Graze Restaurant — Restaurant in Mount Pleasant

Hubby and I went to the Charleston Friends of the Library That BIG Book Sale at the Omar Shrine Temple (going on through Sunday May 30, so check it out), and afterwards looked to see what good food was in the area. Graze popped up and neither of us had been yet so it was our winner (though we passed Grace & Grit on the way and it was looking pretty good. Next time...).

Apparently everyone in Mount P had the same idea, so we arrived to a little bit of a wait, 20-30 minutes. Outdoor dining was available first but we were trying to cool down from the Book Sale so we let others have that opportunity and waited for inside seats. You know those people who know their table is in demand so they just sit there stirring the ice in their empty glasses for like 15 minutes? Yeah, don't be those people. Regardless, the manager/host was attentive to everyone waiting and quick to bus the tables and keep things moving.

The friendly manager seated us after the squatters departed and our very nice server asked what drinks we would enjoy. The Cucumber Fiz was right up my alley on this hot day. I worried about the St. Germain in it being too herbal but the drink arrived cool, refreshing, and well-balanced. Hubby got sweet tea which was not too sweet and also great on a hot day. Water and straws were provided without needing to ask.

After sipping my cocktail I chose the entree I felt suited it best: Cilantro-Lime Buffalo Shrimp Tacos. Other strong contenders for delicious lunch were the Crab Cakes, the Lobster Roll, and the Sea Scallops. Another day! The side of the day was potato salad and I asked our server if it was good. She said it looked good. I am a True Southerner and super-picky about potato and macaroni salads but she looked sincere so I decided to give it a day in court. Hubby got the Graze Burger and the upgrade to pomme frites over regular fries. He made the right call there.

The atmosphere was clean, open, and inviting and were it not so packed would have been calm and soothing. The decor is sleek and modern in a classic, homesteady way. The tables are hefty slabs of dark wood and the chairs are solid and comfortable. There are simple box planters featuring fresh what looked like catgrass but really could be any grass. Get it? Graze? Cute. There was art for sale on the walls and while it wasn't all great it definitely was something to talk about while waiting.

Waiting was not a huge issue, as our food arrived about 10 minutes after ordering. Not long at all, especially on such a bustling day. And oh my, do they know what they're doing. They call it Creative Casual Cuisine and that sums it up. Classics well-executed with a unique spin. The Buffalo Shrimp Tacos were loaded with gorgeous fried shrimp, spicy arugula, pungent Bleu cheese, and a light drizzle of sauce that was not too spicy, thick or heavy-handed, so the shrimp were crisp, not soggy. The Bleu cheese hunks stole the show. The 2 tacos were filling but I still had to eat all the potato salad. It wasn't as good as mine but it was really good. Tangy with mustard, nice chunks of red-skin potato cooked textbook, red onion for crunch, simple but perfectly balanced. My compliments to the chef.

Hubby's burger was stacked high and well-seasoned, the 2 patties having excellent flavor, added to that fresh lettuce, red onion, tomato, cheese, and garlic aioli on a nice bun. Served white-hot, he tried his pomme frites while the burger cooled enough to handle. Definitely upgrade your fries: the truffle oil, parmesan, and garlic aioli take them to a ho nuvva level. The HNL! They were snappy-crisp outside, fluffy inside, just fantastic fries.

We were both stuffed to the gills and grateful for a delicious meal served with a smile. Thanks for a wonderful experience everyone, and we'll be back. Probably bring the mother-in-law next time. This is a place you can totally see as your mom's favorite restaurant. As long as your mom...

What a beautiful restaurant, delicious food, and cozy atmosphere. I've been on vacation in Charleston and have been somewhat underwhelmed by the food options. I am a person who appreciates thoughtful food with an attention to nuanced flavors and nutritious well-balanced dishes. Many of the meals I've had in this area unfortunately have not satisfied. This meal MORE than made up for my previous disappointments!

Our table had an assortment of delightful dishes including:

Pierogies - smoky caramelized onions, beautifully fluffy and flavorful

Apple + cauliflower soup - thick, rich, and incredibly creamy. Beautiful well balanced flavor. If the apple gives you pause, it is very subtle!

Caesar salad - dressing had an interesting complex flavor profile, sage croutons were lovely

Beet and goat cheese salad - our server was sweet to let us know we could order a half salad so that I could save room for my main course. The table ended up fighting over this salad, it was so good! Also had a subtle delicious smoky flavor. Lightly dressed arugula, so good.

Cornmeal crusted catfish - this was my brother's dish, the cornmeal was SO crispy, genius to use this as a coating! Brussels were delicious and not overly seasoned which I appreciated. I didn't get to try his mashed potatoes but they looked scrumptious.

Wild mushroom papardelle - two of us at the table ordered this, it was irresistible. The pine nuts and goat cheese add such a lovely depth of flavor. The papardelle were perfectly cooked, and the sauce was lovely and creamy.

Carolina BBQ pork - I don't want to tease you with this one as it was a special. And it was DELICIOUS, y'all. The pork with the slaw and BBQ sauce was divine!

For dessert: Pineapple + coconut cake - subtle pineapple flavor, dense cake yet the flavor itself felt very light. The frosting was fluffy and not overly sweet. Felt tropical and refreshing.

Oreo cheesecake - I'm not a huge fan of chocolate, so take my opinion with a grain of salt. This was pretty rich, the chocolate ganache layer was yummy. I hoped for a more tart cheesecake flavor, the chocolate kind of overpowered it for me. But if you love chocolate, you'd probably adore this one (though they also have a chocolate souflee on the menu that you may want to try in that case.)

All the staff folk were attentive, engaging, kind, and organized. They also had several paintings on the walls from local artists, including one of the Back of House staff members! What a fabulous restaurant, this will be my go-to when I return to Charleston. Thanks for such a...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Graze, and I must say it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. From the moment we walked in, the staff's warmth and friendliness made us feel right at home. The host greeted us with a genuine smile, setting a positive tone for the evening.

Our waitress, Beth, deserves special recognition for making our meal truly remarkable. As parents of three kids, dining out can often be a challenging experience, but Beth went above and beyond to ensure our entire family felt comfortable and well-cared for. She had a remarkable ability to engage with the children, making them feel valued and included throughout the meal. Beth's exceptional service turned what could have been a stressful evening into an enjoyable and memorable one for all of us.

Now, let's talk about the food. The culinary delights served at Graze were nothing short of fantastic. Each dish was meticulously prepared with exquisite attention to detail. The menu offered a wide range of options, catering to various tastes and dietary preferences. From appetizers to desserts, every bite was bursting with flavor and presented beautifully.

Graze has truly accomplished something special by seamlessly combining great food with a family-friendly environment. The restaurant managed to strike a perfect balance, making dining out with our three kids an enjoyable experience rather than a hassle. The ambiance was welcoming, the staff accommodating, and the atmosphere lively but not overwhelming.

I cannot recommend Graze highly enough. Whether you're a couple looking for a romantic night out or a family seeking a memorable dining experience, this restaurant has it all. From the incredible food to the genuinely friendly and attentive staff, Graze has created a haven where great food and family-friendliness coexist harmoniously. It is undoubtedly a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates both exceptional cuisine and an enjoyable dining experience, especially with children.

Overall, our time at Graze left an indelible impression on our family. We will cherish the memories of this delightful evening for...