13 of Charleston’s Most Spectacular Speakeasies and Hidden Bars
Going to a speakeasy never gets old. The creative cocktails, the intimate atmosphere, the sexy lighting–it’s such a vibe. Charleston has quite a few truly incredible speakeasies. Whether you need a password, a special knock, or even how to find a hidden door into the establishment is part of the thrill. Below we’ll share some of our favorite speakeasies for you to enjoy in Charleston.
1. Bar Vauté
1 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 779-1800
Bar Vauté offers a great vibe as a speakeasy and lounge near Rainbow Row. The venue is dimly lit with a romantic feel to it. You’ll love watching the bartenders in vests squeeze, muddle, and shake their way toward creating innovative cocktails. And even alcohol-free drinks are available on the menu. You’ll enjoy more than just drinks here. A porcini mushroom tart is one of our favorites, though we also happen to be addicted to the profiteroles.
2. Blind Tiger Pub
36-38 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 872-6700
The Blind Tiger Pub has a long history that dates back to 1803. It has been a speakeasy for years, though many simply know it as a charming alehouse. You’ll find a brick-walled courtyard and upscale bar food. The old-timey atmosphere is part of its charm. Try a beer flight to make your way through the draft list or find out what cocktails are being shaken. As for food, you can share a plate of wings or go right into a hearty plate, such as the Truffle Duck or the Pub Burger.
3. Bourbon N’ Bubbles
570 King Street, Charleston, SC, 29403
(854) 429-1011
This elegant, romantic speakeasy and restaurant recreates the feeling of being in love during the Prohibition Era! Keep that romantic feeling going with the First Love from the cocktail list featuring Tito’s vodka, pomegranate juice, ginger liqueur, and citrus prosecco. The impressive dinner menu offers starters, small plates, and large plates. The macaroni made with conch shell, leek and cheddar crumble, and chicken cracklings is something else! The same goes for the roasted bone marrow, blue crab fondue, and fried chicken lollipops. Don’t forget to save room for the confetti cake!
4. Doar Bros.
225 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC, 29401
This spot sends you back in time while putting you under the spell of Southern charm! Doar Bros. is known for having what might just be the best cheese plate in the country. Enjoy a symphony of several different cheeses accompanied by bread, candied nuts, berries, and wildflower honey. The popular cocktail here is the Bourbon + Clyde topped with a generous dollop of orange vanilla foam sprinkled with crushed pistachio. The Mary Moultrie made with Cathead vodka, Aperol, blood orange, lemon, pomegranate seeds, and soda is another one to write home about!
5. The Gin Joint
182 E Bay St #2169, Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 577-6111
The Gin Joint feels as though you stepped back in time with the 1920s vintage feel. You’ll find that the intimate eatery is both cozy and mysterious. The friendly staff will serve up cocktails to order as well as eclectic small plates. The location is just down from the Waterfront Park. The location is open seven days a week and stays open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. A “bartender’s choice” is always the way to go. Just choose two of their keywords and see what they come up with for you.
6. Faculty Lounge
391 Huger St, Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 203-6150
Faculty Lounge is a fun, relaxed cocktail bar and speakeasy that you’d walk past in a heartbeat if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Don’t expect anything fancy here. You’ll find tap wine and beer as well as a number of creative cocktails. Gin, tequila, rum, and more are muddled with unique ingredients. There are bar snacks available. Plus, you’ll want to check out their social calendar for dance nights and more.
7. Last Saint
472 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC, 29403
While the house-favorite The Fluffy cocktail featuring whipped grapefruit and tequila offers a heavenly taste that justifies the name of this bar, the Bathhouse Martini served ice cold and refreshingly dirty proves that Last Saint is a stop for sinners. This is 8. a simple, under-the-radar bar that draws crowds for its amazing cocktails. Overall, it’s the place for well-made drinks without the fanfare or theatrics of other Charleston speakeasies.
8. The Living Room at The Dewberry
334 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 872-9063
The Living Room is aptly named since it looks as though you’re sitting inside of a luxurious living room. Enjoy couches, plush armchairs, and more as you find a cozy spot to settle in with a cocktail. Every drink is complicated and so ~fancy~ which is part of the appeal. You’ll find gin, wine, and plenty more to choose from on the menu. Munch on caramel popcorn or order something that is more substantial, such as oysters or a cheeseburger.
9. Prohibition
547 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 793-2964
Prohibition invites you into the modern-day speakeasy for dinner throughout the week and also brunch on the weekends. Delicious food and creative cocktails are served with a smile. The rustic interior is fun for crowds of all sizes, though you can just as easily sit up at the bar to watch the bartenders in action. The menu features snacks and starters as well as hearty entrees such as an aged strip steak and shrimp & grits. It’s a good idea to reserve a table when you plan on visiting.
10. Scotty Doesn’t Know Speakeasy
247 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC, 29401
(843) 641-7269
You’ll be warned not to tell anyone about this place once the host waves you through the entrance to a show-stopping speakeasy. The antique furniture and low lighting create a comfortable vibe. One perk of Scotty’s is that guests enjoy their own curtained-off sections where they can engage in libations and celebrations in secret. Excellent service and a terrific wine list will encourage you to stay a little longer than you planned! The cheese plates are excellent for sharing some nibbles over wine.
11. Smokin Rose Speakeasy
1430 Meeting Street Rd, Charleston, SC 29405 |
Smokin Rose is not only a speakeasy but also a cigar bar. You’ll be able to find some incredible cigars to smoke while you lounge about in Charleston. The chill vibe invites people in, and you’ll always find friends. The cocktails change by the season, though you can always expect to find ones that are rooted in whiskey and bourbon. The place isn’t large, but it is cozy, which is what keeps people coming back again and again.
13. The Griffon
18 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 723-1700
The Griffon is an intimate English pub that is just minutes from the Waterfront Park. You’ll be fascinated by the walls, which are covered in signed dollar bills. Order craft beer, fish and chips, and other British favorites from the menu. The lively atmosphere goes on until 2 AM, so you’ll have a great place to go for late-night eats.
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