Laura Alberts Tasteful Options: New American Cooking in Charleston

What Laura Alberts Tasteful Options Serves

Laura Alberts Tasteful Options is a New American restaurant in Charleston that builds its menu around seasonal ingredients and straightforward technique. The kitchen focuses on dishes that feel both familiar and thoughtfully made—roasted vegetables with real char, proteins cooked to order, sauces that taste like they came from something, not a squeeze bottle. The dining room is casual enough that you can come in jeans but composed enough that it works for a date or a business lunch.

The restaurant sits in a neighborhood location rather than on the tourist spine, which means the crowd tends to be locals and people who know where they're going. Service moves at a comfortable pace—not rushed, not glacial. The wine list leans toward bottles you can actually drink without a second mortgage, and the staff can point you toward what works with what you're eating.

Key Takeaways

• The menu changes with the seasons, so what's available in March differs from what you'll find in September.
• Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and for groups larger than two.
• The restaurant handles dietary restrictions straightforwardly—call ahead if you have specific needs and the kitchen will work with you.
• Parking is street parking in the neighborhood; arrive early if you're coming on a busy night.
• The price point is moderate for Charleston fine dining—entrees typically fall in the mid-range rather than the high end.

The Menu and What to Expect

The kitchen doesn't chase trends or reinvent the wheel. Instead, it takes New American fundamentals—a well-made steak, fish that tastes like fish, vegetables that aren't an afterthought—and executes them with care. Seasonal availability shapes what appears on the menu, so you might find spring lamb in April and root vegetables in November. The restaurant publishes its current menu online, so you can see what's being offered before you arrive.

Appetizers tend toward things that showcase a single ingredient done well: a composed salad, a small plate of something in season, bread that's actually worth eating. Entrees come with vegetables and a starch, plated in a way that looks like someone thought about it. Desserts are made in-house and change regularly. The kitchen also accommodates requests within reason—if you want your fish cooked differently or your sauce on the side, they'll do it.

When to Go and How to Book

Dinner service runs Tuesday through Saturday, with lunch available on weekdays. The restaurant is closed Sundays and Mondays. Friday and Saturday nights fill up, so booking ahead is the practical move if you want a specific time. You can call the restaurant directly to reserve, or check their website for online booking options. Walk-ins are taken when there's space, but you might wait or be turned away during peak hours.

The restaurant also hosts private events and can accommodate groups with advance notice. If you're planning something for more than six people, calling ahead gives the kitchen time to prepare and the staff time to arrange the room.

Location and Parking

Laura Alberts Tasteful Options is located in a residential neighborhood rather than downtown or near the waterfront. The address is on the restaurant's website and on Google Maps, which will give you current directions and parking information. Street parking is the norm in the area—there's no dedicated lot. Arriving 10 to 15 minutes early on busy nights gives you time to find a spot without rushing.

The neighborhood is walkable if you're staying nearby, and it's a short drive from most Charleston hotels. Ride-sharing services operate in the area if you prefer not to drive.

Price and Payment

Entrees typically range from the mid-20s to mid-30s, with appetizers and sides priced accordingly. Wine by the glass runs from around $8 to $15, and bottles start in the $30 range. The restaurant accepts all major credit cards and cash. There is no separate charge for bread or water, and the kitchen doesn't add automatic gratuity unless your party is larger than six—check your receipt to confirm.

If you're on a budget, coming for lunch is less expensive than dinner, and appetizers can work as a light meal if you're not looking for a full entree.

Dietary Needs and Restrictions

The restaurant handles common dietary restrictions—vegetarian, gluten-free, nut allergies—and the kitchen will modify dishes or suggest alternatives. Call ahead if you have multiple restrictions or severe allergies so the kitchen can plan. The menu doesn't always list every ingredient, so asking your server about specific components is the safest approach.

The restaurant does not have a separate vegetarian menu, but the kitchen can build a vegetable-forward meal if you ask. Seafood is available most nights, and the kitchen can usually accommodate requests for protein swaps if you want something other than what's listed.

What Makes It Worth the Trip

Laura Alberts Tasteful Options doesn't try to be everything to everyone. It's a neighborhood restaurant that does one thing—straightforward, well-made New American food—and does it consistently. The kitchen respects its ingredients, the staff knows the menu and can talk about it, and the room feels like a place where people actually want to eat, not a stage set.

For Charleston visitors looking for solid cooking without the hype, or locals wanting dinner without leaving their neighborhood, it's a reliable choice. The experience centers on food that tastes good and service that doesn't get in the way—which is harder to find than it sounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner on Friday and Saturday. You can walk in on quieter nights or during lunch, but calling ahead removes the risk of waiting or being turned away. The restaurant's phone number and online booking are on their website.

Can I bring my own wine?

Most restaurants in Charleston do not allow outside wine, and Laura Alberts Tasteful Options follows that practice. The wine list is reasonably priced, and the staff can recommend bottles that pair with what you're ordering.

Is there a kids menu?

The restaurant does not have a formal kids menu, but the kitchen will prepare simpler versions of dishes for children—grilled chicken, pasta, vegetables. Call ahead if you're bringing young children so the staff can be ready.

What's the dress code?

There is no formal dress code. Casual clothing is fine, and you'll see people in jeans and sneakers. If you're coming for a special occasion or business dinner, dressing up is appropriate but not required.

How long does dinner usually take?

A typical dinner takes about an hour and a half to two hours from arrival to leaving. The kitchen doesn't rush, and the pace is set by the table. If you're on a tight schedule, let your server know when you arrive.