california dreaming

best baby-back ribs in the entire state. i have seen a great many statements on here about the food being so-so. well, i have eaten ribs all over the carolinas, and none come close to california dreaming. always request a table by a window overlooking the water. it takes a bit to get a table, so, expect that and be a little patient, but the food is sooo worth it. i'm a regular 'tourist' (3-5 times a year), and i always make sure to stop in and get at least one meal there.

you can't beat great food with a view!. california dreaming hands down has the best view in charleston! the food and service are also out of this world! you must try the california dreaming salad. you won't be disappointed...

average. chicken wings were good.
salad was ok. ranch dressing had zero flavor.
whatever you do, do not order anything blackened. it will literally take your breath away with the amount of salt they use. the blackened tilapia was unedible.

we loved the food here. very reasonable prices for lunch and a great view of the city!

this place is in a great spot but it is not reminicent of california in any way. very dated 70's menu.

the view is amazing but the food leaves something to be desired. a previous review said that with all the great places to eat in charleston, you should pick a different place and i would have to agree.

horrible. i think it was mainly server related. he got behind when he took a smoke break. smelled like a bar when he returned. he never caught up. had 2 chiefs walking around not doing a thing. they wouldn't dare ask if they could do anything for us. such a disappointment for our first ever meal in charleston. if you leave a negative review on their facebook page, they block you. they don't try to see what could have been different. they block and move on.

if you’re lucky enough to snag a window seat, the view is beautiful!

my server was clearly overwhelmed and the gm never lifted a finger to assist her. she was working her tail off but clearly in the weeds. if you can’t back your staff, you have no business being a gm.

needless to say, my service was very slow although my server was polite. i ordered the cd salad, which is basically a chef salad that comes with a warm, fluffy, sweet crescent. no one could resist it but it defeated the purpose of my healthy salad selection.

i enjoyed the view and had plenty of time to do so since my server was getting slammed.

this restaurant has stood still in time. the menu, the decor and the dingy atmosphere. if it wasn’t for the view, i’m not really sure why people come here. i won’t be returning. i teetered on two or three for the rating. that servers efforts is the only thing that compelled me to three. gm get off your duff and support your staff!!!

first time at califorina dreaming tonight and it was wonderful ! we got a table right away! our server was great and tended to all of us wonderfully ( even the 2 children that enjoyed their time) the food was amazing . from the salads to the steak ! atmosphere was perfect... window seat on the water was a must for a first timer ! overall great place, we will be returning!!!

cold food dried out fish would not recommend.

we had to go to burger king to get something good to eat. i would go back to that restaurant you can be sure of that a109.63 easted

just coming off of a adventure harbor sunset tour, we conveniently stopped here for a quick dinner. as you'll see in my photo, i was hungry and ate half of my meal before i remembered to take a photo! the california dreaming salad was delicious! the croissant practically melted in my mouth. 😋. i was also impressed that they offer to secure a ride for those who over imbibed.

so first expectations where not high, but the place and view is impressive. it's basically nothing more than a chain, so the food is what you would get at any other chain, not bad, but just the same as any other place. service was polite and the place was clean.

oh one more thing. this place employs probably 75-100 people with a turnover rate of 1 per day lol. so most of the good reviews are most likely employees. just saying.


-----14 feb, 2015-----

the only positive is the view. outside of a gorgeous view, this place is a joke. visitors beware! with countless amazing places to eat in charleston, don't waste your time!!!

visit for pre-dinner cheap house liquors ($1.95 last i checked) and to take in the view before leaving for your reservations anywhere else.

get your chain restaurant bs out of here.

worst service i've ever had. i've had better service at a fast food joint. i really did used to love this place but the past few times i've visited it's been horrible service. this time put me over the edge so i'm now here.

the best!!!. everything i have tried, it has been delicious!! from the baked potato soup to the ribs to the ny strip steak to a hamburger, everything has been yummy. that's why my family and i still go back. and the view looking out onto the river is so breathtaking :)