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The Ordinary Reviews List
The Ordinary
The Ordinary is a classic oyster bar and seafood hall located in an old bank in Charleston, SC.
See more The Ordinary details
299 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 299 reviews
5 stars
(170)
4 stars
(96)
3 stars
(22)
2 stars
(8)
1 star
(3)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(234)
- hot spot(160)
- vibrant bar scene(127)
- special occasion(122)
- neighborhood gem(95)
- good for groups(49)
The Ordinary Reviews List
Review 1 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wonderful rare bar.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our food was great. Oysters were very good and the triggerfish was amazing. The wait staff we had could not have been better. The only issue can be parking so just give time for that."
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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Review 2 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Too big for their britches.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Not too impressed. Overpriced, scimpy portions. When asked to replace a small amount of seafood on a salad that a diner had a serious allergy to we were told no. It was the only salad available and overpriced at that. Fresh seafood on the coast is not that expensive. Ordered a variety of oysters, (we have eaten oysters all over the country) they were all TINY. And 3 dollars a piece. I understand that this is a new, popular place but really it was a bit insulting."
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 3 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Perfect
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It's easy to slip into hyperbole when reviewing a meal, but it's difficult for me to express how great the oyster slider was without using the word "perfect". Though small (just one fried oyster on a roll small enough to fit it) and pedestrian (it's a slider, for goodness sake!), the bite-sized sandwich was built in such a way that each bite...I nibbled to make mine last for four bites!...allowed you to taste a wonderful spectrum of flavors in an experience that I'll not soon forget. Perfection!"
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 4 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Dinner was excellent. Would like a few more options and variety. Noise level quite high for early evening. I'm sure acoustics play large role. Need to "soften" interior to help with sound. Otherwise enjoyable and quite convenient as to parking."
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, late-night find, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 5 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Not so "Ordinary" after all
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The Ordinary---what a double entendre. There was nothing Ordinary about it. Fabulous seafood--flavors I haven't experienced either for a long long while, or ever. The service was top notch. Jennifer--ask for Jennifer for your server. She was terrific.
From the oysters, to the soft shell crab, to the Lobster bisque (unique and exceptional), to the entrees of pumpkins swordfish, black snapper and peel and eats...which the staff peeled for us (Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus!), the meal was first class.
Only negative...the bathroom situation. It would be very nice if the loos were designated M or W. Call me persnickety, but if I'm eating a great meal, I don't want to follow men with too many adult beverages into the loo. Yuck.."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Appropriately named
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Honestly we just did not get the hype. The food was fair. The seating was uncomfortable and it was very loud."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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Review 7 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Not Very Ordinary
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The Ordinary is not true to it's name. The food and menu are beyond description. Certainly not "Ordinary""
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 8 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ordinary, not so Ordinary
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had a great Birthday celebration at The Ordinary. Unique coctails, small, but great choices on wine list and the seafood was prepared and presented perfectly. The service was great and our waitress, Brittany, exciting and truly enjoyed her job."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 9 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Interesting menu items, all presented well. Big negative is a very limited and expensive wine list, particularly whites, surprising for a primarily seafood restaurant. The overall value, including wine, is poor relative to other restaurants in Charleston."
Dined on 5/15/2013
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Review 10 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great experience
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food & great service. The drink menu was limited though."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 11 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food...very noisy!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Loved the food and service but the noise level was deafening."
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 12 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Special Occasion Gem
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Took my wife here to celebrate Mother's Day after her reading a review that included a comment about lobster rolls. She went to school in Maine and loves lobster rolls. We both had them and were not disappointed. I found the Triggerfish Schnitzel to be outstanding and she had a salad that was also very good. I'll recommend this restaurant to my friends who also enjoy fine dining and plan to return soon."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 13 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good Food - Limited Menu
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Although I rate the fish entrees as "excellent", this restaurant is more for drinks and shellfish. There is too much emphasis on pushing drinks and oysters and not enough emphasis on entrees. There are only 4 fish selections on a typical day and about the same number of sides. The portions are tiny for the price point; and the waiters are not overly friendly nor helpful in explaining the menu. Having read so many reviews, we were disappointed."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene
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Review 14 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great evening.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Enjoyed dinner at The Ordinary immensely. Food was excellent and service was great. Food seemed healthy; not a whole lot of carbs! The phsyical environment was beautiful and available parking was an added bonus!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene
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Review 15 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Fabulous food and service . . . but
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food - especially the oysters - was very fresh and tasty. Our server was knowledgeable and energetic. We did not find the noise level to be a problem. Definitely reccommend upstairs, more space and less noise. The entree menu is very limited, as is the pricey wine list. A hot appetizer in combination with a plate of oysters was plenty of food for me.
