The Ordinary

This restaurant's name might be the only underwhelming thing about it. Classic white tiling and rounded windows (not to mention the 22-foot-high ceilings) make for a dynamic backdrop for chef Mike Lata's high-concept oyster hall, where oysters, clams, lobster, and jumbo lump blue crab are whisked right off the raw bar and onto diners' tables, while other dishes, like the signature smoked oysters and yellowfin tuna with house-made potato chips, get just a light touch before they make their way to patrons. If the raw goods don't do it for you, not to worry: warmer choices include New Orleans-style barbecued shrimp and fish head gumbo.

King Street Historic DistrictOwner and James Beard award-winning Chef Mike Lata does amazing things with seafood in his self-proclaimed “fancy seafood” kitchen, which is housed in a breathtaking building that you might not believe was once a bank. The rotating menu is full of inventive and fresh seafood options, like oyster sliders with fresno mayo on a Hawaiian roll, or steak tartare topped with crispy oysters and horseradish. If you’ve got a little extra green in the bank, you can’t go wrong with one of shellfish towers, stocked with clams, claws, and oysters.

You’re never too far from a raw bar in Charleston, but when you want to turn a casual meal of oysters and shrimp into an event, head to The Ordinary on King Street. This 1920s bank-turned-restaurant serves a wide range of seafood dishes, but the main reason to come here is for the shellfish towers, which you can get in one, two, or three layers. Order a drink and a tower, and a few shared plates like the crispy oyster sliders and grouper brandade fritters.

Award-winning chefs deliver every possible type of underwater delight here, from local littleneck clams to wahoo carpaccio. The two-story dining room of this former bank building fills up fast, but you can always belly up to the stunning bar while you wait and enjoy a variety of clever cocktails. Perhaps the best seat is at the oyster bar, where the freshest of bivalves await.

Booking a table at The Ordinary is recommended as the raw bar and delicious libations are in high demand. The former bank building, which sits smack dab in the middle of King Street, can only be described as “buzzing,” with guests excitedly devouring local peel-and-eat shrimp, raw oysters, and other concoctions born from the sheer genius of The Ordinary’s chefs.

Clockwise from top left: Seafood tower at the Ordinary; lemon ice box pie at Circa 1886; beer at Edmund’s Oast; crab cake at Charleston Grill; roasted spring onions at the Ordinary.Credit...Hunter McRae for The New York Times

Opening on trendy Upper King Street in 2012, The Ordinary jump-started the raw bar craze that seemed to hit Charleston after this former 1920s bank became a seafood and rum cocktail destination (including also The Darling, Rappahannock Oyster Bar and the great 167 Raw, another trendsetter since 2014). Ordinary’s oysters (from raw to broiled), crudo, caviar and fish-head gumbo still shine, as does their rum-centric focus with cocktail classics like an Air Mail alongside orange wines and local beers. What to Drink: Though you can get a proper classic Daiquiri or Mai Tai here, don’t overlook fun, changing house cocktails like Beau Thai (white rum, tomato, carrot, red curry) or a simple but bracing Crooked Rain No. 1, mixing rum and Carpano Bianco vermouth with a verjus bite.http://eattheordinary.com

Set inside a former bank that underwent a stunning renovation, The Ordinary is a Southern seafood hall and raw bar celebrating the “merroir” of the Coastal Carolinas and the East Coast with local and regional products from fishermen, crabbers, oystermen, farmers and producers. “Fancy” seafood towers are perfect for sharing and include a variety of raw oysters, clams and other seafood in a dazzling presentation. Smaller and larger plates celebrate the local bounty, perfectly paired with an extensive wine list and unique martini service, choose vodka or gin, presented with all the garnishes.

If your Charleston visit doesn't include a deep-sea fishing trip, dinner at The Ordinary is the next best addition to your itinerary: Mike Lata's second restaurant is the city's leading interpreter of fresh local seafood, including grouper, porgy, swordfish and squid. The drinks list has a similar maritime pitch, with wines from coastal Europe and bright cocktails perfect for pairing with shellfish. The bar has lately dialed back its emphasis on rum, but still produces an exceptional Daiquiri.

