Good drinks and tapas. Â I've never been there for dinner, but the bar service is always great and the apps I've had have been good. Â
Usually a friendly crowd, until the incident when several folks sitting at the bar were talking about the best burgers in town, I ran into a woman who "never leaves mount pleasant." hahahahaahhahahaahahahahahahahaahah  I guess that doesn't really make her unfriendly; just silly.
Give this place a shot, for sure.
Red Drum is one of my favorite restaurants in Mount Pleasant! Their food is local, unique, and exquisite. Service is always excellent. Their bar is very fun and they have a huge assortment of microbrews. I also love the outside patio dining area. It's a great place to go for a date night inside or a night out on the patio bar with friends.
Review Source:Had the Quail and Venison sausage here. Definitely well executed, good portion sizes and fresh.
All the flavors came together very well, I'd definitely come here again. It doesn't make 5 stars just because it's slightly pricey. I've seen comparable food for less and I hate the idea of charging more, just because you can.
There seems to be an overwhelming amount of high schoolers filling water, hosting and busting tables. It's kind of odd, but there weren't any issues.
I can't say enough about the brunch we had this past Sunday.
First off, the biscuits were some of the best I have ever had (sorry, Mom). All four of us had a different main dish and all were terrific. They do a great mix of downhome/lowcountry with a mix of tex-mex.
The service is very good.
The only downfall, there is an air of pretention. Thankfully, there is not the forced valet parking on Sundays but it has the "place to be seen" atmosphere that I just don't want in a relaxing Sunday morning brunch and the dining room is kind of loud.
I suggest making reservations.
Outside of these two little points... AWESOME!
Will definitely go back!
I'll start by saying I would rate this place 3.5 stars if I could.
Food was very, very good. Â If I were just considering food quality, we'd be talking close to 5 stars here. Â I ordered the grouper with mashed potatoes and green beans in a white wine butter sauce... Truly outstanding. Â I had the warm toffee pecan cake with vanilla ice cream for dessert and it can only be described as sinful. Â We started off with some crab tostadas, which were good, but nothing special, and outrageously overpriced. Â This leads me to my issue with the food: price and portion size. Â The grouper was $30, and even with dessert, I left hungry (though admittedly I am a big eater).
I see a lot of people commenting favorably on the atmosphere, but I don't see it. Â The parking lot and exterior layout give off a vibe that screams chain restaurant, and the required valet parking is annoying and comes off as pretentious considering the tone and general feel of the restaurant. Â The inerior space seems awkward, like they retrofit a restaurant in a pre-existing space. Â It's hard not to compare the restaurant to others in the Chaleston/Mount Pleasant area that have such a cool vibe with water views/cool bar space/etc. and this place just comes up short. It is, however, very popular and we were asked (albeit very politely) to leave after lingering post-meal, leaving a bit of a bad taste in out mouths.
Other than being rushed at the end, the service was friendly and attentive. Â They have a nice selection of beers.
Overall the food earns 5 stars here, but 3 starts for value and 2 stars for atmosphere drag the overall rating down.
What can be said. I've been here several times and the food is always the same. The filet is all i've ever had and there is a reason. I'm from the northern va area and even with the fabulous restaurants that we have there and the well known restaurants that are here i put Red Drum second to known. Ben the chef puts out the best steak ive had. Cbarlie  helped us pick our wine and price is not something he focuses on but more of your overall experience. In an area laden with some of the best restaurants in the area i give props to those who are consistent with everything they do. A++++ I will go again and again and that is just for the one item.
Review Source:This was a very nice restaurant. Â The food was well prepared everyone in their party of 6 liked their meal.
The server was excellent; attentive, but not obtrusive.
Puts quite a dent in the wallet, however. Â Three appetizers, six entrees, and three bottles of wine (~$35 ea.) was $450 including tip.
