Baguette magic Charleston SC is a unique culinary experience that combines the traditional art of baking baguettes with the charm of Charleston, South Carolina. This concept revolves around the idea of transforming a simple baguette into a magical and unforgettable dining experience. Charleston is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and Southern hospitality. It's a city that takes pride in its culinary scene, constantly pushing the boundaries of taste and creativity. Baguette magic Charleston SC embraces this spirit by infusing the classic French baguette with a touch of Southern charm. The baguettes produced in this magical bakery are more than just bread.
Baguette Magic ready to cast its spell on the peninsula
In November 2019, sisters Paula and Sam Kramer purchased Baguette Magic at 792 Folly Road. Since then, the duo has revitalized the bistro, creating a James Island staple voted Best Bakery two years in a row in City Paper’s Best Of awards.
When the Kramer sisters purchased Baguette Magic, though, they weren’t expecting to be hit by a global pandemic.
“We redid our dining room and went to Myrtle Beach,” Sam said. “And on the way back from Myrtle Beach, we got the message that all the dining rooms are getting closed.”
Despite the setback, they persevered and re-evaluated, setting up “Bag-ette” deliveries, providing weekly delivery services of kitchen essentials and groceries for Lowcountry residents from local farmers and purveyors like Legare Farms and Rio Bertollini’s.
And in the coming weeks, the Kramer sisters have their next project ahead of them — a downtown Baguette Magic location. The new location is slated to open at 73 Spring St. in the former WildFlour Pastry shop, which closed after 10 years in 2019.
This new endeavor has been on the sisters’ minds since they took over the original location, but to get a second location going, they needed the first one to generate capital, Paula said, adding that the cities of James Island and downtown Charleston also have different bureaucratic hoops to clear.
“We don’t have investors,” she said. “We’re just doing everything out of our profits, and so it is kind of like, we have to get the first thing open and then we can expand after generating some money. It’s been a lesson of learning, especially with bureaucracy. Overall, it’s been great though, and we have the best, most incredible contractors and architects. They have helped us along the way with floor plans and navigating some of these things because we’re just doing it all ourselves.”
Coincidentally, Baguette Magic beat out WildFlour Pastry as Best Bakery two years ago, but the coincidences don’t stop there. “Sam and I used to go to WildFlour for cinnamon rolls on Sundays and it was like a big thing when we both moved back to Charleston,” said Paula. “We were big fans. Our real estate agent — who’s also my best friend and convinced us to buy Baguette Magic — she put WildFlour in that building. So she was their agent for that when they signed the lease there. I called her and I was like, ‘They’re not doing anything with that space, it’s closed all the time. Can you reach out?’ And she said, ‘Oh yeah, I know the owner.’ And then she told me the story.”
Swing on by the downtown location on Spring Street in the coming weeks | Photo by Rūta SmithSince securing the new site, the two have spent hours repainting and redecorating the former WildFlour space, building shelving and redoing the floor in the back.
The new Baguette Magic will be “significantly smaller” than its sister location on James Island and won’t carry the full Baguette Magic menu. The sisters say it’s going to be retail, coffee and pastries with grab-and-go options. “It’s been a huge transformation,” said Paula. “We’re so excited about it.”
Find Baguette Magic on James Island until their new location opens at 73 Spring St. baguettemagicchs.com.
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Menu for Baguette Magic in Charleston, SC
The baguettes produced in this magical bakery are more than just bread. They are carefully crafted to reflect the essence of Charleston. The baking process involves using locally sourced ingredients, such as heirloom grains and organic produce, to create a unique flavor profile that captures the essence of the city.
Staff required to disinfect surfaces between visits Mask required Wheelchair accessible entrance Wheelchair accessible parking lot Identifies as women-owned Credit Card Payments Debit cards NFC mobile payments Quick visit Breakfast Dine-in LGBTQ+ friendly Read more
The magic happens when these baguettes are transformed into delicious sandwiches and savory dishes. Imagine sinking your teeth into a crispy baguette filled with slow-roasted pulled pork, tangy barbecue sauce, and crisp pickles. This is just one example of the mouthwatering creations that baguette magic Charleston SC has to offer. Besides the delectable fillings, the presentation of these dishes is nothing short of enchanting. Each sandwich is carefully assembled, paying attention to every detail, creating a visually stunning masterpiece. From the vibrant colors of the fresh vegetables to the subtle drizzle of homemade sauces, every element is meticulously chosen to create a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. Baguette magic Charleston SC is not just about the food, but the whole experience. The bakery's cozy atmosphere, reminiscent of a charming Southern cottage, creates an inviting space where customers can relax and enjoy their meal. The friendly staff adds to the warm ambiance, making sure that every visitor feels like a cherished guest. In a city known for its culinary delights, baguette magic Charleston SC stands out as a unique and unforgettable dining experience. It combines the art of baking with the charm of Charleston, creating a fusion that brings together the best of both worlds. So, next time you find yourself in Charleston, make sure to visit this magical bakery and discover the wonders of baguette magic for yourself..
Reviews for "Charleston's Baguette Magic: A Hidden Gem in the South"
1. Jessica - 1 star - I was really disappointed with my experience at Baguette Magic in Charleston. The service was incredibly slow and the staff seemed disinterested in taking my order. When my food finally arrived, it was cold and tasted like it had been sitting out for hours. The baguette itself was dry and stale, and the fillings were bland and unappetizing. I definitely won't be returning to this place.
2. Mark - 2 stars - I had heard great things about Baguette Magic, so my expectations were high. Unfortunately, my visit was a letdown. The portion sizes were quite small for the price, and the ingredients didn't seem fresh. I found the baguette to be dense and dry, lacking the light and airy texture I was hoping for. Additionally, the staff seemed rushed and not very attentive to customers' needs. Overall, I was unimpressed and wouldn't recommend this place.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - Baguette Magic in Charleston was a bit of a letdown for me. While the atmosphere was cozy and inviting, the food left much to be desired. The baguettes were over-toasted and had a burnt taste, which was disappointing considering they are supposed to be their specialty. The fillings were also quite minimal, leaving me feeling hungry and unsatisfied. The service was average at best, with the staff not being particularly friendly or attentive. I had higher expectations for this place and unfortunately, it fell short.