Cute space with interesting cocktails and menu. But, as any Southern cook would be, I was scandalized by the inclusion of hothouse tomatoes in the "veggies of the moment." All I can say is bless their hearts! The asparagus was not exactly of the moment, either, seeing as how it was October. However, the tomato pie was to die for even with out-of-season tomatoes. The fried okra was on point and though I was skeptical at first, the ranch ice cream complemented it perfectly. I'd skip the super-salty fried collards next time (kale chips by another name) and the grouper also could have benefited from a lighter hand with the saltshaker. But my dining companions liked it as well as the oversized burger that reminded me of those at the late, lamented Ann's Snack Bar -- which no less than the Wall Street Journal once dubbed the nation's best. In fact, all the portions were remarkably generous for a fine dining establishment. Our server was delightful even if the kitchen's timing was a bit off. Despite the quirks, it was an enjoyable evening and I would pay them a second visit. read more

Went here as a last minute decision and luckily grabbed an 8:00 pm reservation. Place was packed from arrival until closing time. Cool vibes and a fun crowd. Service staff were great! Loved my drink- my druthers. IMO, a great fall cocktail. The fall salad as a starter was also a great choice with a lemony dressing that wasn't heavy and very refreshing. We also got the cornbread fritters but would suggest you pass on these. I chose the grouper and my guest chose the pork chop- both were very good. Would come back again! read more

I feel compelled to write this review because the hotel Lindy Renaissance uses this restaurant for their room service and catering. I also Separately ordered directly from the restaurant and had a poor experience. Food quality is underwhelming and I have an issue with cleanliness and sanitation. I ordered the wedge chopped with no bacon and requested the dressing on the side, it was delivered with bacon drenched in dressing. The K Burger is a slab of meat with dried chili. Later the next day For breakfast I ordered eggs and the oatmeal. I was so disgusted by eggs delivered in a box with dried pasty oatmeal. The oatmeal was premixed. And I've had oatmeal at hotels worldwide. Stunned that they actually delivered the vomit to my room. Then for the catering menu for our group meetings, once again bacon pieces in vegetable wraps. Nondisclosure of pork in the sandwiches. The straw for me was bugs in my coffee. Sipped my morning coffee and something chewy was in my mouth, took it out and photographed the sucker w wings. Then they apologized and delivered a carafe of ice water with another love bug inside. I called the hotel GM Kevin Pickard and reported this. read more

Lenoir - Pasty dried oatmeal. - Southern Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Delicious approachable food at Lenoir. Fun decor and vibe. We had strawberry salad, cornbread fritters, the most amazing local pork chop, and two great sides-pea and rice salad (insane) and fancy mashed potatoes. Loved it all. Awesome large round bar for dining or drinking. Will try that next time. read more

I have loved Vivian, her cookbooks and PBS shows for years. I've heard the hype about Lenior and was so happy to dine. We went on a Friday evening. It was loud inside and definitely the bar is the center of attention. We were promptly seated, waitress was over and drinks were quickly in hand. The food part is where it became disappointing. The food was just ok. Nothing to brag about. I'd come back for a drink at the bar and maybe an app. read more

There is definitely a lot to like about Lenoir, but in my humble opinion, I wasn't blown away. Everything tasted good, but it wasn't a particularly memorable meal. I've been wanting to go here for quite some time and I did enjoy my dinner. The scallops were cooked really well, but they were served on a bed of corn. It's not this wasn't tasty, but I guess for $34 dollars I expected a little more. I did, however, enjoy the ham wrapped peaches and their fries are super good! The service was top notch, no complaints there. In conclusion, check it out, you won't be disappointed, but I guess for me, this will probably be my last time. read more

Lenoir - Scallops. - Southern Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Stopped into Lenoir for a bite to eat before a welcome party event, and it was just what we needed to fuel up for the rest of the evening. We sat at the bar and didn't have to wait at all for a seat. The bartender was very helpful with not only choosing drinks but also food. We got the catfish and the collared greens/grits which eats like a spinach artichoke dip! Will definitely be back. read more

