OUR SISTER RESTAURANT AT WENTWORTH MANSION®

Dining at Circa 1886 Restaurant

While John Rutledge House Inn® does not have an onsite restaurant, guests are warmly welcomed to dine at Circa 1886, located at our sister property, Wentworth Mansion®. Tucked inside the Mansion’s original carriage house, Circa 1886 offers an intimate setting for a memorable evening during your stay. For more than twenty years, Executive Chef Marc Collins has created thoughtful menus inspired by the ingredients, flavors, and stories of the Lowcountry.

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  • Circa 1886 dish
Seasonal Menu

Seasonal Flavors, Fresh Ingredients

Executive Chef Marc Collins’ menus reflect the seasons through thoughtfully composed dishes inspired by the ingredients and culinary traditions of the Lowcountry. Guests can choose from distinctive tasting menus or a refined selection of à la carte offerings, making Circa 1886 equally suited to a celebratory dinner or a memorable evening out during your stay.

Dinner: Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday-Saturday | 5:00-9:00 pm

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Executive Chef

Marc Collins

For more than twenty years, Executive Chef Marc Collins has led the kitchen at Circa 1886, bringing together seasonality, technique, and a deep appreciation for Lowcountry ingredients and culinary traditions. A co-founder of the Charleston Wine + Food Festival, Chef Collins has played an important role in Charleston’s culinary community while continuing to shape the distinctive dining experience at Circa 1886.

Executive Chef Marc Collins at Circa 1886
Secrets of the 'Holy City'

Dining Guide to Charleston

Charleston is a city best experienced one meal at a time. From fresh local seafood and enduring Lowcountry traditions to intimate neighborhood restaurants and celebrated fine dining, there is always another table worth discovering.

Our Food Lovers Guide brings together some of our favorite places to eat and drink throughout Charleston, whether you’re planning a special evening, looking for a memorable lunch, or simply wondering where your next walk through the city might lead.

Explore Our Food Lovers Guide
Circa 1886 dish
  • Great Date Night!
    We visited Circa 1886 on August 9 for a celebratory dinner - our 50th weeding anniversary and my husband’s birthday. Both my husband and I chose one of the Chef’s Tasting Menus, the Ashley and the Cooper. Our server was Bryan and the sommelier was John. The meals and service were excellent. Both the food and the wines were described well. We had a relaxing and delicious meal.
    838gailp
  • Decadent & Divine
    Seriously one of the best culinary experiences we’ve ever had. We both ordered the “Chef’s Tasting Menu”. Each course was so unique and delicious. Our server Emily was a pro! She was attentive and yet gave us time to enjoy each course.
    Lisa Mackay
  • Nothing Short of Extraordinary
    From the moment you step inside this historic carriage house, you are transported into a world where timeless elegance meets innovative Southern cuisine. Executive Chef Marc Collins is a true culinary genius. Every dish that leaves his kitchen is a work of art—impeccably plated, deeply flavorful, and rooted in Charleston’s rich food traditions while still pushing creative boundaries. His ability to balance history with innovation makes every bite memorable.
    Logan Hickman
  • Great Place for Celebration!
    This was such an amazing experience and a great way to celebrate an anniversary! My husband and I loved the food we received and thought the staff were all very friendly. The building itself is beautifully designed and the grounds are tasteful as well. I definitely recommend one of their preselected menus with the wine pairings (though this was the most expensive meal I’ve ever had in my life) because the wine selections were so good.
    Brianna G,