We’ve all been watching the construction going on off of Mathis Ferry Road at 320 Wingo Way near the bridge and let me tell you, what has arisen is nothing short of remarkable. Frank Kline and his wife Elizabeth (Eli) have opened what I consider to be one of the most charming, quirky and delicious restaurants in the Charleston area and anyone would be seriously missing out if they didn’t give it a try. Here are ten marvelous things about the new Grace & Grit that will make it Charleston’s new hot spot for southern cuisine.
1. The Bridge Woodwork
One of the first things you notice when walking into the restaurant is a massive sculpture in the center of the dining room of the iconic Cooper River Bridge but upon closer inspection, easily identified by the eye of a local, you will notice that beneath the large formation of the modern bridge sits a silhouette of the old bridges. A beautiful detail that will surely touch the heart of any local.
2. Hand-Made Decorations
Around the beautiful wood-worked bridge hang oyster shells, hand strung by Eli Kline herself. The touch of handmade crafting adds to the homey feeling and demonstrates the amount of love and dedication that went into making this restaurant come to life.
3. Map of Local Seafood
In the front lobby by the hostess stand is an antique looking map of the peninsula with stickers of different types fish and crustaceans. This map shows where the restaurant gets all its seafood so you can be sure the catch is fresh and local.
4. Refreshments While You Wait
Perhaps one of the best aspects of Grace & Grit is the true feeling of hospitality that radiates through the entire place. When entering the restaurant you are greeted by soft lighting and friendly hostesses. Should your dining experience require a wait, do not fret as there are pitchers of tea and trays of biscuits and jam in the lobby to quit your rumbling tummy while you wait. This is a consideration that should be appreciated because no one likes to wait while they’re hungry and at Grace & Grit, trust me, you won’t be hungry for long.
5. Community Tables Made From Magnolia
First, I think it’s important to note that there are community tables at all. This just adds to the at-home, hospitable feeling that centers this establishment. Now, I know what you’re thinking, magnolia tables? It’s actually illegal to cut down magnolia trees for any reason, nevertheless to make furniture from it. However, no laws were broken in the furnishing of these magnificent tables. Eli stumbled across the fallen magnolia after Hurricane Matthew swept through and re-purposed the magnificent tree into the tables that now serve to bring strangers together. What a beautiful thing.
6. Viewable Kitchen
I love the fact that the kitchen has windows all around so that guests can watch the hustle and bustle of the kitchen staff. It’s a lot of action and entertainment while you wait for your food.
7. “Star Wars” Doors
The doors into the kitchen are motion-censored, sliding, frosted-glass doors which, besides looking cool, serve a safety purpose. Without the in and out swinging doors, there is no risk of server collisions and less opportunity for wasted food.
8. Sweet Peach Tea
The tea is just incredible. The Kline’s headed down to Charleston Tea Plantation and tasted a multitude of different teas until they found the delicious peach tea. It’s not overly sweet but also has a delectable fruity tang from the peach that adds to the southern charm of your meal.
9. Traveling Coffee
If tea is not your thing and you prefer a nice cup of joe, well you’re in luck because Grace & Grit shares the bottom half of their building with a coffee shop. When you order a cup of coffee a barista from the coffee shop next door will brew it for you and hand-deliver it to your table. A great way to incorporate the neighbors and another addition to the family feel.
10. THE FOOD
I had the fried green tomato appetizer and the shrimp and grits, both Charleston staples and let me tell you, I was not disappointed. Both were amazingly delicious and I will be back to eat them again.
Grace & Grit will be without a doubt the new hot spot in Charleston. Serving dinner every night and brunch on Saturday mornings, it will be hard to stay away from this warm, hospitable atmosphere and the fabulous food.