This place is okay but not incredible. Get: crème brûlée, espresso martini Avoid: fried green tomatoes (too sweet), she crab soup (okay), shrimp jourene (spelling?) and shrimp and grits. To start, the front doors on this restaurant are impossible to open. It was not just us, many, many people gave up and walked away because they could not open the doors and there was no obvious sign the restaurant was open. Also, there was no bread service and I do love bread. The fried green tomatoes were fried very nicely and the pimento cheese was nice but the jam was far too sweet. If you scrapped away the jam and bacon it tasted much better. The she crab soup needed a lot of sherry and was an unusual consistency but not great. For our entrees we got the shrimp and grits. The grits were incredible!! But the shrimp was tough and over cooked and the sauce had no flavor. I LOVE shrimp and grits normally and get this dish all over the south, so I was quite disappointed in this entree we also got the shrimp de Jonge - it had the potential to be a good dish but it desperately needed a sauce. The breadcrumbs had great flavor but were so dry. Desserts: the crème brûlée was AMAZING!!!!! The espresso martinis were AMAZING!!! The service was great! Kyle was awesome!! I think this place has so much potential but just needs a little tweaking! read more

See all

The staff was friendly and the food was outstanding. Definitely recommend checking this restaurant out.

For a special occasion you can never go wrong with this choice. Get the flounder! Best steaks in Charleston too! read more

Anson - Flounder!!! - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Yesterday was my birthday and so I posted on my friends fb group page, (Low Country Eat Out) that I was looking for suggestions on a place we could eat in doors, with a toddler! There were soooo many responses, some I've been too, others were already on my list and then some I was just hearing of. Anyways, someone mentioned that Anson Restaurant (locally owned) had just opened back up and that her husband Darnell was working. I looked at the menu on yelp and figured I'd call to see if they could fit a part of 6 in a couple hours. They said absolutely! Once there we were greeted right away face masks and all, they also had hand sanitizer at the host station and served paper menus, due to COVID. Our server asked the occasion, (I was just given flowers) and then explained a little bit about the restaurant and the menu. :) I waited patiently for him to stop and asked if by chance his name was Darnell, he laughed and said yes! I then explained his wife was one that responded and got us all there. It was a first for all of us!! We ordered drinks, I got a dirty martini yum! And then ordered apps, for apps we got the Fried Green Tomato's, fries for the tots and fried okra. Normally I don't do fried stuff but they were both delicious!! I already knew I was going to order the Fried whole flounder and my husband got the Grouper. Mine was amazing but I have to say I loved his grouper too! The sauce was divine. My friends daughter ordered the grits and fried shrimp, I had to steal one, lol and it was delicious! The manager greeted us and wished me a happy birthday, Darnell talked me into another Martini and then cleared the plates as we cleared the food off of them! Though the desserts sounded amazing I just didn't have room so we passed on dessert. Darnell still made it special and brought a plate out that had happy birthday in chocolate with whipped cream and a candle and wished me a happy birthday. I thanked him and told him we would totally be back. It was a great evening! read more

Anson - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Venerable dining in the French Quarter. Anson has been here decades. The food is delicious, but the experience is a little weird. For a deLuxe setting it was odd customers dress for a deer blind. No camo. Cellar is very good. Lighting made it a strain to read the menu. The charm was ruined by this weird tv showing Classic movies steeped in stereotypes. We came to consummate our visit to Charleston. But I was constantly distracted by the commotion on the screen. First a film about rugged Anglo. Explorers surrounded by Zulus, last, a cavalry squad fighting savages in the wild west. Who thought it is a good idea to plaster these ridiculous movies as a halo around my wife? The waitress was excellent. She crab soup was Classic. Absolutely delicious. Baked oysters- excellent. I had scallops over yellow rice risotto. Sublime! Pricey, but, considering the quality of the food, worth it. Were it not for the damned TV, it would have been the experience we sought. read more

