82 Queen is a Lowcountry restaurant at 82 Queen Street in Charleston’s Historic French Quarter, known for she-crab soup, Southern seafood, and courtyard dining. Opened in 1982, it occupies three historic buildings arranged around a garden courtyard. Travelers come for a distinctly Charleston meal in an intimate setting: an appealing choice for an anniversary dinner, a leisurely lunch between historic sights, or weekend brunch.
What to Expect at 82 Queen
The kitchen’s identity centers on Lowcountry cooking, shaped by the South Carolina coast’s seafood, rice traditions, and Southern hospitality. Start with the restaurant’s signature she-crab soup, a creamy Charleston specialty listed at $9 for a cup or $13 for a bowl. Barbecue shrimp and grits is another longstanding favorite, bringing a richer, smoky-sweet treatment to the region’s familiar pairing. Menus change with the service and season, so consult the official food menu before choosing between brunch, lunch, and dinner.
The setting matters almost as much as the food. Rather than one large dining hall, the restaurant spreads through smaller rooms and a garden courtyard shaded by a substantial magnolia tree. Historic brickwork and the enclosed outdoor space give meals a residential, old-Charleston character. Weekend brunch adds buttermilk biscuits, a pomegranate mimosa, and an elaborate Bloody Mary to the experience. The restaurant also publishes a children’s menu and offers private parties and catering, making it suitable for celebrations beyond a two-person dinner.
- She-crab soup: The signature starter costs $9 per cup or $13 per bowl.
- Barbecue shrimp and grits: A house favorite for exploring the restaurant’s Lowcountry seafood identity.
- Garden courtyard: Enclosed outdoor dining beneath a magnolia, surrounded by the historic property.
- Buttermilk biscuits: The brunch menu lists biscuits with butter and fruit preserves for $9.
- The Ultimate Bloody Mary: A $16 brunch cocktail with Dixie Black Pepper Vodka, grilled jumbo shrimp, pickled okra, green olive, and Old Bay.
82 Queen at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 82 Queen Street, Charleston, SC 29401, United States |
| Neighborhood / Area | Historic French Quarter, downtown Charleston |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Friday: 11 a.m.–2 p.m. and 5–9 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday: 10 a.m.–2 p.m. and 5–9 p.m. |
| Admission / Price Range | $$$ dining; she-crab soup $9/$13, brunch biscuits $9, pomegranate mimosa $10, Ultimate Bloody Mary $16; tax and gratuity additional. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | CARTA’s free DASH Route 211 on nearby Meeting Street; municipal Queen Street Garage at 93 Queen Street. |
| Official Website & Phone | 82 Queen official website; +1 843-723-7591 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve through the restaurant’s official website, especially for weekend dinners, brunch, and celebration meals. Request courtyard seating when booking, but allow for weather and availability. An opening-time lunch or 5 p.m. dinner works well when you want an unhurried meal before evening plans. Smart-casual clothing fits the setting. Mention vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy requirements in advance: seafood, dairy, and pork feature prominently, and substitutions need a conversation with the kitchen. Bring a payment card and discuss split checks before ordering with a group.
The Queen Street Garage is a convenient alternative to searching for curbside parking; follow posted rates and restrictions. From Meeting Street’s DASH corridor, the restaurant is a short walk west along Queen Street. Historic paving and thresholds merit attention, and upstairs dining involves stairs: wheelchair users should request ground-floor seating and confirm the entrance route, restroom access, and courtyard arrangement by phone. Pair your meal with the Gibbes Museum of Art, roughly five minutes away, or walk about ten minutes to the Dock Street Theatre and Charleston City Market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours, and when should I visit?
Lunch runs Monday–Friday, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.; weekend brunch runs 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Dinner is daily, 5–9 p.m.; choose an opening-time reservation for an early meal and check holiday schedules directly.
How expensive is 82 Queen, and do I need reservations?
This is a $$$ restaurant, with the final bill depending on courses and drinks. Reservations are strongly advisable; brunch examples include $9 biscuits and a $16 Ultimate Bloody Mary, before tax and gratuity.
How long should I allow for a meal?
Budget 1.5 to 2 hours for a relaxed meal. Allow extra time for parking and a celebratory dinner with several courses.
Is 82 Queen suitable for families and visitors with limited mobility?
A dedicated children’s menu makes family meals practical. For limited mobility, arrange ground-floor seating in advance rather than assuming every historic dining room is step-free.
When planning your Charleston travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and nightlife in Charleston, pair this stop with standout local spots including Marion Square, International African American Museum, French Quarter Inn, and Husk (nearby).