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Lenoir is perhaps the most overrated restaurant I've been to in Charleston. Apart from the patty melt & fries, the rest of the entrees out party of six had were unremarkable - not bad, not great. Too many other excellent restaurants in Charleston to waste a meal here. The worst part: The "ceviche-style" Scallops appetizer was atrocious. The scallops were DEFINITELY bad - as in foul smelling, putrid tasting, and weird texture. We reported this to our server, who takes them back to the kitchen. The manager (?) comes out and says "the chef smelled and tasted them and they were fine". I can guarantee you that did NOT happen. We've eaten lots of scallops - prepared lots of different ways - and we've never smelled scallops this off apart from maybe a bait shop. Things happen, and suppliers can bring a bad item or two occasionally, but surely the kitchen could've realized these were bad before bringing them out. I'd have had more respect for this place if they hadn't tried to lie about the scallops being "just fine". Classic example of "don't pee on my leg and tell me it's raining". read more

If you like southern atmosphere Themis is the place. The food was phenomenal. Collard greens were amazing and shrimp and veggies were so tasty. So happy we decided to come here. Make sure you get the mashed potatoes. Our server fawn was so sweet and so knowledgeable. Excellent place to come to. read more

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I had the shrimp and grits. It was good but not the best I've had. A tiny bit runny and too hot to eat at first. I prefer a denser, less watery grits. The cocktails were good, as were desserts. Overall it was good but I expected slightly better. read more

My wife and I went here on date night and it could not have been better. While the inside was quite loud, we were seated outside, in the heated, covered patio. It's beautiful out there and there's lots of space -- you don't feel like you're crammed in some kind of cattle trough like some of the downtown upscale Charleston restaurants. The menu is interesting. There's small plates, mains, and sides. We started with the "veggies of the moment" -- a small plate, that was brought back nearly instantly. And look, if I'm ordering some kind of veggie dish at a nice restaurant, it's either because I'm in deep shit with the wife, I have some kind of weight loss goal enforced by a doctor or a door frame, or I've inadvertently brought livestock to the restaurant. For the purposes of this review I will not go into the specific reasons behind this invitation for vegetation on my table, what's important is that you know that I'd take that bowl of broccoli, cauliflower, and white beans over most slabs of meat at most restaurants in the lowcountry. After our plate of veggies was devoured, We each ordered a main, and we ordered two sides to share. More specifically: I ordered a pork chop, my wife ordered catfish, and we ordered carrots and farro to share. The mains came out first. I was a little disappointed because an otherwise lovely pork chop was covered in Satan's root vegetable, beets. My wife's looked phenomenal, as I shoveled some of the beets off my plate and on to hers. Tasting the pork chop, I was reminded of the seventieth or eightieth time I tried to convince my then-5 year old to just try a potato. The beet juice paired perfectly with the pork chop. Years of beet-juice colored resentment melted away in my mind as the best pork chop of my life did the same in my mouth. During this low-intensity therapeutic moment our server came out with our sides. But while she was on her way to our table, she tripped, and both sides went sailing through the air and landed, shattering on the ground. Call it skill or luck, I'm not sure, but not a drop of food got on anyone. She recovered from her fall (which was neither graceful nor, I'm sure, painless) and promised to bring them out again. She was charming about it. Then the sides arrived. I went for the farro first which, paired with my pork chop with the newly discovered beet juice, was fantastic. Then I tried the carrots with Chimichurri. Now I had to work up to this because a vegetable you feed horses covered in a sauce you put on a steak seemed a little blasphemous to me, but my experience with the other vegetables were telling me that today maybe i ought to think like a Clydesdale. I'm glad I did, because once they were gone my eyes began to scan the floor hoping the aforementioned crash had left some additional treats on the ground. These carrots were made for people. We didn't opt for dessert (we rarely do) because my experience had left me in such a culinary daze that I could not tell what was up and what was down anymore. Who even was I? Have I been trapped in a simulation only to be let out at this culinary moment so that, here in my mid forties, I could question everything I once thought about my tastes and desires? Why did I spend all those years in therapy when I could have just tried a beet? I know, reader. You aren't here to help me ponder these questions. You're here for answers. The answer is: yes. Book a table. Leave your predisposed notions of what food is at the door. You won't regret dinner at Lenoir. read more

