Circa 1886 is a fine dining restaurant located in the original carriage house of the historic Wentworth Mansion in downtown Charleston, SC. The name derives from the year it was built, 1886, and the character of the structure is still very much in tact. The wood-burning kitchen fireplace, stable doors and original heart-of-pine floors are all original and oozing with charm.
One of Charleston’s best restaurants, Circa 1886 serves a seasonal menu with a focus on local product, high quality ingredients and Southern flavors. With traditional Low Country dishes created by Chef Marc Collins, Circa 1886 is one of those places that you can know every item ordered will exceed your culinary expectations.
In addition to their amazing food they have an ever-changing 250 bottle wine list that is carefully selected to pair well with the current menu. Plus all year-round they have the $5 at 5 happy hour menu where you can have any of 5 wines or 5 signature cocktails for only $5.
Circa 1886 also hosts events frequently. If you will be in Charleston in June you must check out their Southern Living: Chef + Editor Dinner Series: Circa 1886 on where you can join Executive Chef Marc Collins and Southern Living Editor-in-Chief Sid Evans for a private dinner event. Another great June event is the Blue Jeans and Craft Beer Dinner on June 16th (which would make a great Father’s Day gift). This event will feature a four-course Craft Beer Dinner featuring Chef Collins’ Southern fare and a selection of Tradesman Brewing Co. craft beer.
Plus if you stay at any of Charming Inns’ properties then you can enjoy a 3-course meal for only $49 at Circa 1886. I was down there for a tasting of their Summer 2016 Menu recently and let me tell you it is on point! You can read all of the delicious menu items below and keep up with their blog as they announce new events and release new menus in the months to come.
Appetizers
Gem Salad Trumpet Mushrooms, Beets, Tomato, Garlic Focaccia, Carrots, Persian Cucumbers,?Roasted Lemon and Champagne Vinaigrette
Shrimp N’ Grits Ravioli Royal Red Shrimp, Cotija Cheese, Maize Pudding, Kaffir Lime Essence, Holy City Crudo, Pancetta
Deviled Eggs Black Truffle, Yellow Curry, Caramelized Bacon, Scallion Paint, Sorrel, Tobiko, Rosemary Wafer
Ricotta Terrine Blood Orange Carrot Puree, Pepita Raisin Granola, Petite Greens, Carrot Aspic, Crème Fraîche
Cherry Wood Smoked Poussin Leg Celery Root, Roquefort Slaw, Agave Benne Seed Glaze
La Belle Farms Foie Gras Duet Foie Gras Grand Marnier Custard & Sour Onion Marmalade, Crispy Fried Foie Gras, Peach Jelly, Almond Butter, Espelette
Main Courses
Beef Rosemary Garlic Rub, Parsnip Potato Puree, Spinach, Caramelized Mushroom Glace
Spring Lamb Asparagus, Duchesse Potato, Morello Cherry Fondue, Merlot Demi Glace, Smoked Paprika Oil
Wild Boar IPA Braised, Kale, Coriander Baked Beans, Honey Mustard Pan Sauce
Chicken Fried Lobster White Cheddar Grits, Haricots Verts, Jalapeño Cauliflower Jardiniére, Yuzu Sabayon
Broken Arrow Antelope Carolina Gold Rice, Basil, Blackberry Jam Reduction, Baby Squash, Sunflower Seed Pistou
Spaghetti Squash Herbes de Provence French Toast, Baby Turnips, Fig, Whipped Blue Goat Cheese, Apricot Brandy Syrup
Salmon Sea Island Peas, Jasmine Rice Mousseline, Bok Choy, Caper Gremolata, Smoked Salmon Demi Glace
Rainbow Trout Watercress, Cinnamon Spiced Pecans, Fennel, Quinoa, Leek Puree, Strawberry Beurre Blanc
Frogmore Stew Shrimp, Clams, Marble Potatoes, Chicken Bratwurst, Collard Greens, Beech Mushrooms, Pearl Onions, Corn Fumet
Sweet Finishes
S’mores Flourless Chocolate Cake, Toasted Marshmallow Ice Cream, Meringue, Smoked Milk Chocolate Ganache, Graham Crunch
Banana Split Ice Cream Sandwich Strawberry, Chocolate, Brûlée Banana
Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Preserved Blueberry Crisp Soufflé Lemon Ice Cream, Streusel
Warm Caramel Apple Cake Green Apple Compote, Fireball Sauce, Salted Caramel
Key Lime Pie Bavarois, Curd, Cheesecake, Raspberry Coulis
Croissant Doughnut Trio Chocolate Glazed, Vanilla Crème, Cinnamon
-Cristin
This post was in partnership with Charming Inns. Photos by Katheryn Blythe Photography.
