Family Restaurants near North Charleston, SC

“We recently visited Charleston and forgot to make dinner reservations, that’s when we happed on to The Royal Tern. Despite no reservations, they gladly seated us at a great table. The food was exquisite, everything from the Raw Bar, the fried shrimp, to the halibut. The halibut was prepared perfectly and was so unique; the ingredients worked together in delicious synergy. My cocktail was on-point, too. As a home cook, being able to watch the chefs prepare the meals was fascinating. Mad respect for their craft. Met one of the owners as he was making his rounds in the dining room, and he was a lovely person. He even printed a map w/shortcuts for us since traffic is so bad in the Charleston area. Highly recommend, will definitely be back next time we’re in town.“

“Tried online ordering... but the order was auto cancelled by the online payment vendor due to no confirmation from the restaurant side. I assume it's because I tried to order caldo de res, which the online menu site didn't state it was only served on weekends (physical menu states this).

Drove over to their truck on the way home. Very cute, quaint, and cozy outdoor covered shed small dining deck area; at night the overhead string lights cast it in a warm, beautiful glow. Most signage is in Spanish, so do some prep for reading and ordering if you know a decent bit. If not, the mother+owner+cook (I'm assuming) would show her phone with the Google translation. Not all non-weekend items were available when I asked... so it was a little awkward being rejected a few times lol. I ordered 1 order of pastellitos. Affordable price for the GINORMOUS hand-sized savory pastries.

Waited maybe 10mins, not long, for freshly cooked food. Took it to go (para llevar). This was the first time I've had pastellitos with this type of fried dough. Almost like mashed starch (maybe potato?) of some sort. Because it wasn't firm/dry like an arepa or gordita, nor flaky like a pastry wrapper sheet. SOOO filling. Definitely matches the price expectation. The fillings placed on top did slightly make the crispiness soggy. So, I will try to ask for on the side or omit next time.

For those wishing to dine-in, if my subpar high-school-class-memory was right, there was a sign stating to please dispose of your food trash with you. No available trash can for customers onsite.“

“Always there to assist and help out families.“

“Fast service when your very hungry and the food is spot on. Wait staff are very friendly and attentive. I take my family there once a week to catch up with each other and Cabana always facilitates wonderfully.“