Economy takes toll on local dining
Boathouse among spots to go out of business
Mack Matwali walked up to the door of the Boathouse restaurant on East Bay Street on Monday, newspaper under arm and ready to eat lunch.
The Roanoke, Va., businessman in town on port-related business had no way of knowing the popular seafood establishment opened only during the evenings.
He also had no way of knowing the business was closed for good.
The Post and Courier
The Boathouse has closed its East Bay Street location.
Restaurant operators called in the 30 or so employees Monday morning and told them the 10-year-old business would not be serving meals again at that location. Its Isle of Palms restaurant is not affected.
The Boathouse announcement capped a tough week in the local restaurant business, which is being pinched by the recession and a sharp pullback in consumer spending. Altogether, more than 100 jobs have vanished since Dec. 28.
In North Charleston, Dion Davis picked up his mother from a residential care facility Sunday to take her to church and then lunch at Carey Hilliard's on Rivers Avenue.
"Closed" signs greeted them on the restaurant's billboard, doors and windows.
Carey Hilliard's, the seafood and barbecue restaurant in business in North Charleston since 1979, closed without notice Dec. 28, putting another 30 or so employees out of a job.
The shutdowns came between the Jan. 3 closing of West Ashley's Cisco's Cafe, a Mexican-fare fixture since 1980. About 40 employees were displaced.
Previous stories
Boathouse expanding to James Island: Mimi's Creekside to close its doors Dec. 28, published 11/15/08
Cisco's Cafe in West Ashley to close next week after nearly 29 years, published 12/27/08
In Mount Pleasant, the KFC on Johnnie Dodds Boulevard beckons interested parties with a real estate sign out front instead of chicken specials on the marquee. The eatery closed in December without fanfare.
The growing number of restaurant closings could be the tip of a troubling trend for those in the dining industry.
"A solid majority of restaurant operators reported negative same-store sales and traffic levels in November, while nearly one-half expect their sales in six months to be lower than the same period in the previous year," said Hudson Riehle, senior vice president of Research and Information Services for the National Restaurant Association.
The Restaurant Performance Index, a monthly measure of the health and outlook for the U.S. dining industry by the association, fell to a record low in November, the last month with available statistics.
The index stood at 96.7 in November, down 0.4 percent from October and its 13th consecutive month below 100. A value of less than 100 reflects a contraction in the industry.
Dining out is the first thing consumers cut back on when times get lean, according to NPD Group, a global consumer and market research firm.
Restaurant operators, almost in unison, say the downturn began when fuel prices began to soar last summer.
"When gas prices went up, people had less disposable income and started eating out less," said Tom Richardson, human resources director for Carey Hilliard's, a chain that is based in Savannah. "Obviously, if a business is making money, you are not going to close it."
At the Boathouse, the story was similar.
"Everyone started to see a softening (of business) mid- to late summer and there were some periods during the fall that were fairly horrific," said Batt Humphreys, communications director for Crew Carolina, the managing company for Boathouse Restaurants and other entities in Charleston.
"Given that, we are taking hard looks at the operational structure to see what is going to be good and contributive in the long-range to the health of the company," he said.
Humphreys said other parties have been looking at the East Bay site for another restaurant or other business. The Carey Hilliard's building will go on the market, Richardson said.
The Boathouse is offering jobs to as many workers as possible at its new, but smaller, James Island restaurant on Ellis Creek that's set to open Feb. 17 in the former Mimi's Creekside location.
"We are making every effort to offer opportunities to the employees at East Bay," said Richard Stoney, owner of Crew Carolina.
Reach Warren Wise at 937-5524 or wwise@postandcourier.com.
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Comments
postman01 (anonymous) says...
No one likes this BUT, in yet another typical journalistic failure, the article completely fails (probably intentionally) to mention that PRICES are coming down at most local eateries and that therefore eating out is now more "affordable".
January 6, 2009 at 4:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
Carey Hilliard's sucked.
The Boat House on the other hand was one of my favorites. Every time I went there in the past year it was 1/2 to 3/4 full. I agree with some of the article content, when gas was $4 a gallon I did cut back eating dinners out usually one day a week AND started taking my lunch to work. Even though gas has come down we are still doing this because you know summers coming and the rapist will be back at it! First hurricane of the season and it will shoot back up.