Kind of a sleeper hit! Incredibly accommodating server and hostess. We got a majority of our order to go as we were hotel guests and it took no time at all. Very cute ambiance and fun cocktails. The tomato pie was SO GOOD and unique. I would actually say that about everything we ordered-really unique combinations. Strawberry and sweet potatoes? Almost sweet glaze on roasted chicken? But it works. If you're staying at the renaissance def eat here, but even if you're just in Charleston I'd recommend! read more

Fantastic food & service. Beautiful place for a date night. Shout out to Talia for taking great care of us! We had ham wrapped peaches as an app, shared the pork chop for dinner and had espresso crème brûlée and the s'mores dessert. Cocktails and beer selection were great as well. read more

Exceptional service, Exceptional Cuisine! Love this place! Good drinks too at the very comfortable bar stools at the Bar. Fried Collards are off the Hook - so good. The strawberries and stracciatella appetizer was an amazing experience your mouth will not forget soon. The k-town patty melt hit the main spot with a warm yummy feeling. Let me not forget about the Carrot Cake that was inhaled for fear of being stolen. WoWzA! I'm coming back soon! read more

While visiting Charleston in November, my husband and I were quite excited to dine at Lenoir. It turned out to be the opposite of exciting, so I wrote a review explaining why I felt that way when we got home. Several weeks after I posted the review, I saw on my Discover statement that Lenoir had refunded the price of the meal. However, my statement today reflects that Lenoir changed its mind and the charge is back on. Great way to do business. read more

I'm giving them five stars because everything went great good from the customer service to the food. They gazpacho soup was amazing the flounder was absolutely delicious I'm not sure what else we have very good:-) A little on the pricey side but I would definitely go back read more

Lenoir - Bar - Southern Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Popped in for a cocktail before dinner and it was the perfect spot! So cute and modern inside with a warm feel. Had a delicious martini. Great ambiance kinda felt like I was in the 20s having a cocktail before a party. Would return! read more

Lenoir - Southern Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Big fan of Vivian's so we started planning our visit soon as Lenoir opened. My wife and had our 15th Anniversary dinner here. It didn't disappoint. We started with the Blueberry BBQ sauced wings and the crudo. The crudo was amazing. For our entree, we split the pork chop and all of the sides except the fries. It was an amazing meal. The porch chop was the best I've had outside of my own home. The potatoes reminded me of my mom's, which is a good thing. The mess of greens were my favorite side. I wish it had been cornbread over rolls for the pot liquor, but beggars can't be choosers. Amazing meal. True southern charm. read more

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I've been to Vivian's restaurants in Kinston a few times before, so on our trip to Charleston, I was excited to give this place a try. Time/Date: We went on a Thursday night in February and we were able to get a reservation for 7:30 less than a week in advance. We showed up to our reservation about 15 minutes early but they sat us right away. Vibe: Nice but not overdone décor. Really nice big bar - it was about half full when we got there and never filled up before we left, but I can see it being a busy spot on the weekends. The tables were fully seated and the crowd was mostly 30's and up, lively but not loud, and dressed for dinner (you know what I mean - nobody's wearing a suite and tie, but leave your ball caps and cargo shorts at home, gentlemen). Service: Excellent. Rudy was wonderful, knowledgeable, gave us some great recommendations, checked in just the right amount and was very friendly. Food/Drink: this place took us to church. I'm from NC, my dad is from Kinston (Vivian's hometown - located in waddayaknow Lenoir county, location of Chef and the Farmer), and grew up on the food that so many "southern nouveau" spots elevate beyond the point of enjoyment. Lenoir on the other hand did it just right. Thoughtful interpretations of foods that are still just good and comforting. The collard and grits dip with pork rinds? I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. I might have actually teared up. The chicken wings were smoky and sweet and phenomenal with her blueberry BBQ. The carrots - CARROTS - were the best carrots I've ever had. I don't even like carrots. And the patty melt was a perfect filling dish for us to split. We left stuffed and happy and I felt like I'd gone home in that way that only food can achieve. Conclusion: GO. Maybe take some tissues. read more

