I've probably walked by this place 3x and never knew what it was. A friend invited us here for a nightcap and I had never heard of this place because it's so hidden, but if ya know, ya know! I guess we came on the first Monday night they decided to open because they're usually closed and it was pretty busy. It is exactly what you would expect in a neighborhood dive bar with all the feels. Their menu offers some Mexican snacks to munch on, late night specials, happy hour and some unique cocktails. I got the black dynamite which was only $8 but maybe next time I'll get the mystery shot! The bartender was super cool and she actually had some artwork that was displayed for sale in the back which I thought was cool. My favorite part though is the ring toss game in the back. This is where they put all their empty bottles of booze on the bench and you literally just play ring toss with them. Honestly I was entertained for a good bit lol! read more

Faculty Lounge - Bars Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Super cute speakeasy. Drinks were phenomenal and the service was fast. Staff were welcoming and the lighting was nice. Overall no complaints read more

Faculty Lounge - Bars Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Love this place. Jorge is awesome and has the best brain for fascinating and delicious cocktails. Love his Mexican influence and super unique combinations. Fun bonus: there's a photo booth! read more

Faculty Lounge - Bars Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Jorge made us the best drinks ever! The avo toasta and the sacrifice drinks were beautifully made. The black dynamite shot tasted like dessert read more

I came here in September excited to try out a Charleston speakeasy. Upon arrival, the place totally lived up to the speakeasy vibe. It did not take long for my friend and I to find a seat at the bar. We placed our order with a bartender and when they were delivered, we asked to confirm each of the drinks. Trusting the bartender, we took a sip and realized that our drinks were swapped. We flagged the bartender to address the issue, but she could not see why we would not simple swap drinks. While I do understand that almost the entire drinks were still in the cup, the bartender assumed that we wanted to drink behind one another and could not fathom why we wanted our drinks remade. With a bit of unnecessary explanation, the bartender eventually re-made the drinks but it was an off-putting and concerning experience. I made sure another bartender was able to make our second round of drinks. It is a cool spot but based on the customer service, I would not return or recommend this establishment. read more

Faculty lounge was fun. It had an element of secrecy to it which made it more exciting. The outside is completely unassuming and you have to ring a doorbell to go inside. Once you're inside, you definitely get the sense of an underground bar. The inside is decorated with a 1980s vibe in mind. There were a lot of people when we went around 9 on a Saturday night. It was pretty loud and hard to talk with one another. We got the signature cocktails of "I'm Fat" and "Blame it on Rio". Both were tasty. read more

Faculty Lounge - Blame it on Rio (back); I'm Fat (front) - Bars Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

This place only exists if you know what's it is and how to get in! It's on the corner and you have to push a button to be allowed in. So cool! Inside, it's a long, dark bar with a pool table in the back. It's apparently a late night hot spot, but we always go early. The house cocktail list changes frequently, but there's a tremendous selection of alcohols and they will happily make any cocktail to prefer. Stop in for a quick drink while waiting for a table at Berkeley's or Renzo (same owner) or for a late night treat, you won't be disappoint read more

I really liked this bar and the hidden aspect of a speakeasy is very appealing to me. Once you are inside it is a nice set up with some tables and a main bar. There is one pool table in the back. The staff is very nice and attentive, we didn't have much trouble getting drinks considering how busy it was. The cocktails are pretty weak I will say but if you stick with beer it's a pretty great bar. Drinks are reasonably priced. It does get loud in here on the weekend nights with the music and the crowd. read more

Umm idk what the drinks are in this place. My drink was OK. The atmosphere is chill so I wanna like this place..but it's pretty mid.

Checked out the Faculty Lounge on a Saturday night. Very unassuming from the outside but a different world on the inside, feeling similar to a speak easy. We did not have to pay a membership fee or ring a doorbell for entry as some reviews mentioned. Instead, there was a friendly staff member outside the door who checked our IDs before opening the door for us to enter. Unlike your traditional speak easy, the music was pretty loud and upbeat and two 60's movies were playing on the ends of the bar. It had a hipster feel to it and people were having a great time (seemed to be mostly adults in their mid twenties to thirties). Our drinks were fun and the prices were fair. We were able to sit and chat without stress too. Would definitely return next time I'm in the area! read more

You can't beat a dive bar called "Faculty Lounge"- even the name reminds me of school and the elusive faculty lounge for teachers, which makes it fun to tell your friends you're going to the "Faculty Lounge". Although the bar itself is more divey than exclusive, it is a membership bar (see Scotty C.'s review for an explanation), and you have to ring a bell to enter. I've been here twice, and they have some tasty and strong cocktails. The happy hour is from 6-8 PM, and the $3 well drinks are a good deal. The bar itself is larger than it looks from outside, and don't let the appearance fool you. The music is techno (a little loud), and there are pool tables for your enjoyment. They don't have a food menu but they offer a few snacks like chips and occasionally serve hot dogs. read more

Faculty Lounge - Specials for CBR run on Aug. 17, 2017. - Bars Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Bartender was rude and slow, due to being understaffed. When I asked to close out he said I should have said so when he asked initially. I closed out my tab without leaving a tip due to his attitude only to see my bank statement with a full tip of 20%. Be weary of this place! read more

Very discrete spot - kind of gave speakeasy vibes. Dimmed intimate lighting. Casual and fun! I sat at a table in the front, but it looked like there were pool tables in the back! Variety of people from younger to older - but everyone was 21+ as they ID at the door. No parking lot, so street parking only - but of course Uber or get dropped off if you'll be drinking read more

Would never have found this place if it wasn't for being invited to an after party. It isn't in the best part of town but I didn't feel unsafe in any way. Charleston's mean streets are not the same as the mean streets of NY, Boston, DC etc... It's tough to find disguised as a house on a residential street. There's no sign, just a spotlight on the #391 on the building. Walk up to the locked door and ring the doorbell. This is a private club which means members only, but you can easily buy a membership for $1. This is just a loophole through the local laws about bars having to serve food - which Faculty Lounge does not. All that being aside, this is a great hipster-style dive bar with a very friendly and welcoming staff. Set up like a long hallway, the place is larger than expected. At the end of the bar was a DJ spinning and a decent sized dance floor. Then in the back towards the bathrooms... another huge room filled with video games and a pool table. After chatting up the bartender I got a little history about the place. Apparently it's been open for over 30 years and used to be a very exclusive club welcoming the likes of a young Michael Jordan as well as Janet Jackson. You may think she's fibbing but they have an old photo album of optical proof. read more

Faculty Lounge - Style Public Party - Bars Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Great dive place. Don't blink; you'll miss it. Just ring the bell; they'll let you in.

Went last night to find out they are currently closed for renovations. Apparently they don't feel the need to put that information on their website or Facebook page. Disappointed to make the trip for nothing. read more

This place makes me want to move to Charleston. Great drinks, great bartender. I couldn't find anything bad to say about it if I tried. read more

Faculty Lounge - Dealers choice cocktails. - Bars Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Take the rustic quaintness of Asheville, the community driven companionship of the East Side and the eclectic diversity of all the areas surrounding Charleston and you have the Faculty Lounge. Whether you are in a suit, flannel, a dress or sweats, you are welcome. This tiny club, hidden on diverse street of Huger is open to any and all. Great drinks, acceptance and just a unique divey like atmosphere. This is a good find. A good place to relax and hang for a few drinks. read more

Faculty Lounge - Bars Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Totally random bar in Charleston, you would never think there is a bar there. We walked up and rang the door bell and we're let in to a small, cozy (no windows) bar. Apparently, it's been there for years and it's evident. Unpretentious, casual, great music, bartenders make some great drinks... what else do you need. read more

