The Gin Joint

4.5 star rating
68 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Pubs, Canadian (New)  [Edit]

182 E Bay St
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 577-6111
Hours:

Mon-Wed 5 pm - 12 am

Thu-Sat 5 pm - 2 am

Sun 11 am - 3 pm

Delivery:
No
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
No
Price Range:
$$
Take Away:
No
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Wi-Fi:
No
Good For:
Late Night
Music:
Background
Best Nights:
Fri, Thu, Sat
Happy Hour:
Yes
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Smoking:
No
Coat Check:
No
Noise Level:
Average
Good For Dancing:
No
Ambience:
Hipster, Romantic, Classy, Trendy, Casual, Intimate
Has TV:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

  • user photo
    "I ordered the Gin & Basil Smash ($10." In 3 reviews
  • user photo
    "...are the stuffed meatball, the octopus and the duck hearts." In 4 reviews
  • user photo
    "My boyfriend had Blue Coat Gin with the homemade tonic." In 2 reviews
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68 reviews in English

  • Review from Julie R.

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    5/2/2012

    We loved the Gin Joint. It provided the perfect spot for a mellow drink. On Tuesday evening, it was slow, we got full attention of the bartenders and server, which was even better to hear things from their side.

    The restaurant is dark and cool. A small bar towards the back and a patio on the front. The bartender was the owner. He was dressed in a prohibition attire, a vest and bowtie.  

    The drink menu is awesome. So much creativity in the craft cocktails. I went with their punch of the week, a combination of rum and other intoxicating ingredients. My hubby had a gin martini that he declared perfect after the first sip. He now only wants to have gin martini's.

    They suggested more places for us to try that were very good as well. After going to other touristy bars, we still liked this one the best. If you want a good craft cocktail, go there.

  • Review from Olivia W.

    • 28 friends
    • 64 reviews

    New York, NY

    4.0 star rating
    4/9/2012

    The Jalisco punch is perfect. So is the smoked maple old fashioned. Same goes for the egg white orange blossom gin fizz... In short, what I'm trying to say is that everything at this bar is tasty, innovative and awesome.
    Drinks aside, the waitstaff is great and the space is warm and inviting. Bonus, the menu offers a side of handmade pretzels and queso. It is the perfect complement to a stiff drink.
    If you're in Charleston,  - heck, if you're south of Manhattan - you must visit the Gin Joint!

  • Review from Elizabeth E.

    Nashville, TN

    5.0 star rating
    4/1/2012

    I love nothing more than a night out with friends, enjoying good conversation over delicious craft cocktails. Up until my first visit to The Gin Joint, my favorite cocktail locale was The Patterson House in Nashville, Tenn. Not anymore. The Gin Joint has ousted Patterson House as my favorite watering hole.

    ATMOSPHERE: The rowdy, busy, friendly, exciting, relaxing vibe of The Gin Joint is nothing like the speakeasy-esque quiet of The Patterson House, but it's okay. It's truly a happy gathering place for friends to meet and commune over some of the top cocktails I've ever had.

    SERVICE: Our server had good recommendations for us and honestly told us when he thought we wouldn't like a beverage.

    DRINKS: We had dessert at The Gin Joint - although I don't recall what we had, I remember it being delicious. I'm also ashamed to admit I can't remember all of the drinks we had either, but I do know that we loved them enough to stick around for at least three per person. Each round was different and amazing. Just TRUST ME and go here before or after dinner. It's a lively place with amazing beverages.

  • Review from Vim I.

    Memphis, TN

    5.0 star rating
    2/27/2012

    The Gin Joint was a revelation! Seriously! It's definitely a splurge so if you're looking to impress a date, this is the place to be. It's really chic but not snobby. The staff is very welcoming and our waiter gave us some excellent suggestions.

    This is the perfect after dinner place in my opinion so you can sample some apps and get a phenomenal cocktail to top off the night. These are not your regular every day drinks...these are out of this world. We had a cocktail made with beetroot molasses...sounds strange...but it worked. And then we also had the Chartreuse Swizzle...don't remember what the ingredients were but it was aromatic and went down smooth.

    The food was exciting as well--nothing you'd normally see at a bar. We tried the Fried Duck Hearts with buffalo sauce. Think of it as adventurous form of a chicken wing. The heart itself is chewy and didn't exactly stick to the fried coating but it was still delicious.

