Food
Ms. Rose’s Now Serving Up Good Food Morning, Noon, & Night
Eclectic West Ashley Eatery Adds Weekday Breakfast To It’s Daily Fare
By: Jeff Walker, Business Writer
Since its debut back in 2012, and from their humble, yet architecturally-appealing dwelling at 1090 Sam Rittenberg Avenue, ‘The Original Ms. Rose’s’ has welcomed locals and out-of-towners who flock to the West Ashley eatery for what Assistant General Manager Becky Reeves describes as “southern comfort food in an eclectic setting.” After seven years of serving up one of the Lowcountry’s best lunch and dinner cuisine, Ms. Rose’s began offering breakfast from back in April (Monday – Friday, 7 am to 11 am), and the new menu is awe-inspiring.
Although weekend brunch (yes, you read that right, Saturday & Sunday) has been a staple for years, Ms. Rose’s decided to include morning fare during the work week to allow those with preferred tastes something different from the norm. All the specific menus at Ms. Rose’s carry a diverse array of edibles, and their breakfast menu continues that tradition. From a simple Oversized Banana Nut Muffin or Jumbo Cinnamon Roll slathered in sweet cream glaze, to Steak & Eggs (a hungry man’s breakfast) including a 12 oz. New York strip, two eggs, hash browns, and toast, Ms. Rose’s has early morning selections ranging from $3-$22. Nice!
With over three dozen options including ‘build your own’ egg platters, Ms. Rose’s provides a cornacopia of delights celebrating American, southwestern, epicurean, and southern favorites. For the discerning diner there’s the Crab & Ham Benedict, complete with parmesan grits, pork shoulder bacon, poached eggs, slathered in hollandaise sauce. The Egg White Frittata wrapped around asparagus, baby bella mushrooms, and grated parmesan and gouda is a pleasant change of pace from the Lighter Fare menu.
If you come in with an appetite than the Omelets & Scrambles suggest four signature entrees, all served with your choice of bread (toast, muffin, or biscuit), and a side. Or just create your own. The four Breakfast Bowls are sure to satisfy. The Sunshine reflects old school favorites. A heaping serving of hash browns, pork sausage, two eggs, covered in sausage gravy and decorated with cheddar cheese.
Native Charlestonians might gravitate to the Carolina Bowl. A wonderful bed of parmesan grits, stacked with pulled pork, braised beef collards, and two eggs all drenched in hollandaise. Whether you opt for the Burrito or the Good Mornin’ Bowl (egg whites & brie), your taste buds will cry out ‘hallelujah, welcome to the morning’!
Aside from the Steak & Eggs the breakfast menu consists of morning fare $14 and under, with most entrees and servings ranging from $7-$10. Ample portions priced right always taste good. Three classics must make your gotta have list. First up is the Shrimp & Grits done in true low country style with andouille sausage, parmesan grits, ideally seasoned with a tomato and tasso ham gravy. The only word that comes to mind is incredible.
Not to be outdone is the Chicken & Waffle plate. Succulent and plump fried chicken strips layered over a tawny Belgian waffle, cloaked in white gravy with a side of warm maple syrup. A perfect combination of sweet and seasoned. Maybe you want something you can wrap your hands around. I suggest the English Muffin Club, teeming with eggs any way you want them, pork shoulder bacon, tomato, spinach leaves, oozing with Swiss cheese. Scrumptious comes to mind. Just $7, as is the Egg & Cheese Bagel, and the Portabello Breakfast Melt (egg white, Swiss cheese, & more on sour dough).
The Charleston food and drink community have recognized Ms. Rose’s accomplishments as well. In 2018 they took first place in the annul Shrimp & Grits Festival held at Joe Riley Stadium, and are the two time reigning Southern Fried Chicken Challenge Champion. Low country staples and authentic southern fried chicken are just a few of the plethora of incredible edibles you’ll discover at Ms. Rose’s.
Owned by one of Charleston’s most philanthropic families (the Zucker’s), Ms. Rose’s is an eclectic eatery in a modern setting. The decor and the ambiance are both warm and inviting, with the most unique mural affixed on the back wall, paying tribute to the staff and servers from Ms. Rose’s predecessor, Sunfire Grill. Think southwestern cafe meets southeastern fare with an upscale diner attitude, and you have Ms. Rose’s.
