New on Resy: Halls Chophouse, Renzo, Slightly North of Broad

Hall’s Chophouse is a family steakhouse and iconic Charleston institution. Decidedly old-school, this refined eatery excels in prime cuts of beef, luxurious raw bar offerings, and original takes on traditional sides (gorgonzola-glazed potatoes, sweet-and-sour collard greens). As for hospitality, it doesn’t get much better than Hall’s; expect highly attentive service and an eagerness to accommodate for all diets.

Owner-operated and chef-driven, Renzo is a true neighborhood restaurant from husband-and-wife duo Erik and Nayda Hutson and chef Evan Gaudreau (Xiao Bao Biscuit, The Ordinary). First thing’s first: cozy up to a gold bar stool and peruse the oft-changing natural wine list over a bowl of bottarga-topped popcorn. Though Renzo bills itself as a wood-fired pizza joint, its naturally leavened, Neo-Neapolitan pies are just the tip of the iceberg. Don’t miss the vegetable-driven small plates and handmade pastas, and be sure to save room for dessert—Gaudreau makes all his ice creams and sorbets in-house, a strong basis for the restaurant’s extensive sundae program. If you know, you know: happy hour (3-5pm Tues-Sat) is the only time you can get Detroit-style pizza by the slice.

Slightly North of Broad is an eclectic Lowcountry bistro with a friendly, contagious energy. Cuisine rooted in the bounty of local farmers, fisherman, and producers is complemented by a clever, considered wine program and warm service. Dishes like oyster stew and heritage farm pork chop with crispy confit potatoes come from executive chef Russ Moore. Owned and operated by the Hall Family, Slightly North of Broad’s sister restaurants include Halls Chophouse, High Cotton, and Old Village Post House Inn.

Nestled in Mt. Pleasant’s historic Old Village, this elegant tavern serves Southern food accented with French technique. Enjoy onion soup with melted gruyere or mussels steamed with herbs and white wine as well as fried green tomatoes and shrimp and grits. Across the restaurant’s three dining rooms, the atmosphere is refined yet airy, complete with white tablecloths and a dose of Southern charm.

As the name aptly suggests, Revival focuses on recipes and ingredients from South Carolina’s past. The chef, Forrest Parker, has worked with local farmers to “revive” signature ingredients—Nostrale rice, Jimmy Red grits—and utilize them in dishes like she-crab soup and grilled swordfish with summer gumbo. In fact, Parker has been celebrated for his work as an “agricultural archeologist” who rediscovers and reintroduces heirloom varieties to local farmers. Set against the backdrop of the French Quarter, Revival flaunts exposed brick walls and large windows that open up to East Bay Street.

High Cotton is a polished Lowcountry establishment from the Hall Family restaurant group (Halls Chophouse, Slightly North of Broad) where the floors are made of heart pine and the walls from antique brick. Classics like smoked trout dip and buttermilk fried oysters are complemented with fancier fare ranging from lobster gnocchi to a 16 oz. ribeye with foraged mushrooms.

At Sticky Fingers, Memphis-style barbecue is the deal: all meats are hickory-smoked on-site and ribs, with your choice of sauce, are the specialty. Local and craft beverages round out the experience. Pro-tip: do yourself a favor and start with an onion loaf.

It’s a good thing Rita’s Seaside Grill is only steps away from the beach; this is the kind of food that’s best enjoyed on easy summer days—straightforward American, done right. Choose from a selection of burgers, salads, sandwiches, and barbecue, or opt for the fried shrimp basket (a Rita’s favorite). The vibe is casual and family-friendly, with plenty of al fresco seating, of course.

Walk-ins only.

Acme Lowcountry Kitchen is all about sourcing seafood locally. At brunch, opt for a Carolina lump crab omelet, and, for dinner, peel-and-eat shrimp and oven-roasted lobster tails. Best of all, its seaside location imparts a refined beach shack atmosphere with just the right amount of kitsch.

Blu is a bar and grill in Folly Beach for casual oceanfront dining. Guests are privy to spectacular views whether seated on the patio or indoors, behind glass walls. The menu, which features dishes like Southern-style crab cakes and fresh catch of the day, is dominated by sustainable seafood, regional flavors, and local ingredients. Drinks are mostly tiki-themed, ranging from signature to frozen to specialty.

The Getaway is a Latin American and Caribbean-inspired restaurant and bar with a seasonally changing menu. Empanadas, which are baked fresh daily, are served with red chimichurri and aioli and complemented by dishes ranging from coconut shrimp to Cuban braised pork. Add a slew of refreshing cocktails to the mix, like the Mermaid Trap (tequila, yellow chartreuse, cucumber, basil) and Lil Smoke Show (mezcal, tepache, habanero shrub, lime), and you have a bona fide getaway.