Bearcat

WOW! Bearcat is a true HIDDEN GEM in Charleston! We did the chef’s tasting table and was blown away by our experience. The food was delicious, the staff were very attentive, and the vibes were amazing. I loved that we sat at the counter, so we can see all the kitchen’s magic up close. I also loved how helpful our server was. He didn’t hesitate to give us tips on what drinks would go good with our food. 100% recommended for locals, travelers, and foodies!

been wanting to go here for a while and finally got the opportunity. did the tasting menu. our server was fantastic and sweet and took great care of us. she was a definite highlight. the decor and lighting of the place is really really nice. whoever does the music knows my taste, but the acoustics really muddy the noise and im not sure the music really fits with the establishment in the first place. moving on. the cocktail i had was very tasty. the food i felt was unfortunately fairly lackluster. maybe my palate is simply not refined enough (though i have tried multiple delicious experimental tasting menu courses in and outside of the country), but i just didnt come away feeling the way i would have liked with a lot of the dishes. presentations were fantastic though. started with duck liver toast and a cup oyster. maybe im not a liver guy (have had some incredible foie gras before) but i wasnt feeling it. the oyster was a fun lil treat. next dish was a form of egg custard that really didnt do much for me. the yellowtail fish plate was delightful and bursting with flavor. everything on the plate came together well. scallop plate was next and it was divine (that basil was smacking tf out of the other flavors though). those two were far and away the best dishes. the last dish before the desserts was pork belly which was a disappointing finish to the main course for a place like this but the pork belly was good. the first dessert was a mango mochi dish which i was not a fan of, and the second was cantaloupe/honeydew dessert where the melons were excellent but the flavor was entirely overridden by just way, way too much goat cheese imo. id like to potentially give this place another chance because maybe a lot of these dishes were just not for my taste buds, and i do want to support spots like this that aim for the stars. maybe next time.

The reality exceeded the expectation. All aspects of the dining experience were top notch. Each member of the staff we encountered were incredibly friendly and helpful. The atmosphere offered a relaxing, laid back setting. Everything from the the music to the decor laid out the perfect platform for the star of the show, the food. The flavors of each dish were complex and elevated. I appreciate the integrity and mindfulness of the dish compositions, from ingredients to plate presentation. The small plates offer a large opportunity to enjoy many of Chef's marvelous concepts and creations. Get here and experience it for yourself. You will not regret it.

Celebrated my best friends 30th birthday here and how charming it was! The server was very knowledgeable & kind, the food dishes were exquisite in taste as well as quality. The atmosphere is very romantic and refreshing and I definitely suggest it for a date night out! Would happily return anytime!

To be completely fair I gave the food a 4 because we ordered almost everything on the menu for 3 people except for two items and two desserts (which were really good). I know 2 of us came away hungry. The food we ordered was good, it was not made clear at the beginning that the menu wasn't appetizer size to larger size or suggested by the server that for 3 people we recommend the following... Another thing that could be improved is having a sample menu online somewhere. I totally understand that things change, ingredients change... Etc but for people with a food intolerance it would be good to be able to plan ahead of time a little bit. Our server was great. The atmosphere in my opinion was very very forced. The bar menu looked interesting with some overlap with the restaurant side. I would suggest a great place for drinks and apps but not necessarily a full meal.

What a great night! We went to celebrate a friend’s birthday with a party of 4. Super friendly staff. The duck toast on Japanese milk bread, oyster, monkfish and stroganoff were fabulous! Highly recommend

Thoroughly enjoyed our whole experience. Watching the kitchen work is mesmerizing. Our group did the chefs tasting with wine pairings. Everything was top notch, from taste to plating, this is easily some of the best food in Charleston. Looking forward to coming back.

