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Big Dill Grill in Charleston: Fresh Salads and Dill-Forward Flavors

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What Big Dill Grill serves and where to find it

Big Dill Grill is a casual counter-service restaurant in Charleston's downtown area that builds its menu around fresh salads, grain bowls, and sandwiches with dill as a signature ingredient. The restaurant sources produce from local suppliers when possible and prepares most items to order, so you can watch your salad come together. The space is small and designed for quick service—order at the counter, grab a seat at one of the high-top tables or take your food to go.

The restaurant sits on King Street, one of Charleston's main commercial corridors, making it easy to reach on foot or by car. Parking is street-level or in nearby lots; the restaurant itself does not have dedicated parking. Hours run lunch through early dinner most days, though it closes earlier on Sundays and Mondays. Check their current hours before you go, as restaurant schedules shift seasonally.

Key Takeaways

  • Big Dill Grill specializes in made-to-order salads and bowls where you can choose your greens, proteins, and toppings, with dill appearing in house dressings and as a flavor accent.
  • The menu includes grain bowls, sandwiches, and sides alongside salads, so there are options beyond leafy greens if that is what you are in the mood for.
  • Most items are prepared fresh when you order, so service takes longer than a fast-casual chain but the quality reflects the wait.
  • The restaurant is located on King Street in downtown Charleston and is best suited for lunch, a quick dinner, or takeout rather than a lingering sit-down meal.

Salad options and how to build your own

The salad menu at Big Dill Grill works on a build-your-own model. You start by choosing a base—mixed greens, spinach, arugula, or kale—then add a protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or a hard-boiled egg. From there you layer in vegetables, nuts, seeds, and cheese from the available toppings bar. The house dressings rotate but typically include a dill-heavy vinaigrette that ties the restaurant's name to what lands on your plate.

If you are not sure where to start, the menu also lists several composed salads that the kitchen recommends. These come with a set combination of ingredients and a specific dressing, so you can order them as-is or ask for substitutions. Portion sizes are generous—most salads are filling enough for a full lunch or light dinner. Prices fall in the mid-range for Charleston's downtown dining scene, typically between $12 and $16 before any add-ons.

Grain bowls and other menu items

Beyond salads, Big Dill Grill offers grain bowls built on a base of quinoa, farro, or brown rice. These follow the same customizable structure as the salads—you choose your base, protein, and toppings—and work well if you want something heartier or prefer cooked grains to raw vegetables. The bowls come with the same dressing options and can be ordered warm or at room temperature.

The sandwich menu includes options like a grilled chicken breast with dill mayo and fresh vegetables on ciabatta, and a shrimp salad sandwich that echoes the restaurant's salad-focused identity. Sides such as roasted vegetables, hummus and crackers, or a small side salad round out the menu. The kitchen also prepares daily specials that may feature seasonal produce or a chef's interpretation of a classic dish.

Sourcing and preparation philosophy

Big Dill Grill emphasizes fresh ingredients and local sourcing where feasible. The restaurant works with nearby farms and suppliers to bring in seasonal produce, which means the salad options and available toppings shift throughout the year. Spring brings tender lettuces and early greens; summer features tomatoes, cucumbers, and stone fruits; fall brings heartier greens and root vegetables; winter relies on storage crops and greenhouse production from regional growers.

Because items are made to order, the kitchen can accommodate dietary preferences and restrictions. If you are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or have other dietary needs, you can build a salad or bowl that fits. Tell the staff at the counter what you need, and they will guide you through the available options. Preparation takes longer than a chain restaurant, but the quality of the finished dish reflects the care taken in assembly.

Atmosphere and seating

The interior of Big Dill Grill is deliberately minimal—bright lighting, simple wooden tables, and a focus on the food rather than decor. The space accommodates roughly 20 to 30 people at a time, so it fills up quickly during peak lunch hours (noon to 1 p.m.) and early dinner (5:30 to 6:30 p.m.). If you prefer a quieter experience, aim for mid-afternoon or early evening outside those windows.

The restaurant is designed for efficiency rather than lingering. Most people eat and leave within 30 to 45 minutes. If you want to sit longer with a group, call ahead to let them know you are coming, so the staff can anticipate the table turnover. Takeout is equally popular and moves just as quickly—order at the counter, and your food will be ready in 10 to 15 minutes.

Getting there and parking

Big Dill Grill sits on King Street between Broad and Queen Streets, in the heart of downtown Charleston's commercial district. If you are driving, street parking is available along King Street on a first-come, first-served basis, though it can be tight during midday. Several public parking lots are within a two-block walk—the Broad Street lot and the King Street garage are the closest options. If you are using a rideshare service, ask the driver to drop you on King Street near the restaurant's storefront.

Walking from nearby neighborhoods is straightforward. The restaurant is on a flat, well-lit street with sidewalks and crosswalks. If you are coming from the Historic District or the Waterfront, it is a 10 to 15 minute walk. Public transit options are limited in Charleston, but the CARTA bus system does serve King Street; check the current routes and schedules on the CARTA website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order online or by phone?

Big Dill Grill does not currently offer online ordering through a website or app, but you can call ahead to place a takeout order. Calling gives the kitchen a heads-up and can shorten your wait. Walk-ins are always welcome, though expect a short wait during peak hours.

Do you have options for people with allergies?

Yes. Because salads and bowls are built to order, you can specify what you do and do not want. Tell the staff at the counter about your allergy, and they will help you construct a meal that avoids the allergen. Cross-contamination is possible in any kitchen, so mention your allergy to the staff so they can take appropriate precautions.

What is the best time to go if I want to avoid a crowd?

Mid-afternoon (2 to 4 p.m.) and early evening after 7 p.m. are the quietest times. Lunch rush peaks between noon and 1 p.m., and early dinner between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.

Do you offer catering or large orders?

For catering or bulk orders, call the restaurant directly to discuss what they can accommodate. Advance notice is important so the kitchen can prepare without disrupting regular service. They may have minimum order requirements or specific days when catering is available.

Is there seating for groups?

The restaurant is small, so large groups (more than 6 to 8 people) may not fit comfortably. Call ahead if you are bringing a group so the staff can let you know whether seating is available or suggest a time when turnover is likely to create space.