Our taste-and-tell guide to some of the latest food-and-beverage openings in Charleston
Babas
Did Charleston need another chic cocktail bar? Step into Babas and the answer becomes a clear: “Yes.” From co-owners Edward Crouse, Lane Becker, and Marie Stitt, the Cannon Street cafe-by-day, sophisticated-cocktail-bar-by-night offers smart spirits and an unexpected menu designed to move gracefully from sunrise to sunset. Stop by in the morning for a curbside quiche and cappuccino on the restaurant’s sidewalk seats. Then cruise in late for a Manhattan and plate of deviled eggs, pickled shrimp, Burgundy truffles, and comté cheese with saucisson and a baguette. Small and with limited seating, Babas is designed for socializing, a place where in the course of an evening strangers become friends. At the speed of this city’s growth, it’s exactly what Charleston needs right now. babasoncannon.com
Pier 22
Whether you’re craving a cozy place to meet the gals for noodle bowls post-workout or want to linger over apps and drinks on date night, Pier 22 fits the bill. The third in a string of restaurants—also including Pier 41 and On Forty One—owned by chef Brannon Florie and his wife, Renee, the Sullivan’s Island newcomer has an inviting ambiance, with seating limited to a couple high-tops on the front porch and two community tables inside. You might start with oysters from the raw bar and shrimp ceviche, then move on to one of the “Gluten” dishes, such as the warm sandwich combining Wagyu beef, Korean mustard, kimchi, and cilantro on a soft bun. We, however, couldn’t resist the lineup of bowls, including steamed rice, noodle, and papaya salad options with your choice of protein. As beautiful as it was flavorful, our tuna poke totally hit the spot. pier22si.com
