Location On Meeting Street Is Ideal 'Meeting Place' To Enjoy Food, Drink, & Conversation With Friends

Jeff Walker, Food & Beverage Writer

Following up on the success of Berkeley's at 624 Rutledge Avenue in downtown Charleston, the husband and wife team of Marc and Elizabeth Hudacsko bring you The Archer located at 601 Meeting Street near the Ravenel Bridge overpass. The couple who hail from New Jersey and relocated to the Holy City a decade ago have deep roots in the food & beverage industry, stretching over 30 years. 

A 1000 miles removed from fast food, The Archer does however focus on F.A.S.T. (Food, Atmosphere, Service, & Talent). While the food is an eclectic mix, it reflects menu items that Marc would enjoy if he was dining out. More so, the bill of fare provides an array of choices that offer broad appeal, whether you prefer everyday tavern food or have a slightly upscale palate.

As to the atmosphere, The Archer is not a sports bar (God knows there are plenty of those). Rather, The Archer is a warm and inviting gathering place featuring an intimate bar area, surrounded by an open kitchen and a welcoming dining room that is beautifully adorned with a plethora of classic pictures that celebrate a variety of timelines.

Don't expect to catch up on the game, because they have no TVs. As their website states, The Archer is a 'go-to place for meeting up with old friends and making new ones'. No small wonder it happened to find its home on 'Meeting Street'. Putting that more simply, The Archer is a community tavern where people from all backgrounds can share good food & drink, as well as pleasant conversation. It's more like you're dining in a comfortable and familiar den.

Regarding the 'S' factor, sadly that's become a forgotten art in many restaurants, but not at The Archer. Food can be great, and at The Archer it is, however without proper service, great tasting food loses some of its charm. And talent and service run hand in hand. Talented servers, hosts, bartenders, and kitchen staff all appear to be as Dabo Swinney would say 'all in'.

From the minute you walk in to those attending your table, the host and the servers genuinely care about meeting your needs. Since we eat with our eyes as well as our mouth, the presentation of each dish reveal the kitchen equally care about your visit. It's the small things you might not notice, like providing Laguiole Steak Knives, renowned French cutlery known for its unmatched quality.

Coming full circle let me preview the menu for you. The choices are perhaps the most diverse of any so-called upscale tavern in greater Charleston. Marc said he's not re-inventing the wheel. However, he doesn't want to be another square peg in a square hole. He and his wife designed The Archer to standout, to provide an adequate array of options that might appeal to a wide range of appetites.

Almost all the restaurants downtown include a standard crab dip on the menu, often served with crackers. Not The Archer. Their Chilled Crab Dip is seasoned with chilis and chives, and comes to your table with spicy chips. If you want to titillate your taste-buds than begin your dinner journey here. 

However if you have a more refined palate than perhaps the Crispy Fried Eggplant complete with a creamy whipped buttermilk, or the Chicken Liver Mousse in a medley of shallots (garlicky onion) and capers (briny seasoning) over naturally leavened sourdough might be more appealing. If your appetite is taking a walk on the wild side, than either from the small plate selections will satisfy.

 Easily the most robust and flavorful salad among the four listed is the Burrata Panzanella. An ample and colorful bed of roasted red peppers, heirloom tomatoes, red onion, and fried cornbread cloaked in herbs and a tangy lemon vinaigrette. One of three salads that are not only vegan friendly but eat like a sumptuous entree. 

Moving on to the large plates, the Beef Stroganoff is an old school hungry-mans blue plate special. If you don't fill up on this dish, than you have a bottomless pit for a stomach. While the few eateries that still offer beef stroganoff make it with ground beef, The Archer prepare theirs with shaved short rib, swirled in mushrooms, shallots, and pappardelle (ribbon shaped Italian pasta). Without question this is a stick to your ribs entree you'll rave about. 

A couple could easily share the Half Roasted Chicken with a side of jus (natural meat sauce). Super moist and brought to your table with a nice helping of potato puree and a petite salad. Feeling adventurous and enjoy game poultry, try the Seared Duck Frites, a succulent sliced duck breast with shoestring fries, served with citrus jus and bearnaise (clarified butter, egg yolk, white wine vinegar, & herbs).

Carnivores will delight in The Archer Burger, uniquely smothered in parmesan cream. Like most incredible burgers, it's extra tender and a tad messy which requires a few more napkins. Forget about ketchup for the shoestring fries, because they are seasoned to perfection or you can just dip them in the parmesan cream overflow. Doubly awesome! 

Here's the big question, did you 'save room for...' either dessert? While there's only two listed, it's still a tough decision. Do you opt for the bourbon and caramel enhanced Bread Pudding or choose the extra thick and velvety Chocolate Mousse drizzled with hazelnut brittle and whipped cream. Two classic post meal sweet treats that reflect upscale tavern food.

What good would an upscale neighborhood tavern be without upscale drink. The Archer feature 10 signature cocktails, a variety of fruit of the vines from Germany, Italy, France, and California, as well as bubbly from Portugal and Slovenia. Local brews include a Munkle pilsner on draft and Gose by Westbrook in a can.

I strongly recommend the Ambiguous Bird cocktail laced with rum, coconut tea campari, pineapple, and a hint of lime. It's a refreshing sipping cocktail and easily complements several light bites. The entire potent potable menu was artfully designed to pair with each and every entree. Just another one of those meticulous nuances that often goes undetected when dining out. Nice touch! 

While The Archer is definitely in downtown Charleston, it's located in the ever growing north area of the peninsula, where the Ravenel Bridge and Meeting Street intersect near Huger Street. It's easily accessible from Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, and North Charleston, because I-26 exits right up the street. Don't care to pay to park, there's parking garage adjacent to The Archer providing the first two hours free. That's mind blowing.

If you're wondering how either of the dining establishments the Hudacsko's own came by their specific names, the explanation is rather simple. Berkeley's is a salute to the township of Berkeley Heights in New Jersey where Elizabeth grew up. As for The Archer, Marc said it just has a traditional title that resonates pubs and taverns of yesteryear.

With The Archer, Marc and Elizabeth wanted to create a neighborhood tavern that feels like a second home to patrons.  Mission accomplished!  Considering The Archer is in downtown Charleston, the prices are extremely fair with menu items ranging from $12 to $32.  The burger is $18, salads around $15, and both desserts just $11. Plus you're going to save at least $10 by parking in the garage. 

The couple gladly welcome you to both establishments. You'll find The Archer at 601 Meeting Street. Open 4 pm to Midnight everyday but Tuesday.  Happy hour daily 4-6pm offers reduced prices on house made cocktails, house wine and draft beers. Come meet new friends at The Archer.  Shoot your arrow online at https://www.thearchercharleston.com/