This is an adorable restaurant with a classic, Ralph Lauren-esque vibe, with a flare of Southern charm, littered with classic horse paintings and the like. The manager was so sweet & accommodating. We came in on a hungry whim with our 3 (loud) children and us 2 exhausted-from-driving-all-day adults. Came through on a road trip and just wanted to sit down to a proper dinner at a fancy place. Our children were thankfully not the worst guests in the world, and we enjoyed our dinner by the window at a huge round table. We enjoyed the Caesar salad, fried green tomatoes, flounder and scallop entree. The scallops were PERFECT. The flounder was extremely plentiful, and the apricot shallot sauce was an amazing accompaniment to it! There was an amazing sweetly glazed bacon jam that came with the fried green tomatoes that was divine. The bathrooms are nicely appointed and classically chic. The menu is great, lots of great choices. Parking is not amazing, but that's downtown for ya. One block away is a lot you pay by the hour, and it's not expensive at all. read more

Step into the past immersed in the rich history of Charleston South Carolina. They have great service, great atmosphere, and elegant food. I will be back! read more

Everything was delicious!! Wait staff awesome & attentive. Great hospitality!! Wonderful ambiance. Started off with the burrata beet salad, and Mac & cheese as apps, shared the blackened halibut for dinner with my friend. So amazingly delicious! Finished off with a Thai martini, highly recommend visiting The Anson if in Charleston, you will not be disappointed read more

Potential is the underlying feeling when dining at Anson's. The setting is in a historic area of Charleston next to one of the horse-drawn carriage operators. The dining room is lovely with the juxtaposition of a chandelier hanging in a decidedly more rustic decor. Getting into the restaurant is a whole other matter. The beautiful entry doors are EXTREMELY hard to open. We tried opening them several times and saw others also try without success. Most people just assumed the restaurant was closed and left. We called after exploring three different sides of the restaurant thinking we must have the wrong entrance. After all, who would make it so impossibly hard to allow patrons in a restaurant? After calling, the staff opened the door and apologized for the doors. I know why a lot of the tables were empty - they could not get in. We also saw several people when we were dining trying to open the doors and just give up while we were dining. Our waiter, Kyle, was very sociable. We did not get their touted flounder. Quite frankly, it looked frightening in the photos and even more so when we saw it served at the next table. The She Crab soup had an odd consistency and little flavor. Thank goodness Kyle left the sherry bottle! The fried green tomatoes are good, but not great. A little too sweet. Tangy would be a better flavor choice. The shrimp de Jonge are basically deconstructed fried shrimp. Too many breadcrumbs making it quite dry. The shrimp were cooked well, but as flavor goes, thank goodness for that bottle of Sherry. The highlight of the meal was the crème brûlée and espresso martini. Would come here for the dessert - if you can open those doors! read more

See all

We were in Charleston for a day, staying outside the city. Hadn't been able to get a reservation at the place we really wanted to go, but as we sat elsewhere & had a drink, saw that Anson had great reviews & a reservation available when they first opened at 5, so we happily snagged it. Super cute place, tons of atmosphere. We were seated upstairs over looking some beautiful ironwork railings in a lovely dining room that felt like we were in a southern mansion. Beautiful room! We started with a glass of sparkling & shared their fried green tomatoes with a bacon jam & pimento cheese--delicious. Then I had a special of the day, a seared haddock on a bed of some veggies with a sauce--soooo good! Loved every mouthful. It was exactly what I wanted. Husband had the whole fried flounder & he devoured it, said it was great. Had a nice glass of wine with dinner & we were quite happy. Darnell (formerly of Detroit--our home area) was our server, and he was absolutely terrific. Attentive & funny but didn't hover. Always there when we needed him. Pricey meal but it's the city, so to be expected & we got what we paid for. It was wonderful & we enjoyed every minute! read more

See all

Amazing food and excellent service! We look forward to our next dining experience here.

