Bringing a tropical retreat to the heart of Charleston’s Historic District, Gingerline is now open at 55 Market St. As the first standalone restaurant concept from acclaimed hospitality group Charlestowne Hotels, Gingerline is a destination for vibrant cocktails and coastal-inspired dishes influenced by the flavors of Latin & South America.
“We are so excited to open our doors and welcome locals and visitors alike to experience Gingerline’s fresh take on tropical cocktails and international fare,” says Gingerline general manager and cocktail connoisseur Maureen Samu. “We’ve envisioned this restaurant as an oasis away from the ordinary, set within one of our favorite neighborhoods in Charleston. The team at Gingerline has poured passion into each drink and dish to deliver incredible service, taste and flavor all in a lively, fun atmosphere where guests can kick back and relax.”
DESIGNED TO BE ON ISLAND TIME
Boasting a 3,500-square-foot venue and an expansive outdoor patio overlooking Market Street, Gingerline’s indoor-outdoor space seats up to 122 guests. Envisioned by local design firm Jenny Keenan Design, the restaurant’s Instagrammable interior greets guests with patterned tile flooring and a 12-seat bar with cheery yellow woodwork and purple velvet stools. Natural wood textures, rattan accessories and crisp, white-fringed patio umbrellas create a coastal ambiance, while eye-catching wallpaper and a colorful mural by local artist Becca Barnet add energy and dimension to the restaurant. Gingerline also offers a private dining space with a capacity of 50 guests, named 1670 Room, offering the perfect setting for corporate meetings and social celebrations.
EAT, DRINK AND TROPIC LIKE IT’S HOT
With a luxury hospitality background including positions at The Ritz-Carlton Company and Hotel Bennett, executive chef Taylor Cunningham oversees Gingerline’s coastal-influenced cuisine. Cunningham incorporates Latin and South American inspiration with ingredients that are native to Charleston, creating a lineup of tapas-style dishes designed to be shared. Paired with playful plates and stylish glassware, the colorful and fresh ingredients in each drink and dish shine as they hit the table. Guests can expect a standout variety of Ceviche, including Shrimp, Red Snapper and Artichoke, all served with splashes of citrus and veggie garnish for maximum flavor. Other menu stars include shareables like the Ropa Vieja with oxtail, tostones, creamy citrus slaw and local herbs; large plates like the Peruvian Skewers with grilled chicken, cilantro and criolla salad; and the Duck Chaufa with fried rice, local egg and pickled kumquat—the fruit whose particular color serves as the muse behind the Gingerline name.
An emphasis on bright citrus flavors leads the way for the restaurant’s variety of cocktails, which are all available to be made sans alcohol. Starting with the Crushers menu, which offers four refreshing takes using crowd-pleasing crushed ice, guests will find drinks such as the Coco Piña with Don Q Coco Rum, banana, cremé de coco, pineapple and lime, and Citrus Dreamin’ with Absolut Citron Vodka, Cointreau, orange, cream and lime. Other featured cocktails include spicy Latin flavors such as the Pepper & Smoke with Vida Mezcal, tomatillo-poblano, agave, chile de arbol and lime, and sweeter sips like the Honey Bee with Hat Trick Gin, lemon, honey foam and lavender.
Gingerline is located at 55 Market St. and is open for dinner everyday and for brunch Saturday and Sunday.
