Charleston Restaurants

McCrady's

Fodorite Reviews

Average Rating:  

McCrady's Review

Executive chef Sean Brock may spend the majority of his time at his new enterprise, Husk, but the unswerving McCrady's still delivers thanks to talented chef de cuisine Jeremiah Langhorne and his crackerjack restaurant staff. Originally constructed in 1788, the structure features heart pine flooring, two fireplaces, exposed brick walls, and a pair of handsome brick archways. Its impressive legacy is supported by cuisine still ranking among Charleston's best. Bear witness to the short rib, set with sweet corn and green tomatoes, or the beef tartare featuring small discs of egg yolk, ramps, and frisee. Or enjoy fresh fish from local waters, such as grilled cobia or flounder crusted with green peppercorn. Meats include Berkshire pork so tender your fork leaves indentions, and aged duck roasted on the bone. A four-course menu featuring smaller dishes allows diners to taste several items. The only trouble: it may leave you craving more.

    Restaurant Details

  • Reservations essential.
  • Credit cards accepted.
  • No lunch.

Fodorite Reviews

Average Rating:  
  • Food  
    Décor  
    Service  
    Value  

    A wonderful evening.

    My wife and I made our reservation after seeing Chef Sean Brock on the Food Network competition that he won and were not disappointed. We were immediately warmly greeted by the hostess when we walked through the door. The dining room was absolutely beautiful. Our server, Matt, made us feel right at home and was also very knowledgeable. The food, which was amazing, is only made more so by the fact that Sean picks fresh vegetables from his farm just outside of town. I would highly recommend McCrady's to anyone that is ever in the Charleston area.

    by RN1968, 3/27/09
  • Food  
    Décor  
    Service  
    Value  

    Great dining experience

    I loved every moment of my dining experience at McCrady's last night. The food was innovative and farm fresh. The wine list extensive and the service was impeccable. Would highly recommend a visit very soon.

    by rmf921, 3/25/09
  • Food  
    Décor  
    Service  
    Value  

    Bad event planning

    I had my wedding at McCrady's and Christy Loftin was the event coordinator at the restaurant. We were excited about the food and the experience but the service was poor.
    Everytime I call or email the coordinator to ask questions about my wedding (which is an important day for all the brides and grooms), she never replied.
    After several anxious emails, she finally replied but she never gavee me the detailed info that I needed.
    She says 'everything is ready' but nothing was ready on the actual day of my wedding!
    We had to tell set-up people what to do and how to do since she wasn't doing her job.
    Later, I discussed with her and guess what, she blamed me for not communicating with her well. It was an unbelievable experience.
    The food wasn't bad and all the servers were nice but the coordinator was such a disappointment.

    by kiricat, 12/30/08
  • Food  
    Décor  
    Service  
    Value  

    Worst Experience Ever in a Restaurant

    I travel the world with my job and have been to many fine restaurants. I will NEVER spend another dime at McCrady’s. I live in Charleston, have been to McCrady’s multiple times and have spent literally thousands of dollars at this restaurant over the last year bringing in friends, family, and important clients. Previously the food was innovative, the atmosphere was exquisite, and the service was perfect. Unfortunately, though, I brought my brother and wife visiting from San Diego in to dine and it was obvious that there has been a substantial change in this establishment’s business practices. Let me describe my experience and let you determine whether it is a place you would like to visit. Last evening there was a limited tasting menu with no wine pairing (which we always order) and every dish was based around tomatoes. My brother, a very respecting 3-time war veteran I’ll add, is allergic to tomatoes. We asked if we could have an alternate possibility. We were told by our very good server, “no”. Based on the limited menu, we decided we would depart. I explained our decision to our server, he understood. We left him a $10 tip for pouring us water and we were met at the door by Mr. Clint Sloan, the beverage director.

    He told us that if we didn’t like the menu prepared for us, then we should leave (which we were obviously doing). He also said if we decided to leave then we “should never ever come back” and that they “did not want our business”. These were the exact words that were used; I remember as he repeated them 3 times. We made advanced reservations, were appropriately dressed, very courteous, and not a bunch of “yahoos” and were told by the beverage director that they “did not want our business”. I was shocked and embarrassed that my family that had traveled so far to be with us was treated so poorly, especially in our hometown which is known for its courtesy and good manners. If you decide to visit McCrady’s please heed my advice that you are taking a chance in which you literally could be treated like you are a second class citizen. It was the worst I have ever felt as a dining patron in my life. As my family has been in Charleston for multiple generations, I will ensure that no one in our family, or any friends of our family ever gets treated the way we were, by ensuring that we never visit McCrady’s again.

    by charlestonian08, 7/11/08
  • Food  
    Décor  
    Service  
    Value  

    Great room, great service, only OK food

    McCrady's was highly recommended by friends. The room is beautiful and the service was both friendly and professional. Although the chef is known for being on the cutting edge of new preparation techniques, the food simply wasn't all that good. It was interesting to try to figure out how things were made, but at this price point we want to like our meal enough to want to have it again. And neither my wife or I do.

    by jones526, 4/2/07

Add your own review

Free Fodor's Newsletter

Subscribe today for weekly travel inspiration, tips, and special offers.

· Forums Trip Reports

  • A Visit to Charleston

    Hi all,
    My Lady Wife and I visited Charleston this week for an anniversary present to ourselves.

    We stayed at
    No. 4 Unity Alley B&B Very nice accommodations. Large A/C room with a jacuzzi tub. The Read more

  • Cycling in Greenville SC

    When most people think of SC they think of Charleston or the beaches. Read more

View more trip reports

·

  • Where to stay Charleston SC

    hi-
    I'm running away from my hubby and kids and taking a solo last minute trip to Charleston in a week or two. thinking of staying in the city for two nights to sightsee and then to kiawah island for two Read more

View more travel discussions

· News & Features

View more blog stories