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California Dreaming - Charleston - Priority Seating, Charleston, SC
This restaurant now offers Takeout

This restaurant now offers Takeout

Bring the restaurant to you. Order and pay for food directly on OpenTable.

California Dreaming - Charleston - Priority Seating

4.1
4.1
2669 Reviews
$30 and under
American
*Please note, we accept Advanced Priority Seating at California Dreaming in Charleston, we do not take reservations. Advanced Priority Seating limits your wait on busy nights and allow us to seat you within a shorter time frame upon arrival of your entire party.

California Dreaming has been serving the Charleston community since 1987. The large, open setting boasts floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Ashley River, providing a perfect backdrop to any event. The panoramic views can also be enjoyed on the wrap-around deck with bar, that is easily accessible by boat; additional restaurant features: online ordering with curbside pick-up. Awarded Best Waterfront Dining and Best Salad - City Paper, 2004-2021.

We are unable to accommodate parties of 7 or greater at this time.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 47 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    American, Seafood, Steak
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat 12:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (843) 766-1644
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Neighborhood
    West Ashley
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 2,669 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.1
4.1 based on recent ratings
  • 4.2Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • South Carolina

    Great for scenic views

  • South Carolina

    Most Booked

  • Charleston

    Great for brunch

  • Charleston

    Kid-friendly

  • Charleston

    Great for scenic views

  • Charleston

    American

  • Charleston

    Most Booked

2,669 Reviews
  1. DavidL

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall3food1service5ambience5
    Waitress was wonderful. The view was spectacular! Got our table quickly and it was a great table. My appetizer was great, but my wife’s (potato soup) was not hot. Croissants were melt in your mouth good. The entrees were horrible!!😡 I had the roasted half a chicken meal. The chicken was NOT roasted. It was a left over roasted chicken that had been deep-fried and was very small and very dry. My wife got the crab cakes. They tasted like old Tuna. Very, very fishy tasting. We were even afraid to feed the left over “crab cakes” to the stray cats we feed every day. Desert was a real treat. I got the cheesecake and my wife got the bread pudding. Bread pudding was to die for good. What happened California Dreamin’???

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  2. DanielS

    Cincinnati

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    The service was impeccable. The scenery is stellar. The food was good. Big fans of the specialty salad dressing, croissant, and Brussels sprouts. Ribs were decent. Would go again and try something new. Our server said she had been there for over 30 years and it showed. She was spectacular.

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    vip
    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall3food4service4ambience3
    Food and service: great Facilities: can use deep cleaning

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  4. DINING555

    Charleston

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We book via Open Table for a specific time. Not sure why we still had to wait when there were tables open.

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  5. Harrison

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I made a reservation to treat some of my team from work for all of their hard work as we're going through a bit of a transition. The hosts assured us that, despite the large crowd, we would not have any delays and our table would be ready in just a moment. We went up to the bar for a drink while we waited, but before the bartender could even pour us drinks, we got the text that our table was ready. Once we were seated, we were greeted by Rachel, the manager, who was so warm and inviting, making us feel at home. As soon as our waitress arrived, she made several wonderful recommendations, despite having only been working for the restaurant for two days! To me, as an instructor myself, this indicates a thorough training process for new staff; something most places don't bother to invest in. As far as the food, there is nothing bad on this menu. To say that the croissants are to die for is an understatement! The She Crab soup is also a perfect start to any meal. The fried crab claws have just the right balance of crunchy outside and soft, sweet crab meat inside. Main courses, again, were wonderful. The crab cakes are always a hit, and they are loaded with crab, not filler. The fried seafood platter is wonderful as well. Despite being seated near the bar, during The Citadel's Ring Weekend and Parents Weekend, the noise level was not so bad as to make us have to speak any louder than a usual conversation. Ambiance was wonderful, and the view out onto the water compliments the dining experience perfectly. During the course of the meal, our waitress was attentive, but not overly "helicopter" mode. Before our meal was complete, Rachel again came by to make sure everything was exceptional, which it was. Absolutely an outstanding experience, and worth every penny.

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  6. BarbaraB

    Charleston

    26 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We are locals and enjoy our meals and view at CD! Dinner on the harbor is always a treat.

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  7. MeganB

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We enjoyed everything. Just wish something was done for the birthday we were celebrating. But didn’t expect anything. We had a great time still.

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  8. TomK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Dinning area very cool. The boat dock a real plus. Food great.

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  9. LisaW

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    There was no one at the hostess table when our party arrived

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  10. SiobhanS

    Western NC

    39 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    39 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went early for dinner and it was so nice to not be crowded. Food was wonderful, of course the salad is a must with house dressing. Todays fish was whole red snapper , it was cooked perfectly and was such a treat. Ribs were fall if the bone

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  11. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Saturday night was a busy night.we had 45 minute wait with a reservation. It was good experience once we were seated. Food and service was excellent.

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  12. GeniaH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The atmosphere and food is always amazing! The view of the Charleston Harbor is the icing on the cake!!

    Is this helpful?

  13. PatrickZ

    Western NC

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Food and service was great overall and the restaurant layout and view of the water is awesome. The only recommendation is a little more seasoning for the food. That’s the only reason for one less star, but overall I’d recommend this place and plan to return.

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  14. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Seated us quickly, service was good and very fast. Food was great, especially the croissants. No happy hour specials, but that’s a minor thing.

    Is this helpful?

