Almost A Year In, Rosemary Rose Rooftop Bar In Charleston Is Still Kickin’ and Tasty As Ever

You must order the Let It Loose cocktail, the Rosemary Frites, and ask for the Oyster Roll… shh! It’s not on the menu but ask for it and they kitchen will fix it for you…

I’ve heard some positive things about the Nickel Hotel in South Carolina’s once capital, Charleston and I knew I had to check it out for myself on my next visit. Well, this week was my “next visit” and I was taken away by the French Riviera vibes, stunning skyline views of the city, the quality of the cocktails, and the rich savory-ness of the food at the rooftop bar, Rosemary Rose.

Tucked away on the city’s renowned King Street, the hotel can be easy to miss. But once found, and once you enter through the lobby doors, you’ll find yourself in a sort of another world. Charleston, the city named for King Charles II of England is opening itself up to luxury hotels of another sort. The Nickel Hotel sort of European elegance, the kind of hotel one easily finds in New York City or Los Angeles. The black and white checkered floor, the corrugated reception desk, retro lobby furniture, lively foliage, and teal-ish and rose quartz walls really draws one in.

The Rooftop | Photo Credit- The Nickel Hotel

We were invited to sit on the rooftop patio. But, if you’re from South Carolina like myself, or you’re from the South in general, you know that’s not an option during the mid-end of August. So, inside we sat. Rosemary Rose is a delightful bar with a corrugated ceiling, wooden floors, gray banquettes, and long bar. Outside is a wraparound patio with fountain, umbrellas hanging over tables, and views of the hustle and bustle on King Street. And the other side of the bar offers dropdown views of the hotel’s courtyard and Bar Daniel (located on the 2nd floor), with wrought iron detailing that’s reminiscent of Savannah and New Orleans.

The Rosemary Frites and the Crispy Local Fish | Photo Credit- SEELE

The menu is lite bites and not overwhelming. You can find everything from Chilled Shrimp ($17), to a Cheese Board ($18), French Onion Wontons ($15), and Mushroom Toast ($15). We opted for the Burrata with salumi, tomatoes, roasted garlic, basil, and olives ($18). The dish is paired with the most divine grilled sourdough and is paradise to a savory palette. The Rosemary Frites of sesame and sage crisp, lemon, and rosemary aioli ($14) are just as the bar manager described: you can eat your way through this dish. Not strongly rosemary, they are the perfect sharing dish and would pair nicely with something fizzy like a beer. And, the Crispy Local Fish with Vadouvan curry mayo, pickles, and lime ($25) come out piping hot and provide a dance to your taste buds due to the curry. With this combination you won’t be disappointed.

An Old Fashioned and the Let It Loose | Photo Credit- SEELE

The cocktails on the menu are both special to the hotel, yet signature to the world. The Let It Loose ($22) with chili tequila, luxardo del santo, cucumber, lime, and salt is a grown-up version of a margarita. It’s not so spicy as margaritas can be. And, the Old Fashioned ($19), a bar staple of bourbon, rye, sugar, and bitters is made just right. Caught somewhere in between sweet and dry, it’s tasty and pairs well with the bar menu or Happy Hour menu.

The Happy Hour menu is reduced in its offerings but prices are generously slashed compared to the regular menu. You’ll find the Rosemary Frites ($7), along with a Chicken skewer ($4), Tomato Salad ($9), Chilled Shrimp ($9), and Mushroom Toast ($9). And Old Fashioned ($9) is on the menu, along with a Paloma ($9) and a mocktail of Cinnanym with St. Ember, Oak, Cinnamon, Lemon, and Grapefruit ($9). A selection of wine is $7 and beers, also non-alcoholic is ($6).

The Oyster Roll | Photo Credit- SEELE

The Fried Oyster Roll, think something similar to a Lobster Roll was enticing. Fried oysters are an acquired taste. They’re vastly different from raw oysters. Accompanied by roasted vegetables and an oil sauce that has a hint of Asian essence in it, it’s a bar bite that has made a hit with weekend crowd. It must be asked for to be ordered but it’s absolutely mouthwatering, and needs to be eaten to be believed.

Rosemary Rose draws people. Opened from 4pm, we found quite a crowd at 4:30pm when we arrived on a Monday. Locals know about it and it’s a spot to meet those near and dear. The cocktails, ambience, and bits will not disappoint.

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