167 Sushi Bar in Charleston: Fresh Fish and Modern Japanese in the Historic District

What to expect at 167 Sushi Bar

167 Sushi Bar sits on King Street in Charleston's Historic District, a few blocks north of Broad Street in a neighborhood packed with galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. The space is small and intimate—counter seating dominates, with a handful of tables along the window. The sushi chefs work directly in front of you, and the pace is deliberate; this is not a high-volume operation.

The menu centers on nigiri, sashimi, and rolls made with fish that rotates based on what's available. Seasonal specials appear regularly, and the kitchen takes requests. Cooked options—tempura, teriyaki, grilled items—round out the menu for those who want them, but the focus is clearly on raw fish and rice. Sake selection is thoughtful, with bottles ranging from dry to sweet and price points from modest to serious.

The atmosphere is casual but focused. Conversations at the counter are common, and the chefs will talk through the day's catches or make recommendations if you ask. It's the kind of place where regulars sit in the same seats and the staff remembers their usual order.

Key Takeaways

• 167 Sushi Bar is a counter-focused restaurant on King Street in downtown Charleston where you watch the chefs work directly in front of you.
• The menu emphasizes nigiri and sashimi with fish that changes based on daily availability, so what's offered varies from visit to visit.
• The space is small and intimate, with limited seating, so arriving early or calling ahead during peak hours reduces wait time.
• Sake pairs with the menu, and the selection includes options at different price points and flavor profiles.

How to order and what the price range looks like

Most diners order omakase—chef's choice—where you tell the chef your budget or how many pieces you want, and they build a progression of nigiri and sashimi for you. This approach lets you taste what's best that day without deciding between dozens of options. Prices for omakase typically run from moderate to high depending on how many pieces you order and which fish the chef selects.

If you prefer to order from the menu, rolls run in the mid-range, and individual nigiri pieces are priced per piece. Cooked appetizers and entrees cost less than raw fish. A full dinner for one person—several pieces of nigiri, a roll, and a drink—usually falls in the moderate to moderately high range. The restaurant does not publish prices online, so calling ahead if you want to know exact costs is reasonable.

The bar accepts both cash and card. Reservations are not always necessary for small parties, but calling ahead during dinner service on weekends is smart, especially if you want counter seating.

Location and hours

167 Sushi Bar is located at 167 King Street, Charleston, SC 29401, in the heart of the Historic District. Parking on King Street itself is metered and limited; the nearby Broad Street parking garage and smaller lots on side streets are more reliable options. The restaurant is a short walk from the Charleston City Market and within walking distance of other King Street restaurants and shops.

Hours vary seasonally and by day of the week. The restaurant is typically closed on Sundays and Mondays. Lunch and dinner service run on different schedules, and holiday hours change. Calling ahead at the restaurant's phone number or checking their social media before you visit ensures you arrive when they're open.

What makes 167 different from other sushi restaurants in Charleston

Charleston has several sushi options, but 167 stands out for its size and intimacy. It's not a large dining room with dozens of tables; it's a small counter where you can watch the chef's hands move and ask questions about the fish. That proximity changes the experience. You're not ordering from a menu in isolation—you're in conversation with someone who knows the product.

The commitment to seasonal and daily availability also sets it apart. Many sushi restaurants maintain a consistent menu year-round. 167 changes what's available based on what's fresh, which means the experience is different each time you visit. That unpredictability appeals to people who want to taste what's actually good that day rather than what's on the laminated menu.

Dietary considerations and special requests

The kitchen can accommodate vegetarian diners with vegetable rolls and cooked options, though a vegetarian omakase will be limited compared to the full menu. Vegan diners should call ahead; the kitchen can work with you, but options are more restricted since most sushi relies on fish or seafood.

Allergies and aversions are taken seriously. Tell the chef what you cannot eat, and they will work around it. Gluten-free soy sauce is not mentioned on the menu, but it's worth asking about when you call or arrive. The restaurant's small size means the kitchen can be flexible in ways larger operations cannot.

Getting there and what's nearby

King Street is the spine of Charleston's Historic District, and 167 sits in the middle of it. The Charleston City Market is two blocks south. Galleries, clothing boutiques, and other restaurants line the street in both directions. If you arrive early or have time after your meal, you can walk the neighborhood easily.

Public parking is limited on King Street itself. The Broad Street parking garage is one block south and holds hundreds of cars. Several smaller lots sit on side streets like Hasell and Chalmers, a short walk away. Street parking is metered during business hours, so a garage or lot is usually the better choice.

The restaurant is accessible by car, but downtown Charleston traffic can be heavy during lunch and dinner service. If you're visiting from out of town, arriving during off-peak hours—mid-afternoon or early evening—makes parking and seating easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

Reservations are not required for small parties, and walk-ins are welcome when space is available. However, calling ahead during dinner service on Friday and Saturday nights is smart, especially if you want counter seating. The restaurant is small, so peak hours fill up quickly.

What if I'm not sure what to order?

Tell the chef your budget or how many pieces you want, and ask for omakase. The chef will build a progression of nigiri and sashimi based on what's fresh that day. This is the most common way people order, and it removes the guesswork.

Can I bring my own sake?

Most restaurants in South Carolina allow you to bring your own bottle for a corkage fee, but policies vary. Call 167 Sushi Bar directly to ask about their corkage policy before you bring a bottle.

Is there parking nearby?

Street parking on King Street is metered and limited. The Broad Street parking garage is one block south and is the most reliable option. Several smaller lots sit on nearby side streets like Hasell and Chalmers, a short walk away.

What time should I arrive to avoid a wait?

Lunch service is typically less crowded than dinner. If you go for dinner, arriving before 6 p.m. or after 8:30 p.m. usually means shorter waits. Weekdays are quieter than weekends. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times is always an option.