Moe’s Crosstown Tavern celebrates 26 years in Charleston this November — a notable feat for a burger joint. Owner Mike Tronoski says he had no idea Moe’s would last as long as it has.
And yet, there was something a bit fortuitous about those early days.
“I did have a good feeling the day I walked into Moe’s for my first bartending shift,” he said. “It happened to be Saint Patrick’s day, so maybe it was lucky? And my first son was born on Saint Patrick’s day years later.”
Tronoski credits consistency, a friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere with the tavern’s long-term success.
“We all have our ups and downs in the business, but our food is consistent,” Tronoski said. “We do simple, yet good, bar food and a large portion is made in house.”
If you’ve never been to Moe’s (shame!) you may not know about the restaurant’s food, which is, just as Tronoski described it, good bar food. While you can order your share of wings, quesadillas and wraps, the place is best known for its pub-style burgers.
Tronoski said he is partial to the Eye Opener, served with bacon, cheddar, sunny up egg, lettuce and tomato on a butter-toasted brioche roll.
Local love
In addition to killer burgers, Moe’s is also known for its “moe-mances,” aka romances that started at the friendly neighborhood tavern.
“I met my wife here and so have many others,” Tronoski said. “Patrons come back to celebrate when they met here, like we did years ago. We have hosted many wedding after-parties, receptions or wedding brunches over the years. Those things I believe help keep us going.”
Jordan and Marcus Amaker had their first date at Moe’s in 2012.
“I’ve been a regular at Moe’s since 2010, when I bought a loft on the same street, Francis Street. There’s a beautiful consistency in that place; the energy at Moe’s has remained the same since the beginning,” Marcus said.
Jordan said she and Marcus became regulars when they lived within walking distance (they even took their engagement photos at Moe’s) and while they’ve moved out of the neighborhood, their 4-year-old daughter is now a big fan of the spot.
“Our daughter loves the fries — I’m pretty sure the food is somehow permanently in her blood,” Marcus said.
Michael Bourke and Jenny Ferrara, the owners of Philosophers & Fools bookstore on Bogard Street, also had their first date at Moe’s. Charleston City Paper covered their love story in a 2017 story aptly titled, “A Moe-mance to remember.”
Ferrara said Moe’s is still the couple’s neighborhood go-to. “We’ve gotten to know the staff and it’s so nice to walk in and see a friendly face,” she said. “When we close Philosophers & Fools at 10 p.m. on weekends, Moe’s is one of the best places in Charleston that serves food late-night and has become part of our weekend routine.”
J.T. Stellmach, former sales director at Holy City Brewing and current market manager at Pabst Blue Ribbon, started going to Moe’s when he moved to Charleston in 2006.
“Moe’s succeeds as one of the greatest neighborhood watering holes with great food and even better service,” he said. “The staff are some of the best multitaskers and hustlers in town, and they do it all while looking like they genuinely want you there — true professionals.”
The staff is indeed the star of the show, at least in Tronoski’s mind. He can name employees who have been with Moe’s for over a decade and a couple who have been with the bar and restaurant for two decades. “We are truly a family and half the staff I have seen get married and have children,” Tronoski said.
“Over the next 25 years, I would love for Moe’s to still be a staple in the Charleston area and doing what we do!” he said. “With any luck, my two sons will get involved in the business side of Moe’s with me in the future. And who knows — maybe even some of the staff’s children.”
Need help ordering?
Here’s what locals love at Moe’s Crosstown Tavern:
Mike Tronoski (owner) is a fan of the Bronco Wrap, made with fried chicken strips, bacon, ham, cheddar, shredded Monterey Jack, scallions and homemade ranch dressing in a flour tortilla. He also recommends the “Moe Hot” wings. “We make the Moe Hot sauce in house and it is no joke,” he said. “I haven’t found anything hotter that isn’t using some form of pepper extract. Moe Hot Sauce also has a really good flavor, before it melts your face off!”
Michael Bourke and Jenny Ferrara are, per Ferrara, slowly working their way through all of the sauces for the chicken wings. Choose from hot honey garlic, garlic parmesan, teriyaki and more.
J.T. Stellmach said he has a hard time choosing a favorite menu item. He loves the BLT Burger, hot honey mustard wings with blue cheese, veggie quesadilla (add steak), balsamic shrimp wrap with pasta salad and to wash it all down, Coors Banquet and tequila.
Jordan and Marcus Amaker love the Santa Fe wrap with spicy fries — Jordan likes hers with a mimosa on the side. Plus, Marcus (former poet laureate of Charleston) added, “It’s the best place to write poetry and watch football. You’ll also meet weird folks like me who enjoy doing both.”
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