Charleston is a place full of great restaurants, but every eater needs that place with reliable, tasty comfort food. When I think about what I’d like to eat when I’m with close friends or family, it’s someplace steeped in Americana that feels comfortable. My go-to place for good grub and drinks is Rutledge Cab Co.
It was a spot I visited many times as a tourist passing through and now as a familiar local spot. They’re open 7 days a week and master both the familiar and a bit more worldly. It’s always felt like going back to an old friend.
The plates are satisfying
From the plates, the Shrimp & Grits leave me satisfied. It’s not always easy to do such a great job on this dish in a city full of restaurants that all boast that theres is the best. The Chicken Tenders are sometimes just what the doctor ordered, and believe me the doctor orders them a lot. They comes with fries and your choice of their house sauces. You may want to try the Duck Confit or the Steak Frites like my aunt did.
Shareables work before or during your meal
I feel like I’m getting ahead of myself. The shareables are good before or during your meal. I recommend the Reuben Egg Rolls. I love the way the Gruyere cheese and the pepper jelly mustard give it some flare. The Shishito Peppers are flavorful, and the aioli balances out the oiliness.
Many come for the burgers
But, a lot of people come for the burgers. They do have a “Burger Night” to keep your eyes open for. All the burgers have a definite flame-broiled taste. I’ve tried all of them: The Cab Co. Classic Burger, the Blue Cheese Burger, and even the Veggie Burger. All of them, including the Turkey Burger, are good, but my heart belongs to the Red Eye. It’s breakfast inspired! Cheddar, bacon, a fried egg, the aioli—but, it’s all served on an English muffin. My little sister loved it. I do too.
Enjoy every sandwich
As for their sandwiches, the Classic Reuben is seriously good. Asking a server about it on one of the visits, she said: “Well, a lot of people say it’s the best they’ve had.” That’s quite a statement, especially when it comes to one of the mack daddies of sandwiches. But, it is a great Reuben!
While we’re throwing around superlatives like “greatest,” I sincerely believe the Rutledge BLT meets that description. They put the bacon on thick, like they mean it. And it’s sourdough bread, a black pepper mayo. And you…you’re right there in the middle off it.
How about the Chicken Sandwich? Well, it was good enough for me to email my dad back in Georgia to tell him about it. You choose grilled or fried, but they add smoked ham, a Green Goddess dressing and Gruyere cheese. I’m guessing it’s what I’ll get next time.
My lovely wife always gets the Mahi tacos. She tells them to hold the jerk sauce. I’m sure there’s some joke you could make at my expense.
The bar is open
They’ve got all of this, plus a full bar. The house cocktails are clever and they carry lots of cold local beer to wash your food down with. What I like about the bar and the kitchen is all of their offerings are modestly priced. They feel like a neighborhood spot…and let’s face it. Charleston is full of places that make you wonder how the price could be so high. I don’t mind paying for something good, but sometimes I want to go someplace that lacks pretense. I know that I can always be seated and if what I honestly want is a milkshake, it’s coming right up.
So, when family came, they wanted to know where was “good and recommended.” I didn’t hesitate. They’d love Rutledge Cab Co.
Sorry if we were loud and rowdy, but we were just about a dozen in number and some of the other patrons seemed entertained by some of us.
I thought we’d do something a little different with this review. Let’s hear what they had to say about what they ordered.
Check out the video to hear what they said.
And, a great meal with a boisterous group deserves a spirited exit. Maybe Mark could lead the way.
Thanks for watching the review! I appreciate you checking it out. Maybe I’ll see you at Rutledge Cab Co.
