Craig Conover and Austen Kroll, two familiar faces from Bravo’s Southern Charm, have officially entered the Charleston hospitality scene with the opening of their new establishment, By the Way. This cozy neighborhood bar and restaurant is the result of a collaboration with Uptown Hospitality Group and is already making waves in the vibrant Cannonborough Elliotborough neighborhood. The bar held an intimate opening party last Thursday, attended by a mix of Charleston’s social elite, including their Southern Charm co-stars Shep Rose, Venita Aspen, Rodrigo Reyes, Salley Carson, and Ryan Albert. Also in attendance were TJ Dinch and Bradley Carter from Southern Hospitality, adding a touch of Bravo star power to the celebration. With its warm and inviting vibe, By the Way is set to become the go-to spot for both locals and visitors alike.
The brains behind this new venture, Craig and Austen, are no strangers to the Charleston social scene, and their vision for By the Way reflects their shared passion for creating a welcoming space where friends can gather effortlessly. “Craig and I are ecstatic to partner with Uptown Hospitality Group to share our idea of the ideal all-day, all-night neighborhood hang; a spot where friends old and new come together on the regular for good food, killer drinks, and great fun,” Austen Kroll shared in a statement. Nestled just one block from the trendsetting King Street, By the Way is perfectly positioned to become a staple in the area. The bar boasts a plush interior designed by Oliver Haslegrave of Home Studios, complete with leather booths and banquette seating, as well as custom touches like textured plasterwork by Benjamin Lai and a stunning entrance mosaic by artist Katherine Frost. It’s the kind of place that feels like home—only better, with craft cocktails and gourmet eats at your fingertips.
Speaking of food, By the Way’s menu is a creative take on classic tavern fare, crafted by Executive Chef Marcus Shell. The offerings are comfort-driven yet elevated, with dishes like a mouthwatering burger topped with tomato jam, caramelized onions, and cheddar, and a decadent Steak Frites served with garlic butter and chimichurri sauce. There’s also a duck confit sandwich with cranberry duck jelly and goat cheese, as well as wild mushroom ravioli tossed in Champagne Cream for those looking for something a little more indulgent. Sides are just as impressive, with shoestring fries being the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Appetizers are equally standout, featuring options like French onion dip with kettle chips, a brown butter crab crostini, stuffed Caesar salad, Fox Den wings with ranch, fried oysters and caviar with citrus crème fraîche. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite or settling in for a full meal, there’s something on the menu to satisfy every craving.
Cocktails are another highlight at By the Way, with a menu that’s as creative as it is extensive. Martini lovers will find plenty to cheers about, with options like a Porn Star Martini, an Espresso Tini, and a “Freezing Cold” Martini made with Ketel One Vodka, Tanqueray No. TEN Gin, or a combination for their spin on the Vesper. Other standout drinks include a Hot Honey Margarita, an Elderflower Spritz, a Lavender Gimlet, a Hemingway Daiquiri, and a Cherry New York Sour. For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, By the Way hasn’t forgotten about you—on offer are “zero-proof” concoctions like a Grapefruit and Basil “Martini” and Spiritless Kentucky 74 on the rocks. The drink menu is designed to have something for everyone, ensuring that no one feels left out of the fun.
The team behind By the Way has big plans for the future. Currently open seven days a week, with hours from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. on weekdays and noon to 2 a.m. on weekends, the bar is already a hotspot for late-night gatherings. But the owners aren’t stopping there. Weekend brunch hours and weekday happy hours are in the works, along with a special Wednesday Night Steak Frites option set to roll out early in 2025. Keith Benjamin, co-founder and director of operations for Uptown Hospitality Group, shared, “Our hope is for By the Way to settle in and become a beloved, long-standing staple of this city’s outstanding hospitality landscape.” With its prime location, inviting atmosphere, and top-notch offerings, it’s clear that By the Way is well on its way to achieving that goal.
In a city as hospitality-forward as Charleston, it’s not easy to stand out, but By the Way is(sbusiness as usual. With its thoughtfully crafted menu, expertly designed space, and commitment to becoming a neighborhood favorite, there’s little doubt that this new venture will become a beloved spot for both locals and visitors. Whether you’re sipping on a inventive cocktail, savoring a hearty meal, or simply enjoying the warm atmosphere, By the Way offers the perfect setting for any occasion. So next time you’re in Charleston, make sure to stop by and see what all the fuss is about—it’s the kind of place where you’ll leave feeling like you’ve found your new favorite spot. Cheers to By the Way—here’s to many good times ahead!