Overall a great experience - the only reason I didn't give The Ordinary 5 stars is the pricing. I realize that delicious fresh seafood is not going to be cheap however at these prices it becomes very much a "special occasion" restaurant. Which given the plethora of great high-end restaurants in Charleston means visits will be few and far between."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 16 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Seafood
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was the finest seafood restaurant we have ever been to. We had a cold seafood stack with every shellfish you can name and a really nice bottle of wine. Delishous"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 17 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best of Charleston!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Outstanding with superb service!!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 18 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fantastic Experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The Ordinary is just what this city needs to round out its culinary playground: an upscale oyster bar. Located in a beautiful, historic bank building with soaring ceilings in Charleston's hottest restaurant/bar arena at Upper King, The Ordinary is exploding with charm, Southern style, and good old-fashioned revelry. Service was stellar and ultra-friendly. A sampling of any of the oysters on the menu will not disappoint, and individually-chosen dipping sauces complemented each item to perfection. The lobster roll is a must, and I literally danced in my chair as I moaned and groaned through the oyster sliders. Absolutely anything but Ordinary."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, great for lunch, kid-friendly
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Review 19 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Not as good as expected
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had heard some positive reviews, and like the North King location, so made special plans to eat here. Also, I love seafood and wanted some great oysters, plus other super fresh offerings. We were disappointed that it was noisy and the seating uncomfortable (ice-cream parlor chairs). The waiter was efficient, but not very friendly and offered little detailed information about the menu items. I had 6 oysters, which were pretty good, but not memorable. I also had the lobster roll, which was average; not nearly as good as some I have had. My wife had fried grouper, which was just OK. Her salad, with sushi style Wahoo bits, was the best thing we had.
Martinis were good, and wine choices OK."
Martinis were good, and wine choices OK."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, hot spot
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Review 20 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Limited Everything-Not Worth the $
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The wine list is extremely limited and the scotch bottom shelf. The menu, while focused on seafood, is also limited. The menu is difficult not because it uses "foodie" terminology, but because it is unclear how a patron should order. The service was great; however, they could not even understand how one would and should order. Therefore, it becomes obvious that in an effort to set the restaurant apart with a unique menu they have created a frustrating process that keep staff at a single table rather than serve a section. The food combinations while in theory work because of the rich ingredents. Unfortunately many of them fall short of culinary cohesiveness; example, beef tartare and fried oysters or triggerfish schnitzel and asparagus"
Dined on 5/09/2013
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Review 21 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Mixed Feelings
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our party of six waited at the bar for a little bit even though we had a reservation, but the Manager was very considerate and covered our bar bill. Once seated, we noted the wine list was light on red selections, but we quickly appreciated the reason: there was no red meat on the menu...so it made sense. We ordered several of the fish dishes...all were very small portions and the night we were there arrived at the table below optimum temperature...sort of barely warm..which suggested that they were not served as they were prepared in the kitchen. The Bar-b-Q shrimp, however, was excellent, with a delicious sauce and grilled bread for dipping. desserts were very good. All in all, we would give it another chance."
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: hot spot
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Review 22 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Delicious but Pricey
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went here for my wife's birthday. Had a drink and a bottle of wine, along with the lobster ceviche, pickled shrimp, and the single seafood tray. Lobster was great, but miniscule amounts of lobster. Shrimp was great. The seafood platter had 12 oysters, 6 littlenecks, about a 1/4 lb. of shrimp, and some crab louie. My suggestions: serve some bread - even a little - so that the sauces or pickling juices can be mopped up; cut out the louie - many people don't like mayonnaise. My suggestion would be, for the raw bar, to have one of each of the oysters and then get a dozen or whatever you want of the ones you like best, plus some apps. I don't think the platter is worth it."
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 23 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise relief
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The good food is not worth the acoustical problems in the restaurant. We were seated upstairs and you could not even hear what the server was saying. The din was so loud that it made the experience very unpleasant!!!! Considering the price of things...also the by the glass wine selection was pretty poor!!! Won't be going back."
Dined on 5/02/2013
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Review 24 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Enjoyed my meal
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We were just in town for the weekend but I was recommended this spot. We weren't particularly hungry so had a few dishes to share and the platter but no main courses. The platter was great, very fresh but my favorite dish was actually the vegetable crudités with crab remoulade to start. Delicious! Maybe a tiny bit salty. But very happy with our meal, and the venue is really interesting. We sat on the balcony where it was much quieter. I'd recommend this place for sure!"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 25 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food and exceptional service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had a few people and ordered a few different items to share. We LOVED the oyster sliders and the grouper schnitzel. The shrimp and soft shell crab were also good but did not compare to the oysters and grouper. Our server, Brittany was fantastic! I appreciate when a server is passionate about their job and is very knowledgeable about the menu. We were told by a few people that this restaurant was very noisy and they recommend you sit upstairs although it did not appear that noisy to us (we were told it was one of the slowest nights they have had since they opened....a Tues night and we still found every table was occupied). I would recommend this restaurant."