This is hands down one of the most foodie places in Charleston by any measure. One of the best meals of my life. There is a normal menu but also offer a tasting menu for $95 PP which has a few off menu items. I will caveat that this is very sophisticated food with flavors I didn’t even know were possible. If you aren’t a foodie this may be too much. If that sounds like your particular brand of vodka then run, do not walk to Bearcat. Now. The quality that stands out is the uniqueness of ingredients and creativity in each dish. The tasting menu provided a true taste of meat, seafood, veggies, pasta, etc. Upon finishing, they provide the menu on their own stationary signed by all the chefs. Each dish was often presented by each chef and even the owner/head chef. A very nice touch! First / second course - A raw oyster with a variety of added spices “Duck pate’ toast” which has a variety of unique ingredients such as a pickled white strawberry - this sounds strange, my wife and i would have eaten an entire plate alone. Third course - A “charcoal panna cotta” on flaming/smoking wood embers - this is easily the strangest thing i have consumed in my life and in a good way. It is smokey, savory, sweet, creamy, and the topping is literally made of flavored charcoal. This one is definitely a conversation piece. 4th course - Hamachi Crudo An explosion of fresh flavors. Super tender. 5th course - corn pasta dish This is a highlight. Had a variety of fresh veggies both savory and tart, charred pickled corn bits, and the pasta is so chewy and delicious. exploring every end of this dish is its own highlight to the night. 6th course - duck with cauliflower foam etc Another highlight. The duck is almost like steak, so thick and “red meaty”, the cauliflower foam is fantastic as are the garnishes Bonus course - melon palate cleanser Also unlike any food ive ever had. Cantaloupe and honeydew melon “balls” topped with whipped goat cheese and cream. Decadent and refreshing at the same time. 7th course - a fruity ice cream with macadamia nut. And explosion of flavors, but the macadamia nuts were candied and almost added a savoriness. With the bill they provided a home made flavored marshmallow and a gelatin candy. They provided our menu for the evening signed by the entire kitchen staff with some take home cookies!! Absolutely impeccable. Service is fantastic, comfortable setting. Easy to get to in west ashley with parking. Fantastic cocktails by the way. An amazing non-alcoholic frozen drink “hey arnold”. I want this sold in a plastic bottle by the gallon for every beach day. MIC DROP. If you call yourself a foodie, this is a must go.

If you enjoy quality ingredients and unique plating look no further. Came to Bearcat for a friend's birthday and it passed the vibe check. The restaurant has a marvelous outdoor area that feels like an outdoor green house. Flowers everywhere and plenty of seating. Upon entry we were greeted by smiling faces helping us to our seat. We were seated at the chef counter where you can see all the action. We chose the 7 course experience to explore the culinary journey the restaurant offered. Everything was so perfect. -We started with milk bread with duck mousse and oysters. Every bite left you wanting more. -Next was a Japanese style custard that was different, but very flavorful. - We tried every Original drink that was on the menu. My favorite was Ectocooler, Flores, and That's The Problem. The mixologist is a GENIUS - The freeze dried passion fruit with fish was exceptional. Great texture - Grilled Scallops were cooked to perfection. -The Pork belly and rice was everything and more. Simple but filling. -Last we had a Peach crème brûlée acaramel white chocolate ganache, -While enjoying are dining experience we were blown away by how seamlessly the kitchen staff were interacting with each other. It was amazing to watch true professionals at work. If you love tasting experiences and premium ingredients BEARCAT is the place to be.

Bearcat Restaurant in West Ashley is a gem! The ambiance instantly grabs your attention with its cool, dark-colored walls complemented by beautiful furniture and decor. This place is all about creativity, not just in its atmosphere. The food is both yummy and innovative, with the plating taking this spot to the next level. I had some of the best pork belly I've ever tasted here--served in five perfect pieces alongside coconut rice, homemade pickled veggies, and fresh greens. It's a build-it-yourself style bowl that not only looks impressive but tastes great. While Bearcat is a fantastic spot for a fun dining experience, it's worth noting that the menu is somewhat limited. So, make sure your party is cool with the options available before heading over. Will definitely be back to try some of the other fun options!

This is outside of Charleston proper, but just a short drive away. Parking is a bit of a challenge so Uber if you can. The location outside of town speaks to the innovation and effort that is being made here. This is an up and comer looking to stand out among many excellent restaurant choices around town. I thought it was well worth exploring for the quality and creativity of the food and the amazing customer service. The service was excellent - Southern hospitality just oozing from every human there and we felt really welcome. We were there early and were greeted by the head chef himself, and his enthusiasm for the menu and for us to have a good time was just so charming. Our server was attentive, funny, engaging, and very well informed about the menu and ingredients. We loved every dish we had and the cocktails were delish. The menu changes often so expect fresh ingredients and few repeats of what others might have listed in their reviews. I liked how everything had a little pizzazz to it. This is not your run of the mill food experience as they value quality and creativity. The ambiance is a funny but comfortable mix of very dark walls and plants hanging everywhere. It was maybe a little too dark for my taste, but it worked.