Housed in a grand old bank building on Upper King, this downtown oyster bar and seafood restaurant serves only the highest quality fish and shellfish, sourcing locally and sustainably. The Ordinary also offers a few 'exotic' (or at least adventurous) items on a daily basis, too, including Razor Clams, Spanish Octopus, among others. The freshness of the ingredients and the artistic nature of the presentation, is evidence of the care and leadership of head chef Mike Lata (also at FIG).

So would The Ordinary, where we popped in at open on our first evening in town to drink daiquiris made with toasted Carolina Gold rice and house martinis made with Ford’s Gin; “ocean vermouth” steeped with shiitake mushrooms, kombu, and oyster shells; sea salt; and a pickled green tomato garnish. We stop in at The Ordinary as many times as we can when we’re in Charleston — it consistently has the friendliest service and best oysters, and it’s our favorite place to start our night.

To get to Charleston I traveled from Seattle on a red-eye via JFK airport in New York. I just want to note to the world that reads my blog that JFK airport is not a pleasant airport to travel through. It could be a great airport to leave and return to, but its low on my list of places to transfer flights at for various reasons including very cold shuttle rides, lack of available snacks besides Dunkin' Donuts, and the queing habits of New Yorkers at 7 in the morning.

This restaurant's name is instantly contradicted by its tagline, "fancy seafood," but to my mind, it just means that high standards are the norm at The Ordinary. In the 1920s, this dining room was a bank, now converted with elements of a European brasserie. It's always been a lively scene when I've come here to tuck into fresh and thoughtfully presented seafood, whether from the raw bar or the menu, which is divided simply into "hot" and "cold" sections.

The Ordinary — second child of Adam Nemirow and chef Mike Lata — opened with soaring 22-foot ceilings, the promise of locally sourced seafood and lots of buzz.The Ordinary was the first of its kind. While regularly packed and filled with an upbeat ambiance, The Ordinary’s high ceilings diffuse the jovial noise to a pleasant buzz. Along with six daily varieties of raw oysters on the half shell, the house-smoked oysters are not to be missed.

No visit to Charleston is complete without eating fresh-caught seafood, and no one does it better than The Ordinary, housed in a former 1920s era bank on King Street. Grab a seat a the raw bar to watch oyster shucking in action, then order a selection of East Coast bivalves. Peel and eat South Carolina shrimp, littleneck clams, or all of the above, plus enjoy lobster cocktail and other oceanic specialties on a shellfish tower.

For those who prefer a more refined oyster experience, The Ordinary is an upscale seafood restaurant that should be at the top of your list. Located in a beautifully restored historic bank, this restaurant serves a variety of oyster dishes, from classic raw oysters to inventive creations like Oysters Bingo. Their extensive cocktail menu perfectly complements the seafood, making it an ideal choice for a special evening out.

Among the many South Carolina restaurants where you'll find local oysters are Bowens Island Restaurant on Folly Beach, Leon's Fine Poultry and Oysters, The Darling Oyster Bar and The Ordinary, all in Charleston; Nance's Creekfront Restaurant in Murrells Inlet and Toomer's Family Seafood House in Bluffton, a division of Bluffton Oyster House which harvests the oysters from local waters and shucks them by hand.

Renowned for its seafood, The Ordinary doubles as a captivating oyster and cocktail bar. This lively establishment celebrates the flavors of the Lowcountry, and its cocktail menu features inventive pairings that complement the fresh seafood offerings. The “Lowcountry Lemonade,” a mix of local vodka, lemonade, and fresh herbs, stands out as a refreshing option for those seeking something light yet satisfying.

The Ordinary: Seafood lovers looking for a fancy dining experience should head to The Ordinary, an upscale restaurant located inside an old bank. The decor is unique and the food is phenomenal, highlighting local catches and adding new specials to their menu on a regular basis. If you’re headed out to eat with a big group of people, be sure to order the seafood tower to get a little taste of everything.

To impress a date or maybe even your seafood-loving mother, visit The Ordinary, where the vibe is casual, but the food is anything but. Almost every menu item is a showstopper that celebrates the coastal Carolinas. Crispy oyster sliders with Fresno mayo, bamboo-steamed black bass smothered in blood orange hollandaise, pink porgy ceviche swimming in a citrusy minneola leche de tigre—take your pick.

