Jackrabbit Filly in North Charleston’s Park Circle neighborhood serves heritage-driven New Chinese American cuisine that honors family traditions. 🥟
Chef Shuai Wang and his wife Corrie bring authentic taste memories from Shuai’s mother and grandmother’s recipes to life in this vibrant neighborhood joint.
Their journey from a popular food truck called Short Grain to a James Beard-nominated restaurant showcases their dedication to creating unforgettable dining experiences.
The dim sum carts and family-style feasts deliver irreverent riffs on Chinese American classics that have earned national recognition from Bon Appétit. 🌟
How Jackrabbit Filly won North Charleston’s hearts
The love story behind Jackrabbit Filly began when Shuai, a chef, and Corrie, a server and aspiring author, met through the pass of a restaurant in NYC’s West Village.
After burning out in New York City, the couple moved to Charleston in 2014 and opened a food truck that won them a James Beard nomination.
Their dream was simple: create a “neighborhood joint” where everyone knows each other, can afford to eat at least monthly, and feels genuinely welcome. 💚
When they opened Jackrabbit Filly in November 2019, Shuai finally felt like he could cook the food he’d always wanted to cook—dishes inspired by family dinners in Queens after his family emigrated from Beijing in 1996.
The restaurant, named after the couple’s Chinese zodiac animals, transformed a former pool hall into a homey space decorated with colorful string lights, rabbit wallpaper, and family photos.
Despite opening just three months before the pandemic, Jackrabbit Filly not only survived but thrived.
Their rotating monthly menu centered around family-style feasts keeps regulars returning to discover new dishes alongside beloved staples. 🎉
The restaurant sources locally and sustainably while maintaining affordable prices that allow neighbors to dine there regularly.
Food Highlights
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Pork and Cabbage Dumplings: The most popular dish on the menu, these dumplings feature a flavorful filling and a perfectly balanced sauce.
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Potato and Leek Dumplings: A crowd favorite showcasing unique flavor combinations that demonstrate the kitchen’s creativity beyond traditional dumpling fillings.
- Yellowtail Tuna Tartare: Top-rated dish featuring fresh, high-quality fish prepared with precision and creative accompaniments.
- Sichuan Hot Karaage: Juicy, perfectly coated fried chicken with sweet lemon mayo and ponzu drizzle—a must-try that combines Japanese technique with bold Sichuan flavors.
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Salt and Pepper Fish Fry: Amazing preparation that proves the kitchen knows exactly how to fry fish to crispy, flavorful perfection.
- Xi’an Cumin Shrimp: A rotating menu item that brings bold Northwestern Chinese flavors to the family-style feast experience.
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Spicy Garlic Krab Fried Rice: Customer favorite that showcases the kitchen’s ability to elevate classic fried rice with bold flavors and fresh seafood.
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Cheung Fun: An OG classic dim sum dish made fresh to order—the only place in Charleston where you can find this traditional Cantonese rice noodle roll.
Atmosphere
The homey space features colorful string lights, whimsical rabbit wallpaper, and family photos that create an instantly welcoming environment.
The vibrant setting with eclectic decor buzzes with energy and the warmth of a true neighborhood gathering place.
Dim sum carts deliver dishes tableside during Sunday brunch, creating an interactive dining experience that encourages sharing and conversation.
Bottom Line
Visit Jackrabbit Filly for heritage-driven Chinese American cuisine made from family recipes, the legendary pork and cabbage dumplings that earned them national recognition, innovative dim sum you can’t find anywhere else in Charleston, creative cocktails including unique frozen drinks, and a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere where everyone becomes family. 🍜
Address:
1083 East Montague Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405
📞 (843) 460-0037
🕔 Mon-Thu 5 PM–9 PM, Fri-Sat 5 PM–9:30 PM, Sun 11 AM–2 PM (Dim Sum Brunch)