Ever Evolving Summerville Community Offers a Wide Variety of Restaurants @ the Square & the Hub

Jeff Walker, Food & Beverage Writer

While you can find health, medical, and insurance services as well as a few unique boutiques and hotels located inside the shops at Nexton Square, the majority of the locally and nationally owned businesses are restaurants. The quaint Nexton Village is home to over 15 and growing eateries that cater to a wide variety of tastes. 

Whether you're in the mood for fine dining, everyday comfort food, morning fare or sweet treats Nexton Square has something to offer everyone. All offer interior dining with several providing covered patios. You can dine in, order ahead for takeout, with a select offering delivery options. When the weather cooperates the communal greenspace with well positioned benches and picnic tables are ideal for additional 'alfresco' dining. 

Surrounded by a welcoming neighborhood feel Nexton Square comes alive early in the morning with BKedShop opening their doors at 7am ready to serve up freshly made yeast, cake, and vegan style donuts alongside home-made strawberry and apple pop tarts. Not feeling your early morning sweet tooth, maybe opt for a sea-salt or ham & cheese pretzel. On Sundays enjoy a variety of bagels. No matter what you order wash it down with Kings Bean Coffee, specialty lattes or an Earl Grey Iced Tea. Soak up all they have to offer at https://www.eatbkedshop.com/

Open at 7am Vicious Biscuits is the ideal handheld hearty breakfast stop where diners can get just about anything and everything on top of ample made-from-scratch biscuits. Build your own biscuit or chow down on any of their dozen signature creations including the Rise & Swine (a sunny up egg on top of our smoked pulled pork, smothered in BBQ hollandaise sauce). Their namesake biscuit satisfies both your sweet and salty urge. A cheddar & jalapeño biscuit, wrapped around a crispy fried chicken breast, maple sausage gravy, and house cowboy candy with a maple syrup drizzle. Freakin' awesome. Enjoy a variety of coffees and teas, or if it's 5 o'clock somewhere maybe enjoy your biscuit with a cocktail, mimosa, or bubbly! Discover Vicious at https://www.viciousbiscuit.com/summerville-sc-menu/  

On the backside of the square you'll find Tropical Smoothie creating one of kind fruit smoothies beside egg filled breakfast wraps and a Peanut Butter Banana Crunch Flatbread. Open 7am-9pm TS provide healthy alternatives all day long including a Thai Chicken Salad and a Hummus Veggie Wrap. Not counting calories than the Turkey Bacon Ranch on ciabatta bread or the Santa Fe quesadilla might tantalize your taste buds. So many fruit & veggie flavored smoothies it will blow your mind, all whipped together with turbinado (refined light brown cane sugar).  

Spinach, kale, mango, kiwi, pomegranate, tropical fruits, whole grain oats, non-fat yogurt and more. The list is long and flavorful. Drop in on the way to work or a work out. https://locations.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com/sc/summerville/200-nexton-square-dr

If you have a hankering for a full sit down breakfast or maybe an early lunch than Poogan's Southern Kitchen throws open their doors at 10am weekdays and 8am on the weekend. Sip on an iced coffee or a bloody Mary while nibbling on pimento cheese fritters, before mulling over fried chicken & waffles, buttermilk pancakes, a veggie quiche, or the old school country fried steak & eggs with a side of grits. 

If it's lunchtime and you have late day appetite I urge diners to consider the Chicken Fried Pork Chop dish. It carries that Sunday after church dinner feel. A moist slightly battered boneless pork chop served over whipped potatoes all layered under English peas and pearl onions, with a creamy country ham gravy. It eats like a hearty potpie without the crust. The lunch crowd might opt for any of their signature fried chicken entrees or the double patty cheeseburger. Their hummingbird pecan pie is to die for! Their blue crab dip and grilled ribeye are a nice way to treat yourself for a late day meal. Savor their menu at https://www.pooganskitchen.com/menu-nexton

During the traditional lunch and dinner hours Nexton Square offers a plethora of dining options including American, Asian, and Mexican, with several catering to niche appetites. While none would be considered conventional fast food there are a handful that might fall under the quick to serve you umbrella. Depending on how long you have for a lunch break I suggest several that will take care of you in that 30 to 60 minute window. 

