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    Elsies

    4.5 (11 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 11:00 PM

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    Back door from the hallway/bathroom
    Tracey D.

    Awesome vibe! My first speak easy experience and I'm hooked. Quiet and dark but such a cool setting. The smoked old fashions are great and my espresso martini made with tequila was different. You enter into Elsie's and say the password (there are hints) which continually changes. Once through the "freezer" door you enter the speak easy. Amazing service and suggestions from the bartenders. I can't wait to return.

    Robert C.

    Last March I wrote a review for Elsie's, this new speakeasy in Rock Hill. Unfortunately it wasn't recognized as being for a new cocktail bar and it was instead posted as an Update for its "sister" restaurant, Kounter. I am now reposting this in its rightful place. (Fingers crossed, it remains here this time.) Rock Hill now has its own Speakeasy. In downtown rests a new clandestine hideaway. Elsie's is a wonderful place to spend an hour or an evening with guests. Part of the fun is finding Elsie's. It's next door to Kounter, directly across the Freedom 9 mural alley. But it's well-disguised, hidden behind a small sandwich and deli "bodega". The question to ask is "how do we get in?". Easy, just walk into the deli and give the cashier the secret password (hint -it's available on the Facebook and Instagram sites). You'll then be led through - no, I won't say, that's all part of the fun and adventure - and into the bar. The atmosphere is dark, romantic and serene (caution, cell phones must be kept on silent and no calls are allowed within the club). One side of the carpeted hall has a long bar counter with upholstered chairs, small tables are on the other side and larger group seating is available in the back. There is ample and attentive service, we sat at the counter and were well cared for. Elsie's has an excellent cocktail, wine and beer menu and also a selection of small food plates. We were greeted with a complimentary goblet of olives and almonds- classy! My wife asked for "something with mezcal" and was treated to an off-menu cocktail called "Naked & Famous". Delicious! (And now part of my home cocktail repertoire.) Elsie's is a great group or date-night opportunity just waiting for those of us who hate battling interstate traffic in and out of Charlotte. Check it out!

    Lavender dream
    Ashley J.

    Chris and Chelsea are the best bartenders!! They are so knowledgeable and will make you a cocktail custom to your needs/wants. This was my first time here and I had such a great time!! The vibe and atmosphere is so nice, very quiet like it should be and great for an intimate setting!! Such a great first experience!!

    Brittany M.

    If you are looking for a fun and unique experience in Rock Hill, SC, you've found the place! Delicious cocktails and great vibes, the entire staff is amazing! I come here often and never leave disappointed. Whether you are coming here for a beverage after work or out on a date, this is the place to go in town. 10 out of a 10. Highly recommend!

    Tiki Haze and Lavender Dream

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    8 days ago

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    10 months ago

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    12 days ago

    Got on the list before we ate, went in for a nightcap. Great service, bartender was awesome!

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    11 months ago

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    3 months ago

    This place acts like you are not supposed to drink. We were having a great time then they decide we are not to be served.

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    Alicia F.

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    1 year ago

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    Ask the Community - Elsies

    Review Highlights - Elsies

    A friend recommended we do dinner at Kounter first and put our names on the list early for Elsie's.

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

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    Kounter

    Kounter

    4.4
    (318 reviews)
    0.0 mi

    Kounter in Rock Hill, SC absolutely deserves every bit of five stars. The food was delicious, the…read moredrinks were perfectly made, and the atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and full of character. Our waitress, Brandi (Brandice), was phenomenal -- knowledgeable, informative, respectful, and genuinely happy to be there. Her energy made the entire experience even better. The restaurant itself is deeply rooted in history as part of the Friendship Nine sit‑in location, and you can feel that significance the moment you walk in. It adds a meaningful layer to an already great dining experience. The bathroom was spotless, the prices were very reasonable, and everything from start to finish felt intentional and well cared for. Highly recommend Kounter for anyone looking for great food, great service, and a place that honors an important piece of Rock Hill's history.