We had 8:30 reservations - arrived on time but our table was not yet ready so we had a seat and ordered a drink at the bar. Â I got a fig cosmo that was so good I wanted a pitcher! Â It tasted like an icy pop which can be very dangerous.... The bartender was very nice and accommodating and answered all my questions about the different drinks. Â It is a good, social atmosphere - kind of loud for what is romantic lighting, but seemed like a fun hang out as well as dinner place. Â Food was very good. Â I had quail with venison sausage and, as I have found is a common theme down here in general, cheesy grits. Â The quail was cooked perfectly and the venison sausage was delicious and not dry at all which is great considering how lean that meat is. Â My husband got the steak frites and those frites were YUMMY as was his steak. Â We split a dessert - the hot buttered rum toffee cake with vanilla bean ice cream paired with a tawny port. Â It was so rich that the 2 of us were very glad that we split a dessert! Â Our server was very nice and knowledgeable and we had a good time. Â The menu overall I felt lacked any real creativity and was a bit unfocused as far as being tex-mex or whatever kind of fusion it is attempting to be. Â There were no appetizers that were exciting at all or even particularly interesting enough to order. Â I also felt that some dishes were overpriced for what we were getting. Â Since I am getting used to things being overpriced in Mt. Pleasant and in Charleston in general, they only lose 1 star for both that and the lack of creativity.
Review Source:Great way to start off my visit to Charleston.
Had dinner with my family, Appetizers were excellent along with entrees and service.
My daughters filet was cooked exactly as she ordered. The grilled quail and venison sausage is a must try along with the BBQ shrimp & corn pudding.
Yes, I tried a bite of everyones entree, because that's how good everything looked and tasted delicious too.
Great flavors that have your tastebuds wanting more.
For dessert we had the doughnuts with cream, a huge hit with my girls.
Service was excellent, very attentive and our waiter explained any questions we may have had about the menu.
Definitely will go back and reccommend this place to my friends traveling to Charleston.
Very Delicious food, in an awesome environment. Â We went there after severe thunderstorm canceled our plans to dine outdoors at another venue. Â The staff was very accommodating to our party of 8. Â We sat back in what seemed to be the wine cellar and it was wonderful. Â The clams are out of this world!
Review Source:We made reservations and had a great table. Â Our group was large - 11 people on a Saturday night, but we were seated promptly and the waitress was exceptional! Â The arugula salad was crisp and fresh. Â The shrimp cocktail was a must have! Â Tart lime juice complimented fresh chunks of tomatoes and huge bites of shrimp served in a large thick wine glass. Â Everything from the venison sausage links and quail to the grouper catch of the day to our entree, the seared sea scallops were amazing. Â The scallops were some of the best I've had - perfectly seared and so fresh. Â We even had a special treat at the end - donuts with dulce de leche served bachelorette style (just ask for it!). Â Loved!
Review Source:Great, great place in Mount Pleasant, SC. Was here last week, visiting from NYC. Went here with a local Charlestonian. We loved it. I had a pretty regular salad for appetizer but my enchiladas were amazing. My two dining partners loved their meals too. Pork Chops!! Best they ever had. They had the doughnuts for dessert which seemed to be a huge hit! I would definitely go here again and would recommend it.
Review Source:First time for Brunch and I wasn't disappointed. Â The best Avocado & Shrimp Salad ever...!! I had the Eggs Rancho with the perfectly spiced Bloody Marys. Â The Service was unbelievable! There was NEVER a dirty plate, missing fork, dirty napkin, empty glass with this staff. Attention, attention is what they give you despite the busy room and waiting line for tables. This is my 3rd visit and definitely on the list to return. I am a huge fan! The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is the parking. Â We had to circle the parking lot a few times to find a space for Brunch, but from memory they have Valet during the evenings. Â We were lucky, but with the line for tables I am wondering where everyone does park.
Review Source:First timers, went as part of Restaurant Week Charleston.
From the start: Â 2; Impossible to find at night. Â No lit visible signs. Â Essentially valet parking only since self-parking was on the side road
Atmosphere: Â 3; nice big bar with many tvs which is great for watching sports, the dining room was dark and a bit loud, we had the unfortunate experience of dinning in the middle of the room
Staff: Â 3; was just fine, yet nothing to write home about
Drinks: Â 3; weak cocktails, no local beers on tap
Food: Â 3; yummy: Â sea scallops, wild boar ragu; ok: Â bbq shrimp, wood-grill chicken breast, hot butter rum; skip: Â sugar and spice donuts
Overall: Â 3; may return out of ease of location to our home and late hours, however would want to explore other restaurants in the area
As defined by Wikipedia- a Gastropub refers to a bar and restaurant that serves high-end beer and food. I would add, warm and inviting, open long hours.
Not being a huge fan of the food in Charleston, its OK, but too many people think its great, its not. But Red Drum is. great.
