New Eatery on Clements Ferry Rd. Offering Up Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner Alongside Saturday Brunch

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer / Restaurant Review

You've heard it said many times over, 'location, location, location'. And while that might be true in the food & beverage industry, the most important factor is the food itself. Certainly in greater Charleston being down on the market, on upper King Street or in Nexton Square might improve visibility and walk in traffic, that's not always the key to success. Again it's the food. 

While the all new Bridge Bar & Grille isn't on the peninsula or in Summerville, they aren't far off the beaten path. However, they are situated on one of the busiest thoroughfares in the low country. A little more than a stones throw off 526 (Mark Clark) the Bridge Bar & Grille is situated in an unassuming yellow brick building at 2601 Clements Ferry Road with a barber shop as their neighbor.

Don't let their low key exterior throw you for a loop, because their non-descript eatery opens up to welcoming dining room and an eight seat bar with enough TV screens to keep guests up to date on the latest news and sports. But, keep in mind, the Bridge is definitely not a sports bar, rather they are a relaxed restaurant where you enjoy good food, friendly service, and polite conversation.

Open at 6am most days the Bridge offer up for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. The Bridge serve up everyday comfort foods, alongside low country favorites, all with a side of American soul.

The breakfast and brunch (Sat 10-3pm) menus have some of the most preferred dishes, including their namesake Bridge Plate, a hearty serving of two eggs, grits, potatoes, sausage, and bacon, with either toast or biscuit. At just $16 you won't go hungry. Substract a side and one of the meats and you're ordering the $12 Sunrise Special. Can't go wrong with their Chicken & Waffles plate. All good eatin! Maybe enjoy with a mimosa or a refreshing cocktail. 

If you want to go a bit more high-brow, then I recommend their Shrimp & Grits, a zesty blend of fresh shrimp, bell peppers, turkey & beef sausage swirled in a creamy gravy. Maybe take brunch to the highest level and enjoy a succulent and savory dish of Oxtails & Grits. On the flip side of the coin, you can go bare bones and build your own Bridge Bowl which begins with a simple eggs and grits meal for just $6.

Dinner is where the Bridge Bar & Grille really mix it up, offering appetizers, salads, handhelds, and main entrees. Just looking for a light bite, I highly recommend the two different egg rolls choices. These aren't your typical Asian offerings, rather they are oversized flaky egg rolls cut diagonally and overflowing with either a creamy shrimp & crab medley served with spicy ferry sauce (ideal for seafood dipping), with the other egg roll celebrating the Philly cheesesteak, stuffed with shredded ribeye, peppers, onions, and a three cheese blend. Both are freakin' awesome! 

Their signature Smash Burger is a juicy all beef patty covered in white American cheese and your favorite veggies on a soft brioche bun. Priced right at $12. Make it a full half pound burger by adding another patty for $5 more. The Shrimp or Oyster Po' Boy or the Fried Catfish Sandwich are sure to please traditional seafood lovers.

If you're craving something a tad more filling and comes with a fork I suggest any of their half dozen main entrees. Their Alfredo dish is an ample serving of penne pasta, that can be adorned with either chicken or shrimp. An item you don't see on many low country menus is lamb chops, but it's a regular offering at the Bridge. Of course carnivores might opt for the 14oz Ribeye served with two sides for $36. You could pay twice that for the steak alone at downtown restaurants, and at the Bridge parking is free. 

Let's talk about the sides. The Bridge offer up eight (three fixin & five premium) sides. Home cut fries come standard with most handhelds, with grilled broccoli and fried okra an option. You can go a little more eclectic and order the broccolini or asparagus. Sides by themselves are $4 and $5. The lone side that certainly eats like a meal is their Lobster Mac & Cheese dish. At $20 it's bound to fill you up and leave you satisfied.

Good food is best enjoyed with good drink. The Bridge Bar & Grille carry your favorite everyday beers and wines, but are perhaps best suited to pour up their Signature Sips, including their Blue Raspberry Lemondrop which begins with blueberry vodka and fresh blueberries swirled in blue Curaçao (a vibrant blue citrus-flavored liqueur) with fresh homemade lemonade.

The Charleston Cognac is sure to become a preferred adult beverage at the Bridge. Crafted from D'Ussé, a rich and flavorful French brandy laced with notes of ripe blackberry and apricot, further enhanced with peach schnapps and cranberry juice. Sip and savor. Just two of their many signature concoctions at the Bridge.

Aside from the spacious dining room, they have a fenced in courtyard with a large screen TV, ideal for hanging out to watch a game or enjoy you meal when mother nature cooperates. Thursday's they offer up live music, as well as hosting Soul & Smoke (cigars) Sessions weekly in the courtyard. They even have access to a adjacent event space to host parties.

Again, don't judge a book by its cover. Inside the Bridge you'll enjoy delicious food and good service in a relaxed come as you are atmosphere. The owners, Courtney and Chef Mack, as well as Chef Marcus welcome you to the Bridge Bar & Grille. They aren't trying to set the culinary world ablaze, but in their corner of the low country they have lit a fire that's attracting residents (including families) and business types that live and work along the well trafficked Clements Ferry Road.

Set your GPS to 2601 Clements Ferry Road or follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Bridge-Bar-and-Grille-61580433458121/