Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to Main Content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. South Carolina
  4. Charleston
  5. Downtown Charleston

The Darling Oyster Bar

4.8
4.8
2899 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 103 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Seafood

  • Hours of operation

    Monday- Thursday, 4pm to 10pm; Bar open late Friday- Saturday, 4pm to 11pm; Bar to 2am Sunday, 11am to 10pm; Bar open late

  • 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 2,899 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
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • South Carolina

    Seafood

  • South Carolina

    Most Booked

  • Charleston

    Seafood

  • Charleston

    Most Booked

Sort by

Filters

  1. Birdie

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great choice of oysters and scallops were delicious. Waiter was very accommodating.
  2. AnneG

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    Food was good. Service was fine. Very loud for our age group 45+. Glad we tried it but probably won’t go back.
  3. Nataly

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server was awesome and the food was great. I would go back again.
  4. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My wife and went here during our time visiting Charleston. The food was excellent. The service was very, very outstanding. Michael P. was knowledgeable about the menu and the food prep. He also is extremely knowledgeable about the Charleston area. He paid attention to every detail we mentioned on what we needed at the table. I travel extensively and rarely find someone this attentive!
  5. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Meeting family and friends. Lovely atmosphere and great wait staff
  6. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food. Service was great. Server was very knowledgeable with the menu. We were here on vacation and I would recommend it to anyone
  7. magpiered

    Jacksonville

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Enjoyed dinner at Darling. The menu is a nice mix of southern inspired staples. The drink menu is creative and fun. Our server was great and super patient - definitely recommend
  8. Megusta

    St. Louis

    35 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the best seafood dining experiences I’ve had in quite a while! Out waiter was very helpful and efficient. He recommended the catch of the day which was soft-shelled clams on a bed of spinach and risotto with a tomato jam. I have to say everything was great but the tomato jam took it to a new level. We had a baked oyster appetizer which was excellent also! Will definitely come back on our next visit!
  9. EddieP

    Charleston

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    It was good.
  10. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    vip
    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall3food3service5ambience1
    We had a reservation and we were excited about dining at your restaurant; however, we were disappointed about being seated in the drab, sad side area of the restaurant. It felt too far removed from the more vibrant main dining room with better atmosphere. If it wasn’t for our spectacular server, Kate, we would have probably left. If this “overspill” area can be improved upon, and made to not feel like a storage room, your patrons will be much happier. One idea would be to remove some of the shelves on the back of the bar to open up the space so you could at least see into the larger room. Oh well. About some of the food we ordered: loved the clams and oyster shooters. Hush puppies were also delicious. Thanks again to Kate for the key lime pie recommendation and the fresh coffee!
  11. MattM

    Jacksonville

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Very hood food, our server Ashton was simply amazing and made the night more special. Loved the food, especially the oysters and scallops.
  12. HarrisonH

    Western NC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall3food1service1ambience4
    Oysters tasted great, but it’s hard to them up if we are being honest. Lobster roll was terrible, it was cold and wet, simply cold lobster in a bun, nothing else. All the food tasted bland. 4/10
  13. Anon

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service, excellent food, excellent atmosphere. Would highly recommend the seafood tower.
  14. CandaceT

    Key West

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server Joe was great! He was knowledgeable, friendly, competent AND from Rhode Island! The shrimp creole was outstanding and portion was plenty for meal. Shrimp cocktail and oysters excellent. And everyone raved about the key lime pie. Go with the creole!!!!!
  15. HankR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Started off with Oyster Shooters which were on target. Followed the shooters with a sample of each style of baked oyster. We ordered a second of the Alabama White Sauce with Bacon if that's any indication of which we preferred. Can't go wrong with the Hushpuppies with Sorghum Butter. The Hushpuppies didn't come with my entree, but I stole a few from my wife when she went to the restroom. She got the Lobster Roll for her meal. It must have been good...because she didn't offer me a taste. I got the Fresh Catch of the Day which was Seared Tuna with Sesame Seed Crust on a bed of Rice. It was awesome. I'd definitely order again. The only thing better than the meal was the world-class service provided by our waiter, Mike. Mike was very knowledgeable of the menu and quick to respond to our needs. I'll be back!
  16. OpenTable Diner

    E. Tennessee

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great drinks, superb food! Staff was extra friendly. Will definitely come back next time we are in town!
  17. PamelaB

    Charlotte

    38 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Our server Michael was wonderful…very personable. Our date night was a little early but it was really nice…always a great dinner when we start with oysters.
  18. 78704Foodie

    Los Angeles

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Darling lived up to the hype. George, our waiter, made it a wonderful evening. He is one of those experienced service people, who takes the order and gets it right without writing it down. Every detail was fulfilled...even for the friend whose flight was late. George had her order timed perfectly. The food was excellent. The unique combination of flavors in the cocktails, the ceviche, the crab cakes and the shrimp & grits made for a memorable food experience as well as overall wonderful atmosphere. Reservations a must!
  19. JenniferC

