Circa 1886 Restaurant is a fine-dining restaurant at 149 Wentworth Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29401, in the residential Harleston Village neighborhood. Opened in 2000 in the original carriage house behind the Wentworth Mansion, it interprets Lowcountry cooking through seasonal ingredients, historical influences, and polished contemporary technique. Travelers come for an intimate dinner in a nineteenth-century building, an extensive wine selection, and a quieter setting than Charleston’s busiest restaurant streets.
What to Expect at Circa 1886 Restaurant
The restaurant occupies the carriage house of the Wentworth Mansion, the grand residence completed in 1886 for merchant Francis Silas Rodgers. Its scale is more intimate than the mansion’s: original architectural details, including pine flooring and stable doors, connect the dining room to the building’s working past. White tablecloths, carefully spaced courses, and attentive service make this an occasion restaurant rather than a quick Southern supper stop. Dinner here works particularly well for anniversaries, proposals, and travelers who want an evening centered on food and conversation.
Long associated with chef Marc Collins, Circa 1886 has explored the Native American, African, and European contributions to Charleston’s foodways alongside modern Southern cooking. Antelope has been one of its best-known specialties, an unusual alternative to the seafood and pork that dominate many local menus. Seasonal accompaniments and preparations change, so treat celebrated dishes as a reason to investigate the current menu rather than a fixed order. The wine program is central to the experience; ask the team to match bottles or glasses to the evening’s dishes. Discuss vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy requirements when reserving so the kitchen can explain suitable options.
- Historic carriage house: Dine behind the Wentworth Mansion in a building tied to the estate’s nineteenth-century origins.
- Lowcountry food history: The culinary identity reaches beyond familiar shrimp-and-grits shorthand to the region’s intersecting food traditions.
- Antelope specialty: This distinctive game meat has become closely associated with the restaurant’s reputation.
- Wine-led dining: An extensive list supports both celebratory bottles and thoughtful food-and-wine combinations.
- Intimate evening atmosphere: A small-scale historic dining room favors unhurried meals and special occasions over a loud bar scene.
Circa 1886 Restaurant at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 149 Wentworth Street, Charleston, SC 29401 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Harleston Village, on the Wentworth Mansion grounds |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Tuesday and Thursday–Saturday, 5–9 p.m.; closed Wednesday and Sunday |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid dining; $$$$ fine-dining tier. Consult the official menu for current dishes and prices. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 2 to 3 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Free CARTA DASH 211 service in the King Street corridor; complimentary parking on the Wentworth Mansion grounds |
| Official Website & Phone | Circa 1886 official website; +1 843-853-7828 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve through the restaurant’s official website, especially for Friday and Saturday evenings or an anniversary dinner. A 5 p.m. booking gives you the earliest seating and leaves room for a leisurely meal. Choose polished evening clothing; a collared shirt or similarly smart outfit suits the setting. Mention celebrations, dietary needs, and mobility requirements before arrival. The dining room is at carriage-house level rather than upstairs in the mansion; request the accessible approach and suitable table placement when booking, particularly for a larger wheelchair.
Drivers can use the property’s complimentary parking rather than searching residential blocks; allow time to locate the restaurant behind the mansion. For transit, use CARTA’s official route information to plan DASH 211 service near King Street, followed by a westward walk along Wentworth. Uneven historic sidewalks warrant extra care with wheels or heels. Before dinner, walk roughly ten minutes south to Colonial Lake, five to ten minutes east to King Street’s shops, or about fifteen minutes northeast to the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art when its galleries are open.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Circa 1886 open, and when should I arrive?
Dinner hours are 5–9 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday; Wednesday and Sunday are closed. Book the opening seating for an early evening, and check holiday schedules directly.
How expensive is dinner, and are reservations necessary?
This is a $$$$ restaurant, with wine, tax, and gratuity adding to the food bill. Advance reservations are strongly recommended; review current menu pricing on the official website before booking.
How long should I allow for dinner?
Allow two to three hours for a relaxed dinner with several courses. Leave additional time if you want wine guidance or are celebrating rather than working around a theater reservation.
Is it suitable for families or diners with mobility needs?
The quiet, extended dining format best suits adults and children comfortable with a formal meal. For mobility needs, contact the restaurant about the carriage-house entrance, approach surfaces, and table clearance before arrival.
When planning your Charleston travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and nightlife in Charleston, pair this stop with standout local spots including Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, Hotel Bennett, Planters Inn, and Wentworth Mansion (nearby).
