Simon's Bar & Grill in Charleston: Lowcountry Seafood and Cocktails on King Street

What Simon's Bar & Grill offers

Simon's Bar & Grill sits on King Street in downtown Charleston, serving Lowcountry cuisine and cocktails in a space that feels both polished and welcoming. The menu centers on seafood and regional specialties—shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, fresh catch—prepared with straightforward technique rather than heavy innovation. The bar stocks a solid selection of spirits and wine, with cocktails that lean toward classics and house variations rather than elaborate molecular work.

The dining room has the feel of an established Charleston restaurant: exposed brick, warm lighting, and enough noise to suggest the place is doing something right without drowning out conversation. Service tends toward attentive without hovering. The space works for a date, a business meal, or a group of friends looking for reliable food and a drink without the scene of some of Charleston's more aggressively trendy spots.

Key Takeaways

• Simon's specializes in Lowcountry seafood and regional dishes, with shrimp and grits and she-crab soup among the regular offerings.
• The bar serves cocktails, wine, and spirits in a casual-to-upscale setting that works for both dining and drinks-only visits.
• The King Street location puts it within walking distance of other downtown Charleston restaurants, galleries, and shops.
• Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends and during the busy season from October through April.

The menu and what to order

Shrimp and grits appears on most Lowcountry restaurant menus, but the version here is worth ordering—creamy grits, properly seasoned shrimp, and a sauce that doesn't overshadow the main ingredients. She-crab soup, another Charleston staple, comes in a bowl large enough to share or to make a meal of on its own. The fresh catch changes with what's available; asking your server what came in that day often yields better results than scanning the printed menu.

Seafood dominates, but the kitchen also handles beef and pork competently. Sides tend toward vegetables prepared simply—collard greens, okra, seasonal squash—rather than heavy starches. The dessert menu is short and straightforward; the she-crab soup and a cocktail often feel like enough, but if you want something sweet, the offerings are solid without being memorable.

Drinks and the bar program

The cocktail list includes recognizable drinks—Old Fashioned, Sazerac, Daiquiri—alongside house variations that use local spirits or Lowcountry ingredients when they make sense. The bar staff knows their work and can suggest pairings with your meal or build something off-menu if you describe what you're in the mood for. Wine by the glass rotates regularly, with a focus on bottles that pair well with seafood.

If you're stopping in for drinks without food, the bar has enough seating and the bartenders move at a pace that doesn't rush you. Happy hour pricing varies by season; checking ahead or asking when you arrive will tell you what's current. The bar also works well as a waiting area if your table isn't ready yet—you can order a drink and settle in without feeling like you're taking up space.

Timing, reservations, and what to expect

Dinner service runs seven days a week, with lunch available on weekdays. The restaurant fills up quickly on Friday and Saturday nights, especially from October through April when Charleston's tourism peaks. Reservations through OpenTable or by phone are worth making if you're planning to eat between 6 and 8 p.m. Walk-ins can usually find a seat at the bar or get a table if you're willing to wait 20 to 45 minutes during busy periods.

The dress code is casual-to-business casual—no jacket required, but jeans and a button-up or nicer casual wear fit the room. The noise level rises as the evening goes on, particularly on weekends, so an early dinner is quieter if conversation matters to you. Expect the kitchen to move at a steady pace; entrees typically arrive within 20 to 30 minutes of ordering.

Location and parking

Simon's sits on King Street between Broad and Queen, in the heart of downtown Charleston's restaurant and retail district. Street parking is available but competitive, especially in the evening. The city garage on King Street, a short walk away, offers hourly and evening rates. If you're staying in downtown hotels or nearby neighborhoods, walking is often faster than driving.

The King Street location also puts you within a few blocks of other restaurants, galleries, and shops, so arriving early or staying late to explore the neighborhood is practical. The area is well-lit and busy enough in the evening that walking feels safe, though the crowds thin out after 10 p.m.

Price range and payment

Entrees typically run from the mid-20s to the low 40s, with appetizers in the 10 to 18 range. A cocktail costs 12 to 16 dollars. A meal for two with drinks and tip usually falls between 70 and 120 dollars. The restaurant takes all major credit cards and accepts cash.

If you're on a tighter budget, ordering appetizers and a cocktail at the bar is a solid way to experience the place without committing to a full dinner. The she-crab soup and a drink can work as a light meal for around 30 to 40 dollars per person.

When to go and what season matters

Charleston's restaurant scene operates on two rhythms: the busy season from October through April, when the weather is mild and tourism peaks, and the slower summer months from May through September, when heat and humidity keep many locals and visitors indoors or seeking lighter fare. Simon's runs at full capacity during the busy season and moves at a more relaxed pace in summer. If you prefer a quieter meal or shorter wait, summer weekday lunches are your best bet. If you want the full energy of a busy Charleston restaurant, come on a Friday or Saturday night in November or March.

Summer dinners at Simon's can actually be pleasant if you're looking for a less crowded experience—the air conditioning works well, and the kitchen is less rushed. The menu doesn't change dramatically with the season, but the fresh catch rotation does reflect what's available in warmer months, which tends toward lighter fish and seafood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation to eat at Simon's?

Reservations are not required but are strongly recommended for dinner, especially Friday and Saturday nights and during October through April. You can book through OpenTable or call ahead. Walk-ins can usually find a seat at the bar or get a table during off-peak hours.

What is she-crab soup and why is it a Charleston thing?

She-crab soup is a Charleston specialty made with crab meat, crab roe (eggs), cream, and broth. It became associated with the city in the early 1900s and appears on most Lowcountry restaurant menus. The roe gives it a distinctive flavor and texture that distinguishes it from other crab soups.

Can I just go to the bar for drinks without eating?

Yes. The bar has its own seating and the bartenders welcome drinks-only guests. You can order from the full menu if you change your mind, but there's no pressure to eat.

Is there parking nearby?

Street parking is available on King Street but can be hard to find during busy hours. The city garage on King Street, a short walk away, offers hourly and evening rates. Downtown hotels often validate parking for restaurant guests; ask when you make your reservation.

What's the best time to visit if I want a quieter meal?

Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6 p.m.) are quieter than weekend nights. Summer months are also slower than the October-through-April busy season. If conversation and a calm atmosphere matter, aim for a Tuesday or Wednesday lunch.