Ben Berryhill’s Next Door Mt Pleasant, SC – restaurant review

Let’s got to Next Door. Where? Next Door. Seems to be a circular conversation I’m having more often these days. The restaurant, named Next Door, is next to (or a few doors down) Red Drum in Mt Pleasant.

I always loved the interior of Samos, and the owners of Next Door left it mainly intact. They’ve added some new touches and improved on some of what existed. Next Door offers a great bar and outdoor seating area. The restaurant is perfect for a date or dinner with friends. Large booths offer ample seating and tables are cozy.

Our group started with the Thai Coconut Soup with Kaffir Lime, Salmon Belly Crudo, Risotto of Sea Scallops and Local Shrimp with Tomatoes, Citrus, Mint and Parsley and Stracci with Smoked Lamb, Root Vegetables, Swiss Chard and Ricotta Salata. The Salmon Crudo was delicious. It was cut perfectly, had a great rich, buttery flavor, and was beautifully presented. The group thought the Stracci pasta was cut a bit thick, and it was our least favorite appetizer. The Risotto and the soup were big hits.

For dinner, I had the Mustard Roasted Cornish Hen with Papardelle, Mushrooms and Little Onions. The Hen was cooked impecibally. It was moist and flavorful. I had a hard time tasting the mustard, but the preparation was excellent and I loved the dish. I also thought that the papardelle was thick but the taste was wonderful. The others ordered Pan Seared Pork Chops with Bacon Confit and Braised Beef Short Ribs. Everyone loved their meals. The portion sizes are very generous.

Dessert at Next Door is from Wildflour Bakery – a reason in and of itself to visit Next Door. Wildflour makes some of the most amazing desserts. We had the Pumpkin Goat Cheese Cake with a ginger snap crust and maple glaze and the Chocolate Trio Tart with dark chocolate ganache, dark chocolate crip and white chocolate sauce. The cheesecake was amazing. The ginger snap crust and maple glaze was a great addition to the sweet and savory combination of pumpkin and goat cheese. The Chocolate Trio was sinful. A classic combination of chocolate flavors. The meal was capped with French Press coffee.

Next Door, owned by Ben Barryhill is a great addition to Mt Pleasant. In addition to great food, the service was outstanding and atmosphere inviting. I highly recommend a trip Next Door.

Mustard Roasted Cornish Game Hen

Pork Chop

Chocolate Trio Torte

Pumpkin Goat Cheese Cake