4 of my friends and I walked in and got a table. Before our server even asked what we wanted he said "I'm telling you right now, y'all look underage and I'm not serving any of you". Didn't ask for our IDs or anything. So rude! I get we look young, but we are all 25 in law school, it was not cool at all. Never coming back and telling all my friends about this.
Leza D'Alessandro
Great bartenders who can make you something off menu on the spot.
Clive V.
Great cocktails!! N'uff said here! I wish I lived closer so I could come more often! Alas, I'll be back!
Andrew Tucker
Lots of great non standard cocktail options as well as a great whiskey/ bourbon selection. Staff was attentive and helpful. We'll be returning.
Jen X.
I heard about this place from a friend and I wanted to try some of their creative cocktails. Immediately the knuckleball caught my eye because it had some of the strangest ingredients and I was curious. I'm not a fan of whiskey so I was kinda worried this decision would bite me in the butt. When I asked for it the waiter asked me 3 times if I was sure because I guess people send it back a lot which only piqued my curiosity more. When it came I knew I couldn't send it back and the main flavor was whiskey. I couldn't really taste the coca cola part of it, which I was kinda sad about, but I loved the pickled peanuts. It tasted like a pickleback but extra extra whiskey. I probably would get something different next time and order a pickleback instead.
Vijay S.
Good place for cocktails that's further down king street. The menu has an extensive list of different cocktails. Got the Charleston buck and pink rabbit. Both were alright and not quite what I expected. The Charleston buck seemed too light and the pink rabbit felt like a smoothie and as though there was too much egg white. The bartenders were great though and def could make anything you'd wanted.
Al M
Very strange experience on 11/3/21. Three of us tried to go there, but their greeter (Brian?) attempted at all costs to keep us from being able to get service.After we entered, Brian walked by us and dismissively said "we're full" as he passed by us - he did not even make eye contact.I walked up to him and said we were happy to stand at the bar – he said that's not allowed. Then I motioned to an empty corner near the big window - there was plenty of room (and a ledge) in this corner, and I asked if we could stand over there while we waited for a table/stools to open up. He said no, because it was too close to his greeter stand. This is not true - we would not have been in his way. I did notice an empty cocktail glass on the ledge in this corner, which would indicate someone was using the corner before us.As Brian and I were talking, a table of two overheard us and offered to let us sit with them. Proof’s tables are very long, and there was plenty of room for the 3 of us to sit at their table. Brian said that was not allowed because we did not know them, and that’s against their COVID rules. COVID rules?!? Those who have been to Proof know it's a TINY bar and they had every table and bar stool in use. Zero social distancing, and Brian wasn't wearing a mask. Don't throw COVID rules at me when your bar clearly isn't doing anything to be COVID safe. We can't sit with strangers? What about the people sitting at the bar – do ALL of them know each other?Then, as this is all happening, two bar stools open and we try to talk over to the bar, but Brian tells us we cannot because we had 3 people and there were only 2 stools open.By the way: this was the first bar we had stopped at that night and all three of us were 100% totally sober that that time.There are tons of great cocktail bars in Charleston - Stay away from this one!UPDATE: Take a look at the snarky response from the owner below. If Brian would have told us they were at legal capacity and there were people ahead of us on the wait list, that would have actually made perfect sense! Had this been conveyed to us, we would have just went to one of the other dozens of (better) cocktail bars within blocks of Proof (Examples: Prohibition, Belmont, Vintage Lounge, Cocktail Club, etc). Obviously this was never conveyed, and the "greeter" instead rudely made excuse after excuse to not let us in. Perhaps it's because not all 3 of us looked like him? Not sure. He might have just been having a rough day. Either way it was enough for this local to never go there again.
Ted Dupree
I was also there on the night of Wednesday 11/3 - I was one of the 3 guys and witnessed Brian (we think his name was Brian, we're not 100% sure) doing everything in his power to make sure we could not have a seat there. Absolutely terrible experience. There are so many other great spots in Charleston - AVOID THIS ONE!
Mark Lazzer
Great cocktails! Owner Craig Nelson great guy. Wealth of cocktail knowledge! Will be back. Cheers!
Al M.