D'Allesandro's Pizza is pretty close to an old school pizzeria, serving up hand tossed NY style thin crust slices as well as whole pies. Enjoy a more traditional cheese or pepperoni slice with a cold beverage or craft beer. Of course they offer a variety of specialty pizzas or ones patrons can create. If you have more time than maybe opt for a killer calzone or stromboli alongside either an Italian or Greek salad. Their Italian sub sandwich is on the money. Plenty of great tasting menu items, and all of them magnifico! https://www.toasttab.com/d-allesandros-pizza-nexton/v3/

If succulent fall off the bone poultry is your thing than make your way to Viva Chicken where they deliver fast casual Peruvian style charcoal-fired rotisserie chicken that will fill up you and put a smile on your face. Get a 1/4 chicken with two sides for $10.25. Bring the whole family or three co-workers in and dine on a whole bird with three sides for $29. Due the math that's $7.25 per person. I love good food that doesn't drain the wallet. Learn more at https://www.vivachicken.com/location-menu-details/summerville

 Just to the right of Viva you'll find The CodFather, without question the most authentic British fish & chips eatery in greater Charleston. Former co-owner Adam hails from across the pond and he knows a thing or two about serving up 'proper fish & chips'. Plump and tender golden Atlantic cod morsels dipped in their highly guarded secret wet sauce before being perfectly positioned on your plate with seasoned fries. Not only is CodFather the real deal, they have an equally authentic British style pub, where diners can throw back a mix of British beers as well as from local and regional breweries. Visit them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheCODfatherchippy/

The free standing Taco Boy restaurant up front focuses on festive food & drink with a Mexican flair. Taco Boy has been delighting patrons for over 12 years since first popping up on Folly Beach in 2009. As their name suggests they serve up great tasting soft and hard tacos (chicken, shrimp, beef, & steak), with rice and black beans. Yes they have fajitas and quesadillas. Enjoy most entrees from $12-$17, with kids meals under $7. 

Go all out and enjoy your meal with one of their classic margaritas, frozen cocktails, beer, wine, or a Mexican Coke. Their sky-lit covered patio only adds to the overall experience. Discover the vibe at https://www.tacoboy.net/location/summerville/

For under $13 and $6 for kids you can enjoy a some of the best Chinese food in all of Summerville. Wok n' Roll serve up a sweet and sour chicken, beef lo mien, sesame tofu, among other several chef specialties with steamed white rice. $10 daily specials include a mix of roast pork, fried rice, and egg roll. Single egg or shrimp rolls for under $2, while non meat eaters might order a mixed veggie plate for $9. A bevy of options at Wok n' Roll. 请享用. Full menu at https://www.woknrollsummerville.com/menu/

 Lovers of genuine Japanese cuisine may be happy to know that Fuji serves up signature sushi rolls and traditional hibachi entrees from 11-10pm seven days a week, including hosting happy hour from 4-7pm weekdays, with a full bar equipped with an extensive wine, beer, and sake. Their come as you are environment is ideal for couples, families, or an afternoon or night out with friends. Discover more about Fuji and their exotic menu at https://www.fujicharleston.com/nexton-menus/

Have a hankering for a variety of everyday comfort foods that provide upscale taste and come at a blue collar cost, than mosey on in to Sports Book of Charleston, Nexton Square's lone interior neighborhood sports bar that pays tribute to American and low country food. Many of their signature appetizers eat like a meal including the Pawley's Island Jumbo Pretzels complete with IPA beer cheese & spicy mustard. I highly recommend their Mac n' Cheese Bites or their equally satisfying Steak Bites (hand cut moist tenderloin). How about two plump all beef chili dogs with fries for just $13. Sandwiches, salads, burgers, and entrees aplenty. 

