McCrady’s Tavern
When George Washington dined at McCrady’s Long Room back in 1791, he might have feasted on local seafood, chicken, or calf’s head. Fast-forward some 225 years and more than a few restaurant iterations later, and patrons of McCrady’s Tavern, still housed at 2 Unity Alley, can continue those traditions—calf’s head included. When chef Sean Brock took the kitchen’s helm in 2006, showing off molecular gastronomic feats was the name of his game. Today, the ever-studious Brock is harkening back to pre-Depression-era dishes, infusing them with complex modern techniques and some tongue-in-cheek twists (notice the oyster mignonette in the perfume atomizer at right). Don’t leave the revamped space (goodbye, enclosed purple booths) before trying “A Pie Called Macaroni,” a recreation of Thomas Jefferson’s recipe with, of course, a Brockian spin. www.mcradystavern.com
Meeting at Market
Charleston Place may not previously have come to mind when choosing a spot to grab a few beers and watch the game, but that all changed with the opening of Meeting at Market, a highbrow sports bar nestled—you guessed it—on the corner of Meeting and Market streets. Upon arrival, settle in at the bar or lounge in one of the back sofa seats and order from an extensive drink list including nearly 10 local brews. You can’t go wrong with the menu’s elevated pub fare, including a smoked fish sampling board, fried confit chicken thighs, and a supremely tender salmon filet à la fish and chips. And for those who aren’t that into the televised activities, wraparound glass windows provide plenty of opportunities for people watching. www.belmond.com/charleston-place