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 26 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
1ST visit to The Ordinary
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I had read the reviews and was excited about my first visit to The Ordinary. You have done an outstanding job in laying out the restaurant and the service was 5 Star. I have a few criticisms though.
The shellfish was good but not extraordinary. There are only a small number of entrees if you want something other than shellfish. One in our party ordered the spanish mackeral. Again it was ordinary and the portion was small. Personally, I ordered the stone crabs at at 6 PM the restaurant was out of stone crabs.
If only the food was as good as the service."
The shellfish was good but not extraordinary. There are only a small number of entrees if you want something other than shellfish. One in our party ordered the spanish mackeral. Again it was ordinary and the portion was small. Personally, I ordered the stone crabs at at 6 PM the restaurant was out of stone crabs.
If only the food was as good as the service."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, hot spot
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Review 27 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
An Extreme Disappointment
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I am rarely moved to review a restaurant online, but unfortunately this one was such a disappointment that I feel duty-bound to warn others. I could forgive the horrendous acoustics (our server was hoarse from shouting to be heard, and my husband and I had to resort to hand signals throughout dinner), the uncomfortable table (cafe style, tiny marble top that could barely fit our plates), or the lack of bread and crackers. But the food itself was, in some cases, astonishingly bad. Take, for example, the lobster bisque. It was essentially a cream-based tomato soup that smelled of plastic, featuring a sausage-shaped (flan-consistency) lump of herbal lobster gelatin floating in the middle. I could go on, but space is limited by OpenTable. ;-/"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: hot spot
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Review 28 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delicious food!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food here is superb! I would highly recommend this restaurant if you're looking for a wonderful meal. The ambience is lacking and the noise level is extremely high. The bar is not complete in my opinion. They specialize in rum drinks so if that's what you like they have many choices but otherwise you may be out of luck.I did not check the box fit for foodies because that usually means you leave hungry and that is not the case here. However, if you're looking for the best food in Charleston this is the place to go!"
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: good for groups, notable wine list, neighborhood gem
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Review 29 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Rated the food a 3, because the menu is just way too limited. I knew it was limited, but The Ordinary has redefined "limited." The wine list is absolutely dreadful. If you find wine an integral part of your meal DO NOT DINE AT THE ORDINARY. Our server was by far the brightest part of the evening), 3)Nice ambiance (great redecorating job!) and 4)Wine (not a formal Open Table category, but certainly a category by which we rate restaurants, and we rate The Ordinary a zero). Charleston has far too many restaurants with an excellent balance among hype, menu, wine and lively atmosphere to waste any time going to The Ordinary."
Dined on 5/01/2013
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Review 30 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Everything they said it was
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Read about in Departures and of course had been to FIG, their sister restaurant. Everything was great...everything! We didn't have a chance to "order everything....even though we wanted too", but next time we go we are no doubt ordering the seafood tower! Impressive!"
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, romantic, late-night find, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 31 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Much too noisy. Overpriced. Food ok but not worth the expense."
Dined on 5/01/2013
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Review 32 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Outstanding Seafood and Service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our party of four had a fine experience. We shared the Otter Island baked oysters and the lobster roll for appetizers. Both were excellent. Entrees for our table included the Grouper Schnitzel and sauteed soft shell crabs. The seafood was prepared and presented flawlessly. Our server, Jennifer, was outstanding: a perfect mix of knowledge, attentiveness, enthusiasm and friendliness.
The noise level is energetic, so don't go expecting a quiet romantic experience. The only smudge in an otherwise spotless experience was our wine, which at 3.33 times the online retail (not wholesale) bottle tag, had too high a price-to-quality ratio. Were it not for this, I would have given the food 5 stars."
The noise level is energetic, so don't go expecting a quiet romantic experience. The only smudge in an otherwise spotless experience was our wine, which at 3.33 times the online retail (not wholesale) bottle tag, had too high a price-to-quality ratio. Were it not for this, I would have given the food 5 stars."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 33 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Too loud. Too expensive. Not nearly as good, as FIG. A place to be seen, but not a place for fine food."
Dined on 2/27/2013
Special Features: hot spot
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Review 34 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Super quality seafood - wonderful
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Super quality seafood - wonderful local oysters and crab claws, excellent lobster roll and soft shell crab. Great cocktails too. Very good addition to CHS food scene."
Dined on 04/28/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 35 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Menu was limited, but Gumbo
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Menu was limited, but Gumbo was excellent. Wine list was top heavy, pricewise."
