The Ordinary

The restaurant occupies a space with 22-foot ceilings, preserved architectural details from its banking past including an antique bank vault door repurposed as a kitchen pass-through. The dining room with towering windows, a central skylight, comfortable seating, and an marble-topped bar, all contributing to an ambiance that balances upscale sophistication with approachable warmth.​

Chef Lata’s menu celebrates what the restaurant calls the “merroir” of the Coastal Carolinas and East Coast—the oceanic equivalent of terroir—with a commitment to supporting local and regional fishermen, crabbers, oystermen, farmers and producers. The restaurant was nominated for Best New Restaurant by the James Beard Foundation in 2013 and continues to be recognized as a pioneer in Charleston’s seafood-focused dining scene.​

The menu features an extensive raw bar with six daily varieties of fresh oysters on the half shell, along with signature preparations. The house-smoked oysters, are considered essential ordering—so gently smoked they remain raw, offering tender, juicy bites with ocean flavor touched by woodsy smoke. The oyster sliders, served Bahn-Mi style with slaw on soft Hawaiian rolls, rank among the restaurant’s most popular dishes and are frequently described as exceptional by diners. Other standout offerings include the beef tartare with crispy oysters and horseradish, smoked fish pâté with pumpernickel, peel-and-eat barbecue white shrimp with charred bread, and various fresh fish preparations like slow-baked grouper and mustard-crusted flounder.​

The beverage program matches the culinary experience, featuring a curated wine list focused on coastal regions that pair naturally with seafood, a selection of craft cocktails, specialty rums, and craft beers. Service at The Ordinary is consistently praised for being professional yet friendly.​

Operating Wednesday through Monday from 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM (closed Tuesdays), The Ordinary accepts reservations through Resy, with availability going live at noon EST, four weeks in advance. Walk-in dining is available at the bar and raw bar for those seeking a more spontaneous experience. The restaurant remains a must-visit destination for both locals and visitors seeking exceptional seafood. Located at 544 King Street 843.414.7060 https://eattheordinary.com/