The Darling Oyster Bar

Name: The Darling Oyster Bar
Address: 513 King Street, Charleston, SC, United States, 29403
Telephone: (843) 641-0821
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.7

4.7

3290 Reviews

$30 and under

Seafood

Top Tags:

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.

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Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 3, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 58 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
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
Website
http://www.thedarling.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress

Location
513 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403
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 3,290 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

South Carolina
Seafood
South Carolina
Most Booked
Charleston
Lively
Charleston
Seafood
Charleston
Most Booked

3,290 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Charleston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service4ambience5
Everything was literally 10/10 definitely will be going back.
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PD
PatrickD
Richmond
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was outstanding and service was great!! Oysters raw and fried were over the top!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Charleston
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall3food5service3ambience4
The food was amazing! Our service was mediocre for the price point. That was very disappointing.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Coastal Georgia
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall4food5service5ambience5
This was an excellent dining experience. The food was Pristine and fresh. I had the blue crab pasta (was called something else but let me not waste your time pronouncing it) and it was superb. My girlfriend had the Chowder (also labeled with a really exquisite name) and it was also a huge score. The drinks were not so well otherwise, poorly mixed. 10/10 recommend still to go out to eat on any occasion.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Minneapolis
91 reviews
vip
3.0
91 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall3food5service3ambience5
My husband had the seafood basket with oysters and shrimp and for the two side orders had hush puppies with sorghum butter and French fries. Yummy! We both had some of the hush puppies with the butter and it was probably the best we’ve ever had. I had the double burger with french fries and that was good as well. Our server was OK. She forgot to bring refills of our drinks so I had to flag her down and she seemed annoyed by that. She blamed the bar for not refilling a diet Coke when I feel like she could’ve gotten it herself. We’ve been here several times before and this experience wasn’t nearly as good.
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N
Nastia
New York Area
1 review
vip
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 25, 2023
overall3food4service3ambience3
Good oysters. However, the ambiance and service could be better
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r
robbie
Kansas City
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent oysters and drinks. Loved the atmosphere and our server was great. We did not have time to order anything else, we had a flight to catch.
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LM
LisaM
Raleigh
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
It’s my favorite place in Charleston. Great bar, vibe. The oysters are the best. Get a dirty with Chopin!
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SH
ScottH
Cincinnati
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service, terrific food and atmosphere - a real winner! Our waiter was very helpful on our first visit, which helped make the night very enjoyable. Can’t wait to go back!
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l
louo
Pittsburgh
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience2
We were disappointed because we were not in the main restaurant but in a long dark hallway with not much ambiance. Other than that everything was very good and service was great.
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R
Rhonda
Charleston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Darling Oyster Bar is amazing! My husband and I went for our anniversary as we were visiting Charleston. We loved the open feel to the restaurant and the servers were very knowledgable regarding the menu and the different types of oysters. It was in a great location downtown that allows you to walk and see the beautiful town. We will definitely go back when visiting.
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N
Neesie
Charleston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous. Oysters were delicious. First time eating raw oysters and they were great. Will definitely visit again on my return to Charleston.
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I
Impressed
Minneapolis
11 reviews
vip
3.0
11 reviews
Dined on November 23, 2023
overall3food2service5ambience4
Great server, extremely average food. Hush puppies were the most disappointing, but it was a close race. Key lime pie tasted store-bought. Even the cocktails were subpar. We were very disappointed. I am loathe to give bad reviews, but the food here was across-the-board pretty poor.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Minneapolis
91 reviews
vip
5.0
91 reviews
Dined on November 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We really love this place. We have been here once before while visiting Charleston. My husband had an oyster shot and then had the blue crab pasta. I had the fried chicken sandwich. Everything was delicious and our server Zack was awesome and even gave us some bar recommendations at our request. We will definitely be back.
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KS
KellerS
E. Tennessee
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on November 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always my favorite when we come to visit Charleston! The food was scrumptious!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Dallas
1 review
vip
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 20, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience4
oysters were great but the entrees weren’t great. didn’t live up to the hype.
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CB
CraigB
Washington DC
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Such a phenomenal spot. Great vibe fantastic staff. Phenomenal happy hour.
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A
Allison
