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Charleston's best seafood and fine cocktails. - The Establishment, Charleston, SC

The Establishment

4.8
4.8
2244 Reviews
$31 to $50
Seafood
Top Tags:
Everything at The Establishment begins with well-sourced ingredients from sea and field. Through developing relationships with local farmers and fishermen, our ingredients will be consistently seasonal, fresh, and pure. Chef Elliott Howell's menu will always reflect a clean, focused, and balanced approach, delivering a selection of thoughtful and refined cuisine.

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2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 29 times today
Experiences are available.
Private dining

Private dining

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Elegant Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, American, Contemporary American
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (843) 789-4028
  • Website
    http://establishmentchs.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Elliott Howells
  • Private party facilities
    The Establishment offers incredible, local seafood paired with an award-winning wine list. If you’re looking for elevated cuisine paired with fine wine, for a location that pairs a rich history with modern amenities, or for a room that is perfectly situated in Charleston’s historic French Quarter, look no further than The Establishment.
  • Private party contact
    Betsy Brabham: (843) 608-8295
  • Location
    28 Broad St, Suite 100, Charleston, SC 29401-3004
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown Charleston
  • Cross street
    On Broad Street between Church and State
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Experiences

  • New Years Eve Celebration-Six Course Pre-Fixe Menu

    $150.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Dec 31, 2023 only
    Come ring in the New Year with us at The Establishment! Chef Elliott Howells is offering an elevated tasting menu alongside our curated beverage offerings. A vegetarian tasting menu is available. $250 ticket pricing includes dinner, wine or N/A pairings, tax and gratuity. No substitutions or alterations. All allergies must be disclosed by 12/23/23. Please reserve your table quickly - reservations are limited. All parties have an option to cancel without penalty until 12:00 PM 12/21/2023. ALL cancellations thereafter are subject to a no refund policy. Late arrivals (more than 15 minutes after designated reservation) will be subject to forfeiture of the table. Parties of 5 or more please call The Establishment to discuss seating options.
    New Years Eve Celebration-Six Course Pre-Fixe Menu Photo

What 2,244 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • South Carolina

    Seafood

  • Charleston

    Best Overall

  • Charleston

    Best Food

  • Charleston

    Best Service

  • Charleston

    Best Ambiance

  • Charleston

    Good for business meals

  • Charleston

    Innovative

  • Charleston

    Great for fine wines

  • Charleston

    Romantic

  • Charleston

    Good for special occasions

  • Charleston

    Seafood

2,244 Reviews

  1. Local

    Charleston

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall2food2service3ambience4
    Our appetizer was was delicious but the entree for $38. was extremely disappointing- a bowl of white bean stew with kale and pork, scallops was basically just white beans and a disgusting version of seafood sausage but it was rubbery, there was virtually no kale and the pork was one tiny bit of bacon. Ripoff. This restaurant used to have a very nice menus. There are just too many restaurants in town to waste time and $$& on this one!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Bigsexy1

    Charleston

    25 reviews

    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Restaurant was everything I was hoping for just an awesome experience. Our waiter Nehemiah was great he knew about all the food and drinks 100 percent professional can't wait to go back again

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  3. HappyonHHI

    Charleston

    10 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Food was just OK. Had the gnudi with crab and there was barely any crab - a flake or two. So basically it was just a dish of cheese dumplings and not worth $26 for a starter. The grouper had way too much bacon fat in the potatoes - overwhelmed the fish. Service was very good. Our second time at this restaurant and we probably won’t return.

    The EstablishmentResponded 4 days ago

    Thank you for your feedback. We will investigate these dishes and make the necessary adjustments. We hope to see you again. Best, The Establishment Team

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  4. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best restaurant in CHS both in terms of the quality of food and level of service.

    Is this helpful?