The service was great, the food was delicious, great atmosphere, great wine, staff so nice and professional, the valets are more professional and respectful than any other I have experienced. .Point being, they are a very well run operation from the kitchen to the parking lot. The GM Charlie is the perfect guy for the job, embodies everything, being a professional manager is about. If I opened a restaurant, I would want someone he trained, if I couldn't wrestle him away for myself. He forgot more about wine than I know and I know my vino.
I cant even begin to list all of the wonderful meals I have had there, one better than the next and their desserts are the BEST!
Not that its not child friendly, but if you have little ones, best to get a sitter. The out door seating is very enjoyable, 4 different areas to dine in. Beers are from all over the world, the bartender will always allow a try if them if your unsure.
Missing this place should be a crime!
2.5 stars.
Good not great. We both ordered fish. Mine was the grilled pampano - a 5oz piece of undercooked fish served with a chutney of sorts. Didn't come with a veggie or starch. 29 bucks. I left hungry. The other dish was the daily fish special - grouper on this night. Also grilled but served with green beans and mashed potatoes, with a butter white wine sauce. It wad good, better than the pampano, and came as a full entree. 29 bucks.
Two adults and a toddler (kid's quesadilla): no apps, salad or dessert + one beer each = $85 before tip.
In summary: a decent meal for bad value. If the entrees were $10 cheaper, I'd give it a 4. Otherwise 2.5 stars.
...And, contrary to a friend's recommendation, NOT KID FRIENDLY.
Ah, the gastropub title strikes again. It seems like eateries put it in the name and that gives them the right to charge ridiculous amounts of money for average food with "creative" ingredients and well-written menus that intimidate many diners into insisting that it's good.
This may make me sound like I'm a million years old, but the place is dark. So dark that it was difficult to read the menu, and once the food came, it was difficult to make out whether the plate was actually what I ordered, because I'm still not sure that it was the Tamale of the Day. It was a tamale, but it didn't have the phenomenal sounding pumpkin seeds and creme fraiche in it as described by the server.
The 35 dollar Filet was below average for the price point, but the Wood Grilled Natural Chicken Breast was absolutely succulent. I didn't know chicken could be that dribbly-down-your-chin juicy.
Even though the chicken was so dang good, it couldn't save the entire meal. The service was fine, and if I could have made it out, the decor is probably nice, too. Based on the ingenuity of the placement of contemporary sinks in the ladies room, it might even be a little funky. However, the majority of the food was not worth the price or the 9:00 reservation we had to take because their list was so full on a Saturday evening.
I have to say I am surprised that a Gastropub would have Pabst Blue Ribbon and other not so good beers on draft when there are so many wonderful brews to be featured. The food was good, happy hour specials were great. Can not beat $4 guacamole and $6 shrimp tacos, both tasty. My husband had a delicious steak and we both had some wonderful beers - obviously not PBR. Â Would try again for brunch next time in Charleston area.
Review Source:Could not have picked a more perfect place for Sunday brunch. Bottomless Memosas for $12 per person. Well worth it bc te bartenders are generous with the champagne. Outdoor patio couches were perfect while waiting for our table. Great venue or fellowship and it has quite a European vibe about it. Definitely way above your average brunch spot. Staff were very friendly and quick on everything. Top shelf food, atmosphere and service. Will for sure be a spot I frequent in Mt. Pleasant.
Review Source:Red Drum is an incredible experience from start to finish and is not to be missed if you are in the area. The atmosphere is the first thing you notice, beautifully decorated with wood burning fireplaces inside and out. The night we joined them for dinner it was cold and rainy and standing in front of a roaring fireplace while waiting for your table was tough to beat. The staff was very attentive and friendly and I was amazed at how quickly we were served given how packed the dining room was. There is also a nice outdoor seating area but it was closed due to the rain.
The food is probably the most unique I have had in a long time in the Charleston area. It is reminicent of the Tex-Mex style you find in the Southwest and everything was made of such fresh ingredients and bold flavors it was amazing! The appetizers are more seafood focused than the entrees so between the two you have a nice spectrum of choices. Menu items are not offered anywhere else in the area and are prepared and presented perfectly. Although the price point is on the higher end, I feel it is reasonable for the quality and flavor and I found the portion sizes to be generous for this level of dining. There is also a 'late night' menu for people who come later but still want to have a nice late-night snack. Definitely make reservations as this place is popular!