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went for Sunday brunch and it was wonderful! The crab quiche was fantastic, as was the crab benedict. The bloody marys were not spicy ( which is great for me, but be aware). Overall, we had a great time
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n
nokomisfoodie
Tampa
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 15, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience4
Service was excellent. The fried shrimp and oysters were too salty and overcooked. The sides were very good.
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MB
MaryBeth
Richmond
25 reviews
vip
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Brunch a delightful experience!! Super fun atmosphere and amazing food!
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f
foodismypassion
Charlotte
29 reviews
vip
5.0
29 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Seated immediately. Nice atmosphere. Excellent waiter - very attentive and received great recommendations. Food was presented well and very tasty.
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JA
JohnA
New York Area
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience4
quality was average, price slightly above average, service was average
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, drinks, and service
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was outstanding and the service was excellent. Highly recommend.
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PT
PatriciaT
Richmond
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 9, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Great atmosphere, great server! Enjoyed our cocktails and dining experience very much! Would definitely go back next trip!
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D
Debbie
New York Area
26 reviews
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on November 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great recommendation to this roof top restaurant. We ate outside and it was lovely. Good liquor menu as well as tapas dishes to share
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k
kentc
Raleigh
26 reviews
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on November 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Such a neat place. We had a blast and the food was awesome.
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AP
AnnP
Orlando
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Really enjoyed the atmosphere and the food was great
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W
Willy
Cincinnati
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on November 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had the best time! Server was super helpful
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The lobster roll and crab cakes were outstanding! Also recommend the oyster shot - just like a Bloody Mary!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Memphis/West TN
19 reviews
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on November 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a wonderful restaurant. I had the James River oysters on the half shell on special. (Only a buck each) the draft beer was on special also. (Happy hour). My wife had the Alabama white sauce and bacon oysters. She absolutely love these fully dressed baked oysters. For dinner I had the Blue crab Tagliatelle. My wife had the Seared Diver Scallops both were incredible.
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LD
LindaD
Hawaii
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely eating establishment service was fabulous food delish
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RS
RobinS
Austin
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was fantastic. The collard greens were amazing. Bailey was our server and she was informative, attentive, funny, and just plain outstanding!! I will be back on my next visit to Charleston!!
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TM
TimM
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Once again an over the top experience, if you haven’t tried the Alabama White Barbecue Baked Oysters you haven’t lived! And our server Michael was on point all evening. Thanks for another fantastic finale to our latest trip to Charleston!
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P
Patron
Cleveland
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 5, 2023
overall2food1service2ambience1
Service was slow and the food was mediocre. It was a disappointment.
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SM
SamM
New York Area
10 reviews
vip
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 4, 2023
overall4food3service4ambience4
It was just ok. I was hoping for a little better. We still really enjoyed our night
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s
sddkinesdi
Charleston
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on November 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We are so lucky to have The Darling as one of our go to favorites. The service is always prompt, attentive, knowledgable and friendly. The oyster selection is wonderful with local options as well as North East.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Boise
29 reviews
5.0
29 reviews
Dined on November 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Once again fabulous! Great fresh oysters! Wouldn’t recommend the chowder—too thin for our pleasure but stove hot! The halibut special was nice but sun dried tomatoes should have been diced as it made it difficult to eat
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RF
ReeseF
Charleston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was delicious as always, service was great. Michael was amazing especially for trying to save my fiancé a parking spot outside!!! THANK YOU!!
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C
Cdon
Charleston
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 2, 2023
overall3food3service2ambience4
Good cocktails, good oysters, poor service (slow and not happy you came), fried fish and shrimp had too much breading. Portions were small. Crab dip was good.
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FAQs

The Darling Oyster Bar is rated 4.7 stars by 3290 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 3, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 58 times today

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
Price
$30 and under
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

Website
http://www.thedarling.com/
Phone number
(843) 641-0821

The Darling Oyster Bar

Make a reservation

Additional information

Menu

What 3,290 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

FAQs

How is The Darling Oyster Bar restaurant rated?

Is The Darling Oyster Bar currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information