to go. Delicious and refreshing - great in the summer. Also it won best Mojito or best something in Charleston for 2010 - fun fact. Now food - we ordered a lot and if I could re-do it all over I totally would. To begin we had the crab ravioli, tuna tartar, baja tacos, and the crab soup. Reflecting back we all agreed the play is - crab soup (perhaps 2 to share for the table), and 2 ravioli. The tuna tartar was just okay, and the tacos were also just okay. Okay so now for entrees, if your thinking the tuna, I would do the tuna but rather than the pomegranate noodle, I would get it with potatoes and Brussel sprouts or some other side. In my opinion the noodles were good but they either needed a peanut crunch to cancel out all the sweetness or they should have done less noodles. Nevertheless, it wasn't my favorite, but to be fair, the tuna was cooked perfectly so I have no complaints there. My friend ordered the blackened swordfish and that was honestly the best entree on the table. I almost ordered it because of the jalapeño corn bread but ended up getting a side of that instead. Clearly a dumb decision on my part, I totally should have just ordered it. It came with a crab ratatouille so it had this warm shrimp and grits, southern flare to it, that tourist like myself crave when we come down to Charleston. My sister who we make fun of for ordering burgers at seafood restaurants, surprised us all and killed it with her order. She started with the crab soup and then got a Caesar salad with calamari - the calamari was fresh and delicious - it also was the perfect balance of comfort food and an attempt at being healthy. Which honestly, if you take anything away from this review, it should be to order the soup. You won't be disappointed. The cashew encrusted grouper was very good too - also (side note) the server made it sound like the mashed potatoes were a signature dish but they were nothing to rave about We didn't do dessert or anything like that because we were so full. But if you have done all the top notch restaurants in Charleston and are looking for fresh fish or even going to the music hall for a show, it's worth checking out... Like I said though, I wouldn't rush back.
(3)Glenn J.
Great seafood. The grilled swordfish was fantastic. The bacon wrapped scallops were delicious. Overall a very cool atmosphere and good food.
(4)Lakeisha C.
I figured it was about time for me to review this restaurant, being that I go to Charleston and myrtle beach every year. This restaurant is by far one of my favorite places in Charleston. It's nestled between some quaint little buildings in the downtown area. So it's a little hidden but that makes it all the more fun to get to. It's cozy and has live music. A very intimate feeling falls upon you when dining here. It's a great place to go on a date or with friends. I tried the creole fried oysters and the crab dip. Both were extremely yummy and filling! I couldn't eat anything else after those two dishes and a glass of wine. That was my very first time eating an oyster and that's the only place I'd eat one at. Overall, it was a great experience. I'll always return here.
(4)Charlie P.
Coast has great seafood options and solid service, but the fact that its not particularly trendy or unique in any way I think is the reason its not often talked about in Charleston. The interiors are upscale nautical and the atmosphere is casual meets fine dining. The menu is pretty large and home to all kinds of seafood options, from a raw bar to fried seafood platters to all kinds of grilled, blackened and baked fish. The appetizer menu is also pretty extensive, with lots of options for sharing which I love, like salt and pepper calamari, bacon wrapped scallops, crab dip and oysters. I also love the selection of different sauces available with the fresh fish of the day, such as pineapple-chili salsa that pairs well with anything.The prices are expensive, but not outrageous, at around $20-25 an entree. I ordered the Grilled Mahi Mahi for dinner the other night, which came with a hefty helping of sautéed vegetables and parmesan mashed potatoes on the side. It was good, no complaints. And I think good, no complaints kind of summarizes Coast as a whole. If you are seeking slightly upscale seafood in downtown Charleston, I would pair Amen Street and Coast as tied for your best bet. If you are more concerned with just the food and looking for more of a dive seafood shack, give Roadside Seafood on James Island a try! Must-order items: Cucumber Mojito, especially when its hot as heck out Fresh Fish of the Day w. specialty sauce Crab Encrusted Tilapia
(4)Tina N.
We got a last minute reservation at coast, which was lucky because we were starving on our first night in Charleston and everything seemed to be booked solid, being Labor Day weekend and all. We ordered the daily surf and turf special, the crab dip and something else that I can't remember for the life of me even though it's only been three days...which makes me think it was average. The bacon wrapped scallops were the highlight of the meal; the scallops practically melt in our mouth; I debated between a 3 and a 4 and the scallops deserve the 4th star. The crab dip was more cheese and salt than crab and our medium steak looked more rare. It's also very loud in there and we both felt like we were shouting. Overall, I would say give this place a chance, but probably better for groups.
(4)Cassandra S.
This was by far one of the best restaurants I tried on my trip to Charleston. I had a cashew crusted grouper and it was awesome. We came in as a large group with a pre-fixe menu and they handled all 40 of us like a breeze despite the rest of the restaurant being packed.
(4)Marie A.
I have been wanting to try Coast ever since I moved to Charleston - 5 years ago. Tonight was the night. It did not disappoint. Appetizer we tried was the ceviche sampler ... Very fresh and tasty. My main dish was the blackened swordfish with jalapeño cheddar corn bread, blue crab etouffe, and pickled okra. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Good flavors that went well together. I wish there was more pickled okra on the plate! We had excellent service on a Friday night. Seated quickly since we had a reservation. Huge menu selection and wine selection. I wish I would have had room for a dessert. The decor was cute and had a very Charleston feel. I would definitely go back again!
(4)Tiffany S.
Great atmosphere. Very reasonably priced meals, and delicious. I would highly recommend the seared tuna.
(5)Ed M.
Top notch seafood in a town where you come to expect great seafood. We went here for my fiance's birthday and had a great time. It's really a pretty cool place that has really good vibes for a seafood restaurant. We started the the coast soup which was one of the best soups we have had in some time. Jumbo lump crab with sherry and cream you really can't go wrong. For dinner my fiancé had the grilled Mahi Mahi with veggies and mashed potatoes. The mahi was real fresh and the chimichurri sauce it came with was awesome. I had the grouper entree with bacon cheese grits and shiitake mushrooms. The grits were ok but I have come to the realization I am not much of grits person. The grouper though was perfectly cooked and it was really an excellent dish. All in all we were pumped to have dinner here...really great staff and awesome food.
(4)Mary R.
Delicious food! We had steamed oysters as appetizers that were pretty huge. I had melon mojito which was delicious as well.
(5)Dave M.
2.5 stars for me. After hearing great things about this place, I have to say I was a little disappointed. The crab ceviche was great - the highlight of my meal. The blackened escolar was good in theory but my piece of fish was too under for my liking. I actually needed a steak knife to cut it, but instead set most of it aside. The rest of the dish was okay. The coast key lime pie was also a little disappointment for me - reminded me more of a lemon meringue pie with its consistency and texture. I like this place but wish I had ordered differently. Maybe that's what I get for listening to the advice of the nice, long haired, bearded, hippie looking bartender. I strongly prefer Rue de Jean next door, although it's menu is more limited for seafood, but I think better overall.
(3)Frank C.
Coast was fab! Absolutely amazing! We were told to come here, and it was a don't miss restaurant! There was great service, the food was great, and it was a great family friendly atmosphere! For an appetizer we got oysters, and they were great! The food was FANTASTIC! We got blackened escolar , braised sea bass, and fish sticks. TIP!! The kids fish sticks are fresh made to order Tilapia filets breaded , delightful!!! My wife said that they were the best she had ever eaten!! This is a MUST when you go to Charleston!
(5)Chris M.
Had a great experience at Coast with my wife and two teen agers. Everyone enjoyed their meal and our waiter was attentive and friendly. I had baked tilapia and it was excellent. My daughter had the fish tacos and a salad, she's 14; and said the fish tacos were "okay". My 16 year old son had Adobo shrimp dish and he really liked it; said it was excellent. That Adobo dish is spicey but he likes spicey. My wife had angel hair pasta with shrimp. She gave it a 7 out of a 10 and said she'd order it again. It was a classy but casual atmosphere. I expect we'll keep Coast on our radar for places we like but we've got a lot of restaurants to try in Charleston before we'll be back.
(4)Francesca D.
One of my favorite casual seafood restaurants in Charleston that's not over priced. When my husband and I dine here, we opt for the community table to have a casual experience, and so we can watch the powerhouse behind the scenes (you can see right into the kitchen!). Always order the oysters- so good. And get a few apps to share and you'll be nice and full (fried green tomatoes, fish tacos are a must!) Their sangria is also amazing and can catch up to you quickly! :) My only complaint is that the service can be spotty. I hate when you have great service leading up to the end of the meal and then the server disappears when you are ready for the check- that's happened here a few times, but would never prevent me from coming back. We love this place!
(4)Penny H.
Best restaurant we tried in Charleston. The atmosphere was like an open air courtyard, but we were inside. The food was amazing! Great fish, steak, and scallops. Service was great, too!
(5)Jessica J.
I ordered the salmon ( medium) with garlic parsley butter sauce, vegetables and mashed potatoes. The salmon was fresh and moist...not over cooked or dry. The vegetables were nicely seasoned. I would definitely return to Coast. My food was delicious and the service was great.
(4)Becca R.
The best thing here were the oysters. Hands down the best oysters I've ever had (note that I have not been more north than here along the east coast). For around $24 you could pick your assortment from local and around the east coast. We ended up getting an additional dozen of our favorites after trying them all out. The cocktail sauce was very good and flavorful. I would buy a bottle of that sauce!! Going off previous reviews, we got the traditional ceviche. It was okay... Not great. I got the shrimp n grits which was a different take on it and pretty tasty. Maybe not my favorite rendition of the dish, but I would get it again. My husband got a steak, which was not seasoned at all. He was bummed. Honestly, the meal brought the rating from 5 stars to 4. The service was great. We were at Coast quite a while enjoying the oysters and our meal and our waiter was very available and friendly. Overall, this is an excellent place for a date night and I would love to try other items off their menu!
(4)Melissa C.
I really enjoyed my visit to Coast. There was a 50 top that my server was also dealing with so the service was a bit slow but with a 50 top, he still did a decent job. The food was outstanding! I ordered the cioppino and blackened escolar. It was served on top of a large piece of jalapeno cornbread which was surrounded by blue crab etouffee. The entire thing was perfect. The fish was delicious and moist. The cornbread soaked up the right amount of etouffee. I really enjoyed it! The cioppino was one of my favorite items that I ate all week in Charleston. So flavorful! The location down in the alley with all the ivy at the entrance is so neat. Great food with a fun atmosphere.
(4)Carol R.
The salmon was awesome! My husband got the combo steak, shrimp and salmon. Said was one of his best meals. Server nice and helpful. We made reservations for Monday, missed out on Sunday (1 1/2 hr wait). Reasonably priced.
(5)Christy M.
The hubs and I hit up Coast for Restaurant Week. We went early, although we had made reservations. I like the vibe there, it's kind of an upscale nautical feel restaurant, but not so upscale that you couldn't wear nice jeans (in my opinion). I was a little bummed that despite that it was pretty empty we were put next to two people that were within arms length (or less probably) of us and they were loud enough it made the experience a little awkward... it felt like we were the two different friend groups in junior high stuck at the same lunch table, both trying to pretend the other is not there... (except for when they were commenting on our food... you know, cause that's not awkward or anything)... In hindsight I would have been more comfortable and probably enjoyed the night more if we were at the bar. There are some booths, which would have been nice, but I understand why we were put at the smaller closer tables, since it was just the two of us and they probably expected to be packed for restaurant week. Anyway... We both did the 3 for $30 and split everything, because we just love to try different food. We started with drinks, I got a Palmetto Mule which is Absolut hibiscus vodka, ginger beer, fresh lime and cranberry juice. I had such high hopes for this, as I love hibiscus and I love Moscow mules, but... to be honest, it was just disappointing, it tasted watery. The Hibiscus drinks at Republic and the Moscow Mules at Rarebit have set my standards too high to really enjoy this Palmetto Mule. The hubs got a beer. To Coast's credit, they have a pretty big list of beer and wine. For appetizers, we ordered the Peruvian Style Ceviche and the Blackened Seafood Chowder. I've tried ceviche three times in my life now, once on the coast in Mexico (with raw fish, it made me gag), once on the coast in the Bahamas (with raw conch, it also made me gag) and once at Coast in Charleston (with shrimp, it did not make me gag! Whoo!). It's a bit acidic (which it should be) with big chunks of sweet potato and shrimp. If you like "pickled-ish" things, you'd probably like this ceviche. The Blackened Seafood Chowder was creamy, rich and a little bacon-y (that's a word right?) with a few big chunks of seafood in it. I would order this again, although I'd hate to see the nutrition label info (but who really ever looks at those right?) I then ordered the Surf and Turf, which did not disappoint. Will I come back just for this again, no, it wasn't "crave-worthy" but it was pretty good and every single little part of this dish was good... the Parmesan potatoes, the veggies, the Beurre Blanc, every single thing. The hubs got the shrimp and grits, which also was a solid dish. I would say this would compete for the top two shrimp and grits I've had in Charleston. The flavors popped, the grits were smooth and creamy. We shared the desserts as well, getting one of each (White Chocolate Mousse and Coast Key Lime Pie). They were both smooth, sweet, and enjoyable. I liked Coast, it was good. I expected it to be good. It wasn't a "shock me" good but it didn't disappoint either. I'm glad I tried it. Overall for 2 apps, main dishes, desserts, drinks and tip we threw down around $100... would I do it again? ehhhh, maybe it's just not my style, or... maybe a good drink and great atmosphere is what puts me over the top about somewhere and those were the two things lacking here.
(4)Logan L.
This was my favorite meal in Charleston. Tucked away in an alley was this nice relaxing restaurant and a great kick off for our time in Charleston. I had the crab encrusted tilapia and WOW was it great! The green beans needed a bit more salt but overall the meal was delicious. My husband had their fish of the day (mahi mahi) oak grilled and wasn't as thrilled with it (he said he tasted the char from the grill more than the actual fish). The service was friendly. My strawberry mojito was way too sweet with no 'kick' behind it--after 2 I felt nothing, which honestly for me I should start feeling something by then. I do recommend the restaurant, but we found other and better options that suited us a bit better. Still a good first meal in Charleston!
(3)Robert G.
Went to Coast and had the shrimp tacos and it was excellent. The hostess and waiter were very attentive. Would come back and recommend to friends
(4)Christina G.
The food here is just wonderful. I really loved it. Especially the dessert was a dream! Service was great. Overall very nice atmosphere in the restaurant. Would always return!
(5)John L.
YES! Tucked into a back corner behind Rue 39, Coast looks on the outside like a 1980s sci-fi dive, complete with Neon sign. You go in, and it's a great fish place with a full bar! Food and service here are amazing. The oysters were a combination of salty and yummy, the crab dip was amazing, and the buffalo shrimp tacos were really good. The Parmesan mashed potatoes were a little underwhelming, but otherwise the food here was excellent. The only weird thing was the bathroom floors. I don't get the flooring in there. It's impossible to gain traction, even when the floor is dry. It's weird, but it does not take away from the greatness that is Coast.
(5)J C.
We had the blue crab and spinach manicotti and the fish taco's. REALLY good food. The flavors were amazing. These guys know how to do it. Sunday's are half off bottles of wine.
(5)King L.
Not what you want for Charleston Seafood. High volume, mass produced and mediocre. Slightly better fish and shrimp than Red Lobster without Cheddar Bay Biscuits which makes it a wash.
(3)Jeff Y.
Really 4.5 stars! My friends and I had road-tripped down to Charleston and Yelped places for dinner. The valet at our hotel also recommended that we consider dining at Coast. We put our names down for Coast (45-minute wait), then strolled down King St. to pass the time. You leave a cell number, and they call when your table is ready. Coast is a fairly large restaurant with a lot of farmland/farming-themed paintings on the wall. It had a very casual, relaxed atmosphere. Our waiter was great and attentive, although it took a while to find him (i.e. flag him down) at times since the restaurant is so big. The food was very tasty with fairly large portions. My dining companions loved the she crab soup, and I thoroughly enjoyed my whole fried flounder, which came in the most unique curled shape. Highly recommend! =)
(4)Rob F.
Went for the blackened swordfish but was a little disappointed it was substituted for Mahi-Mahi. The disappointment ended when the meal came however. Very, very good. My wife had the Oysters Rockefeller which was the best she ever had. Go to Coast Seafood NAO!
(5)Neil A.
I was lucky enough to get a room at the Hampton Inn next door as this is one of my Charleston fav's. Came in on a Monday which is pretty quite so hot seated right away. They have some nice covered outdoor seating but it was too hot and there was a game on. The menu is so diverse I would up mixing and matching app's (shrimp tacos, fried green Tom's and cornbread). It's nice they have the choices to do this - and get a nice meal - or go full blown market priced fish dinner. Had a really smooth Sonoma Pinot (yea I know it's not kosher with fish) for a tasty finish. If you come here Fri-Sun arrive early when they open @ 5:30 or be ready to wait.
(5)Hana M.
Since my last review I have been back a couple of times because it is one of everyone else's favorite places to eat. Coast has amazing seafood entrees. During the dinner portion, I could say "this is one of the best entrees I've had" but their appetizers are so awful in comparison so i say "phew i'm glad this is one of the best entrees I have ever had, it makes up for that sucky calamari" Skip the appetizers! Last time I had appetizer of crab, goat cheese and avocado ravioli... Seemed like a trifecta from heaven, 3 of my favorite things in a pocket of dough - amazing?? It was not!! The crab tasted like canned tuna. My first thought was cat food but that's a little harsh. Then the main dish arrived, crispy whole founder, with jicama slaw and aioli. Sooo good! It was crunchy and delightfully spicy with the slaw and aioli. One of the best dishes I have eaten in Charleston, word. My whole party was extremely engaged in their dinner (but not their appetizers.) Coast puts all their effort in giving you an incredible entree, and fresh fish (except maybe not my crab!). Without equally good appetizers, they are just coasting by.
