Gillie’s Seafood was one of the recommended restaurants that we learnt from our receptionist at TownePlace Suites by Marriott Charleston West Ashley. After a quick search online, we also found the reviews to be pretty good as well. Since we wanted to try some Southern Cuisine while we’re in the “South”, Gillie’s Seafood was where we headed for dinner this evening…
The name of Gillie’s Seafood actually came from Mrs LaReese Gilliard, the grandmother of chef/owner Sean Mendes. Sean based his recipe off grandma Gillie’s cooking to recreate the feel of Sunday meals after church with homely cooking of grandma. Grandma Gillie would cook everything from scratch and this is how Gillie’s Seafood do it daily as well. Wholesome goodness made fresh daily…
Besides a wall dedicated to grandma, the entire restaurant felt very homely. There are tables with white table cloths and TV with sports playing in the background. Very chill, very laid back and very homely. After looking through the menu, there were several items that caught our eye…
All of which were excellent soul food that represented the Southern Flavours. Before we made our orders, we found out from our waiting staff that Purloo is like a dried version while the gumbo comes with gravy. After the clarifications, we went with the Seafood Gumbo ($20) and the Buttermilk Fried Chicken ($18). As they were out of white meat (chicken breast) this even, we went with the dark meat (thighs and drums). The fried chicken also came with 3 sides and we chose collared greens, fried okra and corn bread…
For the full review of Gillie's Seafood, visit 2bearbear today!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spicy Jambalaya
April S
Such friendly and welcoming staff. Crab cake was great and the fried green tomatoes were amazing.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Green Tomatoes, Seafood
Angelina Robertson
The food here is always so good and comforting. The gumbo is one of the best dishes I’ve ever eaten in my life— I had it a few months ago and I still think about it often. It was so perfectly rich, fresh, and savory. I’m from Charleston and am an adventurous eater with high standards, and Gillie’s is definitely one of the best restaurants here!! ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Henry Doyle
The food was incredible, the service was great , and the atmosphere was unbelievably comfortable ?. I heard about this place, but after a recent back to Charleston trip , and three meals , I was convinced. They were the real deal. If you enjoy good food and great service ,this is a must ?. Hope you find the time and enjoy your meal as much as we did.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Seafood
Rusty Clifton
Waiting 45 mins for a table, and another 45mins for food. Server did not check our table and my water did not stay full. I had to ration my water.
The owner sat at our table to check on us which was unusual because he did not introduce himself. My date was uncomfortable because of this.
The owner only asked how long we have been waiting. I was super confused because he still had not introduced himself. To put things into perspective, he wore a red T-shirt and jeans. Something you wouldn't normally see with an owner.
I will never dine here again, and I might do take-out because the kitchen staff cannot prioritize. Or the staff in general. Btw. The server kept toughing her hair, moving it out of the way, when she should of just put her hair up.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 2
Ann Lee
First time eating here! Food was delicious! Shrimp tacos, shrimp platter, oyster poorboy, hushpuppies and banana pudding! All delicious! We will be back!!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Seafood
Liz Carpenter
Drive out here but it was closed. Sign on the door said temporarily closed til further notice
Sandy
Unfortunately my experience was a bit different from most post..Maybe because it was late on a Friday night. The staff was extremely friendly and attentive. I had the spicy jambalaya and it just was not good. It definitely wasn't spicy, matter of fact it had no flavor at all. I'm glad the majority of the reviews are positive and I wish the restaurant years of success. My visit on August 2nd 2024 just wasn't a good experience for me or my dining partner.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 5
Michael Turner
I’m done trying to eat here again. The food is fantastic. The problem is getting in. Attempt One: I tried to take my mom to lunch there. We walk into the restaurant and despite seeing patrons eating, the host tells us they’re closed. Attempt Two: I try to take my mom and out-of-town guests to supper. The restaurant does not accept reservations and they tell us it will be a 60-90 minute wait. I respect that. You can’t knock a small business for being successful. Attempt Three: Today, 08.21.2024, I try again to take my mom to lunch. We pull up in the parking lot and an employee scowls at us, shakes his finger at us, and motions for us to leave. There’s a note on the door suddenly announcing they are closed. I cannot say anything negative about the food or wait staff. Perhaps they are having growing pains or are the victims of their own success. Nevertheless, the place is seemingly poorly run as if management is resting upon their laurels.