Considered the city’s top destination for seafood lovers, The Ordinary is a sophisticated Southern seafood hall and oyster bar located in a 1920s bank building. The restaurant’s interior design features high ceilings, clean white tiles, and black wood accents that exude an elegant Parisian cafe ambiance. Some must-try dishes include oysters on the half shell and the famous crispy oyster slider.

This atmospheric former bank on upper King Street offers a far from ordinary seafood experience. With 22-foot ceilings, black wood accents contrasting against gleaming white walls, and a cozy raw bar, the elegant, sophisticated environs check all the boxes for a visually impressive dinner. Don’t be fooled by the glamorous appeal, it’s the food that makes you want to come back for more.

Located where Cannon ends on King Street, the Ordinary is inside of a 1920s bank. As such, the acoustics aren’t spectacular with so many hard surfaces and high ceilings, but it makes a hip space with such an expansive space with high ceilings, big windows, and a wide bar. This is a great choice for seafood restaurants in downtown Charleston, the oysters at the Ordinary cannot be beat.

Once at the workshop it became very obvious that we’d be working late into the night and there wouldn’t really be the opportunity to indulge in my food escapades. Regardless, I had to try at least one of the places on my list and so I skipped the complimentary breakfast provided by our hotel (the recently opened Hyatt Hotel on King St) and made my way to Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit.

From the team that introduced FIG comes this seafood-centric spot housed in a 1920s bank building. Beyond standard raw bar offerings of oysters and clams, you’ll also find imaginative bites like smoked amberjack pâté, yogurt-dressed shrimp salad, and the best-selling crispy oyster sliders with house made Hawaiian buns. (Tip: the best seats in the house are at the long, lively bar.)

If oysters are your jam, you have to make your way to The Ordinary. Housed in a 1920s bank, the large vaulted ceilings pave the way for the floor-to-ceiling windows that leave the restaurant bathed in natural light. If you can, grab a seat at the seafood counter, which puts you right in front of their impressive selection of oysters, clams, mussels, and other fresh seafood.

Charleston, SC is known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and amazing food. And if you’re looking for a place to get the best of both worlds—a restaurant that feels like a piece of history as well as serves up modern takes on classic dishes—then look no further than The Ordinary. The Ordinary is an oyster bar located in a 1920s building that was once a bank.

The Ordinary is an oyster bar and seafood restaurant located in an impressive historical bank building on the oft-visited Upper King. The restaurant is committed to sourcing high quality seafood from local, sustainable suppliers. In addition to traditional seafood favorites, The Ordinary also serves some more obscure dishes such as Spanish octopus and razor clams.

Please don’t trust this restaurant’s name because it is far from ordinary. While slightly on the expensive side, The Ordinary offers so many innovative dishes, so you can expect to try clams with coconut, shrimp with tahini, fancy seafood towers, and more. You can choose some of the “ordinary” or classic cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, and beers for drinks.

Don’t let the name mislead you, there is nothing ordinary about The Ordinary, as I found out when I visited South Carolina to find out about things to do with kids in Charleston. This Southern seafood hall and oyster bar is located in an old bank on fashionable King Street. It’s all about the coastal Carolinas, and the food is as fresh as the tide.

The Ordinary is the second restaurant from James Beard Foundation Best Chef Award-winner Mike Lata, who opened FIG (Food is Good) in 2001. Billed as a classic oyster and seafood hall, The Ordinary is housed in former bank that was built in the 1920s with 22-foot ceilings and 16-foot windows. The bank’s vault door is on display behind the raw bar.

The Ordinary is a Southern seafood and oyster bar developed by the same team as FIG with the same philosophy. They strive to support local and regional fisherman, crabbers, oystermen and producers. The Ordinary is anything BUT ordinary, being housed in a 1920’s bank building on Upper King Street giving you a ‘slice of history’ with your meal.