Enjoyed a tasty dinner at Lenoir. As Vivian fans we were interested in her take on southern dishes. Good menu selections with thoughtful wine list and nice cocktails. The decor here is pleasant but the lighting is a bit low. Our dinner began with tasty tuna crudo and cocktails. The Bless Your Heart was perfect. The cornbread is good, along with the grits and greens. The main event included the Pork Chop and fried Catfish. Both were perfectly cooked and presented. We highly recommend. Thoughts on Lenoir. Excellent fresh, local ingredients made by skilled chefs and staff. Charleston has a new Great dining option. Improvements can be made with the menu print size. The descriptions are just not readable. Additionally the tables in the middle of the restaurant, a half an arms length apart , are uncomfortably close. Cheers to Vivian the staff and management. It was delicious. read more

Amazing brunch! Fantastic atmosphere and service! The food was elevated brunch. Would highly recommend!

It's hard to impress me with Southern food. I grew up in the South, and I now live in Charleston where Southern food is abundant and sometimes seems to put unnecessary twists on something that is already good for the sake of getting those tourist $$. That all being said, Lenoir impressed me. Everything we had was really excellent. All the small plates were delicious. I especially liked the sausage and the corn and tomato dishes. The entree choices were pretty limited, but those we had- I got the catfish- were outstanding. There were touches of peach in many of the dishes because peaches are in season. The Asian touches to some dishes didn't feel gimmicky and really added to the depth of flavor of the dishes. Cocktails were spot on. We were too full for dessert! Highly recommend. read more

Good food and service! I loved my Ribeye and Calamari! The red wine was very good. The atmosphere was great.

What a quaint little spot!! I was here for a book signing and what a pleasurable afternoon. The cantaloupe basil daiquiri placed in my hand was cool and delicious. The pimento stuffed mushrooms and smoked fish canapés were just the thing. Banana pudding was delicious too! We'll be back. read more

This was the best dining experience that my husband and I have ever had and we feel honored to have stumbled upon it while in Charleston for our 15th anniversary. The waitress gave us detailed explanations of the dishes and drinks which inspired our choices for the night. Everything was like art and we took our time enjoying every bit! Highly recommend. read more

Lenoir - Catfish - Southern Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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After a bad experience elsewhere, we stumbled across this place and they gave us exactly what we desired. A southern inspired menu with a twist on popular items, such as the hush puppies with apple butter, the catfish over a yummy okra stew, and scrumptious whipped potatoes. Dessert was a chocolate mousse with a lightly flavored peppermint whipped cream (made in house). Wish I could come here again!! But happy that I was able to try it. read more

Cannot rave enough about this restaurant! The service was unreal, such creative dishes and delicious. We cannot wait to come back and try new seasonal things as they rotate. read more

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This is a great place to have good food, good wine and a cute atmosphere. I tried to taste as many of the food options within my dietary constrictions. For starters you must try the fried collard greens, they are the snack you didn't know was missing in your life. So light and full of flavor. It comes in a big bowl to share so get that for the table. I also tried the asparagus and trout. This is also pretty flavorful. The trout has a Smokey taste and the asparagus is not what you think(but in a good way). My favorite is the strawberry salad (I can't remember the official name) however when you see the strawberry option on the menu... go for it! It has 2 different cheeses and pecans and basil. It was a party in my mouth. For entree I tried the catfish and let me tell you I don't like catfish but since I don't eat pork or beef this was all I could get pretty much so I went for it but it was surprisingly good. It was lightly fried to give you crunch but non of the greasy taste and I was told the fish is raised in good clean water and that's why it is better, for me, than typical catfish. Also make sure you get the rolls. They come in two but trust me one is enough for a person. For dessert I tried the carrot cake which I enjoyed. Not too sweet, had some coffee flavor in there which I didn't love but didn't hate. Overall had a great experience, the wine was great and the food delicious. read more

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What a beautiful restaurant. Light and bright and not crowded even if smaller. Ordered a mezcal drink and hubby had the blueberry bourbon drink. Delicious and would order again. I had eaten too much so we shared a blueberry bbq chicken wing appetizer. Husband had catfish and I had the apple salad. We each had a dessert, chocolate chess pie and carrot cake. The chess pie was more like a rich flourless chocolate cake. Hubby said the carrot cake was perfect and not overpowered with too much frosting. Each item was unique and delicious. We really savored each bite. Loved the atmosphere with the bar in the middle and how everyone seemed to be enjoying their conversations. read more

