Walk into the lobby of Hotel Emeline on a Tuesday night and you’ll feel it immediately. The air is different. It’s not that stiff, "please-wait-to-be-seated" hotel energy you find at the generic chains down the street. It’s buzzy. There’s a distinct scent of charred sourdough and woodsmoke drifting from the back, and honestly, that’s usually enough to pull anyone off Church Street and straight toward the flickering glow of the wood-fired oven.
Frannie and the Fox isn't just a place to grab a quick bite before heading out to a "real" Charleston dinner. It is the dinner.
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The concept is basically built around this fictional muse named Frannie—think of her as a polished Charleston socialite who, after two Negronis, lets her "Fox" alter ego out to play. It sounds a little kitschy on paper, but in practice, it translates to a vibe that is somehow both high-end and totally unpretentious. You’ve got people in cocktail attire sitting next to folks in designer sneakers, all of them tearing into a Taleggio pizza with their hands. It works.
The Layout: Where You Actually Want to Sit
Most people make the mistake of just taking whatever table the host offers. Don't do that.
If you’re rolling solo or on a casual date, the bar is the heartbeat of the room. It’s got this refined tropical aesthetic—lots of deep greens and botanical prints—that feels very "New South." But the real move? The courtyard.
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It is tucked away in the center of the building like a secret garden. There’s a massive outdoor fireplace, string lights that aren't the annoying "too bright" kind, and a greenhouse-style extension that keeps things airy even when the Charleston humidity is trying its best. If you can snag one of the sofas by the fire, you’ve won the night. They’re first-come, first-served, so show up early, grab a Spirit Animal (their go-to mezcal cocktail), and just camp out.
What to Order (and What to Skip)
Let’s talk about the Taleggio pizza. It’s famous for a reason. Chef Daniel Dalton and the team do this thing with burnt honey and black pepper that shouldn't be as addictive as it is. It’s smoky, sweet, and has that light, airy crust that only comes from a ridiculously hot wood oven.
- The Meatballs: They’re a blend of beef and pork, swimming in a sauce that tastes like someone’s Italian grandmother actually spent all day on it.
- Blue Crab Fritters: Look, you’re in the Lowcountry. You have to. These are crispy, packed with actual crab (not just filler), and come with a hit of local flavor.
- The Den Menu: If you want to get really fancy, head into "The Den," which is their cozy little hideaway bar. They do caviar service in there. It’s decadent and feels very "main character energy."
Honestly, the menu changes more than four times a year. They’re hyper-seasonal, which is a phrase every restaurant uses, but here it actually means something. If the squash agnolotti with guanciale is on the menu when you visit, order two. Just trust me.
Getting a Table Without Losing Your Mind
Getting a Resy here can be a headache if you wait until the last minute. They open the books three months out, and Saturday nights disappear fast.
If you’re staring at a fully booked calendar, try the "shoulder" hours. Walking in at 5:00 PM right when the doors open is a smart play. Most of the tourist crowd is still finishing up their carriage tours or shopping on King Street. Alternatively, aim for after 8:30 PM. The first wave of diners is usually clearing out by then, and the staff is "seasoned" (as they say in the biz) and ready for the second rush.
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One thing to keep in mind: when it rains, the courtyard closes. That’s 40 seats gone instantly. If the forecast looks dicey, your chances of a walk-in table drop to basically zero. Plan accordingly.
Why it Actually Matters in Charleston
Charleston is a city of "the next big thing." A restaurant opens, everyone loses their minds for six months, and then a newer, shinier place opens two blocks over. Frannie and the Fox has managed to stick.
Maybe it’s because it feels like a neighborhood spot that just happens to be in a luxury hotel. Maybe it’s the fact that they treat their staff well—General Manager Ally Bazinett has been vocal about an "employees first" culture, and you can actually feel that in the service. It’s warm. It’s not that robotic, scripted "Southern Hospitality" that feels like a performance.
It’s just a really good place to eat pizza.
Your Next Steps for a Perfect Evening
- Book early: If you want a weekend slot, set a reminder for 90 days out on Resy.
- Check the weather: If the courtyard is open, aim for an outdoor seat. If it’s raining, skip the walk-in attempt and head to the bar early.
- Start with the Negroni: They have a Fall Negroni on tap (depending on the season) that is a perfect palate cleanser.
- Order the Taleggio: Even if you aren't a "honey on pizza" person, just do it once.
- Explore the hotel: Take a minute to walk through the lobby and check out "Keep Shop"—the hotel’s retail space—on your way out. It’s curated better than most boutiques in the city.