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 Swamp Fox at the Francis Marion Hotel, Charleston, SC

The Swamp Fox at the Francis Marion Hotel

4.2
4.2
1589 Reviews
$30 and under
Southern
The Swamp Fox Restaurant and Bar, named for Revolutionary War hero, General Francis Marion, features classic Southern cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Executive Chef Heyward Davis and Chef De Cuisine Daniel James create regional specialties that emphasize farm to table practices using locally grown fruits and vegetables with respect to the traditional beloved flavors and techniques of the Lowcountry.

Known for its award-winning Shrimp and Grits, The Swamp Fox Restaurant and Bar overlooks historic Marion Square Park and is popular with both locals and visitors to Charleston. Guests can enjoy live piano Friday and Saturday nights from 6pm - 9pm.

The restaurant also has a private dining room, the Parkview, that seats thirty and overlooks King Street and Marion Square Park. This intimate space is perfect for private events and small parties.

Masks are recommended for fully vaccinated customers. Consistent with CDC guidelines, unvaccinated customers should wear masks.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 18 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Southern, Low Country, American
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Daily 7:00 am–11:00 am Lunch Daily 11:30 am–3:00 pm Bar Daily 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (843) 724-8888
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Heyward Davis
  • Catering
    Francis Marion catering offers customizable menus and pricing includes china, glassware, flatware, tables, centerpieces and linens.<br />Off-site catering: Marion Square, South Carolina Aquarium, Gaillard Center, Charleston's Visitor's Center, Charleston Maritime Center, Thomas Bennett House, Gibbes Museum of Art + more. Contact us for a complete list.
  • Private party facilities
    The Swamp Fox Restaurant and Bar, named for Revolutionary War hero, General Francis Marion, features classic Southern cuisine perfect for any special occasion or private event. Treat your guests to a one-of-a kind, delicious experience in a setting unlike any other.
  • Private party contact
    Chaselyn Williams - Catering Sales Manager: (843) 937-8691
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown Charleston
  • Cross street
    Corner of King and Calhoun Street
  • Parking details
    Parking is located in the city parking garage next door or along the street.
  • Entertainment
    Guests can enjoy live piano Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights while sipping cocktails in the casually elegant surroundings.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

Experiences

  • Christmas Day Buffet

    $85.00 per person

    Dec 25, 2023 only
    Join us for our Christmas Day Buffet in the beautiful Gold Ballroom from 11am - 4pm! $85 per person includes Bloody Mary or Mimosa. $40 kids 12 & under.
    Christmas Day Buffet Photo
  • Thanksgiving Day Buffet

    $85.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    Join us for our Thanksgiving Day Buffet in the beautiful Gold Ballroom from 11am - 4pm! $85 per person includes Bloody Mary or Mimosa. $40 kids 12 & under.
    Thanksgiving Day Buffet Photo

What 1,589 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.2
4.2 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.1Ambience
  • 4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • South Carolina

    Southern

  • Charleston

    Good for business meals

1,589 Reviews
  1. JennieD

    Charleston

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    A great bang for your buck and a place that vibes with hustle and bustle. Sylvie was our server and was OUTSTANDING. The choices we made were based on her recommendations, and she did not steer us wrong. We sat tucked away, well able to watch the busy street out front, and because it was Saturday, the Marion Square Farmer's Market across the street.

    Is this helpful?

  2. GailB

    Austin

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Loved the crab soup. The butter cake dessert was great. Service was good and prompt. That being said they ran out the bread so we got some pieces of other bread and I had to ask for that. No butter. Also asked for pecan cheese cake and all out of that. Probably would not go back.

    Is this helpful?

  3. AliceL

    Charleston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I've eaten here with friends before attending a shows at the Gaillard. Food is always delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  4. elainem

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall3food3service1ambience3
    Food was good. We received drinks right away. Then waited 30 minutes for bread and appetizers.

    Is this helpful?

  5. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Our dinner was good. We had a special menu due to the Thanksgiving holiday. The meal was well presented and the service was excellent.

    Is this helpful?