Management worked with Resy to refund the cancellation fee as promised. I appreciate their quick response, and I hope to get back to Charleston and Lenoir once everybody else gets vaccinated. read more

One of the newest additions to the Charleston line-up that is hopefully here to stay. Absolutely try the blueberry barbecue wings with celery, scallions, and benne seeds. The wings are smoked (hickory I think, but I'm not certain) and then covered in a blueberry barbecue sauce that is a dream. I also had the ribeye that comes with a few cipollini onion rings and a compound butter that adds some brightness to the rich steak. Also got a side of fries (which is definitely enough for 2-3 people) that comes with a mayo dipping sauce. For dessert I had the marvelous carrot cake which, instead of traditional cream cheese frosting, has a mocha frosting and no stinking raisins! It was great meal and is an establishment that shouldn't be overlooked. Smaller menu, but that is a benefit for those of us with choice anxiety. read more

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I was one of the lucky ones to secure a reservation at Lenoir last night. All I can say is WOW. Everything was perfect from the ambiance to the services to the food. We started off with a couple cocktails, Gussied up and the Spittin Image. So yummy. We then ordered a bottle of "The Daily August" pinot noir. Very reasonably priced. We moved on to a couple of starters. We had the air-dried pork sausage and the blueberry bbq wings. The sausage was my favorite. That sauce was to die for and the sausage was so light. Next was our entrees. My husband had the patty melt and I went for the peculiar big bone in pork chop. We opted for the mess of greens in ham hock dashi as a side. The chop and greens stole the show. So amazing. I savoured every bite. We finished off with the carrot cake. It was so light and the icing was the perfect amount. The house made whipped cream on top made it perfect. These chefs in the back sure know what they are doing. We cannot wait to go back. Head to Resy and book you a spot now. read more

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I didn't expect much because it's a restaurant in a hotel; however, THIS PLACE WAS FANTASTIC!!! The hospitality was warm and welcoming (the young lady that welcomed me was as sweet as their delicious pie!). The waitresses were friendly and the food was DELICIOUS! I had the pork tenderloin. It was like butter baby! The mash was tasty. However the fried collards were a bit to salty for me. I will say that they closed the deal on the carrot cake... YES MAME!!! Like Arnold said, "I'LL BE BACK!" read more

Came for family dinner for graduation. In the Renaissance hotel. Excellent service. Fawn made the night special. Food was outstanding. Small Menu but everything was essentially covered. Patty melt a home run. The farro was outstanding as well. Everyone left full and happy including the kids. Worth it. read more

We loved everything! (99% delicious)My wife got the half chicken and raved about the crispy skin. I got the steak and it was cooked to perfection, try the mashed potatoes with the crispy fried things and a piece a steak for a little piece of heaven! We had the smoked fish dip which was over seasoned, they made it right. I would recommend and would return. read more

This place lived up to what I thought and more. I've followed Vivian with her television series. The food is phenomenal. Atmosphere is perfect for a casual, yet upscale dinner. Book a reservation and enjoy the meal! Well worth it! read more

We went opening night and loved it! Refreshingly new with simple but super flavorful dishes. Agnolotti and ham share plate is a winner. Excellent cocktails . Very enjoyable read more

Lenoir - Agnolotti beans and ham - Southern Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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awesome experience here! hostess and waiter were super nice and helpful. food was fantastic and not too pricey. my partner and i shared the vegetable of the moment, fried collards, tile fish, and slaw (my fav). everything was delicious and i would certainly come back. i wished they had one vegetarian / vegan main dish, but i understand that isn't too common in many Charleston restaurants, read more

Lenoir - Southern Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

We frequently stop for a day or two in Charleston on our way to and from Florida. During our most recent visit, we tried Lenoir. Unfortunately, the food and service were just average. With so many options, we are unlikely to return. read more

What an amazing surprise to happen upon this incredibly beautiful restaurant on our second day in Charleston. With one of us being vegetarian, we couldn't imagine a more extraordinary menu of offerings. The staff were incredibly welcoming. One of our best experiences during our time in Charleston. read more