We have lived in Charleston since 2008 and frequent a lot of local restaurants. We were so excited to come out for our 22nd anniversary, but were disappointed from the moment we were seated. First our server seemed helpful, but then I realized he really wasn't. He brought out champagne to say it was complimentary because of our anniversary. I later found out that was a lie because we were charged for 2 glasses of Prosecco. He then said he would come back to explain the menu and I was excited to hear especially after hearing the specials from the other waiters around us. After sitting with nothing for 10 minutes I saw him walk by and I asked him what the specials were after hearing about the Tomahawk pork chop from a few tables over. The only things he kept suggesting was the surf and turf and flounder. We then ordered the She Crab Soup as a starter. He said he would come back to get our order. After another 15 minutes he came back to get our order. We ordered and explained my husband had a stomach issue and he can't eat much. I ordered the surf and turf and the duck fat potatoes with a glass of Chardonnay with my meal. My husband asked for the dessert menu because he was full from the She Crab Soup. Our waiter made a joke about understanding which we thought at the time was wholesome but we later figured out it wasn't. My order was brought out but I only received the surf and turf with no potatoes. I also never got the Chardonnay. My husband didn't get the dessert menu. I watched our waiter take time with other tables explaining the menu while bypassing us several times. After I finished half the steak, the waiter finally brought the dessert menu. He said he had something special coming out for us since it was our anniversary but we could order something to go. He took my steak that was leftover and tossed it. We've been to plenty of restaurants where our leftovers are boxed and brought back to the table but he didn't even offer. Next he brought out our check, we didn't even ask for it. He never brought out our special dessert. Honestly this is the first time we've felt disrespected and discriminated against since we've been dining here in Charleston. Ruined our anniversary experience. We always tip well and always appreciate a great dining experience. We frequent several fine dining establishments weekly here like XO Brasserie, Halls, and Kwei Fei and others worldwide. I feel that our waiter assumed things about us. Price has never been an issue for us especially when we enjoy a great dining experience. My husband just doesn't eat a lot. He's a veteran and has several health issues but that shouldn't matter. I feel that our waiter profiled us based off of looks and assumed we were a certain way when that's far from the truth. Instead of assuming next time it may be worth it to let Richard know he probably let the best tip of his night walk out of the door. read more

This place was EXQUISITE!! The ambiance was pleasant, our server, KJ, was so knowledgeable, professional, and extremely attentive. This was one of the best meals we have experienced in years. Highly recommend this restaurant! read more

The food was absolutely amazing! I ordered the scallops and risotto. Husband ordered a bone in ribeye with a bone marrow butter. It was probably one of the best steaks he's ever had. He also ordered the lobster Mac n Cheese as a side and oh man was it soooo delicious! To drink I ordered an espresso martini and everyone at my table was trying to steal my drink because it was so good! Service was amazing. Top notch experience! read more

Grew up in coastal SC & have high expectations for seafood. This was possibly the best shrimp I've ever had. Husband loved his steak. Charred broccoli was spot on, too. Beautiful ambiance & impeccable service. This restaurant deserves its high reputation. Wonderful date night. Thanks, y'all! read more

It has been a long time since I have dined at Anson. Will not wait so long again! Absolutely delicious and wonderful service! A high school friend was in town for a meeting and invited my husband and me to dinner. Unfortunately, hubby was out of town and unable to join but that did not dampen our time! We both ordered a cup of she crab soup. For dinner I ordered the Salmon, Chip ordered the flounder and a beautiful bottle of wine. Unfortunately, our waiter, Rafe, had to deliver the bad news: they were out of flounder. YIKES! So Chip ordered the Pan Roasted Grouper. We caught up over a glass of wine, lots of laughter and stories. Full disclosure, it had only been about 6 weeks since we saw each other last but we still had a lot to say. The soup arrived, we both asked for a little more sherry - can you put too much sherry in she crab soup? No. The soup was yummy, not the best I have had, but yummy none the last. Our main course arrived and the presentation was beautiful, a feast for the eyes! And did I say how delicious my salmon was? Chip thoroughly enjoyed his 2nd choice: grouper. More laughter and tales of life this week. For dessert, creme Brule for me and an Almond Basket for Chip. I am so sorry I did not take a picture of the basket. A work of art, the creme Brule was top notch, also! Treat yourself a enjoy a dinner at Anson. You will be glad you did! read more