  5. barbara

    Charleston

    10 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall3food4service5ambience5
    Great atmosphere Wrong music in the background No salads on menu No true appetizers only smaller size entrees No salmon in a seafood restaurant, its a staple Good waiter service Wrong martini glass, served in a champagne glass

    The EstablishmentResponded 5 days ago

    Sorry to hear that you didn't care for our concept. Apologies on that. We typically don't have Salmon in house. We like local and regional fish a bit more. Our coupe glasses serve as our martini glasses and always have. The music tends to run on the lively side which we like! We do have salads on our menu, 2 to be exact. And appetizers are essentially smaller entrees; you will find that in many restaurants throughout the world. We wish you the best in your culinary adventures and happy holidays! Best, The Establishment Team

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  6. ReedL

    Charleston

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall3food5service3ambience3
    We had been at a conference most of the day. We chose the Establishment hopiwngnfor relaxing, nice dinner before retiring for the night. We were dressed business casual, on the dressier side but were met with quite an interesting reaction from staff. We had a reservation yet found ourselves sitting for about 10 minutes without approach. Once someone came to our table they asked us if we were aware that they serve courses. We were talked to as if we were an annoyance. We were finally approached by a female server who was the kindest of the bunch. We ordered the ribeye which was very good but we will not return. We left our server a 40% tip on a $250 bill. It's a shame the staff were otherwise quite stuffy, rude and seemed to take a glance at our attire (which wasn't overly casual) and assumed we were below their clientele. I will not go back and would not recommend it .

    The EstablishmentResponded on November 20, 2023

    This doesn't exactly sound like us and what we do. Frankly it sounds like a misinterpretation on your part. Twice you mention your attire as a catalyst for being talked to condescendingly, which is odd. And then you discuss your prominent tip percentage to ensure the reader understands you are a good diner, and it was the staff members that were mean to you. Quite odd. I can say a long wait time is never good. But the staff doesn't judge diners on attire and then discuss our service approach in a judgmental way because of it. Nevertheless, I will investigate and get back to you with my findings and hopefully we can find the true culprit and bring some sense of justice to all this. Brian S. Jarusik GM The Establishment

    1 person found this helpful

  7. LindsayG

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I booked this reservation for my parents’ birthdays and they had the best time ever. They sent pictures of every course, raved about their service, and were overall overjoyed with the entire dining experience.

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  8. stacya

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and ambiance

    Is this helpful?

  9. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    So amazing, just delicious. The gnudi is life changing and the deckle was perfect. Every bite was next level.

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  10. ElizabethC

    New Orleans

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The company was great. Mike took great care of us. Food was unique and tasty.

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  11. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our first meal in Charleston and it will be very hard to beat. Tanner was our server, and he was great. The food was delicious, and we had a prime table next to the street. It will be on our list of places to return next time we visit for sure. A++

    Is this helpful?

  12. GFoodie

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were seated right away in a preferred spot that I noted on my reservation. It was our anniversary and the Manager gave us a glass of champagne to celebrate which was a very nice to start to the night. Our waitress was helpful in assisting us to select our meals. We were very happy with the oysters, founder, grouper and mushrooms. So delicious! Next time we visit the area, we'll definitely be back!

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  13. OpenTable Diner

    Western NC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent. Will definitely go back for great service and menu. Great atmosphere.

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  14. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic experience. Exceptional food and service. Henry is the best. Truly. The Gnudi is a must!

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  15. JoyceD

    Greater Boston

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our first time to the Establishment. Our server Tanner was wonderful as was the food and ambiance!! Highly recommended this restaurant to everyone, thank you.

    Is this helpful?

  16. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Shane, Brian and Elliot have it all figured out and dialed in…great service, awesome wine and always exquisite food!

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  17. BruceB

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Spectacular food and great service. We had the whole snapper and it was exceptional!

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  18. joycejames

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Our best meal in Charleston and we'd had an exceptionally good eating week!

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  19. Brent

    Charleston

    29 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on November 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Butter Poached Grouper is truly outstanding, perfectly prepared, could not be better. The apps of Gnudi lump crab and the Spaghetti Squash, are equally as good. Great service and a very inviting dining room.

