Kersey House in Summerville--A historic Gathering Place for Dining and Everything Else

Seems as though French inspired cuisine is becoming a thing in Summerville these days. Two of the many eating establishments recently making their debut in the town feature French classics like Croque Monsieur, Short Rib Bourguignon, and Beef Tartare. One of them is owned and operated by South Carolina resident Nico Romo, who is one of only 66 French master chefs in the country. The name of his magnifique entreprise is Kersey House. Why does a French restaurant have an English name, you may wonder? The original owners of the grand dame of Summerville no doubt would not want it any other way, and Nico agreed. Tributes to the Kersey family are found throughout the stunning estate's rooms.

Kersey House is located in the heart of "the heart of it all." It was built in the early 1900s, shortly after the construction of Summerville's famed railroad station just across the tracks. As you approach the historic property, the pristine white exterior of the house shimmers in the sunlight. Its signature double wrap-around southern porches beckon you to step up as the restaurants unassuming sign directly above states you have arrived at the right place.

Inside, the venue boasts 12-inch baseboards. The four grand parlor rooms feature restored original heart pine floors and beautiful fireplaces; each painted with a color of its own. The main dining space boasts a soaring ceiling adorned with impressive crystal chandeliers, large windows, cheerful yellow walls, and a full bar with plenty of seating. Beyond its rear door, the venue features a sweeping outdoor space, offering quiet al fresco dining. A large courtyard with red stamped concrete pads creates a distinctive contrast to the property's greenery, presenting an intimate, picturesque setting for any occasion. Last but not least, there is a spacious ballroom to dance the night away.

Kersey House promises to offer a comforting and inviting atmosphere where guests can enjoy exceptional meals, genuine hospitality, unforgettable dining experience. With a focus on high-quality ingredients and classic, approachable dishes, the menu is crafted to celebrate the art of simple, elegant dining. As they would say, la prevue sera dans le pudding.

Our reservation was for 6 pm. We were greeted with a smile upon entry and directed to a table in the front room by a window. There was a comfortable space between tables. With plenty of seating available in the beautifully appointed main dining, I wondered why we were not seated there. Turns out, seating arrangement has to do with balancing out server opportunity. They did offer to move us, but we chose to stay. As the evening progressed, I was not overly thrilled with our location, being close to the entrance and check in. There was a lot of activity of people coming and going. It was a nice space, just not ideal.

We perused the menu. Drinks were first. From the cocktail list, I chose the Sweet Magnolia, as did my companion. It was a mix of Firefly vodka, lemon, cinnamon simple, and hibiscus tea for $13. I am partial to Firefly products, so it was an easy choice. The cocktail was a satisfying and refreshing blend. On the menu, I chose from Les Soupes the French Onion with caramelized onion, baguette crouton, and gruyere for $12, and from Les Sandwiches, the Kersey Signature Burger with remoulade, American cheese, romaine, tomato, and pickles with the colorful Dijon salad for $15. My companion chose from Les Petits Plats a La Baguette with parsley butter, espelette honey $6, and from Les Sandwiches, Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon honey mayo, lettuce, tomato, pickle, and brioche for $15. Pardon my French, the French Onion Soup was superbe, and the Kersey Signature Burger was excellente, one of the best burgers I've had, neatly stacked.  My companion souscrit.

Kersey House passed the test for high-quality ingredients and classic, approachable dishes, crafted to celebrate the art of simple, elegant dining. As to a comforting and inviting atmosphere, the room we were seated in was beautifully appointed and comfortable, just not ideal due to the traffic--maybe a decorative partition could be considered. The main dining room is a palatial and classy space with plenty of natural atmosphere. As to genuine hospitality, the staff was accommodating, and our server was friendly, courteous, and attentive to our requests. Used dishes were removed and water glasses filled as needed.

Nico Romo's Kersey House is without a doubt a historic gathering place for fine dining. The menu offers plenty of tasteful choices at reasonable prices. However, it is more than a restaurant, it is an everything else space. It is a grand addition to the many eating establishments making Summerville their home. Check it out if you haven't already.

Mon - Sat 11 am - 9 pm

Sun 11 am - 3 pm (Brunch) 

3 pm - 9 pm (Dinner)

Happy Hour - Monday-Friday 4-6 pm

Lunch Special - Monday-Friday 11 am - 3 pm

117 W Luke Ave, Summerville

843-983-1813

Step Back to Charleston's Colonial Days during and after the Revolutionary War--The Heyward-Washington House

The Heyward-Washington House became Charleston's first historic house museum in 1930 after being acquired by the Charleston Museum in 1929. It was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1978. Two of the Heyward-Washington House's dramatic features are exclusive to Charleston house tours. It is located far from the madding crowd of tourism just south of Broad Street in a quiet section of the Lower Peninsula on Church Street.

Thomas Heyward Jr was one of four South Carolina signers of the Declaration of Independence and an artillery officer with the South Carolina militia in the Revolutionary War. He built his Georgian-style double house in 1772. However, he was captured by the British in 1780 when they took possession of the city and returned in 1781 by way of an exchange. In May of 1891, the city rented the house for George Washington's use during the President's week-long Charleston stay. Thus, it is recognized as the Heyward-Washington House, even though it was purchased from Heyward by John F. Grimke in 1794.

A black sign bearing its name marks the address. Standing at its large, Colonial-style pediment front door, a note requests you to knock. The host welcomes you to step into its large center hall which leads to the room where you either pay for the tour ($15) or present your pre-paid voucher. The tour is a self-guided audio presentation, and you can begin anywhere you want. The audio tour includes a recognition of the contributions of Lowcountry women and the enslaved.

You will see a superb collection of historic Charleston-made furniture as you leisurely stroll from room to room including the priceless Holmes Bookcase, considered one of the finest examples of American-made colonial furniture. The audio device details how each room had a specific use to the family combined with a story from the life of the Heyward family in that particular room. Recovered artifacts are displayed throughout. No surprise, in one of the rooms, you will see a portrait of its famous guest, George Washington, hanging above its fireplace.

The highlight of the tour, in my opinion, is when you step out the back entrance. It is here you will see the two dramatic features exclusive to Charleston house tours--the only 1740s kitchen building open to the public in Charleston as well as formal gardens featuring plants commonly used in the South Carolina Lowcountry in the late 18th century. The carriage house and kitchen building flanked each side with the spacious, beautifully landscaped garden extending beyond to the estate's farthest edges. I was surprised how far back it went. It was interesting to see the wide variety of utensils used in the kitchens and what meals were prepared for Thomas Heyward and guests. There is still an active archeological dig underway in the gardens.

The Heyward-Washington House offers an interesting and informative step back to Charleston's colonial days during and after the Revolutionary War for $15. However, several options are available for purchase. You can combine this tour with tickets to the Charleston Museum for $22 or combine it with tickets to the Museum and a tour of the Joseph Manigault House for $30. Tickets are valid for one year after purchase date. For the options, go to Charleston Museum.

87 Church St, Charleston, SC

Monday-Saturday: 10 am -5:00 pm (last audio tour at 4:15 pm)

Sunday: 12:00 - 5:00 pm (last audio tour at 4:15 pm)