Fantastic cocktails with an inviting space. Boyfriend and I visited to try a few rounds of cocktails: Round 1 - Hemingway Daiquiri and Martinez Round 2 - Hudson Pickler and Zach the Knife Round 3 - My Elephants Keeper and Gold Rush Favorite cocktails were definitely the Martinez, Zach the Knife and Gold Rush. We really enjoyed the vibe here. Even though they were not the best cocktails that we had on this visit (they were a close runner up), this was our favorite cocktail bar in Charleston out of the few that we were able to try because of the overall experience (space, service and cocktails)! read more

See all

Quaint place across from Halls to drop in for a night cap or simply a good conversation. They were playing solid music when we came in. Their drink menu was intimidating, and I mean this in the best way possible! Pictured alongside menu photos is The Pink Rabbit or a "Bougie milkshake" as I was told lol and it tasted JUST like a Strawberry milkshake!) and The Jungle Bird which I was suggest for those with a more acquired taste for Campari than myself. read more

See all

I have heard rave reviews of Proof, but I avoided going for a while because I thought it was pricey. We were trying to hide from the cold snap in Charleston and stepped in to find a very cozy atmosphere. It was much smaller than I imagined, but we rolled with it. Since most bars in Charleston are skinny and keep going back, I was surprised to find a small room. You order at the bar and then grab a communal seat. I was pleasantly surprised to see a selection of cocktails for $7 and other happy hour deals as well! The $7 cocktails are your classics like Old Fashioned or a Dark and Stormy. If you wanted to be more adventurous, their cocktail list is massive and has all sorts of crazy combinations! They also have a few local beers and an extensive whiskey list if you're into that. I enjoyed the Tom Collins and a Moscow Mule. The mule had a nice kick to it from the ginger beer, which is something I always look for and enjoy. They also have a ramen pop up from Two Nixons that comes in, so I will definitely be looking forward to that as it gets colder! Would definitely recommend if you're trying to cozy up to a cocktail in an intimate, yet casual setting. read more

Proof - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Would love to try. In fact I tried to go have a drink on two different nights this week that are their listed business hours, but no. I Just Ubered over a SECOND night while in town this week to find a note on the door saying "closed for private event". Might make sense for them to list this on their website or socials? Total bummer. read more

We stopped into this quaint establishment and we're very impressed with the level of service provided. Not only did one of the very friendly wait staff greet me warmly at the door, but he also pulled out a he barstool for me and kept my water filled the entire time! The bartenders were also very knowledgeable and offered some very appreciated suggestions on local IPAs. read more

Proof, along with Doar, are the two best bars in all of Charleston! The sheer creativity they bring to each libation is phenomenal. We ordered Knuckleball, Good Ole Fashion, and Bad Hombres, which brought a unique flavor, presentation, and experience! Each drink brought its own personal way to taste, which was explained by the bartenders that doubled as servers. The knuckleball was my favorite with a coke reduction and pickled peanuts. Our servers were amazing! They placed us at an 8 top as a couple. As the place filled up, I went in and checked with one of the guys if they needed us to move to a smaller table. They thanked us for that and offered to pick up one of our drinks if they had to move us. The place was well planned for COVID with space between tables, masks were required, any time you left your table, and hand sanitizer must be used when you enter. They even asked a patron to leave when he refused to wear a mask entering the bar. Overall this bar is a must go to place! We will definitely return the next time we're in town. read more

Really great and unique cocktail selection! I love the creativity! I've been here on busy Saturday nights before and have always been accommodated and well served. Yesterday, I was here with a group of 8 and our server was extremely rude, short and inattentive. I really hate when great bars have one or 2 terrible servers that ruin the experience and their own reputation. Whoever was working last night, young with darker hair, was really rude to my group of friends. He never checked in on us to order a second round! Very bad server. Usually this is a great place! read more

Proof is the true definition of a cocktail bar. The bartenders were all men with beards and suspenders which was pretty cool, lighting was dark but appropriate for the scene, and most importantly the drink list was very intriguing! After seeing pictures I came in wanting the Elephant's Keeper but I am not a fan of gin so I decided to go with the Jungle Bird. I still regret not ordering the Elephant's Keeper so I'll be back to try again. My Jungle Bird had a cool palm leaf (I think that's what it was) and pineapple slice. It was tasty, too! My husband had the Old Fashioned and it was a true OF drink which he was really pleased about. I am keeping this one on my list of places to take out of town guests to! read more