Faculty Lounge - Menu & Mule - Bars Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Faculty Lounge almost gives off a sort of "speakeasy" sort of vibe, from its discrete location, lack of signage, locked door, and dark atmosphere. It is a really neat place that gives you a sense of exclusivity. For the low, low price of $1, you can become a "member", something I only learned recently. As many have said in their reviews, there are games (pool and arcade style), and a DJ playing live music. The draw for me, though, is the unique list of cocktails. The bartenders' concoctions are intricate and flavorful, and it definitely gives you the "mixologist" experience, where it doesn't feel like they're pouring you just any old drink. I'd definitely recommend this place, even just for the experience of it alone. It's not like any other place I've been to in Charleston! read more

Be prepared to made to look like an idiot. Bartender was great when it came to making a drink however made it a point to make those newcomers feel unwanted. Loved the place as a whole musics bomb. I used to party in highschool/college right on strawberry lane, so it was cool to finally be at the bar up the street after years of not being apart of that scene. Bartender admitted to telling the other patrons to not let us in because we didn't hear the door unlock after ringing the doorbell, which was odd seeing that our group doubled the occupancy of the bar. Not sure if we just caught the guy on a bad night or if I'm actually just that big of a total loser, but I do plan on giving this location another shot. read more

Faculty Lounge has a great happy hour deal with prices ranging from a $1 "dad beer" to a $6 cocktail that they mix up especially for you. The bartenders are super friendly and its not too crowded during the week. If you get a little hungry while you're there, they have an interesting selection of snacks as well as ramen. When I first saw they had ramen I was like meh it's just the stuff in the package, and then I tried it. The bartenders give you all sorts of condiments to put in it to make it more spicy and flavorful. You end up with a ramen that is simply addictive. It's the perfect drunk food and I will keep going back for it. If you're ever in the neighborhood, don't be afraid to stop by just because there's no sign on the door. The bartenders will make you feel right at home and their happy hour goes until 8, which is a lot later than most. The atmosphere is unique because there is more of a chill area in the back where you can play pool, but I've also seen people get wild on the dance floor. Whatever kind of night you're trying to have, Faculty can hook it up for ya. read more

Faculty Lounge - Dealers choice: poblano liqueur, lime juice, triple sec, and tequila! Absolutely delicious - Bars Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Casual, classy, and quiet during the week, slammin' dance parties on the weekends. The unassuming exterior conceals Charleston's best off the beaten path bar. read more

College bar with a terrible atmosphere. Low lights, poor music, and nowhere to sit. Walked in with my fiancée and immediately walked out.

There really isn't anywhere quite like this in Charleston. Divey, laid-back super fun dance party. Not "sceney" as some places with dancing can be. It is definitely in the hood and might be hard to find if you didn't know where to look....but as Scotty C. said, I didn't feel unsafe. It's not like the south side of Chicago or anything. Dancing, good drafts and Campari. My hubby was with me so with that, I had everything I needed for an awesome Friday night. I did not want to go home. Not everyone had all they needed though - mad B.O. on the dance floor. Just sayin. read more

Okay, so it was really weird how I (and my friend) came to Faculty Lounge. I was in town for a family reunion (I'm from California) , but wanted to go out at night to hang out with a younger crowd. We were told to head to King Street but after a miserable 45 minutes of looking for parking and another hour and a half walking up and down the street and finding nothing that peeked our interest, we were ready to call it a night. Randomly, I get a text from my mother (30 years my senior) who said I should try and find a place called Faculty Lounge. She, my aunt, and her cousins used to "jam" there all the time. o_O We were feeling kind of desperate and decided to look for it. Long story short, we had a BOMB time! The bartenders were awesome, the people were fun, the DJ was bangin! We had such a great time Friday night, that we came back Saturday two. Some of the same crowd was there so we sort of picked up where we left off the night before. I'm giving this place 5-stars because my experience was so great. I'm not into a big party scene with over crowded bars and people that don't like to dance. Faculty Bar is that perfect mix of a hipster and dance bar. I loved it and I'm excited to come back on my next visit. read more

This gets every inch of five stars. Amazing staff, amazing drinks and décor, amazing happy hour. I can't get enough. It's definitely out of the way, but worth seeking out. This place can be pretty packed Friday nights, but other than that it is super comfortable and welcoming. Edit: happy hour has changed. There are still great deals but no more $5 on their cocktail list. See photo read more

