Community Table in Mount Pleasant--Based on my Experience, you will be Greatly Pleased

The restaurant's motto is as follows: "We believe in three pillars, when it comes to a memorable dining experience, quality food, clean and comfortable atmosphere, professional but approachable staff. These values are the building blocks on which it stands. We serve quality, modern comfort food in an approachable atmosphere by people who care." We were about to put it to the test.

The restaurant's owners, Ryan and Kelleanne Jones, have an impressive resumes in the culinary business. The Jones ran Pintore Catering together in Hartford, Connecticut for ten years. Then, they moved to Las Vegas for a brief stint where Ryan helped open a large, three-meal restaurant, open 18 hours a day. They opened The Mill at 2t in Hartford in 2009, and it quickly became “one of Hartford County’s top spots for fine dining." They sold The Mill in 2016 and relocated their family to Charleston, where they settled in the I’On area. They operated Free Reign at Workshop, offering a “wood-fired coastal” menu. After that three-month venture ended, they were looking for a more permanent location. Free Reign ended, and the Jones family set sights on their newest project.

Community Table opened in 2019. The space is filled with bright whites, ivory, and driftwood. It fits about 85 seats, with a community table for 20 in the side room, a 12-person community table adjacent to the bar, 25 high tops on the porch, and tables filling the rest of the dining room. The menu's locally sourced ingredients pairs nicely with the restaurant's expansive drink offerings, which include local beer, the most creative wine selections in the Lowcountry, cocktails with fresh, hand-squeezed juices, cold brew coffee, and kombucha.

The occasions that brought us to Community Table were Valentine's Day and my birthday, courtesy my partner. Reservations made in advance, we arrived and were seated on the heated porch just outside the main entrance. The porch was well-lit, and the high-top table was comfortable. A unique feature on the table was silverware placed on oyster shells. Even though we were not in the main dining area, the first part of the motto, comfortable atmosphere, was satisfied.

Our server was a smiling, young lady who was very welcoming. After a quick, enlightening conversation about the cocktail offerings, I chose Somewhere on the Beach--Flor de Cana Dark Rum, Orange and Pineapple Juices, Fresh Lime, and Cranberry Juice Floater for $12. My partner chose the Bees Knees--Striped Pig Gin, Fresh Lemon, Honey Simple, and a large cubbe for $12.

To start our dinner, we chose the French Fry Ceasar Salad with Escarole Lettuce, Radicchio, French Fries, Garlic Crouton Crumble, Lemon Pepper Aiola, and Parmesan Vinaigrette. I thought it to be interesting for a salad to contain French Fries, but it turned out to be an enjoyable addition to the crisp, fresh lettuce and garlic croutons. 

For our entree, even though the item was from the starters list, my partner and I chose the Spanish Octopus with Crispy Octopus, Pickled Pepper Relish, Preserved Lemon Chimichurri, Cousa Potatoes, and Smoked Egg Aiola for $18. The Octopus choice was influenced by a previous outing where I tried the delicacy for the first time and loved it. The Cousa Potatoes were delicious, and the tender, mouth-watering Octopus reaffirmed my recent conclusion it will be a favorite, goto seafood choice. My partner was convinced I had not eaten enough, so I ordered the Butternut and Burrata Toast($16) and a piece of Pumpkin Cheesecake($9). The cheesecake was a sweet finish to the affair. The second part of the motto, quality food, was aced. 

As to the professional but approachable staff, we had fun interacting with our server. She was attentive throughout our stay, checking in often. She was knowledgeable about the menu and offered input. She gave a rose to my partner at the end, which I viewed as very thoughtful. It was Valentine's Day after all. 

Community Table met all expectations as to quality food, clean and comfortable atmosphere, and professional but approachable staff. Its menu was diverse and balanced as to its selection, from starters to entrees to desserts. It is located in the sophisticated I'On district of Mount Pleasant. Give it a visit. Based on my experience, you will be greatly pleased.

Monday to Saturday: 11 am to 9 pm.

Sunday: 10 am to 3 pm.

Weekend Bruch: Saturday at 11am to 3 pm and Sunday at 10 am to 3 pm.

Happy Hour: Monday to Friday 3 pm to 5 pm.

Community Table, 148 Civitas Street, Mount Pleasant