CHARLESTON, S.C. – One of Charleston’s most celebrated fine dining institutions, Charleston Grill, will close its doors on August 23 after 36 years of setting the standard for Lowcountry cuisine and service.
Located inside Charleston Place Hotel on King Street, Charleston Grill has been a cornerstone of the city’s culinary identity since 1989. The restaurant’s closure is part of a $150 million renovation of the hotel by Beemok Hospitality Collection.
A Pioneering Legacy in Charleston Dining
Opening chef Louis Osteen helped establish Charleston Grill as one of the city’s premier fine dining destinations, introducing seasonal Lowcountry cuisine to a national audience. Over the years, culinary leadership passed to chefs Bob Waggoner and later Michelle Weaver, whose tenure was marked by signature dishes like her renowned crab cakes and a trailblazing role for women chefs in Charleston.
Beyond the kitchen, figures such as longtime general manager Mickey Bakst and beverage director Rick Rubel elevated the guest experience, cultivating an award-winning wine program and a warm, elegant atmosphere.
Alumni Who Shaped Charleston’s Food Scene
Charleston Grill became a training ground for many who went on to shape the city’s restaurant landscape, including Femi Oyediran of Graft, Nathan Wheeler of Vintage Lounge, Brooke Warden of Pink Cactus, and Michael Zentner of Merci…