I've been to Proof multiple times, but had a very strange experience on the night on Wednesday 11/3/21. Myself and two of my friends tried to go there, but their host/greeter/bouncer (I think his name was Brian but not 100% sure) attempted at all costs to keep us from being able to grab a cocktail. Most of the seats and tables in the bar were being used, and immediately after entering and starting to walk to the main bar, Brian dismissively said "we're full" - not "sorry it appears we're full at the moment, can you try coming back shortly" - he did not make eye contact and he mumbled "we're full" under his breath. I mentioned we were happy to stand at the bar, and he said that's now allowed. Then I motioned to an empty corner of the bar near the big window facing King street - there was plenty of room (and a ledge) in this corner, and I asked if we could stand over there while we waited for a table or bar stool to open up. He said no, because it was too close to his greeter stand/computer. This is not true. Interestingly enough, there was an empty cocktail glass on the ledge in this corner, which would indicate someone was using the corner before us. As Brian and I were having this conversation, a table of two females overheard us and offered to let us sit with them. If you've ever been to proof, you know their tables are super long and there's room for several people (maybe 6-8?). They had a table with just the two of them and plenty of room (plus open chairs!) for the 3 of us to fit. They were very kind to offer this, but Brian said that was not allowed, "because we did not know them and because of COVID rules." COVID rules?!? Those who have been to Proof know it's a TINY bar and they had every table in use, and all of the bar stools were in use. Zero social distancing, and Brian wasn't wearing a mask (I don't recall if the bartenders were or not). The no social distancing and no mask for Brian didn't bother us, but don't throw "COVID rules" at me when your bar clearly isn't doing anything to be "COVID safe." Brian just didn't want us in his bar. Then, as this is all happening, two bar stools open and we try to talk over to the bar, but Brian tells us we cannot because we had 3 people and there were only 2 stools open. I've never experienced something like this in my entire life. I don't know if it's because one of my friends was non-white, or if Brian was just having a tough day, but for some reason he went way out of his way to make sure we would not be having drinks at Proof that night. By the way: this was the first bar we had stopped at that night and all three of us were 100% totally sober that that time.
First round: Martinez, old fashioned Second round: French 75, clover club The Martinez is served with amazing cheese I can't remember the name but it's perfect even better than an olive I mean welcome to the 20's y'all. Old fashioned strong and sturdy. French 75 is my go to. I can't go somewhere and not order. It was perfect very lemony and the champs was just right to give it that fizzle. The clover club was by favorite drink. If you're put off by fruity, don't be with this. It's not overpowering. We were going to a different establishment a few blocks further away but when I walked by proof I just knew it was my vibe from the get. It's sophisticated and classy. The playlist is on point. Everything here is a 10.
Marva J.
Great bar and atmosphere with real bar service , the guys making drinks are superior and they are very knowledgeable of the spirits they serve. Not just take your order, they were very engaged with customers although busy, it was hard to take photos with the lighting . They have a large selection with a small comfortable atmosphere to get lost in enjoying a cocktail, conversation, and also get special treatment .
Bryan C
Excellent place. Few bourbon gems at good prices (4? 2019 Le). They were also playing some nice trip/chill hop which fit the mood perfectly
Mary Letson
Awesome place with a great atmosphere. A really nice place to stop and have a unique drink or just a beer. You need to check this place out.
Janet H.
Our favorite bar in Charleston! We came here twice during our weekend getaway in Charleston. We love this bar because of the fun, unique drinks. Also the bartenders here are fun! Only gripe is it's really loud in here - there aren't many places you can have a drink and conversation in this area though.
4 of my friends and I walked in and got a table. Before our server even asked what we wanted he said "I'm telling you right now, y'all look underage and I'm not serving any of you". Didn't ask for our IDs or anything. So rude! I get we look young, but we are all 25 in law school, it was not cool at all. Never coming back and telling all my friends about this.
Great bartenders who can make you something off menu on the spot.
Great cocktails!! N'uff said here! I wish I lived closer so I could come more often! Alas, I'll be back!
Lots of great non standard cocktail options as well as a great whiskey/ bourbon selection. Staff was attentive and helpful. We'll be returning.
I heard about this place from a friend and I wanted to try some of their creative cocktails. Immediately the knuckleball caught my eye because it had some of the strangest ingredients and I was curious. I'm not a fan of whiskey so I was kinda worried this decision would bite me in the butt. When I asked for it the waiter asked me 3 times if I was sure because I guess people send it back a lot which only piqued my curiosity more. When it came I knew I couldn't send it back and the main flavor was whiskey. I couldn't really taste the coca cola part of it, which I was kinda sad about, but I loved the pickled peanuts. It tasted like a pickleback but extra extra whiskey. I probably would get something different next time and order a pickleback instead.
Good place for cocktails that's further down king street. The menu has an extensive list of different cocktails. Got the Charleston buck and pink rabbit. Both were alright and not quite what I expected. The Charleston buck seemed too light and the pink rabbit felt like a smoothie and as though there was too much egg white. The bartenders were great though and def could make anything you'd wanted.