January 6, 2009 at 6:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
Gas is already creeping up supposedly due to the hullaballoo in Gaza (where there is no oil).
January 6, 2009 at 6:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
snaganaga (anonymous) says...
Hopefully Carolina's will not be closed. Carolina Catering already let 90% of their catering staff go about 10 months ago. It was just a matter of time before the Boathouse East Bay closed.
I have been into the kitchen at Carey Hilliard's. It should have been closed 15 years ago. Roaches EVERYWHERE.
January 6, 2009 at 7:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
islandbenzbc (anonymous) says...
I hope the Boat house on IOP is safe...good seafood and steaks!
January 6, 2009 at 7:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tues_nite (anonymous) says...
Hey moonpie WHAT?!?!?
January 6, 2009 at 7:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
I agree with the above about CH - poor quality and food safety issues. Don't know about Boat House, part of their problem might be location - isn't located several blocks north of Calhoun?
The guy in the article, on a business trip, illustrates another part of the down town problem - business folks make up a good part of the traffic at these high end restaurants and with the economy in the toilet and companies closing, there are less business trips and I am sure that their expense accounts are being looked at very carefully.
January 6, 2009 at 7:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
I think the soup kitchen is closing too on Fridays this month.
January 6, 2009 at 8:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
suec (anonymous) says...
Mimi's was sold.
Boathouse is closing downtown but opening on JI where Mimi's was.
Way to twist the story PC.
Carey hilliards has been going downhill for awhile. The "economy" is an easy blame.
Not sure what the story was with Ciscos and why they closed when there are a lot of restauraunts out there with lines out the door on friday and saturday nights.
January 6, 2009 at 8:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
softbatch (anonymous) says...
"Carey Hilliard's, the seafood and barbecue restaurant in business in North Charleston since 1979"
Who would have thought a seafood/BBQ diner would fail. Perhaps the owner should open an ice cream/butcher shop or a skate board/jewelry store.
I'm surprised it lasted 30 years, but it goes to show how gullible people are when you advertise a 200 shrimp plate for $1.99.
January 6, 2009 at 9:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
Carey Hilliards did nothing to madequately modernize its facility and the food choices were second rate, at best. The Boathouse closing downtown is somewhat of a shock, but let's be honest: it's location right across the street from ghetto projects probably turned people away. Remember, not too long ago, the head manager (I think that was his position) was shot and killed at the back entrance which faces the ghetto. I believe the murder still has not been solved.
Ciscos closing is also a somewhat of a shock, but their food was hardly good, authentic Mexican. About the only thing supporting it was its happy hours for things like $1.00 margaritas...I love that, but they need to have better food for me to keep coming. That area around Sam Rittenberg has been in dire need of a facelift and an infusion of higher-end chains and local restaurants, anyway.
The P&C did a piss-poor job of reporting; they reported on the closing of Boathouse, but they barely mentioned the opening on JI...did it ever occur to them that the move might merely be a relocation? I just visited their website, and the new JI location will be on Ellis Creek, far more scenic and safer than the location downtown.
January 6, 2009 at 9:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
Excuse me, my spelling was off. In my first sentence, I meant "adequately".
January 6, 2009 at 9:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Hwebster (anonymous) says...
When asked, I referred tourists looking for good food to the downtown Boat House. Was my favorite place as the food was great and the mood was good.
Due to the location and the murder of the manager a few years back, I stopped sending folks there.
January 6, 2009 at 9:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
postman01 (anonymous) says...
First rate post, icbmman.
January 6, 2009 at 9:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
divinemscharleston (anonymous) says...
I work downtown and I can't afford to eat lunch here. If the subway on East Bay closed...half of the people working downtown would starve...lol.
January 6, 2009 at 9:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Kerry (anonymous) says...
When The Boathouse opened at the original location most entrees were offered at a reasonable $12.95 and the service was second to none. As the popularity of the restaurant grew and the owner went forth with expansion plans, the menu prices began increasing well beyond a percievable value, while the quality of food and service declined drastically. This is the formula that brings about the demise of many such eateries. When dinner and drinks for a family of four equates to a monthly payment on a decent size fishing vessel, sensibility will eventually take over.