(3)Mark W.
Coast is a great place for dinner. I had the shrimp and grits, and my wife had the ribeye steak. She is a true carnivore, and could not stop talking about how delicious it was. The only negative was the length of time it took for the waitress to give us menus and take a drink order. We sat at the communal tables by the kitchen. Maybe that was the reason?
(4)I M.
The food is great. We had mahi-mahi grilled and crab cake (entree) which btw was gluten free and delicious. Service by the waiter was wonderful... place is much bigger so dont get deterred (make sure you get seated in the back - they have 2 person booths which is nice). Only reason I knocking down a star is because we ordered a Mango Mojito which was suppose to be "award winning" (it was all syrup, pre made and super sweet, too sweet). My husband has a sweet tooth and couldn't take it, didn't finish his drink and when he went back to the bartender to help "fix it" - wanted to just put more ice instead of actually fixing the drink. The drink ended up being left on the side for the whole meal....
(4)Kara T.
So-so food but attentive service. Although my husband enjoyed his oysters and wood oven grouper, my cioppino was more like tomato sauce than broth. The seafood was plentiful and fresh but it lacked a savory flavor. My Mahi Mahi fish tacos had bones, little flavor and the cabbage was too tough and bland. Marinating it and removing the bones would have helped. The cocktails were a disappointment. Too much sugar in the Limonada and the natural blonde bloody Mary was bland. It improved after I added the vinegar dip from my husband's oysters and asked for a side of worshester sauce. With so many great food options in Charleston I wouldn't bother going to Coast. You could do a lot better.
(3)Matt E.
We sat at a table with 4, and had: Tilapia, shrimp and grits, flat iron, fried oysters, chippino, and fish tacos. Shrimp and grits were redonculous, crab crusted tilapia was tasty, flank steak was cooked perfect; flavorful with the perfect snap. Fried oysters were perfectly fried and succulant with a dwlicious sauce. Chiopino seafood was fresh and tender with just the right touch of spice. The fish tacos were the ugly stepchild in this meal, just ok, they need to work a bit on the flavor profile. Overall a good place!
(4)Mark S.
Very good meal and large portions. Come ready to eat. I ordered a dozen oysters and cioppino. Oysters were fresh. Cioppino was okay. I would not order that again. Wife loved her almond crusted salmon over grits. CaeSar salad was very good as well. Service was exceptional. price was reasonable. Would return for sure.
(4)Kelly Z.
Best calamari I ever had. The food was very good so was the service. The only reason why I don't give a place 5 stars is because the portions were very small and the place very loud to have a conversation and lack some privacy.
(4)Ashton B.
This place was amazing. It was a long wait time, but I suggest being patient. The crab dip with the bread is a great appetizer and the crab manicotti is good for any pasta lover. I'll definitely be a frequent visitor.
(4)Holly S.
My food (crab encrusted tilapia) was alright and my mom said her salmon was great. The staff at the front hostess station were kind of friendly and the girl that brought us water never made eye contact or spoke even after I said thank you. Our waitress was better but overall I wasn't really won over...
(3)Crystal S.
Great food, great restaurant! I went there with some friends for my birthday dinner and the meal was great. The wait was pretty long. Granted, we went on a Saturday night, I still expected a shorter wait since we made reservations. We waited about 45 minutes before being seated. Once we were seated, we had a great experience. I order the seafood paella topped with swordfish, which was AMAZING. This was, hands down, the best seafood that I've ever had. Everything was cooked just right and the portion was HUGE. I made three meals out of my dinner. My friends ordered the seafood platters and shrimp and grits, which they all enjoyed. I will definitely be visiting again.
(5)Brittany D.
I enjoyed every bite I had at this restaurant! We had the fried oysters to start which were perfectly fried + had a really good sauce on top. For our entrees we had the blackened swordfish with jalapeño cornbread and braised grouper with grits.. Both were absolutely outstanding! The service was great as well. I would highly recommend!
(5)Taylor G.
Coast was wonderful! We attended for dinner with a party of 6. The atmosphere is comfy with a coastal charm. Cadie our waitress was on point with the service and helped make a menu with tons of great choices more convenient for us. She extended the phrase "southern hospitality" onto our table. I highly recommend everyone to try out their crab dip, ceviche, and the grouper. All was very delicious. Looking forward to another meal here.
(5)Lindsey G.
Coast is by far one of my new favorite seafood restuarants...and I live in SF where some of the greatest seafood in the US is! We went during restuarant week and it was pretty packed, but it took them only 20 min to seat our group of 8. The waitress was incredibly knowledgeable about all the specials going on for restaurant week, and helping us find something for the picky seafood eaters. I tried what the waitress suggested, the braised grouper, and it was amazing! I am not a fan of grits, but the cheesy grits sitting underneath the fish had me converted. We also tried the mussles and the salmon tartar and I would definitely suggest both. Overall, it was a great experience. We were well cared for and well fed and I can't wait to get back to SC to try Coast again!
(5)Steve K.
We asked our pedal-cab driver for a great seafood restaurant and was steered to Coast. From the heirloom tomato salad to the blackened swordfish everything was spectacular! I was in the mood for scallops and as I only saw them in the ceviche menu asked for other options. I went with a grilled shrimp and scallop combo which was amazing. Went well with the perfect classic mohito. Highly recommend!!
(5)Meredith M.
You definitely want a reservation here on a Saturday night. We waited 1+ hours for a table of 4 around 7 last Saturday. We sipped one of the famous Mojitos and enjoyed the breeze outside. I don't mind waiting for a good meal. The place was packed with bachelor and bachelorette parties. Even the bar seats were reserved! The bartenders were very nice and people let us squeeze in to grab a beverage. The hostess seemed a bit annoyed that we didn't have a reservation. Then when I asked if we could wait at the bar she snapped that those tables were reserved as well. Chill out, lady! This is not a fancy place so that upturned nose and nasty snarl did not fit in with the scenery. The setting is beautiful, an open air old warehouse that has been transformed to a cozy dining space. Our waitress was lovely. She seemed very knowledgable of the menu and happy to serve us our meal. The crab encrusted tilapia was cooked to perfection, crispy breading on the outside and tender on the inside. I barely had to move my fork to cut a piece. Everyone at our table left their plates clean. We did not have room for dessert, but maybe next time. Overall this seems like a good place to take a large party of people for dinner. The mood is very upbeat and a bit loud for a romantic dinner. I would come back here again, but make a reservation next time! It would be a 5 star experience if I hadn't had the rude encounter with the host!
(4)Cat P.
If you're tired of being all fancy and just want a chill watering hole or relaxed atmosphere to grab a bite, consider Coast. They have live music and ample indoor and outdoor seating plus an extensive bar. The mood is very fun and youthful. Servers are friendly and come by frequently. The four stars, or 3.5, rather, are more for the environment than the food, however. I would consider Coast's preparation of seafood very American, more traditional American. Nothing particularly exciting, with the exception of the fried okra salad. Slivers of fried okra atop some tomatoes described as salad and served to the ravenous diner=yay! My friend got sick from the ceviche...Though she has a weak stomach, consider ordering a cooked dish if that's also your problem. My crab cake appetizer was good but not outstanding; it lacked something that made it distinctive from other crab cakes, a secret ingredient or way of preparing.... My friend's seafood Cobb salad was very American-gargantuan, sloppy, doused in dressing, basically a bed of lettuce with bits of seafood atop--I hope the flavors were more impressive than the appearance of this dish. The mussels were tasty... It was a mixed bag, but this is a good place for hanging out. It's a breath of fresh air from all the pretentious spots dotting the downtown area. Here's a place where you can kick back and be a little louder, a little sillier...
(4)Shante P.
Arrived here based on the recommendation of a co-worker. My co-workers And I were in town at a conference and chose this restaurant over several recommended. It's tucked away in the alley so you have to pay close attention. We were told a 45 to an hour wait or we could sit at the "community table"(first come first served). The mojitos were good according to my coworker the escolar was cooked to perfection according to another coworker. I had the shrimp adobo and wasn't so thrilled about my grits, I've had better. Overall, the food was good and I'm sure you can't go wrong with any of the seafood.
(4)Dillon T.
First of all, Coast is tucked away in a small alley of the main road. You almost have to know where it is to find it. When you walk in it is an open space with warm light and an inviting feel. Great decor. We started dinner off with a couple of cocktails - expertly done, tasted fresh and delicious. First came the appetizers: I got the steamed mussels and my friend got the crab dip. Holy smokes. Both were so amazing we ordered more bread (baked in house) just to sop up the left over mussel broth and scrape the crap dip bowl completely clean. For the main course we had the shrimp adobo (picture), the crab cakes, and the grilled salmon. The flavors were so perfect and went incredibly well together for each and every dish. The main word for all of the courses is FRESH. You can tell how fresh the seafood was by the pure taste of it. I've been in Charleston for almost 5 weeks now, and I've been to many highly rated and recommended restaurants. Let me just say that Coast is by far the best, tastiest one I've been to with the ambiance and friendly atmosphere to match. Easily 5 stars, if you like seafood you MUST visit Coast. Prices are fair for what you're getting, not cheap, but you're not breaking the bank either. Worth every penny.
(5)l b.
When we arrived on a Saturday evening, we were told it would be an hour and a half wait. So we took up seats at the bar. I'm always fine with eating at the bar, but this bar is a bit high for the chairs.... Anyway, we had mixed drinks and wine because this isn't the spot for craft beer. We started with appetizers and couldn't stop. Their soups were great as well. We filled up on these dishes so we never made it to the entrees. The food style is gourmet and they do a very good job with it! Yum!! We ended up getting seated at a table after maybe 30 minutes at the bar. It was a wonderful experience! The atmosphere is rustic and casual though most people were more dressed up.
(4)Ariel T.
I don't think there is anything on the menu here that is bad! The place is great all around! The environment, the employees, the food all spectacular. I will harp on the salmon. I have got it multiple times and it has always melted in my mouth. I think it has been the best salmon I have had in Charleston. The sides to choose from are also great. I believe the sauce I get for the salmon is something with butter and lemon and it just tops the fish off perfectly! From group experiences they were super accommodating and do take reservations. The process for reservations is a little complicated because it is a voice message system but overall they took great care of us. Anyone that is new or visiting the area I refer to Coast (plus people get excited when you tell them that alley is in Dear John).
(5)Laurina S.
This place is delicious. Our server was extremely attentive I love the vibe. It's a combination of eccentric and hipster decor. They have unique menu options that'll make your dinner experience memorable. I'll be back!
(5)Boone D.
We had dinner here on the night of my bachelorette party. Love the rustic ambiance. It was definitely my kind of place. I had the local grouper which I definitely recommend. The crispy okra was delicious too. The only reason I'm giving 4 stars, and not 5, is because the server was kind of a jerk. He forgot the oyster shooters that my friends ordered. When they brought it to his attention he didn't apologize and disappeared. When he came back he gave them a random concoction that the bartender made and said it was on the house. That would have been nice but it wasn't even what they ordered, and it wasn't good.
(4)Brittany B.
There are no words to describe this place! Well okay, I guess I'll try ;) My boyfriend and I were visiting Charleston on vacation, and looked up Coast through Yelp when we were in the mood for seafood. It doesn't get any fresher than the fare we were served at this classy restaurant. We forgot to make reservations, but were able to sit out on the covered and heated front porch. It was toasty and looked just as comfortable as the inside seating. To start, we ordered the bacon-wrapped sea scallops which were rich, but out of this world. For my main meal, I went with the mahi mahi and paired it with sauteed veggies and Brussels sprouts. Even if you aren't a veggie lover-- try the Brussels sprouts! They were so juicy and cooked perfectly, I'm still trying to recreate the style at home. Of course, the fish was great too, especially with the side of pesto sauce I asked for. If we're ever in the area again, we will definitely be back!
(5)Lisa T.
This was a fabulous meal!! All Alone in Charleston so I pulled up my yelp. Coast FYI it's also 39 rue de jean kinda confusing, had 4 stars with great reviews so I gave it a try! Old brick building with lots of charm. As I am looking over the menu my neighbor gets a hamburger brought to her table. It's looked yummy!! I don't think she could actually get her mouth bun to bun. Lol I got the snapper special with Parmesan risotto, with 2 crab cakes on an arugula salad. It was out of this world. I will definitely be back!! Waitstaff was on point also Thank you Christie your service was amazing!!
(5)Kevin R.
This place is hard to find... Find 39 Rue St Jean, then walk down the alley where there are several restaurants. Service and food were both excellent. Started to get lobster and avocado ravioli. Absolutely wonderful! I had the lobster Ceviche which has a strong flavor. I wasn't a total fan, but their house white wine helped with the strong flavor. It wasn't a cheap meal, but I would return!
(5)Mac R.
We chose Coast for our anniversary dinner in Charleston after reading a slew of Yelp reviews for places all over town. We felt we chose quite well. It's super cute & sits in the alley off James Street before it intersects with King. Lots of exposed brick and it almost has a vibe of Tiki Huts over some of the tables that brings down the soaring ceiling to make spaces more intimate but still keeps the modern feel with very cool lighting. Beer selections were fun & we started off with IPA & a Belgian Brown. Whenever there is calamari on an appetizer menu, we order it & that's where we started here. The calamari was definitely fresh & well prepared with a nice light breading and cooked to perfection. It was served with lemon aioli & marinara, both of which could use some work flavor wise. They have many fresh catch options with multiple sauce preparations to choose from. I chose crab encrusted tilapia off the regular menu & my hubby chose the fresh grouper with the spicy adobo sauce. He was the clear winner on the night and I'm going to be bold and say his grouper was the best prepared fresh grouper I've ever had. It was grilled with some nice char that perfectly enhanced an amazing piece of fish. I'm a lucky girl that he shared as much as he did! My tilapia was really good but once I tasted that grouper, I couldn't focus on mine. My green beans were expertly prepared and hubby's squash juliennes were delicious, too. Service from our waiter, Jeremy, was stellar and if we lived here, we'd frequent this restaurant. Well done!!
(4)Adrian G.
I have to say this place is solid all around. It didn't give me that wow factor aside from the coast crab soup but everything is very good. I tried the steak and salmon and its good, steak isn't anything special. Mahi Mahi was good as was the crab cakes. Probably my second favorite thing at the place was there bread pudding which is made with bananas. It is a little pricey but for the area that seems to be about the norm, overall I had a good experience.
(4)Alana R.
I ate dinner at the bar here. I had the cucumber melon mojito and the shrimp and blue crab manicotti; both far exceeded my expectations! The mojito was light and refreshing. The manicotti had a good amount of shrimp and crab in the filling that you could actually taste it and there was also a nice garlic flavor to the dish. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone and both of the items I ordered!
(5)Nicole R.
Atmosphere was nice...restaurant smelled great and was packed. We were only there for drinks. The drink I ordered was eh...they were out of one ingredient...it was very sweet. My moms drink...the cantaloupe mojito...was good. Live music on Sunday...I wouldn't go back.
(2)Robert S.
Cadie, the atmosphere and food, were all beyond the highest of expectations. Well do e!
(5)Amelia S.
Eh...the service was pretty good and we enjoyed the 50% off wine night but im still struggling to figure out what kind of restaurant this really is. If it's fish, they have too many other options... I went with buffalo fried shrimp. It basically tasted like fried pieces of lard with buffalo sauce thrown on. I was expecting it to be more like buffalo grilled shrimp. My mistake... It's okay, but with how many great restaurants in that area they are, it wasn't my first choice and I probably wouldn't go back.
(2)Christina M.
Top ten dining experiences. The place is beautiful, high exposed brick walls, decorated beach eclectic. Wonderful wait staff, very attentive without going over the top. I had the blackened swordfish with the crab étouffée and it was unreal! My husband had the paella and beyond enjoyed it as well. We put it to the top of our list in Charleston.
(5)Nathan O.
As a restaurant for food, I give coast 5 stars! In a city on the coast with many fantastic seafood options, Coast is my favorite. I really enjoy the Escolar, which is a fish you won't find many places. Service is always good, food is fairly priced, and the atmosphere is casual and fun! Highly recommend this place! For drinks, 3 stars. The draft beer list is decent but small, and the cocktails are average. If you're looking for a fantastic cocktail or rare beer with your dinner, seek elsewhere.... But if you primarily want a truly fantastic meal at a fair price, then Coast is my favorite in the city for seafood.
(5)Gary R.
Great restaurant! We searched for a place to enjoy a nice seafood dinner for our anniversary and after reading local yelp reviews selected Coast. I'm glad we did. Fabulous! The location was a little tricky to find and our GPS told us we had arrived but I couldn't see it. Turns out its down a cute little alley with a quaint entrance that is very reminiscent of restaurants in New Orleans. Once in, we were seated right away. The atmosphere is very warm and welcoming and our server, Jeremy was superb. We started with some local draft beer and an order of calamari which proved to be a good choice. Yum. I opted for the grilled local grouper with the dry adobo rub and my wife chose the crab encrusted tilapia! They both sound fabulous don't they? They were!!! My grouper was among the best I've ever had - cooked to absolute perfection. My wife's tilapia was very good but didn't quite measure up to mine. I'd go back in a heartbeat. The menu options are plentiful and I know it would be another great dinner. My next trip to Charleston will include a stop at Coast!!
