Maison
French restaurant · Charleston ·
French bistro with creative dishes, classic French fare, and wine
French bistro with creative dishes, classic French fare, and wine
"Opened in 2019 by former Ordinary chef Vandy Vanderwarker and former Fish bartender Will Love, this neighborhood-style French restaurant delivers classic Parisian dishes and consistent, relaxed hospitality. It works equally well as a dress-up date spot or a quick after-work stop for a drink and a snack, and my go-to solo order is the so-called “It Girl Dinner”: hand-cut frites that are brined overnight, cooked twice in clarified butter, and served with chilled bearnaise; a simple salad of lettuces like bibb and romaine in a Dijon vinaigrette with fresh herbs that’s light, refreshing, and never overdressed; and a martini. During happy hour (4:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and all night on Tuesdays), martinis are just $8, as are most house liquors, and the quality is solid, with Citadelle as the base gin. The relaxed room, with black-and-white bistro touches and hexagon floor tiles, feels reminiscent of old-school Parisian cafes, and a seat at the cast pewter bar offers a view into the kitchen plus chill service from bartenders who are happy to chat when they’re not busy. An insider move is to come on Wednesdays for the super decadent burger made with duck sausage and hanger steak, topped with gruyere, caramelized onions, garlic aioli, and a duck-fat milk bun, then drenched in sauce bordelaise, which turns it into a messy but fun dish to share with friends." - Erin Perkins
"Entering through a side door into an indigo-painted, Parisian-feeling space sets the tone for French classics and increasingly forward-thinking modern plates: escargot and steak frites sit alongside seasonal terrines, sweetbreads, composed salads, housemade black truffle sausages, and Coq Au Vin. Plating is impeccable and the cooking applies French technique to Lowcountry ingredients for often-stunning meals." - Stephanie Burt
"If $8 martinis at happy hour isn’t enough to pull you into French eatery Maison, then chef Vandy Vanderwarker’s menu of classic Parisian dishes should convince you. Choose between an expertly dressed salad of local lettuces, buttery escargot, steak frites, rabbit en croute, and a field pea gratin. The room is relaxed with black-and-white bistro touches reminiscent of old-school cafes in the City of Lights. Best for: A fancy date night off the beaten path." - Erin Perkins
"During most days of the week, Maison puts out stunning plates of classic French flavors, but on Wednesdays, chef Vandy Vanderwarker releases a burger that is simply a work of art. The kitchen builds everything from scratch, including the duck fat bun. This burger is house-ground beef, house-made duck sausage, melty caramelized onions, a rich Gruyere sauce, and a bordelaise that takes the umami levels up to 100. After the first bite, you will need a knife and fork to finish this masterpiece." - Erin Perkins
"Breezy French restaurant Maison highlights the precision and craft of chef Vandy Vanderwarker (formerly of the Ordinary). The menu adds seasonal touches to dishes like steak tartare, mussels bourride, and dry-aged duck. The plating here is beautiful enough to give pause on any Instagram feed. For a deal, customers should stop in for the $5 champagne happy hour and stay for dinner." - Parker Milner
