82 Queen--My Favorite Restaurant
I moved from California to South Carolina about a year ago, and my wife and I have gone to 82 Queen three times. I have loved the experience all three times.

Each time we have gone, we have started off with the Fried Green Tomatoes appetizer. This is an absolutely exquisite appetizer. (I've even thought of going to the restaurant for just that and dessert!) The tomatoes are zesty, the breading is crisp and full-flavored, and the grits are are as smooth and creamy as can be! There is a red sauce that is drizzled over the grits and tomatoes that is also very zesty, but also a bit sweet. The proportions on this dish are absolutely perfect...we always run out of everything at the same time.

My wife fell in love with the Grilled Pork Tenderloin entree ($18.75), and has ordered it all three times! About this dish, she says, "It is delicious. The pork doesn't even need chewing, it's so tender. The sauce is strong and sweet, and the collard greens and garlic mashed potatoes complement it well."

I have varied my menu a bit more. The first time, I tried the Mixed Grill ($22.95). I hadn't eaten quail or venison before, and discovered that I don't care for venison (I don't fault the chef for that), and the quail took too much effort to get the meat off of the bones. But the filet mignon was to die for, and even without eating much of the quail or venison, I was still quite full after the entree.

The second time, I tried the shrimp and sea scallops ($18.95). The first few bites of this dish had me exclaiming at its mixture of tastes and textures. The scallops were soft but not slimy, the shrimp were large and easy to eat, and the clams were open enough to easily remove their meats. However, the strong flavors did tend to leave me wanting for something else to go with the meal. I like variety, and would probably like to see this entree provided in a smaller portion with something to go with it. That way, I could switch between the elements of the meal, and wouldn't feel as overpowered.

The last time I went, I ordered the grilled filet mignon ($21.95), which was served with steamed vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes, if I recall correctly. The three parts of the meal were all so excellent, I had a hard time figuring out which bite to take, each time. The steak had a full flavor, was cooked exactly to medium-rare, and was still hot when it arrived at my table.

We have ordered the Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake dessert (around $7, if I remember correctly) two of the times we went (we were too full the other time for dessert). We promised each other that we would bring a camera the next time we go, so we can take a picture of it before we eat it. Absolutely gorgeous! And a wonderful mixture of flavors, with the custard-raspberry jam swirl on the plate, to the dark crust and lightly-flavored and creamy cheesecake.

The service has been outstanding. The waiters have been personable and sincere. My wife and I do not usually drink alcohol, so my wife wasn't sure how to explain what kind of wine she likes. The waiter was very patient, and not condescending of our lack of knowledge of wines. He even brought my wife a small taste of the wine that she thought she might enjoy. She has ordered that same wine all three times. My wife also orders an iced tea, and I order only the iced tea with each meal. It has got to be the best-brewed Luzianne tea I've tasted in any restaurant.    [24 Jul 2002 12:14:51]

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Recommended Dishes: fried green tomatoes, filet mignon, raspberry swirl cheesecake

     ­David Castro, Summerville, SC   thetechwriter at yahoo dot com

Great Ambiance
I had lunch at 82 Queen on my way out of town- what a way to end a great trip! The she-crab soup is not to be missed. I tried the famous barbecued shrimp and grits, and it was outstanding. My husband selected the fish special of the day, which was also quite tasty. We were fortunate to have been able to sit outside on a not-too-hot day. It was a lovely setting, and the staff were all extremely attentive and courteous.    [08 Jun 2004 17:10:30]

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Recommended Dishes: She-Crab Soup

     ­Julie H. Yasaki, High Point, NC   

My wife and I enjoyed dinner-it was a highlight of our trip. Prices were reasonable although wine by the bottle was impressively expensive. The she crab soup continues to rule the menu. I had a Cajun-blackened strip steak that was superb.Vegetables were a little limp.    [20 Mar 2005 12:07:53]

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     ­paulb   

82 Queen Too Touristy
As a person who enjoys eating out and enjoys the bounty of Charlestons offerings, 82 Queen is low on my list. There is an unfortunate smell (one of old wet towels) that permeates the restaurant as soon as you enter, which turns my stomach. The menu is stagnant and the she crab soup (which you can find at nearly every restaurant here) is their only redeeming feature. There are much better places to spend your time and money.    [28 Jun 2005 17:16:37]

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     ­Anonymous   

Try Again!
If you've ever been disappointed at 82 Queen, please try again. My wife and I ate there in May, 2007, and the food and service were, simply, superb. We ate at so many restaurants in Charleston, so I cannot remember what I had. But I can say this: I happily purchased the cook book they offer, and have not been disappointed in its contents. Every restaurant goes thru ups and downs, and 82 Queen, while not exempt from life, must have more ups than downs, if our experience is any indication. Of the MANY restaurants in Charleston that my wife and I sampled, 82 Queen (along with the Charleston Grill) would top the list.    [25 Oct 2007 23:05:27]

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Recommended Dishes: Anything Low Country

     ­John Huntley, Hastings, MI   john-huntley at excite dot com