Right on time, wasn’t it?
The long anticipated opening of Savannah’s newest seafood restaurant finally happened on Wednesday night. Yes, you’ve read correctly. It has happened. The Darling Oyster Bar, a very popular Charleston-based restaurant is now open right here in Savannah, putting an official end to the longest new opening stake out I have ever witnessed in my 15 years plus of putting pen to paper in this region.
I had dinner there Wednesday, enjoyed everything we ordered. There were oysters of course, selections that like anyone else’s will vary depending on the day. There were mussels, there was a crab dip and there was a delicious Shrimp Creole dish. All of it was great. It was a fairly quick visit given that I wanted to enjoy everything on the menu, but a) it was a school night and I was behaving and b) the menu is very similar to their offering in Charleston, which I’ve had the pleasure of eating and liking a couple of times before. So I was good with a little nosh and a visit with a few friends who are now working there.
Those of you that haven’t seen The Darling’s menu will want to know that it isn’t too big, but there is a nice variety in the offerings. Fried Shrimp and Fried Oyster Baskets are on there, of course, as is a catch of the day and several other seafood items. Beyond that you will find a burger, a chicken sandwich (both under $20) and a fried half chicken. All of which come with sides. So there is plenty for someone in your group that doesn’t enjoy seafood.
That seafood, of course, is the big draw. Their raw bar (photo above) is set in the front window facing Franklin Square and City Market across the way. The area is designed to be a high energy type of area, just like it is in Charleston where it looks out on King Street. The lighting is great and the fun in those seats will be as well…