Bad customer service will make you not want to come back. The lady at the pick up counter didn’t part her lips to greet me. I had to say hello to get a response. I ordered 110.00 worth of food, granted I made the mistake of ordering string beans instead of collards, but they were not accommodating at all. I didn’t even touch the bag when I asked if they could switch the green beans for the collards. The floors were very slick and slippery I thought I was going fall. I pray they improve their customer service
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 1
Angie Ursetti
By far, the best food I have had in a very long time!! Authentic southern food, prepared perfectly!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Donna Sullivan
We stopped to get some Lunch to go on our way back to Atlanta .The manager maybe owner, not exactly sure took Our order. She was extremely rude, never smiled and acted as if she was doing us a favor by waiting on us. They were out of several items. We spent $90 with a 10% takeout tip ( as we always do and our choice) on lunch and when I asked for a cup of ice we were charged $1.50! She waited until after we paid and then said it would be a 35 minute wait! It maybe would have been ok if the food was Decent. Lima beans were very cold, She crab soup tastes like canned with very little crab. The fried shrimp, mac and cheese and okra were tasty however the rudeness of the person taking the order left a bad taste in our mouths, hence the low review. My son who worked in restaurants said he has not been treated this bad in a very long time, if ever. No excuses. We also ordered a hotdog and t shirt next door... staff at Jacks Cosmic Dogs- exceptional!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
D. Cuthbertson
This place came highly recommended so we gave it a try. The collards and lima beans were on point. I didn't care for the mac & cheese (too dry). My friend had crab cakes, he said they were just ok (we're used to lump crab meat from the MD shore) & the cole slaw was bland. IMO this is a nice spot to go to if your family is in town and want an at home atmosphere (the ambiance was nice makes you feel at home). Overall I give it 3/5
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 3
Darrahyl Vance
I swear all we wanted to do was support some black owed business when we came into Charleston for the weekend. So while browsing on YouTube a woman from the news channel recommended this spot and the food looked absolutely delicious. When we arrived we got the gator bites. They were okay nothing to complain about. I order the shrimp and grits and my lady order the gumbo. Both of these dishes lacked flavor in every aspect. Nothing was seasoned at all. The gravy on the grits was suppose to add that essential touch and that was trash. I was disappointed and wifey was as well. I will usually take my leftovers but I left my remaining portions for them to collect. I’m sorry I will never attend this place again. The service was off. I had to get up and ask for this and that. Not to leave out there were no paper towels in the bathroom and a worker came out directly before me so he had to see it. I’ve never wrote a review before but I couldn’t go without sharing how disappointed I was with the restaurant
Food and service were great!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Seafood, Hush Puppies
Gillie’s Seafood was one of the recommended restaurants that we learnt from our receptionist at TownePlace Suites by Marriott Charleston West Ashley. After a quick search online, we also found the reviews to be pretty good as well. Since we wanted to try some Southern Cuisine while we’re in the “South”, Gillie’s Seafood was where we headed for dinner this evening…
The name of Gillie’s Seafood actually came from Mrs LaReese Gilliard, the grandmother of chef/owner Sean Mendes. Sean based his recipe off grandma Gillie’s cooking to recreate the feel of Sunday meals after church with homely cooking of grandma. Grandma Gillie would cook everything from scratch and this is how Gillie’s Seafood do it daily as well. Wholesome goodness made fresh daily…
Besides a wall dedicated to grandma, the entire restaurant felt very homely. There are tables with white table cloths and TV with sports playing in the background. Very chill, very laid back and very homely. After looking through the menu, there were several items that caught our eye…
Granny’s Shrimp & Grits ($18 – the award winning grits at Gillie’s Seafood)
Seafood Purloo ($21)
Seafood Gumbo ($20)
Spicy Jambalaya ($21)
Buttermilk Fried Chicken ($18)
Fried Pork Chops ($18)
Meatloaf ($18)
All of which were excellent soul food that represented the Southern Flavours. Before we made our orders, we found out from our waiting staff that Purloo is like a dried version while the gumbo comes with gravy. After the clarifications, we went with the Seafood Gumbo ($20) and the Buttermilk Fried Chicken ($18). As they were out of white meat (chicken breast) this even, we went with the dark meat (thighs and drums). The fried chicken also came with 3 sides and we chose collared greens, fried okra and corn bread…
For the full review of Gillie's Seafood, visit 2bearbear today!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spicy Jambalaya
Such friendly and welcoming staff. Crab cake was great and the fried green tomatoes were amazing.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Green Tomatoes, Seafood
The food here is always so good and comforting. The gumbo is one of the best dishes I’ve ever eaten in my life— I had it a few months ago and I still think about it often. It was so perfectly rich, fresh, and savory. I’m from Charleston and am an adventurous eater with high standards, and Gillie’s is definitely one of the best restaurants here!! ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food was incredible, the service was great , and the atmosphere was unbelievably comfortable ?. I heard about this place, but after a recent
back to Charleston trip , and three meals , I was convinced.
They were the real deal. If you enjoy good food and great service ,this is a must ?. Hope you find the time and enjoy your
meal as much as we did.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Seafood
Waiting 45 mins for a table, and another 45mins for food. Server did not check our table and my water did not stay full. I had to ration my water.
The owner sat at our table to check on us which was unusual because he did not introduce himself. My date was uncomfortable because of this.
The owner only asked how long we have been waiting. I was super confused because he still had not introduced himself. To put things into perspective, he wore a red T-shirt and jeans. Something you wouldn't normally see with an owner.
I will never dine here again, and I might do take-out because the kitchen staff cannot prioritize. Or the staff in general. Btw. The server kept toughing her hair, moving it out of the way, when she should of just put her hair up.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 2
First time eating here! Food was delicious! Shrimp tacos, shrimp platter, oyster poorboy, hushpuppies and banana pudding! All delicious! We will be back!!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Seafood
Drive out here but it was closed. Sign on the door said temporarily closed til further notice
Unfortunately my experience was a bit different from most post..Maybe because it was late on a Friday night.
The staff was extremely friendly and attentive. I had the spicy jambalaya and it just was not good. It definitely wasn't spicy, matter of fact it had no flavor at all. I'm glad the majority of the reviews are positive and I wish the restaurant years of success. My visit on August 2nd 2024 just wasn't a good experience for me or my dining partner.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 5
I’m done trying to eat here again. The food is fantastic. The problem is getting in. Attempt One: I tried to take my mom to lunch there. We walk into the restaurant and despite seeing patrons eating, the host tells us they’re closed. Attempt Two: I try to take my mom and out-of-town guests to supper. The restaurant does not accept reservations and they tell us it will be a 60-90 minute wait. I respect that. You can’t knock a small business for being successful. Attempt Three: Today, 08.21.2024, I try again to take my mom to lunch. We pull up in the parking lot and an employee scowls at us, shakes his finger at us, and motions for us to leave. There’s a note on the door suddenly announcing they are closed. I cannot say anything negative about the food or wait staff. Perhaps they are having growing pains or are the victims of their own success. Nevertheless, the place is seemingly poorly run as if management is resting upon their laurels.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
Bad customer service will make you not want to come back. The lady at the pick up counter didn’t part her lips to greet me. I had to say hello to get a response. I ordered 110.00 worth of food, granted I made the mistake of ordering string beans instead of collards, but they were not accommodating at all. I didn’t even touch the bag when I asked if they could switch the green beans for the collards. The floors were very slick and slippery I thought I was going fall. I pray they improve their customer service
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 1
By far, the best food I have had in a very long time!! Authentic southern food, prepared perfectly!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We stopped to get some
Lunch to go on our way back to Atlanta .The manager maybe owner, not exactly sure took
Our order. She was extremely rude, never smiled and acted as if she was doing us a favor by waiting on us. They were out of several items. We spent $90 with a 10% takeout tip ( as we always do and our choice) on lunch and when I asked for a cup of ice we were charged $1.50! She waited until after we paid and then said it would be a 35 minute wait! It maybe would have been ok if the food was
Decent. Lima beans were very cold,
She crab soup tastes like canned with very little crab. The fried shrimp, mac and cheese and okra were tasty however the rudeness of the person taking the order left a bad taste in our mouths, hence the low review. My son who worked in restaurants said he has not been treated this bad in a very long time, if ever. No excuses. We also ordered a hotdog and t shirt next door... staff at Jacks Cosmic Dogs- exceptional!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
This place came highly recommended so we gave it a try. The collards and lima beans were on point. I didn't care for the mac & cheese (too dry). My friend had crab cakes, he said they were just ok (we're used to lump crab meat from the MD shore) & the cole slaw was bland. IMO this is a nice spot to go to if your family is in town and want an at home atmosphere (the ambiance was nice makes you feel at home). Overall I give it 3/5
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 3
I swear all we wanted to do was support some black owed business when we came into Charleston for the weekend. So while browsing on YouTube a woman from the news channel recommended this spot and the food looked absolutely delicious. When we arrived we got the gator bites. They were okay nothing to complain about. I order the shrimp and grits and my lady order the gumbo. Both of these dishes lacked flavor in every aspect. Nothing was seasoned at all. The gravy on the grits was suppose to add that essential touch and that was trash. I was disappointed and wifey was as well. I will usually take my leftovers but I left my remaining portions for them to collect. I’m sorry I will never attend this place again. The service was off. I had to get up and ask for this and that. Not to leave out there were no paper towels in the bathroom and a worker came out directly before me so he had to see it. I’ve never wrote a review before but I couldn’t go without sharing how disappointed I was with the restaurant
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 2
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