JESTINE'S KITCHEN
251 Meeting Street
Charleston, South Carolina
(843) 722-7224

Jestine’s Kitchen --- Charleston, South Carolina
“Eat Fried Southern Foods and Live to be 112!”

OK, now that I have your undivided attention, I cannot fully guarantee the above statement to be true in every possible case. Yet the true story I’m about to tell you will prove that such a claim is not out of the realm of possibility. Jestine Matthews was certainly an extraordinary lady. She was born right here in the South Carolina Low Country in 1885. Her mother was a Native American and her father was the son of a freed slave who was sharecropping a plot of plantation land on Wadmalaw Island. Jestine moved to nearby Charleston in the early 1900’s and found employment as a laundress and housekeeper.

Around 1928, Jestine went to work for Aleck Ellison and his wife, who were expecting their first child at the time. The Ellisons named their daughter Shera Lee Berlin and Jestine Matthews played a major role in raising that child and providing delicious home cooked meals, a dash of wisdom, and a heaping helping of love for the entire family for many decades to follow. In fact, Jestine lived to see the ripe old age of 112, passing away in December of 1997. Who says a steady diet of home-style cooking is an express lane to the pearly gates?

Dana Berlin, Shera Lee’s daughter, now carries on that tradition of soul food and Southern hospitality at Jestine’s Kitchen in Charleston, SC. Many of the authentic recipes used everyday at Jestine’s, from the divine “Table Wine” (Sweet Tea) to the nearly famous Meat Loaf, have been carefully passed down for the delight and enjoyment of a new generation of Dixie diners. The restaurant’s two slogans: “Home Cooking in a Warm Atmosphere” and “Southern Food with Lots of Soul” go a long way towards describing its undeniable charm. The décor is casual and the clientele is a eclectic mix of tourists and locals, kids from the College of Charleston alongside high-powered attorneys armed with cell phones and dressed in the finest Ben Silver seersucker suits.

My brother Bill and me happened to be visiting on a Wednesday, which is Fried Chicken Liver day at Jestine’s. Having an aversion to liver, I ordered a daily special of Grilled Pork Chops smothered in a red & green Bell Pepper Gravy served over white rice. We munched on Pickled Cucumbers and gulped a perfect glass of Sweet Tea while our food was being prepared. A shared appetizer of Fried Green Tomatoes got us in the mood for the main course. My chops turned out to be delightfully smoky and the accompanying gravy was flavorful, yet not too heavy for a hot summer’s lunch. My side dish of Collard Greens was perfect in every way --- field fresh, seasoned to perfection, and served up with a dash or two of Pepper Vinegar for just the right kick. Bill opted for the crispy Fried Chicken, Collards, and Fried Okra. Judging from his lip smacking during the meal, I can assure you that everything met his satisfaction level.

As I savored each bite, I was already plotting my next visit to Jestine’s. Saturday, according to their menu, is Crab Cake day and their cakes are the real deal --- filled with lump crabmeat and very little filler. The Tuesday Blue Plate Special of Sweet Chicken and Limas sounded quite appealing and I’m always a sucker for Shrimp & Grits (Sunday). Everyday sandwich choices include Seafood Po Boys, a Pecan Whiting Filet, and Jes’s Meat Loaf. Lunch and Dinner Plates, served with two veggies, include the Meat Loaf, Pork Chops, Fried Chicken, Fried Shrimp or Oysters, and a traditional Seafood Platter. A “healthy” Charbroiled Chicken Breast is also offered daily, but something tells me that wasn’t one of Jestine’s original recipes. The veggie options, both fresh and artfully made, are highlighted by Okra Gumbo, Collards, Fried Okra, Macaroni and Cheese, as well as other daily specials. Dessert offerings vary from day to day, although I would recommend you try the Coca-Cola Cake if it is on the menu board that particular day.

Jestine’s Kitchen means comfort food that can be enjoyed without guilt. If those greasy fingers you’re licking give you second thoughts, just think of our heroine Jestine and the long, rewarding life she lived while preparing and eating some of the best soul food anywhere. If that doesn’t work for you, just get up and make room at that table. There will be someone just like me waiting patiently to sit down to a steaming plate of juicy Meat Loaf, crisp Fried Okra and savory Macaroni and Cheese. If that’s not living right, then I don’t want to know what is!

Jestine’s Kitchen can be found across from the old firehouse at 251 Meeting Street in Historic Downtown Charleston, SC. Their hours of operation are Tuesday - Thursday from 11 AM - 9:30 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to 10 PM, and Sunday from 11 AM to 9 PM. Most credit cards are accepted. Give them a ring at 843 722-7224 for more information.

Featured Restaurant Archive >>

^Top^