Step into the grandeur of Charleston’s past at The Ordinary, a seafood hall and oyster bar housed in a beautifully restored historic bank building. Savor the taste of the ocean with local oysters and seafood, and delight in the carefully crafted cocktails and wine selection. You won’t be able to resist the charm of this beautiful restaurant!

We walked to The Ordinary after another spot on King St. (love that everything was so close!). Another great bar experience with a super friendly and knowledgable bartender!. We told him about our progressive dinner plan and he helped us plan our menu and suggested the Fried Oyster Sliders, even though neither Brooke nor I are oyster fans!.

The Ordinary is a Charleston institution that is known for its fresh oysters, creative seafood dishes, and craft cocktails. This upscale restaurant has a sophisticated atmosphere and an extensive wine list that pairs perfectly with its seafood offerings. If you’re looking for a high-end dining experience, The Ordinary is the place to go.

The Ordinary is a casual seafood spot located in downtown Charleston. This restaurant serves some of the freshest seafood dishes in town, from fried oysters, shrimp, and grits to grilled fish tacos and lobster rolls. The menu also includes innovative dishes like seared scallops with truffle butter and mussels cooked in white wine sauce.

If you’re looking for a perfect night out in Charleston, head to one of its rooftop bars with cityscape views. Imagine feeling the cool breeze on your face, sipping a craft cocktail, maybe conversing with friends or locals, all while gazing over the terracotta roof tiles and spires of the Holy City. Our favorites are listed below:

Once you try The Ordinary, you’ll realize that this critically-acclaimed restaurant is anything but. The Ordinary is situated on King Street at a building that used to be a bank. Now, it’s a classy joint that holds the treasure of extraordinary food that comes along with an unbelievably serene ambiance and delightful service.

We didn’t make reservations to eat there but they accommodated us and sat us in the patio at the side of the restaurant, which actually worked out because it was a nice evening and we were in the company with other families with young kids. We overheard a waitress when she walked out and said it looked like a playground.

The Ordinary is a Southern seafood hall and oyster bar located in an old bank in Charleston on King Street. The menu celebrates the "merroir" of the Coastal Carolinas and the East Coast, striving to support local and regional fishermen, crabbers, oystermen, farmers and producers. Hours Tuesday-Sunday 5pm until closing.

Located in a historic bank building, The Ordinary is a seafood hall and oyster bar that brings a modern twist to classic seafood dishes. The high ceilings and large windows create a bright and airy setting, perfect for larger groups. With an emphasis on fresh, local seafood, the menu offers something for everyone.

When I am out cocktailing, Patrick's piña colada at The Ordinary is one of the best around. I eat there a lot because it's my favorite bar seat, but when I really want to treat myself, I always go to FIG. I think Morgan Calcote has a supercool, curated wine selection, and she's always hiding some incredible gems.

Try multitiered shellfish towers, lobster ceviche, shrimp hushpuppies—the maritime menu goes on. And to wash down all the coastal cuisine?. We’d never say no to a glass of Muscadet, but the Echo Echo cocktail serves as seafood’s siren call—a mix of gin, velvet falernum, green Chartreuse and fresh grapefruit.

If you LOVE raw seafood, The Ordinary's triple seafood tower is phenomenal. It usually comes with a dozen oysters, 6 oysters Moscow (raw oysters with vodka, creme fraiche and caviar), raw clams, peel-and-eat shrimp, crab cocktail, 2-3 fish mixes (e.g., whatever ceviche/similar items they have at the moment)

Lobster isn’t unknown in Charleston: It turns up in mac-and-cheese and sometimes lends its tail to steak plates. At Grill 225, there’s an entire section of the menu devoted to family-style lobster preparations, for which the kitchen scrapes the meat from its shell and tosses it with sauce or melted butter.

Today, we’re seeing a rum resurgence showcased in places like Cane Rhum Bar on East Bay and seafood palace The Ordinary. There you can choose from a dozen rum drinks. Moss encourages you to start with the bar’s classic daiquiri—one part fresh lime juice, one part simple syrup, and two parts light rum.

Housed in a converted 1920s bank building, The Ordinary exudes charm with high ceilings, massive arched windows, and vintage décor. The decor leans Parisian cafe, but the menu focuses soundly on sustainable seafood from Carolina waters and the East Coast. The raw bar is of course the star attraction.