January 6, 2009 at 9:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
redreader (anonymous) says...
The murdered manager's name is Patrick Ringwald and he was killed by a former employee. For those who think the location of the restaurant had something to do with his murder, guess what: the residents of the public housing project behind The Boathouse saw the incident and provided police with the information needed to apprehend the two boys responsible. Patrick slammed the door shut and saved his employees from harm while the kid with the gun got angry and shot through a closed door. Both boys, now adults, are in jail forever and the triggerman is alive because Patrick's mother didn't the death penalty was going to do anything for her son.
January 6, 2009 at 9:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
I see we have another troll in our midst on the website. Bulldog, just because I disagree with you doesn't mean you have to lash out at me. I'm sorry, but there are many cleaner, nicer places to eat fried seafood and barbecue. Chas is in the South, ya know? Do you actually expect families who spend their hard-earned money to eat in places that are falling apart, smell like mildew and grease with old cigarette smoke, and have the decor of a dilapidated 70s diner? It doesn't take an MBA or any degree to figure that one out.
Do you actually run a business? If you do, surely you understand that you have to INVEST in your business in order for it to be successful?
January 6, 2009 at 9:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
Redreader, do you understand that a restaurant's success has much to do with: location, location, location?
If I implied that ghetto kids were responsible for the murder, I apologize; that was not my intent. However, my point is that the murder coupled with the location across the street from an area THAT HAS A REPUTATION of crime probably steered patrons away from that location. Whenever I suggested the downtown location to eat, my parents objected and would always want to eat at the IOP location. Like it or not, the downtown area has a stigma, and anyone who wants to have a successful business understands that.
January 6, 2009 at 9:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
suec (anonymous) says...
Some restaraunts do badly and start losing customers yet keep the same menu, same location, same staff. If your business is steadily declining yet others are still doing well, then guess what! You need to change instead of blaming the economy!
You all know the old saying. "You can't keep doing things the same way and expect a different result."
Businesses need to adapt. Good food, good prices, good location, pleasant atmosphere, variety. If you don't have those then people will go to a place that does.
January 6, 2009 at 10:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
localboy (anonymous) says...
Still trying to figure out the reporters assertion that CH closed without notice. If he means a public announcement that they were closing could be, bt the wait staff knew they were shutting down at the end of December as early as November. Maybe Davis wasn't a regular or didn't speak with the wait staff other than to order, but if you went to CH evenly periodically most of the wait staff was friendly and talkative.
Short of Sweatman's in Holly Hill, I don't know where you can get decent BBQ meals commercially anymore.
January 6, 2009 at 10:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Larz13 (anonymous) says...
If the Board of Health ever visited the Subway on East Bay, it would be closed.
To the owners: you should discard the outer leaves of lettuce and not serve it when it is brown or black.
January 6, 2009 at 10:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
suec (anonymous) says...
Try Melvins on Folly Rd for BBQ.
Has anyone tried teh new BBQ place near Tanger? Nick and ?? I haven't tried it yet.
January 6, 2009 at 10:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
Bessingers BBQ on Savannah Highway has always been outstanding. Oh yeah, they also completely remodeled their exterior and dining area a few years ago. Hmmmm...sounds like good business "acumen" to me!
January 6, 2009 at 10:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
I just noticed Bulldog's posts have been completely removed. Excellent work, P&C, and thank you!
January 6, 2009 at 10:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
thisguy (anonymous) says...
jim and nick's, suec. another grand chain restaurant.
January 6, 2009 at 10:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
softbatch (anonymous) says...
Hometeam BBQ is the best in charleston.
January 6, 2009 at 11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
suec (anonymous) says...
I didn't ask if Jim and Nick's (thanks for the name BTW) was a chain. I asked if it was good. I knwo the parking lot is packed every time I go by.
Has anyone ever eaten at Harvest Moon in Ravenel? Not BBQ but excellent food!
January 6, 2009 at 11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
n4dhs (anonymous) says...
what the heck did bull dog say? and if you like vinegar then hometown is for you - if you hate it (like me) then its not....
January 6, 2009 at 11:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KidYendor (anonymous) says...