Where to begin... No bag hooks under the counter at the chefs counter. It was a tasty experience for sure. I recommend going. That said, let's talk about chef. I hope it's all an act. I hope that he's just putting it on to give us small Charleston folk the feeling that we are literally on the set for "the Bear". The yelling and swearing, throwing his hands up and storming off saying he's quit and that his useless staff would be F'd without him. He only helped on the line once, but then when a scallop dish wasn't ready in time he refused to jump in an and do it. It was a raw scallop with all cold ingredients. He then came back and announced to everyone that the customer wouldn't be eating her main with the rest of their table. It's good to delegate but not good to ruin a customers meal to prove a point. It was entertaining for sure. But by the end of the meal I just felt bad for his subordinates. Crème brûlée was a massive let down. Inventive is fine as long as it still tasty. Why did they torch the glass bowl it was in? So pointless. Sugar needs to be torched. That's the whole point of a creme brûlée. Brûlée means burnt. There was nothing burnt on it. Let down. Shoutout to the bartender for making a really good mezcal out fashioned.

Take a leap and try a new spot that offers innovative and delicious dishes. I posted a few pictures, but since the menu changes frequently and the restaurant has nothing posted I can't help you with what they were. I know the Hamachi Crudo and the Duck Liver Toast are often served but the rest of the menu offered seems to be more seasonally flavored. The decor is gorgeous, warm, and inviting, but the spot is small. Fine dining evening, with delicious food, good company, and excellent staff, and my Smoked Bees Knees was a real treat...

BearCat is not just a restaurant; it is an experience that deserves at least a Michelin star or two and a James Beard Award. Every dish has a surprise- every single dish! Amazing! As someone who has had the privilege of dining at some of the finest restaurants in the world, BearCat in Charleston, SC, stands out as a hidden gem that deserves the highest accolades. This unpretentious yet extraordinary restaurant, led by Chefs George (owner), Maddie, Tommy, Ian, Liz and their talented team, offers an experience that rivals those of Michelin-starred establishments in New York or Chicago. (Chef George's fine dining and stars background from Chicago shows!) From the moment you step in, the ambiance is welcoming, and the service is impeccable. Each dish is a delightful surprise, a testament to the chefs' creativity and mastery of flavors. Here's a breakdown of my unforgettable culinary journey at BearCat: First Course: - Duck liver mousse toast on Japanese bread with strawberries(?) - Low country oyster with nasturtium oil Second Course: - Peach and bacon panna cotta with charcoal snow Surprise Third Course: - Hamachi crudo with guava jam, basil seeds, and fried seaweed Fourth Course: - Cavatelli with corn and corn smut (a unique corn fungus) Surprise Birthday Course: - Scallop with charred veggies and a divine sauce. The scallop was PERFECT! Fifth Course: - Duck, medium rare, with sunchokes, allium and pickled cauliflower Sixth Surprise Course: - Sous vide lamb seared on all sides with Carolina caviar (red beans-ish) and a rich jus First Dessert Course: - Compressed melons, sorbet, and goat cheese espuma. Not sweetened cheese- what a great surprise! Second Dessert Course: - Kakigori shaved ice (blackberry) with ice cream and macadamia, reminiscent of Kala Khatta from Juhu Beach, just missing a dash of chaat masala. Made me miss my childhood! Last Dessert: Birthday Surprise - Dark chocolate brownie, simple and delicious A unique touch that made my visit even more special was learning that George made some of the plates used in the restaurant himself. The hospitality extended to a gifted signed menu and a cookie on my way out - a perfect ending to a perfect meal. For its price point, service, and extraordinary dishes, BearCat is a must-visit. Charleston is incredibly fortunate to have this culinary treasure, but it could easily shine on the world's biggest gastronomic stages. Highly recommend!

We were excited to try Bearcat, and we signed up for the 7 course meal. I really wish I could give this place a better review, but I just can't. The space is lovely and relaxing though the music is played a little too loud. We were overall disappointed in the experience. We almost felt like we were on an episode of chopped. Some of the dishes were just too weird-especially the one that looks like a plate of ashes. None of us liked it. The duck was our favorite and we also liked the oyster starter. We all left hungry and felt something was missing. We loved the chex mix that they gave us to go. The service was good overall, but based on the food, we don't plan to return.