  15. JenniferT

    Detroit

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was great and the ambience was spectacular. Love that they have their own dedicated parking lot.

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  16. KathrynV

    Charleston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was amazing! The couple we treated to dinner was so impressed that they would bring their out-of-town guests there as a special treat!

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  17. DanA

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 19, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Good food but they have one of the most unsafe handicap ramps. Very steep and uneven boards. Many trip hazards. They need to do better.

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  18. OpenTable Diner

    Austin

    3 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience4
    Priority seating means you don’t have a reservation so we waited about 45 despite booking thru open table.

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  19. JackF

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall3food5service3ambience4
    Nice experience. 15 minute wait past reservation time was unpleasant. Another 15 minutes sitting at the table before server arrived. Still glad we went.

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  20. JeffG

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience2
    Why have reserved seating and still wait 25min upon arrival, horrible!

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  21. Tori

    Charlotte

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    From check in to check out everything was great. Food was delicious and still hot when served.

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  22. Handy

    Charleston

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Started out with spinach nachos and mixed drinks. Delicious! We had steak, salad, and potato. The server took her time and let us talk since we were celebrating and occasion. We had requested a window by the table and that’s where we sat. It is fun to watch the boats go in and out.

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  23. BryanM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Dinner was awesome as always. My baby back ribs fell off the bone & my husband said his fried shrimp were perfect.

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  24. ColleenB

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Beth was our server and she was terrific. They did not have some of the adult beverages that were on the menu which was a bit disappointing.

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  25. JulieR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    From food to service, everything was great! It has been a long time since it has happened so well, but our family appreciates the great service and great food!!! Thank you!!

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  26. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    17 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Our waitress Breezy was amazing!!! Hostess did a good job accommodating our group.

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  27. KaseyF

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall1food1service3ambience1
    Food wasnt warm, took forever and food wasnt quality

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  28. Dakota

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very enjoyable. Nice staff. Good food. Great location.

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  29. OpenTable Diner

    Portland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Our first time here. Had 8pm reservations and didn’t get sat till 8:35, they were busy which is fine but that’s why we made a reservation. Had a drink at the bar, quick service and good drinks. Food was fantastic. The rolls and she crab soup were fabulous. I had the crab cakes, husband has the seafood pasta and father in law had the salmon. We were all very full and happy. Would recommend

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  30. NicolaO

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    The setting was lovely, great views of the harbor. I did order my steak to be cooked Medium but the center was definitely rare so was unable to eat the entire meal. I did let the server know, and she agreed the steak was rare, and asked if I would like it cooked further. Reheated or further cooked steak is not a good option.

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  31. NikkiP

    Charlotte

    6 reviews

    2.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall2food3service3ambience2
    We booked reservations and still had to wait a long time. It took the food the longest to come out also. We were on vacation and this wasn’t a good experience at all.

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall2food3service4ambience3
    We had a 7:30 reservation and had to wait until 7:50 for a table. They put us at a table in the bar areas corner and the food toll over an hour to get tri our table. The waitress was excellent but the service we had from entry and food service was not good

    Is this helpful?

  33. JimmyT

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great place and atmosphere. It was cool to sit by the bay windows, overlooking the waterfront. Our server was also great.

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  34. PeggyU

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely lunch. Food was amazing and service was prompt. Our waitress was great and attentive,

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  35. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall1food1service3ambience2
    I made a reservation and waited 45 minutes till we got seated on my birthday…… this has never happened with OpenTable. I don’t usually leave a review like this but honestly this was sad. my steak came out like a hockey puck. Sad to see…. Y’all can do better.

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  36. LindsayD

    Western NC

    5 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience4
    Food is ok- not as great as it used to be. The servers seem to have too many tables as they never remember to fill your drink or take away plates, etc.

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  37. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall1food4service4ambience3
    I made my reservation early and then they wanted to sit me at the back, looking at the marsh next to the kitchen. I had priority seating they sent me in the worst seat in the whole restaurant.

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  38. KellyD

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall1food1service2ambience4
    Keeping in mind this is our 3rd experience here. We did not see much of our server. Half of our appetizer was cold. My husband ordered a baked potato with his entree and the sour cream that came with it was separated and bad. Then when they brought him another potato it came out with the sour cream already on it after he asked for it on the side. The lettuce in the salad was wilty and the prime rib was dry and it was like it sat around under a heat lamp for some time. Another entree ordered at the table was the French Dip w/au jus, the meat in this sandwich was very dry and actually hard in places, the "au jus" tasted like it came from a packet and was extremely salty. The garlic aoili that thankfully we asked for on the side for this sandwich was actually hard on top and tasted spoiled. When it came time to pay I asked for a receipt and never was provided one. It is a shame as we did not have any issues the two other times we were here but this was enough to deter us from coming back and advising others to rethink their restaurant choice.

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  39. Tori

    Charlotte

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Dinner was great the view by the water is amazing. The seafood platter was great.

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  40. NanB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We always have a great experience at California Dreaming. The food is consistently delicious, the atmosphere is pleasant with views of the Ashley River, and the service is wonderful.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

California Dreaming - Charleston - Priority Seating offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (843) 766-1644.

California Dreaming - Charleston - Priority Seating is rated 4.1 stars by 2669 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 47 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for California Dreaming - Charleston - Priority Seating

1 Ashley Point Dr, Charleston, SC 29407

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    West Ashley
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat 12:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    American, Seafood, Steak
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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