Rick Erwin's Level 10 in Charleston: New American Cooking in a Historic Warehouse

What Rick Erwin's Level 10 is and where to find it

Rick Erwin's Level 10 is a New American restaurant in downtown Charleston run by chef Rick Erwin, located in a restored warehouse on King Street. The restaurant focuses on seasonal ingredients prepared with contemporary techniques—think locally sourced proteins, house-made pastas, and vegetables that change with what's available from regional farms. The space itself is industrial-modern: exposed brick, high ceilings, and an open kitchen where you can watch the cooks work.

The restaurant opened as part of Charleston's broader shift toward chef-driven dining that emphasizes technique and ingredient quality over formal pretension. Erwin, who has worked in Charleston kitchens for years, built the menu around what he can source within a reasonable distance, which means the offerings shift seasonally and sometimes week to week.

Key Takeaways

• Level 10 serves New American cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients and house-made components like pasta and charcuterie.
• The restaurant is located in a historic warehouse on King Street in downtown Charleston with an open kitchen and industrial-modern design.
• The menu changes regularly based on what's available from regional suppliers, so what you eat depends partly on the season and current sourcing.
• The wine list focuses on natural and small-producer wines that pair with the restaurant's ingredient-forward approach.

The menu and what to expect

Level 10 does not publish a static menu online—the offerings change based on what Erwin sources that week. You might find roasted chicken with seasonal vegetables one visit and a different preparation the next. Appetizers typically include items like house-cured charcuterie, seasonal salads, and small plates designed to highlight a single ingredient or technique. Entrées often feature fish, beef, or pork prepared simply to let the quality of the ingredient show.

The kitchen makes its own pasta, which appears regularly on the menu in forms that change with the season. Desserts are also made in-house and shift based on what fruit and other ingredients are available. If you have dietary restrictions or strong preferences, calling ahead is worth doing—the staff can tell you what's on the menu that night and discuss options.

Portion sizes are moderate, which is typical of contemporary New American restaurants. The pacing of courses is deliberate rather than rushed, so plan for a two- to three-hour meal if you're eating a full progression.

Wine and beverage program

The wine list emphasizes natural wines and small producers, chosen to pair with the restaurant's approach to cooking. Natural wine—made with minimal intervention and often without added sulfites—can taste different from conventional wine, and the staff can explain what makes each bottle distinctive. The list includes options at various price points, though bottles tend toward the higher end of what you'd find at other Charleston restaurants.

If wine is not your preference, the restaurant also offers beer and cocktails. The cocktail program uses house-made syrups and fresh ingredients, and the bartender can suggest drinks that work with what you're eating.

Reservations, pricing, and timing

Level 10 takes reservations through its website or by phone, and booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially on weekends. The restaurant is popular and tables fill quickly. Walk-ins are sometimes accommodated at the bar if space is available, but you should not count on it.

Dinner is the main service, typically running from around 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., though hours can shift seasonally. Lunch is offered on some days but not all—checking the website or calling before you visit is the safest approach. The price range is moderate to high for Charleston: entrées typically fall in the $25 to $40 range, with appetizers and sides adding to the total. A full meal with wine can easily reach $75 to $100 per person before tax and tip.

The warehouse space and atmosphere

The restaurant occupies a restored warehouse that retains much of its original character—brick walls, timber beams, and large windows that let in natural light during the day. The open kitchen is a central feature; you can see the cooks plating dishes and working the stoves from most tables. The noise level is moderate to lively, especially during peak hours, so it is not a quiet, intimate setting.

Tables are spaced comfortably, and the staff is attentive without hovering. The overall feel is upscale-casual: you do not need a jacket or formal dress, but the restaurant is clearly a destination rather than a neighborhood spot. The space works well for special occasions, business dinners, or simply a night out when you want to eat well.

Parking and location context

Level 10 sits on King Street in downtown Charleston, which means street parking is available but can be tight, especially in the evening. Several paid parking garages are within a short walk—the Saks Parking Garage and the King Street Parking Garage are both nearby. If you're staying in downtown hotels, the restaurant is walkable from most accommodations.

The neighborhood around King Street includes other restaurants, shops, and galleries, so you can easily make an evening of it by exploring before or after dinner. The restaurant is close to the Historic District, so combining a meal here with a walk through nearby streets is a natural plan.

Dietary considerations and communication

The restaurant can accommodate vegetarian diners, though the menu is not vegetarian-focused—most dishes feature meat or fish. Vegan requests are possible but require advance notice so the kitchen can plan. Gluten-free diners should call ahead; the kitchen can modify some dishes, but not all menu items work without gluten.

Allergies and other dietary needs should be communicated when you make your reservation and again when you arrive. The staff takes these seriously and will discuss options with you directly rather than guessing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make a reservation?

Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner and on weekends. You can book through the restaurant's website or by phone. Walk-ins may find space at the bar if the dining room is full, but you should not count on it.

What if I don't know what to order?

The staff can walk you through the menu and explain each dish. If you want to leave it to the kitchen, you can ask for a tasting menu or chef's selection, and they will bring out a progression of dishes that showcase what they're working with that night.

Is Level 10 good for a special occasion?

Yes. The restaurant's quality of cooking, attentive service, and distinctive space make it a solid choice for anniversaries, birthdays, or other celebrations. Let the restaurant know when you book if you're marking something—they often add a small touch to acknowledge the occasion.

Can I bring children?

Children are welcome, though the restaurant's pace and menu are geared toward adult diners. If you're bringing younger kids, calling ahead to discuss options is a good idea—the kitchen may be able to prepare something simpler if needed.

What's the dress code?

There is no formal dress code. Upscale-casual is the standard—you'll see people in everything from nice jeans to blazers. Avoid beachwear or athletic wear, but otherwise dress as you would for a nice dinner out.