High Cotton is a great representation of true Lowcountry southern cuisine and a staple to the city of Charleston. It is owned by the Hall Management Group who own five other restaurants to include Halls Chophouse, Post House Inn, Slightly North of Broad (S.N.O.B), and others. Sunday is always a good day in Charleston, all though Charleston is known as “The Holy City," with several hundred churches, some dating back to the 1600s, I was referring to something even holier, and that's Brunch. I have nothing against the church, but I like to sleep in on Sunday’s, then eat a good Brunch, and High Cotton fits the bill every time I visit. Charleston is a highly overlooked city known mainly for its historical contributions since the founding, separation, and rejoining of the country. The area that is overlooked the most is the cuisine. One of the top one hundred restaurants in the world is in Charleston, not bad when you’re competing against New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Another two Charleston restaurants are on the top 100 list of America as well.
The restaurant is built into a historical building in the downtown district also known as restaurant row. As you enter the building you’re greeted with the sounds of jazz as a band plays near the bar, and see murals painted onto the wall, along with other local artwork. The restaurant is a wonderful atmosphere with neatly shaped fans, and old oak tables, combined with the great food and wonderful service makes High Cotton a must visit your list.
A YouTube video of the Jazz ban, taken in 2011 on my first visit to High Cotton:
I started with a bloody Mary, and as we reviewed the menu, a basket of homemade cornbread came out, which was one thing I always looked forward to when I came here. Made from local cornmeal grains, not the prepackaged crap that you just add water to, this was some of the best cornbread I have ever had.I dined with my daughter two times here at High Cotton, and one time was solo.We decided on two courses for our meal starting with the crispy salmon spring rolls with a dill crème fraîche dipping sauce. My daughter had the soup of the day which was the Charleston crab bisque with blue crab, chives, and sherry butter.
Every time I have been, I’ve never had room to try their dessert options, but if there anything like the food from the regular menu, then I’m sure they will be amazing.
Please see these guidelines for Tipping in Restaurants and on following proper etiquette, customs, cultures, and avoiding assumptions when you dine out.
Other Noteworthy Southern cuisine Articles & Restaurants:
Commander’s Palace Refined and elegant creole fare since 1880 in New Orleans, Louisiana
Food 101 Farm-to-table eatery offering Southern classics in Sandy Springs, Georgia
Lobby at Twelve Boutique hotel bistro, New American, and Southern favorites at Atlantic Station, Atlanta
Mojo Old City BBQ Vibrant Southern cuisine & BBQ in St. Augustine, Florida
Noble Crust Modern contemporary Italian and Southern dishes in St Petersburg, Florida
Stella’s Restaurant Southern-inspired comfort eats and diner in Gulfport, Florida
Overall from this experience and the score factors outlined in the ‘about page’ section, I give High Cotton a 4 out of 5 stars, meaning that they not only exceeded my expectations and were far above the average dining experience of most restaurants, but they were outstanding.
Scores are detailed in the factor chart below:
Formula Factor Conclusions and Overall Ratings
Max Points Possible:
Total Points Awarded:
Total Points deducted:
Ambiance
9.5
9.5
0
Food quality
9.5
8.5
1
Plate presentation
8.5
7.5
1
Customer service
9
6
3
Alcohol and other beverages
10
8
2
Total regular points awarded
46.5
39.5
7
Total percentage Before Bonus
0.849462365591398
“Wow” factor BONUS
5
1
0
Total bonus percentage
0.021505376344086
Total percentage with bonus for final star rating
0.870967741935484
Stars Awarded (see chart below)
0 - 5
4
**A full break down and explanation of the observations and point disbursement is available in the linked article above. To receive a detailed copy of your score, feel free to contact me at any time and I will provide it to you.**
The Restaurants reviewed on this site may have a kids menu or cater to them;however, for full enjoyment of food and wine, it is recommended that kids not to be in attendance, unless they have been trained inproper etiquette.
Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express
Parking:
Valet, Public lot, or Street meeter parking
Wifi
The restaurants reviewed on this site may have Wi-Fi, but do not require you to go online, because the excitement of the food and wine alone will keep you too entertained instead of checking your social media and emails.
Noise level:
Medium to Loud
Smoking:
Nonsmoking restaurant
Patio or terrace:
No
Food Prices
(excludes, alcohol, taxes & 20% gratuity’s)
$£€¥ - Under 50.00 (inexpensive)
$£€¥ x 2 - 51.00- 99.00 (moderate)
$£€¥ x 3 - Over 100.00 (pricey)
$£€¥ x 4 - Over 200.00 (expensive)
$£€¥ x 5 - Over 400.00 (very expensive)
**Currencies reflect the world’s major travelers, restaurant, or wine connoisseur’s**