The closed Winery on Ashley Phosphate was cozy and had the best wings on chilly, rainy, November days and live entertainment. The big Sportz on West Montague is closed. I went to Cisco's last Friday. We sat at the bar for 90 minutes and had a nice shrimp appetizer and margaritas. Entrees were not allowed to be eaten in the bar area. I tried to spend more money and get more food to take out but the bartender would not let me order appetizers or entrees for take out because of a "customers in the lobby waiting for tables" issue. Huh? So we left hungry and empty handed.
January 6, 2009 at 11:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
OK, Bulldog is gone, but can this person register with a new user name and continue this troll like behavior on the same access line?
January 6, 2009 at 11:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mgre85 (anonymous) says...
Kellys BBQ on HIGHWAY 78 Just past the fair grounds, going toward summerville!
January 6, 2009 at 11:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pillsbury (anonymous) says...
Jim and Nicks is good, but Home Team seems better. The grits at Home Team are outstanding.
January 6, 2009 at 11:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ln1959 (anonymous) says...
Melvin's BBQ on Folly Road, visits everytime I come home. Thats some great BBQ. Oh, and Califonia Dreaming another favorite.
January 6, 2009 at 11:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lottcm (anonymous) says...
Jim and Nicks is okay at best in my opinion. Overpriced though. For a good bbq meal reasonably priced in a family owned restaurant, try Music Man's BBQ in Moncks Corner. Open Thurs- Sunday, I think.
January 6, 2009 at 11:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wythe124 (anonymous) says...
Actually the BEST Bar-B-Que in the lowcountry can be found at Moose's. Moose's is a family owned RR that serves, what I believe, to be the best BBQ, Brisket & Tenderloin of any RR. Moose's is located up old highway 17 heading into Moncks Corner. They are located about two miles outside of Moncks Corner on the Summerville side right where you would turn right at the gas station if you wanted to head to Pinopolis. If you look at last weeks edition of the Charleston Paper you will find that they received a great review! MOOSE'S IS THE BEST!
January 6, 2009 at 11:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KidYendor (anonymous) says...
Are there any local BBQ restaurants with burgoo? I have not seen burgoo at Kelly's.
January 6, 2009 at 11:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
blah_blah_blah (anonymous) says...
JB's SmokeShack on John's Island.
You gotta get out of the city to get the real deal.
January 6, 2009 at 12:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jimmy1370 (anonymous) says...
Has anyone ever tried Moose's BBQ on 17A heading toward Moncks Corner?
January 6, 2009 at 12:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jimmy1370 (anonymous) says...
Nevermind....just saw the post above. I was reading all the comments and just posted without updating.
January 6, 2009 at 12:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nappyd (anonymous) says...
Posted by softbatch on January 6, 2009 at 9:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Carey Hilliard's, the seafood and barbecue restaurant in business in North Charleston since 1979"
Who would have thought a seafood/BBQ diner would fail. Perhaps the owner should open an ice cream/butcher shop or a skate board/jewelry store.
I'm surprised it lasted 30 years, but it goes to show how gullible people are when you advertise a 200 shrimp plate for $1.99. "
Trust me, there are worse combinations of food around. Like this one in Atlanta:
http://www.allmenus.com%2Fmenus%2F240...
January 6, 2009 at 12:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ParkCircle4Ever (anonymous) says...
Jim and Nick's is a chain, expanding from their King Street location. Solid food but not local. North Charleston has a Duke's location on Spruil avenue, I think its only open on Friday/Saturday nights... grubby location but solid Q. We also have the 'BBQ Joint' (that is the name by the way) on East Montague near Park Circle. Scott and his crew turn out quality Q and inventive, delicious sides, mostly lunch biz though. I want to say he is open lunch through 6 or 7pm. It is my favorite Saturday lunch after a late Friday night. I highly reccomend Brisket day, which I think might be Thursday or Friday. Yum.
The Boathouse was going down too... It took us over 2 hours to have lunch on Mother's day, in a half empty restaurant, due to mulitiple F-ups by the kitchen. Had several mediocre experiences just prior to that at dinner. Needless to day we haven't been back since. It used to be one of my faves. Patrick ran a tight ship when he was there, may he rest in peace.
I was shocked to read that Cisco's had been in business as long as it was, the food was terrible. Great happy hour, chips and salsa, but some of the worst mexican in town. Santi's is where its at for Mexican vittles in my opinion.
