Minero
By Emma Waugh, @girleatseverything and CharlotteBergerPR Account Coordinator
The downtown Charleston location of Minero was beloved by locals and tourists alike, so the day it closed its doors in 2020 was a sad day for many. Much to our excitement, Minero announced earlier this year that it would be reopening on Johns Island, and the Tastemakers crew had the pleasure of checking out the new space and menu last week.
Based on how busy the place was on a rainy Wednesday night just days after officially opening, Minero is well on its way to becoming Johns Island’s newest hotspot. With a large covered patio, spacious indoor dining rooms and additional tables outside, there is plenty of room to spread out. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive as they walked us through everything we tasted.
To kick off the evening, we were each handed an El Luchador cocktail, made of Jamaican rum, charanda (a Mexican spirit derived from sugarcane), orgeat, passion fruit and lime. This drink is the Tastemakers charity item for July, with $1 from each one sold this month going to The McConnell Foundation, which raises funds for pediatric cancer research in Charleston.
As we sipped our cocktails, out came a generous spread of chips and dips: a trio of salsas (smoky roja, tangy verde and sweet + spicy benne), queso and guacamole.
If you were lucky enough to visit Minero’s downtown location, you know their wings are simply legendary and we were thrilled when they hit the table next. Cooked on a charcoal grill and tossed in Valentina sauce (authentic Mexican hot sauce), these babies did not disappoint.
We continued making our way through the starters with the Broiled Oysters Bravos with cotija cheese, chipotle peppers and mezcal, the crispy and flavorful Pork Carnitas Empanadas, and the snapper Ceviche Campechana served with chicharron de harina (pork rinds made with flour instead of pork).
Based on our amazing meal, there is clearly no wrong choice when ordering from Minero. When it comes to cocktails however, I must recommend the El Luchador! Not only is it delicious, it also supports The McConnell Foundation’s incredible cause during the month of July.
3140 Maybank Highway, Johns Island