  6. ChrisE

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience2
    Thxgiving dinner service AFTER their prime-time buffet offering definitely felt like 'leftovers'. Our reserved window table was not available, so back-up seating option was breezy booth at the edge of the room. Highly recommend white table clothes, or any coverings for that matter, to hide the numerous scratches and dulled veneer. Service was friendly but really slow. Cocktails were syrupy sweet and lacking any holiday 'pop'. Overall, the food was amazingly ordinary. Soggy, not crispy brussel sprouts, and it's hard to believe they're truly proud of the goopy and salty She Crab soup offering. $50(!) "Mrkt Price" tenderloin with a spoonful of dull roasted potatoes and onions, would have benefitted from way more port demi. Over-peppered salmon added nothing to the green salad. A decent pimento cheese burger and flavorful, yet very plain miso salmon salvaged what would have otherwise been a completely disappointing holiday dinner. From dingy decor and flat cocktails, to expensive and inconsistent cuisine, The Swamp Fox is most certainly NOT my recommendation for a special Charleston meal.

    Is this helpful?

  7. 10Bears

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    1.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall1food1service3ambience4
    I took my family out for Thanksgiving and overall it was a nice evening and they enjoyed their food. However, I got the Thanksgiving meal and it was just overall awful awful and barely edible. I also ended up getting horrendously sick from it later on that evening. I think next time we will just cook at home.

    Is this helpful?

  8. FoodisJB

    Atlanta Metro

    30 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Very very disorganized. We had to wait over 1/2 hour to be seated and then they ran out of so many foods including mashed potatoes and prime rib and there were still many people left. Most of the other food looked like it was sitting there for hours that was left over. I would say get rid of most of the sides that looked never touched, freshen up the salad area, make sure food is available for all guests. They were not going to bring more food out until I said something. Waiting for 1/2 hour while standing up was unfriendly. There was a family of 16 that took the seating available and would not allow anyone to sit down. While the host staff and our waitress were super friendly (we tipped our waitress above 20%), the guys who carved the meat were incredibly rude as if they owned the meat and gave my son a dried out wing and when he asked for a slice or turkey, they said no. He’s 16 not 5. The wing looked like a wing from the Griswold Christmas. I did love the creme brûlée, the mashed potatoes that finally came and hour after we were there and the shrimp. That’s all I ate. The prime rib was so over done. Will not be back. We will stick with High Cotton or Hank’s. We thought we would try something new. Oh and signage of where the dining was would have been nice as literally no one in the hotel knew where the buffet was.

    Is this helpful?

  9. SheilaO

    Raleigh

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Went for the Thanksgiving buffet. Service at the table was slow, but the folks working at the food stations were marvelous.

    Is this helpful?

  10. DiAmico

    Jackson Hole

    5 reviews

    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall2food3service5ambience2
    Upon arrival on-time, we still waited almost a half-hour for our table. I’m not sure why we even made a reservation — they were way over-booked for the number of tables. We specifically made the reservation for the room with windows and had requested a table near a window. But, we were seated in a large windowless room. The waitstaff was excellent and super friendly. The food variety was excellent and the quality was slightly above average. The wines offered were poor. The fixed 22% gratuity tip was a little odd.

    Is this helpful?

  11. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Thanksgiving dinner at the Swamp Fox was held in the Gold Ballroom. The room was beautifully set up with multiple buffet stations and the dining tables with white cloths and flowers. The food was very good. There was a wide variety of offerings & my pescatarian family member had plenty of choices. The wait staff were lovely and there were many of them. The final bill (we had a few cocktails added on) was not inexpensive: with tip, about $500 for 4 of us, however I would definitely save up & do it again, that’s how good the experience was. I highly recommend for Thanksgiving dinner!

    Is this helpful?

  12. Michaelm

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic thanksgiving experience. Huge variety of food and more than enough.

    Is this helpful?

  13. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very friendly staff service and gentle piano music in the background. Definitely will be back!

    Is this helpful?

  14. OpenTable Diner

    E. Tennessee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Sehr freundliche Bedienung und wirklich gutes Essen. Zu unserer vollen Zufriedenheit!

    Is this helpful?

