Meeting at Market
By Libby Williams, @PlateSouth
It’s not often that I will enter an establishment that touts itself as a Sports Bar. The most sports events I ever got into was a good game of tennis or an afternoon sleeping on the couch while my dad watched golf on a Sunday afternoon. So “sports” isn’t usually my thing. Coupled with the drunken bar scene, I would usually say – count me out.
But, when a said sports bar feels more like a swanky pub in the heartbeat of Charleston in one of our nicest hotels…well, I may change that sad, old tune. Especially when the place is surrounded by windows that let me people watch all the live long day.
Image provided
When our Tastemakers Charleston group got invited for an evening of snacks to Meeting at Market a few weeks ago, I decided checking this place out in the heart of Charleston was something I didn’t want to miss out on. Located inside the beautiful Charleston Place Hotel, this pub is prime real estate for watching the hustle and bustle of the Charleston scene. Not only does this corner cater to the bustling tourist scene in Charleston, but you see plenty of local bankers, lawyers, and Charlestonians pass by the huge windows as they meander through the city. To me, this trumps anything that would be on the tv screens in any sports bar. So I am a happy camper!
To be honest, this place has more of a swanky pub vibe than anything. And with a menu that offers up ploughman’s boards, fish & chips, and a variety of pub burgers, you really can’t go wrong. We had a big crowd and suffice it to say, everyone was pleased.
We had a smattering of delicious treats for our evening here including their not-to-be-missed Sailor’s Sampler – a ploughman’s board made of seafood samplers like Smoked Seafood Mousse, Smoked salmon, mussels, smoked trout and some cocktail shrimp for good fishy measure. It was like the Southern version of what I grew up with. And there certainly was enough to share.
Also on the menu and probably my favorite thing of all were the loaded kettle chips, complete with a creamy blue cheese sauce and bacon on top. I maaaaayyyyyy have eaten this whole thing, even though my intention was to share it. Or rather, the intention of those who ordered it was to share it. So…I guess good job on the sharing, Tastemaker friends! I guess I need to work on my sharing skills.
Also on the menu: the hot dogs. Ohhhhh the hot dogs. They were perhaps the best dogs I have had in years. Hot dogs are something I get a taste for about once a year, and lucky for me, the stars aligned my tastebuds and my trip to M@M…lucky me! I ordered myself the Blue Cheese Dog piled with blue cheese sauce, jalapenos, bacon and chopped tomatoes. These hot dogs are not those whimpy cookout hot dogs you get at your neighbors barbecue. They are substantially hearty and magnificently tasty. Seriously. Go try one while you sip a beer and watch tourists out the window. It’s great fun!
We also tried some of their Pick 3 Crostini. For our sample, we tried the Smoked Salmon (served with herbed Boursin cheese, Capers, and fresh dill), the Shrimp (with avocado, tomato and chives) and the Prosciutto (with Arugula, Roasted Tomato, and a light Balsamic drizzle). All three were delicious. All three made me want to hoard food and never let my friends try anything with me. But I did. Because instead of child me, adult me decided to show up and share.
Along with their delicious pub fare, Meeting at Market had a full bar, so the drinks flow freely here. They offer a delicious selection of craft beers and wines. So there is a little something for everyone.
Like a grown up lemonade. Deeee-licious!
So next time you are in the middle of Charleston looking for a respite from the crowds, look no further. This cool quiet pub allows for you to stay in the center of things without missing out on the delicious fare Charleston is so well known for.
Check them out! And let us know what you think!
120 Market St.
843.724.7205
