Bistro Ten: French Wine and Small Plates in Downtown Charleston

What Bistro Ten offers

Bistro Ten is a French-style wine bar in downtown Charleston that centers on wine by the glass, French charcuterie, and small plates designed to pair with what you're drinking. The space is intimate—exposed brick, dim lighting, a bar that faces the street—and the menu changes seasonally based on what's available and what the kitchen wants to feature. You can sit at the bar, at one of the small tables, or stand with a glass if you're passing through.

The wine list leans European, with a particular focus on France, though you'll find selections from other regions. Staff can walk you through what's open and what pairs with the food, or you can ask for a recommendation based on your taste. The food is not elaborate: cured meats, cheeses, bread, sometimes a warm dish or two—the kind of eating that lets the wine be the main event.

Key Takeaways

• Bistro Ten specializes in wine by the glass paired with French charcuterie, cheese, and small plates that change with the season.
• The bar staff can recommend wines based on what you like to drink or what you're eating.
• The space is small and designed for lingering over a glass or two, not for large groups or quick meals.
• Hours and the specific menu vary by season, so check ahead before you go, especially on weekends.

The wine selection and how it works

Most of the wine at Bistro Ten is sold by the glass rather than by the bottle, which means you can try several different wines in one visit without committing to a full bottle. The list rotates—wines open and close depending on how fast they're moving and what the owner sources next. If you find something you like, you can ask whether it's available by the bottle to take home.

The staff here know the wines they're pouring. If you tell them what you usually drink—whether that's something light and crisp, fuller-bodied reds, natural wines, or anything in between—they can point you toward what's open that day. You can also ask what pairs with whatever you're ordering to eat, and they'll suggest something that works.

Food: charcuterie, cheese, and seasonal plates

The food menu is built around cured meats and cheese boards, which is the traditional pairing with wine in French bistros. You can order a board with a selection of both, or ask for one or the other. The specific meats and cheeses change based on what's available and what the kitchen has sourced that week or month.

Beyond the boards, there are usually a few warm dishes—a soup, a pâté, something cooked—that rotate seasonally. These are not meant to be a full meal; they're meant to be something to eat while you drink. Bread comes with most orders, and it's good bread, the kind that's meant for soaking up the last of a cheese or spreading with something from the board.

The space and atmosphere

Bistro Ten is small. There's a bar along one wall, a handful of tables, and not much else. The brick is exposed, the lighting is low, and the noise level is usually moderate—people talking, glasses clinking, the occasional laugh. It feels like the kind of place where you can have a conversation or sit quietly with your wine and a book if you want to.

The bar is the best seat in the room if you're alone or with one other person. You can watch the bartender work, see what other people are drinking, and strike up a conversation if you feel like it. If you're with a group, the tables work, but the space fills up quickly on weekends, and large parties can feel cramped.

When to go and what to expect

Bistro Ten is busiest in the evening, especially Thursday through Saturday. If you want a quieter experience, weekday afternoons or early evenings are better. The bar doesn't take reservations, so on busy nights you may wait for a table, though the bar itself usually has room.

Hours vary by season and day of the week. It's worth checking their current schedule before you go, particularly if you're planning to visit on a weekend or during a holiday. The menu changes seasonally, so what you see in summer will be different from what's available in winter.

How to get there and what to bring

Bistro Ten is located in downtown Charleston, within walking distance of King Street and the historic district. Street parking is available but can be tight during peak hours; there are paid lots nearby if you can't find a spot on the street. The neighborhood is walkable, and you can easily combine a visit here with browsing nearby shops or galleries.

Dress is casual. This is not a formal restaurant. Jeans and a shirt are fine. The space is warm in summer and cool in winter, so dress accordingly if you're sitting by a window or near the door.

Price and payment

Wine by the glass ranges depending on what you order, and cheese and charcuterie boards are priced by the size and what's included. A single glass and a small board can be a modest expense; multiple glasses and a larger board will cost more. The restaurant takes credit cards and cash.

This is not an inexpensive place, but it's not fine dining either. You're paying for the quality of what's on the board and the curated wine list. If you're looking for a cheap drink, this isn't the spot. If you want good wine and good food in a pleasant space, the price is reasonable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a reservation?

Bistro Ten operates on a first-come, first-served basis at the bar and does not take reservations for tables. On busy nights, you may wait for a seat. Arriving earlier in the evening or on a weekday improves your chances of getting a table without a wait.

What if I don't know much about wine?

The staff are there to help. Tell them what you like—whether you prefer white or red, dry or sweet, light or full-bodied—and they'll suggest something from what's open. You don't need to know wine terminology or have strong opinions to enjoy the bar.

Is there food if I'm not drinking alcohol?

The menu is designed around wine pairings, and the food is meant to accompany wine. You can order cheese and charcuterie without wine, but the experience is built around the two together. Non-alcoholic options may be limited.

Can I buy a bottle to take home?

Yes. If you find a wine you like by the glass, ask whether it's available by the bottle. The staff can tell you the price and help you decide if you want to purchase it to take with you.

What's the best time to visit if I want a quieter experience?

Weekday afternoons and early evenings are quieter than weekend nights. Tuesday through Thursday are typically slower than Friday and Saturday. Arriving before 6 p.m. usually means less of a crowd than later in the evening.