I try to peruse menus ahead of time so I can plan out my meal and budget accordingly. Since their menu relies heavily on what's available locally and in season, Bearcat doesn't publish their menu. Really all that means is it took a bit longer for us to choose our plates than normal. We made a reservation, which it turns out we didn't need at 545pm. 630 or 7pm would definitely need one. The staff who helped us out were both wonderful - a very helpful gentleman who patiently waited as we took our time ordering and a quiet sprite of a human who brought over their floral vinegar jar at the end so I could learn how to make it myself. The food was almost all a home run. I love a Skrewball cocktail so much that I had two of them! My friends went with the Ecto Cooler (then switched to wine) and the Matcha cocktail. All rave reviews. For food, whew we wanted everything. The tartine, duck liver toast, and hamachi crudo were so good. We honestly expected the plates to be smaller from how they had been described, but it was plenty enough to share. The farm salad was fine, but not interesting or exciting or even that much flavor. I can't really figure out what it was lacking. The seabass was so good that my friend literally licked the plate clean. We also decided to split both desserts. I had been looking forward to the pot de creme but they didn't have one last night, but the strawberry shortcake and the rich brownie sundae more than made up for it. A++++ I cannot wait to go back

I have many amazing words for this restaurant, but the one that really comes to mind is "special." We were treated to the most beautiful and delicious courses, one after another. It was overwhelming how good the food is, but the service and the ambiance does not take a back seat to the food. If you want to feel treated, have a really fun time, and enjoy a beautiful and moody environment, Bearcat is a real treat.

The bites of food were very spectacular, but compared to other tasting menus I've had in the area it's just really not a lot of food and they had multiple dessert courses. I would have preferred more savory and one dessert dish. They had so many unique dishes and drinks that I would definitely be back to try their regular menu. The lamb crusted in coffee was incredible. The hamachi crudo was so good, I just wish there was more. For the tasting menu they had many different servers and some of them didn't know what they were serving and it was an awkward conversation when they were trying to describe each dish. This is a newer restaurant, and they have a very good chef. I am hoping they will work out the kinks. The restaurant is beautiful and I loved the ambiance. It's perfect for a date night.

We finally made it to Bearcat this week and we were not disappointed! The indoor decor is modern but woodsy to warm it up. We were initially sat at a table by the window, but the sun was in my husband's eyes and they offered to move us, which was really considerate. Our server, Sasha, grew on me. At first I was frustrated with her as I was trying to order a cocktail and then when we were placing our order she told us we needed to order more dishes as they were small. I wish we had known that prior to making our initial decisions, not that we didn't enjoy that, we just would have ordered more "strategically" with the other dishes rather than feeling rushed. So, for 2 people they suggest 5-6 dishes. Now, on to the food! We had the fois gras, dumplings, crisp, chicken, pork belly and the crab rice. The fois gras was seriously one of the BEST BITES of food I have had in a long time! The dumplings were interesting, very nutty and the crisp was tasty. Believe it or not, my second favorite dish was the chicken! It's hard to make chicken special and this was truly delicious, the herbs they used really made this dish shine. The crab rice had huge lumps of crab and the pork belly was also tasty. She says the menu changes frequently, so we'll need to go back soon!

Having heard rave reviews and seen the high ratings, my expectations were sky-high when I dined at Bearcat with my boyfriend back in January. While the experience was good overall, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment as it fell slightly short of the greatness I had expected it to deliver. The ambiance at Bearcat is undeniably pleasant, with intricate décor and a home-like vibe. The staff was friendly and attentive, although not overtly chatty (but they could have been busy at the time). Service was efficient, but it lacked a personal touch. The staff was professional but didn't go above and beyond to create a memorable experience. We ordered several plates including the fish, pork tenderloin, oysters, duck liver mousse, cheesecake, and creme brulee. The flavors were great, and the presentation was strong, but the tenderloin was much too rare for my preference and the fish was forgettable. The oysters were easily the best part of the meal- I found myself fighting my boyfriend for the last one (while typically I do not even like oysters at all)! The desert is where our night hit its lowest point. Although my boyfriend and I loved the presentation of the cheesecake and creme brulee "terrarium," the textures were too strange for either of us to truly enjoy the plates. We were also wildly confused by the (incredibly) sour sorbet in the middle of my creme brulee. It felt very much like the staff was trying too hard to be new, innovative, and different- but wildly missed the mark when appealing to ones actual tastes. While I appreciate the effort to push culinary boundaries, the meal, in this instance, may have missed the mark by attempting to be too avant-garde. A more thoughtful balance between innovation and classic indulgence could elevate the dessert experience to match the potential I had hoped for based on the restaurant's reputation. In conclusion, Bearcat was a good dining option, but it left me with a sense of unmet expectations. Perhaps the hype surrounding it set the bar impossibly high. While the experience was enjoyable, it didn't reach the level of culinary excellence and overall brilliance I had envisioned. If you're in the mood for a solid meal in a trendy setting, Bearcat fits the bill.

Went for dinner for the first time at Bearcat and I love the decor and ambience of this place. Our server was very knowledgeable with the menu and drink selection. We had the hamachi crudo that tasted so refreshing. Smoke mistake mushroom was so good with very creative presentation. Crab rice and scallops were such a treat for our main course and totally recommend these dish. I was so curious with the New York Strip steak, so we ordered it last. The presentation of the steak and potato pave were really nice but the steak was ok. NY strip was one the very tender part cut and even the prepared it well it still not the best steak. I ordered it out of curiosity but I dont really recommend the NY strip steak, for $75 you can get better steak somewhere else. I think they should get a different cut of steak beside the NYstrip. I still recommend this place and will visit again.

The food, service and ambience is perfect. We decamped to Charleston from Asheville fleeing the aftermath of Helene. Our server, Zen remembered us from a previous visit. The restaurant comped a drink for me and an app and dessert for us. That was an unexpected kindness that went a long way in lifting our spirits. We will be back!!! Thank you Zen.

Bearcat is exactly what's been missing in Charleston! Tucked just off of Savannah Highway in West Ashley, Bearcat restaurant is settling well into the Charleston fine dining scene. The outside of the restaurant features a roadside parking area and casual patio for guests that want somewhere to unwind with a drink after work. Inside, you'll find an intimate and rustic space adorned with warm lighting, exposed wood finishes, and an open air kitchen in the back. This is where you'll find a diligent and meticulous staff hard at work preparing Chef George Kovach's creations. If it's your first time at Bearcat, or you want to expand your palate, I highly recommend the chef's tasting experience. This menu option provides you with around seven courses that are picked by the chef, and more than likely, you will get to try things that aren't even on the menu yet. If you choose this option, you can sit adjacent to the kitchen or at the kitchen counter, where you'll get to see each dish be assembled. Don't let all of this intimidate you though! The atmosphere is very relaxed and you can tell that everyone is having a lot of fun. The hostess was warm and welcoming, our waitress was knowledgeable about every dish being served, the kitchen staff shared laughs while they expertly executed dish after dish, and Chef Kovach made his rounds through the kitchen and dining area to make sure everyone was enjoying their meal. I'm excited to see this restaurant explode in popularity over the next year and rake in the awards. I feel like it's only a matter of time!

The only reason for two stars was the bar staff. The food was absolutely terrible, insulting even. The raw oysters were served on some sort of unwashed platter with lava rocks hot-glued to it- everything about that screams food borne illness. Another course was described as supposed to taste like the milk in a cereal bowl, but it was just overcooked and bland watered down oatmeal with about a handful of salt dumped on top. The biggest disappointment, food wise, was the Carolina BBQ pork belly. It was chewy and dry, lacking any flavor. The pickles served with it weren't pickled, just soft boiled and bland. The plain steamed white rice was the best part of the dish. At this point I had lost my appetite and interest. I was hoping for a great dessert to make up for the lack of anything good up to that point, but alas, they were just as bad as the rest of the meal. This place won't last a year. The "Chef" likes to name drop previous places he worked, but obviously learned nothing while there. He was so rude to his staff I was surprised they didn't walk out. He extended that to the patrons, who he treated like they were unworthy of his schlop. Don't waste your time, or money. There was nothing good about this place.

