Whither Alfresco Dining in Charleston?
Looks like they’ve given up on outdoor dining at Cafe Paris in downtown Charleston.
Now that we’ve finally got consistently warm weather, I’ve really been in the mood to dine outdoors. I don’t know what it is, but something about eating outside just makes the food taste better. I’m working on a little back porch oasis of my own, but in the meantime, where are all the good places to eat outside in Charleston? There aren’t many. Off the top of my head, I can only think of a handful.
I had been wondering why that is. My guess was that maybe it gets a little too hot and humid here in the summer and people wouldn’t want to eat outdoors. But creating some good shade with a little foliage and some umbrellas isn’t all that difficult, so this doesn’t seem like an adequate explanation.
Over some delicious Herb Rotisserie Turkey Club sandwiches at the Blossom Deli recently, a co-worker provided another possible answer - apparently there’s a law or an ordinance or something that prohibits people from drinking alcohol in locations visible to the public. My co-worker said he has spoken to the owner of Cafe de Paris, and that’s why the sidewalk tables didn’t really work out - nobody could drink wine out there.
I haven’t put my crack legal research skills to work yet to find out exactly what this proscription says and whether it’s a state law or a city ordinance. Maybe some reader out there knows for sure and can save me some time. (Come on, help a pale-faced blogger out.) My co-worker did add that as long as there is some barrier that hides the scandalous sight of people imbibing alcoholic beverages (think of the children!), then the establishment would be in compliance with the law.
For example, the outdoor seating at Chili’s and Tidewater at the mall is permissible because the fence and the hedges partially conceal the sinners - er, I mean diners. But what about Sam’s on Capitol Street? I’ve enjoyed one of their fantastic cheeseburgers with a pint (or three) out on the little 2nd floor balcony. Is that not visible to the public? Also, just as creating shade doesn’t seem all that complicated or costly, how hard is it to put up a barrier, and wouldn’t the owner want some kind of barrier in most cases anyway?
Like former Gazzblogger Laura “Musicwench” Allen’s crusade against the law limiting the alcohol content of beer sold within the state (which was sadly unsuccessful), I’d like to get to the bottom of this backwards law that is depriving the people of Charleston of some much-needed sun and fresh air with our meals. In the meantime, does anyone out there know of some good outdoor spots that I may be missing out on?
– By Jennifer Hughes
May 4th, 2006 at 10:23 am
The outdoor dining at Soho’s is nice.
May 4th, 2006 at 10:34 am
I don’t think that’s accurate. I haven’t researched the law (it would cut into my Page Six, time), but I’ve seen people drinking wine al fresco at Cafe de Paris. I think it didn’t work out because it’s a lousy location for outdoor dining. The corner of Quarrier and Capital stays fairly busy during prime dining hours and the only thing that may be less appetizing than the car fumes is the thought of Banana Joe’s crowd hovering around or passing by my table once those doors open.
May 4th, 2006 at 11:05 am
Yes - I like the outdoor seating at Soho’s (even though the highway ramp is right there), especially when the outdoor market is in full swing.
Spinster, thanks for the eyewitness tip. I want to get to the bottom of this. I suppose it’s probably a bad sign when the source of information starts to sound all Ferris Bueller. (”My cousin’s boyfriend’s sister’s best friend…̶
May 4th, 2006 at 1:14 pm
I hate to sound like my grandma scared of the big city, but the thought of dining next to a place which once boasted an enumerated (and poorly) spelled dress code leaves a bad taste in my mouth (and I’m not talking about the salmon which was delightful).
Also, I hear Lola’s is thinking about putting on a deck (this from a reliable source behind the bar). And there is one porch table available, but I hate the sad eyes glancing my way as others wait for their own table or feeling my lungs single a little as others light up.
May 16th, 2006 at 7:18 pm
God, snobby wobbies. It’s called a brown paper bag. If you’re too hoity toity to hide one between your legs from restaurant staff and passersby while eating outside then I just don’t know what else to tell you.
May 31st, 2006 at 4:52 pm
Perhaps the reason that eating outside the Cafe de Paris failed because it was even harder to get anyone to wait on you outside than inside!!! If you have been to Paris, people are nearly on the street eating at cafes.