Red Drum Gastropub...even the name reeks or pretense. I ate here last Friday evening, I believe -- the 13th. I chose Red Drum based on the out-of-this-world reviews that are listed here on Yelp. The restaurant has a nice decor and an upscale clientèle. I sat at the bar in order to watch one of the pre-season games while I had a nice meal. The service was top-notch without a doubt. For dinner, I ordered a scallop ceviche, a grouper dish (their special of the evening), and a couple of glasses of wine -- it was all tasty to be sure.
So why did I give Red Drum only three stars?
- The food was yummy, but it was not wonderful especially considering the price ($$$ range). I dine out a LOT and have done so globally. I felt that while the items in my meal were well-prepared, the meal just didn't scream "I love this". It lacked a certain je ne sais quoi that you don't have to identify in a good dish. You either know that it's there, or you know that it isn't. I was visiting Charleston (my hometown) from out of town, so I just wanted to indulge in the absolutely, I sh-- you not, AMAZING flavor that Charleston cuisine has to offer, and my meal at Red Drum was upscale generic with none of the flavor that puts Charleston on the culinary map. I suppose Red Drum is a refreshing break from the norm for Charlestonians, but if you're visiting the South, pass this place by -- you can get upscale generic anywhere.
- The crowd. It's a see-and-be-seen crowd which I'm not in to. Again, the people who I dined with were nice enough, but the vibe of the clientèle is completely devoid of the folksy, down-home warmth that Charlestonians have to offer. When I talked to people, I didn't feel like I was indulging in pleasant, laid back conversation. I felt like I was networking.
Long story short: you'll have a great experience here if you're looking for a place like this. If, however, you're from out of town and are looking for something which embodies the reputation that lured you to Charleston to begin with, skip the Red Drum.
My first gastropub! We were very impressed. We got there before the bar got packed so we could sit at the bar and enjoy the happy hour specials. They have great wine and food specials before 7 so take advantage of that. We had the guac and pita chips....amazingly good. Then I ordered the house salad and my husband ordered the shrimp tacos, not bad also. The real highlight of the meal, however, was the cheese board (my husband is now obsessed with those slate plates the cheese was served on); we chose the marscapone, cheddar, and the Dante. OMG. The marscapone was cool and refreshing, the cheddar was served with a CARAMEL and sea salt dip  (how unique), and the dante had a twist of garlic in it and was served with honey. Everything was perfectly paired and exquisitely done so make sure to definitley try the cheese board. We later ordered a couple of their cocktails...the peach bellini and the blueberry/cream soda martini. WOW. I must say, they really have something different yet sophisticated going on here, I wish we had places like this back in Virginia. The bartenders are very attentive, maybe almost too attentive. But by 730 it was sufficiently packed, so I understand their need for turnaround. Again, we were blown away by the decor; raw, earth elements, rustic wood, and a lot of leather just completely gives this place 5 stars in ambiance alone. That, combined with the killer food and drinks, is what a true 5 star establishment is all about.
Review Source:One of the best places Ive ever eaten in Charleston. Sort of like a Local & Southwest fusion. They know good quality food here. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the wine & beer list is extensive. (you can get a flight of rare-to-the-area microbrews for basically the price of a pint).
The food was to die for. I went with a party of 3 and we tried almost everything on the "For The Table" and "Appetizers" sections. Among the favorites were the Tostadilla (sp?) Trio (Shrimp Cocktail, Crab, and Lobster Ceviche on crunchy tortilla strips). Also, the Cheese plate as everyone said was the best Ive had...anywhere. The Dante and Caramel was a unique twist. We also loved the fried oysters- they were lightly breaded, perfectly fried, and succulently fresh.
I highly highly highly recommend this restaurant for a great experience and exceptional food and drink. I honestly think this is one of the best meals I've had in Charleston. Plus, come here late night and you might even land yourself a bar-going cougar :)
i heard that red drum just change their menu. Â it seems from the reviews it was changed and now it isn't as good as it use to be. Â the shrimp and grits had a lot of shrimp but no grits. Â the tuna fish tacos are no longer there but replace with fired cod?!?! tacos. Â all in all the place was ok but it was sold to me as something better.
Review Source:Dined there last night, very very good. A little on the pricey side for local fish but the food quality, preparation and display was terrific. Service was also very good. Not the place you pick for the routine night out ($$$$) but definitely the date night, celebration, nice dinner destination. Very nice ambiance, especially by the fireplace. Great wine list, Tuesday night was 1/2 price bottles, excellent value.
Has complimentary valet parking but not sure why, the parking lot is pretty small.
