Our taste-and-tell guide to some of the latest food and beverage openings in Charleston
Workshop
Imagine your favorite old-school food court had a modern upgrade, and you’ll get a sense for what Workshop is going for. Founded by the owners of Butcher & Bee and housed in the Upper Peninsula’s new Pacific Box & Crate, this space is designed to foster budding restaurant talent and test new culinary ideas by way of rotating food stalls. At opening time, the tenants offered a variety of dishes, from Vietnamese and Korean rice bowls to gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, Tex-Mex classics, and creative pizzas—but be sure to check the website for up-to-date stall listings, as some of these offerings are only temporary. Diners order at the counter, then carry their meals to the large, whitewashed dining room or a sunny courtyard table. Don’t leave without grabbing java from Bad Wolf, the sleek coffee shop transplanted from Chicago. http://workshopcharleston.com/
Hen & the Goat
Finally, roadside relief from Folly Beach traffic: a brunch spot serving omelets, sandwiches, salads, and baked goods in an airy space with a dog-friendly patio. Helmed by Thomas Smith, former sous chef at Mozzo Deli, the James Island joint packs flavor in creative combinations, like French toast filled with peanut butter and mint-infused berries, housemade honey Greek yogurt, and eggs folded with chorizo and pimiento cheese. If you’re hankering for breakfast, arrive early—these items are only served until 11 a.m. But latecomers need not worry, for the lunch menu offers a huge selection of sandwiches (divided into poultry, pig, cow, fish, and vegetarian categories) and fresh salads, ranging from a gussied-up Cobb to a peppery arugula, beet, and goat cheese mix. Before ordering at the counter, check out the small entry market, featuring local goods like Bulls Bay salts and Cirsea ice cream. https://www.henandthegoat.com/
