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

3201 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.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Oct 4, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 86 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
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 3,201 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
Best Overall
Charleston
Best Service
Charleston
Best Ambiance
Charleston
Best Value
Charleston
Hot spot
Charleston
Lively
Charleston
Seafood
Charleston
Most Booked

3,201 Reviews

R
Reviewer
Greater Boston
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall4food5service4ambience3
Amazing shrimp creole, swordfish, bread, baked oysters. A little dark in the bar at night for dinner but it was still a good experience.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great place! Got the happy hour oysters for $1/ea and the Khaleesi cocktail. Enjoyed the lobster roll as well. Great service but the we were at a high top and the bar was loud with lots of boisterous people even on a Sunday evening. We didn’t mind but some might!
Is this helpful?
NR
NancyR
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We visited from Virginia Beach and had a fabulous dinner, great atmosphere and very nice staff. We highly recommend Darling Oyster!
Is this helpful?
MS
MelissaS
Dallas
51 reviews
vip
3.0
51 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall3food2service4ambience3
The oysters were very good, but the pasta dish I ordered left a little to be desired. Fun lively place with a good vibe.
Is this helpful?
JS
JillS
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service and food. The chilled shrimp cocktail was excellently seasoned and the oysters were fresh and nicely chilled. The scallops for an entree was very balanced the blue crab fettuccini was a bit overpowered by cheese. Definitely would go back again.
Is this helpful?
FD
FoodDiva
Greater Boston
12 reviews
vip
3.0
12 reviews
Dined on September 26, 2023
overall3food4service2ambience3
Dinner and cocktails were good to very good. Our waitress was not on the ball. Ordered coffee, didn’t bring cream. Waited 10 minutes to “catch” her eye to tell her to bring cream. Her response was “yes mam”, not an apology, which I thought was needed. Then we ordered dessert. First she brought out bread dishes with large soup spoons. Then our desserts arrived without forks. Seemed odd that we were given soup spoons to eat our key lime pie and cheesecake. Again had to catch her eye to tell her to bring the correct utensils. Not sure why we needed the additional bread plates. Noticed other wait staff were explaining the menu in greater detail to patrons.
Is this helpful?
JT
JeanT
Charleston
7 reviews
vip
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 25, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Good food & location right on King Street near all the shopping.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Columbus
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on September 24, 2023
overall2food5service3ambience1
Was expecting to be seated in the cool dining and bar area. However, was seated in the other dining area that lacks in ambiance.
Is this helpful?
p
paulq101
Charleston
33 reviews
vip
3.0
33 reviews
Dined on September 24, 2023
overall3food5service1ambience3
We were celebrating my wife’s 70th birthday and I put that on the reservation. Not even a mention! Tacky. Our waiter can definitely use some personality tips.
Is this helpful?
D
Debh
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Brunch was one of the most memorable meals I have had!
Is this helpful?
CD
CiaraD
Toronto
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing! Food and staff were great. Would dine here again.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Charlotte
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent raw bar choices, incredible cocktails! Loved the oysters.
Is this helpful?
CM
CraigM
Charleston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and service. I made an error in ordering and my server was quick to fix the issue and made me feel better for my mistake. Lovely atmosphere - we will definitely be back!
Is this helpful?
JH
JoneH
Houston
18 reviews
4.0
18 reviews
Dined on September 22, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience2
Our server Zach did a great job. Even though I made reservations months ago, the gave us a table out in the open, right by the door. We asked to be moved, but they said that wasn’t possible. Zach made some good suggestions and the food was good Raw oysters, baked oyters, chowder ,chowder poutine and scallops all delicious
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta Metro
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best dinner I’ve had in a long time!!! We got oysters, crab cakes, green salad, and the burger. Amazing.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
113 reviews
vip
2.0
113 reviews
Dined on September 22, 2023
overall2food4service2ambience4
Disappointed. I showed up early for my resy. Sat at the bar, I regretted it. I had to ask for water, for limes twice, for a drink, for silverware, no one offered sharing plates, no specials, no charm, no one checked on us. No one checked on how the food came out. Not even basic hospitality service. Disappointed. First restaurant I tried in Charleston. Clam chowder soup was good. Bacon cannot be taken out (4/5). Oysters were amazing $4 a pc (5/5). Shrimp and grits below standard, shrimp were flavorless. Grists watery, not firm. I hate tipping less than 20% but in this case was absolutely deserved. Dessert not offered. We went to jenis splendid down the road.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Salt Lake City
