Our taste-and-tell guide to some of the latest food-and-beverage openings in Charleston
Middle Street Market
We’ve all been there: inching through traffic over the Ben Sawyer Bridge; finally finding a spot on Sullivan’s Island; and then, with a sinking feeling, realizing we’ve left the cooler packed with lunch at home. Luckily, Middle Street Market turns that mistake into, in the words of Bob Ross, a “happy little accident.” A portrait of the 1980s painter hangs above the cash register at this cheerful café-slash-retail market, which offers sandwiches, wraps, salads, and sides ready to take to the beach—think kale tossed with spiced nuts, chickpeas, and pesto; the Bob Ross Beef sandwich on rye; and shareable snacks like pimiento cheese and potato salad. There’s also a thoughtfully curated selection of beer, wine, artisan products, and goodies like Lowcountry Kettle chips and Sweeteeth chocolate. middlestreetmarket.com
The Establishment
Located in the historic James Gregorie House at 28 Broad, The Establishment suits its name, appearing as though it’s been serving the lower peninsula for longer than a few months. Keeping things delightfully straightforward, the restaurant specializes in simple, polished offerings divided into small plates—such as chilled shrimp and seared scallops with broccoli pistou—and larger mains that vary by the evening. Though seafood takes the lead on chef Matt Canter’s menu, the eatery veers from the raw bar trend of the moment, opting instead for artfully prepared cuts of fish and, occasionally, red meat accompanied by bright, seasonal veggies. The fare is light, with richer accents showing up in the details, like brown butter and salsa verde glazing the swordfish, and a splash of citrus and buttery leeks topping spaghetti with Atlantic rock crab. establishmentchs.com
