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Magnolias

185 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401-2126 (Downtown)
843-577-7771
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Ranked #8 of 575 restaurants in Charleston
Price range: RM94 - RM106
Cuisines: American, European, Continental, Contemporary
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Restaurant details
Good for: Romantic, Business, Local cuisine, Special Occasion Dining, Entertaining clients
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch Spot, Dinner, Reservations, After-hours, Dessert
Dining style: Casual Elegant
Neighbourhood: Downtown
Cross street: located between Cumberland & Queen Streets
Transit: Charleston CARTA to and from Visitors Center can be picked up 1/2 block from the restaurant on the quarter hour. There are also local cab companies and Charleston's famous Rickshaws that will transport guests to their hotels.
Description: Igniting a culinary renaissance upon opening in 1990, Charleston's most popular restaurant is located at the site of the city's original Customs House (circa 1739). Led by Executive Chef Don Drake, Magnolias remains a forerunner in upscale Southern cuisine, blending traditional ingredients and cooking techniques with a modern flair for artful presentations.
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1,513 reviews from our community

88% Recommend
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Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
north carolina
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
10 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2013 NEW

Went for Sunday brunch. Service very slow. Food was pretty good but not to die for. Menu had lots of choices

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See 7 more reviews by kathlmom for Charleston
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
5 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2013 NEW

My husband and I visited Charleston, SC on vacation and we made a point to visit this restaurant. I'm so glad we did. The food was EXCELLENT and the service was even better. I ordered a seafood dish over grits that was totally out of this world. I highly recommend it if you visit this city. I had a light... More

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See 2 more reviews by Pambaknj for Charleston
Charleston, South Carolina, United States
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2013 NEW

Downtown, right in the heart of Charleston Magnolias has wonderful food and a real old Southern atmosphere. I highly recommend them for either lunch or dinnwe.

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Greenville, North Carolina
Senior Contributor
44 reviews 44 reviews
30 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2013 NEW

My wife likes this place and it is good so we went there on mothers day. I had the tuna which was fantasic. The only issue was the waiter was a little aloof. My wife told him I don't like mustard or mayo when we were picking out an appetizer and when I ordered an entree he didn't warn me... More

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See 9 more reviews by santhony74 for Charleston
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
6 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2013 NEW via mobile

Outstanding dinner. The flounder was one of the best meals I have ever enjoyed. The service was excellent and the atmosphere was comfortable. Very busy, but it was easy have a conversation at the table. Definitely worth the evening.

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See 4 more reviews by Jeff R for Charleston
charleston
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
11 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2013 NEW

Very good traditional southern food. Chefs are wonderful however it's more pricey.. but its downtown. At least you get what you pay for because although pricey, the taste is good.

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See 9 more reviews by Beth M for Charleston
Charleston, South Carolina
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
5 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2013 NEW

Such a nice restaurant. Food was particularly good, service very good. Ambiance just lovely. Easy restaurant to give good recommendation. Prices not too bad.

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See 7 more reviews by Penny D for Charleston
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
4 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2013 NEW

My husband and I ate here for a late lunch (around 3:30pm) on a weekday. I had the Parmesan crusted flounder and it was amazing. All of the food had an incredibly fresh taste. A bit pricier than some places but worth it. Waitress was nice enough - she warmed up toward the end. My only recommendation would be to... More

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See 3 more reviews by C M for Charleston
Seattle, Washington
Senior Contributor
38 reviews 38 reviews
12 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2013 NEW

18 college friends and I had dinner at Magnolias in April and it was fantastic, food was amazing and the staff never lost it even though we were having fun... so loud, demanding and then had the audacity to request separate checks. Nothing upset them, the food arrived perfectly cooked, tasty and the staff was gracious. It was the perfect... More

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Texas
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
9 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
51 helpful votes 51 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2013 NEW via mobile

Had the fried chicken breast (best I've ever had and I'm from the South!), fresh corn, collard greens, mashed potatoes, and biscuits. Delicious! Pimento cheese and flatbread appetizer was fabulous as was fried catfish and shrimp creole. You definitely want to eat here.

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