R. Kitchen — Restaurant in Charleston

Are you adventurous? Do you want to get off the beaten path to find something new and different? Do you like pretty much any type of food? If the answer to these three questions is yes, then I highly recommend you give R. Kitchen a try. But before you decide to make a reservation (reservations are required due to their dining format), you need to understand this is no traditional restaurant. And don’t bother dressing up. You’ll know what I’m referring to as you find a nondescript, unmarked small building by following your favorite map app. And try to sit at the bar so you can have a closer experience with the chefs and meet some new friends to boot. Anyway, the fun begins as you meet the guys who are going to prepare your five-course dinner and as you try to decipher the course titles on the overhead chalkboard. That’s right, you have no idea what’s on the menu is until you start seeing the course prep action going on directly in front of you (again, the description is from a bar seat). I won’t bother describing each course in detail as you may or may not be served that particular item when you are there, but what I will say is...the soup was very good, the salad was super, the first main course was wonderful and the desert was also good, but not as inspiring as the other courses. So what about the second main course? OK, it was traditional southern shrimp and grits, not something I’m into to be quite honest. But guess what? My wife loves shrimp and grits so she was giddy with excitement when she figured out what was coming next. And then as she dug into the hot gooey mess, she mumbled something to the effect “this is best shrimp and grits I ever had.” And our new friend at the bar, a life-long low country guy, confirmed my wife’s opinion by blurting out “now that’s how you make shrimp and grits.” Ok, this review is way too long so I’ll close it out by saying I highly recommend this place to any open minded, adventurous diner. Just keep an open mind (and open shirt – no ties please!) and hopefully the crew will be on their “A game” and the menu of the day suits your taste. [Truth in rating: I would rate my experience with this place, to include quality and value, a 4.73, but Google made me round up to a 5] Oops, almost forgot, don't forget to tell them if you have any food...

R Kitchen is dinner and a show taken up a notch. While many restaurants embrace the desire for a meal as your entertainment for the evening by designing spaces with open kitchens, R (Rutledge) Kitchen goes further and places you inside the galley itself. The idea comes from owner/cheff Ross Webb and experience begins with the process of calling for reservations, which can be a challenge at times. The front row seats are limited but starting about a month before securing a spot proved better when preparing for the right date/time to call. Out front the façade can be misleading but only highlights their desire to do things differently. Keeping in mind this is a kitchen, not a restaurant, in mind will quell your suspicions of being in the right place. This uniqueness starts with all guest seated in close proximity to the action in the form of bar seats and a few high top tables. This interaction with other guest and chefs is the reason you visit R Kitchen. Our meal was fantastic with flavors from a dish with roasted duck and salad with melted creamy white cheese being highlights. Drinks consisted of a few wine choices where for once my glass was never more than half empty and created a fun new challenge of mentally keeping track of my inebriation level. Not to lessen their talents but with wine, good conversation and staff interaction a less than palatable meal would still been thoroughly enjoyable here in my opinion. On leaving I felt as if I left a dinner party with new friends where one of which just happened to be an excellent...

I've never experienced anything like R Kitchen in all of my culinary and restaurant experience. Seriously - incredible. What an awesome concept and even better execution!

Make your reservation in advance - seating and service is limited!

When our ride dropped us off, my husband and I were 100% convinced we had the wrong address or building. Don't worry - you're in the right place. And there are plenty of funny signs and notes on the door to guide you. We had a good laugh at that.

Doors open promptly at the time of your reservation - usually 6pm or 8pm. Don't try to open the door before, because you can't get in :)

You walk in and are immediately by the kitchen, which has a bar for seats and a few tables. There is a back room with additional seating, but you'll want to be seated right up at the front!

The Chefs run the night and the service and it is SO. FREAKING. FUN. They make you laugh. They explain all of the dishes. They enjoy themselves, you enjoy yourself. Wine and beer are offered and are served throughout the evening. If you get a bottle of wine, don't worry, you can cork it and take it home with you if you don't finish!

The food was OUT OF THIS WORLD. My husband and I devoured every single dish. Everything was thoughtful, creative and incredible. The pictures don't do it justice, but I tried my best.

I'm ready to make the trip back up just to visit R Kitchen again....