But when you want to turn a casual meal of oysters and shrimp into an event, head to The Ordinary on King Street. This 1920s bank-turned-restaurant serves a wide range of seafood dishes, but the main reason to come here is for the shellfish towers, which you can get in one, two, or three layers.

Address: 544 King St, Charleston, SC 29403Website: The Ordinary. Housed in a beautifully restored bank building, The Ordinary is a celebrated seafood hall and oyster bar. With high ceilings and an inviting ambiance, this restaurant is perfect for both casual dining and special occasions.

The Ordinary: Don't let the name fool you; there's nothing ordinary about this gem. Tucked away in a historic bank building, The Ordinary is anything but. When you step inside, you'll be greeted by a stunning raw bar showcasing an impressive selection of oysters from both coasts.

Hours: Dinner Wednesday-Sunday, 5pm-10:30pm | Lunch Saturday-Sunday, noon-5pm | Closed Monday-Tuesday. The Ordinary was another place that I really wanted to return to after my first visit. With a beautiful bar and delectable food and drinks, this place needs to be on your list.

Candidly, I haven’t actually eaten here because I can’t stand seafood, but if you have a more elevated palette than myself, this is the spot for fresh seafood. I hear the oysters, in particular, are truly delightful. Housed in an old bank building, the space is stunning as well.

We ended our little crawl with some drinks at The Ordinary, where we had our dinner reservations for the night. As mentioned above, this is a really happenin' spot, so be ready to wait, even for the bar!. Luckily, our table was ready when we arrived, so they sat us right away.

The Ordinary was established in the 1920s as a bank that has been converted into an upscale seafood restaurant. The environment is elegant and classy with large windows, high ceilings, and a bar. The restaurant gets $$$ with the price moderately high, but worth every penny.

Sink your teeth into Crab Rice,- the fried rice version of Charleston. Included in every food in Charleston, the crab goes in almost anything and everything in the city. If you are not looking for something sumptuous to eat, why not have a fulfilling bowl of crab rice.

The Ordinary is a Southern seafood hall and oyster bar located in an old bank in downtown Charleston. The menu celebrates the “merroir” of the Coastal Carolinas and the East Cost. They strive to support local and regional fishermen, oystermen, crabbers and producers.

Arriving in Charleston, we ate at our favorite; The Ordinary. Our previous 2 visits, we've only had enough money for the raw bar and cocktails, but this time Brian paid (thanks Brian), so we splurged. We ordered oysters, the heirloom tomato salad, and the grouper.

From the creators of FIG, The Ordinary is a high-end seafood hall housed in a historic Charleston bank, where you can enjoy fresh local seafood supporting regional producers in a vibrant atmosphere. Feeling extravagant?. Go for a seafood tower or caviar service.

Housed in a 1920s bank, The Ordinary is now an upscale seafood restaurant. Memorable dishes from its “Hot” and “Cold” menu include Caribbean fish stew or oysters sliders. The Ordinary also has one of the best raw bars in Charleston, so pile the shellfish high!

– Rating: 4.5/5 (1,077 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value for money (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)– Type of cuisine: American, Seafood– Price: $$$$– Address: 544 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403-5520– Learn more on Tripadvisor

A celebrated seafood hall in the heart of Charleston's food scene, The Ordinary is renowned for its fresh, locally sourced seafood dishes, including the iconic Creole seafood gumbo. This Lowcountry classic is a true taste of the region's coastal bounty.

For seafood lovers, there's no better place than The Ordinary. This oyster bar and seafood restaurant is located in an old bank building and has a stunning atmosphere. Their raw bar is a must-try, with a variety of oysters from both coasts of the US.

The restaurant was a James Beard finalist in 2013 and boasts a full crowd every day. Be sure to make reservations. Also, the restaurant is in an old bank (I remember when it was briefly a Bank of America), and you can still see the old vault!

– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (1,092 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)– Type of cuisine: American, Seafood– Price: $$$$– Address: 544 King St, Charleston, SC 29403-5520– Read more on Tripadvisor

- Rating: 4.3/5 (851 reviews)- Price level: $$$- Address: 544 King St. Charleston, South Carolina - Categories: Seafood, Desserts, Coffee & Tea- Read more on Yelp. You may also like:Most expensive homes for sale in Charleston, South Carolina

This is an elegant spot with high, arched windows that will make you think you stepped right into a 1920s movie scene. Here you’ll find fresh seafood and an oyster bar. Be sure to make reservations here as it’s a popular spot.

What’s more romantic than seeing the twinkling lights of the city from above at one of Charleston’s famous rooftop bars?. Delight in handcrafted cocktails, live entertainment, and beautiful views of Charleston skyline.

For 90 minutes, Tuesday through Friday, guests at seafood nobility The Ordinary can sup on oysters for half their normal price. Pick any variety from the list, from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., and get a sharp discount.

Once a bank from the 1920s, The Ordinary has a unique and entertaining feel!. You instantly know it's special when walking through the front doors. The restaurant opened in 2012 from the brilliant minds behind FIG.

· The Ordinary: If you can get a reservation (they book up about a month or so in advance), you should definitely go. Chef Mike Latta serves up some of the best seafood in town. Amazing rum cocktail list too.

New, unconventional wine-savvy restaurants such as The Ordinary and Charleston Grill have enticed and attracted a huge pool of talent. Also, wine distributors and importers have made the city a top priority.

Lowcountry Oyster Co., 2147 Heriot St., Unit G | Order delivery or pick up 50 or 100 single oysters at Heriot Street. Beginning in October, pick up a bushel. Take a tour of the farm in Green Pond, SC.

544 King StCharleston, SC 29403(843) 414-7060 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Set inside a grand and historic 1920s building, this Parisian-like cafe thrives in serving “fancy seafood”.

On the opposite end of the elegance spectrum, Mike Lata’s crew at the Ordinary produces startlingly pristine ceviches and crudos, and breathtaking seared fish. Tonight, get the rice pudding.

The Ordinary: A seafood-focused restaurant located in a beautifully restored bank building. The menu features a variety of fresh seafood dishes, including oysters, crudo, and ceviche.

GET MORE GFF: Want to see all the pretty photos in this article and get the nearly 50 extra-relish recipes in the issue of GFF where this appeared?. Get a print or digital issue here!

If you have older kids with adventurous taste buds you should take them out for oysters. And if you are going for oysters and want to make it a special night out you should visit

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Charleston, South Carolina, The Ordinary is a seafood lover’s paradise. This Southern seafood hall and oyster bar, located in a beautifully […]

This upscale seafood hall is renowned for its fresh oysters, served with a variety of mignonettes. The building itself, a converted bank, adds to the unique dining experience.

The Ordinary is a Southern seafood hall and oyster bar located in an old bank in Charleston. This restaurant has some limited availability for groups larger than six guests.

The Ordinary: The Ordinary is a seafood hall and oyster bar that focuses on serving fresh and responsibly sourced seafood. Its clam chowder and fried oysters are must-tries.

Downtown and upscale - incredible service, even better seafood. A great place to sport a fun or fancy dress!. Bar 167 is so fun and good, also off of King Street downtown.

A James Beard nominated convivial seafood hall and oyster bar, helmed by award-winning Chef Mike Lata. Lata supports local and regional fisherman, farmers and producers.

There were no reservations available at Fig so they suggested trying The Ordinary. I am so glad that they did. It is a swanky 2 floor seafood restaurant downtown.

Fig, the ordinary, lowland tavern, verns, chubby fish, grace + grits, pages okra grill, Leon’s, loLA, palmira bbq, wild olive, SNOB, honeysuckle rose, bearcat.

The Ordinary: In the 1920s, this beautiful space served as the local bank. Today, you’ll find an upscale seafood spot serving up gems from their raw bar.

If you are in the mood for savory wings then try out the Home Team. Babas is a great pre-dinner drink location where you can gather with friends.

167 Raw, The Ordinary, The Obstinate Daughter on Sullivan’s Island were some standouts when my wife and I when there before our honeymoon.

You have to get the oyster sliders and try a mix of small and large plates. If zucchini carpaccio is on the menu, it’s a must try.