  15. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    The she crab soup was delicious as was my salmon and mixed vegetables. My husband enjoyed his chicken and mashed potatoes. Our desserts of gooey butter cake with caramel sauce and pecan pie were yummy! The service was good but our waitress did not offer to refill our tea glasses.

    Is this helpful?

  16. foodlover

    New York Area

    30 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Delicious seafood and veggies! Our server was a delightful young man.

    Is this helpful?

  17. att71

    Greater Boston

    24 reviews

    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food and great service - plus a convenient location in the heart of Charleston.

    Is this helpful?

  18. colchester1

    Salt Lake City

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Eric was a personable and attentive server. Shrimp and grits and salmon entrees were delicious. We enjoyed ourselves and would return again.

    Is this helpful?

  19. StacieP

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband and I were in Charleston for a week. On our last night in town, we weren’t sure where to go for dinner; so my husband did a search for She Crab Soup; which we had tried elsewhere the night prior. The Swamp Fox was one of the first restaurants to pop up. We made a reservation on OpenTable and walked over around 6pm. We are so glad we went! The restaurant is located inside the beautiful Francis Marion Hotel. We were greeted by the hostess and seated right away. The restaurant is tastefully decorated and there was a piano player during our entire meal. Our waiter, Eric, was super attentive. In addition to the She Crab Soup, I had the Short Ribs with Ricotta Gnocchi and my husband had the Shrimp & Grits. Everything was phenomenal! The gnocchi was the best I’ve ever tasted. The soup was amazing and has become our new favorite. When we mentioned how great everything was, Eric let us know that the recipe for the Shrimp & Grits could be found on their website. I love to cook, so I was so excited to hear this. I really wanted the soup recipe. Eric offered to ask the chef if it was available. Unfortunately, it wasn’t. However, Eric brought us Chef McDaniel’s business card and passed along his message for me to email him any of the recipes! I will be doing that as soon as I’m done with this review! The only criticism I would have is that before our meal, we were provided with a loaf of delicious bread. It was served cold, which is fine; but the foil wrapped butter packets were so cold, they were practically frozen. Again, not a big deal. I just feel that if a restaurant of this caliber is going to serve bread, they should provide a dish of easily spreadable butter. Anyway…If you find yourself in the Charleston area and enjoy great food, don’t skip The Swamp Fox!!!

    Is this helpful?

  20. CharlotteS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    The Shrimp and Grits appetizer was DELICIOUS! Perfect portion!

    Is this helpful?

  21. lesliep

    Austin

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was great! Russell our waiter was excellent!

    Is this helpful?

  22. SeanaA

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    The Bibb salad, fried chicken and butter cake were delicious. The gravy, collard greens and she crab soup weren't to my taste. Our waiter went beyond and above to help us get what we wanted.

    Is this helpful?

  23. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    5 reviews

    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 23, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience1
    The food wasn’t bad. Service was a little slow. I ate here only out of convenience since I was staying at the same hotel it’s located in. If you’re under 35-40 years old and want a fun atmosphere to have your dinner in, this restaurant is not for you. The vibe of this restaurant and decor gave me retirement home vibes.

    Is this helpful?

  24. Texasgal

    Dallas

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious and the perfect end of our busy day. Our waiter was very attentive and the food service was quick. Great price point. Make a reservation and enjoy.

    Is this helpful?

  25. PamW

    Tampa

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Our service was very good. Was a little disappointed in the fresh catch especially for the price! Loved the piano music

    Is this helpful?

  26. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 19, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Hunter our server was great. Good was fine but not great,

    Is this helpful?

  27. HometownGirl

    Atlantic City

    52 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    52 reviews

    Dined on October 18, 2023

    overall5food3service5ambience5
    Server was excellent. The food wasn’t the best. The asparagus was overdone and the carrot cake and red velvet cake were dried out. The butter cake was outstanding as was the wedge salad

    Is this helpful?

  28. OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Don’t miss the shrimp and grits. Also, if you are a brussels sprouts lover, they are crispy and well seasoned. Those two appetizers together would make a nice meal. She crab soup had very little crab meat, but a decent broth with sherry on the side. The soup probably a B- that day. The boneless fried chicken is delicious. Tender breast meat with a crisp light flour coating. The bacon infused collard greens with a hint of sweetness are heavenly. Our waiter, Eric, was attentive and courteous and well-informed on the menu. Overall a very pleasant evening of good southern cooking.

