New Kel’s Tavern taking over Sergio's Italian restaurant on the West Side

A plate of fries covered with pimento cheese, BBQ sauce and scallions from Kel's Tavern

Bar 101/Ichiban for sale, Dem 2 Brothers closes for dine-in

Within days of former owner Sergio Lugo-Mata selling his Italian eatery on Charleston’s West Side, a new restaurant called Kel’s Tavern is already set to take over the space.

Bourbon-glazed salmon from Kel's Tavern

Based on its identical logo, the new Charleston spot at 222 West Washington St. appears to be a second location of the Kel’s Tavern that just opened in Ashland, Kentucky, a few weeks ago.

That restaurant at 1537 Winchester Ave. offers a fairly traditional menu of “elevated dishes at affordable prices,” which is what they plan to bring to the Charleston restaurant as well.

Offerings at the Ashland spot include appetizers like Buffalo chicken empanadas, Captain Morgan-battered sweet-and-spicy shrimp, fried green tomatoes and signature crispy fried potato medallions smothered with creamy beer cheese, bacon and scallions.

Handhelds feature a Philly cheesesteak, a beer-battered fish sandwich, a meatloaf sandwich (with sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, fried onions and bourbon glaze!), burgers and more, plus there are a few traditional salads to complement your meal.     

Chef salad from Kel's Tavern

You can dive into slow-cooked short ribs, a bone-in pork chop, bourbon-glazed salmon, a one-pound hand-cut ribeye or fish and chicken entrees for dinner, or pony up to pasta options like grilled chicken Marsala or many chicken or shrimp alfredo or scampi.

There are also more than a dozen sides, a few traditional desserts (cheesecake, brownie, bread pudding, crème brulee) and a kids’ menu for the littles.

“We’re thrilled to invite you to experience a new standard of dining right here in the heart of Charleston,” the restaurant said in a Facebook post announcing their upcoming arrival in Charleston. “At Kel’s Tavern, we specialize in elevated cuisine that reimagines traditional flavors while ensuring that exceptional food and service are accessible to all.”

Creme brulee from Kel's Tavern

They go on to tease a menu that features innovative dishes that will excite your palate, combining local ingredients with creative twists.

“Whether you're searching for a cozy date night spot or a place to celebrate with friends, we have something for everyone at a price that won't break the bank.”

Messages to the restaurant have not been returned, so stay tuned here for more details and a projected opening date.

Bar 101, Ichiban property listed for sale

The continued uncertainty around the fate of downtown Charleston’s Bar 101 and Ichiban Pan-Asian Cuisine took an unexpected turn when both properties were suddenly listed for sale.

Bloody Mary from Kel's Tavern

In a Facebook post late last week, Berkshire Hathaway real estate agent Duke Jordan announced both locations at 101 and 103 Capitol St. were on the market, along with additional office space at 105 Capitol St.

The three locations total nearly 18,000 square feet of prime property on the corner of Virginia and Capitol streets.

“It’s one of the best locations in downtown Charleston,” Jordan said, “truly in the middle of everything.”

Bar 101 and Ichiban owners Todd Moore and David Andrews have yet to comment on those two businesses, which closed along with DT Prime downtown and The Lookout Bar & Grill at Eagle View several weeks ago.

Anyone interested in touring the buildings for possible purchase can contact Jordan at 304-346-0300.

Dem 2 Brothers closes for dine-in

A popular BBQ joint with two locations in Charleston has closed its restaurants for public dining and takeout to focus on other facets of their business.

Dem 2 Brothers & A Grill announced Tuesday they are “pivoting” their operations in an attempt to recover from one of the most difficult years in their history.

Dem 2 Brothers & A Grill

“Over the past several years, like many restaurants across the country, we’ve felt the effects of a shifting economy right here in Charleston. Rising costs, changing consumer habits and the decline of traditional dine-in models have created challenges we couldn’t ignore,” the restaurant announced in a Facebook post to its fans and followers.

“We know you’ve seen it in our West Side and downtown operations, and we want to be transparent – this has been the most difficult season in our journey.”

In addition to business hurdles, owner Ashley Monique Wright said unexpected health challenges resulting in her caring for her father – Dem 2 Brothers founder Adrian Wright – have been tough.

“These obstacles have tested us deeply, but they haven’t broken us,” she said. “Our promise: we’re not giving up. Our pivot: back to our roots. Instead of closing the book, we’re turning the page.”

What that means for customers is a closing of Dem 2’s dine-in and take-out operations at 189 Summers St. downtown (the 423 Virginia St. W. location was previously closed) so they can focus more on their food truck, pop-up, delivery and catering business. They also hope to branch into retail offerings with a line of sauces, spices and rubs.

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Steven Keith is a food writer and restaurant critic known as “The Food Guy” who writes a weekly column for the Charleston Gazette-Mail and has appeared in several state, regional and national culinary publications. Follow him online at www.wvfoodguy.com or on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. He can be reached at wvfoodguy@aol.com.