Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
Interior - Magnolias, Charleston, SC

Magnolias

4.6 (7917)
$31 to $50
Southern
185 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29401

About this restaurant

  • Romantic
  • Good for special occasions
  • Innovative
Igniting a culinary renaissance upon opening in 1990, Charleston's most popular restaurant is located at the site of the city's original Customs House (circa 1739). Led by chefs Don Drake and Kelly Franz, Magnolias remains a forerunner in upscale Southern cuisine, blending traditional ingredients and cooking techniques with a modern flair for artful presentations.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable booking network. To check availability, please contact them directly.

Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing

There’s more to explore

Discover countless more restaurants like this one with our app.

Scan the QR code to discover countless more restaurants like this one with our app.

Open app

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Southern, Low Country, Seafood
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Sat 11:30 am–3:30 pm Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 11:00 am–3:30 pm
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Kelly Franz
  • Private party facilities
    Magnolia's private upper level dining rooms can be reserved for parties of 16 to 140 guests.
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown Charleston
  • Cross street
    between Cumberland & Queen Streets
  • Parking details
    None
  • Public transit
    Charleston CARTA to and from Visitors Center can be picked up 1/2 block from the restaurant on the quarter hour. There are also local cab companies and Charleston's famous Rickshaws that will transport guests to their hotels.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar Dining, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Magnolias.

4.6

4.6
(7917)
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 1.7Value

Noise • Moderate

7,917 Reviews
  1. MJ2019

    South Carolina7 reviews

    5.0

    Reviewed on January 13, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    There Buttermilk Fried Chicken plate is the absolute best! All their food is delicious but def recommend the chicken. Great cocktails, and staff.

    1 person found this helpful

  2. TonyG

    Philadelphia12 reviews

    5.0

    Reviewed on January 5, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    The best meal I have had in Charleston (including Husk). The dining room is dominated by wood finishes including exposed ceiling beams and large posts. The lighting is on the darker side but the table itself has more than adequate light to see each other and our food. Very attentive service by our server and all the assistants. If we wanted something different or extra, it was not hard to get that. And her recommendations were right on spot. The food was delicious - the essence of southern. The fried chicken was crispy, but not oily, and the meat was tender and juicy. Great sides as well. I will return.

    2 people found this helpful

  3. SoJoFo

    South Carolina1 review

    5.0

    Reviewed on December 26, 2019

    1. Overall 5
    Spectacular service Delicious seafood and apps!

    1 person found this helpful

  4. MaryD

    South Carolina2 reviews

    5.0

    Reviewed on December 14, 2019

    1. Overall 5
    One of the better restaurants in Charleston for fine dining.

    1 person found this helpful

  5. ChrisM

    South Carolina2 reviews

    3.0

    Reviewed on November 29, 2019

    1. Overall 3
    Not sure what is so special about this place. Food is not that great and it is very expensive

    Is this helpful?

  6. ChristineB

    South Carolina5 reviews

    5.0

    Reviewed on November 25, 2019

    1. Overall 5
    Very busy restaurant with outstanding food and an extensive menu. Make reservations or you may have a long wait!

    2 people found this helpful

  7. MarieC

    Western NC5 reviews

    5.0

    Reviewed on November 14, 2019

    1. Overall 5
    No better dining in Charleston! Consistently delicious & the best service anywhere.

    1 person found this helpful

  8. heatherl

    South Carolina2 reviews

    5.0

    Reviewed on November 11, 2019

    1. Overall 5
    Great atmosphere, and always very delicious food! Great option for a taste of Charleston.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Nan33950

    Greater Boston2 reviews

    1.0

    Reviewed on November 3, 2019

    1. Overall 1
    Food was mediocre at best, and our waiter wore a soiled shirt- not a very good image.

    1 person found this helpful

  10. StephanieP Gold

    New York City25 reviews

    5.0

    Reviewed on October 30, 2019

    1. Overall 5
    Delicious, southern influenced cuisine in a friendly environment. Excellent service.

    2 people found this helpful

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Southern, Low Country, Seafood
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Sat 11:30 am–3:30 pm Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 11:00 am–3:30 pm
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Kelly Franz
  • Private party facilities
    Magnolia's private upper level dining rooms can be reserved for parties of 16 to 140 guests.
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown Charleston
  • Cross street
    between Cumberland & Queen Streets
  • Parking details
    None
  • Public transit
    Charleston CARTA to and from Visitors Center can be picked up 1/2 block from the restaurant on the quarter hour. There are also local cab companies and Charleston's famous Rickshaws that will transport guests to their hotels.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar Dining, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Charleston
  4. Charleston Peninsula
  5. Downtown Charleston

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable booking network. To check availability, please contact them directly.

Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant Management Solutions
  • Restaurant Reservation Software
  • Restaurant Marketing Software
  • Restaurant Event Software
  • OpenTable For Restaurants
  • OpenTable For Restaurant Groups
  • OpenTable Pricing & Plans
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2026 OpenTable, Inc. 425 Market St Ste 1200, San Francisco CA 94105 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo