Mercantile & Mash
When The Indigo Road’s Steve Palmer first announced renovations at The Cigar Factory on East Bay Street, Charleston was abuzz with predictions for the multi-business operation. And now, after a couple years of construction and a new head chef, Mercantile & Mash—part gourmet food market and part whiskey bar—has found its footing. On the Mercantile side, open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., diners have more than a few options: Purchase a treat from a local purveyor; sip on a made-to-order caffeinated confection; grab a soda, spread, or sandwich from the to-go fridge; or settle in for a finely crafted meal at the chef’s counter, where you can watch all the magic happen in the open kitchen. The menu changes seasonally; don’t miss chef Tim Morton’s delicate acorn-squash soup or the salad of baby lettuces, pears, walnuts, and blue cheese. www.mercandmash.com
Poogan’s Smokehouse
You’ll cease to bemoan the loss of Social Wine Bar as soon as you dig into a meal at its replacement, Poogan’s Porch sibling Poogan’s Smokehouse. Upscale barbecue’s the focus at this East Bay Street spot, with all the apps, sides, and entrees you might dream of. Try not to let temptations like cast-iron cornbread and skillet mac and cheese prevent you from sampling the baby kale salad with black-eyed peas, crispy country ham, wild mushrooms, and a Dijon sherry vinaigrette—it’s absolutely crave-worthy. The barbecue offerings, including pulled pork, ribs, and smoked sausage, shine, and executive chef Daniel Doyle says he tested dozens of sauce recipes before committing to the selection now offered on each table. www.pooganssmokehouse.com
