The Anchor

A mouse ran under our table while we were eating. Yuck. The place smells (and feels) greasy and stale. There were 5 cats sitting outside the windows where we were seated… Maybe they should let them in at night to catch the mice? Those that had pizza enjoyed it, no one that ordered anything else ate their food. Three of us had philly’s and the only way to describe the taste is «gamey». I ate 2 bites and couldn’t take anymore. Fries came out on a seperate plate with about ¼ cup of grease pooled in the bottom, yet they were cold. The waitress sat them down and said «Those look bad don’t they» then walked off. I thought she would bring new ones, but didn’t until I asked. The new ones were just as greasy. One person ordered boneless wings, they were just breaded chicken tenders. Why not just put chicken tenders as the menu description? My 6 year old ordered the hamburger hoagie and ate about a quarter of it, said it «tasted sour» and wouldn’t eat anything else. By the time we got home he was crying that his belly hurt and had horrible diarrhea all night long. I really feel like all meat we ordered was bad. Maybe stored improperly? I don’t know… But for the burger and the Philly meat to all taste «off», something was up. Our experience was definitely a perfect storm of wrongs that will keep me from ever going back.

I adore the quirkiness of the Anchor and have for a very long time. That being said, we quit eating there over 5 years ago due to the smell of cat urine — even though the tomato pie is killer. We tried it again tonight in our way back from Fayetteville as a special treat. The smell of cat piss was evident the moment we walked in. One beer each and we were out the door. Such a bummer. This is the type of joint we would frequent if I didn’t think cats roamed the restaurant once the neon open sign flickered off.

The smell has been gone for years. Anyone who says otherwise is just repeating folklore. My significant otter and I visited The Anchor this past Saturday and enjoyed a couple of beers and squeaks and chips. I love their chips and homemade dip! Service was excellent. Our waitress kept the cold beers coming in a timely manner and checked in on us throughout the meal.

Searching for a decent hotel and meal in Charleston, desiring to avoid the homogenous choices available at every major exit across the country, we came upon this little gem!
The slightly stale smell upon entrance is quickly forgotten! The folks are genuine. the food is delicious! The décor seaworthy.

The pizza is delicious. The people were friendly. The service was prompt. I was passing through on 77 and needed a place to let the kids out for a bit. Next time I’ll keep on going, because it was probably the grimiest restaurant I’ve ever eaten in. It also had a vague aroma that oscillated between mildew and cat urine, probably a combo of old marine gear and ancient carpet. It wasn’t constant and we got used to it quickly, but it just about drove us out. The pizza was good, but honestly in my opinion this was the most unclean place I’ve ever dined and if I could go back in time and tell my former self to stay in the car for one more exit I would.

We are passing through and always love a little local color and flavor. This is a home run for both! Pizza was delicious and beer was cold. Friendly atmosphere. We had the traditional tomato pie with half pepperoni, Italian sausage (fabulous), and green pepper. And then the cheese burger pie. We all preferred the tomato pie. That crust… Awesome, so you don’t want to overwhelm it.

Beat down, a little too quirky, but the pizza absolutely makes up for first impressions of the establishment. It’s very clearly there to get some good food and have a drink, definitely wouldn’t recommend if there’s a stick up your ass. The house chips are nice and salty, with a simple, but tasty, sauce. Tomato pie was really good. Better than Pies & Pints by a long shot. I’ll be frequenting this restaurant.

Just saw a news report which mentioned the inspection the day I was there and a new one which stated «the last one was pretty bad but it has gotten worse 32 violations with 18 critical» according to the news most were corrected on the spot, but see my last review about «polishing a turd…» Check the door facing you as you enter and read the last few reports if you don’t believe me… I want to like this place again so bad but can’t in good faith recommend it until the owner does some major rennovation and cleaning.

Excellent pizza and so-​so service. I will definitely go back.

Good Food… excellent pizza pies… excellent crust, quality toppings. Good combinations. I really liked the Cheeseburger Pizza. We also tried some of their chips (good stuff).
It looks like a dive next to a run down motel. But it is not too bad and I found the restroom was clean.
Very friendly staff.
I like this place.

Update: The owner sent me a vaguely threatening message after I posted my previous review. Very professional.

We have been going to The Anchor since I was a little girl. Granted it started in a different location, but the food is still great in the new one.
I suggest a beer, an order of their chips and homemade dip, and any pizza on the menu will make you happy. Honestly! If you want you can even order a half-​baked pizza that you can finish in the oven at home; great tasting Anchor pizza at home can’t be beat!

OK. Co this place is a dive. The décor is iffy and yes the bathroom looks scary but… the food is awesome. The Calzone are huge and made with fresh ingredients. The pizzas are also fresh with my favorite being the cheeseburger pizza. Overlook the building itself. The food is worth it!