167 Raw - A Charleston Seafood Spot
There's a place in the center of Charleston, South Carolina, that has a way of making you feel right at home, even if you’re just visiting. This spot, known as 167 Raw, is a New England style oyster bar, and it offers a fresh take on seafood in a welcoming setting. It's a place where you can relax and enjoy some really good food, whether you're craving fresh oysters or something else from the sea.
From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere just feels warm and inviting, a bit like a well-loved home, but with a refined touch. It’s a comfortable place, not too fancy, yet it has a definite sense of style. People often comment on how well it's put together, making it a pleasant backdrop for a meal out. You can find it right in the middle of the historic part of downtown Charleston, so it’s pretty easy to get to, actually.
This eatery brings together a variety of tastes, from the briny goodness of oysters to the satisfying richness of lobster rolls. It’s a place where fresh catches are the star, and the menu offers a good selection for different cravings. Whether you're looking for something light or a more substantial bite, you'll likely find something that hits the spot here, you know?
Table of Contents
- Where Did the Idea for 167 Raw Come From?
- What's the Atmosphere Like at 167 Raw?
- What Are Some Favorite Dishes at 167 Raw?
- Are There Options for Younger Diners at 167 Raw?
- The Many Faces of 167 Hospitality Group
- Finding Your Way to 167 Raw
- Special Times to Visit 167 Raw
- What Do People Say About 167 Raw?
Where Did the Idea for 167 Raw Come From?
The story behind 167 Raw has roots in a childhood spent around seafood, which is pretty cool, if you think about it. The person who started this whole thing grew up in New England, and as a small child, they spent time helping their dad with his seafood business. This meant making deliveries and working in the retail shop, so they were around fresh fish and shellfish from a very young age. It’s almost like they were destined to be in this business, you know?
There's a particular story that really paints a picture of this early life. Apparently, the dad once went on a weekend fishing trip to Nantucket and came back with what he described as "a truckload of striped bass." That kind of hands-on experience with abundant, fresh seafood certainly shapes a person’s view of food. This background, steeped in the traditions of New England seafood, really influences what 167 Raw offers today, giving it a genuine feel.
Concept Origin Details for 167 Raw
| Detail Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Childhood Influence | Helping dad with wholesale seafood deliveries and retail work. |
| Geographic Roots | New England upbringing. |
| Key Experience | Direct involvement with fresh catches from a young age. |
| Inspirational Anecdote | Dad's "truckload of striped bass" catch from Nantucket. |
What's the Atmosphere Like at 167 Raw?
When you walk into 167 Raw, you immediately get a sense of the place. It’s often described as having a warm and inviting feel, which makes sense for a spot that wants you to enjoy your meal. The way it’s put together, the styling, is quite appealing—it’s elegant but without being overdone, so it doesn't feel stuffy. It’s a comfortable blend of nice and relaxed, you know?
Many places try to be fancy with white tablecloths and people pouring your wine, but 167 Raw seems to go a different way. Instead, you might see a line of people waiting outside, which pretty much tells you something good is happening inside. It’s like a little, busy place, but that’s part of its appeal. It’s a lively spot where people gather, and that energy is part of what makes it special, to be honest.
What Are Some Favorite Dishes at 167 Raw?
Of course, being an oyster bar, the fresh oysters are a big draw at 167 Raw. They get their oysters from many different places, including all over Canada, New England, and even further afield. This means you can try a variety of oysters on the half shell, each with its own unique taste. They are served perfectly chilled, with a selection of sauces that go well with them without taking away from the oyster’s own flavor. It’s really about letting the oyster shine, which is pretty important.
Beyond the oysters, there are other items that people really seem to love. The lobster roll is a definite favorite, as is the tuna burger. These two are often mentioned as crowd-pleasers, so they are probably a good bet if you’re looking for something satisfying. You can also find things like pasta, fish tacos, and shrimp tacos. The tacos, by the way, are inspired by travels to different parts of the world, giving them a bit of an interesting twist, you know?
