Anson Restaurant is a Southern coastal restaurant at 12 Anson Street in Charleston’s historic Ansonborough neighborhood, just north of the City Market. Opened in 1987 in a converted warehouse, it combines Charleston seafood traditions with seasonal American cooking. Travelers come for an atmospheric dinner, local ingredients, and longstanding favorites such as crispy flounder, with a full bar and wine list supporting a leisurely evening.
What to Expect at Anson Restaurant
Anson’s kitchen balances Lowcountry staples with contemporary preparations rather than treating Southern cooking as a fixed historical menu. She-crab soup is a natural starting point, while fried green tomatoes arrive with bacon jam and pimento cheese. Roasted East Coast oysters carry garlic butter, Parmesan, and bread crumbs. The restaurant’s signature crispy flounder has long been associated with an apricot-shallot sauce; check the evening’s selection before ordering. Seasonal ingredients and seafood availability shape the broader dinner offering.
The historic warehouse setting provides brickwork, substantial timber elements, chandeliers, and dining spaces on two levels. It feels polished without requiring a formal occasion: equally appropriate for a seafood-focused dinner or a couple’s evening out. Start with a cocktail or ask for a wine pairing with oysters and fish. For lighter dishes, the menu includes baby beet salad with buffalo burrata and pistachio vinaigrette, plus Little Gem salad with almonds, pickled cherries, apple, and green goddess dressing. Both salads are marked gluten-free, although dairy, nuts, and dressing ingredients still warrant attention.
- She-crab soup: A Charleston classic, priced at $15 on the dinner menu.
- Fried green tomatoes: Bacon jam and pimento cheese make this $22 starter distinctly rich and savory.
- Roasted East Coast oysters: Garlic butter, Parmesan, and bread crumbs accompany the $24 preparation.
- Seasonal salads: Baby beet salad costs $18; the gluten-free Little Gem salad is $16.
- Historic dining rooms: Converted warehouse architecture gives dinner a setting closely connected to the old commercial district.
Anson Restaurant at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 12 Anson Street, Charleston, SC 29401 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Ansonborough, beside the historic City Market district |
| Operating Hours | Tuesday–Thursday, 5–9 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 5–9:30 p.m.; closed Sunday–Monday. Confirm closing times when reserving. |
| Admission / Price Range | $$$; listed starters and salads $15–$24, before tax and gratuity; mains and drinks additional |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Free CARTA DASH Route 211 near Meeting Street and Market Street; paid parking at the Pinckney Street garage |
| Official Website & Phone | Anson Restaurant; +1 843-577-0551 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve through the official website, particularly for Friday and Saturday evenings; a 5 p.m. table suits an early dinner before other plans. Smart-casual clothing fits the room. Review the official dinner menu for current dishes, and discuss vegetarian requests or allergies before arrival: bacon appears in the tomato starter, while nuts and dairy feature in salads. Bring a payment card and budget for tax and gratuity beyond menu prices. Friday and Saturday to-go orders stop after 6:30 p.m.
From the Meeting Street–Market Street area, walk east along Market and north onto Anson Street; DASH Route 211 provides a useful free downtown connection. Drivers can use the nearby paid Pinckney Street garage rather than depend on limited curb spaces. Uneven historic sidewalks deserve care with wheelchairs and strollers. Because dining occupies two levels, request ground-floor seating and confirm step-free entrance and restroom arrangements by phone. Pair dinner with St. Philip’s Church, roughly eight minutes away, the Gibbes Museum of Art, around 12 minutes away, or Waterfront Park, about 15 minutes on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Anson Restaurant open, and when should I arrive?
Dinner begins at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Book near opening for an earlier meal, and confirm the closing time with your reservation.
How expensive is dinner, and should I reserve?
Anson falls in the $$$ dining tier, with listed starters and salads costing $15–$24. Reserve ahead for weekend dinners, and allow separately for entrées, drinks, tax, and gratuity.
How much time should I budget?
Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for starters and a main course. Add time for cocktails, dessert, or a walk through the surrounding historic district.
Is Anson suitable for families and visitors with mobility needs?
Anson does not offer a children’s menu, so review the regular dishes before bringing younger diners. Visitors avoiding stairs should request downstairs seating and discuss their access requirements directly with the restaurant.
When planning your Charleston travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and american restaurant in Charleston, pair this stop with standout local spots including Aiken-Rhett House Museum, Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site, The Pinch Charleston, and Emeline (nearby).