(4)Rusty S.
A group of us has been coming to the Coast every January for 7 years and we are never disappointed. We start with white wine sangria which is made with white wine, vodka, peach purée, and soda (we think!) Then we feast on fried green tomatoes, buffalo shrimp, oysters Rockefeller, calamari, rosemary and orange scented bread and cold butter. Finished up with peach juleps. Sorry to say, we never make it past the appetizers and we've never had dessert. But it looks amazing!
(5)Cristy Z.
Let's start off by how you get here. Coast is in a small alley way that transports you to a European coastal town lined with brick and vines. Upon entering you immediately smell the fresh seafood. Rachel, our waitress, sat us and explained the menu and her favorite items (she was great). We chose to get several appetizers and share. We ordered the crab dip (yum!), crab cakes (okay but not worth it), 4 ceviche sampler, fish tacos, shrimp cocktail and oysters (that cocktail sauce was to die for). We also got mojitos. Let me just go back to that ceviche...the lobster ceviche and cangrejo ceviche are incredible. I eat ceviche often and know how to make it so I'm a harsh critic but what they make is what I will dream about when I go back home. And the mojito...I'm from Miami, I know mojitos and this one was great (go for classic). Enjoy!!
(5)TJ L.
I like Coast. Although not as "crafty" or "trendy" as some places in the downtown area, I dig the atmosphere and what they have going. The inside is like a semi-upscale (not classy, but not real casual either) wharf or dock side seafood joint. Very cool. And, although not on the menu anymore, the recipe of their Blackened Escolar was one of my all-time fav fish dishes. You can still order it, but the recipe has changed since I ordered it a couple of years ago. Sweet sweet potato gnocchi... Definitely worth a stop if you are trying to conquer the restaurants in Charleston!
(4)Ryan L.
Good atmosphere, live music, and great seafood. Oysters-raw and steamed, ceviche, and soup ( split a bowl into two cups) for apps and then my wife and I split the Paella as dinner. It was the perfect amount of food. Tasted great and plenty for left overs. The Ceviche was definitely a must try appetizer! Would highly recommend to others!
(5)kate j.
hands down the best seafood I've ever had in my life. we went a few days ago and have literally not stopped talking about it since. coast came highly recommended to us by some friends from the area and it seemed that everyone we mentioned it to either loved it or couldn't wait to try it. they didn't take reservations by the time we tried calling, which was close to dinner time, and they dont take reservations via open table. if you run into this issue, just go and sit at the bar until a table is ready. it's so worth it! we waited 30 minutes at the bar and I tried the cucumber melon mojito. it was awesome. we were a little disappointed to be seated at the "community seating table" instead of a private table but it ended up being a good way to talk to other people visiting charleston and to see what different entrees looked like as they were brought out. our server recommended the cioppino and it was far and away the best soup I've ever tasted. the tomato broth was unlike anything I've ever had and the seafood was ridiculously fresh and tasty. I ordered the pecan encrusted salmon and brussels sprouts for my entree; everything was awesome but to be honest I only ate about half of it because I finished every last bite of the soup. my boyfriend ordered the shrimp and grits (best I've ever had) and my brother had the shrimp and crab penne pasta. to top it all off, the service was great and the prices were reasonable. all I can say is that I wish there were seafood restaurants at this level of freshness and quality in the philadelphia or jersey shore areas. I plan on hunting for cioppino soup like what I had at coast up her but if I find any I'm sure they won't be half as good!!!
(5)Joan M.
I reserved a table with my sister here two weeks ago. It was outstanding. Period. We had the Cerviche Platter to share. Amazing. Green fried Tomatoes & lobster and Crab au Gratin. All of the food was outstanding. The restaurant has a great vibe amazing bar & also a seafood bar. A great place to take people. Make sure you reserve a table. We were there on a Monday night & the walk ins had a 90 min wait & it's just early April. Outstanding & very very well priced by Charleston Standards.
(5)Ashley H.
I don't ever really review on Yelp, but my experience at Coast was so incredible that I HAD to post something. I'm from the midwest and was visiting Charleston, looking for a great seafood meal. Two of us walked in at dinner on a Saturday night and got seats at the bar right away. We ordered a traditional mojito and a mango mojito - the mango was by far the BEST cocktail I have ever had. We then split the crab dip (AMAZING), the buffalo fried shrimp, and the crab-encrusted tilapia entree. All of that was a perfect amount of food for two people...and seriously probably one of the best meals of my entire life, hands down the best food I've ever had in Charleston. Fresh, warm, and delicious. Plus, everyone behind the bar was extremely friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the food and drinks. We asked to put on a specific college football game and the bartender did so for us -- the bartenders and other patrons even got involved in the game with us. The atmosphere, service, food, and drinks were so fantastic that I didn't want to leave. Thanks, Coast, for such a memorable night -- I can't wait to come back soon!
(5)Kristy E.
We happened upon Coast on a Sunday night and lucked out to get a seat on the patio without a reservation. We loved the ravioli appetizer and the cold peel and eat shrimp had the most amazing cocktail sauce served with them. All of the entrees were delicious, but my favorite was my husband's seared ahi tuna. SO GOOD. Also, Sunday they have 1/2 priced bottles so we indulged with a great white blend and prosecco to celebrate my sister's birthday. The server even brought her a complimentary dessert with a candle. We loved this place and will definitely be back!
(5)Tiffany L.
Despite some of the reviews written on Yelp, I would consider Coast to be a mediocre seafood restaurant. For appetizers, my boyfriend and I ordered salt and pepper calamari and the coast crab dip. The calamari was nothing unique and a bit on the soggy side. The coast crap dip was too salty and there was not enough bread to eat with the dip. Coast is known for their grilled fish on their smokey oak wood grill. I tried the grilled combo of salmon, shrimp wrapped in bacon, and mahi mahi with mashed potatoes and julienned vegetables. For a grilled platter, everything seemed overly oily. The fish portions were also smaller than I pictured. My boyfriend ordered the snapper almondine. This was nothing spectacular as well. I could have made these two entrees for half the price at home. The server was attentive and was sure to refill my water often.
(3)Steve M.
The fish was delicious and the locals know where to eat down town Charleston,write off of kings st.
(5)Shannon R.
Great location and beautiful place! Good food and bar selections; especially the sangria! Crowded on the weekends - at least a one hour wait
(5)Rich M.
We have enjoyed this pace every time we go. The food is excellent, staff friendly, reservations definitely recommended.
(4)Amanda M.
Read great reviews here on yelp about this place so decided to give them a try for my birthday while I was down here and I'm so glad I did. I had ordered the fried oysters which were absolutely delicious and their crab encrusted tilapia, and their parmesan mashed potatoes were addictive, however their veggies weren't seasoned at all just steamed. Also I tried their white peach mojito which was beyond good. The service wasn't the best; the host and server was sweet, but our waiter was idk...I'm going to be nice and say he probably had a bad night lol. My cousin was starving way before we got there and just asked him how long is usually the wait for the food and he asked her if she had somewhere else to be...what?! Who asks that?? Well overall great food, o.k. service and the restaurant's ambiance was so charming and rustic. If in town again I would definitely stop by for some fried oysters and white peach mojitos.
(4)Tico K.
Absolutely awesome food and atmosphere. The whole fried flounder is beautiful and delicious.
(5)Sasha H.
Great, lively ambience. Graham Worley is awesome live. The buffalo shrimp tacos are to die for. Their cioppino is delicious, as are their cocktails. Service is great.
(4)Elle F.
Had the fish tacos they were delicious and had the crabmeat on the tilapia ( not sure what it was called). My husband had the shrimp and grits he loved it. Only down side it was very busy and didn't see our waitress that often.
(4)Kat R.
We just stopped by here for some frozen drinks. The bartender made them with his own twist for us and we all loved it! We did not have the chance to eat here, but the food looked great and it was busy.
(5)David F.
So much noms... Lacking a little on the beer list but they had some local stuff for me so it's no biggie delicious food and helpful bartenders
(4)Steve R.
My wife and I decided to try Coast on the recommendation of someone here in Charleston, a server at a restaurant actually. It's kind of hidden so if you're driving around looking you'd probably never see it if you didn't know it was there. The atmosphere and decor is awesome and the bar area has a high ceiling that adds to the experience in my opinion. We made reservations (recommended) but didn't specify inside or out but once we got there realized outside would be nice. So we waited at the bar for about 15 min. The bartender was very nice and attentive. The food....let's talk about the food. The wife ordered a dozen on the half shell and there were a few different types on the plate. I know nothing about these little snot filled shells but she says there were different textures to them all. I'll stick to my grouper, which is what I had. I ordered the special grouper filet from their grill with mashed potatoes and veggies. The fish was very flavorful although it could have been a little more tender. They source all their fish local so I know it was fresh, could have been it was a tad overcooked. The price is comparable to similar menus around town from what we've seen and I would definitely return here again if we were staying longer.
(4)Chadwick C.
Had the she crab soup to start with. A tad bit too thick for my taste but had very large chunks of fresh crab which caused me to find the bottom of the bowl fast. Ribeye with blackened scallops for dinner. Steak was perfectly cooked to med rare, scallops were excellent. I'll be coming back for sure.
(4)John S.
Great menu choices of fresh varieties of oysters numerous ways prepared. Callie was professional and friendly and highly recommended server (see photo). Escolar rarely seen in menu, especially cooked, I've only had as sushi before and not terrible grilled but nothing to write home about. Swordfish, grouper, bacon wrapped shrimp and scallops in mixed grill all as good as they get. Fish tacos were well liked and looked savory. Fish chowder recommended too. Small dessert menu, all in-house made and white chocolate-banana bread pudding was wonderful served hot and so gooey sweet and melts in your mouth. Other desserts all raved about too. Great food, laid-back ambiance and professional service, highly recommended for casual dining and seafood in Charleston.
(4)Kate F.
Between two people we split about 4 apps and had some drinks. We wanted to focus on different kinds of seafood rather than expend a bunch of calories on big entrees with side dishes. We had the crab cakes (tasted like actual crab -- imagine that!), salads, raw oysters, and the scallops. I think the scallops were our favorite. Perfectly done, not that you can go wrong with bacon and a smoky sauce. We also split the bread pudding for dessert. I found it a little rich and heavy, but my boyfriend seemed to dig it. I liked that the atmosphere was casual compared to some similarly priced seafood places around town. We weren't looking for anything formal and Coast definitely fit the bill.
(4)David B.
Had the crusted tuna. It was excellent. Probably the best piece of tuna I've ever had. Excellent restaurant with a fun atmosphere and extremely high ceilings. Shrimp and grits were delicious!!!! Highly recommended!!!!!
(5)Andi M.
We visited Coast while vacationing in Charleston, and I'm not sure we would return. I had the crab bisque, which was ultra rich, had very few crab pieces, and was a bit too large of a portion. I would have preferred a smaller portion for a lower cost. For my entree, I had their seafood (i.e., shrimp, calamari, and mussels) linguini with a blue crab sauce. It was wet and a bit messy, but my biggest complaint was with the numerous crab shells I had to pick out of the dish. It certainly detracted from my experience. My hubby got a salad to start, and had the ribeye for his entree. He requested it medium-rare, and it was quite rare in some places, but he refused to send it back. I certainly would have done so. The best thing going for Coast is its location. The restaurant is set off in an alley, and is comfortable and spacious inside. The prices were a bit high for the overall experience. Magnolia's was much better, and it was not too much more expensive, either!
(3)Hollis W.
We were on the hunt for "the best (gluten free) shrimp & grits in Charleston" and recommendations from locals led us here. I didn't actually taste the shrimp & grits, so I can't comment on that, but... Ambiance: The decor/ambiance was fine but felt like I was inside a restaurant where entrees would be much less expensive than what they were. Service: We were in the far back left corner of the dining room and waited about 15 minutes before someone came to take our drink order. After that, service was prompt but not overly friendly. The waiter did make some extra effort to accommodate our gluten free diner in the group by talking to the chef and having a different sauce/gravy made for her, which was very appreciated (since that was why we were there :) Food: this is really where the experience suffered. The bread that is brought to every table was room temperature and was on the "leave it" end of "take it or leave it". We ordered the Oysters Rockafeller and Fried Green Tomatoes as appetizers. I've never had Oysters Rockafeller before so not sure what they should be like, but they were just cheesy, bacony and bland. The Fried Green Tomatoes were the real disappointment - there was absolutely nothing special about them or the "relish" that came with them. They were bland and forgettable. As a main course I ordered the Braised Grouper. It was a slimy piece of fish atop a generous mound of grits with a bland, unnecessary cream sauce with floating pieces of mushroom. When the plate/bowl was delivered, it had very little curb appeal. Two of us ordered this dish and I added pepper, my dining partner added salt, to try to up the flavor of this sad, very bland dish. The "truffled bacon grits" tasted neither of truffle nor of bacon. The mushrooms floating around were fine but contributed to the overall sliminess of this below average dish. I'll also note that on the menu was a very common seaside fish restaurant option of picking your fish and your sauce. I'm generally turned off by this concept, since I'd prefer the kitchen put together their best fishes with their most flattering sauces and accompanying sizes vs. leaving that to the customer. So all in all, I would recommend any other restaurant (Magnolia's, Fig, Husk, S.N.O.B.) over this back-alley flop.
(2)Asif B.
The exterior of the building was authentic (highlighting vines covering its facade). The interior was beautiful with the high ceilings. The fried oyster appetizer was amazing with its tangy sauce but the entrees were surprisingly sub par. Nonetheless, great experience with a very accommodating and speedy waitress!
(4)Abe D.
Found a seat at the bar without a Reservation. my wife had the filet. I had the paella. It was very good, the smoked grouper was a bonus treat. The creamed spinach with my wife's filet was great, if salty. We'd definitely return.
(5)Dre E.
Came with a group of four and collectively got oysters and mussels for appetizers. Both were great. 5 stars. I had the blackened escolar with blue crab étouffée for dinner and it was AMAZING. Definitely one of the best seafood dishes I had in a while. Service wasn't amazing and the rest of the group suggested 4 stars based on their meals (I can't remember what they had) but my escolar was so good I couldn't give it anything other than a 5.
(5)Zach P.
Coast was recommended by my cousin who lives in Charleston. The place looks like a hole in the wall but when you get inside it feels like an underground city. It's extremely high ceilings were well decorated and all around exciting atmosphere. The host said 2 hour wait but we could eat at the bar. We opted for the latter and glad we did. We visited during restaurant week and opted for the three courses for 30$. I started with the ceviche which was great and the spicy sauce was awesome! We both had the 5oz sirloin and jalapeño bacon wrapped shrimp. Any time charcoal is involved the end result is in your favor. At this point we had to get the desserts Togo as we were stuffed. But the mousse was very good also. Bartenders were very diligent and despite the busy evening took time to chat with us about local things to try out! Beer selection was one of best in Charleston and I would definitely return on our next trip to Charleston! Tip- make a reservation!
(4)Denise B.
I thought about going back to Husk tonight, but thought it was gluttony.I would have been a lot happier if I had. Very busy tonight so we went into the bar to wait, had a good bartender who made great Old Fashions. Ordered the Bacon Wrapped Scallops which were raved about in a previous review...gritty, fishy and the Bacon was burned, Fried green tomatoes were good. Cornbread-not so much, dry and crumbly,,,Drinks were good so we stayed for that and then gave up our table and. "Coasted" out of there...
(1)Natalie G.
Great food! I had the seared tuna that was amazing. Also tried the shrimp and grits, crab cakes and local oysters from Folly River. All so good.Our server Michael was very nice too.
(5)Eric N.
Coast has a great selection on their menu. We had the crab dip as an appetizer. It was good. As the main course I had the seafood paella. It was tasty. However it should have had more seafood. There rice to seafood ratio was a lot more rice. Overall the service was great. Rachel did a great job. I would definitely come back.
(4)Chelle M.
Six thumbs up! Tucked in an alcove, you might miss Coast if you blink while walking or driving by, but keep your eyes wide open for this place. My party of three gave this place 6 thumbs up. The crab dip was declared "hands down AMAZING." The fried green tomatoes? "Better than my Grandma's," one declared. The Monterey Chicken was chosen by the non-seafood lover of the group. When asked how it was, he answered with a wide eyed nod and added a verbally emphatic "yes!" The mixed greens salad was a great compliment to the fish tacos made with grilled mahi mahi and a mango pineapple salsa. The only negative was that the tacks were a little dry, so I added a couple of dollops of the crab dip, and then it was AMAZING! The crab cakes were awesome. Very rich, no fillers. Which means these crab cakes were literally CRAB cakes. The service was great, and the decor was great... But to be honest, I didn't pay too much attention to the decor cuz the food was so awesome.
(5)Diane Z.
Get the raw platter and the cioppino! Yum!
(4)Ian M.
The location was great, my fiance and I were put at a table where we could see the water. Our waiter was a little slow with our drinks, but nothing terrible. She got the Shrimp Creole and loved it, I got the Crawfish Etouffee and also really liked it. HOWEVER, that night I got horrible food poisoning into the next morning. Huey's was great, but STAY AWAY FROM THE ETOUFFEE
(2)Chedo P.
My wife and I had our rehearsal dinner there. Service was good, food was OK, not hot. My wife got food poisoning the night before the wedding. When I called to let them know that it was from the salmon almomdine they tried to tell me she couldn't get food poisoning that quick she is in the medical field and knows about these things. I felt so bad for her. I spoke with the assistant manager and he said someone would call. No one has called. Was not looking for a free meal just an apology. Nothing. Will never eat there again
(1)Julia P.
This place is one of my favorites in Charleston! My favorite dish is the seared tuna. I order it almost every time I go. The only downside is it can be a bit loud.
(4)Regina D.
everything about this place is great. the atmosphere, the service, the food. thr ahi tuna was perfect and the shrimp and crab mannicotta was delicious. it is a must do
(5)David A.
Stopped into Coast to beat the heat and get a quick drink and appetizers. We arrived just as they were opening for the night so service was a little slow at the beginning. Enjoyed the Seersucker (Firefly Vodka, Pineapple juice, lemon lime soda) along with the fish tacos and buffalo shrimp tacos. Both types of tacos were tasty, although portions were on the small size (2 tacos per order). We didn't venture into the entrees but the wood fired grill visible from the bar was definitely enticing!
(4)Jackie E.
We recommended this by our concierge and it was perfect! We started with the ceviche and then had the buffalo shrimp tacos and bacon wrapped scallops. All of it was amazing and very reasonably priced. Our server Michael and bartender Keith were fantastic! Highly recommend!
(5)Mark K.
This was a hard one -- food and server were very good. We had grilled fish (grouper and snapper) and both grilled perfectly. Sides were very tasty as were the appetizers. We both had a cocktail and wine and the Bill was under $100. The down side is the hostess lied to us ... called for reservations and was told 6:15 or 8:30. At 7:00 there are multiple empty tables. Asked for a two person booth and told all reserved and yet one still open. Makes no sense.
(3)Conrad B.
Seemed to be a very popular place. We couldn't get reservations even at 6:30 but if we came 'right away" (5:30) they would be able to sit us. Since we like to eat early, we jumped out and ran over. It was restaurant week so many places were offering special menus and special prices. We started off with their caesar salad... followed by their Salt & Pepper Calamari. Both very good. The calamari was nice and tender and seasoned just right. But they're known for their grilling... so we both had their surf and turf special. Not a huge portion... but very nice. 4 oz of sirloin and a bunch of shrimp with parmesan mashed potatoes. Steak done perfectly and tasty... shrimp season with cajan spices. Since we both took their special... $30 fixed price for salad, appetizer, entree and dessert... they allowed us to substitute the dessert for a glass of wine. Nice touch. (our waistlines are both grateful! )
(4)Marilee K.
Five of us had an over the top experience. We're on vacation and had a big lunch, so an appetizer or salad was in order. They squeezed three bar height tables together and we were seated immediately. Not a lot of room, so someone else might not be so lucky. Everyone loved the shared fried green tomatoes. Great selection of beers. I had the special strawberry rhubarb mojito. The syrup gave a hint of sweetness with equal amounts of tartness. Perfection. A friend and I shared the crab cakes. They voluntarily spit the plates. The crab was moist with little or no filler. I don't know how they were held together. I guess their slaw with bacon and bleu cheese is their signature dish. I have never eaten more than one bite of slaw in my life, but this was so fantastic, that another bowl was ordered for the table. The other couple just wanted to try the fish tacos, but ended up ordering the buffalo shrimp also. Sunday night special of only $4/each. What's that about? I didn't try, but they swooned over the shrimp tacos and the fish were grilled to perfection and beautifully seasoned. There was so much fish that it had to be eaten with a fork before it could be picked up and finished. The musician, Graham Whorley, plays on Sunday nights and now I have to track down his music. We loved the vibe of the place. We had wonderful service and I can't believe that a bad review was ever written about this place.
(5)Kate V.
Perfectly executed food, and service. Calamari had a light batter very crisp, and tender. Mixed grill w mahi mahi and NY strip were cooked to order, mashed w julienned veg were a perfect accomplishment. Goat cheese ravioli W crab, superb. Come here!
(5)Lexie G.
I wish I could review the dining portion and bar portion of this restaurant separately as I had two entirely different experiences. We arrived later into a Saturday evening. I believe we arrived close to 8, 830 pm. We were told there would be a 30 minute wait. No big deal as we wanted to grab a cocktail first. We managed to find two seats at the very end of the very crowded bar. There were 2 bartenders working as well as what appeared to be a bar-back. It took the bartenders FOREVER to come down to us. Correction. They came to our section, but it was only after one of their friends managed to find seats next to us and flag down said bartender. Instead of greeting us (who had been sitting there for close to 20 minutes sans beverage) he took all of their drink orders and proceeded to take care of them. After much flirting and very little paying attention to other restaurant guests our order was taken by the other bartender who was manning the other side of the bar. He made out drinks just in time for our table to be ready. When we were seated, we were greeted immediately by a friendly waitress who told us of the days specials. I settled on oysters while my mother settled on shrimp. A friend in the area told me I needed to order a side of the cornbread so I did....and shamelessly ate the entire piece (which I am positive was meant for at least 2 people, if not 3) myself. Our entrees came out promptly (I don't think I still even managed to finish that beverage I had waited soo long for when the dinners came out) and were very fresh. The shrimp was cooked well and the oysters were fantastic. I'd give my bar experience a 1, the dining portion a 4.
(3)K K.
Stumbled in here on a Sunday night - and boy are we glad we chose it over the higher priced restaurants in town. We went to Husk the next night and wished we had just come back to Coast. It was half-priced wine night, so we were able to get a bottle of Oregon Pino Gris for $16 - the cocktail list looked great as well. Husband and I split an order of oysters (had the local SC variety), which were served with warm bread and butter. We also split a taco (Sunday is $4 fish taco night) which was very, very good. High quality fish and sauce/slaw with just the right amount of bite. We took a leap and ordered the paella to split - wow. Huge, huge portion filled with clams, large shrimp, sausage and topped with a generous portion of swordfish. Seasoned perfectly. Way too much for one person to eat - satisfied us both and our wallets as well. We ended up sitting at a community table as the wait was about an hour and a half - we have no problem at all with it, and we still felt as if we were dining alone.
(5)Richard R.
Great great food..easily missed location being tucked away down an alley but well worth the hunt. The homemade blue cheese dressing is off the chain. All entrees ordered were awesome. If in town make sure you drop by.
(5)Gary F.
As the last review stated I too had one of the most tastiest grouper dinner grilled to perfection. My appetizer was as good as my meal. Bacon wrapped fresh scallops to die for. A little bite to them but just the way Like it. I will be there again
(4)Bryan P.
Came for my anniversary dinner on a Friday night. Really busy, but we had a reservation and were seated on time for it. The chef special was a grilled swordfish and it was really good. Our waiter was probably the one of the best waiters I've ever had and was on it with the recommendations. And they gave us a slice of cheesecake and some champagne to celebrate.
(4)J T.
Wow what a great place to meet up with friends! The service was fantastic and food was scrumptious. Highly recommend the "Raw Bar Sampler" Atmosphere was fun, and convenient location.
(5)Junie W.
Went there last night for dinner on a recommendation. Food was good not differentiating. Service was outstanding. The ceviche was really good however the main dish was average. Be careful as this establishment sits off an alley and we actually saw a rat run thru the restaurant. We reported it to the manager and he asked how he could help. We ask him to comp a bottle of wine and he declined. A little overrated as I was looking for a higher grade of local fare.
(3)Bryan G.
Cool atmosphere. Great cocktails. It was very noisy so if your looking for intimate, find another place. Our waiter also messed up a order. Told us to keep it and brought out a new one.
(4)Caitlin M.
Coast was a good, fairly casual meal in a pretty high-priced town. On Sunday nights they have half-priced bottles of wine, which was a great deal. I had the crab encrusted tilapia; I didn't quite taste the crab but the meal was good nonetheless. My husband had the grilled swordfish, he enjoyed it as well.
(4)Kate Z.
This is a great place for a few friends getting together. Make sure to try their speciality drinks and the crab stuffed lobster. We tried the cream crab soup for an appetizer and we were not disappointed. It's a little pricey if you're on a budget but well worth the extra bucks!
(4)Hunter B.
Total sea shore feel. Wood floors and tables, and an open kitchen to view your catch of the day, grilling to perfection. Large menu full of seafood favorites. The crab dip is something they are known for.
(4)Ron M.
Mixed grill at $28 is unbeatable if you want a great wood grilled assortment of seafood. Service was stellar too. Not super romantic place. More of a couples place or coworkers spot.
(5)Scott S.
Coast was everything I expected it to be and more. We started at the bar with some drinks and found their beer selection to be top notch. They also made a great Mojito that one of the guest in my parties really enjoyed. We were seated right away and the atmosphere was perfect. Not to loud not to quiet. As we got started we got some crab drip and bread both of which were amazing, the crab dip could be a meal in itself. For dinner I got the brazed grouper, this dish was outstanding. For desert we got some bread pudding and pumpkin cheesecake both of which helped to cap of a perfect dining experience.
(5)John C.
Mind-blowing. Ceviche was so good I thought I was transplanted to another universe. Our server was an artist. This guy was so good I couldn't believe it. I served for 3 years and I wasn't half the server this guy was. Absolutely phenomenal. I feel like I eat steak constantly. The flat iron here was literally the best I've ever tasted. Perfectly cooked. I can't make a single complaint about this place - it was near perfection.
(5)Alison M.
After meandering a bit off the beaten path (AKA King and Market) to find a place for happy hour with my family, we ended up in the hidden alcove of Coast. It's been recommended to me for a couple years and I was thrilled to discover the ship-like atmosphere and attractive waitstaff. Our bartender was really informative and patient as I got familiar with Craft beer offerings on draft and he made a great recommendation. Event wine list as well. I started with a cup of she-crab soup which I would give a four out of five. The only improvement I would ask for is more crab meat, but it was creamy and delicious to the taste. We ordered calamari which was decent and fried green tomatoes which everyone loved. Overall I would absolutely go back to Coast for a more sit-down meal.
(4)Tarzan N Jane O.
Great seafood, Andrew was our server and did a wonderful job. We did the fried seafood platter with three types of fish which was adequate in portion size and although came with fries only had one hush puppy. One of my favorite atmospheres.
(4)Lesley P.
LOVE this place! We come back every year and we absolutely love the bartenders! BEST MOJITO in this rockin town make sure to try cucumber melon!!! High five Jeremy for us!
(5)An N.
They have the best cornbread I've ever tasted in my life, ever. The menu is extensive. They have an assortment of tasty cocktails and I could see the bread being freshly sliced on the side from our table. Also the space is really large, spacious, with high ceilings. The entrance is concealed from the main street, in a small alleyway. Good ambiance for starting a night out at. We were a party of 11, coming for a bachelorette weekend, and they had plenty of space to accommodate us and a couple other large parties as well.
(4)kevin s.
I have spent several weeks in Charleston for work, which means I had a chance to eat at a lot of the restaurants in this culinary rich city. Of all the places I went Coast was my favorite. The food is awesome. Like the name implies it is mostly seafood. The snapper alomidine was especially good. Be sure to look at the daily specials as they are often the best things available. Besides the amazing food the bartenders/wait staff are also awesome. They do a great job of being attentive, but not being to pushy. If you are there on business travel it is a great place to spend an evening.
(5)Mia B.
Nice atmosphere and great location and even better food. We decided to try Coast because it was a short walk from the hotel. It was a great choice! The shrimp and grits were amazing! My dining partner had the crab crusted tilapia which was also very good. They have decent mojitos, although they're small. Service was mediocre, not great, but not bad enough to keep me from returning. It was a little pricey, but quality of the food was well worth it.
(4)Ashley H.
The fiance and I had such a great experience here, from start to finish. We were told it would be a 2 hour wait (eek, it was 8pm on a Saturday), but bar seating was first come, first served basis, so we hung out there for a few minutes. We decided to order a drink while we waited. The bartenders were really moving! But, one still managed to stop and take our order. I ordered their "award-winning" mint mojito. I can see why it was so special; it was amazing! The same bartender also kept an eye out for seating for us, which I thought was very nice since he was super busy. We finally grabbed a seat (we waited about 20 mins) and was greeted by another bartender who took our food order. Both bartenders were super attentive and checked on us often, offering bread and refills. They were also great conversationalists, and managed to match us up with another group from our home state that happened to be sitting near us. I ordered the shrimp and crab penne pasta. It was absolutely divine; the dish included a lobster-garlic sauce with roasted tomatoes, spinach, and manchego cheese. I couldn't believe how delicious it was! My fiance was thoroughly impressed with his dish as well, noting that the cook on the steak was spot on. We've never been to a restaurant that produced a truly rare steak. It seems that most are afraid to do that. Coast did that perfectly. This has definitely become one of our go-to spots in Charelston!
(5)Alexa M.
Visited coast with a group of nine for my friend's bachelorette party and without a doubt, we had a wonderful experience at Coast! The menu is huge and has something for everyone. Everyone enjoyed their fresh seafood and we really appreciated the fair prices for all of the dishes and bottles of wine. Our server was sweet too! We loved the oysters and fried Brussels sprouts for our apps and I thought the Adobo Shrimp was delicious. My only qualm was the mashed potatoes I ordered as they were pretty flavorless - partially my fault as I substituted them for the grits that my dish came with. Fun, lively atmosphere where you feel like you are on vacation. I'd like to come back!
(5)Fareez A.
Amazing. Everything from lobster ceviche to buffalo shrimp to jalapeño-cheddar cornbread. And reasonably priced, great service, and were accommodating to my strict pescatarian diet... Hats off to the owners/chefs.
(5)Andrea W.
The food should truly get 5 stars. It's a little pricey but worth it. It was pretty hot inside, considering I don't think they had ac and the bathroom was sweltering. The reason it is 3 stars was that the bartender was not mean at all but you could definitely tell he favorited certain people. He was very personable to his regulars and certain other tourists. It wasn't until we asked the guy helping him to ask him for the check that he came back over and tried to talk.
(3)Rebecca O.
Very good. I must admit that I don't eat seafood but I went because I knew my significant other would love the fresh fish (which he did). I got the ribeye and mashed potatoes which were both very good. I was worried about it having a slightly fishy taste, as that normally happens when you order non-fish at a seafood restaurant, but I didn't notice anything. I went on a Friday night and it was pretty busy, so I had to sit at the bar. I would suggest calling ahead or be okay with sitting at the bar. Parking is actually better than most of the downtown Charleston places. There's a metered lot and a $5 lot on John St.
(4)Alex T.
There are only some moments in life where one eats a bit of food and loses control of facial expression. The oysters Rockefeller do that at Coast. Impeccable service from island locals that will answer and question you may have.
(5)Alisha K.
A large group of us came here for my sister's bachelorette party on a Friday night. Everyone loves seafood except for me, but I figured we had to try a seafood restaurant while in Charleston. We ordered both red and white sangria and both were delicious except that we could not taste any alcohol in it. For appetizers, everyone loved the crab and avavocado ravioli. I got the grilled chicken topped with cheddar, crumbled jalapeno bacon, tomatoes, & scallions with bacon blue cheese slaw, mashed potatoes, & pomegranate bbq sauce. Absolutely wonderful for being at a seafood restaurant. Everyone in our party really enjoyed their meals. We had a really fun time and I definitely recommend it for groups, seafood eaters or not!
(4)Rob K.
Oysters, oysters, ceviche, ceviche, ceviche, and calamari galore! All fantastic. The whole flounder and the blackened escolar were also both delicious. The shrimp and grits you can't go wrong there. The sea scallop dish is also excellent. If you write something negative about this place you didn't order the right thing. The Mojitos are out of this world!
(5)Alex C.
Good. Fish. Enough said. The mahi mahi was excellently cooked. Juicy, firm, flaky and perfectly seasoned. I also happen to order a half pound of steamed shrimp, also perfectly cooked. I hate it when places overcook the steamed shrimp and it starts to disintegrate. You won't find that here.
(5)Jill B.
Had dinner at Coast tonight. I recommend you make a reservation instead of having to wait for over an hour for a table. That being said, the wait was worth it. We started with the fried oysters and steamed mussels. Both were excellent. The oysters were light, and deliciously sweet and seasoned. The mussels were brimming with flavor and just delicious. We split the Seafood paella for our entree and I'm glad we did. It came in a dutch oven and there was plenty of food for two people! Just delicious.
(5)Todd Y.
My wife would kill me if I gave this place a 1 star even though it deserved it.. what happened.. holy terrible service and semi terrible food Service: Was so bad that it was terrible. Our wait person, I should have tipped him $1 each time we saw him...he would have made $3. He never came around to refill water,ask how the meal was or bring me a spoon for my soup. Ordered the soup and what's the most important thing to have with the soup.. A SPOON... no spoon and it took 10 minutes before I could flag someone to get me a spoon. Then with surf and turf, what's the most important thing to have with your steak... A STEAK KNIFE... another 5 minutes. FOOD The quality was miserable, I asked the person who delivered the food what the restaurants definition of medium and they said hot pink,I asked do you mean deep purple.. she was like no.. then I said this steak isnt cooked. Was returned, you would think your wait person would come over and see what was going on, NOTHING... he was more interested in talking to one of his tables about what bars to go to tonight... If I lived in the area, would never return ...
(2)Em B.
My husband was so looking forward to good seafood the night we were in Charleston and chose Coast because it had good reviews. He ordered the fish special and it was undercooked. The calamari was good, though. I ordered the steak with mashed potatoes and a side of cornbread to share with our young daughter, but everything was very salty. If it wasn't for that, we would have enjoyed the meal.
