By The Way — Restaurant in Charleston

Best restaurant experience in Charleston, hands down! From Kara, the manager, to Ally at the bar, to Gabe our server, and Marcus the executive chef, this place deserves every hospitality award possible. We stopped in for lunch with a large party of 13. We knew they didn't take reservations so we figured we'd give it a shot, happy to split up if need be. Kara, the manager, didn't hesitate pushing a bunch of high tops together for us, allowing us to enjoy the great food, amazing drinks, and perfect vibes as a group. We could have stayed all day... in fact, we kind of did! By some twist of fate, they had one of their VIP snugs available that evening, so we immediately cancelled our other reservations and booked it. (Don't feel too bad, the other place was super rude on the phone, but we were a large group so we figured beggars couldn't be choosers. By The Way proved that theory SO wrong.) To make things even more amazing, Marcus, the executive chef, came out to talk to our bride about her food allergies. He took the time to write all of them down, and even went to another restaurant between lunch and dinner to help procure a burger bun that would fit her needs. Talk about going above and beyond! When we came back for dinner, we were greeted with a sweet, personalized note on the table welcoming us back, and the most delightful server, Gabe, who took exceptional care of us all night long. He was seriously one of the most attentive servers I've ever had - and again, we were a group of THIRTEEN! Ally at the bar, who recognized us from earlier, stopped over to say hello, and I'm pretty sure sent a round of shots over. Little gestures like this mean so much. They were slammed. Did she have time to come say hi? Probably not. Did she have to? Definitely not. Did it mean the world that she did? ABSOLUTELY.

Seriously, I cannot imagine a better experience. Every one of us in our group have worked in the hospitality/services industries, so we know the good, bad, and ugly. We know how hard it is to stay upbeat when you're overworked and there's a line out the door. We know how easy it can be to fall into a routine and just go through the motions, even becoming numb to all the special occasions that come through (A bachelorette party in Charleston? Groundbreaking...) So we could NOT get over how welcome and celebrated the crew at By The Way made us feel. Even though this was the millionth bachelorette party they saw, they knew it was special FOR US. And they went out of their way to make it soo special.

Charleston is a hospitality town, and By The Way is setting an unparalleled example for how to do it right. Clearly whoever is doing the hiring and the training knows exactly what to look out for because this team is top notch. I cannot wait to tell everyone who will listen that they need to stop in next time...

📍By the Way | Charleston, SC

Step inside By the Way and you’ll feel it—✨this place glows. From the moment you walk in, the bright, airy space with its skylight ceiling and eye-catching decor welcomes you like a warm Southern hug. 💫

The bar is buzzing, the music is on point, and the cocktails? Absolute works of art. 🍸 Every drink is handcrafted with intention—fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and beautiful presentation. Pair it with their elevated Southern-inspired dishes, and you’ve got a five-star experience in the heart of Charleston. 🌇

What truly sets this spot apart? The energy. It’s vibrant, joyful, and totally unforgettable. Whether you’re grabbing dinner with friends or starting your night out in the Holy City, By the Way delivers.

Oh—and did I mention it’s the brainchild of two of our favorite Southern gents? 🎩 Craig Conover and Austen Kroll, stars of Southern Charm, created this spot together—and it shows. It’s stylish, welcoming, and brimming with Southern hospitality. 🥂

Cheers to Charleston’s newest must-visit! 📸: Trust me, your camera roll will thank you. Follow me on instagram for Charleston hottest spots...

Went to By The Way for the first time this Sunday night. I want to start off by saying what an amazing experience this was all around. The place itself is absolutely gorgeous and this is just what Charleston needed. A New York City inspired vibe with Southern Hospitality. An elevated, intimate, experience with great music, great service, and delicious food. Not to mention the cocktails were very unique and tasted incredible. The hot honey marg was my favorite with the pornstar martini coming in right behind it! The apps did not disappoint. Fried oysters with caviar as well as a delicious crab crostini. I didn’t think it was going to get better but it sure did when the mushroom ravioli hit the table. The steak frites also had such tasteful flavor and were cooked to perfection. One of the best meals I have had in my life. Lastly, the phone did in fact not eat first when it came to the crème brûlée dessert. I can’t wait to return back to this incredible space and bring all of my friends and family! 100/10 stars for this...