For my money the Filet Mignon Slider (3 total) topped with caramelized onions & bleu cheese crumbles on a toasted brioche bun with garlic aioli is a steal at $18. Five signature burgers in all including a vegan friendly Black Bean. Enjoy the game or catch up on Sports Center at Sports Book of Charleston. Maybe enjoy the patio. Open 11am until 2pm seven days a week. Check out this awesome Nexton sports bar at https://sportsbookofcharleston.com/

Bad Daddy's may serve up some 'badass burgers' but their starters, sides, and giant chopped salads are equally satisfying in an insane way. BD's have a dozen angus all beef signature burgers on the menu (most around $14), or you can go crazy and create your own from their ample ingredient list. Five choices on the kids menu that will not disappoint the little ones. In the mood for something different, I recommend the Truffle Parmesan Fries or the Steakhouse Onion Rings. 

If you're going hog wild or in this case beef wild, enjoy your burger with an extra thick & creamy shake. The Chunky Elvis (creamy peanut butter, Ghirardelli® chocolate, banana & walnuts) will shake, rattle & roll your socks off! BD's have a nice size covered patio, and a comfortable bar where patrons can relax enjoy a hearty entree with an adult beverage, all while checking out the latest sports news. https://www.baddaddysburgerbar.com/locations/bad-daddys-burger-bar-nextonsummerville

Suppose you visited Nexton for a reason other than a meal, and that afternoon craving for something sweet hits you. You can go full tilt decadent at Ever Creamery with their vast selections of home-made ice cream alongside unique gelatos and sorbets (frozen desserts). High on my list are the Smoked Maple & Bacon, Argentine Sea-salt & Caramel, and their Coffee Java. Bubble Tea (a Taiwanese cold drink made w tea, sweetened milk & flavorings) has become all the rage and Ever Creamery serve up nine varieties as well as the latest trend Fruity Cheese Tea. https://www.facebook.com/people/Ever-Creamery/100057333734473/

For nearly two decades Page's Okra Grill has been offering up flavorful eats and homemade desserts to comfort food lovers of all ages. Known for their unique southern cuisine, the family owned restaurant offers select items for breakfast, lunch and dinner including a smoked BBQ sandwich, fried pork chops, country fried steak, Crab Jambalaya and ample variety of seafood platters. Page's extensive low country and palmetto state inspired menu includes two award winning dishes featured in Southern Living Magazine and profiled on the Travel Channel. 

Their namesake Chicken & Waffles (a savory buttermilk waffle delightfully filled w/cheddar cheese, sage sausage, roasted corn, & jalapeños before being topped w/ boneless fried chicken breasts & honey butter). Without question Ashleigh's Shrimp & Grits is the quintessential southern entree. Warm battered & fried cheddar cheese grit cakes topped with a medley of smoked andouille sausage cream sauce & jumbo pan seared shrimp.

The Pawley's Smashburger can send beef lovers into a state of euphoria. Two 1/4 pound patties ground from a blend chuck, rib-eye, & filet mignon, after which they are slathered in pimiento cheese, bacon, mayo, & fried green tomatoes. Double yummy for the tummy. The Seafood Mac & Cheese off the Starters menu eats like a meal. Page's Holy Water will make you a believer. A refreshing cocktail crafted from vodka, rum, Peach Schnapps, pineapple juice, lemonade, & blue curacao. Heavenly! Take a walk on the southern side at https://www.pagesokragrill.com/

 Although not a sit down or take out restaurant the independently owned New York Butcher Shoppe in Nexton specializes in premium meats & cheeses, as well as assorted wines, craft beers, and an extensive list of cooked and uncooked pre-made meals. Drop by and take home veal, chicken, or eggplant parmesan that easily heats up in your oven. Enjoy beef stroganoff or moist meatloaf with a side of twice baked potatoes. Pastas, salads, sides, and international food items galore at New York Butcher Shoppe. Place your order here, https://local.nybutcher.com/nexton/

Aside from downtown Charleston there are very few legitimate upscale restaurants in greater Charleston, especially those that focus the USDA prime steaks. The Halls family have been serving up premium cuts of beef from Allen Brothers of Chicago since opening their first Chophouse on King Street in 2009. Ideally you're going to spend more at Halls than any other Nexton eatery, but your meal comes with an measure of hospitality and ambiance that is unequalled. 