Update time! I'm compelled to upgrade my review from a 3 to 4. I've been back several times since I wrote my review in 2008 and have to say that this place has grown on me. The ambiance is nice (i prefer the bar area of the formal sitting area) and the two times I've eaten here in the last year the food has been good. The cheese plate alone is enough to raise this from a 3 to 4 star.
Definitely check this place out if you're in Mt. Pleasant!
I'll first say that I've been reading restaurant reviews on Yelp for years now but it wasn't until this morning when I read my dear friend Morgan's review of Red Drum that I was compelled to join just so that I could set the record straight on this one!!! Â (and yes, she's really one of my BFF's)
Red Drum is far and away one of my favorite restauants in the Charleston area. Â The wine list is AMAZING (half price bottles on Tuesday nights), the cheese plate rocks the pants off any cheese plate in town, and the 8 or 10 dishes that I've tried thus far have been fantastic.
I happen to know that Morgan is gaga for the cheese plate too because all of the cheese come from Wisconsin. Â Its definitely a must-order option but as another review said, its actually on the dessert menu so ask for it when you sit down.
My personal favorites:
1. Crab and Avocado tostada (worth every penny)
2. The chicken quesadilla appetizer (YUMMY, not your average boring CQ)
3. The grilled shrimp entree served with AMAZING corn pudding
4. The banana split dessert
5. These fluffy little fried donut things served with dulce de leche make me absolutely weak in the knees
saving the best for last...
THE ENCHILLADA. Â Ask you server to double the appetizer portion as your entre. Â You won't be sorry! Â Again, really kicked up with a rich mole sauce and some seriously big flavors.
I think its a great place to go for a few drinks and a bunch of appetizers. Â You can also order the full menu from the bar. Â Service is always spectacular and they have the coziest indoor and outdoor fireplaces- a great winter dining spot.
Sorry Morgan- you've got this one all wrong!
(Oh and yes, there were rumors of this being a popular bar scene for the 30 something single crowd. Â I've never picked up on any strange dynamics though- I would guess the scene is naturally attracts older clientel because the place has a nice bar, a great wine list and exceptional food a little too pricey for the average Bud-light drinking, happy hour go-er.)
There are many things to like about this place. The food is excellent. It took some time to narrow down what to order because everything looks delicious. I highly recommend the skirt steak, which was cooked to perfection and served with especially tasty crisp frites. The portion sizes are just right. The wine selection includes many options by the glass, service is friendly and there was even some live music on a Thursday evening.
Review Source:GREAT food! Â We sat in the wine cellar, and while it was a bit loud, the ambiance was perfect. Â I'm not sure about the cougar part another reviewer mentioned- saw plenty of mixed aged families (behaved kids included). Â Closed on Sunday's, and only open for dinner, but a hot spot for pre-anything drinks or a full meal. Â The peanut butter cup dessert was one of the best I've had and a great ending to an otherwise health conscious meal.
Review Source:Red Drum is a fantastic restaurant. Â The food here is spectacular and if you go to Charleston you should eat here. Â Don't think twice. Â Put this place at the top of your list. Â My wife's brother lives in Mt Pleasant, every time we head to the Palmetto state we eat here (2x in 2008 so far). Â
1. Â AMBIANCE. Â It feels a little Mediterranean as you walk in. Â There is a large bar on the right, a tabled bar/dining area on the left and straight ahead is a more formal eating area. Â There are small TVs oddly situated in the entryway, so it has a little upscale Southern feel to it.
2. Â COCKTAILS. Â They are good. Â We've tried the margaritas and caipirinhas, both were great. Â
3. Â FIRST COURSE. Â We've had several of their salads, but the best starter here is on the dessert tray - ask for the cheese plate. Â They do a cheddar / caramel combination that is really different and quite good. Â There is a similar Stilton / Honey combination that I really enjoyed as well.
4. Â MAIN COURSE. They have some novel upscale Mexican / Southwest combinations. Â If you were in Santa Fe, this place would fit in. Â The enchiladas are great, so are the tamales I had once as a special. Â The fresh fish is also really good and last time I had the hanger steak in a mole that was outstanding.
5. Â WINE. Â They've got a great and long wine list that is very impressive. Â The sommelier has always treated us right on combinations.
6. Â DESSERT. Â We've never made it this far. Â Usually at this point we're full and call it a night!
Note:
I have Celiac disease and follow a wheat / gluten free diet. Â The wait staff and chefs here have always been great and they've even done some customization of meals.
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