Creative raw bar sets up Sundays at Revelry Brewing
by Lorne Chambers | Editor
W
hen Connor White opened The Walrus Raw Bar inside Holy City Brewing in North Charleston three years ago, he built the concept around one simple idea: fresh seafood served with a healthy dose of creativity.
Now he’s bringing that same approach to Folly Beach.
Since launching weekly Sunday pop-ups at Revelry Brewing over Memorial Day weekend, White says the response has exceeded expectations, transforming what is traditionally a slower day into one of the brewery’s busiest.
“My favorite feedback we’ve gotten so far is that The Walrus has made Sundays the new Saturday,” White said.
The partnership has been something White had hoped would happen for quite some time.
“I’ve been trying to get my foot in the door on Folly for a while,” he said.
Each Sunday, White and a small crew from The Walrus set up shop in the back corner of Revelry’s hidden alley off Center Street, serving fresh oysters alongside an ever-changing menu of specials. Rather than repeating the same offerings each week, White treats the pop-ups as an opportunity to experiment.
“We try to curate a whole new menu every week,” he said. “There might be a different specialty dressed oyster, a different oyster shooter. It gives us the creative freedom to really explore the boundaries.”
That creativity has expanded beyond the raw bar. Last month, White brought a flat-top grill for the first time, introducing grilled items like a poblano shrimp taco that sold out within three hours.
The rotating menus have also helped create a sense of anticipation among regulars. While the first few weeks drew mostly beachgoers and curious passersby, White says the crowds now include loyal The Walrus customers making the drive from Park Circle alongside a growing number of Folly locals.
On a typical Sunday, White and two or three members of his team shuck roughly 800 oysters while keeping up with the steady stream of customers.
The relaxed setting at Revelry has proven to be a natural fit, he said.
“It matches so well; our oyster bar fits perfectly into that corner and even matches Revelry’s colors,” White said.
With the Sunday pop-ups continuing to gain momentum, White says diners can expect more surprises in the weeks ahead as he continues to test new dishes and seasonal seafood creations.
“It’s become a place where we can keep experimenting,” he said. “That’s what makes it fun.”
At least through the end of Summer, The Walrus Raw Bar will be slinging oysters and fresh seafood starting at 2 p.m. every Sunday at Revelry Brewing, located at 13b Center St. For more information, follow The Walrus on Instagram at @thisis_thewalrus.