January 6, 2009 at 12:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KidYendor (anonymous) says...
Another good buffet that closed three years or so ago was the Old Country Buffet in the Grant's building at Rivers and Aviation where Northern Tool is. Almost, if not as good as Ryan's but with more room and well lit. Plenty of always delicious American food. The manager was always there making sure everything was right and it was. Now where is the burgoo in the lowcountry BBQ places?
January 6, 2009 at 1 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
walleyedwoman1215 (anonymous) says...
Harvest Moon Grill in Ravenel is outstanding! Great service, reasonable prices, good wine list. It's in a prefab building but you don't get that cold industrial vibe. Try the pan-fried, boneless 1/2 chicken with grits and green beans. The locals know this place and go often!
January 6, 2009 at 1:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eatmorecollards (anonymous) says...
I remember in 1965 you could count all the restaurants in charleston on one hand. Could it be that theres just to many now for any to make a reasonable profit?
January 6, 2009 at 1:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
desspec (anonymous) says...
Harvest Moon is "the new Edisto", but better!
January 6, 2009 at 1:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mlittle212 (anonymous) says...
The best thing we can do in this economy is EAT AT MOE'S!!!!
January 6, 2009 at 2:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
thisguy (anonymous) says...
mlittle, that is a great idea to try to get everyone to eat at a mediocre chain so that some executive in somewheresville, usa can get richer. let me know when moe's looks out for you...
January 6, 2009 at 2:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
blah_blah_blah (anonymous) says...
if you look on the bottom of a Moe's Homewrecker, it says "Made in China"
i'm pretty sure the employees of Moe's don't reside in somewheresville.
January 6, 2009 at 2:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pillsbury (anonymous) says...
It is a proven fact that locally-owned restaurants generate more income for the local economy than chain restaurants.
January 6, 2009 at 3 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mkris (anonymous) says...
Posted by blah_blah_blah on January 6, 2009 at 12:01 p.m.
JB's SmokeShack on John's Island.
You gotta get out of the city to get the real deal.
_____________________________________________
THATS THE TRUTH.... Great BBQ on Maybank
January 6, 2009 at 3:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ccfromsc (anonymous) says...
Do NOT eat at Jim n Nicks. Overpriced piece of manure. Went there with some friends of mine and it was a nightmare. Never again. One ordered a ham sandwich. He got a piece of ham and bread. Nothing else. No mustard, ketchup, mayo, lettuce, tomato, etc. I ordered the combo with the pulled pork and bisqette. Served with BBQ sauce on it, yet the waiter gives me several other BBQ sauces to try. I pointed out that there was already BBQ sauce on it, so what's the point?
Save your money, go to Bessingers, Hometeam. Heck try store bought before this place.
January 6, 2009 at 3:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
Its fun how these forums can start off with an article about a restaurant closing to what is the best Q joint in town.
My I suggest Sticky Fingers 4 rib luncheon plate - uneven, but at times its pretty good and I like the cole slaw.
Probably the best Q I have had was privately prepared - you know one of those all nighters, where the cook knew what the hell he was doing while the rest of the crew spent most of their time playing cards and drinking high test brown beverages.
January 6, 2009 at 3:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yird (anonymous) says...
wythe124; You are obviously a connoisseur of quality BBQ.
I have eaten BBQ all over NC SC and GA and cannot recall one location serving anything even close to the Moose in quality.
The pork skins are also about the best I've ever eaten.
My wife and I have dined there almost weekly since they opened and have not been disappointed yet.
Where else can two people get all they want to eat, drinks included ( sweet/unsweetened iced tea,Pepsi drink machine) for $18.90 total ?
If you want to dig a little deeper in your pocket Generos on Dorchester rd. just north of Ashley Phosphate has great food
(in my knuckle dragging,reformed trailer trash, redneck, opinion)
and desserts, as well as the best coffee I've had served in any restaurant.
The staff are courteous and professional making dining there something more than just a meal out.
Buon appetito!
January 6, 2009 at 4:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodkarmasc (anonymous) says...
Good barbque can't be found in the low country....gotta go to Aiken County for Carolina BBQ or Augusta GA for Sconyers!
January 6, 2009 at 4:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
thisguy (anonymous) says...
so which restaurants closed....
