Fine Dining in Charleston and Savannah

I had dinner at upscale restaurants in Charleston and Savannah.

I’ve heard about Husk in Charleston for years. I got there early because it had started to get dark and I was walking around. My reservation was in the main house but there is also a patio in the back and a small bar to the right. I went to the bar for a drink before dinner.

The bar was small but it was still early so I took the last seat at the bar and it cleared out a little a few minutes later. I got a bourbon pear cocktail, it was my first drink with a huge fancy ice cube.

I started talking to someone seated next to me about the menu, the bar featured oysters and ham. On the menu it listed the farm the ham was from and the type of mustard that came with it but didn’t mention if it came as a sandwich.

We talked for a few minutes before I had to leave for dinner.

The main house where my reservation was is a classic southern house. Although very beautiful it was crowded and noisy, the way the tables were laid out made me feel uncomfortable and exposed.

It definitely felt like a restaurant crammed into an old house. It might have been better for neurotypical people or if I had gotten a table on the porch. If you’re autistic I’d recommend the porch or the patio even though the patio has a limited menu. It was warm enough to still eat outside even though it was November. That day it had almost reached the 90s and was still in the 60s that night.

The staff was nice, attentive but reserved. My entree was amazing!

It was my first time having swordfish, it was good but I don’t think I’d order it again. The mild taste and thick texture doesn’t seem to be worth the price tag for me. I love fish so I like more of a flavor. The pumpkin and harissa complemented each other so well that it made the dish. The pumpkin cut the heat of the harissa and the harissa brought out the warming spices in the pumpkin puree. I’ve never considered that flavor combination before but now I want to try it at home.

After that amazing meal I had high hopes for dessert. I ordered the Bourbon Apple Pie with house made Cinnamon Ice Cream. I love bourbon and cinnamon ice cream, my favorite cinnamon ice cream is from Graeter’s.

I was very disappointed and didn’t even finish it. The crust was rock hard and I could barely break through it with my fork. The apples are okay but I’m very picky about baked apples anyways. I couldn’t taste any bourbon. The ice cream had no flavor to it. It just tasted icy and cold.

Overall my experience was saved by my time at the bar and the pumpkin and harissa flavors. For a meal that cost over $70 I wouldn’t go to dinner there again. The patio might be worth going to though, it has a smaller more affordable menu and the outside was lovely.

When I was in Savannah I went to Alligator Soul on the recommendation of Adventurous Kate.

It was an easy walk of a square and two blocks from my hotel, which came in handy later in the evening.

It is located in the basement in an old grain cellar. It is a quiet retreat from the busy city with exposed brick and white table cloth, it felt cozy but elegant.

As my waiter seated me and took my drink order, the realization that my wallet was on my bed back in the hotel gripped me with panic. Luckily, I had the hotel key with me and after I apologized my waiter promised to keep my table. I rushed back to the hotel, thankful it was so close. I was back in less than five minutes and my relaxing evening was saved.

My drink felt well deserved after all that excitement. I ordered The Scotsman. It was amazing!! The best whiskey cocktail I’ve ever had.

I was tempted to order the special that night, venison but I wanted to try something new and went with the alligator and crab.

It was delicious! One of my best meals of the year! Stuffed crab shell topped with lobster and alligator and okra. The alligator was tender but chewy. The okra was tasty and gave texture to the dish. It was my first time having alligator and okra, I’d definitely recommend them.

I ordered a mocktail as my second drink, Alligator Foal. It was a ginger beer with lime, cucumber, mint and grapefruit. It was so refreshing.

For dessert I had chocolate. Chocolate rock, chocolate mousse, Chocolate truffle, whipped cream topped with mint, raspberries and a pink white chocolate alligator.

One of my best restaurant experiences. It was quiet and cozy. It felt elegant and classy without making me self-conscious for eating alone. The staff was friendly, welcoming, understanding and accommodating. My waiter came and checked up on me the perfect amount, always there when I needed them without interrupting. They even found time to chat before my dessert came, he had spent some time in Michigan after I had told him it was my first time in Savannah.

I would go back to Savannah just for this restaurant!!!