    But the best thing was the Spicy Merguez Sausage made with lamb/beef. I'm still dreaming about it and drooling as I yelp. This takes sausage to another level on the flavor scale. It has a slight spicy kick and it's extremely juicy. I must have made the craziest faces while eating it because the waiter could tell I really enjoyed it even before asking me. Get it and you won't be disappointed. I promise!

  • Review from Megan O.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    3/8/2012 1 Check-in Here

    One evening my Dad and I were looking for a place to have a drink. I found The Gin Joint on the Yelp mobile app so we headed over and were able to find a couple of spots at the bar.

    We perused the long list of cocktails and I decided to go with the Gin Gin Mule and Dad had the Bourbon and Cola. My drink was awesome, very light and gingery. They even added a few hunks of crystallized ginger as a garnish. Dad said he enjoyed his drink also. They actually mix their own cola, which I thought that was cool. For the second drink I got the Gin Joint Martini and Dad go Bourbon Renewal. Once again, awesome!

    The atmosphere here is very cool. It's a pretty small place with a few tables for 4 and one long table for a bigger group. I'd say this would be a great place for a date, it wasn't too loud and the lights were dimmed.

    It was really fun coming here with my Dad. I'm pretty sure he had never been to a craft cocktail bar and he loved watching the bartenders make the drinks. Next time I'm back in Charleston (and I really hope I get to go back because it was awesome) I will absolutely stop here again for a drink!

  • Review from Ben E.

    • 10 friends
    • 14 reviews

    Charlotte, NC

    5.0 star rating
    4/18/2012

    Great experience here, if you enjoying having a truly hand crafted cocktail.  After dinner my wife and I went to the Gin Joint and got a seat at the bar, it was wasn't too busy and it was really entertaining watching the bartender create the cocktails.  He was very knowledgable about all of the cocktails and the ingredients. It is pricey at $10 a drink or more, but a lot of times I am paying about that much for a bourbon and coke. We had a Bourbon and Peach Smash, and Flowers and Ashes. Both were top notch.

  • Review from David A.

    • 119 friends
    • 325 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/29/2011

    Pretty much "the place" to have cocktails in Charleston if one takes one's cocktails seriously.

    Old school cocktails galore and waiters dressed as if they were out of the '20s complete the experience.  At over $10 per drink though, the prices are very 2012.

  • Review from Michele T.

    Hartford, CT

    5.0 star rating
    2/2/2012

    Fell in love.
    I am so thankful that my party of 8 took over the bar and we were able to witness the painstaking process that goes into creating each individual drink.

    My go-to cocktail is always Pisco Sour and Gin Joint certainly fulfilled my request. However, I quickly realized I was in over my head in Charleston libations and quickly ordered the bread pudding and pretzels to sop it all up. Both were served piping hot and quick.

    I tried to return on Sunday after the brunch hours and nearly cried to see they were closed. I couldn't wait to try more drinks and have the pumpkin/ snicker-doodle ice cream sandwich.

  • Review from Chris T.

    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Charleston, SC

    5.0 star rating
    4/17/2012

    The Gin Joint is the most amazing bar in Charleston. If you want all natural ingredients in your drinks and your food and enjoy great quality then you will enjoy this place. Staff is very knowledgable and friendly.

  • Review from Natalie C.

    • 26 friends
    • 46 reviews

    Dallas, TX

    5.0 star rating
    2/16/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Biscuits & Gravy= DELISH

    Mimosas= So fresh

    The bloody mary is see thru!  Weird I know, but it is the best bloody i have ever had.  Cute place for brunch.  Nice and quaint.  Very clean and amazing service.  Right on East Bay St before you hit market- so good location.

    Fell in love with this place and the city!!

  • Review from Samantha S.

    • 5 friends
    • 64 reviews

    Saratoga Springs, NY

    5.0 star rating
    4/6/2012 1 Check-in Here

    The Gin Joint is such a cool spot to grab a drink with friends ... the bar is in the style of a speakeasy, even though it's not terribly hidden.  They serve delicious craft cocktails that definitely remind one of the 1920s, and the décor gives the establishment a sort of "secret underbelly" feel, even though it's a ground-level bar smack-dab in the middle of East Bay Street.  To top it off, they have some of the most friendly and attentive service I've seen in a bar in a long time.  Overall, a truly great place.

  • Review from Lauren L.