(2)Sean C.
I love seafood and Coast delivers. Great spot in downtown Charleston for a nice dinner of great seafood. The appetizers are abundant and delicious and the entrees are incredible. My wife and i sat on the patio they have out front and it was still cozy because the restaurant is tucked away down an alley. Nice and quiet, and very clean. The deserts are very good. Great spot for a nice date night. Service was stellar. the waiter knew the food and was very well versed about pairing wines with our meals. really attentive service.
(5)Pamela S.
Friendly staff with a nice casual atmosphere. Oysters were fresh and delicious. Be sure to try the vinegar jalapeno sauce. I had the special Escobar, Salmon and shrimp. All were good along with the Parmesan mashed potatoes and fresh veggies. Gerald had the scallops. All seafood cooked with perfection. A don't miss place in Charleston, though it can be a slight challenge to find.
(5)Lara B.
We had just eaten at Amen the night before with pretty much the same order, fish tacos and bloody mary's. At Amen we tasted freshness at Coast, the bloody Mary was just ok, nothing special. Our food came out very quickly, which is usually a sign that food was prepared ahead of time and just warmed up. Service was ok. We would not go back again.
(2)Jessica L.
If you love mojitos, this is truly the place for you! Cucumber melon is award winning and worth a stop here on your weekend bar crawl. Last time I was there, I was talking too much with my hands and my full drink that was just placed in front of me toppled over and the glass shattered everywhere! It was clearly my clumsy fault, but the bartender snatched it all up, wiped down the table, brought me another mojito and didn't even charge for the one I spilled. Quite the service! I usually go here for apps and drinks so if that's how you find yourself, try the bacon wrapped scallops!
(5)Joel G.
The food and drinks were great. The bartender made drinks not on the menu. Traditional ceviche was amazing. Grilled shrimp and grits were good. Homemade cheesecake was good. This is from someone who has won awards for my cheesecake. I will come back to Charleston again and eat here. Crabcake was delicious. Mostly crab...no fillers.
(5)Randy H.
Had dinner here on Halloween, a Thursday night. Sat "in the bar", but at four-top under the awning along the street. Great, attentive service - but never cloying. Offered me a sort of sample platter not listed on the menu: grilled tuna, mahi, and skewered shrimp. I asked if we could substitute a small steak for the shrimp, and got it for a $2 upcharge. Also got a cup of the crab bisque (instead of the listed bowl), and was offered ANOTHER crab soup (tomato based) which was a specialty of that particular chef, but recently removed from the menu. Let's review: 1) a single person sitting at a four-top 2) in a prime section, 3) ordered the entree off the menu, 4) SUBSTITUTED 5) steak, ordered a 6) downsized portion of the signature soup. Yep, the nightmare customer. Nevertheless, I was treated with a grace and goodwill bordering on enthusiasm, and of course I tipped the b'jeezus on the guy. The food itself was very nice, with huge portions of julianned vegetables, a mound of Parmesan potatoes, and 7oz portions of three meats. It would have easily fed my family of three back home. All for 28 bucks. All in all, I spent a lovely evening there watching the costumed revelers in the alley scurry through the rain, and sipping my wine. Compliments to the staff at Coast, and thank you. Oh, and I had to send the wine back, too...
(5)John T.
Just had dinner here last night. This is a real tourist trap. My grilled fish dinner came with a plate full of mash potatoes. Couldn't believe a $23.00 entree consisted of a small piece of fish and boxed mashed potatoes. The grilled fish was swimming in watery mashed potatoes. A glass of beer, house salad and this lousy meal total cost $45 (minus tip). You could get the same meal at the Golden Coral for $5.00. Also got stomach cramps from the meal. This place is a bar. Stay away from the food. Go to Bonefish Grill for a better meal and a good price. Downtown Charleston is loaded with these overpriced tourist trap restaurants. Stay away!
(1)Lindsay W.
After reading the yelp reviews I headed to coast. The valet Brian across the street had good things to say about coast as well. The bartender john was really welcoming. I enjoyed hush puppies, crab encrusted talipa with green beans that weren't overcooked and my mashed potatoes looked they were squeezed on my plate with an icing decorator. The strawberry raspberry mojito was also tastey but not $9 worth. Another guy at the bar said he'd been to Hymans and called it a tourist trap. He said this was much better than other places he'd been to locally.
(4)Pasha G.
Service was very warm and amiable. The food was pretty good as well. Oysters were very fresh. The soup was also very good. I had some fish for my main dish with a side order of grits. It was not something outstanding, but pretty good.
(4)Jacqueline S.
DELICIOUS! Nothing terribly fancy- you can wear jeans but also dress up with heels. I've seen several bachelorette parties, there. The fried green tomatoes are divine. I had the special- some sort of bass with zucchini sauce and substituted the olive tapenade with the citrus salsa and it was wonderful! The mojitos are wonderful- and I don't even really like mojitos. They tasted like smoothies.
(4)Gil G.
This was a memorable experience. The staff and food were both awesome. I will go back during my next visit to Charleston.
(5)Terry L.
When we were being led to our table, the hostess led us to a table for 4. However, there was an empty 2 person booth, so I asked if we could be seated there instead. Instead of sure, no problem, it was more like a sigh and too much trouble for her to take us to that booth. Also when we left, none of the hosteses said "Thanks for coming, or please come back soon". But we didn't go there for the hosteses, we went for the food others had raved about. Greek salad was yum but the hush puppies at Hymans were better, the jalapeno butter had no jalapeno flavor at all. . The triple tail fish was very tasty, I could taste the hickory grilled flavor. My wife's crab stuffed lobster tail was good as well, although she said it was kind of like a deviled crab lobster mix inside a lobster tail shell. Overall the food was pretty good, the server was very nice, efficient and made good recommendations.
(3)Boon K.
The mango Mojito was refreshing but I couldn't get enough of the Cioppino, it was so fresh and tender. It was amazing. The plaintain mahi mahi was good too but I though the blue cheese mash potatoes was on the salty side. The crab encrusted tilapia was tasty too.
(4)Serena B.
Fantastic seafood restaurant! Since I had the warning that it was difficult to find, I poked my head down the alley (instead of hunting for it on the street) and didn't have a problem getting there in time for the reservation! Speaking of reservation, it was a bit of a challenge, I wish they were on OpenTable as that would have been easier. I had to call a few times to get someone to answer, so that was slightly inconveniencing. I enjoyed the decor, cute but not too much. I like the open kitchen feel and the brick walls. The dining area, with its high ceilings, was quiet and great for a nice dinner for two. The appetizer was delicious- the crab dip was thick and creamy, very flavorful. We couldn't get enough of it. My entree, the plantain encrusted mahi-mahi was also very delicious. On Sundays there is a 1/2 price bottle of wine special and thought I can't remember what exactly we had ordered, it was very good.
(5)Becky W.
Outstanding. We came here based on a recommendation from a gal at the desk of our hotel. Three of us. One had shrimp linguine, one had grilled salmon and I had the appetizer special, heirloom tomatoes caprese style, and the bacon wrapped scallops appetizer. Everyone said it was delicious. I can testify mine was fantastic. Not inexpensive but not outrageous. Highly recommend.
(5)Kris G.
I visited Coast at the beginning of November. It was a little difficult to locate, down a back alley, but was close enough to downtown. I liked the atmosphere. The food seemed to be hit or miss. I went with a large group so we got to try a lot of different things. I had the ribeye as an entree and the crabcake for an appetizer. Although mine was fine, my friend found shell in her crabcake. The ribeye was not flavorful at all. Another friend had the Plantain Encrusted Mahi Mahi. That was very good. The Shrimp & Stoneground Grits was very good as well. This was only my second time trying grits, although not something I would choose all the time, they were very well done. I like the preparation better here than I did at Hominy Grill.
(2)Gustavo B.
I'm here in Charleston for work and went out to Coast for a delicious dinner. Had the Plantain-Fried Mahi-Mahi and it was prefect. Not heavy and filling at all. That poor dish didnt have a chance! I licked it clean. Not a fan of the Palmettos (IPA or Amber) in general because of their bitterness but there was a special beer on tap I sampled that I really liked. Don't remember the name but it was white in color and definitely a Belgian ale. I wanna go back just to order a pint!
(5)Natalia A.
AMAZING FOOD! The ambiance is great too, very busy. We went on a Saturday night, like 40 minutess before they closed and had to wait for a place to open up at the bar because they were crowded and had no more room. So make reservations! The Mojitos are my only complain, too sweet not great! But i'm spoiled with cocktails, though.... We had a pork belly and scallop appetizer with a soy sauce reduction that was outstanding!!!
(4)Angel E.
We went there late at night (around 9:30pm) after spending good 2 hrs on board of a boat -- hungry but too tired to eat. Maybe it was too late at night and everyone was tired, it took our waiter 10 min or so to get our wine (house cab sauvignon -- nasty :( (((I had to take antacid before going to bed ). The food we ordered included steamed oysters (excellent), bacon wrapped sea scallops (wish they didn't put that sweet BBQ sauce on top of them -- it ruined everything), and crab meat with avocado aioli (not bad but chives were too strong and there was some serious aftertaste). All in all, I think there's too much hype about the restaurant. The smell of grilled wood is great and it is all over the neighborhood, however, it's very artificial - once you come into the restaurant, that smell is nowhere to be found.
(3)Laura T.
While the atmosphere is cozy and cute, trying to actually locate Coast is a slight challenge. Perhaps if on foot, you will see the signage down the small alley, but when driving this place will remain hidden. Once we successfully asked the right person and received the right answer, we found our way to the front door. Too chilly to dine outdoors, we found a high top table and poured over the extensive menu. Hush puppies immediately jumped out from the menu. These were not just the ordinary hush puppies. A slight hint of jalapeno spiced up the otherwise bland treat. Gorging ourselves on these fried packages of butter soaked deliciousness, we ordered a few small items to fulfill a later mid week dinner. The fish tacos were enjoyable, but nothing truly spectacular. The sauvignon blanc was eh. The best part of the meal were those darn hush puppies.
(3)Isaac P.
This place was okay. The service was decent and the food was fresh, it just wasn't anything to get excited over. I had ordered the crab soup and wasn't very impressed. The soup was too much cream and not enough crab. In fact all the crab had sunk to the bottom. Not too impressive. The atmosphere in this place was really cool though. It is in a warehouse of some sort and had super tall ceilings.
(3)Annie R.
How have I never reviewed Coast? Best seafood in Charleston hands down. The fried flounder is out of this world as well as the paella. The ceviche is fantastic as well, the mojitos are incredible. It is a laid back ambiance and reasonably priced. LOVE IT!
(4)Julie R.
I was looking for more of a fine dining atmosphere, which is why I gave it 3 stars. The food was really good, but the fact that it was loud and not very intimate turned me off. We had a table of 20 guys next to us for a bachelor party, which the waitress kept apologizing for, although it wasn't her fault. The Tuna that I got was great, as was my husband's mahi-mahi. The wait staff was good, for what they had to deal with next to us. If you are looking for fine dining, this isn't the place to go, but they do have good food.
(3)Shy A.
Coast was fairly difficult to find. Its tucked away on a little alley. I almost expected it to be a smaller establishment but was I wrong! Its an impressive open space, beautifully lit creating a very cool laid back feel. I like it already! Our menu: Spicy shrimp ceviche- one of the best that I've ever had. Spicy and fresh. The delicate shrimp was not overwhelmed by the lime or spice. It was a beautiful balance. I wasn't thrilled with the toasted chips they served with it, it was quite greasy and almost took away from the sophistication of the ceviche. Blackened escolar with sauteed field peas, smoked bacon and potato croquettes. HOLY MOLY! This was incredible! Escolar is a white, firm and buttery fish. It was cooked to perfection! The potato croquettes stayed crispy on the outside and buttery and fluffy in the inside. The field peas provided an amazing textural contrast on the tongue. An excellent dish! Salmon-the server asked what temperature my table mate wanted her salmon. We both looked at each other in confusion until he explained the difference. Apparently, she wanted it well done. The salmon was also cooked toperfection and complimented her sides perfectly. We were stuffed and couldn't squeeze a dessert in but they had a great selection of the typical variety. The service was quick and efficient, it wasn't overly warm but not dismissive...the freshness and quality of the dishes definitely made up for it! I'll be back to Charleston and definitely coming back to Coast! Amazing job!
(4)Jason B.
Very delicious fish dishes. The staff is well knowledged. Everything was excellent when we had dinner. Rare tuna five stars !
(5)E S.
Can't believe how good my escolar (fish) was there! Truly above and beyond flavor profiles and might I add I have eaten at just about every TOP restaurant in Chucktown: Fig, Hank's, Hominy Grill, etc... then also dined at Pearlz (buh) AW Shucks, (ok) and finally the Gin Joint (totally awesome for a drink and cheese.) But back to Coast... such an unbelievably tasty meal. Truly unique smokey flavors, the beans they served looked like capers but tasted like white beans. The hush puppies were delicious with the jalapeno butter spread. And finally, the dark and stormy drinks were great! Wonderful service, really appealing locals dining there, and that says something! Yeah, it cost me more than I would have liked $50 for 2 drinks, entree, hush puppies and dessert, but hey, when in Chucktown...
(5)David H.
Great ambiance disguises average food quality. It's popular. I expected my main course to have better seasoned vegetables and could tell the mashed potatoes were from powder. Put this meal on a white plate and a 24hr diner's meal on another white plate, and I wouldn't be ate to tell you the difference. Food is overpriced for the quality level. If you want a popular place in a popular place and are ok with the smell of bleach and beer aroma at the bar, then this is your place. Look around more if you're looking to get value for your money.
(2)Scott T.
Great place, even with kids. We had the crab and avocado ravioli for an appetizer, very good. We went simple for dinner with the fried scallops, tilapia, and oysters. All very good. Great little place.
(5)Kenneth C.
Outstanding seafood restaurant in the heart of Charleston. I cant say enough good things about them so you'll just have to try the food and see for yourself.
(5)E K.
Everything about this place is fantastic. The decor and atmosphere is really interesting and unique while still classy. All of the food we got was amazing. Crab dip, steamed shrimp, hush puppies, plantain encrusted mahi, sangria... Everything was delicious. The service was outstanding and our server was extremely knowledgeable about the menu as well as seafood in general. They try to use all local caught fish so it's very fresh.
(5)Jessica R.
Went on a Saturday night of July 4th weekend. They were not seating tables anymore but we managed to get one in the bar area. The bartender waited on us and he was great! Mojito's were great and I am picky about them. Raw oysters were small in my opinion and not worth the price. Get the CEVICHE!!!! Sooo good . The gazpacho was very good too!!!!
(4)Matt R.
Crab cakes and crab gazpacho were excellent. I was on a crab fix that day. Gotta love being near the coast!
(5)Amy D.
The journey to find Coast is truly an adventure in itself, with cobblestone paths and alleys leading you to the restaurant. The building is gorgeous with its red brick walls, high ceilings, and industrial yet dark lighting. We had made reservations, but had to wait slightly to clear out a few tables, but we waited in the bar area. To start out meal we had a pitcher of red wine sangria, which was fruity but not too sweet. For our apps i had the traditional ceviche with lime and cilantro and red onions, however when it came it just tasted like slightly mushy fish with not a lot of flavour. I was expecting flavour, the promised cilantro element was missing. Also the serving size was massive, i didn't want to waste any but i wanted to save room for my main, it would have been perfect shared though. My sis had the grilled fish tacos, and again they flavours were too light, we wanted to taste great seasoned fish, they really held back. For my main i had the grilled shrimp with adobo and grits with roasted veg. The grits were great, coarse as i like them. The shrimp was super smoky and you could really taste the char, however i didn't like the sauce, it just tasted like they were brushed solely with stuff that comes in a can. The roasted veg were alright but kinda unnecessary in the meal. Coast was our first supper restaurant in Charleston and i had such high hopes but it was kind of a flop.
(2)Marty W.
Cute location right off street. Inviting atmosphere with ambiance. Key Lime martini was delicious and the wood grilled snapper was tasty.
(4)J B.
Wow, this place is awesome. Came for the Tilefish and the bartender directed me to the Braised Tilefish. Awesome. Staff is friendly and nice decor. I will be back.
(5)Jen S.
Had a group of 14 here for our casual after wedding dinner. I didn't want to complain and ruin the evening, but my lobster and crab gratin was cool in the middle and my brother in-law said his food wasn't that great and his steak wasn't cooked to order. The ambiance is great, but means little if the food isn't up to par.
(2)Andrea H.
Our first honeymoon stop. Recommended by the concierge at our hotel. It was packed out to the sidewalk with people waiting but we decided to sit at the bar instead of waiting for a table. Great food, staff and customers. We will go back the next time we visit Charleston.
(5)Dirk L.
Great meal! The ceviche trio is a must if you like seafood. We had oysters, the grilled fish (escolar was my choice), and the fish en papillote. All were excellent. We will definitely come back each time we visit Charleston.
(5)Dan A.
Food is good but pricy.
(3)Burbalicious X.
I love having Yelp on my iPhone. Why? Because after the dude at the visitor's center recommended a bunch of crap nasty tourist traps for seafood restaurants, we did a quick Yelp search and stumbled on Coast with it's 4.5 star rating. Spot on! We loved it. We started with a crab and avocado ravioli appetizer that was outstanding. I had plantain-encrusted mahi with blue cheese mashed potatoes for my entree, and husband had the adobo shrimp and grits which he loved. Shared a banana bread pudding for dessert, very good. Everything was great, including the service and atmosphere. The only negative was trying to decide what to eat because so many of the menu items sounded delicious! Highly recommended!
