The Boathouse on East Bay

Description:

• Briny delights await you at this bustling restaurant at the corner of Chapel and East Bay. It is a curious blend of family friendliness and two-fisted machismo, appealing to a wide range of denizens from Charleston plus visitors who are just discovering the place. The setting is in a turn-of-the-20th-century warehouse where boats were once repaired. Massive antique timbers on the heavily trussed ceiling remain. On the northern perimeter of the historic core, the restaurant has a raw bar open daily from 4pm to midnight. Shellfish platters are the chef's specialty, including the "J Boat," which can be shared. The catch of the day is served with lemon basil aioli, hoisin ginger, or else in tarragon butter. The little neck clam linguini is tossed with applewood smoked bacon and served with tomatoes and a baby spinach ragout. Familiar Charleston specialties include spicy shrimp and grits, and crab cakes with green Tabasco sauce, the latter one of our favorites. A selection of pasta, beef, and chicken dishes is also served.

• © Frommer's 2013