For fans of food adventures and hidden culinary treasures, the name Guy Fieri might ring a bell. Like many, I’m hooked on “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives,” constantly checking if the show has spotlighted any eateries in my travel destinations. But before the national spotlight potentially shines on it, I was already a devoted fan of The Tattooed Moose. This Charleston establishment perfectly embodies the spirit of a true dive bar, but with a menu that’s anything but typical dive bar fare – it’s exceptional. If any place in Charleston deserves recognition from DDD, it’s undoubtedly The Tattooed Moose.
Guy Fieri's signature hairstyle and show "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives" hinting at a wish for him to feature Tattooed Moose
My personal obsession at The Tattooed Moose? The Roasted Garlic and Bleu Cheese fries. I’ve raved about this dish before, describing it as a truly divine food experience. What makes these fries extraordinary is their preparation: hand-cut potatoes fried in rich duck fat. This already elevates them, but then they are generously topped with pungent blue cheese and an entire bulb of confit garlic. It’s an incredibly decadent and flavorful indulgence, but be warned, you might need an extra-long gym session afterward!
Close-up shot of golden brown duck fat fries topped with creamy blue cheese crumbles and a soft roasted garlic bulb
Moving on to the sandwiches, the Duck Club is an absolute must-try at The Tattooed Moose. It’s simply divine. As eloquently put by a fellow foodie, “on a scale of 1 to 5, it’s a TWENTY FIVE!” Imagine a triple-decker masterpiece built with succulent duck confit, smoky applewood bacon, and melted smoked cheddar, all layered on sweet Hawaiian bread slathered with garlic aioli, crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, and tangy red onion. Every bite is an explosion of flavor. And as a delightful bonus, each sandwich comes with their homemade garlicky dill and spicy-sweet green tomato pickles, adding a perfect tangy crunch to the meal.
Another highly recommended sandwich is the smoked chicken BLT. Think of it as an elevated chicken salad sandwich. The Tattooed Moose smokes their chicken in-house and then piles it high with crispy bacon, romaine lettuce, and a mix of sweet & spicy green and juicy red tomatoes, all served on toasted wheat bread. It’s exceptionally delicious. While some might consider chicken salad a healthier sandwich choice, at The Tattooed Moose, it’s all about flavor and indulgence. If you are seeking something lighter, this might not be the spot. For a side, their bacon bleu cheese slaw is a standout. It’s wonderfully creamy, with a prominent blue cheese flavor that’s not overpowering, and a hint of smokiness reminiscent of bacon. Portions are generous, perfect for sharing or taking home leftovers.
Image of a creamy bacon bleu cheese slaw, highlighting the texture and visible blue cheese crumbles
On a recent birthday visit to The Tattooed Moose, I decided to venture beyond my beloved Duck Club and try the Thanksgiving “Leftovers” Sammy. This seasonal special features fried turkey breast, savory stuffing, and cranberry mayo, all nestled between slices of toasted wheat bread and served with a side of duck gravy for dipping. It was incredibly satisfying, a close second to the Duck Club in my personal ranking. My dining companion opted to omit the cranberry mayo, a decision I wouldn’t necessarily endorse unless you have an aversion to cranberries. The cranberry mayo adds a crucial sweet and tangy element that balances the richness of the other ingredients.
While The Tattooed Moose is a personal favorite, it’s definitely a place for occasional indulgence rather than a regular healthy dining spot. The food is rich, flavorful, and undeniably delicious, but not exactly diet-friendly. However, it’s absolutely worth the extra workout – a true testament to the saying “everything in moderation.” It’s the quintessential dive bar experience, elevated by truly exceptional food.
The Tattooed Moose
1137 Morrison Drive
Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 277-2990