Faculty Lounge - Bars Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Out of the way, random, fun. This a spot you'd never expect to see in Charleston, a even-more-hipster-but-different Recovery Room. Kind of a dive bar, kind of a frat house (dance party). Really friendly staff on the night I went. Tried walking home-- don't do it alone. read more

Don't let the exterior fool you, while this place looks old and out of business from the outside, it's very much a "happening" place inside. If I could categorize it, I would say it's a hipster techno club. The music is good for dancing and they have a nice variety of drinks. It's not a huge venue but enough space for a dance floor and places to hang out. This place is more fun after you've had a few drinks but then again, aren't all bars more fun after a few cold ones? If you're in the neighborhood it's totally worth checking out. read more

Talk about not judging a book by its cover! I have biked past or driven by the Faculty Lounge numerous times, but only visited for the first time this week for a friends birthday party. An underwhelming, almost run down front door leads into a sleek, "members only" bar with some of the best drinks and bartenders in town. The shotgun location is complemented by local art and photography pinned onto a long wall, two sections of seating adjacent to the bar, and a pool table in back doubling as a DJ booth. I hadn't heard much about the Faculty Lounge's bar program, but was blown away by a list of ever changing, affordable cocktails and a modest beer list. I ended up with my go-to drink of whichever no-nonsense bourbon cocktail I see first, and was not at all disappointed. It was a late night dance party when I stopped in, so I'll certainly be back to explore Faculty Lounge's different vibes. read more

This is the kind of place that probably hates good yelp reviews, however we stumbled upon it walking down the street and were pleasantly surprised. Great music and bartenders. read more

This bar is such a cute place and looked like they had awesome drinks. I ended up not even getting a drink however because my friend touched one of the little bottles up on the counter to turn it to see the label and the bartender turned around and screamed at him and told him not to f***ing touch anything and that we were in the middle of a f***ing pandemic and to pull his f***ing mask up over his nose, meanwhile multiple customers had been standing at the bar for over twenty minutes without any masks on at all. The bottles were all these tiny little dropper bottles on a tray up on top of the bar and honestly looked more decorative than anything else. We are all very aware that we are in the middle of a pandemic and are all adjusting to the new normal and are doing our best, my friend was just trying to read the label on the bottle sitting on the counter and wasn't trying to go against anyone's rules. Perhaps you could consider moving things you don't want people to accidentally touch behind the bar, and could enforce masks for everyone, not just people who aren't your regulars. We are in an "f-ing pandemic" after all. read more

When I first heard of the Faculty Lounge I immediately thought of middle school, where the teachers hung out. If this bar was anything like the faculty lounge where my teachers spent their time, I would have changed my career a long time ago! This place is the coolest bar I've discovered since moving to Charleston. It has no signage and looks nothing like a bar. Probably the closest thing we have to a speak easy. It has a very artsy vibe and the drinks are very creative. Just show up, ring the door bell and enjoy the perks of being a teacher. read more

I'm never going to another bar! Get a keychain and have the best night of your life. Great cocktails and great djs spinning - don't miss this place. read more

Great neighborhood happy hour spot! Every day (except Sunday) from 6-8 $3 wells! All of the bartenders are incredibly nice. Also it looks much nicer on the inside than it does on the outside read more

I discovered the Faculty Lounge back when it was a hole in the wall. It had A LOT of history and a really cool story. It needed a little TLC but you loved it for what it was. There were pool tables and pinball machines in the back. The DJ booth had a turntable and a library of actual records. It has since been remodeled, like the neighborhood it occupies. The floor plan has been flipped but I will say that it is comfortable. They have a great $5 bourbon happy hour. You get to try fantastic bourbons that other bars don't care to carry. It is different but it is growing. They have a lot of cool pop up events. Try to get into one and make sure you ask for a membership! read more

This place is cool. great cocktails and good atmosphere. it a neighborhood so its not as busy as the other trendy places in town, which is great for non-amutures. read more