Bareo is bringing something a little different to Charleston brunch. Beginning September 3, the Spring Street neighborhood bar will launch a Japanese-inspired brunch every Thursday through Sunday from 12–4 p.m., built around savory Japanese breakfast flavors.
For Chef/Owner Nikko Cagalanan and co-owner Paula Kramer, the idea came naturally. Wherever the two travel, seeking out Asian food is almost always part of the itinerary. Among their favorites is Japanese breakfast, a style of daytime dining they found themselves missing back home in Charleston.
“Whenever we travel, so much of what we plan revolves around where we’re going to eat,” said Kramer. “Japanese brunch has become one of our favorite things to seek out while we’re traveling. We kept coming back to Charleston wishing we had something like it here, so eventually we thought—why don’t we do our own version at Bareo?”
Rather than recreating a traditional Charleston brunch, the team wanted to offer a savory alternative that felt unique, approachable and unmistakably Bareo.
“We didn’t want to just put eggs on the menu and call it brunch,” said Cagalanan. “We are really excited to be offering something new and different to Charleston. Bareo is supposed to be unique and fun, brunch should be too.”
At the center of the new menu is a Japanese breakfast tray inspired by the composed breakfast sets Cagalanan and Kramer have enjoyed during their travels. Guests can choose between steak or grilled eel, served alongside cucumber salad, seaweed salad, a soy-marinated egg, rice and soup. Bareo’s regular menu of dumplings and other favorites will also be available à la carte alongside brunch offerings.
The bar will bring the same playful approach with sake bombs, mimosa riffs and cocktails like the Rukia Kuchiki Cucumber Chiller, made with cucumber, lychee and sparkling sake.
And because it’s Bareo, brunch isn’t complete without the soundtrack. Expect plenty of K-pop on the speakers, drinks on the table and a brunch experience that’s meant to feel more like a family party than a formal weekend affair.
Bareo’s Japanese-inspired brunch launches Thursday, September 3, 2026, and will be available Thursdays through Sundays from 12–4 p.m. at 73 Spring Street in Charleston.
For more information, visit bareocharleston.com or follow @bareocharleston on social media.