The food was top-notch, and the vibe was just right for a great night out. Our adventure began with two cocktails that set the stage for a great dining experience. Our server, Brian took the time to explain the menu and dishes in detail. To start, he steered us towards the hamachi and seasonal pasta, an amazing match with the Chenin Blanc he recommended. Next we moved on to the oysters and duck liver brioche toast, both hitting the perfect flavor notes alongside our white wine. We decided to split the steak main dish and went with the suggested chilled red that turned out to be a perfect balance. Make sure you save some room for the "strawberry shortcake" dessert. If you want a fun and fabulous dining experience, this place is an absolute must!

Definitely date night worthy. Great food and atmosphere - New American fine dining in West Ashley. Go and be seduced by the fragrance, flavors, ambiance and expert service.

Tried this newer spot out the day after Christmas. They have done a lot of work on the space and it is nice in there if not just a touch too loud for 'intimate' dining. And yes, as other reviews have pointed out, it is pretentious food. Think hand spooned and portioned roe on dishes garnished with exactly 5 micro greens. The portions are small but very well done. You're not going here for heaping plates, but small well done dishes. We had the beet salad, scallops, and pasta dishes all of which were tasty. Cocktails were just a touch too sweet, but the wine list offered enough alternatives and they have craft beers of course as well. The service was not intrusive despite the high volume of floor staff. I will be back at some point in the future.

Dinner with a girlfriend: Crudo, beet salad, crab rice and pot de crème. And the Luli Pinot Noir of course. The flavors were outstanding- each bite was so delicious and really different. Lots of mushrooms on the menu which I can't stand, so looking foward to returning in the spring when they're not in season! We sat at the chefs table and had front row seats on all the action- the chef talked us through multiple dishes which was really cool. The service was really friendly and approachable. Ambience was good- much different to Al DI La! Lots of natural elements and great music (the record player was right next to us!). Parking out front and in back- really can't go wrong.

I have been waiting for a couple of months for this restaurant to open in the Avondale area. I was pleasantly surprised when my friend and I showed up without a reservation and planned to sit at the bar when we arrived to a fairly empty restaurant. They have two sections- the restaurant and the bar and both have different menus. We chose to go and sit down in the restaurant area. We ordered drinks and they were both delicious. Then we shared the bread, cheese, pork dish, and mushroom dish. The cheese dish was to die for! It was incredible! The pork as well was some of the best I have had in a long time! The portions are small so keep that in mind. We ordered 4 dishes between the two of us. Great new place and I will be back!

Great restaurant and very friendly. Dray and Zen were great and the food was absolutely delicious! My friend and I had an incredible meal and experience here together when we came to eat. The chef here has a lot of valuable experience and his hard work and knowledge emenates in the food. The ambiance is great, inviting, sophisticated, and alluring. I would definitely recommend.

We ordered cocktails to start, one with Bourbon which was too sweet even after i requested it be made dry, I returned for a glass of wine. The other cocktail with gin was not great either. Small plates were very good- duck liver toast, beet salad, hamachi crudo. Entree- pork was good, cobia was good but the collard kimchi too salty and inedible imo Limited menu, no specials. Service was good overall but our server was emotionless and offered no opinion on food drinks etc. Ambiance good

Stunning. Absolutely stunning. The food was creative and unique. The presentation was gorgeous. Each dish maximized flavor and experience in small bites. Our server staff was also excellent. Any dish we ordered was brought with a smile and explained in stunning detail. Will recommend to anyone who will listen and insist on going again.

Happy to have something new and ambitious in the Avondale neighborhood. The positives: The food was very good and inventive without being too fussy and pretentious. The dumplings and the pork tenderloin were especially delicious and impressive. Great wine selection and the cocktails were well thought out without trying too hard. The negatives: The decor was very confusing and sort of cheap looking compared to the menu. It felt less like a restaurant when you walked in and more like a spa or a fancy sporting goods store. Felt like the old space with just a darker coat of paint. Not sure why it's called Bearcat either...an explanation of the name inspiration in the menu would have been helpful. The crab rice was quite small and barely had any crab in it at all. Small plates are nice but $25 for a cup of rice with a couple pieces of crab? No thx Overall though nice addition to the area...just won't rush to go back right away.

Such a fun adventure! We did the tasting menu, and granted, not all of our group of five was super adventurous, but we were game and down to try it all! The oyster, hamachi, corn pasta and blackberry granitas were absolutely outstanding. I seriously could have sat there and ate hamachi for hours! Some of our party had the wine pairing but didn't absolutely love every wine, but were happy to try it and find out new things! I feel like that's what a tasting menu is about. Also the Hemingway cocktail was amazing (so many people are only aware of the frozen daiquiri, and not the delightful un-frozen cocktail daiquiri with fresh fruit). And the espresso martini is a must-have.

