Our taste-and-tell guide to some of the latest food-and-beverage openings in Charleston
Parcel 32
From the outside, this Charleston single house on King Street hasn’t changed much since its 17-year run as Fish restaurant. But step into Parcel 32, and the transformation is stunning: coastal decor has been swapped for mid-century furniture, a subdued teal-and-gold palette, and vintage maps that nod to the building’s history as a railroad stop. Snag a seat at the bar for happy hour cocktails like the “Don’t Haint” with Holy City Honey Ghost whiskey and snacks such as house-pickled veggies and pecan-meal hushpuppies. Chef Shaun Brian’s dinner menu includes a variety of meats and sides, but the real star is seafood: we indulged in pan-roasted sumac triggerfish served with creamed cauliflower and roasted beets. For a sweet finish, order the green tomato pie topped with buttermilk ice cream and crunchy toffee. parcel32.com
Chubby Fish
Elliotborough’s newest addition proves that good things come in small packages—or in the case of Chubby Fish, small spaces. After finally overcoming two years of hurdles, owners James London and Geoff Shyatt opened their jewel box-sized eatery in June, where fresh seafood rules and counter-style dining is the name of the game. The nightly menu, scrawled on a chalkboard above the bar, features an ever-changing selection of creative small plates (like chili garlic shrimp), as well as a handful of larger mains. The braised grouper cheeks, tossed with chorizo and white soy over a bed of rice, and fried oyster po’boy are already fan favorites, but don’t miss the restaurant’s pride and joy: the “whole fish” and raw bar selections, dependent on the day’s local catch. For dessert, the team calls upon Life Raft Treats to supply ice cream sandwiches and their famous “Not Fried Chicken” ice cream drumsticks. chubbyfishchs.com
