ICYMI – on Monday, we revealed the plans for Magnolia at East Bay – the new concept moving inside the former Lagunitas building at 161 East Bay Street. Owners told us they plan to put a private event venue on the 2nd + 3rd floor, with an unrelated, restaurant tenant on the first.
We asked you on Instagram + in our newsletter for suggestions on what type of restaurant you would like to see in the space. After sorting through dozens of responses (whoa), we rounded up some of the top suggestions broken down by cuisine, concept, + chef. Check them out below, then vote on your favorite.
Meanwhile, many of you mentioned you’re still waiting for Lagunitas to make a comeback in CHS. We reached out to the brewer for an update on their plans, and whether they still intend to reopen elsewhere in the Holy City. We’re waiting on a response + will let you know as soon as we learn more.
Cuisine
American
Several of our readers called for the Cheesecake Factory , a California-based eatery with a huge, diverse menu and, of course, an array of cheesecakes. One reader suggested McDonald’s – we doubt this is gonna happen, but we don’t exactly hate the idea, either.
Seasons 52 – Cindy R.
McDonald’s – Michelle G.
“R+D Kitchen” – Anna C.
“The Chocolate Bar. It’s an amazing people watching, chocolate restaurant and bar with the best selection of martinis I’ve ever seen. The food is delicious and chocolate based although they have regular food as well. ...They are VERY upscale and would draw the wealthier clientele. And the huge windows on the building would be perfect for people watching, both in and out! – Sherri S.
Asian
Every time we talk about food + bev in Charleston, our readers are quick to point out the lack of authentic Asian cuisine downtown. While many begged for any kind of Asian restaurant for 161 East Bay, readers also recommended specific concepts like hot pots and hibachi.
“Please consider something Asian or International! This city is sorely lacking in authentic Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, etc.” – Nancy F
“Upscale Chinese, similar to Dragon Palace on Daniel Island or Red Orchids in West Ashley.” – Melissa D.
“Hawkers, it’s an Asian street food restaurant based out of N.C. We need some better Asian food in downtown or anywhere in the greater Charleston area. Enough of the pretentious fluff restaurants.” – John B.
Italian
By far, the largest number of responses we received called for Italian food – whether it was just the general suggestion of Italian cuisine, or a specific restaurant like NYC’s Scarpetta.
“An authentic, top notch Italian restaurant. Not a chain. Northeast style – Philly, NYC, Boston. – Gary L.
An Italian trattoria – Linda D.
Seafood
A seafood restaurant was the second most popular suggestion behind Italian. Food for thought: an Italian restaurant with a seafood selection, perhaps?\
“Something with crab legs”
“For Monogram I suggest a high-end, white tablecloth, seafood-based restaurant” – Robert K.
Pappadeaux Seafood Restaurant – Wanda G.
Legal Sea Foods – Gary L.
“McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant. High end seafood with a twist.” – Teri L.
Local
Betty Lou’s Bistro – MaryEllen O.
“Charleston used to have an infamous restaurant called the Cavalier. There you would get an elegant steak dinner, baked potato, old fashioned crisp green salad. Drinks and dancing to beautiful piano. It was the date night spot. Frank Sinatraesque, without Las Vegas, Charleston Southern style.” – Kathryn D.
“No chains, please. Charleston will lose the sense of authenticity as well as the atmosphere of locally-owned businesses and restaurants. Typically chains have poor food and prefer not to have something that caters to cruise line clientele.” – Liz W.
Other
Vegan/Vegetarian: True Food Kitchen – Anna C.
Brazilian steakhouse: Fogo de Chão – David L.
Concepts
For many of our readers, their imagining of the space at 161 East Bay was less about the food itself, and more about the experience. And with a spot as unique as Monogram, we agree. Here are some of our favorite suggestions:
“A Tapas style restaurant would probably do well. And I don’t mean just Spanish influenced food, but a wide variety of small plates from various cultures. Take a look at the tapas bar menu at Jazz’d restaurant in Savannah – it’s exactly what I’m suggesting – something for everyone, all done very well, without being overly ‘foodie’. – Beth M.
“The restaurant should be something that isn’t too high end. Something all can afford and enjoy the beautiful building of the past.” – Terri
“I think they should go with a more Workshop/Gourmetisserie concept instead of one main restaurant. And we all miss the Gourmetisserie! There are not many “grab a quick bite that’s not outrageously expensive” spots downtown.” – Robin H.
“A European-style beer garden.” – Robert W.
“Upscale wine and cheese bar with port wines and wines from C.A. and France and Chile, etc.... could also [have] Murder Mystery dinners, poetry readings and storytelling events about CHS.” – Ute A.
“Charleston needs a high-end supper club. Think Trio in San Francisco or Rainbow Room in New York. Classy swank with a beat.” – Laura
Chefs
With an F+B scene that’s brimming with talent, we had several readers suggest specific chefs they’d like to see head up the restaurant at 161 East Bay.
“Chef Stephen Harman. Formerly of Five Loaves in Summerville.” – Jan B.
“The team at Edmund’s Oast Exchange could be a great fit given their highly knowledgeable sommelier, Sarah O’Kelley. – Caryn O.
“A rotating lineup of Charleston’s Best, think Michele Weaver, Mike Latta, Josh Walker, chefs from Babas, Kevin Johnson, Jill Mathias, etc. This could be a ‘Showcase’ concept of Charleston’s best, truly unique chefs. As we have become such. Destination City this could truly be a way to introduce visitor & locals alike to our culinary gem of a city.”
“Craig Deihl, the James Beard Award winning chef from Cypress.”
Michael Tuohy, former director of food + bev for The Dewberry. – @returnofthemackenzie
“A José Andrés restaurant!” – Merry H.
Got another idea you think would be the perfect fit? Keep sharing your ideas below or over on our Instagram post.