Whether you pop in at 8am (Mon-Fri) or 8pm at night, you’ll find the menu options very appealing. Steaks, burgers, seafood, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers abound at Ms. Rose’s. As expected weekend brunch (10-3pm) carries a blend of breakfast and lunch items, before settling in on their dinner setting. I suggest the house made Warm Pretzel Sticks, a soft handheld salty delight complete with their own dijon infused whipped mustard butter. Enjoy a little adult beverage with brunch. Ms. Roses hosts a self serve ‘dress up your Bloody Mary’ station. Depending on your brunch order, something sparkling might be appropriate, maybe a glass of sangria or a specialty cocktail.
Come in with a sweet tooth, than the Apple Caramel French Toast will pop off the menu. Bringing a adult sized appetite with you for brunch. Rose’s Traditional Breakfast is a stick to your ribs delight. Scrambled eggs, parmesan stone grits, home fries, with fresh fruit as the kicker. Only $12 for this gem. If you’re hoping for the best of both worlds, something that is a little bit breakfast and a little bit lunch, opt for the Brunch Burger. Topped with Manchego (buttery white Spanish cheese), fried egg, fried green tomato, and veggies, delivered to your table with fresh cut fries. A beef lovers delight. Amazing!
While weekday lunch and dinner menus allow for a few crossover items, the midday fare includes 10 signature sandwiches for quicker turnaround, easily getting you back to the office on time. You can wrap your taste buds around a Ahi Tuna Taco, a Turkey Melt, or a classic New York style Reuben sandwich. All come with a choice of house cut fries, salad or their own horseradish cole slaw. Lunch prices all under $16 with most around $10. The Smokehouse Burger topped with brisket, cheddar, fried egg, and grilled onions will set you back $13.
The dinner menu is perhaps the most comprehensive. Among the 10 entrees only four top the $20 threshold, with the NY Strip with yukon potato puree, smoked asparagus w/ brie fondue coming in at $28. The fresh Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna Steak will set you back $24. Their famous Southern Fried Chicken dish, complete with mac n’ cheese (three cheese blend), and homemade tabasco honey sauce is just $16. I would lead with the Johns Island Fried Green Tomatoes to jump start the meal. Tomatoes imported all the way from, you guessed it Johns Island, presented with a pimento cheese blend and tomato ragout (a zesty sauce if there ever was one).
There are three boxes you want to check when dining out, and Ms. Rose’s scores high in each regard. You want fair prices, good food, and great service. Ms. Rose’s is a triple threat. The staff go above and beyond to make you feel at home. All are knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. Becky, General Manager Tom Urban, and Director of Ops Dave Bucks are great hosts, and if you’re fortunate to have young Jessica as your server, you’ll enjoy the experience even more. Jessica is as perky as your morning coffee!
The Original Ms. Rose’s is the model for food and drink establishments. It’s clean, welcoming, and serves up good eats all day long. They don’t think of themselves as high brow, rather more like taking everyday dining to the next level. Case in point, while many eateries offer late day happy hour, Ms. Rose’s extends the time from 4-7pm weekdays and Saturday (mindblowing I know)! Enjoy Firefly Cocktails, local brews, alongside Smoked Brisket Sliders, Pulled Pork Tacos, or Jalapeno Cheddar Pretzels (stuffed with tangy cheese. Goes great with a cold draft.
When weather permits most find it desirable to dine on the art inspired covered patio complete with retro furniture, and a lone big screen for catching the game, and cornhole boards at your disposal. The many ceiling fans offer a comfortable breeze even on hot days. On weekends you might come across solo or duo musicians adding life to the patio. Monday’s at Ms. Rose’s, Drew Howard Entertainment & Grey Matter Games host Live Trivia starting at 7pm, with top teams winning prizes! Enjoy half price burgers and $4 drafts during mind bending trivia.
If you’re looking for one more reason to come out to Ms. Rose’s than consider their regular Comedy Night that happens every four to six weeks at 8pm on a Saturday night. Imagine enjoying great regional and local comedy without venturing into downtown Charleston. Unheard of, but then again Ms. Rose’s thinks outside the box.
Breakfast, lunch, happy hour six days a week, dinner, brunch on weekends, and a variety of specials event dotted on the weekly calendar. You just might want to put the Original Ms. Rose’s on your dining, and things to do around town radar. For all they do visit https://msroses.com/
Sweet treats, desserts, cocktails, local brews, fill me up entrees and hand held delights that embrace southwestern, Italian, Americana, and low country staples, combined with trivia, comedy, & live entertainment, The Original Ms. Rose’s has something for everyone at their come as you are art infused eatery at 1090 Sam Rittenberg Avenue. Need catering, lunch to go, or a nice size room to host an event, call them at 843-766-0223.