Downtown Charleston’s newest Petite Market & Eatery

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Experience Charleston in a new way by stepping into Lillian’s, downtown’s newest petite market and eatery.

Located on the same site as the former Harold’s Cabin at 247 Congress St., Lillian’s pays homage to the former restaurant in the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood.

You may remember Harold’s Cabin – named after its owner, Harold Jacobs – as it originally started back in 1929. A reimagined version of the cabin opened about 10 years ago, and then in February of this year, the restaurant announced its plans to close for good. Roughly 10 months later, the space has transformed into what’s now called Lillian’s, named after Harold’s wife, Lillian.

The refurbishments bring new life to the cherished space and the neighborhood is already treating it as their own. Current owner, Heather Greene, says she knew she wanted to be part of the space’s next chapter, as she’s been a resident of the peninsula for over 20 years. News 2 spoke with members of the team about how their vision for Lillian’s has come to life.

Executive Chef Todd Garrigan says “The focus is on local, the pieces on the menu say a lot about what’s happening in Charleston.” Some menu items showcase southern roots with a contemporary twist such as the ‘Bowl of Grits’ for brunch or the ‘Fried Oysters’ plate offered for dinner. “We’re super high on flavor and quality,” Garrigan went on to say, as Lillian’s transforms into a cozy yet elegant dinner destination at night.

Not only are the ingredients used in the dishes locally sourced, but so are the items for sale in the market. “All of our produce comes from local farms,” manager and mixologist Ruth Wetenhall told News 2, making it the perfect place to shop and dine locally.

Wetenhall is the brains of the bar. Her carefully curated cocktails like the ‘Queen’s Remedy,’ ‘Scotch Sour,’ or herby ‘Garden Muse’ are unique and simply delicious. And if you’re not quite in the mood to drink, try one of her ‘Two Sippers,’ the perfect balance between a shot and a cocktail.

“We give them the tools they need to be successful,” said Garrigan when asked about the Lillian’s team. This statement shines through the expertly crafted menu and execution of the market. Greene says her talented team is what she loves most about Lillian’s.

Lillian’s is open between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily. Walk-ins are welcome and reservations are available on Resy.