Sabrina's Bar and Grill in Charleston: Southern Comfort Food on King Street

What to expect at Sabrina's Bar and Grill

Sabrina's Bar and Grill sits on King Street in Charleston's downtown corridor, serving New American fare built around Southern ingredients and techniques. The menu leans into comfort food—fried chicken, burgers, seafood—prepared with attention to detail rather than pretension. You'll find a full bar, a dining room that fills up on weekends, and a casual atmosphere where you can show up in jeans or dress clothes and feel equally at home.

The restaurant operates as a neighborhood spot rather than a destination fine-dining venue. Portions are generous. Prices sit in the moderate range for Charleston—entrees typically fall between $15 and $28. The kitchen stays open late by local standards, which matters if you're looking for dinner after 9 p.m. or a substantial meal after drinks elsewhere downtown.

Key Takeaways

• Sabrina's serves Southern-influenced New American food—fried chicken, burgers, seafood, and seasonal vegetables—in a casual dining room on King Street.
• The bar stocks full liquor service with a focus on beer and bourbon, and happy hour pricing runs during specific afternoon and evening windows.
• Reservations are not required but recommended on Friday and Saturday nights, when the dining room fills by 7 p.m.
• Street parking on King Street is metered during business hours; a paid lot sits one block west on Wentworth Street.
• The restaurant closes between lunch and dinner service on weekdays, so call ahead if you're planning an off-peak visit.

The menu and what to order

The kitchen rotates seasonal specials, but the core menu holds steady around fried chicken, burgers, and whatever seafood is running that week. Fried chicken comes bone-in, brined, and served with sides—collard greens, mac and cheese, or cornbread are standard. The burger is a half-pound patty on a brioche bun with house-made pickles and a choice of toppings; many regulars order it with bacon and a fried egg.

Seafood preparations change with the catch. Shrimp, flounder, and grouper appear frequently, usually fried or pan-seared and plated with seasonal vegetables. The kitchen also runs a respectable meatloaf and does pork chops well. Sides matter here—the mac and cheese is creamy and sharp, the collards are cooked low and slow with smoked meat, and the cornbread is buttered and slightly sweet.

Appetizers include fried pickles, wings, and shrimp and grits. Desserts are simple: pecan pie, chocolate cake, or seasonal fruit cobbler. The wine list is short and focused on bottles under $40; the beer selection emphasizes local and regional breweries.

Hours, parking, and how to get there

Sabrina's sits at 207 King Street, in the heart of downtown Charleston's restaurant corridor. Street parking is metered from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday; after 6 p.m. and on Sundays, parking is free. A paid lot operated by the city sits one block west on Wentworth Street and charges by the hour. If you're staying downtown, the restaurant is walkable from most hotels.

The restaurant closes between lunch and dinner service on weekdays—typically 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.—so call ahead if you're planning a mid-afternoon visit. Dinner service runs until 10 p.m. or later on Friday and Saturday. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends. The restaurant is closed Mondays.

Atmosphere and who goes there

The dining room is warm without being fussy—wood accents, good lighting, and tables spaced close enough that you'll hear the energy of the room. The bar runs the length of one wall and draws a mix of after-work drinkers, tourists, and locals meeting friends. On weekends, the place fills with people in their 30s and 40s, families with older children, and groups celebrating birthdays or small occasions.

The staff is attentive but not hovering. Service moves at a comfortable pace—not rushed, not slow. If you're looking for a quiet table, ask for a spot away from the bar when you arrive; the bar side gets louder as the evening goes on, especially on Friday and Saturday.

When to go and what to book ahead

Lunch is quieter than dinner and a good choice if you want a table without waiting. Friday and Saturday nights fill by 7 p.m., so either arrive before 6:30 p.m. or call ahead to put your name on the list. The restaurant does not take reservations through online platforms—you call the number directly or walk in.

Weekday dinners are moderate in volume and rarely require a wait. If you're visiting during a major event—Spoleto Festival in May or June, for instance—call ahead even on a Tuesday. The restaurant is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly if you're visiting midweek.

Price and what you'll spend

Entrees run from $15 for a burger to $28 for seafood specials. Appetizers are $8 to $14. Sides are $4 to $6 each. A meal for one person—entree, one side, and a non-alcoholic drink—typically costs $25 to $35 before tax and tip. If you order a cocktail or beer, add $6 to $8 per drink.

The bar offers happy hour pricing on beer and well drinks during specific windows; call 843-723-6236 to confirm current times. This is a good option if you want to eat and drink without spending heavily, or if you're stopping by for appetizers and a drink before or after dinner elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

No, but they are recommended on Friday and Saturday nights. Call 843-723-6236 to put your name on the list. Weekday dinners rarely require a wait. The restaurant does not hold reservations through online booking platforms.

Is there a kids menu?

Yes. The kitchen offers smaller portions of fried chicken, burgers, and mac and cheese at lower prices. Sides and drinks are ordered separately. High chairs are available, and the staff is accustomed to families with young children.

Can I bring a large group?

Groups of 8 or more should call ahead. The restaurant can usually accommodate larger parties but may need to adjust seating or timing. Call 843-723-6236 to discuss your group size and preferred time.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

The kitchen can modify most dishes. Vegetarian options include mac and cheese, collard greens, cornbread, and fried pickles as a meal. Gluten-free modifications are possible for some items—ask your server what the kitchen can prepare.

Is there outdoor seating?

No. Sabrina's is an indoor dining room and bar only. On warm evenings, nearby restaurants on King Street offer patio seating if you prefer to eat outside.