Image Courtesy of Halls Chophouse.

The Resy 2018 Hit List: Halls Chophouse, FIG, Stella’s

By Vanessa Wolf December 21, 2018

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Stay jolly with a stop at Renzo for their legendary happy hour-only Detroit-style pizza, or keep warm by slipping into Stella’s for some maroulosalata—made with tender lettuces, dill and feta—to share with Dasher, Dancer, Vixen, and the rest of the gang. Whatever you fancy, this end-of-year Hit List celebrates the highlights of our last trip around the sun, and provides a sure-fire way to ring in a delicious 2019.

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1. Halls Chophouse - Charleston

Harleston Village

Because it’s hard to say what’s more impressive: the food or the flawless, familial service. Regulars are known to eat there daily, and after sampling the roasted beet salad, dry-aged ribeye, or pepper jack creamed corn skillet, you’ll understand their dedication. Note that the bar menu offers unique treats, like nachos topped with prime bison.

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2. FIG

Ansonborough

Because food here is good, and FIG proves it in spades, winning awards and creating devotees year after year. Although snagging a reservation can be a challenge, it’s worth the effort to have your lips make contact with the crispy hen of the woods mushroom or mustard-crusted red porgy, served with a rich potato puree and craveable brown butter jus.

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3. Stella's

Radcliffborough

Because seeing cheese lit aflame never gets old. Order the saganaki and watch some kefalograviera burn, baby, burn. For a less fiery option, you can’t go wrong with any of the phyllo-wrapped pitas: tiropita made with feta, spanikopita made with feta and spinach, or kretopita with ground beef and bechamel. The best deal in town, Stella’s is cheaper than a flight to Greece, but every bit as delicious.

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4. Revival

French Quarter

Because this self-styled modern Southern eatery brings the flavors of Charleston’s past into the present. Expect such old-meets-new triumphs as delicate hearts of palmetto salad with benne seed vinaigrette, or enchanting forbidden shrimp and grits, crafted with local seafood and broken bits of black Chinese rice.

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5. Renzo

North-Central

Because this former storefront—transformed into a chic, happening space—serves up some superlative wood-fired pizzas. Start with a margherita and add the toppings of your choice, or try the Shabazi, made with lamb and fiery green yemenite zhug. Sample some of the many natural wines, along with some griddled farro bread or a dish of warm olives, enhanced with fennel, orange and chili notes.

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6. Edmund's Oast

Wagener Terrace

Because this brewery-meets-gastropub not only delivers on its craft brews, but the sensational seasonal cuisine—aptly paired to the beverage program—is the real draw. From house-made charcuterie to a classic cheeseburger and roast chicken, delight in Edmund’s Oast’s interpretation of comfort food. Pro-tip: Sunday brunch is your only chance to get the chilaquiles; chicken, beef and spicy red sauce served with fried eggs and tortilla chips.

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7. Balao

Ansonborough

Because nothing beats relaxing on a rooftop deck, especially in the wintertime. This cozy indoor/outdoor joint is tucked above (and accessed via) Burwell’s Stone Fire Grill, and the menu puts the focus on local seafood. With seasonal selections ranging from a ceviche of the day to calamari prepared with baby arugula, banana peppers and Italian bresaola, everyone is certain to find a new favorite.

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8. Purlieu

Westside

Because this quaint neighborhood bistro is as inspired as it is cozy. Think celery root soup enhanced with black truffle and crispy celeriac, or a fines herb salad with tarragon, chervil and chives. Entrees range from the delicate citrus-flecked local snapper to a traditional French dip sandwich, made with slow-braised brisket. Ooh la la.

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9. Juliet

Cannonborough/Elliotborough

Because (to quote Shakespeare) love may be just ‘a smoke made with the fume of sighs,’ but it’s also most definitely found in Juliet’s smoky, sweet speck & gorgonzola pizza. While half the menu is dedicated to the inventive, flavorful Italian pies, there’s also a delicate branzino crudo, a hearty braised short rib-filled agnolotti pasta and a smattering of complementary wines.

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10. Leon's Oyster Shop

North-Central

Because this relaxed, convivial space never met a Southern classic it didn’t treat right. From char-grilled oysters and grilled whole fish to superlative fried chicken, it’s a challenge settling on just one option. Order some peel-and-eat shrimp and a plate of hushpuppies to share with the table while you decide.

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