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  5. Downtown Charleston

The Darling Oyster Bar

4.8
4.8
3034 Reviews
$30 and under
Seafood
The Darling Oyster Bar is a casual seafood restaurant and raw bar. The Darling's menu features fresh seafood and creative ingredients, served with an approachable style. The Darling Oyster Bar’s atmosphere promotes comfortable hospitality; with a lively, neighborhood feel.

Anchoring The Darling Oyster Bar is a stunning raw bar showcasing fresh, made-to-order seafood. Guests can enjoy the lively raw bar scene while overlooking historic King Street from The Darling’s iconic storefront. The Darling raw bar also offers full service dining.

Located in the heart of Upper King Street, The Darling Oyster Bar is housed in a 115-year old historic building that enjoys a storied past. A mix of the original 1900’s reclaimed wood, whole exposed brick walls, classic tile, antique molding, and nautical theme combine to create a setting that is all at once convivial, charming, and comfortable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 81 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Seafood

  • Hours of operation

    Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Brunch Sun 11:00 am–2:00 pm Bar Sun 2:00 pm–4:00 pm Dinner Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (843) 641-0821

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Neighborhood

    Downtown Charleston

  • Cross street

    Morris Street

  • Parking details

    The private lot located behind The Darling Oyster Bar, accessible via Morris Street, offers parking to Darling guests after 6pm on weekdays

  • Additional

    Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Weekend Brunch, Wine

What 3,034 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
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • South Carolina

    Seafood

  • South Carolina

    Most Booked

  • Charleston

    Best Overall

  • Charleston

    Best Value

  • Charleston

    Hot spot

  • Charleston

    Seafood

  • Charleston

    Most Booked

Sort by

  1. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined today

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were visiting from Greenville for a friend’s birthday and I’m so glad we chose to celebrate here! Our server, Molly, was attentive and helpful. The food was delicious, everyone had a clean plate at the end of the meal. They even brought my friend a dessert of her choice, on the house, with a candle.
  2. JimG

    Hawaii

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful food, great service, good menu and lively interesting venue
  3. MadonnaB

    Nashville

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband and I had reservations for our anniversary trip, and I highly recommend The Darling! The baked oysters, raw oysters, and hush puppies were phenomenal! Great environment and our waiter Chelsea was the best!
  4. Margo

    Tahoe

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Darlings was everything we expected from the on-line reviews. Perfect choice and within walking distance to our hotel.
  5. B12Wo

    Charlotte

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Mike T was excellent !! Service was great and food was amazing.
  6. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience and food! We were thirty minutes early for our reservations and the staff was able to seat us quickly. We had an awesome server who gave great menu recommendations and excellent service! Would absolutely recommend
  7. AmandaB

    Pittsburgh

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The ambiance was on point, excellent drinks, and delicious food. Our waiter was knowledgeable in the menu and we were pleased with our dining experience- we will return.
  8. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Fantastic food and service. The happy hour oysters are a great value. The hot crab dip is fantastic!
  9. CatherineS

    Detroit

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent fresh We both got the crab cakes, very delicious.
  10. HeatherH

    Charlotte

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic food, drinks, service, and atmosphere! We had a great time!
  11. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service was quick and the food was very good!!
  12. rohanies

    New York Area

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    The service was excellent… shout out to Mike & Chelsea. Go there & eat all the oysters & shrimp cocktail
  13. JaneJ

    Corpus Christi

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had the hush puppies as an appetizer; the best I’ve ever had. The snow crab and oysters were tasty and overall good value for what we ordered. Sit at the oyster bar and watch the guys shuck the oysters.
  14. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    187 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    187 reviews

    Dined on May 22, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Though we wound up being seated at the raw bar counter because there were no regular tables available and my wife can't access a high top, our evening was pleasant because our server was very personable and the oysters were delicious. This is a popular, crowded and loud place. If you like raw bar offerings, you will like this restaurant. We had only raw oysters for dinner so I can't vouch for the rest of the food but the couple next to us said theirs was good. If we were going to be in Charleston longer, we would go here again for sea food.
  15. NicoleD

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Did not disappoint . Everything was amazing - food, service, environment and location.
  16. Sharon

    Miami

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely perfect!! Food , service and drinks were great !! Wanted to eat somewhere that was a favorite and this was it for sure . Loved the seafood tower and pasta !!
  17. OpenTable Diner

