I’ve been to Burwell’s about 4 times now and have had an amazing meal each time. I find that people often overlook this hidden gem (especially locals) simply because it’s located on Market Street, but don’t let that deter you! This isn’t standard tourist fare; this is on par with your favorite Charleston restaurants, as both the bar and the food scene are both on point.
Bartender, pour me another!
The main attraction for coming to Burwell’s is (of course) the hot rocks ($16 – $18). Aka mini grilling at your table. I love this for a number of reasons: 1. It’s super fun 2. You can choose how long you want to leave your steak on (perfect for when I want it medium and my mom wants it weller-than-well-done). How often do you get to go to a fancy restaurant and be encouraged to play with your food??
DO YOU SMELL WHAT THE ROCK IS COOKIN’?!
One of my favorite parts of dining at Burwell’s is the complimentary bread you get with your meal. This isn’t your standard sourdough, ohhhh no. This asiago brioche is heavy on the asiago and seemingly light as air. It’s super buttery so you almost don’t need the whipped butter accompaniment (but I’m a Southerner, so I slather it on anyway). Best part: they portion it out to have a the same number of rolls as people sitting at the table. No more fighting over who gets the last piece!
I don’t fight, I just take what I want. And what I want is another one of these cheesy breads.
I’ve tried a good portion of the menu, but I always come back to the deviled eggs (candied bacon, pickled vegetable, gastrique, $10). I’m not sure what they do to them, but they’re bursting with flavor and ridiculously tasty. I could eat 100 of these. I also like they cut them into squares so they don’t wobble all over the plate and make a mess. Plus, they’re easier to eat that way!
Plus, this way they can fit more on the plate.
The Lobster Bisque (when they have it) was one of the best I’ve ever had anywhere, and Lobster isn’t really even a thing in Charleston. It’s the perfect balance of creaminess and lobster flavor that doesn’t overwhelm you with richness.
I confess I may have licked the bowl.
Our waiter recommended that if you like filet mignon (which I do) to try the Wagyu flat iron steak (8 oz, $37), as it’s just as tender but even more flavorful. I was skeptical, but willing to give it a shot and I have to say: he was totally right. My dad ordered the Wagyu Gold Kobe Style Zabuton (8 oz, $38), and kept stealing bites of mine because it was just that good.
Reaching your hand over to my plate is a good way to lose a finger.
Another thing we tried was a new play on the classic pork belly that they were doing the night we visited, which they called the Pork Belly Banana Split (not sure if it’s on the menu, but their classic pork belly runs about $15). It was, in a word, amazeballs. The banana wasn’t too sweet, and the pork belly completely melted in your mouth. It was so tasty. I highly recommend it!
Who knew pork and banana would pair so well together?
My grandmother, being from Massachusetts, had her heart set on a lobster tail (especially after that amazing aforementioned lobster bisque), so she opted for the 2 lobster tails with asparagus, zucchini, peas, and local potato mash ($market price). When the waiter set the plate down in front of her, she exclaimed “there’s no way I’ll be able to eat all of this!” before devouring the entire plate. It was really something to watch. The lobster was perfectly cooked (although she did have to request drawn butter for dipping), and the local potato mash was super creamy and exquisitely savory.
Like all good potatoes are.
One thing that wasn’t my favorite was the breakfast sandwich mac & cheese ($8). Although I appreciate the creativity, I think it’s trying to accomplish too much. They focus so much on the fried poached egg (which is delicious on its own) that the actual cheese sauce in the mac is very much overlooked. Give it a try and judge for yourself.
I’m something of a mac purist.
Those of you with a sweet tooth: rejoice! For Burwell’s also excels in the dessert department. My favorite is the banana bread pudding. It takes all the things you love about banana bread and combines all the things you love about bread pudding, and even if you don’t love either of those things, you will love this, I promise.
It’s served with cinnamon toast crunch. I mean, how can you go wrong with that?!
Also a note about service: The service here is outstanding! The waiters are always super friendly and knowledgeable about the menu and more than happy to make recommendations. I highly recommend Burwell’s!
Hopefully this lets Burwell’s become less of a hidden gem and more of a neighborhood hot spot!
Burwell’s Stone Fire Grill
14 N Market St
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 737-8700
Read Sydney G.‘s review of Burwell’s Stone Fire Grill on Yelp