(5)Andrew G.
We decided to go to Coast on a Saturday night while visiting Charleston recently. It was jammed packed. Luckily, we were 6 and had a reservation. The restaurant itself is really fun and lively and not too loud. The staff was really friendly. Our meal was great except for some key things. They forgot my aunt's shrimp basket, undercooked two plates of salmon and overcooked two plates of tuna. I actually began to feel queasy by the end of the meal. Luckily they brought a whole new plate out for us. Other dishes looked more promising. From seeing all the great reviews I had higher expectations of this place, however, I won't give it any higher than a three.
(3)Dee N.
We ate at Coast last Monday night with a group of 6 adults, 3 teenagers+, and 3 under the age of 10. This restaurant was AMAZING. Our server was Jeremy who was BY far the most knowledgable server I have had in a very long time. He knew the wines, he knew each and every oyster choice, he detailed each dish. He even deterred us from a meal that just could not be split for the little kids. It was an incredible evening and every person in our party LOVED their meals. I had the blackened mahi-mahi. A few had the escolar, someone had salmon, and the rest of the choices were random. We live in a seaside community in the Northeast where fish is plentiful. My fish was prepared as well as any I have ever had in my life. Every piece of fish on our table was perfect. I would recommend to everone. Not cheap but certainly not expensive. About 33 dollars a person including tip. Several rounds of alcholic drinks for 7, dessert, and a few bottles of wine. Also would like to mention that we are weekly+ visitors to all kinds of restaurants. A++++++++++++ Jeremy ROCKED!
(5)Eleanor C.
Coast is a great restaurant with excellent food. However, do not expect to find a Crispy Flounder that compares in any way with that found at Garabaldi's which is currently closed and rumored to reopen. Coast's crispy flounder is fried and comes with a sauce that is not on the flounder itself but served on the side. It was a disappointment.
(3)John A.
We visited Charleston just for the heck of it and asked the Concierge to point us to a place where the locals go. He recommended Coast and we could not be more pleased. The Okra and Tomato salad was excellent and the Cashew-encrusted Grouper was fantastic. The service staff was very attentive. I would recommend this place to anyone.
(5)Ellen A.
There is no shortage of seafood restaurants in Charleston. One of the reasons we chose Coast for our visit was that it participates in the Sustainable Seafood Program through the aquarium ( scaquarium.org/SSI/defau… ) and we were glad we did. Although there was a two hour wait when we showed up at prime dinner time on a Saturday night, we were able to be seated right away on the patio. I was impressed that our waiter was not only very attentive, but also surprisingly knowledgeable about the seafood when we asked what was local and fresh. We ordered the spicy ceviche, which was a larger portion than we expected and was delicious. For entrees we tried the lobster gratin and grouper with truffled grits and shitakes. The gratin was severed in the lobster shell and was not the creamy, gloopy mess that is more often served. It was actually quite light and the main ingredient was the lobster and crab, rather than filler. The grouper was cooked perfectly and was very light. The grits were flavored extraordinarily well and are now one of my restaurant favorites (I do not believe you can get this flavor a la carte). The feel is nice casual (rather than eating-in-a-shack beach casual) and the price is exactly in line with the other restaurants in this area (which is slightly pricey, but not over the top), but is far better in quality than other restaurants. We will be back - Yum!
(5)Keith M.
It had been a long day trying to figure out where I lost my camera the night before until I came to grips that I handed it to someone to take a photo and then I walked off. Lesson learned when your not rich don't act like your rich and either lose break or get wet your phone or camera. Needless to say iphones are not water proof. Long story short it was a hell banger of an evening to say the least which lead into the next alcohol driven extravaganza of a lovely day in Mt. Pleasant. To begin with a boat ride, no make that a kayak on the shipping lane, which was quite nice with dolphins and ships and the occasional seal clubber. Anyhow the strict disregard for the sign that said no beer on the kayak was over sought it was paddle paddle sip sip. We took the whole 4 hours and i stuck my friend with the bill conveniently enough as to though express funds. However the message was 'Earhart-ed' and the next event on the agenda was to go downtown and eat. I say casual they say sure, I ask how much and they, oh the food's so good, I see the menu and the hour & 1/2 wait and say we go, so we did and it turned out to be a ploy to meander about the city streets and take it all in. We pasted dozens of places that look cool unique and better budgeted though the all along was to eat at this place, Coast. So the way back proved to not be as time consuming as one might thought and even though we were still on the list, there was going to be a wait to prepare our booth. A beer for me please, I was already upset that fate had brought me back to the pocketbook breaking beast of a place, sure what kind,,, oh an IPA,,, yeah I'll close out now..,,,? 8 bucks... does this come with free refills. I swallow my pride and the preconceived hurting this even was bringing to my wad. Nonetheless it was go broke time and act rich again so yes I will have a bottle of wine, no not a glass thank you. Well needless to say dessert was a request for a punch in the face which I think was gleefully declined from the waiter to much of my surprise but that still didn't mean the evening didn't fade to black...
(3)J C.
bad food and bad service...only time in my life i've ever sent a dish back!
(1)Travis K.
We first visited Coast about four years ago, it was great food then. We visited again and was not disappointed! My wife had the plantain encrusted mahi mahi. It was awesome! I had the chef's special surf and turf. Yummy! We ordered the kids fish sticks for our son and I think I could have had that for myself it was so good. We also ordered the fried green tomatoes, perfect! Drinks were very tasty too! Highly recommend visiting Coast! You won't be disappointed!
(5)gregory b.
Amazingly fresh. Terrific chefs. Top flight service. Some good drinks too. The world's best grits.
(5)sarah c.
The crab dip and Mojitos are amazing!
(4)Drew k.
Awesome food, good wait staff. Horrible host! We called 4 times for help with directions, Megan never mentioned once that there was a 2 hour wait. We got there and she gave us major attitude. We made reservations and came back the next day. Wow. Prices are somewhat high, beer prices are insanly high. $7.50 for a local draft?
(4)Allen H.
We visited Coast during restaurant week, and are we glad we did. First, its a little off the beatn path, and every now and then we need to be away from East Bay street. The decor is casual and comfortable. Entrees for our group included the paella and grouper. We got four rave reviews. Probably the second best paella I have had - tons of fish and shellfish. I rarely leave without cleaning my plate, but this time some went home. But try as I might, I don't think I'll be able to get my wife or daughter to order anything but the grouper. The wine list was very good, with great variety - a lost of spanish and south American wines at prices I was willing to experiment with. Worth a visit.
(4)Meredith N.
Coast is by far the best seafood that I've ever had in Charleston. For appetizers, we got the crab and avocado ravioli. Incredible. Then as entrees, my mom got the blackened escolar. She hates anything blackened, but because of all the great reviews, she took the risk. She literally slicked her plate clean, she liked it so much. I got the crab encrusted tilapia. The fish was incredible, mashed potatoes were absolutely delicious. And it was even better the next day! The only reason I gave it 4 stars was the overwhelming amount of cilantro that was used in the first appetizer that we ordered, Ceviche. I hate cilantro anyway, but this was just too much.
(4)Taite B.
Refreshing peach Blanca sangria. Fried okra tomato salad would not have been my first pick, but it was amazing. Bread is fresh but not warm. The braised grouper was delish. Nothing about the dessert menu tempted us enough to indulge. Overall a great meal and decent service!
(4)Andrew H.
I dined at Coast a little over a week ago while on a trip to Charleston. I've had my share of seafood but I can say that the ceviche and grilled swordfish (that night's special, wasn't on the regular menu) were among the best I've had. The ceviche was more than enough for two people and had a variety of very tasty fish. The swordfish was very basic, but was grilled to perfection while remaining moist throughout. The salt & pepper calamari were also good. We stumbled into half price wine Sunday, so that made our bill very reasonable (under $90 with a bottle of wine, two appetizers, two entrees, tax and tip.) The inside seemed very nice, but we chose to sit in the alleyway (cobblestoned and clean, not like what I'm used to in Chicago) instead. It was a really cool place to eat a meal and would definitely do the same next time. I'd recommend this place to anyone looking for great seafood at a reasonable price in Charleston.
(5)Hannah C.
This was a great restaurant!!! Enjoyed dining here, kinda hidden but the inside is very cool. My dad got the seared tuna which was sooo yummy! I got the mesclun salad which was one of the better salads I've had. The lemon vinaigrette was perfect on it. Would definitely return!
(5)Steve S.
I had crusted flounder-excellent. Waitress very friendly and attentive.
(5)Rachel C.
Loved it! the location, service, food and feel of the whole experience was great!
(5)J C.
Amazing food! I think the best seared Tuna over soba noodles I have ever eaten. My girls ordered the mesclun salad and it was as good a salad as one could want. Need a better Chardonnay by the glass selection. But I am spoiled by excellent California Chard's. This is a good place and a wonderful atmosphere, not a tourist trap at all. Highly reccommend!!!
(5)Muhammad M.
It was a great dining experience. Tasty and delicious good. Highly recommended.
(5)Bonnie M.
For lunch Rue de Jean was comfy with butcher paper on tables and an old wooden bar. The quiche du jour was tasty and creative. The lamb sandwich was very flavorful and delicious but fries should be replaced with the salad that came with the quiche. Yummy. Wait staff was attentive and unobtrusive.
(5)Dave S.
The sangria here is good but sweet. The peel and eat shrimp were the best I have ever had. The stuffed lobster was delicious and the drinks at the bar were top notch. Service was friendly, the bartenders were engaging but the hostess did not have the mostest...she was trying to discourage us from dining as it was 915 with an hour wait. O
(5)Da H.
Great seafood. One of our party said it was one of the best seafood dinners she ever had. She had the blackened escolar with sweet potato gnocchi. I had the Ahi tuna on soba. I liked mine; but not as much as the escolar. It was seared but the inside of the fish was cold . . . which left me cold too. Ambiance - old renovated warehouse.
(5)Chad M.
EXCELLENT!!! If you are in Charleston, give the coast a try. very fresh fish. good menu selections. excellent service. they were busy, but we had a reservation.
(5)S Y.
Nothing exceptional, but good seafood.
(4)Jim C.
Great seafood! Great atmosphere with live music. Casual dining at it's best.
(5)Melissa W.
I went with a group of 6 on Sunday night. I'm just visiting Charleston and am trying to eat seafood every night. So far so good. Its helpful to know where you're headed because the sign is not obvious from the street. It must not be a problem though, because even with reservations we still waited about 10 minutes for a table. The menu is 90% seafood and I think there were about 3 other options including chicken. I had the pecan crusted grouper and 3 others at my table got the sampler. Everyone really enjoyed their meals. The service was very good and the decor was interesting.
(4)Tabitha Z.
Fun atmosphere and the Crab Encrusted Tilapia was amazing! Will definitely dine here again the next time I'm in town!
(5)Paul S.
Cool spot, good food but small portions. I got the yellow fin Tuna and it was probably only 3 oz. $25 for 3 oz is kinda pricey.
(4)Frank H.
Wanted to try this restaurant, left name, time request and telephone number. Never received confirmation of reservation request. Guess business is to good for follow up. Not going to wait 11/2 hours without. Reservations, to many other restaurants to try.
(1)Barbara R.
Had many good meals in Charleston, SC this past weekend, but the tuna and the cerviche here where the best I've ever eaten ANYWHERE
(5)Becky L.
My favorite restaurant in Charleston! The seafood is AMAZING!!! I seriously love this place and can't say enough good things about this place. Oh and be sure to try the Key Lime Pie Martini. Tastes like the real thing. They always have great specials, and I recommend listening to the servers about what they recoomend, they really know their stuff. I seriously seriously love this place, and miss it greatly!!!
(5)L L.
This place is awesome! The crab and avocado raviolis were ridiculously good. The lobster and crab gratin was phenomenal. Great service, nice ambiance. My only complaint would be that they are heavy on salt with their food but that would not stop me from returning in the future. Highly recommended. Hard to find - when you get to the actual address, you have to walk down the alley to find the restaurant.
(5)Wendy K.
I love business trips.. thats how I get to go to all of these cool places.. Place was good.. service wasn't fantastic.. It was packed.. I'd go back I can't remember what I ate.. but I did drink some yummy wine.
(4)Richard N.
It can't get any better than this. Great food, great service, and great location. A must if visiting Charleston.
(5)Jason C.
Terrific service in a nice atmosphere. Solid ambiance, and a fun place for after hours drinks. I got the grouper, and it was not the quality I expected in Charleston. The cuts were not filet, and it was a bit over-cooked. The apps we shared were very nice. I would go back.
(4)Rachel M.
Laid back, hip atmosphere. The food was yummy and fresh , with attention to local fare. The mashed potatoes were so delicious...creamy and flavorful, with nice chunks of red potatoes. Fresh grilled Mexican corn was great too. I had grilled barrel fish. Good sauce. The fish was a little dry for my taste. Overall, one of the better meals we've had here.
(4)Tyler R.
I had the shrimp pasta, which was very good. The waiter forgot to bring put our order in for crab dip. So we didnt get to try that. Really cool place inside but a little pricey.
(3)Michael H.
Spent a weekend in Charleston in April, and this was the one meal I enjoyed the most. The setting was nice but not too formal, the service was good, and the food was outstanding and came at a very reasonable price. Was disappointed that I only got to eat there once, would love to go back. The crab-stuffed lobster tail was insanely good.
(4)Patrick H.
Extensive seafood menu. Really enjoyed the meal and atmosphere. Service was ok. Great location.
(4)Anne B.
Wow! Best fried flounder I've had! Recommended to us by a local resident, Coast is really worth a visit. Our server recommended the local flounder, deep fried in an herb crust. It was awesome, especially with the spicy remoulade sauce. Perfectly cooked and so delicious. Sadly, the sides let the side down a bit. The "jalapneo hush puppies" were room temp, somewhat tough dough balls. The alluring jicama slaw was limp and not too flavorful. It was probably good when it was first made. Back on the plus side, hubby had the night's special, local swordfish steak over bow tie pasta with a sun dried tomato, cherry tomato and goats milk creme fraiche sauce. It was cooked to perfection and delicious. The wine list had very reasonable choices. We had a Martin Codex '08 Albarino for a mere $29. Our two cost centers (ages 12 & 14) again had the kids menu (when will their taste buds grow up?) which was quite good. One had penne with marinara and the other had "chicken tenders" which looked to me like fried chicken breasts, and fries. Both were excellent and cost 5 bucks each! They had quite delicious ice-cream Sundaes for dessert that come with bananas, strawberries, nuts, whipped cream and both chocolate and strawberry sauce. Yum! We were there on the early side and were one of several families but the place looks like it probably heats up after kiddie bedtime. Coast can be a bit hard to find the first time. It is near the tourist info office, in an alley beyond a good-looking French bistro-type place. The decor was fun. Sort of a beach shack built inside in a 1890 train station. The service was very good. In short, the sides were nothing special, but Coast is very much worth the hike out of the old historic center for the excellent seafood.
(4)Korrie B.
My fiance and I had a reservation for 7:30. We arrived about 10 minutes early and were seated immediately upon arrival. This restaurant is very "cool." It has a very "come hang out and have a great meal" vibe. It is in an old restored building. VERY high (2 story) ceilings and exposed brick. We started with the salt and pepper calamari. It had an excellent flavor. Just a squirt of lemon was all it needed. It didn't really need either of the dipping sauces. To drink we tried the White Peach Sangria. It was too sweet for my taste. Too much peach schnapps and not enough wine. I ended up adding some water to my glass to make it more like a spritzer and to cut down on some of the sweetness! =) For our main dishes we had the Crab and Lobster Gratin and Oak Grilled Snapper. Both came with Parmesan mashed potatoes which were good but the consistency was similar to instant mashed potatoes. The gratin was also served with green beans, not a whole lot of flavor. The gratin itself was very tasty. It was more the consistency of Stuffed/Deviled Crab and it is served inside of a lobster shell (more than just the tail...everything down to the claws!) The snapper was simply grilled and had an amazing flavor! You can choose your sauce. I chose the pineapple-chile salsa and the waiter suggested the white wine sauce as well. He was spot on! The wine sauce was amazing with the fish. The salsa was great too...I ended up eating it like it was its own side. Overall, we have had better seafood in Charleston but not with this kind of a laid back atmosphere. I would definitely recommend this place to others!
(4)Tye O.
Walked in around 9pm and the place was packed. I was under the assumption that 9pm on a weekday wouldn't require a reservation, so we just walked in and asked for a table. We were told the wait was about 45 minutes, so we took a seat in the bar area and ordered some drinks. We got a chance to look at the menu, and we weren't all that hungry, so no real complaints. And of course, any restaurant that carries Yuengling must be a good restaurant. We ordered a few dishes, including some appetizers. We started with a dozen raw oysters, which were large and tasted fresh. The ceviche was delicious, as was the paella I had as a main course. The meal sizes were perfect, and the prices were reasonable. Service wasn't bad at all, so I really have nothing to complain about. Next time I'm in the area, I'll definitely visit Coast again.
(5)Ginny L.
Comfortable atmosphere, food was superb, friendly waitstaff. My favorite was the salmon I added to my salad. Calamari was great - I'd skip the buff shrimp next time though because it was pricey and the portion was on the smaller side.
(5)Daniel M.
The food was fantastic. The portions were exactly perfect. I know some reviews stated the portions were small for the price. I have ate at many fine restaurants and this restaurants quality of food and price pair well together.
