45 Waterside on Lockwood: Charleston's Waterfront New American Restaurant

What to expect at 45 Waterside on Lockwood

45 Waterside on Lockwood is a New American restaurant on Charleston's waterfront with views of the harbor and a menu built around seasonal ingredients and coastal cooking. The restaurant sits in a historic building on Lockwood Drive, the street that runs along the Ashley River, and serves lunch and dinner in a dining room that opens onto the water. The kitchen focuses on fresh seafood, locally sourced vegetables, and preparations that let the ingredients speak—grilled fish, roasted meats, composed salads, and sauces that complement rather than mask.

The space itself is part of the draw. Large windows frame the river, and the building's bones—exposed brick, high ceilings, original woodwork—give the room a sense of place without feeling overwrought. The bar runs along one side and stocks spirits, wine, and beer with an emphasis on regional producers. Service is attentive without hovering, and the pace of the meal feels unhurried, which matters when you're paying attention to what's on the plate.

Key Takeaways

• 45 Waterside serves New American cuisine with an emphasis on seafood and seasonal ingredients, with views of the Ashley River from the dining room.
• The restaurant is located on Lockwood Drive in downtown Charleston, within walking distance of the Historic District and near other waterfront attractions.
• Dinner is the primary service, though the restaurant also serves lunch; reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and during peak season.
• The wine list and bar program reflect regional producers and craft spirits, and the restaurant accommodates dietary restrictions when notified in advance.

The menu and what changes with the seasons

The menu shifts with what's available from local farms, fisheries, and purveyors, so what you eat depends partly on when you visit. In warmer months, expect lighter preparations—ceviche, crudo, grilled vegetables, chilled soups. Fall and winter bring heartier dishes: braised short ribs, roasted root vegetables, rich sauces built on stock. Seafood appears year-round because the Carolina coast supplies it consistently, but the specific fish and the way it's cooked change.

Appetizers typically include both raw and cooked options, and the kitchen often features a raw bar with oysters and other shellfish. Main courses balance protein and vegetable, and portions are generous without being excessive. Desserts are made in-house and tend toward the classical—fruit tarts, chocolate preparations, custards—rather than the trendy. The kitchen does not publish a fixed menu online, so calling ahead or checking their social media gives you a sense of what's being served on the night you plan to visit.

Getting there and parking

45 Waterside sits on Lockwood Drive, which runs along the Ashley River between downtown Charleston and the neighborhoods to the south. If you're coming from the Historic District, it's a short drive or a longer walk depending on where you start. Lockwood itself is a scenic route, and the restaurant's location puts you near other waterfront spots—the Magnolia Cemetery, the Citadel, and various parks and boat landings.

Parking is available in a lot adjacent to the restaurant, and street parking is also an option on Lockwood, though availability varies by time of day and season. During peak tourist season (March through May and October through November), arriving early or using valet if offered prevents the frustration of circling. The restaurant is not easily reached by public transit, so a car or rideshare is the practical choice for most visitors.

Timing your visit and making a reservation

Dinner service runs most nights, typically from 5 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. or later, though hours vary by season and day of the week. Lunch is served on some days but not others, so calling ahead confirms whether the restaurant is open for your intended meal. The restaurant takes reservations by phone and through online platforms, and booking ahead is the smart move, especially on Friday and Saturday nights or during Charleston's peak seasons.

Walk-ins are sometimes accommodated at the bar or in the dining room if space allows, but you may face a wait, and the kitchen cannot may provide a table. If you're visiting during a busy time—holiday weekends, Spoleto Festival in May and June, or the winter holidays—reserve at least a week in advance. The restaurant also hosts private events and can accommodate groups, so inquire directly if you're planning something larger than a standard dinner party.

Dietary restrictions and special requests

The kitchen works with diners who have allergies, vegetarian or vegan preferences, or other dietary needs, but advance notice makes a difference. Call when you make your reservation or arrive early enough to speak with the server before ordering, so the kitchen has time to plan. The menu is seafood-heavy, so vegetarian options may be limited on any given night, but the kitchen can build a meal around vegetables and grains if you give them the heads-up.

The restaurant does not maintain a separate allergen menu, so if you have severe allergies, speaking directly with a manager or chef is the safest approach. They can tell you exactly what's in each dish and how it's prepared, which matters if cross-contamination is a concern.

The bar and what to drink

The bar program emphasizes spirits and wines from the Southeast, particularly South Carolina and the Lowcountry. The cocktail list changes seasonally and tends toward classic preparations—martinis, Manhattans, daiquiris—rather than elaborate house creations. The wine list includes both familiar names and smaller producers, with a focus on bottles that pair well with seafood and the restaurant's cooking style. Prices range from accessible to splurge-worthy, and the staff can guide you toward something that fits your budget and taste.

Beer is available on tap and in bottles, with a selection that leans toward craft and regional breweries. Non-alcoholic options include house-made sodas, fresh juices, and coffee and tea. The bar is open to diners and also welcomes walk-in guests, so you can stop in for a drink and an appetizer without committing to a full meal.

Why the location matters

Lockwood Drive is one of Charleston's most historically significant streets. It runs along the Ashley River, which was the city's original port and the center of its colonial economy. The buildings along Lockwood date to different eras—some from the 1800s, some from the early 1900s—and the street itself has been a working waterfront, a residential neighborhood, and now a destination for dining and recreation. 45 Waterside's location puts you in that history, and the river views remind you why Charleston was built here in the first place.

The neighborhood around Lockwood has changed significantly in recent years, with new development alongside preservation of older structures. The restaurant fits into that mix—it honors the building's past while serving contemporary food. If you arrive early or stay late, walking along Lockwood gives you a sense of the street's character and the way the city meets the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation, or can I just walk in?

Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends and during peak season. Walk-ins may be seated at the bar or in the dining room if space is available, but you could face a wait or be turned away. Calling ahead takes five minutes and guarantees you a table.

What's the dress code?

The restaurant is upscale casual. Jeans and a nice shirt work fine; you don't need a jacket or tie. Avoid beachwear or athletic wear. If you're unsure, calling ahead and asking is perfectly reasonable.

Can I bring children?

Yes, children are welcome. The menu is not specifically designed for kids, but the kitchen can prepare simpler dishes if you ask. High chairs are available if needed. Calling ahead to mention you're bringing young children gives the restaurant a heads-up and allows them to prepare.

Is there outdoor seating?

The restaurant has limited outdoor seating that opens onto the water when weather permits. Outdoor tables are popular, so request one when you make your reservation, though availability is not may provide. In summer, the heat and humidity can make outdoor dining uncomfortable, so indoor seating with a view is often the better choice.

What's the price range?

Entrees typically range from the mid-30s to the mid-50s, with appetizers in the 12 to 18 dollar range and desserts around 10 dollars. Wine and cocktails add to the bill. It's a special-occasion restaurant, not everyday dining, and the price reflects the quality of ingredients and the waterfront location.