New Westedge Eatery Offers Craft Beer On Tap & Ax Throwing Alongside Comfort Food

Jeff Walker, Food & Beverage Writer

If you're introducing one of South Carolina's comfort foods, as well as a franchise hotdog eatery to Charleston it doesn't hurt if your first name is Nathan. Ironically, former Lexington County police officer and now proud Charleston area resident Nathan Redmond admits while his franks aren't Nathan's, Crave Hotdogs and Barbecue do serve up another popular century old jumbo all beef kosher dog, born out of New York City.

Located at 99 Westedge St Suite 1100, directly across from Joe Riley Park (home of the Riverdogs) Crave Hotdogs & Barbecue is a grand slam food & drink slash entertainment venue. Not only do they offer up awesome signature hotdogs and brats, but they serve mouth watering smoked brisket and pulled pork.

Those two menu items alone are a solid stand up double, but to bring in on home Crave carry 16 self serve brews (card activated) on tap, featuring your standard favorites alongside local and regional craft beers. Crossing home plate Crave have two ax throwing cages using digital patterns on wooden targets that allow for easy scoring. What's not to love at Crave. Hotdogs, BBQ, craft beer, and ax throwing. Ideal for families during the day and the 18 & older crowd later in the evening.

What about the food. You can build your own hotdog with any of their 15 toppings or order a Chicago Dog complete with diced onion & tomato, sporty peppers, relish, with a slather of yellow mustard. The Loaded Baked Potato Dog comes teeming with tater tots, blanketed under bacon bits, cheddar cheese and sour cream. Sounds 'spud-alicious'. A single will satisfy the average hunger however, if you bring in a ravenous appetite to Crave than the double down (two dogs) are just the ticket. Just $10.95. Nice! 

Kids of all ages especially the really picky ones might prefer the Cheesy Mac Dog. You guessed it, it's covered in mac n' cheese. The Memphis Dog drenched in pulled pork, coleslaw & BBQ sauce combines two kid favorite comfort foods. International palates might opt for the Classic Bratwurst served traditionally with sauerkraut and spicy mustard.

Beer lovers are asking, 'what about the cold brews?'. It's a very unique system at Crave, whereas those 21 and older can self pour from 16 taps that dispense domestic favorites as well as beers from local and regional breweries, including a few hard ciders. You simply purchase a 'pour my beer card', and mosey on over to their beer wall. Make a selection, place your card in a slot and pour.  Want to sample, than just pour a smidge to taste. Your card only substracts the actual dollar amount you pour. 

It's summer which means there's a bevy of IPAs from the likes of Hi-Wire, Rusty Bull, Palmetto Brewing, and New Realm. Maybe try Blood Orange Cider from Austin Eastciders. Goes great with a BBQ Taco Trio or Crave's Trifecta Sliders (one pulled pork, pulled chicken, and smoked brisket). Beer and hotdogs, beer and a monster Bavarian pretzel. So many combinations it'll blow your mind! 

Crave's menu is decidedly twofold, American and southern comfort, kind of like what you'd expect at a really good company picnic. Who doesn't love hotdogs and BBQ. Crave serve up smoked brisket, pulled pork and chicken, wings, and Mac n' Brisket Bowls, alongside four scrumptious desserts which include an extra moist pineapple upside down cake and a delicious Toffee Sticky Cake. We're talking old school here. Yum yum!

Five kids (ages 10 & under) meals all under $6 including a hotdog, chicken and or pork sliders. Little tykes entrees come complete with drink and tater tots or fries. Most kids don't finish their meals at that age, so spending just $6 is a welcome relief for parents.

Okay I didn't forget about the final leg of my Crave home run tour. Over the past decade ax throwing has become sought after entertainment for the 18 and older crowd. While several facilities use standard boards similar to throwing darts, Crave uses a digital board allowing for several patterns and games that provide unique games of chance. And like modern day bowling, the system keeps score for participants. 

Don't be fooled, the axes are real, and you're throwing at images projected on wooden targets. It's lots of fun and one of the current rages. Ideal for groups and company events. Hell yes you can reserve one or two of the ax throwing lanes. Great place to take a prospective customer. Food, beer, and ax throwing. Of course Crave remind you to eat, drink, and toss responsibly.

Are you active military or among those heroes who we call first responders (police, fire, & EMS) than you have 25 reasons to come into Crave. Crave Hotdogs & BBQ in all locations offer 10% discounts to all those who defend and protect our freedoms, with the Charleston location taking it up a notch allowing for a 25% discount if you come dressed in uniform and a 10% discount at other times. Being a former law enforcement officer Nathan understands the sacrifices military and first responders deal with.

And be sure to check out Crave's 'Honor Wall', a section of the beer wall where the United States Flag is proudly draped over six beer taps. The wall is set aside to collect badges from military and first responders and is complete with a bell to salute your service or to celebrate coming home, or to just pay tribute to fellow service men and women. 

Pop in Tuesday afternoon 3-6pm and chow down on $3 hotdogs. Monday is 'Trivia Night' at Crave, and hell yeah 'kids eat free on Wednesday' with paid adult meal. Freakin' Awesome! 

Breaking it down, Crave Hotdogs & Barbecue serve up great tasting everyday handheld comfort foods alongside salads, bowls and plates that come with a side and cornbread. Hotdogs and BBQ dishes go well with coleslaw, baked beans, or their signature red skin potato salad. Not matter if your six or 66, there is something on the menu at Crave that will satisfy even the pickiest eater in your party. I say 'crave the Crave'!

Created out of New York in 2018, Crave has picked up steam despite the pandemic, with franchises popping up throughout the country. With Charleston the first in South Carolina, more are scheduled for the palmetto state in over the next few years. Just like baby boomers in the 1980's said 'I want my MTV', food lovers in the 21st century will be saying 'I want my Crave'. For more on their menu and to discover what beers on tap visit https://iwantcrave.com/locations/south-carolina/