    Is this helpful?

  29. CitadelGrad

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The ambience, drink menu, food, and cost for the meal are always excellent at the Swamp Fox. We eat there every time we come to Charleston for a visit. I recommend especially the she-crab soup and the shrimp & grits.

    Is this helpful?

  30. Betty

    Atlantic City

    35 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on October 12, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience5
    Really great lunch! Scumcious Burger! Soo good! My husband had the cuban! Everything delicious! Service very pleasant but a little slow! But that may be us! Highly recommend lunch or dinner!

    Is this helpful?

  31. Betty

    Atlantic City

    35 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Food was excellent! The server was fair, he was new and was trying hard! We had a wonderful timeHighly recommend the Filet Migion!

    Is this helpful?

  32. AliceL

    Charleston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Every time I have dined at the Swamp Fox Restaurant it has been delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  33. Diane

    Charleston

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on October 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food is outstanding and the service is fantastic! We were in town a few weeks ago and ate here during restaurant week and when we were back in town again we made sure this was the one restaurant we wanted to go to again. I can’t say enough about how good the service is.

    Is this helpful?

  34. PaulMattJr

    Charleston

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We very much enjoyed our first visit to The Swamp Fox at the Francis Marion Hotel. The food was outstanding as was the service and pricing is reasonable. We definately want to go back.

    Is this helpful?

  35. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We had a great experience here. The waiter was knowledgeable about the menu. The shrimp and grits were delicious, highly recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  36. RobertC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Table was ready when we arrived for our reservation. The waiter showed up promptly and was very helpful with the menu. The food was excellent and the waiter was very attentive to our needs. Great experience!

    Is this helpful?

  37. BobM

    Greater Boston

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Food was very good but a small selection on the menu

    Is this helpful?

  38. Varisa

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 21, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    The food was very good. My husband had the Grilled Tenderloin which he said was delicious. I had the Bacon Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts as an appetizer, it was excellent. For my main course, I had the crabcakes with roasted asparagus (the asparagus, unfortunately, was a little too charred) the crabcakes were very tasty, the only downside was that they were a little mushy and I prefer firm crab cakes, but that's a subjective opinion. Our server, Eric, was friendly, attentive and accommodating.

    Is this helpful?

  39. Fletcher

    Charleston

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a lovely dining experience- great food and excellent service. Lots of Charleston specialties on the menu. This place is a gem.

    Is this helpful?

  40. NitaH

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 18, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience1
    I was disappointed our anniversary was not recognized

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff temperature check required

FAQs

The Swamp Fox at the Francis Marion Hotel offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (843) 724-8888.

The Swamp Fox at the Francis Marion Hotel is rated 4.2 stars by 1589 OpenTable diners.

The Swamp Fox at the Francis Marion Hotel does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

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 18 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for The Swamp Fox at the Francis Marion Hotel

387 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Corner of King and Calhoun Street
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown Charleston
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Daily 7:00 am–11:00 am Lunch Daily 11:30 am–3:00 pm Bar Daily 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Southern, Low Country, American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Parking is located in the city parking garage next door or along the street.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Heyward Davis
  • Entertainment
    Guests can enjoy live piano Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights while sipping cocktails in the casually elegant surroundings.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (843) 724-8888
  • Catering
    Francis Marion catering offers customizable menus and pricing includes china, glassware, flatware, tables, centerpieces and linens.<br />Off-site catering: Marion Square, South Carolina Aquarium, Gaillard Center, Charleston's Visitor's Center, Charleston Maritime Center, Thomas Bennett House, Gibbes Museum of Art + more. Contact us for a complete list.
  • Private party facilities
    The Swamp Fox Restaurant and Bar, named for Revolutionary War hero, General Francis Marion, features classic Southern cuisine perfect for any special occasion or private event. Treat your guests to a one-of-a kind, delicious experience in a setting unlike any other.
  • Private party contact
    Chaselyn Williams - Catering Sales Manager: (843) 937-8691
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • 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 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo