Bar
Unclaimed profileThe Bar at The Spectator
Charleston, SC · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
The Bar at The Spectator is a 1920s-inspired speakeasy that earned a spot among the country's top five bars from USA TODAY. The cocktail menu spans original and classic recipes, from the rye-forward Sorry Not Sorry to the rum-and-banana Cheeky Monkey. A serious wine list runs from $12 glasses to $470 bottles, with half-price bottles during Wednesday live music. Local drafts and a full zero-proof program round out a well-built bar.
- What should I order?
- Start with Sorry Not Sorry, a craft cocktail of Bulleit Rye, Italicus, Dolin Blanc, and Fee Bros Orange Bitters at $19. For something tequila-based, Seeds of Mischief layers Lalo Silver Tequila with Ancho Reyes Verde, watermelon, serrano, and fresh lime. Classics like the Clover Club and Paper Plane are also on the menu.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts will find a deep menu of original and classic recipes with detailed ingredients. Wine drinkers can explore an extensive list with premium bottles.
- When should I go?
- Wednesday evenings feature live music and half-price bottles from the wine program, making it a particularly favorable time for wine-focused guests.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Craft cocktails run $18 to $20, classics $16 to $18. Wines range from $12 per glass to $470 per bottle. Beer is $5 to $10, and non-alcoholic drinks run $7 to $12.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- A 1920s-inspired speakeasy with cocktail artisans, the bar is named one of the country's top five bars by USA TODAY. It also pours a private label bourbon, Woodford Reserve Private Label, used in cocktails like Last Dance and Paper Plane.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
A 1920s-inspired speakeasy with cocktail artisans, the bar offers both original and classic recipes with detailed ingredient lists. The list includes ten craft cocktails and ten classics, with a national top-five recognition from USA TODAY.
Menu strengths
- — Craft cocktail selection includes ten named recipes ranging from rye-based to rum-based
- — Recognized as one of the country's top five bars by USA TODAY
Standout selections
- — Sorry Not Sorry – Bulleit Rye, Italicus, Dolin Blanc, Fee Bros Orange Bitters ($19)
- — Seeds of Mischief – Lalo Silver Tequila, Ancho Reyes Verde, watermelon, serrano, fresh lime ($18)
- — Last Dance – Woodford Reserve Private Label, Lillet Rose, grapefruit, lemon, rosemary honey ($20)
Pricing: Craft cocktails $18–$20; classics $16–$18
Wine
An extensive wine list spans sparkling, white, rosé, and red wines from France, Italy, California, and Argentina. Premium pours include Dom Perignon and Cakebread Cabernet, with half-price bottles during Wednesday live music.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive list with international breadth including France, Italy, California, and Argentina
- — Range covers sparkling, white, rosé, and red wines
Standout selections
- — Dom Perignon – Champagne, France ($395 bottle); Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label – Champagne, France ($24 glass / $60 375ml)
- — Cakebread Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley ($135 bottle)
Pricing: Glasses from $12; bottles to $470
Beer
The beer list emphasizes local and regional craft brews on draught, including Coast Kolsch, Fatty's Lazy Hazy IPA, and Westbrook IPA. Domestic and import options are also available, with prices topping out at $10.
Menu strengths
- — Draught selection includes local and regional craft brews
- — Non-alcoholic options like Heineken 0.0 and Ceebo Hopped Pilsner are offered
Standout selections
- — Coast Kolsch – local draught ($8); Fatty's Lazy Hazy IPA – local draught ($8)
Pricing: $5–$10
Nonalcoholic
Spirit-free options are thoughtfully covered, with four mocktails including Evelyn's Elixir and Faux Swizzle, plus a canned mocktail and two non-alcoholic beers. Prices range from $7 to $12.
Menu strengths
- — Offers a variety of spirit-free cocktails and non-alcoholic beers
- — Includes a canned mocktail option, She's Glamorous; Non-alcoholic range is priced competitively from $7 to $12
Standout selections
- — Evelyn's Elixir – raspberry, lime, mint, seltzer ($12)
- — Faux G&T – Ritual Zero Proof gin alternative with Seagram's tonic ($12)
Pricing: $7–$12
Spirits
The bar features a private label bourbon, Woodford Reserve Private Label, which appears in cocktails like Last Dance and Paper Plane. Hat Trick Gin and Nippitaty Gin also feature in the cocktail program.
Menu strengths
- — Private label bourbon, Woodford Reserve Private Label, is a distinctive house selection
- — Hat Trick Gin and Nippitaty Gin are used in multiple cocktails
Standout selections
- — Woodford Reserve Private Label – private label bourbon in Last Dance and Paper Plane
- — Hat Trick Gin – used in Velvet Bramble and Clover Club
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