Early Bird Diner — Restaurant in Charleston

If I could give Early Bird Diner TEN stars I would! After a very disappointing marsh side dining experience yesterday we were hesitant to trust reviews. Reluctantly we did along with our review of the menu offerings and (questionably) Guy Fieri. This was one of the BEST meals we've ever had, at any price. Very true diner atmosphere, comparable prices but food that rivals any high end spot. Generous portion of meatloaf sliced and grilled topped w excellent thick cut onion rings and sides of rich mac n cheese and salad was only $18. Country Captain Chicken was also a very generous 2 thin sliced breasts excellently blackened in a generous portion of curry veggie sauce over rice w a sheet cake biscuit. Not sure how we made room for dessert, having half of ea meal remaining for tmrrw, but glad we tried the lemon gingersnap ice cream. Homemade and to die for! Almost custard like ice cream w homemade cookies that seemed to have ginger icing. My family ran a gourmet ice cream and dessert restaurant for several years so we are ice creamoseurs. This easily rivals any artisan ice cream I have ever had including Salt & Straw, Ruby Jewel, Jeni's, and Lou Cream. Thrilled we avoided the onslaught of tourists at downtown establishments seeking respite from 49 degree rainy weather (where are we, Boston?) and ventured to W Ashley in rainy rush hour traffic. WELL worth it!! Not to mention the bill could have easily been $60+ elsewhere and likely not as tasty. We are planning our route to Savannah Monday via this slower route just to try breakfast and Wildflower Bakery 2 blocks down. Before photo of entrees sadly didn't take bc it was a meal to remember. After photo is rather a mess so removed but truly...

On a weekend trip to Charleston we visited the early bird, which I found online as featured on diners, drive-ins, and dives. Granted this was our first and only visit, we left with a mixed opinion. First off, staff was very friendly and hospitable. The brunch meatloaf was excellent and I would eat that any day of the week. It was served over tasty well-prepared grits, with creamed corn/ spinach as a side(which was excellent) and eggs prepared to order. Trendy and comfortable atmosphere, but could use a facelift away from the 80s fast food establishment feel. As for the less positive aspects, getting in the parking lot and a parking place is hell, at least when we went at 1PM Sunday. Was suggested the shrimp and grits by a local, which I was already looking forward to from the online menu. The dish had the same tasty grits as the meatloaf base and was topped with a well made, tomato based gravy. But overpowering the whole dish were the overly strong and gamey shrimp. I thought maybe it was just me, but my wife took one small bite and was done. I know some may like a strong fishy taste, but I think more people prefer a nice even taste from their shrimp dishes. Just my opinion. I would definitely go back again to try some of the many other menu items I was curious about that could probably raise this rating a...

I was really excited about trying out this place but I left feeling underwhelmed. Perhaps it was what I ordered because I saw other plates around me that look great but I'm not sure if I will return. Parking was very limited. It was a small wait about 10 minutes and afterwards my family were seated in a booth. All the silverware we received was dirty and had to be sent back. It literally had food still on it. That was unsettling. I also watched each server dig into the ice machine using a cup. That action could contaminate the rest of the ice. There was no ice scooper in sight. I ordered the shrimp and grits which wasn't bad but it wasn't as good as I'd imagined either. I saw the portion size was a lot smaller than I expected based on the reviews. For about $20 per plate, I expected more grits. Grits are very cheap. I had more toppings than grits. Halfway through I only had shrimp and toppings (bacon, tomato gravy) left. My boyfriend ordered a fried chicken bowl with grits and again same thing. Super small portion of grits for the price. I did enjoy the biscuit, it was super soft and fluffy and the assorted jams were amazing. Overall my food was not bad I guess I just expected better. I paid $77 for three plates, one sweet tea and the tip. If I were to go back, I would try the pancakes because they...