Anson - Salmon with Napa cabbage, bok choy, caramelized onion jus, truffle shitake vinaigrette - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

See all

World class service with southern charm. If they allowed 6 stars I would give it. Fried Green tomatoes- amazing NY steak - seasoned perfect Scallops- cooked perfectly Brussel sprouts - super wonderful Amazing staff - friendly - on point with everything. Almond basket is a must have ...... You can see why it's been open for 31 years. read more

Anson - Almond Basket - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Exceptional! Our favorite of all the restaurants we visited all week! Charming attentive service, seriously yummy food: crab Louie salad decadently light, she crab soup creamy and tasty, Halibut with grits perfect, charred broccolini the best, crusted bone in pork chop delicious! So full but had to try some desert! We are coming again before we leave! read more

See all

Wonderful experience at Anson. Food was delicious, cocktails on point and service top notch. Lovely atmosphere. Highly recommend Anson.

We came here after other restaurants had a 2+ hr reservation. Phenomenal food and entertainment. Oysters were slightly salty but no complaints overall. Enjoyed our night out here. Loved the sentimental environment. read more

I would stay away from this "institution" of a restaurant. The server ignored us for a good 15 mins while introducing himself and explaining the menu to the next table in detail. After a good 15 mins he walks over and in a rude manner asks us if "we had any questions" - no salutations, no apologies for keeping us waiting, not even mentioning anything about the menu. Any questions about recommendations were answered in gruff, rude and unhelpful manner. I'm an Indian American and felt that I may have been subjected to profiling, since the waiter started the rude treatment immediately upon seeing us. We were not going to suffer through the dinner so we ended our nightmare and walked out. I have travelled the world over and never had such an awful experience. read more

Just a wonderful meal. I had the scallops and wife had the veal with brussels. Both delicious. The wine list is very well curated and reasonably priced. One of our favs for sure. read more

Five stars all around! We were a group of 4 that just got off the carriage tour and they had a table available, perfect timing! We would suggest reservations however, as the place for packed and it is RIGHT across the street from the market. We had every single item on the menu and it was all simply HEAVENLY. The drinks were exquisite, and the service phenomenal! We would encourage you to dine here if you are looking for delectible southern fare in downtown Charleston. There are just so many places to visit here... But if you have the opportunity or can't find a reservation elsewhere.... Anson is an experience of a lifetime. read more

The food and atmosphere here were excellent. The server was just okay. He completely forgot to order our 2 sides. We actually had to ask for them after receiving our main dishes. By the time the sides came, we were almost done with our mains. Disappointing to say the least. read more

Filet was just right, atmosphere top notch, view great, dessert to die for great wine list. A must in fine dinning. My only issue is the food not coming out to the table at the same time. By the time I got dessert, the coffee was cold. Not a major issue, I guess a product of who served. Outside of that, I recommended this place to all. Frank G read more

We went here on our 25th wedding anniversary and will go again for sure. The food and drinks were great and the service was outstanding! read more

Anson - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

I couldn't even make a reservation due to the extreme rudeness of the person answering the phone. How sad to think the front of your business is this terrible. No way would I spend a dollar when the reservation experience was a disaster. read more

AMAZING! The food was absolutely phenomenal. (Serving sizes portioned a little small as most best quality food places do). The ambience was awesome, greeted at the door and the host even hold the door for you on the way out. Very nice, very cute building too. MUST GO! We will be back!! Cool bathrooms too! :) read more

The food here is always extraordinary as is the service! We always visit Anson when in our favorite Charleston!! The ambiance is so nice as well!! read more

We had an excellent dinner here. We got a bunch of apps -- fried green tomatoes, shrimp cocktail, deviled eggs, she crab soup, and Sybil's roasted garlic -- followed by the shrimp pasta and famous crispy flounder as mains, and then chocolate oblivion torte for dessert. It's hard to find particular standouts, simply because we loved just about everything we got -- the fried green tomatoes were probably my favorite, but everything was great. (I probably could have skipped the torte, but that's really it.) It's an older clientele and I wouldn't call the menu overly progressive, but the food is really good. read more