It you want the experience without dropping a too much coin, than pop in for lunch between the hours of 11-2:30pm. Enjoy four entrees under $22 including Prime Rib Shish Kabob with parmesan truffle fries, Sauteed Lemon Chicken, or a lowcountry favorite Shrimp & Grits made with creamy stone-ground pepper jack grits, tasso ham gravy, peppers and onions. How about a juicy 10oz Chophouse Burger with parmesan fries for just $18 or a 4oz prime Allen hotdog with fries for just $13. Dinner at Halls is slightly different. Two things you might want to do, make reservations and bring a credit card.

While the dinner menu carries a few lunch items, the bulk of the evening bill of fare is comprised of wet & dry aged ribeyes, filet mignon, NY strip, Japanese wagyu, and five signature seafood entrees including pan-seared scallops and ahi tuna. Their Lemon Cheesecake and Whisky Bread Pudding are just two of eight everyday desserts, with the Barrel-Aged Manhattan and Hot Pepper Martini two of six signature cocktails. Like their prime beef, Halls wine list is exquisite and worldly, celebrating vineyards from France, Italy, Germany, and Napa Valley California. If you want to spoil that certain someone or impress a potential client, than you could do no better than dining at Halls Chop House. Visit them at https://www.hallschophouse.com/location/halls-chophouse-nexton/

With 50 (count 'em), 50 beers on tap, and 40 (that's right), 40 big screens located throughout, the Carolina Ale House (CAH) remains one of the busiest sports bars in Summerville and at 191 Sigma Drive CAH sits at the front door to Nexton Square. While the motif celebrates the great college and pro teams in the Carolinas, CAH is the ultimate sports bar offering up food & drink that pay tribute to pubs around the country. Six signature burgers including a Double Western Smashburger topped with bacon on a potato bun and the Varsity Burger served with American cheese on a brioche bun. 

The Classic Philly Cheesesteak on a hoagie begins with sliced brisket & sirloin and is true enough put a smile on a northerner's face. Boneless, grilled, and fried wings go great with a cold brew. Roasted Salmon, Smoked Brisket, and Slow-Roasted Carolina Baby Back Ribs are just three of their dozen entrees. Wraps, tacos, and chicken sandwiches. Plus three desserts including at triple layer Decadent Chocolate Layer Cake. Ooh la-la! At Carolina Ale House their menu runs the gamut, and with 50 beers on tap they are brewing up a storm in Nexton. Open 11am-2am Sun-Sat. Have an 'ale of a time' at https://www.carolinaalehouse.com/our-restaurants/summerville-sc/

A quick recap. If it's breakfast grab a donut at Bked, a biscuit at Vicious, or a cool fruit concoction at Tropical Smoothie. Brunch might be best served at Poogan's Southern Kitchen or Halls on the weekend. Craving pizza for lunch than D'Allesandro's is the best choice. Chicken or fish & chips than without question it's Viva and The CodFather. For Mexican fare make your way to Taco Boy. If it's Asian cuisine than Wok n' Roll and Fuji have you covered.

Bad Daddy's specializes in burgers, with Sportsbook of Charleston and Carolina Ale House offering up a variety of comfort foods in a sports bar atmosphere. Ever Creamery will satisfy your sweet tooth. Want to carry something home maybe drop by New York Butcher Shop. Page's Okra Grill is southern cuisine to the max. And for an overall dining experience the upscale menu and service at Halls Chophouse is well worth the price.

Thinking Outside the Box (On in this case outside the Square)

Commercial real estate developers agree Nexton of Summerville is one of the top 10 fastest growing communities in the country, encompassing three exits off I-26 and reaching as far back to Hwy 176 at Cane Bay, with the heart and soul of Nexton surrounding the border between exit 199 (17A) and exit 197 (Nexton Pkwy). While Nexton Square remains the core, given the expansion (apartments, hotels, retail, etc) the square has become a rectangle when you extend the lines from Sigma Drive and Brighton Parkway from 17A and Nexton Pkwy. 

With two new shopping centers underway anchored by major supermarkets on the Nexton Pkwy end, the recently named the Hub @ Nexton  has become a hotbed for new eateries. Among the newbies are a triple threat of uniquely different food & beverage destinations, including a popular grab n' go frose' cafe, an authentic NYC Italian Neapolitan-style pizzeria, and a restaurant and sports bar surrounded by the fastest growing recreation in the country.