Very strange experience on 11/3/21. Three of us tried to go there, but their greeter (Brian?) attempted at all costs to keep us from being able to get service.After we entered, Brian walked by us and dismissively said "we're full" as he passed by us - he did not even make eye contact.I walked up to him and said we were happy to stand at the bar – he said that's not allowed. Then I motioned to an empty corner near the big window - there was plenty of room (and a ledge) in this corner, and I asked if we could stand over there while we waited for a table/stools to open up. He said no, because it was too close to his greeter stand. This is not true - we would not have been in his way. I did notice an empty cocktail glass on the ledge in this corner, which would indicate someone was using the corner before us.As Brian and I were talking, a table of two overheard us and offered to let us sit with them. Proof’s tables are very long, and there was plenty of room for the 3 of us to sit at their table. Brian said that was not allowed because we did not know them, and that’s against their COVID rules. COVID rules?!? Those who have been to Proof know it's a TINY bar and they had every table and bar stool in use. Zero social distancing, and Brian wasn't wearing a mask. Don't throw COVID rules at me when your bar clearly isn't doing anything to be COVID safe. We can't sit with strangers? What about the people sitting at the bar – do ALL of them know each other?Then, as this is all happening, two bar stools open and we try to talk over to the bar, but Brian tells us we cannot because we had 3 people and there were only 2 stools open.By the way: this was the first bar we had stopped at that night and all three of us were 100% totally sober that that time.There are tons of great cocktail bars in Charleston - Stay away from this one!UPDATE: Take a look at the snarky response from the owner below. If Brian would have told us they were at legal capacity and there were people ahead of us on the wait list, that would have actually made perfect sense! Had this been conveyed to us, we would have just went to one of the other dozens of (better) cocktail bars within blocks of Proof (Examples: Prohibition, Belmont, Vintage Lounge, Cocktail Club, etc). Obviously this was never conveyed, and the "greeter" instead rudely made excuse after excuse to not let us in. Perhaps it's because not all 3 of us looked like him? Not sure. He might have just been having a rough day. Either way it was enough for this local to never go there again.
I was also there on the night of Wednesday 11/3 - I was one of the 3 guys and witnessed Brian (we think his name was Brian, we're not 100% sure) doing everything in his power to make sure we could not have a seat there. Absolutely terrible experience. There are so many other great spots in Charleston - AVOID THIS ONE!
Great cocktails! Owner Craig Nelson great guy. Wealth of cocktail knowledge! Will be back. Cheers!
I've been to Proof multiple times, but had a very strange experience on the night on Wednesday 11/3/21. Myself and two of my friends tried to go there, but their host/greeter/bouncer (I think his name was Brian but not 100% sure) attempted at all costs to keep us from being able to grab a cocktail. Most of the seats and tables in the bar were being used, and immediately after entering and starting to walk to the main bar, Brian dismissively said "we're full" - not "sorry it appears we're full at the moment, can you try coming back shortly" - he did not make eye contact and he mumbled "we're full" under his breath. I mentioned we were happy to stand at the bar, and he said that's now allowed. Then I motioned to an empty corner of the bar near the big window facing King street - there was plenty of room (and a ledge) in this corner, and I asked if we could stand over there while we waited for a table or bar stool to open up. He said no, because it was too close to his greeter stand/computer. This is not true. Interestingly enough, there was an empty cocktail glass on the ledge in this corner, which would indicate someone was using the corner before us. As Brian and I were having this conversation, a table of two females overheard us and offered to let us sit with them. If you've ever been to proof, you know their tables are super long and there's room for several people (maybe 6-8?). They had a table with just the two of them and plenty of room (plus open chairs!) for the 3 of us to fit. They were very kind to offer this, but Brian said that was not allowed, "because we did not know them and because of COVID rules." COVID rules?!? Those who have been to Proof know it's a TINY bar and they had every table in use, and all of the bar stools were in use. Zero social distancing, and Brian wasn't wearing a mask (I don't recall if the bartenders were or not). The no social distancing and no mask for Brian didn't bother us, but don't throw "COVID rules" at me when your bar clearly isn't doing anything to be "COVID safe." Brian just didn't want us in his bar. Then, as this is all happening, two bar stools open and we try to talk over to the bar, but Brian tells us we cannot because we had 3 people and there were only 2 stools open. I've never experienced something like this in my entire life. I don't know if it's because one of my friends was non-white, or if Brian was just having a tough day, but for some reason he went way out of his way to make sure we would not be having drinks at Proof that night. By the way: this was the first bar we had stopped at that night and all three of us were 100% totally sober that that time.
Restaurantji Recommends
First round: Martinez, old fashioned Second round: French 75, clover club The Martinez is served with amazing cheese I can't remember the name but it's perfect even better than an olive I mean welcome to the 20's y'all. Old fashioned strong and sturdy. French 75 is my go to. I can't go somewhere and not order. It was perfect very lemony and the champs was just right to give it that fizzle. The clover club was by favorite drink. If you're put off by fruity, don't be with this. It's not overpowering. We were going to a different establishment a few blocks further away but when I walked by proof I just knew it was my vibe from the get. It's sophisticated and classy. The playlist is on point. Everything here is a 10.
Great bar and atmosphere with real bar service , the guys making drinks are superior and they are very knowledgeable of the spirits they serve. Not just take your order, they were very engaged with customers although busy, it was hard to take photos with the lighting . They have a large selection with a small comfortable atmosphere to get lost in enjoying a cocktail, conversation, and also get special treatment .
Excellent place. Few bourbon gems at good prices (4? 2019 Le). They were also playing some nice trip/chill hop which fit the mood perfectly
Awesome place with a great atmosphere. A really nice place to stop and have a unique drink or just a beer. You need to check this place out.
Our favorite bar in Charleston! We came here twice during our weekend getaway in Charleston. We love this bar because of the fun, unique drinks. Also the bartenders here are fun! Only gripe is it's really loud in here - there aren't many places you can have a drink and conversation in this area though.