    An amazingly creative menu at this small southern town eatery. Reason is that the…read moreowner/creator/chef come into town having been awarded a Michelin Star. That kind of chef and it shows in the food. Fried Ribs ($14) appetizer is a decent sized, four rib, main course plate. These ribs are fried and are delicious with a mild BBQ sauce on them. Totally yummy. For a side I had a substantial bowl of collard greens ($6), done perfectly. Wife had the meat loaf ($15) which was two large hamburger-sized pieces, wrapped in bacon and with a delicious sauce. She did not share them with me. One of those pieces came home with us. Continual iced tea was served for $2. A bit of history is in the hallway of the Kounter building. Nine Black college students served nearly 30 days detention on a prison farm after staging a sit-in at this South Carolina Whites-only restaurant in 1961. On a visit to Kounter in December, I was told by a waiter it's not uncommon to see some of the Friendship 9 eating at the restaurant. Drop by to ogle the menu and take in the historical display. Very interesting and a good insight as to where black people were back then.

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    Kounter
    Kounter
    Cake stand slider Beef

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    Cake stand slider Beef
    The Vintage Whiskey & Cigar Bar

    The Vintage Whiskey & Cigar Bar

    4.3
    (81 reviews)
    21.9 mi
    $$

    The Vintage Cigar Bar is hands-down one of the most beautiful and relaxing spots I've been to in…read moreNorth Carolina. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere pulls you in--classy, cozy, and timeless. The decor strikes the perfect balance between vintage charm and modern luxury, making it an ideal place to unwind. Their cigar selection is impressive. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or just exploring the world of cigars, there's something for everyone. The staff is super knowledgeable and always ready with a great recommendation. Drinks? On point. The cocktails are crafted with care and the bar menu complements the cigars beautifully. It's the kind of place where you can sip, smoke, and actually have a conversation. But what really sets this place apart is the waitstaff. Attentive, welcoming, and genuinely passionate about what they do. You can tell they take pride in making every guest feel at home. If you're looking for a classy spot to enjoy a good cigar, a great drink, and even better company--this is it. I can't wait to come back

    Just tried to experience this bar on a Sunday afternoon to celebrate a birthday with friends. I was…read morethe last of two people to join a party of 5 that were already in attendance. We were immediately turned away because we had on sweatpants. The attire rules are posted at the door in a very abrupt and abrasive way and we were quickly approached. The bar was near empty, we only wanted to continue our friend's bday celebration. There was a white server that walked right by us and entered the cigar room with the black server. She didn't say anything to us but the black server immediately came out and told us we needed to leave because of our attire. We were kempt and professional, yet casual. The servers had on uggs, leggings, half zip nylon pullovers, and had the audacity to approach us about attire. I will never, ever, spend my dollars, nor recommend this place to anyone...for ANYTHING.

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    The Vintage Whiskey & Cigar Bar
    VIP lounge
    VIP lounge
    Bar

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    Bar
    Dot Dot Dot

    Dot Dot Dot

    4.1
    (291 reviews)
    19.9 mi
    $$$

    What a fun spot to visit while in town! My girlfriend had been wanting to try it, so we took the…read moreopportunity while I was staying with her this week. We did make reservations for a Monday night, though it wasn't busy at all, so you could probably swing by on a whim should you want to during the week. The place was a bit elusive to find, as you have to look for the '3 dot sign' with a staff member guarding the door, which I'm sure is the intent! Once you enter, you walk down a long, candlelit hall, which sets the speakeasy mood right away. Upon entering, the classic speakeasy vibe hits you! Dim lighting, leather chairs, a beautiful bar stocked to the brim with whiskey, bourbon, scotch, and all the other good things you would expect to find in a place that prides itself on great cocktails. It certainly set the mood and got us ready to have an experience. The mixologists were welcoming and informative. I enjoyed my first drink, which was suggested based on my personal preferences in taste. It was a spin off a classic, and I really enjoyed it. Sort of like a cross of a penicillin and a whiskey sour. [The Never Ending Story]. My friend had the clarified punch since we had similar things we've loved in the past. It was slightly sweet, smooth, and easy to sip. We decided to just get some classics since the cocktail menu felt more like just off shots of other classics we love. They were both excluded well! But the thing that really blew us away was the food! I was really pleased with this portion of our evening! We had the crispy Brussels sprouts, and they were the best BSs I've ever had! I thought we'd take some home, but that did not happen! My friend got the Mushroom Casarecce. It was creamy and delicious! The beef carpaccio was also really nice. Overall, we had a nice night, and it was a fun experience to be had!

