Charleston’s culinary scene is legendary, and at the heart of it all sits Slightly North of Broad, affectionately known as SNOB.
This iconic restaurant has been serving up award-winning Lowcountry cuisine since 1993, transforming traditional Southern dishes into modern masterpieces.
Whether you’re a foodie chasing the perfect shrimp and grits or a history buff seeking atmosphere in a gorgeous 18th-century warehouse, SNOB delivers an unforgettable Charleston dining experience.
1. The Legendary Elevated Shrimp & Grits
SNOB changed Southern cuisine forever when it transformed humble shrimp and grits from a simple breakfast staple into a sophisticated entrée that captured national attention. This restaurant pioneered the elevated version that put Lowcountry cooking on America’s culinary map.
Today, their interpretation remains a gold standard, featuring plump local shrimp atop stone-ground grits with rich, flavorful sauce. Every bite tells the story of Charleston’s coastal heritage while showcasing modern technique.
Food lovers travel from across the country specifically to taste this legendary dish that started a movement.
2. A True Farm-to-Table Pioneer
Long before farm-to-table became trendy, SNOB was quietly revolutionizing how restaurants sourced ingredients. Since opening in 1993, they’ve built relationships with South Carolina farmers and fishermen, bringing the freshest seasonal bounty straight to your plate.
This commitment means menus change with the seasons, reflecting what’s actually growing and swimming in local waters. You’re not just eating dinner; you’re tasting the landscape of the Lowcountry.
Their decades-long dedication to local sourcing helped spark the locavore movement that defines Charleston dining today.
3. The Restaurant That Set the Standard
When people talk about modern Southern fine dining, they’re often describing a style that SNOB essentially invented. This restaurant established the blueprint for how traditional Lowcountry recipes could be reimagined with creativity and sophistication.
An entire generation of Southern chefs studied SNOB’s approach, learning how to honor regional heritage while pushing culinary boundaries. Their influence ripples through Charleston’s restaurant scene and beyond.
Visiting SNOB means experiencing the baseline from which so much contemporary Southern cooking evolved, making it essential for understanding Charleston’s food culture.
4. The Iconic BBQ Tuna Masterpiece
Beyond their famous shrimp and grits, SNOB’s BBQ Tuna has achieved legendary status among Charleston food insiders. This signature dish showcases grilled tuna paired with crispy fried oysters and luxurious country ham butter in an unexpected flavor combination.
The preparation brilliantly merges Southern tradition with global influences, creating something uniquely SNOB. It’s bold, creative, and perfectly represents their willingness to take delicious risks.
Regulars often skip the menu entirely and order this dish by name, knowing it delivers every single time with incredible consistency and flavor.
5. Housed in a Stunning Historic Warehouse
Walking into SNOB feels like stepping back in time, thanks to its spectacular 18th-century warehouse setting on East Bay Street. Towering columns rise toward high ceilings, while exposed brick walls tell stories of Charleston’s mercantile past.
The space radiates what locals call faded grandeur; a casual elegance that feels authentically Charleston rather than manufactured. Original architectural details create an atmosphere that’s both impressive and comfortable.
Dining here means enjoying world-class cuisine surrounded by genuine history, making every meal feel like a special occasion worth remembering.
6. Warm Hospitality Despite the Acronym
Despite being called S.N.O.B., this restaurant is anything but snobbish. The atmosphere balances sophisticated dining with genuine Southern warmth, making everyone feel like honored guests rather than just customers.
From the moment you arrive, staff members demonstrate the kind of gracious hospitality Charleston is famous for. They’re knowledgeable without being pretentious, attentive without hovering.
This welcoming approach proves you can maintain high culinary standards while keeping things friendly and approachable, which is exactly what makes SNOB so beloved by locals and visitors alike.
7. The Exciting Open Kitchen Concept
Watch culinary magic happen in real-time thanks to SNOB’s open kitchen design. The dining room offers clear views of chefs orchestrating dishes, adding theatrical energy and transparency to your meal.
Seeing skilled cooks work with fresh ingredients builds anticipation and connection to your food. There’s something thrilling about watching your dinner come together through coordinated teamwork and precise technique.
This design choice reflects SNOB’s confidence in their craft; they have nothing to hide and everything to show off, making diners feel like insiders witnessing restaurant artistry.
8. Exceptional Service With Personal Touches
Reviews consistently rave about SNOB’s staff, who elevate good service into memorable hospitality. Servers demonstrate deep knowledge about ingredients, preparation methods, and wine pairings, enhancing your understanding and enjoyment.
What truly sets them apart are thoughtful gestures; complimentary champagne for anniversaries, birthday acknowledgments, and genuine care for dietary needs. These touches transform dinner into celebration.
The team strikes that perfect balance between professional excellence and personal warmth, ensuring guests feel valued rather than processed through another seating.
9. The Daily Evolving Menu Adventure
SNOB describes itself as an eclectic Lowcountry bistro, and their ever-changing menu proves it. Daily specials reflect whatever local seafood and produce arrived freshest that morning, making each visit a unique adventure.
This approach means you might discover different preparations and seasonal ingredients depending on when you dine. Regulars love returning to see what creative dishes the kitchen has dreamed up.
The rotating selections keep the menu exciting while guaranteeing peak freshness, so you’re always tasting ingredients at their absolute best moment.
10. Award-Winning Bar and Beverage Program
SNOB isn’t just about exceptional food; their beverage program deserves equal acclaim. The thoughtfully curated wine list features selections that perfectly complement Lowcountry flavors, chosen by knowledgeable sommeliers.
Specialty cocktails showcase creativity and balance, using quality spirits and fresh ingredients. Whether you prefer classic drinks or adventurous mixology, the bar delivers sophistication.
This commitment to the complete dining experience makes SNOB ideal for celebrating special occasions or simply enjoying Charleston’s refined food and drink scene under one historic roof.
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