    London

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful meal - shrimp and grits were outstanding!!! Service was great, setting is nice but unpretentious and lively - we loved it!
  20. michelle

    Charleston

    46 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    46 reviews

    Dined on March 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service!
  21. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on March 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and experience, and I can’t wait to come back
  22. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful cocktails and appetizers to celebrate our anniversary trip!
  23. Lowcountrylady65

    Charleston

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on March 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Had put off eating here for years. So happy I finally pulled the trigger and made a reservation! Food was excellent. The hush puppies are to die for, and I am not normally a hush puppy fan! Our server, I believe his name was Michael, was outstanding. His recommendations were on the mark. Looking foward to returning soon!
  24. DougZ

    Nashville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food and a wonderful server. The oysters were very fresh and the hushpupplies and collard greens were delicious.
  25. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on March 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and environment! We loved it!
  26. Emily

    New England

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on March 1, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience5
    While the raw bar was fantastic we found the hot dishes extremely over seasoned. Our order was avocado toast and the shrimp fry basket. The avocado toast was very overpowered with curry powder and both the shrimp and fries were so salty. Would go back for the raw bar but not anything prepared in the kitchen.
  27. OpenTable Diner

    Cleveland

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My daughter and I were on a road trip and determined to eat oyster as often as possible. This was the perfect place for us! We loved our oysters, soup and salad. We would come back any time we are in the area.
  28. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service by Nick. Food was devine!!!
  29. ErinD

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and service were fabulous! I highly recommend The Darling Oyster Bar!
  30. Forager

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We are only here part of the year, but we love the Darling and bring family and friends every time they visit from out of town. The oysters are fabulous, as is the rest of the menu, and we think your servers and hosts are just the nicest folks ever. Keep it up. You have friends here forever!
  31. Chuck

    New England

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 13, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Love the oysters! Don’t miss the James River.
  32. KevinR

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was awesome!!
  33. AntoineeS

    Atlanta Metro

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The best oysters ever! Loved
  34. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always, great food and service! Oysters are always fresh and delicious! Great team of servers, hostesses, and chefs! If making a reservation, be sure to ask for the main dining room. They have a “hallway” area with tables separated from the main dining which makes the dining experience totally different.
  35. ShaB

    Washington DC

    10 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The Darling was recommended to me by someone recently there. My husband had the chowder and he said it was exceptional. I had the salmon spread, also delicious. I had the fried chicken sandwich with kale slaw for my dinner and my husband had the scallops. The kale slaw was wonderful and the kale was tender and easy to eat. My chicken was excellent. The scallops were presented beautifully but my husband thought they were a bit bland. They we good but not amazing. Our service was terrific. I think the atmosphere is better on the bar side, but that comes with noise. I enjoyed the Darling but I would have liked maybe another entree or two offered. I am not a shellfish fan, so maybe a fried or broiled catfish or flounder? But we had a lovely time and dinner.
  36. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 10, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Food was solid. Shrimp cocktail with Old Bay was a hit. Seared scallops also got solid marks for perfectly cooked scallops. Service was what you would expect it to be at a restaurant like this. Efficient with just the right amount of attention. Dessert included a chocolate mousse s’more type dessert and key lime pie. Would highly recommend either of those. ONLY DRAWBACK-I’m allergic to seafood, but husband loves it. The limited items I could eat, which I’d planned out ahead of time, were good. I had a burger. Problem is, the fries are fried in the same oil as the fish, and so it the fried chicken. Both the server and the manager confirmed this. If you have that allergy, just be advised. I would still absolutely return for another meal.
  37. FontaineB

    Charleston

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We ordered two dozen oysters and crab legs and a bottle of Veuve. Oysters were amazing! You can’t go wrong with the champagne. Our server, Parker was very attentive and friendly.
  38. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food and great service! $1 happy hour oysters were perfect along with the Halibut special!
  39. SarahC

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We made a reservation for my husband and I, and our 2 month old. They were very accommodating for us with our stroller and the service was really fast. We ordered oysters, ceviche, the half chicken, scallops, and crab cakes. Everything was absolutely perfect. Great quality / really delicious. Cocktails also were on point. We got in and out of there in an hour and had a great time!
  40. Barn

    Greensboro

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on February 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was perfect. Our favorite Charleston restaurant!

FAQs

The Darling Oyster Bar is rated 4.8 stars by 2899 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 103 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

    Monday- Thursday, 4pm to 10pm; Bar open late Friday- Saturday, 4pm to 11pm; Bar to 2am Sunday, 11am to 10pm; Bar open late

  • 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
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 700, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking LogoPriceline LogoKAYAK LogoAgoda LogoRentalcars LogoOpenTable Logo