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was fantastic! If you’ve never had oysters, try one here. Great service. Not a fan of their cocktails but everyone is different.
Is this helpful?
R
Review
Orlando
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Chelsea was an awesome server. Celebrated two birthdays and she was so kind and gave great recommendations. Everything we got was outstanding!
Is this helpful?
SO
SOjeda
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 20, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
The atmosphere was intimate and relaxing, and the food was simply outstanding.
Is this helpful?
FW
FandWL
Austin
17 reviews
vip
3.0
17 reviews
Dined on September 19, 2023
overall3food4service3ambience5
Excellent oysters. Entrées were average. Reasonable prices
Is this helpful?
d
drvol
Key West
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on September 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Somewhat limited, menu, but good choices and all we had were good. Greens a bit unmemorable, but all else superb.
Is this helpful?
RC
RichardC
Charleston
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience3
Wife had the scallop dish which was very good. I had the grilled halibut fish special which was the best I've ever had.
Is this helpful?
AO
AOOO
Houston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely amazing. I love eating here every time I come to town.
Is this helpful?
NP
NicoleP
Baltimore
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love this place!! It truly is one of the best places to dine, have fun and enjoy in Charleston!!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
The drinks, food and service were amazing! Also love the decor and fresh oysters.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Houston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was Amazing 10/10. This is one of my favorite spots in Charleston.
Is this helpful?
AF
AlexaF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful restaurant with absolutely delicious food! A must go for anyone in the area. We will be back as soon as we come back to Charleston
Is this helpful?
MS
MSitaly99
New York Area
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is my fifth time having dinner here. The food is always delicious. Service superb waitstaff, and the ambience is lively comfortable and fun.
Is this helpful?
W
Whitley
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Our server Kate gave the best recommendations! As a local to Charleston, the Darling has by far THE best oysters and shrimp & grits in town!
Is this helpful?
B
Brich
Charleston
39 reviews
5.0
39 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
1st time dining at Darlings. We had a great waitress who knew her stuff. Attentive, knowledgeable and good sense of humor. Food was very good and, per one of our group, the oysters were excellent. Even had 4 for dessert. Would go back. A nice casual restaurant.
Is this helpful?
T
Trudie
Coastal Georgia
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and great atmosphere! Loved the drinks!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta Metro
2 reviews
vip
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Raw oyster were great. Clam chowder is a MUST! Baked oysters (tried all 3) were middle of the road. Would go back!
Is this helpful?
n
newtochatleston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Incredible atmosphere, food, and the customer service could not have been any better! Will be back asap
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great food, amazing service! Was our favorite dining experience during our weekend in Charleston.
Is this helpful?
RF
ReneeF
Charleston
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Darling Oyster House is always spot on and an extraordinary dining experience. If you love seafood, you just can't go wrong.
Is this helpful?
A
Annie
Minneapolis
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Everything was perfect from the yummy oysters to the banana bread pudding. Make sure you make a reservation/ you won’t be disappointed especially if you are a seafood lover!
Is this helpful?
K
Kelli
Charleston
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food, service and drinks were all outstanding! Highly recommend!
Is this helpful?
N
Nick
Nashville
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful food & atmosphere. The oyster selection was great and well priced. We'll definitely be back soon!
Is this helpful?
A
Alwaystraveling
San Francisco
25 reviews
vip
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on August 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We visit Charleston all the time. Hadn’t made it to the darling oyster bar. Had an outstanding experience. Excellent waiter, oysters were fresh and top-notch, blue crab dip was outstanding… But not as heavy as most crab dips are and the shrimp and grits were absolutely outstanding. I can’t say that I am a shrimp and grits fanatic. I have them from time to time. I will tell you that there was nothing left in the bottom of my bowl at the end of dinner.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience3
Oysters were great, entrees were good The background music was loud & obnoxious
Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Darling Oyster Bar is rated 4.7 stars by 3201 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

Oct 4, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 86 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
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 3,201 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