Revamped more than a decade ago by Jess Patterson, The Co-op Frose' & Cafe has five locations throughout greater Charleston, with Nexton their most recent. With each offering its own motif, think of the Summerville Co-op as a cross between South Beach Miami meets Malibu Barbie with a hint of Taylor Swift. But don't let the abundance of pink deter you, the Summerville Co-op serve up totally rad morning sandwiches, lunch paninis, salads, and frozen fruit of the vine concoctions from 7am-8pm most days. 

The Masters (egg salad) pays tribute to the iconic sandwich served at Augusta National. The Cubano will make a native from Havana smile, as will the Breakfast Burrito (bacon, eggs, mozzarella, roasted red peppers, hummus, hot sauce in a flour tortilla). Grab a Greek or Cobb Salad. Serving up dozens of frozen (think ICEE) adult rose' wine mixtures, with the strawberry remaining one of The Co-ops preferred. Great way to cool down during hot summers. Plus tea, coffee, ice cream, and PB&J on white bread for the little ones. Find them at 1231 B Nexton Pkwy and online at https://www.thecoopsi.com/location/nexton/

If you crave great Italian food than I strongly recommend putting Lombardi Pizza Kitchen (LPK) on your short list. Along with his wife Pauline, New Jersey native Peter Lombardi brought decades old recipes as well as his salute to Naples, Italy to the low country. Peter believes he's bringing equal elements of the old country as well as New York-style 'DNA' pizza to appreciative Neapolitan pizza lovers. However, while pizza is in their blood, they offer up more than just one of America's favorite handheld delights. 

LPC serve up killer meatballs, NJ Boardwalk Fries (drizzled w/ malt vinegar), six pasta dishes including Mom's Bolognese (rigatoni with beef & pork red sauce), and a Smash Burger and Chicken Parm under their 'something special' menu. While Peter maintains the authenticity of the food, Pauline ensures the overall ambiance of the dining hall, as well as their signature cocktails, such as the LPC Smoked Old Fashioned, a Chocolate Martini, and beers from Italy and Belgium. Experience 'elevated Italian' at 1231 Nexton Pkwy or online at https://www.lpckitchen.com/

Just behind LPK and The Co-op you'll come across a 40K square foot facility home to the fastest growing past time in America aka 'pickle ball'. Featuring 9 outdoor courts (4 covered & 5 un-covered) The Pickle Bar not only provide pickle ball, but serve up everyday edibles in a southern inspired restaurant and sports bar. Do you have to eat & drink after spending time on the court? No! But downing an aptly named First Serve Salad or Pickle Fries and a double patty Pickle Bar Burger (smashburger) is a nice way to end a competitive outing with friends. 

On the flip side you don't have to play pickle ball to come in and enjoy Garlic Sautéed Shrimp, presented with vegetarian red rice, and blistered green beans. Maybe opt for a Seasoned Red Quinoa & Edamame Bowl complete with spinach, market veggies, and avocado, drizzled under lemon-tahini dressing. Whether it's early morning play with a brunch Pickle Bloody Mary, or an afternoon get together that includes Cross Court Wings and a dozen brews on draft, The Pickle Bar is an awesome place to 'eat, compete, & repeat'. Serving (pun intended) up a good time at https://www.thepicklebar.com/

Just a quarter mile from I-26 off exit 199 (17A) towards Moncks Corner and exit 197 (Nexton Pkwy), the restaurants at Nexton Square and the Hub @ Nexton offer a good mix, and begin just a across 17A from Sangaree. The small dining mecca is easily accessible from College Park, Cane Bay, Carnes Crossroads, and minutes from downtown Summerville. Whether you work, live, or are just visiting the Nexton area of Summerville, you can find varied menu options catering to diverse tastes morning, noon, and night! Plus Nexton offer Summer Concert Series, Wine Tastings on Wednesday, holiday events and more.  For more on all Nexton has to offer visit https://www.nexton.com/shop-dine-stay/dining/ and  https://www.nexton.com/commercial/restaurant/