    Astoria, NY

    4.0 star rating
    1/20/2012

    We got there at literally the right time (at 5 sharp) because this place was packed from the moment it hit 5:30.
    While I loved the atmosphere and the boyfriend raved about his 2 gin cocktails, I was unimpressed with the attitude one of the waitresses gave me when I sent back my wine, which was served to me in a (very obviously) dirty glass. (Luckily she was only helping our waitress, who was awesome.) After that mix-up all was great. We also tried their potato chip and onion dip special that was yummy, although I wished that it was a tad bigger. But I'd definitely come back for dinner and drinks in a heartbeat.

  • Review from Andrew C.

    • 25 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Charleston, SC

    5.0 star rating
    4/13/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Possibly one of the best spots for a cocktail and a bite in charleston. The drinks find balance, sophistication, poise, and bad assedness pretty much all the time. Sunday brunch is one of my favorite spots to enjoy time with the wifey. EXCELLENT collection of bourbons, ryes, scotches...OH MY. soft pretzels, homemade beignets, hog dog (trust me) paired with a smoked maple old fashioned or dark and stormier (this officially changed my appreciation for this vacation in a glass). Its intimate for date night and the communal table beckons for friends to gather and enjoy! Highly reccomend.

  • Review from Leah A.

    • 2 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Charleston, SC

    5.0 star rating
    3/13/2012 5 Check-ins Here

    Fantastic drinks...bartender made custom drink for me then I tried the basil gun smash. Both incredible!! Can't wait to try their food menu!

  • Review from Lindsay C.

    Chicago, IL

    2.0 star rating
    3/17/2012

    If I cared a lot about having "hand-smashed ice"  or egg whites in my drink then I might like this place. The truth is I am a vodka lemonade kind of girl and that will never change. There is another "speakeasy" type place like this on every corner now and I really couldn't care less. Just not impressed. Prohibition was before my time...and i don't feel like forking up major bucks to experience it. Pass.

  • Review from Mary T.

    • 95 friends
    • 265 reviews

    Knoxville, TN

    5.0 star rating
    1/1/2012 6 photos 1 Check-in Here

    This is a really cool place to get cocktails before dinner.  It is very small quaint spot with a black fence that leads you there.  Next time I hope to check out some of their menu items.

    The cocktails are really cool, with an old school inspiration behind them.  I really like this place so check it out!

    Cheers & Enjoy!

  • Review from Leeanne M.

    Charlotte, NC

    4.0 star rating
    10/19/2011

    Pure love for The Gin joint.

    The servers are adorbs in their bowties and suspenders without being gag-me-with-your-gimmick. Also, knowledgeable, super friendly and low-fi. Refreshing lack of cool-kid attitude that similar places seem to unfortunately embrace.

    The cocktails - yes, we had more than one - are balanced and delicious.

    And, I was pleasantly surprised by the food.

    Don't miss the super soft, chewy pretzels with srirahca cheese sauce.
    I dream about them already.

    The duck hearts were a miss for me, and I do indeed like duck hearts, but the breading was just not my jam.

    Beautiful, comfortable patio. There are a lot of in and outers here - stopping by for a quick drink- so it was fun relaxing, people watching and enjoying October in Charleston on a crisp, lovely early evening.

    A definite must do. Again and again and again.

  • Review from Kevin G.

    • 1 friend
    • 6 reviews

    Carrollton, TX

    5.0 star rating
    1/3/2012 2 Check-ins Here

    Fantastic place to hit for a fun & eclectic mix of drinks and food before dinner, after dinner or simply to hang out.

    - cocktails:  outstanding, bordering on encyclopedic, selection of old school and newly-created cocktails.  These include excellent versions of some standards (not surprisingly, including gin martinis ;) ), plus seasonal specials.  Add to this a very creative mix of other options: we came through near New Year's Eve, letting us try both a wintry cocktail that included beet juice (*wow*!) and another that mixed rye, champagne, bitters and some other yummy ingredients.

    - food: tried the pretzel (yum) and cheese plate, both of which were very good.  There's a more extensive menu, but this'll require more visits to check out in detail.

    - cigar: not to be missed = house-brand cigar, made with bourbon-steeped tobacco.  Highly recommended.

    - environment: definitely cool, quaint, smallish.  indoor seating of several booths, small tables and one communal (~10 person) table; small bar at the far back.  There's an outdoor patio up front on E. Bay that also has several small tables.  I can see this place filling up quickly most nights -- it did for us on a Thursday early evening, and again post-NYE.

    - service:  outstanding.  Very helpful with recommendations, which were needed given the lengthy choices of cocktails.

  • Review from Lisa J.

    Atlanta, GA

    4.0 star rating
    11/14/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I stopped into the Gin Joint for drinks and dinner with a couple of friends while visiting Charleston for a weekend, on the recommendation of a coworker.  I certainly wasn't disappointed - this cute little venue has an impressive litany of drinks organized in the most adorable fashion (ex: "For Noshing" and "For Sloshing" followed by breakdowns for fizzes, autumnal drinks, etc).

    We arrived right at opening, hoping to beat the Friday evening rush.  As a result we got a lovely booth and were able to order 3 round of drinks without a long wait.  The drinks we tried among the three of us:

    - The seasonal punch: good, strong, but had a little too much going on.
    - The Gin & Basil: their most ordered drink.  Very solid.
    - The Imperial Blackberry Fizz: the most disappointing drink of the night.  Tasted like they didn't use fresh blackberries.
    - Some heavenly concoction that involved espresso cordial and zaya rum.  So good.
    - Two drinks with scotch involved whose names I (alas) can't recall.  Both were quite tasty, even the one with Laphroaig Quarter Cask (one of my least favorite scotch varietals).

    For food we ordered some cheese and charcuterie (yum yum yum), the fingerling potato skins (not really potato skins, but good) and some biscuit and steak sandwiches.  The food was surprisingly tasty for a place that specializes in drinks!

    Anyway, it was an all around good time.  Not the number one best food and drink I've had the privilege to consume, but definitely up there.

  • Review from Nicole W.

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    8/15/2011 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    Such.a.cool.place.

    For serious, friends, The Gin Joint is a must stop while you're in Chucktown. While it's a small place, The Gin Joint certainly packs a lot of *punch.* With an extensive menu of incredibly creative cocktails, long tables that encourage socialization with others and really friendly bartenders, it's a great place to bring a group of friends.

    I most definitely took a trip back to 1920s prohibition era cocktails when I tried a few different options. I started off with the New Orleans Fizz - a frothy concoction of deliciousness that tasted nothing like the pine tree gin I loathe so much. This drink was more of a light breakfast than a burning cocktail. Nom! The second option I went with was equally as delicious but much spicier - the Agua Caliente. With Antiguo Blanco, Fresh Strawberry, Habanero, Lime and Cointreau this was a spicy party in my mouth. And I really, really liked it. Even though I probably couldn't have had more than one, this drink is a must try if you like heat.

    Because I arrived with a party of six, I was able to try many a cocktail (Flora Dora, Peach Bulleit, Blackberry Fizz) and almost all of them were delicious except for one. Penicillin. My husband ordered this beverage (Famous Grouse Scotch, Lemon, Ginger-Honey Syrup, Laphroaig Cask Strength) and it was the most revolting beverage I've ever sipped. He can quite literally drink just about anything and after 30 minutes of nursing it, I went ahead and finished it for him. It tasted like barbecue, old socks and gasoline. I am allergic to Penicillin. Probably a good idea to avoid that concoction.

    Regardless, there are a plethora of delicious drinks and, from the looks of it, tasty eats available at the Gin Joint. Go there and prosper.

  • Review from Holly S.

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    9/13/2011

    I got to Charleston and was being a baby. Avoiding local specialties like she-crab soup, (whatever that is), and shrimp n grits (also... whatever that is). When we got to the Gin Joint, I had had it with myself. I *hate* picky eaters, and was in jeopardy of becoming one myself. Despite the fact that dinner was over and we were now at a bar, I decided to have whatever authentic, special, Charleston-y drink I could find.

    In comes our waiter, suspenders and all, and I demand "gin and tonic!" He sets down the menu, which includes various brands of gin and homemade tonic. I point at one. It comes out, sans ice, but chilled.

    And so, so, so good.

  • Review from Wayne R.

    • 10 friends
    • 64 reviews

    Decatur, GA

    4.0 star rating
    11/30/2011 1 Check-in Here

    This place has been open a year and specializes in pre Prohibition drinks.  Give it a try.

    Began with the classic Vieux Carré, tonight's $5 special.   Nice combo of sweet and bitter.

    No seafood on the menu however so i'll have an appetizer and another $5 drink, then move on.

    Ordered the Duck Confit Tamale.  Considered their Buffalo Style Duck Hearts but didn't have the heart for that.  Besides, I like tamales.  It was good, but tasted like most other tamales.

    Being in a gin joint as I am for my next cocktail I got a Pink Lady.  It was good, too, but I'll try to make the Vieux Carré at home in near future.

  • Review from Lizzie B.

    • 1 friend
    • 3 reviews

    Washington, DC

    5.0 star rating
    8/19/2011

    Creative bartenders.
    Natural expertly crafted drinks.
    I wish I had eaten here because the menu looks so good and I love that it changes daily.

  • Review from Morgan S.

    • 13 friends
    • 174 reviews

    Charleston, SC

    4.0 star rating
    7/4/2011

    Great addition to the Charleston bar scene. Unique concept, cool vibe, and knowledgeable staff. Went for my bachelorette party and tried many different cocktails and loved them all. The basil drink (can't remember the name but it's one of their highlighted cocktails) was the best!
    No vodka at this joint.. one might know this if they knew the history of alcohol (which I do not) but don't go there expecting much other than dark liquors.
    Definitely check this place out while in Charleston. Good spot for both locals and tourists!

  • Review from Steven A.

    Virginia Beach, VA

    5.0 star rating
    7/5/2011

    This was easily one of the funnest experiences we had in Charleston.  I saw this place on an episode of Unique Eats and was intrigued by the concept of a place built on the back of artisinal cocktails.

    The top cocktails by far were the agua caliente (made with habanero infused tequila and mellowed with lime and strawberry) as well as the gin and basil smash.  Other cocktails were the classic gin Joint martini, the white elephant, the Gin Gin Mule, the aero mexico, and maybe even a few others but the memory got a little fuzzy by the end of the night (he he).

    They also offer a tapas style dining menu with some superior nibbles.  I totally respect the testicular fortitude that it takes to put buffalo style duck hearts on any menu.  Of course we ordered them and they were delicious.  The spicy merguez sausage along with house made bologna were also good but the Korean pork buns with spicy kimchee was the knockout blow.

    One other ballsy move is to not offer any vodka on the premises.  I have never seen a bar willing to forgo the highest volume seller just about everywhere.  Not sure what that does for their bottom line but I appreciate a place that is willing to take risks and offer their clientele a much different dining and drinking experience.

  • Review from Cathy B.

    Charlotte, NC

    4.0 star rating
    8/21/2011

    Cool atmosphere - check. Great service - check. Stiff drinks - check.

    On our most recent visit to Charleston we hit up The Gin Joint as it's located right across the street from Magnolia's and we hadn't been there yet. Always up for trying new things, our group headed in and were immediately sat at a long table with the other large group in the bar. This encourages patrons to chat it up with other revelers while enjoying one of the multitude of drinks on the menu.

    Our close group of friends all decided to order different bevvies so we could try out a host of their specialty drinks. With great names like Blackberry Fizz, Agua Caliente and Flora Dora, how could we go wrong? Although I'm a bit of a light weight, all the drinks that I tried were very strong but still drinkable. My favorite being the Agua Caliente, which was the perfect mix of spicy and sweet.

    We arrived post dinner so didn't get to try any of the food, but it looked very good and the party we were sitting next to confirmed that it was delicious. Definitely a place to hit up again next time we're in town!

  • Review from Joe L.

    • 30 friends
    • 2 reviews

    New York, NY

    5.0 star rating
    1/29/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Our group of 11 came here for a delicious serving of Sunday brunch. There are a wide variety of traditional brunch dishes like steak and eggs as well as more local choices like shrimp and grits. For their signature pancake, the recommendation was to sprinkle fresh squeezed lemon juice, white sugar and syrup on top of the pancakes, fantastic. The chicken in chicken 'n waffle could come in a couple different sizes, so depends on your luck. I also highly recommend the side Guilford Farms Stone Ground Cheddar Grits to top off the meal. The gentlemen that waited on us was very kind to split the bill among all 11 of us.

  • Review from Marquesa O.

    • 29 friends
    • 44 reviews

    Charleston, SC

    4.0 star rating
    6/8/2011

    Fresh off a trip to San Fran where we visited Bourbon and Branch (speakeasy) we were stoked that Charleston had its own speakeasy and scoped it out.