(5)Amy D.
We ate at Coast in April 2010 and were seated outside. Not a great idea in April. There were gnats biting my husband, but we it wasn't bad enough to move inside. My husband and I each ordered an appetizer. I had the Mesclun Salad which was very nice though the lemon vinaigrette was too tart. My husband had the Coast Crab Dip which he enjoyed, but it was served with a lot of bread and they brought out bread with our drinks. For dinner, he had the catch of the day which was Halibut. It was a very small portion, but tasty. The fish sat on a bed of rice and peas and the peas were undercooked. I had the Grilled Monterrey Chicken topped with crumbled jalapeno bacon, tomatoes and scallions, served with bacon blue cheese slaw (awful) and green beans & pomegranate BBQ sauce. The chicken was delicious, but all in all, it was a VERY expensive meal that wasn't worth the price. We would not return.
(3)Dan M.
Delicious food. Prompt service. The special, barrel fish, was the best cut of fish I've had in a long time. Their crab cake was the best I've had. Period. The feel is informal, but the food is fantastic.
(5)mis h.
My family goes here every time they come visit me, which is awesome cause then I get to eat there. I also took the Boy here for his birthday. The waitstaff isn't very attentive. They're nice and helpful when they speak to you, but you have to get them to stop at your table first. I've had amazing food here and I've had eh food here. The fish tacos were amazing, but I would suggest them as a meal, not an appetizer. Just go for the entree and enjoy the free bread. Don't bother with the appetizers or dessert...They're nothing to write home about. All the fish is cooked on a wood burning grill so it tastes fantastic. I've ended up getting the same thing every time I go cause I don't want to get something "eh" again. It's a lot more casual than you would be led to believe and it's family friendly...There's usually 10 people whenever my family goes. It's not arranged very well for big groups though so go over 6 people and you're going to get kinda cramped. Oh, and they have $1 Coronas on Thursdays, which is totally sweet.
(4)Bill J.
Nice spot. Usually busy, but still comfortable. Little bit of a bar scene, in a good way. Food is good, sometimes real good. Drinks and bartenders are good. Casual.
(4)Doris D.
Went to Charleston for a Convention got a recommendation from a local resident to go here. It was really good!! Great service, food and drink! We had the Paella and Sangria, will definitely go back if I'm in the area.
(5)Jessica S.
LOVED this place. The service was great, atmosphere was nice and the food was out of this world. I got the escolar and it was outstanding. Cooked to perfection. The vegetables were excellent, the succotash, I could've done without. But this place was great. I even got dessert of the banana bread pudding and that was rich, but delicious. You def need to go here when in Charleston.
(5)Trogdor B.
service wasn't really the greatest, but the food was excellent. i was seated, given water, and was then given some 15 -20 minutes of quiet time before a waitress actually came up to take my order. i'm hoping this isn't typical, cuz if it is....the food isn't worth that kind of wait. anyhow, i had the black grouper with the lemon-white wine sauce. i didn't know cooked fish could taste this good. the parmesan mashed potatoes were pretty good, but i'm not a huge fan of mashed potatoes...and the steamed veggies were over salted. regardless, the fish was really good.
(4)kelly s.
great seafood spot! cool decor/space and delicious drink menu. reasonably priced. good for date night!
(4)Christine P.
Terrific place to eat in Charleston. Service was fabulous. Food was loved by all. Terrific seafood. You can eat a ton of food or you can order some light entrees as well. Nice ambience too. Not touristy at all, reasonably priced as well. I'd go back.
(4)Boll W.
When I tentatively approached Coast from the outer side, I had the notion that it might actually be an expensive/tie/suit kind of place. I was delightfully surprised when I walked inside to see people of all attires carousing about. I sat at the bar and recieved fair service from a busy bartender and even met a local couple next to me who were very nice, southern style. Met some other girls who were quickly packing the bar area and had a phenomenal meal. I ordered the fried green tomatoes to start. Good, as expected. Ventured on to have the plantain encrusted Mahi Mahi with blue cheese mashed potatoes and asparagus. Divine. I had to call it quits at that point. I didn't want to indulge the senses any more. If you're in Chas. and want to have a fine restaurant experience, look no further!
(5)Tim S.
I hesitantly give this three stars because we only had drinks and apps, so we didn't get the full experience. I still feel like the food and drinks were over priced considering the 2 $$! I was expecting something amazing with all the reviews, but don't get me wrong it was still good. We had the crab dip app, fish tacos, and the buffalo shrimp tacos. The crab dip had amazing flavor, but not very much crab meat. My buffalo shrimp tacos were amazing with three large shrimp in each taco. The fish tacos were only decent. The highlight of the meal was the drinks and atmosphere. The mango mojito is a must-try for ladies, the cucumber mojito was also interesting. The building was very cool exposed brick with awesome decor, open kitchen, and nice bar area. Seemed like a pretty young crowd considering it is off the beaten path down an alley. I would still recommend anyone to check it out and we will be back to taste the entrees.
(3)liz A.
Delicious food and a large menu to select from. Always crowded but worth the wait.
(5)Keith C.
I love the Coast. Good food. Good atmosphere. Go there for fresh seafood experience. I like the shrimp and grits.
(4)jane r.
went here with my mother for dinner - did not disappoint. the inside may be a bit loud - it's not a refined atmosphere, but is comfortable and cozy. we ate outside in the little alley way in front of the restaurant and really enjoyed it. the weather was pleasant and we liked the more quiet, more atmospheric spot. wasn't quite sure what to expect of the food. looking at the menu, i was thinking of more of a standard fish joint, but the food is much more refined. in fact, the food was exceptional. i had the snapper almondine, and my mother had grilled escolar with sweet potato gnocchi. we both loved our meals. the flavors were well balanced and not overwhelming of the fish. i loved the sauce with the fish. it was all just lovely. fish was also cooked well, which seems to be a challenge in some restaurants. server was very friendly and attentive. it was the best meal we had in charleston.
(5)Tiffany L.
The atmosphere of Coast is very inviting and warm, and the food is very good. We sat at the bar while waiting for our table, and I had the most delicious Mojito I've ever had. All of their Mojito's are very, very good (and award winners) -- especially the Hawaiin Peach and Mango. The service is friendly (maybe the male bartender helping me was a little too friendly -- but it's all good). For dinner, to start I believe we shared a crap dip which was very good. For my entree I had the Cashew Encrusted Grouper with oven roasted potatoes, haricot verts and a cilantro pesto cream. My dish was very good, the fish was cooked perfectly and was delicious. Some element of my dish was overly-salted, but that was only a minor complaint. The potatoes were good, the haricot verts were crisp and the cilantro pesto cream was very good, the cilantro giving it a unique and lighter flavor than original basil. The seafood here is fresh, and no one was disappointed with their meals. We had dessert, unfortunately I can't remember what it was, but I do remember that I ordered tea and they arrived with a variety of teas that I could choose from, which was very nice. It's little things like that that tend to make restaurants and dining experiences more memorable. Touche, Coast!
(4)Maria D.
The food was amazing, the service was great; and talk about ambiance! I had the best paella ever and can't wait to go back this fall. Charleston itself is a great little city that I truly enjoyed. People actually talk to you out of the blue and ask how you're doing. They seem so genuine, it's like going back in time.
(5)Sharon I.
This is a good looking place - it just looks like fun and good food. While they have outdoor seating and a big dining room, we at at the bar. The bar area is huge and festive. Also, the restaurant seems to be packed. We had the scallops wrapped with bacon and served with a pomegranate sauce two nights in a row - i could eat them every night. We also enjoyed the avocado ravioli and that too was delicious. The chef does a nice job of combining savory with sweet and it all works quite well.
(5)Morgan S.
Coast is great for many occasions - whether for dinner with the family, drinks with friends, or a first date. The atmosphere is laid back but there's a buzz in the air at all times. Do not leave without trying the mango mojito - unbelieveable (and award winning!). I'm a creature of habit and choose the same dish each time I'm there: crab stuffed flounder. No matter what you choose, you won't be disappointed. Final note - head there on Sunday night if you can. Half price wine and a jazz trio set for a great start to your work week!
(4)Angie P.
Wow! This place is amazing! Nice decor, friendly staff & delicious food! Here's what I had: cucumber mojito (no wonder it won an award last year!) shrimp ceviche (yuuuuum) & the crispy fried flounder entree. The fish came right off the bone; it was fried perfectly! The jalapeño aioli...oh my - I want a jar of this at home! And...I've never had jimaca slaw before, but WOW! Do yourself a favor & eat here as much as possible!
(5)Taylor A.
For a city already teeming with fantastic restaurants, and seafood restaurants at that, Coast is a solid option that belongs in the echelons of the Charleston dining scene. From the short wait on a Saturday night, to the welcoming bartenders and educated wait staff, the service was immaculate. There was never an empty glass without drink on the way from the bar. We hadn't eaten since 11:30am, so by the time we had sat down to dinner a little after 9pm we were starving so we ordered like mad. We started with both lobster and shrimp ceviche and they were both brimming with their respective crustaceans. The table was split on which was better, but all agreed they were both delicious. I had a mixed grill (baller!) special with a 6oz ribeye, 4oz red snapper, and 4 jalapeno-bacon wrappend shrimp. The ribeye itself wasn't anything spectacular (probably Grade A versus Prime), but the red snapper and shrimp were fantastic. Usually bacon wrapped anything makes whatever is wrapped overcooked, but the shrimp were plump and juicy. So, for a great meal in Charleston, Coast is a wonderful option!
(4)Lawrence T.
Very fresh oysters for an appetizer - also a great selection. Entrees were escolar and striped bass - both fresh and perfectly grilled. We would definitely dine here again.
(5)Stephen W.
We had a great experience here for dinner on a Saturday night. We arrived early, without reservations, but they seated us in the outdoor patio area which was fine. It's a casual place so the experience is a bit different from Magnolia's which is more formal. We started with the crab dip which was very good but too salty for my wife. For the entrees, I got the crab cakes which WERE THE BEST CRAB CAKES I HAVE HAD IN MY LIFE. And I am a crab fan and have tasted them all from Maryland to Oregon. NO filler, all sweet crab. Just excellent. The wife got the lobster and crab gratin and it too was excellent, no filler and all luscious meat. The service was good and they had a killer micro brew, Sweetwater IPA which was perfect with crab. This place cost about 1/2 as much as Magnolia. We would both eagerly return. I can't wait!
(5)Emely B.
Fantastic! We had a great experience, the trio ceviche was delicious, juicy full of flavors. We had the mango mojito and the cucumber melon mojito both great and refreshing. For entrees we had the crab crusted tilapia and the Rockefeller shrimp linguine which was peppery, creamy and yummy. The prices and the ambiance were right on point. We highly recommended and hope to be back!!
(5)Stef J.
Awesome! Try the groupers with nuts, tilapia and as a tip the buffalo shrimp tacos - 6 stars for all that!! After a three week southern US tour we came here one night and it was simply delicious, good service, good prices - the best meal in 3 weeks US! Extremely recommendable!!
(5)Kelly C.
Coast is one of our favorite restaurants in Charleston. If you are looking for a great seafood place, look no further! They always have several 'catch of the day' options that you can have cooked several different ways and many other menu options to choose from. Coast also has the BEST mojitos! Even if you can't make it there for dinner, I highly suggest making the bar your first stop on a night out. It's definitely a hidden gem, find it if you can!
(4)Lauren G.
On a girls weekend in Charleston, my sister and I tried this restaurant through a recommendation from our B&B. It's tucked away from the main road, so you might not stumble across it just strolling around town; I'm really glad we knew to look for it! The food and service were great, and the atmosphere was relatively upscale, yet still casual and relaxed. We sat on the porch, which was perfect in the May evening weather. We tried the crab and avocado ravioli for an appetizer, and seriously considered getting a second order - it was THAT good! Ultimately, we decided to try the calamari instead. It was also good, but the ravioli stole the show. For my entree, I had the scallops, which were delicious. My sister opted for the oakwood grill dish, and tried the mahi mahi with pineapple chili salsa. I tried a bite of her salsa, and would definitely recommend it! For dessert, we had the special, which was a chocolate mousse/strawberry "bomb" that was a great end to a delicious meal. We also tried one of their pinot noirs, and were very happy with that. (Unfortunately I don't remember the name of the wine, but they have a pretty large wine list and the servers are happy to make recommendations.)
(5)Ashley B.
All over great.
(4)Michelle B.
This place had somewhat high reviews so I wanted to give it a go. My friend and I were looking for a fried fish alternative and their menu looked big enough to accomodate our cravings. I wanted something a little lite so I ordered the mahi mahi fish tacos. It came with 2 soft tacos and nothing else. The waitress warned me that the meal would be more like an appetizer, which was fine with me. I also ordered a basket of 5 hushpuppies that came with jalapeno butter. I should have just stuck with the tacos because the hushpuppies weren't anything to write home about (or on Yelp) and just acted as lead weight in my stomach. My friend ordered the tuna with soba noodles which turned out to be a pretty good chocie. The tuna was cooked perfectly, or as I like to eat it, just slightly kissing the grill on both sides. Overall the place would be good for a crowd or family but there are much better options for fish in Charleston.
(2)Greg S.
This place is very casual and had the ambiance of sitting in the hull of a large, old wooden boat. Anyway, it was all about seafood, of course. We had blackened escolar on a piece of corn bread bathed in a crab roux (loved it) and a cerviche sampler and a crab cake with fries (I'd call it a 3.5 out of 5 - can't win 'em all). It was 1/2 off wine night, so it took away some of the sting of my not as good selection.
(3)Garen M.
A great gourmet seafood experience. Sit at a community table and you will make some new friends. Delicious and memorable dinner.
(4)Chris K.
Very casual, so its a good place after a day of sightseeing. Excellent seafood, very fresh with imaginative preparations and tasty sides. We liked it so much we went back the next night. Make a reservation. It fills up pretty quickly.
(5)Meg R.
4.5 star review for Coast. I give my main course - the blackened escolar with sweet potato gnocchi - a perfect 5 stars as it was one of the best meals I've eaten in a long, long time. As for the rest of my review, I have to say that Coast does seafood well. My family loved their meals (the salmon Ceasar salad and the fried platter with scallops and oysters). The restaurant is tucked away in an alley on John St (behind 39 Rue de Jean) right near popular King St. There is a public parking garage on the same side of the street as Coast as well as a lot across the street. The only reason that I didn't give 5 stars was because of the service. Our waitress wasn't attentive to our drinks, which upset me since I was hydrating for the Cooper River Bridge Run. It took a long time to get our check and then to have her take our payment. The restaurant wasn't that busy, but my experience with the service would not keep me from returning just for that escolar!!!
(5)Kathleen M.
Great decor and fabulous smell greet you as you enter. It just made me happy we had come on the recommendation of our concierge who also made us a reservation. For appetizer, we split the crab dip which was plentiful but pretty salty. The bread they gave however was so fabulous that I wish we had just had that for the appetizer - it was manna from heaven. It is worth the trip just for the bread. My husband had the stuffed lobster and I had the paella. I used to live in Spain, I taught Spanish for most of my adult life, I really like paella. This really wasn't paella. The seafood had not been cooked down into the rice and the sausage was Mexican, not Spanish. Having said that, it was pretty good just not Spanish. Call it something else - spicy seafood and rice casserole would be more accurate. Dessert and coffee were great - I had the blondie sundae and it was delicious and enough for 3 people. My husband had the key lime pie which he finished. Great service added to the enjoyment of the night. Had the paella been a true paella, I could stretch this to five stars. Guess I will have to just go back to Spain!
(4)Alicia V.
The Coast is incredible! I had the Blue crab cioppino and the seared scallops. The cioppino was overflowing with a variety of seafood and sauce was rich and tasty. My seared scallops were seared perfectly and the orzotto that the scallops were on were creamy and delicious! If you are in Charleston you owe it to yourself to eat at the Coast.
(5)Kate N.
We hit up Coast during RW, but decided to go with the regular menu! We were pretty pleased. We started with the octopus ceviche and it was truly delicious. We're still having dreams about it. We also had some calamari as an app, which was good. The lemon aioli is very lemony -- just how I like it. I got the seafood paella with Mahi-mahi. It was great! Huge though -- didn't come close to finishing it. My boyfriend got the spicy shrimp, and he did not love it. I had a taste and didn't care for it myself, but I am also not into the super spicy. I would, however, recommend the strawberry rhubarb mojito, as it was delicious! We enjoyed our experience at Coast. It's a bit pricey, but the ambiance is nice and the food was tasty. Especially the ceviche. Get the ceviche.
(4)Lauren L.
Coast was recommended by our hotel, and if not for our iPhones we would have never have found it. (It's down an alley off a side street in downtown.) But when we reached Coast, and I had one bite of their hushpuppies and jalapeno butter, I literally called my girlfriend to set up a road trip to Charleston cause, as far as I'm concerned, everyone within an 800-mile radius needs to try these. (No seriously, I was that excited.) The boyfriend absolutely loved the plantain-crusted mahi mahi (which was the deciding dish in us coming here), and my veggie plate was damn good (although I wished there was a bit more carbs on it, since veggies don't work that well for soaking up alcohol). This was definitely a local place, which was a change of pace from the other dinners we had in Charleston, and will absolutely be on the top of my list next time I'm in SC.
(5)Lesley S.
One of my favorite restaurants in any major city. Great food, service and setting. We had oysters, scallops, spicy shrimp and an amazing desert. Couldn;t tell ya what my drink was because the waiter picked it for me but it was good. Very reasonably priced. Loved the music.
