PRIME 101 | charleston, wv
- WineCheeseScallops
- 46 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Prime 101 – A Fresh New Chapter on Capitol Street
There’s something about a snowy day in downtown Charleston that makes you want to duck into somewhere warm, inviting, and full of good food. Today, we did just that with lunch at Prime 101, located at 101 Capitol Street—in the building formerly home to Bar 101 and Ichiban.
Owner Dennis Harmison has taken on the ambitious task of remodeling the entire building from top to bottom, and we will tell you… it is a much needed refresh. While the general layout remains familiar, everything from the floors to the ceilings has been revived and replaced. The 101 side of the building feels completely transformed—clean, polished, and elevated while still keeping that classic downtown charm.
Walking in from the snow-covered street, you’re immediately met with rich, glossy wood, dramatic dark tones, and a long, stunning bar that anchors the space. The bar top gleams under warm pendant lighting, and the stacked stone detail beneath adds texture and character. Mounted televisions, thoughtfully placed shelving, and a deep, moody color palette give the space a modern steakhouse feel while still feeling comfortable and approachable. It’s the kind of place you could grab a quick lunch—or settle in for an evening with friends and a good bourbon.
We haven’t yet had the opportunity to see the progress on the full restaurant side of the remodel, but if the 101 side is any indication, it’s going to be something special.
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What We Tried
They aren’t fully operating in the new kitchen just yet, so the menu is currently limited. That said, the items we tried were fantastic—and if this is a preview of what’s coming, we are very excited.
🐔 Signature Drum and Flat
Six whole wings fried until perfectly crispy and tossed in their signature dry rub, served with sauce on the side plus cool ranch or blue cheese and crisp celery.
These wings had that golden, audible crunch when you bite in—exactly what you hope for. The dry rub brought bold flavor without overwhelming heat, allowing the natural richness of the chicken to shine. Having the sauce on the side was a great touch, letting us control the flavor intensity with each dip.
Fun fact: Whole wings (drum and flat together) tend to stay juicier during frying because the bone helps retain moisture. It’s one of the reasons bone-in wings deliver so much flavor.
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🦞 Coal City
Sweet, buttery lobster nestled into a crisp garlic roll and lavishly coated with house-made lobster bisque for an indulgent, coastal-inspired bite.
This one felt like luxury in sandwich form. The lobster was tender and naturally sweet, while the garlic roll added just the right amount of crunch and savory depth. The bisque coating elevated everything—rich, velvety, and layered with that unmistakable shellfish flavor. It was indulgent without being heavy, and every bite tasted thoughtfully composed.
Fun fact: Lobster bisque traditionally gets its deep flavor from roasted shells that are simmered to extract maximum richness before being blended into the soup base. That layered cooking process is what gives bisque its signature depth.
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🍔 Smash Burger
A juicy 1/3 lb Angus beef patty smashed to perfection, grilled for crispy edges, and topped with fresh lettuce, tomato, sliced onion, mayonnaise, melted American cheese, and a crunchy pickle—all stacked on a toasted bun.
This burger hits all the nostalgic notes—in the best way. The smashed patty had those caramelized, crispy edges that burger lovers crave, thanks to the Maillard reaction that happens when beef meets a hot flat top. The American cheese melted perfectly into every nook and cranny, and the fresh toppings added balance and crunch. It’s classic, comforting, and executed exactly how it should be.
Fun fact: Angus beef is prized for its marbling—the thin streaks of fat running through the meat—which helps create a juicier, more flavorful burger.
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🥖 Prime Time
An elevated take on a French dip. Thinly sliced, slow-roasted beef piled high on a toasted French roll, served hot and savory with a side of rich au jus for dipping.
This sandwich delivered big, bold, beefy flavor. The roast beef was tender and savory, layered generously, and the toasted French roll held up beautifully to the au jus without getting soggy. Dipping each bite into that rich, aromatic jus took it to the next level. It’s hearty, satisfying, and exactly what you want on a chilly day downtown.
Fun fact: “Au jus” simply means “with juice” in French and refers to the natural drippings from roasted meat—packed with concentrated flavor.
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Final Thoughts
We’re genuinely excited about what’s happening at Prime 101. The refreshed space feels elevated, inviting, and full of potential. Even with a limited menu while the new kitchen comes fully online, the food we tried today was impressive and flavorful.
If these items are any indication of what Prime 101 will be serving once fully operational, Charleston is in for something special. We can’t wait to come back, explore more of the menu, and see the full restaurant side when it opens.
Prime 101 is breathing new life into 101 Capitol Street—and we’re here for it.
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For the freshest ingredients to recreate dishes like these at home, we always visit our local gem, General Steak and Seafood.
Their high-quality selection never disappoints!
Prime 101 Menu
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