See all

Small quaint spot in downtown Charleston that will take your breath away when you walk in each room has their individual vibe to it staff is very friendly knowledgeable and welcoming! The food was amazing the steak was cooked to perfection! The potatoes had plenty of flavor no salt or pepper was needed at all the crème brûlée was sweet and very satisfying. The weather keeps your cups full as soon as I see that you're halfway done with your drink then we really do remove all items from the table when you're done eating. If you go to the restaurant make sure you get an appetizer and a dessert definitely spend the money it is well worth it and a memorable night this is great for a graduation's wedding anniversaries birthday parties or just celebrating a mile stone! Facemask are required. You can take the mask off once you sit at your table and your waiter does keep their face mask on them at all times they do not take it off. If you get the opportunity to sit outside on the balcony take that opportunity and do it you'll be surrounded with not only flowers but also Charleston history all around you and the horse carriages the sounds of Lolo countries around you as you're sitting outside eating a five-star meal. Definitely worth the trip to downtown!!! read more

See all

Amazing restaurant! Our server Leah was absolutely incredible and had wonderful recommendations. Her poise, professionalism, and knowledge of food and wine selections created an outstanding experience and we could not have been happier. We WILL be back and I can only hope to get Leah as our server again. She Crab Soup 10/10 Filet Mignon w/ Bone Marrow Butter - 10/10 Whole Crispy Flounder 10/10 Almond Basket for Dessert 10/10 read more

Every aspect of our dining experience was excellent-the bar, the service and the food. We enjoyed the fried green tomatoes, gem salad, flounder, scallops and crème brûlée. All of our dishes were delicious. We will consider coming back this trip. read more

See all

Very good experience! Had the fried flounder with coleslaw. The sweet glaze and the crunchy outside on the fish worked! The waiter explained how to eat it, one of the more popular dishes- so try the flounder. I also tried the filet with goat cheese mashed potatoes and green beans. Had to add their grits as a side too. Everything came out timely and cooked/seasoned well. Service was fantastic and drinks mixed strong! Upstairs is a little more fancy, probably could not get away with t shirt and shorts. When you walk in the bar to the left is nice. This place is close to market street and all the super touristy stuff in Charleston. Just a good central location to walk to the waterfront and dessert bars near. Great location! Would make a good date night, or girls night out! read more

Anson - Fried flounder is a must! - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Best halibut I've ever had. The flounder was perfection. Beautiful sexy restaurant. Definitely go and enjoy a beautiful meal and superb service. read more

See all

Absolutely amazing! Gnocchi with Wagyu beef short rib ragu, and blackened snapper with blue crab etouffe, would highly recommend! Waiter was friendly and food was prompt! Cozy atmosphere with plenty of seating! Do recommend reservations on weekends. We went on a Tuesday and had no wait. read more

Always excellent food and wine. Restaurant is always bubbling and a great place to have fish or steaks.

The service and atmosphere was great. The other couple we were with and my husband had the pasta and loved it. I had the salmon and it was dry with very little taste. I was very disappointed because it was looking forward to dining there. read more

I came here for dinner in Jan & planned to sit at the bar because I was on my own, but it was full. The Manager was awesome & found me a seat & then the bartender made me a Pomegranate Martini that made my Top 5 cocktail list ever. The oysters were to die for & the lobster pasta was divine. The restaurant itself was lovely & dark with little lamps at the bar & the whole experience was awesome. It was one of the best dining experiences I had in Charleston & that's saying a lot cause it's a foodie paradise. Thanks to everyone at Anson for a wonderful dining experience. read more

See all

Wanting to take friends from out of town to experience our Charleston charm and great Southern cuisine. Anson, was a stellar hit! Our server, Julie, was so familiar with the menu and specials I doubt Alex Trebek could have stumped her. Our meals were as fabulous as she described, draped by a subdued ambiance and elegant but less that ostentatious atmosphere. Thank you all for letting me show off my Southern heritage. Enjoy you next meal out at Anson, just remember to wear a shirt with sleeves. read more

See all