(5)Shannon P.
We ate dinner Saturday night with a very large group-16. When we arrived for our reservation we were very promptly seated and immediately attended by our server. The mojitios were flavorful and strong- we tried the melon, strawberry, and peach. The beer selection was adequate but not outstanding. For appetizers, the BBQ oysters are unbelievable! It's not a flavor combination I thought I would like but everyone loved them...including me. Other delicious options ordered at our table were hush puppies with jalapeño butter, octopus ceviche, and crab soup. The main courses did not disappoint. The top selections at our table were: mixed grill, bacon wrapped scallops, escolar, lobster, and pecan crusted tilapia. As a side the mashed potatoes were delicious. Desserts ordered: snickers cheesecake and key lime pie. Not so much as a crumb was left on any plates! Located on a charming alley just off King with reasonably priced parking directly across the street-- it's the perfect downtown Charleston spot! After dinner we window shopped and crowd-watched before heading back to our island rental. Coast is an excellent option among Charleston's best dining establishments. We will definitely return anytime we are in town.
(5)Gerald P.
Good solid evening out place to eat. I had grilled halibut special. Very good, vegetables on the side were actually super good and we had crab dip for appitizer that really was good. Calamari was good but not anything different than most good restaurants. Staff was very good, attentive. We had an extra person show up and they made room for us. Nice recommendation.
(4)Darren F.
A very neat place with casual atmosphere and great food. The prices are reasonable. Service was very good even though they were very busy. I had the mixed grill and everything was prepared spot on, even the hangar steak, which is hard to cook without it becoming rubbery. Can't wait to go back and try some other dishes.
(4)Gil S.
I had the swordfish which was good, but not knock your socks off delicious. For appetizer we had the fried calamari. Quality of the calamari was ok, but we believe it could have been better. The breading used on the calamari was marginal. Service was ok, but not superb. However they had a large golfers party (about 35 guests ) that night, so this may have pit some abnormal strains on the waitstaff. Ambience is relaxed and casual. Acoustics were not so hot. If you are looking for an intimate setting this is not the place. They have a sister restaurant around the corner (39 rue de Jean) which is probably more intimate. But for a group of people it certainly is a fine restaurant. I would go back to The Coast, but not as my first pick. Bon Appetit!
(3)Scott C.
Very disappointing, service was average, waiter missed appetizer order. Changed tone completely when we didn't order the $30 catch of the day. Food was also very average. Side of grilled vegetables turned out to be mostly pepper with a few onions. Seemed to be targeting the tourist crowd over all. Definitely not the typical Charleston dining experience.
(2)Tastybeverages T.
Went there on a Tuesday night with 5 adults and 2 kids. The ambience at the bar was probably the best part of this place. Nice lighting, good vibe. Overall the food was average, with the apps being better than the entrees. Started with some calamari, buffalo shrimp, and crab dip, all of which were well received by the whole table. The entrees were just not good. Two of us got the braised grouper, after which I felt like I had eaten a stick of butter, so oily and heavy. My wife got the talapia, which was not bad. One of us got the shrimp and grits which were the strangest s and g I have ever seen, and not in a good way. They were like a stew, with no definition, just a plate of muddled blandness. They have been written about by others on yelp, so I am hoping nobody ever orders that dish again. All in all, a forgettable dining experience, but if you want a good bar with some apps, worth hitting up. I will say the service was very good, always a plus.
(3)Craig F.
Eh. OK place. Love the location and the atmosphere is something quite special. Service was quite attentive and the appetizers were a great start. The love affair came to a halt when I got the shrimp and grits. DEFINITELY were not wild shrimp...looked like the kind of teeny shrimp you get in one of those cans in the grocery store. No flavour and it was swimming in this salty salty broth. No bacon or scallions either. Just a horribly devised version of shrimp and grits, when, in a town KNOWN and revered for shrimp and grits, they would be advised to pull it off the menu for some fine tuning. I will try them again because my party all liked their meals and the desserts were a perfect ending. BUT...avoid the shrimp and grits. Please.
(3)Paula L.
Without question one of the best meals I have ever eaten. We started off with bacon-wrapped sea scallops and everyone at the table loved them. I had the snapper almondine and I can honestly say it is the best I have ever eaten. This fish actually melted in my mouth. Everything about this restaurant is first class. Call ahead and make a reservation - you will need one. Service was outstanding.
(5)Justin C.
I recommend starting with the fried green tomatoes and ordering the grilled mahi mahi with tropical salsa. Rodney strong Pinot noir was very affordable. Enjoy.
(4)George H.
After hearing about all the fresh shrimp that you can get in Charleston from the Boat Tour, I knew that seafood was a must for dinner. Looking on Yelp, for suggestions, Coast popped up. #1 Do not walk past like my group did. You must go in the alley like corridor to find the restaurant, and believe me, you want to find this restaurant. The sampler has the freshest seafood I have had in a LONG time. The Shrimp Cocktail was literally AMAZING. The ceviche, very well done. We tried the Octopus. If the meal ended here, it was would have been a perfect 5. Then came the main course and crab cakes were so filling and really tasty. The lack of 5 stars comes from the Paella. It needs to be cooked in the pan and you could tell they moved it into a serving vessel and the rice just clumped. It was more a risotto then Paella and that is a very clear distinction they need to make. The dessert was great, the Banana Bread Pudding. So tasty and not too sweet. I would come back here for the Shrimp Cocktail in a second.
(4)A G.
Here on holiday, food atmosphere and service were all great. Had grilled grouper perfectly cooked. Service was perfect.
(4)Candice R.
We went to Coast with a large party for a birthday. The location is good and the atmosphere was nice but erred a little bit on the side of cheesy tourist. We ordered the crab cake appetizer which only came with one crab cake for 9 people and they served it with fries which we all the thought was odd. Why wouldn't the server tell us it was only one crab cake? And then it didn't take very good. The entrees were better but were all a bit on the salty side. It was not a bad experience but I would not go out of my way to eat here again.
(3)Whitney H.
My family came to charleston on vacation for the weekend from Myrtle Beach and found Coast right next to the hotel we are staying in. The reviews were promising so we went. I definitely recommend making reservations, we waited about an hour for a table of 5 at 8:30pm, but it was so worth it. Our server was super sweet and friendly and the atmosphere was great. Fun, funky, unique and casual. We requested a booth since our 2.5 yo was asleep and the staff arranged us exactly what we needed. Now to the food, the amazing food. For an appetizer we ordered the Salt and Pepper Calamari and I don't hesitate to say it was the best calamari I've ever eaten. Buttery, tender and the lemon aoli was incredible. I ordered the Moscato from the extensive wine list and my husband had a 22oz Fat Tire to drink. For dinner my husband ordered the Seared Tuna and I had the Crab Encrusted Talapia. The tuna was amazing, perfectly seasoned and seared atop a pile of soba noodles. My entree was, as my husband said, the best thing he has ever eaten. The fish was so fresh and cooked just perfectly. That roasted red pepper sauce was perfect and even the green beans and mashed potatoes were super yummy. My kids ordered the Fish Sticks (which were only $5 for a plate full) and even those were delicious. They were not what I would call fish sticks at all, but rather a plate of crispy, flaky fish and chips. We ended the meal with the White Chocolate Cheesecake which was on par with the rest of the meal. To say that the meal was great is a bit of an understatement. We will definitely return again and again.
(5)Krista G.
Charleston School of Law hosted its annual moot court competition at the Embassy Suites, so our group decided to try nearby Coast for our last meal in Charleston. For appetizers, we ordered half a dozen oysters on the half shell as well as scallops wrapped in bacon. Both were delicious! For my main course, I asked the waiter if he recommended the seared tuna or the plantain-crusted mahi-mahi - he immediately touted the tuna, and I'm happy to say I was NOT disappointed. The tuna was perfectly cooked - seared on the outside, buttery on the inside. It was served with a pomegranate-soy reduction which tasted absolutely amazing over the soba noodles. The other members of our party also raved about their dishes. I thought the prices were reasonable (we split the check for expensing purposes, so the individual bills came to $30-$60 including drinks) considering the quality of the food. I would definitely recommend Coast if you're looking for a delicious, fresh seafood dinner!
(4)Daragh C.
I enjoyed my trip to Coast. My husband and I were hoping to have a good dinner after a disappointing time at Social the night before and Coast delivered. I had the plantain encrusted Mahi Mahi, however they were out of the brussell sprouts. I asked if they would replace it with the kale they were serving in the nightly special and thank goodness they did, the kale was delicious. I bet it would have been great with the brussell sprouts but it doesn't matter since it was to die for with the kale. My husband had the special for the evening; 7oz Swordfish steak over pork belly and kale. He said it was delicious. We also had the cioppino soup which was very tasty. I especially liked that all the seafood was without the shell making it easy to eat. It was a decent portion and a very reasonable price. The only downside to the experience was that our service was just okay. The server had a little bit of an "I could care less" attitude about her and seemed annoyed when I asked for another minute before deciding on dinner. She also didn't seem all that knowledgeable about the menu items above what was already listed and when we asked her how the chef prepared the kale, she said it was sauteed on the grill. Perhaps that is true, but my husband and I were a little confused by the response. Aside from the service, we were happy with our experience and would come back again, especially if they are offering the "sauteed on the grill" kale!
(4)Kathy S.
For starters we had the oysters. They brought out the wrong ones but corrected the error by bringing the right ones later. Not a bad one in the bunch. The heirloom tomatoes were nice. The salt and pepper calamari was excellent! This was followed by the seafood ravioli, KILLER. A companion ordered the green bean, carrot and shiitake dish (awesomely delish) and let us share. After having dutifully eaten our vegetables (the kind they serve in heaven), we indulged in the banana bread pudding. Worth dying for.
(4)Kimberly K.
We were staying on Kiawah for a few days for vacation a wanted a really good meal so decided to drive into Charleston. I would say we are a bit of food snobs so when this place turned out awesome we were thrilled. First off, its tucked down an alley and the building just has a cool vibe. I know it might not have a ton of history like others, but it just feels cool. We had a pound of shrimp to start and they were fresh and fantastic. I can't remember all the entrees, but my husband had the fried oysters and they were some of the best we have ever had. I think the whole meal was so great because the service was great as well. Not the "fake great" that you sometimes get from servers in busy tourist towns, but a truly, great waitress who had fun with us. Was it the best meal on the planet? No. Was it worth 5 stars and well worth what we paid? Definitely yes.
(5)Nicole L.
This place exudes both modern southern flair and charm, and it's great for a large party! What to order? That's a tough recommendation to make. Everything we tried was a winner in my book. And since there was a group of 12 of us, I was able to try a good portion of the COAST menu (however, I still didn't put a dent in the list of things I wanted to sample!) So what in particular did I try and love? * Coast Crab Dip - Blue crab claw meat, horseradish, cheese, & grilled bread - Rich and creamy, great for sharing. And who doesn't love grilled bread?! * Plantain Encrusted Mahi-Mahi - Blue cheese mashed potatoes, asparagus & sweet basil butter - Amazing as it sounds, holy cow this dish packed in the most beautiful flavors. * Seared Rare Tuna - Fresh tuna dusted with cashews and peanuts; with diced mango, cilantro, pomegranate soy reduction over soba noodles - I can't get enough of Asian flavors with fish. Tossing in some mango, pomegranate and cilantro took this to the next level. * Crispy Fried Whole Flounder - Hush puppies & jicama slaw; cilantro jalapeno aioli - This dish oozes Southern flavors. For more highlights on this dining escapade and menu favs, check out my blog post: bit.ly/pu5kjm
(5)Dekun P.
We came to this place based on the overwhelming positive review from yelp. From the look of it, it seems like your Joe's Crab Shack around the block. However, don't let its looks fool you. It's fine dinning seafood in a family ambiance. We arrived early on a Saturday night and did not reserve a table and we were quickly seated. Had the crab ravioli for appetizer which I can definitely recommend. For entrees, girlfriend had the shrimp and grits and it's done nicely. I had the plantain encrusted mahi-mahi, which was slightly over-salted, contributing to the 4 star rating.
(4)Felix M.
I recently had dinner at Coast and thoroughly enjoyed it. The seafood was fresh and perfectly prepared. Our waiter was fast, attentive and knowledgeable. The ambiance was great - it had a tropical, laid-back, comfortable feel. The live music - two guitarists - were excellent.
(4)Kevin C.
I honestly kept looking around and had to double check on the way out that we had come to the right place, because I was pretty sure we just ate at bonefish grill or some other crappy midwest chain of seafood restaurants. (if that's your kind of place, by all means, add two stars to this review and read no further!) . Yelpers you have failed me. Ok, good news first - Service was fantastic. That's it for good news. Had the "thai chile" shrimp ceviche - uh, those weren't thai chiles and that shrimp was cooked with heat, not with citrus. Next up was the seafood cioppino. Tasted like... canned tomato soup. Finally was the mixed seafood grill. I know, lame choice but they had escolar and salmon my two favorite Frutti di Mare. The server asked if is was OK for the salmon to be cooked "medium". Of course, that's fine. The salmon was rare, and i do mean rare. Which is OK with me and it tasted fine, but just annoying as not as advertised. Charleston, you better do me better before i leave town.
(2)Mike D.
Nice atmosphere in the bar area and an awkward outside area in front of the resturant that executes like an afterthought. After some pleading, the hostess allowed us inside, after she first told us there was no room inside (on a very hot early evening). Thank you. The braised grouper was extremely good, as was the greek salad. Our friends said their tilapia was very good as well. The Lobster and Crab gratin looked great as I noticed it coming out of the kitchen for another table. However, the one we received was significantly smaller (there was no size option) and although it was mostly terrific, we left a little not because we were full, but due to the fact that some of it was charred. The service was better from the runners and bussers (very pleasant and friendly) than it was from our server "Lacy". Maybe Lacy was just in the weeds, but she was just going through the motions and clearly didn't care enough to provide a level of service that her employer would like to think they deliver. Every night in Charleston is Saturday night, so that's no excuse. The food was (mostly) top notch, but they just didn't deliver the complete experience that we paid for.
(2)Ellen L.
This was out second time at Coast during our trip to Charleston. What a fun place, and the food was to die for. We started with some blue point oysters that were so fresh and yummy. We also got the bacon wrapped scallops. The sauce on the scallops was delicious, and so was the crab soup. Best I've had in a long time. For entrees, cashew crusted grouper - delicious!!! Seafood pasta - good and the grilled salmon with chili pineapple sauce. Only complaint was that the chili pineapple sauce was not really spicy. For dessert the table ordered the chocolate cake. Omg it was killer, especially with the raspberry sauce. We will definitely be back next time we are in Charleston.
(5)Erin C.
My friend & wanted a good dinner to top off our Charleston visit. We perused the AAA recs and decided on Coast: seafood in many manifestations. Lobster rolls sold me, and I don't even like lobster much. We had reservations on a Thursday night, didn't have to wait long, and took our seats in the dining room. Decor was expansive, coastal, and consisted of lots of textures. The forks are three-pronged though. Eh. Glasses of wine, reasonably priced. Crab dip appetizer, to die for. When it came to our table, our waitress lit up the heat beneath and we dove in immediately with accompanying bread. The ghosts of so many flavors are haunting and taunting me even now. Before we knew it, entrees had arrived. I had the cashew & pistachio crusted seared tune with mango and sobe noodles in a pomegranate soy reduction. The dish had vibrant flavors, but alas I could not finish it off. Our waitress was helpful and visited our table with perfect in/frequency. She wrapped our crab dip to go (tastes Just as good cold, in a car, on crackers) and cheerfully told us how to get to Kaminsky's for dessert.
(4)Mark W.
The food was outstanding as well as the service. The Blackened Escolar was to die for. The ceviche sampler was an interesting experiment. Really cool atmosphere, but you have to walk down an alley to get to it(we almost missed it). Would love to go back and try other offerings.
(5)Alice M.
Having heard Charleston is known for its culinary excellence, this restaurant was just mediocre. My husband and I had the ceviche trio, which was ok. The lobster one was our favorite, but none compared to the ceviche I had in Cancun. I got the crab encrusted tilapia. The fish was like butter--super tender and melted in your mouth. Excellent. But everything else on the plate was sub-par. I honestly think the mashed potatoes were instant. My husband's grilled jumbo shrimp was nothing spectacular. The sauce was too hot and the seasonal vegetables mainly consisted of just onion. For those of you who dine out often and have a higher standard of quality, this place is a let-down; however, it is not a bad place. Seemed to me a lot of college students frequent this place.
(3)Robbie M.
Just had dinner here tonight. It was fantastic. Boiled shrimp for an app and blackened escolar over sweet potato gnocchi. The escolar was phenomenal with a light fig reduction sauce over it. Unbelievable - would eat it daily if I could! The place was packed. I was dining alone so sat at the bar. Service was great.
(5)John G.
Very nice casual seafood restaurant. In the old part of town in an historic building. Wooden tables, nice paintings on the wall, and turning fans are the setting. Excellent service. Very friendly and explained some of the local dishes plus the specials. Our party of 10 had a mix of selections. Appetizers included stone crab, crab dip and calamari. All very well prepared and very tasty. Nice selection of wine and beer. Entrees included lobster & crab gratin, crusted tapia, grouper, shrimp and a pasta seafood. All were very well cooked, spiced just right and very delectable to the palate. Desserts were coast lime pie and sundaes. Very nice experience. The customer service is really tops. Will repeat next time in Charleston.
(4)