I don't know what to make of this place. I got there early, a little after 5 and was the first one. The rap music doesn't quite fit the decor which feels like a yogi, hippie, zen place. The music was not good. Place was empty and the second table to be sat....yup, right next to us. I know it is new so with a few adjustments hope it can be a spot to come back to. Prices seemed high for portion/our area. Taste-wise excellent!!! That saved the night.

Visited here awhile back when they just opened! Sat at the bar and just got drinks but need to go back and try the food. Inside is quaint.

Been in three times, usually a solid meal. Smelled a bit strange when walking in, and there were clusters of fruit flies above the length of the bar. Tonight's meal consisted of cold food that was intended to be hot, and portions that were all over the place. As a F&B veteran of 25 years I was disappointed by the quality of food and misinformation given by each person dropping our dishes. The bartender was very attentive, but was very misinformed on product and preparation, claiming that Kampachi was sea bass, and crudo was synonymous with ceviche. I expect these sorts of hiccups with most Charleston restaurants but not acceptable for the price point at BearCat. Overall left hungry because what we had ordered was subpar and we didn't want to spend more money, and very disappointed. As a West Ashley resident, I truly hope that I can look forward to coming back to BearCat for a solid dining experience.

These guys and gals mean business. One of the better of not best dining experiences I've had in Charleston. You can see the attention to detail from the kitchen right away. Eat here

We stumbled upon this restaurant wanting to go someplace fresh, and we hit a home run. We sat at the Kitchen Counter and that too was fortuitous luck. Watching Chef Kovach was watching a master at work as he orchestrated the kitchen and wait staff, added finishing touches to almost every dish, and still had the good humor to banter with us throughout the evening. The food was spectacular, and like other commentators on here, I foresee a James Beard Award in the future. We will definitely be back - but for the tasting menu the next time!

The food looked good, but was lacking in flavor, and the flavor pairings were weird. It definitely fell short of my expectations. The service was good, waitstaff was nice and the restaurant itself has a nice feel inside, I really wanted to like this place, but flavor is the most important part for me.

holy moly. what an incredible meal. we came for valentine's day and left soooo impressed. everything was phenomenal!!! you can taste that every dish was created and constructed with such care and passion. cocktails and desert, we got the chocolate mousse, were also wonderful! i will continue dreaming about this meal until i am back at bearcat again. has to be in my top 3 meals in Charleston, easily. oh yeah, service and the atmosphere just made our experience even better!!!!

What a great meal! Really enjoyed our dinner from start to finish. My wife hates oysters, like literally never eats them, and she LOVED the grilled oysters we had. The dumplings were also incredible! The food was unique and elevated, with bold flavors on gorgeous plates. It was a memorable experience. We will be back!

Incredible food and great service. Without a doubt the best oysters we have ever had. We can't wait to go back!!

We were very excited to try Bearcat and it did not disappoint! They did a really great job with creating a chic ambiance inside with hanging drift wood covered in moss, interesting structural pieces and lux thick velvet curtains. It's separated into a walk in "bar" area with tables and reservations only seating side. Each side has a different menu. Both menus are pretty small... we sat at the restaurant section. The cocktails were delicious and the bread and cheese were the best thing I've tasted in awhile. Drool worthy. We also got the crab rice and the duck liver mousse. The sauce on the crab rice was so rich and delicious and the brioche that the duck served in was thick, homemade and scrumptious. Service was excellent. Just a note for you to expect small menu & small plates at a higher price point but the dishes are really art. The flavors and the presentation shows the skill of the chefs and I love that the kitchen is open to the dining so you can see the chefs at work! Would recommend a visit!

Most disgusting overpriced restaurant I've ever eaten at. Don't waste your money. Horrible food. Gross.

Bearcat is on another level! Every dish that comes out of the kitchen is a delectable work of Art. Chef George delivered a lamb dish cooked to perfection and seasoned with spices that dance on your palate! The Crab Rice was like no other. The Ambiance was earthy , warm and pared perfectly with the food. The Service was truly a team effort . My mother and I left feeling well cared for.