Belmond Hotel Charleston Place Charleston SC By Holly Roberson, Guest Contributor 

Known as one of the ultimate foodie destinations, Charleston SC has been attracting gourmands from around the globe.  Not only does the annual Charleston Wine + Food Festival, but also the annual Spoleto Festival USA both draw thousands of tourists and visitors to this wonderful city to enjoy the activities, art displays and countless culinary treats. If you’re coming to town for Spoleto Festival this year, or even a local looking for a quiet spot for a drink, there are some lesser known lounges you may want to try. 

It hasn’t been that long ago (think prior to the founding of Spoleto USA in 1977) that the only restaurants in town were Carolina’s (fka the Perdita Room), the Marina Variety Store, the Colony House (where the current Harbour Club is), and The Barbados Room at the Mills House Hotel. It was a sad day when Carolina’s closed three years ago, but we still have the Barbados Room and the Marina Variety Store (locals love the breakfast there with a harbor view). Contrast 1977 with 2019 and there are a half dozen eateries opening on any given week in the Charleston area.

I love the upbeat pace of so many food and beverage options, but when I want to enjoy a glass of wine with my sweetheart, I look for a good red wine and some quiet. The loud music and echoing food service at some of my favorite places has to be endured if I want to enjoy the food, but my preference is a quiet spot to enjoy a soft conversation without having to yell across the table.

After the excitement of Spoleto Festival and enjoying the can’t miss performances, it may be time for you to sit back, and relax with a cocktail. Here are a few local favorites for a quiet drink (there are more, but we’ll save those for another time). 

  1.  Zero George – The actual bar at Zero George is entirely too loud for me if there are any other guests BUT once I mentioned the super sensitive hearing to our waiter, he quickly whisked us upstairs to the beautifully apportioned lounge.  We enjoyed our artisanal cheese and champagne in this quiet spot swathed in silk draperies, easily pretending we were in the drawing room of a rich, stylish aunt.
  2. Thoroughbred Lounge at the Belmond Hotel – The bar at Charleston Place is not always quiet but it is never over the top loud.  There is live music and the dark paneling and big booths harken to the days of old English men’s clubs.  There are plenty of wines by the glass.  With the recent addition to the lounge, there is now outside seating which is a plus in Charleston.   It’s actually one of my favorite places to slip off for a pot of afternoon tea.
  3. Goat Sheep Cow North – The outdoor seating at Goat Sheep Cow North makes one feel like a Parisienne will stroll past at any moment.  Though it sits in the parking area, the fencing and planters mask it.  It’s a hidden oasis in the middle of the Digital Corridor.  And, do not forget to order a cheese platter.  Patty and Trudi (the owners) can find a cheese for anyone’s palate.   There is, not surprisingly, a great wine selection for any wallet, either by the glass or with a corkage fee from their retail wall.
  4. The Spectator Hotel Bar – Sitting on a well-apportioned sofa opposite low club chairs with fresh flowers, and a view of books and velvety lighting, we feel as fancy and rare as the white peacock feathers that cascade from the perch in the corner.  This is a posh, grown up bar where cocktails are savored as witty conversation flows. 
  5. Queen Street Grocery – Charlestonians drink at the grocery store? Yes, we do when it means sitting outside on the sidewalk watching neighbors walk their dogs (and sometimes cats, yes … really), and the carriage tours ride by. Inside can get a little hectic during lunch time, but sipping a morning coffee, or enjoying a Saturday afternoon rose outside is delightfully quiet. Tucked in the midst of Harleston Village, this treasure is a little off the beaten path. Buy a bottle of wine, pay a corkage fee and enjoy it with your artisan crepes.

In addition to these local favorites, Spoleto Festival has partnered with restaurants and bars around town for signature drinks, so during this 17-day festival, you’ll have plenty of time to try one of these tasty concoctions.

Note: Do you have a favorite secluded Charleston spot? You may just fall in love with the Holy City at this year’s Spoleto Festival.  If you do, any one of these local watering holes could be become your neighborhood spot. Living in downtown Charleston, you’re just minutes away from world-class restaurants, bars and stores. If you’re ready to make downtown Charleston home, start by searching the current real estate listings … 

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