January 6, 2009 at 6:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pillsbury (anonymous) says...
I beg to differ about Sconyers(but in fairness, Sconyers has excellent service and great sweet tea).
Just don't close Easterby's. I love that place.
January 6, 2009 at 6:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Chas_Girlygirl (anonymous) says...
I'll sure miss Mimi's.
January 6, 2009 at 8:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JonWithnal (anonymous) says...
RedReader: Thank you for posting the facts related to the manager's death at The Boat House. I live in a neighborhood that many might have labelled a 'ghetto' a few years ago; it is important to remember that there are many exceptions to broad generalizations. On another note: why is Sticky Fingers still in business? That chain makes Carey Hilliard's look like The French Laundry.
January 6, 2009 at 8:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dbeast420 (anonymous) says...
Posted by yird on January 6, 2009 at 4:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
wythe124; You are obviously a connoisseur of quality BBQ.
I have eaten BBQ all over NC SC and GA and cannot recall one location serving anything even close to the Moose in quality.
The pork skins are also about the best I've ever eaten.
My wife and I have dined there almost weekly since they opened and have not been disappointed yet.
Where else can two people get all they want to eat, drinks included ( sweet/unsweetened iced tea,Pepsi drink machine) for $18.90 total ?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I must agree with this!!!!!
I'm an avid smoke cooker but since Moose's opened,I didn't fire my smoker up a single time last year.
Nothing is warmed over from the day before and the meat is smoked fresh daily but,the best thing is the fact that they don't serve anything with sauce. They let you mess it up yourself.
My wife and I were in one night and we happened to overhear a woman say she was from MtP and drove there just for the pork loin and the brisket.
January 6, 2009 at 9:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
walleyedwoman1215 (anonymous) says...
JonW, I just spat my pomegrante juice. Funny!
January 6, 2009 at 9:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
localboy (anonymous) says...
Jim and Nicks is average at best. The Bessinger family locations - Melvins, Bessinger's, etc, etc. are the same - though Joe Bessinger's in GC is a cut above the others. I've heard Moose's is a great place, just haven't stopped in. Dukes on the bypass around Walterboro is a great place and Kelly's just isn't the same quality food it used to be before the move - not bad mind you but not the same. The drive to Holly Hill is worth it for those who haven't partaken of Sweatman's Perfect Pig. Though none of these a "local" in the close sense of local.
In spite of all the great reviews of Harvest Grill it certainly is not the new Edisto if you are referring to the old Jacksonboro seafood place!! Maybe the Wreck is the closest to that fins old place.
Burgoo?? In the Lowcountry? This ain't Vahjanya! Please - hash and rice is our superior product to Burgoo. Though sometimes Brunswick stew will suffice!
January 7, 2009 at 12:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KidYendor (anonymous) says...
Localboy we need burgoo here nearby. Burgoo recipes are available on the web. I made it one time and it was better than Moonlite in Owensboro, KY, the BBQ capital of the US. Old Hickory in O,KY sells it for $2.75 a bowl. You can make a big pot and then freeze bag portions for later use. I have been to Moose's in Moncks Corner and it is pretty good along with Kelly's. But I did not see any burgoo. Until we get burgoo here in SC BBQ will not be like my old Kentucky home.
January 7, 2009 at 1:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KidYendor (anonymous) says...
I went to Picadilly Cafeteria on Mall Drive today and it was OK. $21 a la carte for me and Lady KidYendor with soda drinks. I had the beef stroganoff and she had the chicken. I had beets among many other items she and I shared. Why do most people hate beets? They are delicious, healthy and beautiful like red wine. We need a burgoo and beets convention somewhere. There were not lots of customers, just a few. But we enjoyed it and the friendly service. The food looked good and it was not overpriced. There are gluts of restaurants around here and I agree that it causes problems and cuts into the pie.
January 7, 2009 at 1:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wonderdog (anonymous) says...
I like beets, KidYendor. When I fix them, I have them all to myself. My kids think I'm crazy.
I will show my age here.....I remember when the Burger King opened in St. Andrews Shopping Center. Does anyone remember the Shoney's on Savannah Highway with the drive in? Both were just down the road from the drive in theater.
January 7, 2009 at 8:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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