    Love the menu - the drink menu had the right amount of variety without being overwhelming - fresh potent ingredients, and the mixologists did a bang up job on our drinks. The food menu is sure to please app happy carnivores who will definitely be delighted with the meat-tastic array of tastiness.

    The wait to get a table, not so awesome. I feel like the small size of the venue contributes to the wait. We were glad this place didn't have the same rules of the speakeasy in SF (that one prohibited talking at a normal level and cell phones which was pretty challenging)

  • Review from Marissa H.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/19/2011

    Awesome! HUGE list of cocktails - there's no way you can't find 1 you want to try & then fall in love with! They make their own tonic water, cola & other beverage quenchers so there are non-alcoholic drinks that make the DD look like part of the crowd too! Small on the inside but the outside patio is the place to be.

    I ordered the Gin & Basil Smash ($10). It was a beautiful green served with a funky-designed ice cube & absolutely delish. If I wasn't stuffed from dinner I would have devoured quite a few cocktails there.

    The other 6 people I was with all loved their concoctions too - even our DD! The Gin Joint Martini ($12) & Floradora ($10) were 2 highlights. Unfortunately, 1 friend (who had to work late & thus ordered food there) wasn't impressed w/ the house-made pretzel & dipping sauce ($7).  

    The staff was extremely attentive, friendly, knowledgable & cute. This is a great addition to the Chucktown bar scene for the career-minded crowd.

  • Review from Blake H.

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    12/17/2011

    my family was watching a few football games (it was thanksgiving & i was football'd out) so i crossed the street and went into here. all we had been doing this trip was eat and i think i was in there an hour after we'd just eaten and 2.5 hours before dinner. ugh i wish i had been able to eat anything they had because it all sounded amazing... next time!

    THE DRINKS! were awesome. my first was a manhattan with a whiskey/bourbon that they flavor themselves with tobacco. omg wtf i'm in love. for my second drink i asked him to give me something fun & different & like charlestonian... he gave me an 'original new orleans fiz' (Plymouth Gin, Lemon, Lime, Fleur d'Orange, Egg White, Cream) i usually don't do the whole fiz/egg thing but i am glad he made me this one because a) i wouldn't have ever ordered it & b) it was fantastic!!

    lastly their staff was a bunch of hot bearded, plaid with bowtie wearing MEN. i wish i had gotten to stay, um, forever

  • Review from Solomon W.

    Austin, TX

    5.0 star rating
    7/2/2011

    I did not go for any of the cool drinks that every raves about, but I went in to check out the vibe and have a snack with a glass of wine. I thought this little local joint was an awesome place to drink and get your grub on.

    Their drink menu is well-organized and not ridiculously expansive. It gets to the point, and it offers well-selected options. The 2 beers they have a great choices. My friend went with the "light" beer. which was the Avery Joe's Pilsner. I went with a French Pinot Grigio.

    The food selections are very unique. Pretzels are an American classic, so I ordered them to see how crafty The GJ could get.

    The pretzels came out quickly, so they are most likely either cooked extremely quickly or sitting under a heat lamp. Either way, they are delicious. The pretzels are doughy, tender, and well-seasoned. The sriracha cheese sauce is a sort of runny, spicy, savory dip; a tad runny, but delicious. The spicy brown mustard is also a great condiment.

    I really enjoyed my quick stop at The GJ, and I highyl recommend that you visit if you are in Charleston!

  • Review from Elizabeth H.

    Atlanta, GA

    4.0 star rating
    1/6/2011 1 photo

    Like a true speakeasy ~ Gin Joint was tucked away in a corner off E. Bay Street ~ we stumbled across it when looking for a place to grab a before dinner drink...

    The space is small & intimate and the waitstaff is dressed in button ups and bow ties ~ true Charleston style!

    The bar area is small, almost non-existent, so we grabbed a seat at a large dining table, which we shared with several other groups...

    I had the Gin Joint martini ~ typical martini served with a lime twist ~ the glasses look small, but trust me, the drinks are plenty strong and make up for the glass size!!  One friend had the AeroMexico ~ hickory flavored tequila martini - the hickory was a little too strong for my taste!  Another friend had the White Elephant ~ tequila, grapefruit and maraschino ~ this was a hit with our group, just the right amount of sweetness!

    Drinks are a little pricey at $10 ~ but the quality and atmosphere are totally worth it!!

  • Review from Alexander S.

