Top of the Tap Greek Taverna in Charleston: Authentic Mediterranean Food and Wine

What to expect at Top of the Tap Greek Taverna

Top of the Tap Greek Taverna sits on King Street in downtown Charleston and serves traditional Greek food in a casual, lively setting. The menu centers on grilled meats, fresh seafood, and Mediterranean vegetables prepared the way you'd find them in Greece—simply seasoned, cooked over fire or in a wood oven, and meant to be shared. The wine list focuses on Greek producers, many of them small and hard to find elsewhere in South Carolina. The space itself feels like a neighborhood taverna, with exposed brick, warm lighting, and a bar where you can watch the kitchen work.

The restaurant doesn't aim for fine dining formality. Servers move quickly, tables are close together, and the noise level rises as the evening goes on. If you're looking for a quiet, intimate dinner, this isn't the place. If you want to eat well, drink Greek wine, and feel like you're in Athens for a few hours, it is.

Key Takeaways

• The menu emphasizes grilled proteins and wood-fired dishes, with a strong selection of Greek seafood and lamb that change with the season.
• Greek wines dominate the list, including lesser-known regional bottles you won't find at most Charleston restaurants.
• The restaurant operates as a casual taverna, not a formal dining room, so expect a bustling atmosphere and communal energy.
• Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, because the space fills quickly and walk-ins may face a wait.
• The location on King Street puts it within walking distance of other downtown Charleston attractions and restaurants.

The menu and what to order

Top of the Tap builds its menu around what's available from Greek suppliers and what's in season. You'll typically find lamb chops, whole grilled fish, saganaki (fried cheese), and spreads like tzatziki and melitzanosalata. The kitchen also makes its own phyllo and pastries, so desserts like baklava and galaktoboureko taste fresh rather than mass-produced. Portions are generous, and the restaurant encourages ordering multiple small plates to share, which is how Greek food is meant to be eaten.

The grilled lamb is a signature item—it arrives charred on the outside, pink inside, and seasoned only with salt, lemon, and olive oil. Whole fish, usually branzino or sea bass, comes split down the middle and grilled whole, then finished tableside with lemon and olive oil. If you're uncertain what to order, the staff can guide you through the menu and suggest combinations that work well together.

Vegetable dishes are not an afterthought here. Grilled octopus, horta (boiled greens), and roasted vegetables appear alongside the meat and fish, and many diners build their meal around them. The bread arrives warm and is meant for soaking up olive oil and the juices left on your plate.

Greek wines and what to drink

The wine program is one of the reasons to come here. The list includes well-known Greek regions like Santorini and Nemea, but also smaller producers from lesser-known areas. You'll find white wines made from Assyrtiko and Moschofilero grapes, reds from Xinomavro and Agiorgitiko, and natural wines from independent winemakers. Many bottles are priced to encourage trying something new rather than reaching for the familiar.

If you're new to Greek wine, the staff can recommend pairings for your food or suggest a bottle at a particular price point. The restaurant also offers Greek beer and ouzo for those who prefer spirits, and the coffee at the end of the meal is strong and properly made.

Timing, reservations, and what to know before you go

Top of the Tap is open for dinner most nights, though hours vary by season. The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, because the space is not large and fills quickly. You can call ahead or reserve through OpenTable or similar platforms.

Parking downtown can be tight. Street parking is available but competitive during peak hours. The restaurant is also accessible by the CARTA bus system if you're coming from another part of Charleston. Plan for a meal to last two to three hours if you're ordering multiple plates and lingering over wine.

The restaurant is cash-friendly but also takes cards. Tipping follows standard restaurant practice. The noise level and close quarters mean this is not a good fit for very young children or anyone who needs a quiet environment, but it's an excellent choice for groups, dates, and anyone who wants to experience Greek food the way it's eaten in Greece.

How Top of the Tap fits into Charleston's dining scene

Charleston has a strong food culture centered on Low Country cooking and Southern tradition, but Greek restaurants are less common. Top of the Tap fills that gap by bringing authentic Mediterranean cooking to King Street without trying to adapt it to local tastes. The restaurant respects the ingredients and the techniques, which means you get food that tastes like it was made in Greece, not food that's been Americanized or softened for a regional palate.

The King Street location also puts it in the middle of Charleston's downtown dining and entertainment district, so you can easily combine a meal here with a walk through the historic district, a visit to a nearby gallery or museum, or drinks at another bar afterward. The restaurant has become a destination for people who know Greek food and want to eat it well, as well as for Charleston visitors looking for something beyond the typical tourist restaurant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make a reservation?

Reservations are not required, but they're strongly recommended, especially on weekends. The restaurant is small and fills quickly. If you walk in without a reservation, you may face a wait of 30 minutes to an hour during peak times. Calling ahead or booking online takes two minutes and guarantees you a table.

Is the food spicy?

Greek food is not typically spicy in the way that Indian or Thai food is. The flavors come from olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs like oregano. If you have a low tolerance for heat, you'll be fine. The kitchen can adjust dishes on request if you want more or less seasoning.

What if I'm vegetarian?

There are vegetable dishes on the menu, including grilled vegetables, saganaki, and spreads. The kitchen can also prepare vegetarian plates if you let them know when you order. However, this is not a vegetarian-focused restaurant, so the menu is smaller for that diet than it would be at a place that specializes in it.

Can I bring my own wine?

Most restaurants in Charleston do not allow outside wine, and Top of the Tap follows that practice. However, the wine list is strong and reasonably priced, so there's no need to. If you have a specific Greek wine you want to drink, call ahead and ask if they have it or can source it for your visit.

How much should I expect to spend?

Entrees and grilled proteins typically range from the mid-20s to the mid-40s per plate. If you order multiple small plates to share, the cost per person averages $40 to $60 before drinks and tip. Wine prices vary widely depending on what you choose, from around $30 a bottle for everyday Greek wine to $80 or more for rare or older bottles.