    Since it has been a few years since I visited I felt it was a perfect time to give an update. This…read moreplace is still as great as I remember it. The food is not the cheapest but I do feel you get what you pay for. The charcuterie and potato dish is delicious. They have many of their own barrels too so be sure to ask what they have or change tour liquor of choice to one of their barrel selections. The vibe is great. Great for date nights or if you want to take visitors somewhere unique this is the spot.

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    Dot Dot Dot
    Fingerling Potatoes
    Fingerling Potatoes
    Flight of bourbon

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    Flight of bourbon
    Backstage Lounge

    Backstage Lounge

    4.1
    (99 reviews)
    21.3 mi
    $$

    Stopped in to Backstage for the Christmas pop up and was not disappointed. It's Christmas overload…read morein the best way, if you're looking for something fun and kitschy. They have a Christmas drink menu, mostly sweet, but they also offered to make some minor modifications. I had the Koala LaLaLa, which was more tart with some apple and bitters. Probably not everyone's jam, but I loved it. All the bartenders were great-Star kept us laughing, and they moved quickly considering how busy the place got. I recommend going early to get a good spot to people watch. I plan to come back at least one more time during the holidays. 10/10!

    Similar to what many people before mentioned it's a really great theme and ambiance. The later you…read morego the longer the wait. My friends only were in line for 5 mins but unfortunately I was the late one and waited in line for 30 mins. Luckily the line does move fairly quickly. If I'm being honest, aesthetically the drinks look good but not worth the price. My friends and I got the koala lalala and were bummed that after paying so much, it was mostly soda water and barely any alcohol for almost $19. Not worth it imo. I did however love the music selection. It was very nostalgic. Despite the technically difficulties they were having, my friends and I had a great time dancing the night away to our favorite middle and high school jams. My only suggestion would be next time for the dj to put his device on do not disturb. Every time a notification came through, the music would lower and was very noticeable. My friends and I laughed it off thinking we were just hearing things at first only for it to continue followed by the speakers completely going out. Overall it was nice to dance and be around holiday cheer but I don't think it would be worth a repeat experience.

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    Backstage Lounge
    Backstage Lounge
    Backstage Lounge

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    Vault & Vator

    Vault & Vator

    4.2
    (145 reviews)
    78.2 mi
    $$

    Vault and Vator was our last stop of the night, and finding it was a little confusing which is part…read moreof the fun of a true speakeasy. It is found tucked behind the building with only a small, letter-sized paper sign marking the entrance. No flashy signage, no obvious storefront, which adds to the appeal if you're into that kind of hunt. Walking up to it late at night can be a little intimidating but it is well lit which I greatly appreciated! Once inside, the space is dimly lit and small, which makes for a genuinely intimate setting. I'd say it's good for a quieter, more conversational vibe rather than a loud night out. We went with the bartender's choice: pick a base liquor, then two words to describe what you're after. I went with vodka and "slightly sweet, refreshing," for $18. The bartender nailed the brief but it wasn't a drink I'd think about again or specifically order by name. Solid execution, forgettable flavor. Service was the real standout. Our bartender was excellent at walking us through the concept and translating vague requests into something that actually worked. That, plus the atmosphere, is enough to bring me back to see what else is on the menu since we made it there just in time for last call so I ended up only having one drink.

    Vault & Vator is such a great spot. The atmosphere is fun and stylish, the drinks are really well…read moredone, and the whole place just has great energy. It's the kind of place that feels perfect for a night out--whether you're grabbing cocktails with friends or making a stop during an evening downtown. Everything feels intentional, from the vibe to the drink menu.

    Photos
    Darker than pictured but quiet and intimate
    Darker than pictured but quiet and intimate
    Violet drink
    Violet drink
    Wild Mare - 21Seeds Grapefruit Hisbiscus Blanco Tequila, Raspberry, Lemon, Mint, Orgeat, Ginger Beer

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    Wild Mare - 21Seeds Grapefruit Hisbiscus Blanco Tequila, Raspberry, Lemon, Mint, Orgeat, Ginger Beer

    Elsies - cocktailbars - Updated August 2026

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