    Mobile

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had each of the baked oysters, my boyfriend enjoyed the pimiento and bacon oyster while my favorite was the sourdough baked oyster. James bay raw oysters were fantastic and very mild. Best dirty grey goose martini I have ever had as well. The crab cakes were fabulous paired with the grits as was the seared mahi. We also got the cheese cake with chocolate and caramel drizzle. No complaints!
  18. CShaw

    Washington DC

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent brunch ; seafood frittata and avocado toast! Service great.
  19. ReneeD

    Cleveland

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I am so happy I made this reservation! The service was great and the food was fresh and amazing. This was the best crab cake I’ve ever had!!
  20. Nchai

    Chicago

    32 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on May 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What an amazing place! Filled with great food and fabulous specialty cocktails!! Service was fantastic. My friends and I LOVED our experience here!!
  21. JanetH

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    From the moment we walked in, The Darling Oyster Bar's staff was so welcoming and polite. We started with various Oysters which were all delicious. We tried 3 of the 6 options at a great value. As a main, we shared the diver scallop dish which was perfect for two people and one of the best dishes I've had to date. Highly recommend this restaurant when in Charleston.
  22. WylieD

    Charleston

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on May 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service provided by Joe, our server. He knew the menu and made great recommendations for us. Wish ALL servers. could have his professionalism and such upbeat personality. He was great!!! The food was outstanding as well and a wide variety of oysters...the reason we choose the Darling! We'll be back soon and have already recommending to others. Steve
  23. PATTYC

    Wilmington

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Oysters, baked and raw, were superb and service was excellent. The crab dip was delicious and key lime pie was best in town.
  24. Burglar

    Alabama

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding meal and service. Spent a week in Charleston, and this was our favorite meal by far! Cute ambience as well. We liked it so much that we all bought shirts and hats to remember the meal!
  25. Mountaingirl1

    Denver

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and wonderful service! I was glad that I made a reservation a couple of months in advance!
  26. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My boyfriend and I had an amazing time. Amazing food, amazing service.
  27. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The maître d' was very accommodating and sat us 45 minutes early.
  28. KatherineM

    Jacksonville

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Darling Oyster Bar was a lovely place to enjoy two dozen oysters and cocktails on a Friday afternoon. The restaurant has a great ambiance and very cool interior. Our server was wonderful. I would highly recommend!
  29. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 11, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Joseph was awesome! He really showed out for our friends birthday and was super accommodating. Would go often if we lived here! Gave great recommendations
  30. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We are visiting here from San Diego. The food was phenomenal, service wonderful, and such a great ambiance! Best oysters we’ve ever had! We will be back next time we’re in Charleston!
  31. SMac

    Tampa

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a wonderful dining experience following a great review from a friend. The baked oysters with the white sauce were amazing. Will definitely visit again when in the area.
  32. OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 9, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    I was hesitant about the reservation but was so glad we didn’t cancel! The oysters were delicious and the shrimp were amazing! We will be back ! The service was outstanding as well.
  33. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Amazing fresh seafood!! Great service! Best in Charleston!
  34. AprilN

    Dallas

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Went there with some girlfriends while on vacation and had a wonderful dinner. We ordered the mussels to start (amazing) and my friends ordered a few oysters. One liked them so much she ordered two more. Our waiter sold me on the scallops (fresh as you can get) and I don’t disagree. They were seared perfectly and delicious. Would love to go back next time I’m in town.
  35. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience. Delicious food. Great service. Will definitely come back next time I’m in town.
  36. ReneeF

    Charleston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food, great service, a truly wonderful dining experience
  37. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Joe, our server was knowledgeable and attentive. The food and drinks were delicious! Definitely going back the next time we head to Charleston!
  38. heckmomma

    Orlando

    34 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on May 4, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Raw oysters and crab dip were great! Drinks were good. Didn’t like the breaded oysters. I was expecting warm, but they had a lot of breading and room temperature oyster meat.
  39. KarenS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The oysters, dip, and meal was fabulous! Will be back.
  40. MelissaS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was exceptional. We had every type of oyster on the menu, the crab dip and fried clams as well. Service was perfect.

FAQs

The Darling Oyster Bar is rated 4.8 stars by 3034 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 81 times today
Google Map for The Darling Oyster Bar

513 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Morris Street

  • Neighborhood

    Downtown Charleston

  • Hours of operation

    Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Brunch Sun 11:00 am–2:00 pm Bar Sun 2:00 pm–4:00 pm Dinner Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Seafood

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    The private lot located behind The Darling Oyster Bar, accessible via Morris Street, offers parking to Darling guests after 6pm on weekdays

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Additional

    Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Weekend Brunch, Wine

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
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