The Charleston Harbor Fish House, located on Patriots Point, offers diners a wonderful view of the USS Yorktown and a sweeping panorama of the downtown Charleston skyline.
The atmosphere is upscale but casual. The dining room is a big, open and bustling space that is modern yet at the same time welcoming. No matter where you sit in the dining room, or in the spacious bar area, you will be treated to a fantastic view of Charleston Harbor. The wait staff is relaxed and knowledgeable about the menu, the wine and beer selections and the fresh cocktails from the bar. There is a semi-private dining room that seats around 44 people, and the upscale bar – which seats 100 – can be opened up onto the outdoor deck. Upstairs, there is a private events room for receptions and corporate events, along with the open-air Bridge Bar, which is available when the weather is nice.
Behind the menu is chef Rich Demarse, who has been with the Fish House for about four months and has been actively fine-tuning the menu to add fresh local seafood and produce. He participates in the South Carolina Aquarium’s sustainable seafood initiative and is sourcing local farms for seasonal produce. If you don’t find him in the Fish House kitchen, you might see him in McClellanville buying local seafood fresh off the boats.
Even though it is primarily a seafood restaurant, The Fish House offers something for every taste. Among the dozen or so starters are the usual local oysters and shrimp, as well as fried pickles and grilled bruschetta. The fried green tomatoes with smoked corn relish and bacon aioli are not to be missed. If you are a more adventurous eater, a selection from the raw bar includes local oysters on the half shell and shrimp ceviche with avocados, red onions and corn chips.
The main course menu is broken up into two sections – Coastal and Inland. Two of Demarse’s favorites on the Coastal menu are the Roasted Scallops – which are perfectly seared on the outside – and the Tuna Poke Stack, consisting of Carolina plantation rice, avocado chunks, scallions, and ponzu vinaigrette. On the Inland menu you’ll find Demarse’s grandmother’s own Buttermilk Meatloaf, which is served with portobello red wine demi-glaze and smashed potatoes.
The Charleston Harbor Fish House also offers a couple of traditional deep-fried fish house favorites, including shrimp, oysters or scallops with two sides, or the fried fish combo with two sides.
To pair with your meal, The Fish House offers 33 wines by the glass and 70 wines by the bottle. There is also a nice beer selection, as well as a wonderful choice of cocktails.
Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner or need to book a group function such as a wedding or business event, this place has it all – and a magnificent view as well.
To learn more about the Charleston Harbor Fish House, visit www.charlestonharborfishhouse.com or call 843-284-7070.
By Julie Thigpen
Photo provided.
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