The Ordinary

I went to The Ordinary in 2022 and had an incredible meal - super fresh fish and creative, enticing dishes that made it hard to choose! Not sure if chefs or ownership changed, but my experience last night was nowhere near as good. We had to wait for our table despite a reservation, and it was so loud it was hard to have a conversation; not what I wanted for date night. The fish was still really fresh, but the oyster selection was slim (no briny options) and none of the dishes wowed me in the way the menu had three years ago. We each had two glasses of wine, an appetizer, and an entree, and ended up with a $280 bill (including tip). Just a really “medium” experience for a higher than medium price.

Food was very good. The fish chowder was truly amazing. My drink was awesome albeit very sweet more like a dessert. Service was friendly and accommodating. The atmosphere of the place was very nice with super high ceilings. We sat upstairs and it was very quaint and charming. Server did an excellent job describing dishes and making recommendations. I would absolutely return.

Oysters and seafood are popular. Dining service was pretty good. We were seated without a reservation, right by the door, however. Interior was the average dine in place. Could have been better. Food was ok. Smaller portions but well presented and flavorful. I didn’t see the value for such high price tags, but maybe that’s just me?

One of the top experiences I’ve had in Charleston. Our server was friendly and helped answer a lot of questions that we had. We started off with a dozen oysters that may have been the most fresh and delicious I’ve had in town. We could’ve easily had a dozen each by ourselves. Loved their wine selections and had 3 throughout the courses we had. I’ve had bolognese and pappardelle so many times but man this one was absolutely perfect. The pasta was thin but cooked so well and held all the delicious meat and sauce in every bite. We got the snapper with mustard although I don’t usually like mustard but our server said it’s very mild in flavor. So glad we got it because it was amazing. Fish was crispy on the outside, flaky yet soft. And when you scooped it up with the corn and sauce, it was so satisfying. Towards the end we got to meet one of the managers that had been there for several years, and he told us about the history of the building and it being an old bank which I thought was super cool. The layout of the restaurant with multiple floors and just bustling with energy. We thoroughly enjoyed everything!

We received a very generous gift certificate to The Ordinary as a wedding gift, as we were visiting Charleston on our honeymoon, and we had a wonderful and memorable dining experience from start to finish! We were impressed from the moment we were seated. The restaurant and bar spaces were expansive with huge windows and soaring ceilings, and beautifully decorated. We were welcomed at our table by a little handwritten card wishing us “congratulations,” and our server, Allison, was friendly, professional, knowledgeable and thoughtful. After delivering our cocktails and complimentary bubbles, she offered to take our photo and proceeded to arrange not only our seating but the items on the table to ensure a very nice shot! Our cocktails were uniquely crafted and very enjoyable, not too heavy or sweet. My husband ordered the crab cake appetizer and the snapper for his main course. I ordered the Wagyu Steak Diane and we shared a side of the seasonal rice (without the shrimp) - every bite of food was so flavorful! We paired our desserts with a white and a tawny port. Fabulous dinner and dining experience. I imagine it’s often said: anything BUT ordinary!