    • 1 friend
    • 7 reviews

    Honolulu, HI

    5.0 star rating
    12/16/2010

    I rarely write reviews, and when I do, it is mainly to point out the necessity for places to stay open in hopes they survive their first few years. The Gin Joint is one of those places. It is the type of bar that fits Charleston, and it executes it flawlessly. With a focus on Pre Prohibition drinks and home-made charcuterie bar food, I can't recommend this place any higher. If you are visiting, local, or everything in between, do yourself a favor and check this place out, you won't regret it. Start off with an original Gin Fizz, and check out their extensive list of cocktails that don't appear on menu's anymore. I really hope they succeed.

    My only complaints are that the service was somewhat slow, but I'll attribute that to the effort they were making in creating the drinks, and they need to more from laminated paper menus to something more.. permanent. Place is comfortable and a great way to start or finish your evening. Plus, they serve bar food all the way until they close (2 am on thur fri and sat!). Check it out!

  • Review from Brian F.

    • 3 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Camas, WA

    5.0 star rating
    12/22/2011

    Simply incredible drinks!!

  • Review from craig b.

    • 23 friends
    • 29 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/9/2011

    I came here with friends for Sunday brunch and it was enjoyable.  The only thing we found a set back for us was the fact the portions were a little on the smaller side than we had hoped.  The owners and staff were very nice and provided great service.  We had shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles and eggs.

  • Review from Matt S.

    • 141 friends
    • 227 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/14/2011

    I mean seriously what is not to like about this old school, speakeasy style pub.  The drinks are FOR REAL and are truly amazing.  I'm not even really a cocktail guy but of the six drinks we ordered between the three of us, I was totally excited about four or five of them.  The service is impeccable - we felt welcomed and cool just for being there.  We sat outside in the courtyard and watched Charleston go by.  

    The signage is an issue and it's hard to find.  I chalk it up to the exclusive chic, but honestly this place would blow up if more people knew about it.

  • Review from Erich V.

    • 82 friends
    • 336 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/3/2011 1 Check-in Here

    The Tobacco Project Manhattan, made with tobacco infused rye whiskey, was more than just a quirky concept drink. It was a really good drink.

  • Review from George H.

    • 18 friends
    • 131 reviews

    5.0 star rating
    9/6/2010 3 photos

    The environment here was quite young and very refreshing! The only downside was the prices, but we didn't mind because everything we ordered was done perfectly. The ice in all the drinks somehow were unique. There's no other way to describe the glacier floating in one of the drinks.

    Make this a necessary part of your night and be prepared to be wait or be turned away. They were packed on Saturday and I was lucky to catch a table leaving.

    Also this was a great place to grab dessert after dinner, the "chocolate bar" was delicious, salty, sweet, and well balanced.

  • Review from Chris S.

    • 15 friends
    • 20 reviews

    Orlando, FL

    4.0 star rating
    7/28/2011 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    We went here our last night in Charleston.  The list of drinks available is impressive, with a focus on seasonal drinks, sours, fizzies and other drinks probably long forgotten.  Their Winchester was amazing.  We also had several small plates of food, including the fried hummus and bologna, both of which were excellent.  Definitely stop here when in Charleston.

  • Review from Shy A.

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/20/2010 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    We tried the "Original New Orleans Fizz" with gin, lemon, lime, fleur d'orange and egg white; It was acidic, the lemon lime combo jumps out at you. Its delicately fragrant, you can almost smell orange blossoms as you sip. Next up was the "Violet fizz" with creme de violette, sappaire and egg white-light, crisp and playful-my definite recommendation! Makes me want to dance around! Both were shaken like hell so they were light and frothy.

    I don't believe I have ever seen such an extensive list of alcohol @ any establishment. The drink menus were whimiscally set on a clipboards. Simple and elegant all around.

    Next up were the "Absinthe Sour" with mythe absinthe, lemon, sugar and bitters. WOWZA! That's all I can say about that. "Quite Smashed" with green chartruese, leblon, pinapple, lemon and mint. Fun with a muted elegance-definitely more boozey than the others, you'll get a faint hint of horse radish. I LOVE the iceburg in my glass!

    Order the phad thai popcorn-an odd combo to be sure. You can delicately tastse the fish sauce and palm sugar that coats each kernal and the slow build up to the kick in the butt from the spice. Excellent!

    This place is going down as one of the coolest and jazziest spots I've visited. If you get a chance grab a seat at the bar and watch the magic mixologist at work!

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