Marina Variety Store Restaurant

Reviews 4

A

A Private User

DO Not forget to bring your parking time card for validation! I will not go back myself, In Charleston there are SO many better choices. Went to lunch with my sisters and mother and met a few local friends here for lunch. The choice was made by one of the girls we were meeting. we arrived a little early and walked the docks of the marina which had some really favbulous boats including a huge one that looked like a floating hotel!. Once we CLIMBED the steep stairs out (do not attempt if you are fragile or wobbly) front we entered a very nice foyer. and were greeted fairly quickly. we were seated at the only large table I think they have which was somewhat in the middle of the place but near a door exiting to somewhere and there was someone doing work outside with a annoying device., the view is very nice of the entire marina. But the place lacked pazazz and was at best a DINER. Our waitress, although very nice, seemed to have a out of bed look and I think needed a few more hours sleep! we ordered several appetizers for all to share and taste. the plastic tri fold menu was assorted with mostly diner type items with a seafood theme. a insert with the daily specials and side items to choose from. appetizers we ordered: stuffed artichoke thing (special that day) : 5 stars! was the best thing I ate. I dont know exactly what was in these things but everyone really like these the best. i wish I could describe them more but dont remember exactly what was in them. artichokes, cheeses etc and a great aioli on top fried green tomatoes; 2 stars: REALLY? breading was a bit soggy and falling off the tomatoes were not completely green and I didnt care for the honey mustard dip calamari: 1 star ugh fresh cut my foot! rubbery previously frozen garbage! the marinara was at best a doctored version of a canned sauce. chef boy r dee makes better pizza sauce- they should use that instead! I ordered a cup of the She Crab Soup, which in Charleston should be simple! NO WAY! 2 stars- this was a crab chowder. it was so thick it was almost chunky and although it tasted ok- you arent fooling this Charleston raised girl! there was no ROE and the thickness was a turn off. it was served with WHEAT crackers- what is that? Duh not right. I did not continue eating after 2 bites and it was removed from the bill. I and another girl ordered the buffalo wrap with shrimp on wheat; 2 stars- the shrimp were a little on the spongey side. obvious of a thawed pre cooked shrimp. then stuffed with lots of romanine lettuce and tomatoes. served with a ok bottle type blue cheese dressing. my fries needed at least 3 more minutes in the oil they were cold and limp with no seasoning country style steak: i didnt try but looked like a cheap version of a stir fry whole fried flounder- was just ok shrimp and grits: sister said they were just ok. kielbasa type sausage (not tasso ham or even ham!) with peppers and onions and what looked like the same crappy shrimp i had in my wrap over some grits that were not creamy but rather super thick. the FRIED mac and cheese was HHMMMM a new was to clog your arteries with some flavor. the only highlights from our experience was the sweet potato fries, fried whole okra and the artichoke app. Now this place is probably great for those boaters needing a quick diner meal while they are doing their laundry in the facilites provided or taking a shower,. maybe while sitting in the bar downstairs and watching the game. But it is a far cry for a charleston food favorites

AL

Alex Maglione

So, the parking will be validated so bring your ticket. We walked in at 3 on a Saturday (an hour before the kitchen swaps to dinner only) and were greeted by.... we werent. There were three servers counting their cash and cutting up with each other talking about the money they made and two hostesses behind the counter. ALL 5 said nothing for a good few mins. Then one girl finally asked and led us to a table. The ceiling tile is warped and falling, the outside of the restaurant is rusted, but its natural since they have salty water around. Our table had a view 8 out of 10 of the Marina. Just beautiful. Then our server, an older woman with blonde hair and a raspy voice greeted us. We didnt know what to get and she stopped by about every 3 mins asking if we were ready (not offering help, as she was more preoccupied playing around with employees) after already approaching us initially with an irritated attitude. My wife asked, "How is your clam chowder?" And the lady looked at her and just shrugged her shoulders and said, "Well, its a cream based chowder. Soooooo." I wanted to say, "WHAT IS IT?! CAMPBELLS?!?!" That was the service we were getting. Nothing answered, irritated employee. Anyway, I got the veggie wrap and my wife for the pan seared oysters with the beans, collards, and fries. About 10 mins or so later, the lady approaches with the food. The veggie wrap (mostly full of lettuce, but okay) and her "pan seared" oysters were just battered for the fryer and put in a pan. Not really seared... should have just gotten them grilled. Asked the server if they were fried or pan seared because they looked fried and the server just looked and said ,"Pan seared", and walked off in a huff. No exaggeration. (I was a 5 star server for 7 years so I accept sub par service. I understand it. But terrible service I have no patience for) The sides and food were fine... just fine.... the "pan seared" oysters were slimy and covered in a ton of batter, the wrap had mostly lettuce and very little other vegetables, and the service was terrible. Maybe youll have a different experience, but this was ours.

EM

emily bailey

you really should give this place a try. heres why its locally owned and staffed by GREAT people. Richard, Mike, Earl, even the waitstaff and hostesses/hosts. Great Charleston atmosphere and even better food. Secondly, the restaurant validates parking for up to 2 hours, so please do not let this deter you from trying it out. Just dont forget to have your ticket validated by the hostess! BUT if you intend to go for breakfast, especially on a weekend, youll want to get in before 9ish to beat the rush. BECAUSE we all know the food, the view, and the staff cant be beat! The last time I went, we did actually have a complaint about our food. BUT it was sent back to the kitchen with no hassle, and our waitress told us we had a choice between comping the meal and waiting for a re-fire because the owners of the restaurant CARE that you are satisfied every visit. We waited and were promptly served 2 new breakfasts that were completely soul-satisfying. If anyone wants my two cents, youre doing yourself a disservice if you dont try the pimento cheese and fried green tomato benedict. Bliss. Its a wonderful place with so much heart and a menu to match. Give it a try.

A

A Private User

Looked at the menu online and when I called to order, I was told that prices had increased, but were not reflected online. The woman who took my order continued to say, that will be an extra charge, that will cost more, etc to each of my requests. The online menu said hushpuppies came with the platter, but on the phone she informed me only 1 hushpuppie was included. I should have hung up and ordered elsewhere. When I entered the restaurant, there was a strong smell of rotten eggs or worse. I was not greeted pleasantly, but was simply told 28 dollars. The calamari was soggy and the hushpuppies were overcooked. The seafood platter was okay, but nothing to write home about. I dont plan to return.