82 Queen: A Southern Taste of History

82 Queen has been at the forefront of the Charleston dining scene since 1982–and it is still going strong despite an increasing number of competitors. Named after its French Quarter address, 82 Queen is composed of three buildings clustered around a central courtyard; the historic buildings have been there since 1866, making 82 Queen one of the oldest restaurants locations in the downtown area. Each of the restaurant’s eleven dining areas provides a unique, intimate, and memorable experience.

 

The term “Lowcountry Cuisine” has nearly single-handedly been defined by the culinary staff at 82 Queen, as they combined African, French, Caribbean and English influences with traditional Southern food to create the menus. This combination has since been copied–though never perfected–and 82 Queen remains the standard when it comes to classic, traditional Lowcountry food. Executive Chef Steven Lusby has included slight twists on old favorites as a way to update the menu, but still remains true to the original vision of the 82 Queen owners.

 

As The Charleston City Paper puts it, “[82 Queen] is classic, and it works.” The She-Crab soup has been voted “Best of Charleston” by the City Paper readers, no small feat considering that she-crab soup is a staple of local eating. The restaurant is also the three-time winner of the Best City Restaurant by Southern Living magazine, which is further evidence of the enduring quality and service that 82 Queen provides. The menu offers classics such as fried green tomatoes, crab cakes and local mussels, as well as that Charleston favorite, shrimp and grits (one of their top-selling menu items).

 

See the lunch, dinner and brunch menus. Lunch is served Monday-Friday from 11:30 AM to 3 PM. Brunch is offered Saturday 11:30 AM-3 PM and Sunday 10:30 AM-3 PM. Dinner is served Sunday through Thursday 5:30-10:00 PM, and Friday and Saturday from 5:30 to 10:30 PM. Reservations are recommended.

 

Sources:

 

“A 300-year-old address.” 82 Queen. http://www.82queen.com/#

 

“About Us.” 82 Queen. http://www.82queen.com/about-us/

Doksa, Eric. “82 Queen.” Charleston City Paper. Winter 2013. http://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/charleston/82-queen/Location?oid=1069327