The Archer - New Restaurant in Charleston
A New Neighborhood Tavern
The Charleston foodie scene just keeps on expanding—and I’m all about it! The latest gem to grace downtown Charleston is The Archer, which opened last month.
The Archer is the brainchild of the owners behind Berkeley’s, a beloved Charleston sandwich and supper shop. With this new venture, they aimed to elevate their casual dining game while still keeping things light, friendly, and approachable. And let me tell you, they’ve hit the mark!
The Space
When I first walked into The Archer, my immediate thought was that the space was a bit smaller than I had anticipated. However, it managed to strike a perfect balance—cozy without feeling cramped. The decor is a visual delight, featuring a mix of charming elements like a large clock perched atop the bar, an open kitchen where you can watch the culinary magic unfold, and walls adorned with intriguing art pieces. The front of the restaurant is lined with floor-to-ceiling windows, which let in a generous amount of natural light. This creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that blends beautifully with the lodge-like, tavern vibes of the interior.
The Food
Now, let’s talk about the menu. The Archer serves up a fantastic selection of classic comfort foods, each with its own unique twist. You’ll find lighter options like crispy grilled shrimp and G&T salmon, perfect for those who prefer a fresh and vibrant meal. On the other end of the spectrum, there are heartier dishes such as beef stroganoff and seared duck frites that will satisfy even the most ravenous of appetites. Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting and familiar or eager to explore a new culinary creation, The Archer has got you covered.
During my visit, the stand-outs were the Crispy Grilled Shrimp and the Duck Frites. Would happily order these delicious dishes again in a heartbeat!
The Drinks
The drink menu at The Archer was another pleasant surprise. With an impressive array of cocktail options, I managed to taste-test four of them—one of the many perks of dining with fellow foodies who are just as adventurous! The cocktails were crafted with unique ingredients like lemon pepper tonic from Sweatman’s Garden, brown butter hazelnut tequila, and roasted bell pepper, among others. The creativity and quality in each drink were evident and made the tasting experience all the more enjoyable.
If cocktails aren’t your thing, no worries—The Archer also offers a solid selection of beers, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages.
The 7 Year Spritz was the star of our cocktail lineup. The combination of watermelon shrub and lemon pepper tonic was out of this world and has definitely earned a spot in my top 10 cocktails in Charleston so far!
The Service
The service at The Archer was easygoing, yet attentive. We were a bit indecisive at times, but our server was more than happy to step in with thoughtful suggestions and her own favorites. It was clear that the staff was not only well-versed in the menu but had also sampled much of what’s offered. This kind of informed service always enhances the dining experience and makes you feel like you’re in good hands.
With a 5.0 rating on Google as of this writing and a bustling Friday night with not an empty seat in the house during our visit, this spot seems to be hitting the spot for Charleston locals. They also recently announced that they’ll be opening up more reservations, so be sure to book yours and see what all the hype is about!