The restaurant also gets its seafood from various places, from New England all the way down to the docks in McClellanville and Charleston. This helps them offer some of the best seafood the East Coast has available. They also have a raw bar that changes what it offers, featuring different oysters, including local ones like Caper’s Blades. You can also get jumbo shrimp and crispy oysters, so there's quite a selection, actually.
Are There Options for Younger Diners at 167 Raw?
If you're thinking about bringing little ones to 167 Raw, it's good to know a few things. While the menus do have items that kids might enjoy, there isn't a separate menu just for children. So, you might find something that works, but it won't be a dedicated kids' section. This is something to keep in mind when planning your visit, you know?
Also, a lot of the seating at 167 Raw is on high seats. This can be a bit tricky for younger children, as they might find it hard to get comfortable. The restaurant doesn’t have booster seats or high chairs for kids, so that’s another thing to consider if you have very small children with you. It’s just how the place is set up, so it's worth knowing ahead of time, basically.
The Many Faces of 167 Hospitality Group
167 Raw Oyster Bar is part of a larger group called 167 Hospitality Group. This group runs several different places, each with its own focus. Besides the oyster bar, they also operate Bar167, 167 Sushi Bar, and 167 Fish Market Company. So, if you like what 167 Raw offers, you might find other spots by them that you also enjoy, which is pretty neat.
For example, 167 Sushi Bar offers a daily selection of nigiri, sashimi, and futomaki rolls. They also have hot items from the izakaya side of the menu, giving you more choices. This sushi spot is quite small, with only 24 seats, making it a very personal dining experience. If you’re looking for something a bit more quiet and focused on sushi, that could be a good option, you know?
The various locations, found in Charleston and Nantucket, offer seasonal menus, raw bars, and craft cocktails. This means that what's available might change depending on the time of year, keeping things fresh and interesting. So, if you're in either of those places, you might find a 167 spot that suits your mood, to be honest.
Finding Your Way to 167 Raw
167 Raw Oyster Bar is located at 193 King Street in Charleston, SC. This address puts it right in the middle of historic downtown Charleston, making it easy to find for most people visiting the area. Knowing the exact address helps you plan your trip, especially if you're using a map or a GPS. It's a pretty central spot, actually.
When it comes to parking, there are multiple garages and metered parking spots nearby. This gives you different options for where to leave your car while you enjoy your meal. It’s always good to have a few choices for parking, especially in a busy downtown area. So, you should be able to find a spot without too much trouble, you know?
Special Times to Visit 167 Raw
167 Raw Oyster Bar has pretty consistent operating hours. This week, for instance, it will be open from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. This means you have a long window to stop by for lunch, an early dinner, or a later meal. It’s good to have those hours clearly stated so you can plan your visit accordingly, you know?
There's also a happy hour that runs from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm. During this time, you can get $2 oysters, which is a pretty good deal if you like them. The happy hour menu also includes a $15 burger, $10 fried calamari, a $10 meze platter, $10 featured wines, and $10 select cocktails. It’s a nice opportunity to try a few different things at a friendly price, you know, just a little something extra.
For other locations, like Bar167 Bistro & Lounge, operating hours are noon to 11 pm daily. It’s always a good idea to check the specific hours for the location you plan to visit, just in case there are any changes. It’s also worth noting that making a reservation for 167 Sushi Bar is a good idea, as it’s a small place. You make reservations for that specific spot, so it’s not for the oyster bar itself, to be honest.
What Do People Say About 167 Raw?
Diners often share good things about 167 Raw Oyster Bar. Many mention how the atmosphere is warm and welcoming from the start, and how the styling is appealing without being overdone. This creates a comfortable setting for a meal, which is pretty important for a good dining experience, you know?
The oysters get a lot of praise. People describe them as phenomenal—fresh, briny, and perfectly chilled. The trio of sauces served with them also gets a nod for complementing the oysters without taking over their natural taste. It seems like the oysters are a real highlight for many visitors, which makes sense for an oyster bar, right?
When people are looking for the best oysters in town, they are often told to look no further than 167 Raw Oyster Bar. This kind of feedback suggests that the place really delivers on its promise of fresh, well-prepared seafood. It’s clear that the experience leaves a good impression on those who visit, which is a sign of a well-loved spot, in a way.
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