Dined on 04/28/2013
2011
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Review 36 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Everything great about this
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Everything great about this restaurant except the noise level - there are no soft surfaces to absorb noise and it is explosive. If you don't sit side by side, you cannot hear. Loved the restaurant - sat at the bar so we could talk. Would not want to sit at a table."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2004
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Review 37 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Enjoyed appearance of restaurant,
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Enjoyed appearance of restaurant, much smaller than expected. Somewhat limited menu. Oysters excellent, martinis extra good. Wahoo entre took way to long to be presented at table. Cooled way to fast. Think still to soon to have reached potential"
Dined on 04/25/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, hot spot
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Review 38 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Exceptional food and impeccable
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Exceptional food and impeccable service! Will return again on our next trip to Charleston."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 39 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Superbly prepared seafood
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Superbly prepared seafood with a flair worthy of a top restaurant. As good as the hype"
Dined on 04/11/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 40 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This was our third visit,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was our third visit, and definitely not our last. This time we had friends join us.
They loved the unique ambience but found the noise level at times intrusive. The seafood
tower was a big hit; fresh and succulent. Fish chowder was worth the visit. The soft shelled crabs were truly worth the wait (seasonal). The wine list could be improved."
They loved the unique ambience but found the noise level at times intrusive. The seafood
tower was a big hit; fresh and succulent. Fish chowder was worth the visit. The soft shelled crabs were truly worth the wait (seasonal). The wine list could be improved."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 41 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Food; Deafening Atmosphere
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We enjoyed The Ordinary with another couple. Sheepshead Schnitzel is the best fish we have had anywhere. Snowy Grouper is excellent but below the Schnitzel. Oysters and sauces were excellent. Salads were satisfactory; house dressing was outstanding, as was gumbo. Wine list is quite limited; some wines (Chardonnay) were over-priced ($15/glass) and no better than what one can get for half this at other downtown restaurants. We wanted a few hearty red wines, such as Merlots or Cabs, on the list even if food snobbies don't think they should be paired with seafood. The only major down-side - noise level is very excessive requiring you to shout to be heard. Some sound baffling decor is essential if we are to return. Be forewarned."
Dined on 04/23/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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Review 42 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This will now be among our
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This will now be among our top three in Charleston, but we won't go there if we want a quieter venue."
Dined on 04/23/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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Review 43 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent raw bar variety--very
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellent raw bar variety--very fresh, but smallish large plate options. Nice dining room on upper level but this restaurant seriously needs an elevator to that level."
Dined on 04/23/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 44 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noisy
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The noise level was so loud, I couldn't enjoy my meal. The food was good, but I couldn't wait to leave because of the reverberating noise. They shouldn't bother with a sound system - the music was just one more annoyance."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 45 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Not so Ordinary
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We decided to try The Ordinary at the behest of a couple of friends in other parts of the US who knew we were going to Charleston. The staff was very friendly and we immediately felt welcome. Very interesting mostly seafood menu; the Oysters Moscow (on the half shell with a dollop of creme fraiche and caviar) were briny and excellent. Cocktails were well-made and fish entrees were also very well done. The waitstaff were truly attentive and made the experience a good one. Two things, though - this place is open and very noisy. Also, there are very little choices for carbs and sides on the menu, so be prepared to be hungry soon after a wonderful meal here."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies
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Review 46 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Really for oyster lovers
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is a restaurant for oyster lovers which I am not so i cant comment on the oysters which I tried..lol. I do have to say that the Sheepshead fish entree that the waitress recommended was delish! That was my favorite dish of the night. My husband ordered the grouper which wasnt oo bad either. I would go again when I go back to Charleston."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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Review 47 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food and atmosphere were outstandin
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food and atmosphere were outstanding. Especially loved the fish chowder as the broth is amazing, with plenty of chunks of fish and potatoes. Menu is heavy on appetizers with only a few entree options. Great place to go with a date or spouse to share several appetizer plates and skip the main dish entirely. Appetizers are heavy on shellfish selections. Will definitely return."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 48 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A must
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Mike Latta's foray into fresh local seafood is outstanding. The food wasn't overladen with sauces - you taste the subtleties of the fish. The atmosphere is lively - an old bank has been cleverly refitted so its up to date yet had a hint of retro (tiles on the back wall reminded me of the Oyster Bar in Grand Central). It has a long bar that was full up. The service was knowledgable, cheerful and very presentable (neat appearance). Not a huge wine list - but it was reasonable & well picked."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 49 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Had incredible seafood at
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Had incredible seafood at The Ordinary - You just have to know what to expect. It's basically an upscale raw bar. It's expensive, small wine list, full bar and exceptional seafood. Great place to start or end an evening just don't go looking for full dinner plates."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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Review 50 for The Ordinary
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Tremendous. Another home run
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Tremendous. Another home run for Mike Lata."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2007
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