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our third time dining here. Each time was wonderful. Very elevated food quality and innovative recipes. It is much more a local /neighbor place ... not a tourists trap. Will return! Emily

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  21. CRF1

    Richmond

    155 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    155 reviews

    Dined on November 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service coupled with exquisite food. Definitely worth the trip!

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  22. rhS1

    Charlotte

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing dinner and service! Extensive wine selection. Very nice ambience. Can’t wait to go again!

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  23. DonCyn

    New York Area

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Establishment is always on our list when we visit Charleston and never disappoints.

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  24. JustJane

    Cleveland

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Another great dinner at The Establishment. Thanks to Kaela for making our anniversary evening extra special!

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  25. ElisabethG

    Memphis/West TN

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    The food was delicious, it was very noisy You can share dishes, this lowers the cost. Wines are good but very expensive

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  26. Food4Plenty

    Charleston

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on November 2, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    The crab gnocchi was delicious and I would definitely order it again. My husband had the flounder and was disappointed. He found it dry and needing a sauce. Overall we enjoyed the meal and the service was wonderful.

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  27. UpAndGone

    Columbus

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on November 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Impossibly good. The most flavorful, enjoyable dinner we have experienced— the blend of flavors, the presentations, from small plate to savory plate to dessert—absolute perfection at every level. One cannot go wrong here.

    Is this helpful?

  28. Lynn

    Columbus

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 2, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Excellent service. My Thai curry bowl was flavorless. Lamb was great if you like it rare. Flounder was average. Grouper was very nice.

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  29. OpenTable Diner

    Western NC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfect Anniversary Experience. Food was outstanding. Service was on point.

    Is this helpful?

  30. BillM

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Food and service were fantastic. Excelkent cocktails. Could use some art on the walls. Would definitely recommend.

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  31. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food, service and ambiance. Will definitely be going back soon!

    Is this helpful?

  32. FrankO

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great Food and Great Service! It was a great anniversary meal and we thank the GM and their entire service team for a great experience! The Establishment is away from the hustle and bustle of Meeting Street and worth the short walk to Broad Street!

    Is this helpful?

  33. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    It was a fantastic dinner. The wine and bourbon selection was impeccable.

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  34. MichaelB

    Richmond

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was our first visit. What a wonderful experience which we really enjoyed. Our server, the support staff, and the timely service was over the top. Add in the complex, but excellent entrees, it was the total package. Thanks! Katy and Mike

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  35. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Still my favorite restaurant in Charleston. Best kept secret so reservations still possible to get but won’t find a better dining experience. Fish dishes are divine, blue crab gnocchi is among my favorite food items anywhere. Whole fish changed me from a steak guy to a fish guy. Unbelievable. Great wine selection and Brian always has great recommendations for food pairings.

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  36. GOURMETGAL

    Detroit

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on October 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our fav place! High marks to staff and kitchen! Shane is the best!

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  37. TamraM

    Charleston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent as usual. Great food and service. Gnudi with crab was delicious. Fish dishes prepared to perfection.

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  38. CliffT

    Naples

    35 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful first time dining here! On our list of musts in Charleston.

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  39. VinceK

    Cincinnati

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome experience! Customer service is outstanding!

    Is this helpful?

  40. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was excellent and service was great. Highly recommend.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Establishment is rated 4.8 stars by 2244 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 29 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for The Establishment

28 Broad St, Suite 100, Charleston, SC 29401-3004

Additional information

  • Cross street
    On Broad Street between Church and State
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown Charleston
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, American, Contemporary American
  • Dining style
    Elegant Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Elliott Howells
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://establishmentchs.com/
  • Phone number
    (843) 789-4028
  • Private party facilities
    The Establishment offers incredible, local seafood paired with an award-winning wine list. If you’re looking for elevated cuisine paired with fine wine, for a location that pairs a rich history with modern amenities, or for a room that is perfectly situated in Charleston’s historic French Quarter, look no further than The Establishment.
  • Private party contact
    Betsy Brabham: (843) 608-8295

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