Proof - Old Fashioned - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

See all

Such a fun cocktail spot! We stopped by after reading through other Yelp reviews and checking out the EXTENSIVE cocktail list. Everything was very nicely presented and tasted great. My personal favorite drink was the Clover Club, but I'm partial to a drink with egg white in it. On a different note, if Covid-19 is a big concern for you this was the only bar that we went into and got our temperature taken. They were also asking everyone to remained seated and they kept it under capacity. read more

Enjoyed chatting with the bartenders. They took the preparation of the drinks very seriously and the drinks they served showed it. Great presentation of drinks. The story behind the knuckleball cocktail was worth ordering it (and it was a great drink to boot). Definitely will come here again. read more

Proof - Old Fashioned - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

See all

Love this little tiny bar that has character and big personality! On a whim we decided to have an impromptu date night downtown. We parked and Proof was in our sights so we entered. The atmosphere is hipster, dark, candle lit, but with a very authentic cocktail menus. We saw the Absinthe Fountain in the middle of the bar and could not have been more excited. I love absinthe, that bitter black licorice flavor is so satisfying to me. While they do not offer a Absinthe menu, just one on the menu, it is a popular French brand and we readily tried it. The bartender (I HAVE TO START asking names...) was SUPERB, she was attentive, knowledgeable and engaging. We did not try any of the small bites, but the selection of spirits was top notch. We will definitely be back to further indulge in this small bar on the corner. read more

Proof - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Great drinks and good atmosphere. Nice Friday night crowd, busy but not overwhelming. The drink menu is very impressive. They know how to make a mean cocktail. read more

See all

Was walking in Charleston we ran across this place. It was empty when we walked in. It's mostly a place for drinks and gathering. They do have some food which is pretty good but not a lot. The service was excellent and the drinks were really good. Unfortunately, it got pretty packed, and they didn't seem to adhere to social distancing or limit the number of people inside. I guess with Covid going down now that MAYbe OK? But when I went it definitely wasn't the case. they do have sanitizers and the servers are wearing mask. Later on in the night and we chose to leave there's a lot of people packed in there. On the flipside it is a cool place to go to. I will definitely come here again and grab some drinks, lots of options, I wish they had more food options but that's OK it's definitely a really neat vibe and scene! The bartender was amazing! Great place to meet up for friends great place to take a first date for drinks or any date actually. Even a cool place to just go alone and chill read more

Unique craft cocktails and Ramen Noodles(??) strange combo but the fusion works for them! I dig the bartenders overalls, they relax to slight too-cool-for-school feel a bit. 3 stars really just bc the ambiance was a little awkward and the staff did little to make guests feel comfortable. This is definitely a cool place to try some unique boozy flavors, but make sure to come with an open mind. Come with a group of friends! Try the Knuckleball!! read more

Proof - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

See all

Very cute bar. Loved the ambience. Small amount of seating which I liked. The bartender was very helpful at recommending different drinks. read more

Proof - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

See all

We were looking for a good happy hour place to grab some drinks before dinner but didn't plan anywhere specific. Came across this place on our walk and saw their HUGE cocktail list and beyond reasonable prices. I started with the "OUi Chef" and my bf got the dark and storm. Both were so smooth and all the ingredients were balanced but you could still individually taste. I got a Bad Hombre next and it was so smooth! I was skeptical it was going to be overly spicy or no kick and you could feel the habanero on your lips but didn't have an overpowering taste. The cosmo was also incredibly balanced. I've had cosmos a lot and this one is award winning! I plan on making this place a regular stop once I move to Charleston read more

See all

We love this place! The cocktails are incredible, packed with flavor. Every server was wearing mask. and gloves and they precheck every customer upon entry.. we are so glad to find this classy and safe place during the end of COVID-19 era during the reopening stage. We felt very safe! read more

Proof - COVID-19 prechecks to ensure safety of all guests - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

We thoroughly enjoyed meeting up with friends for cocktails in this small, tasteful, understated bar on King St. Proof specializes in classic cocktails but also has a quite well-rounded list of beers and wines available. A perfect spot to relax, unwind, and enjoy conversation with good friends. read more

It's trendy little cocktail spot right in the middle of a lot of King St. that gets a lot of traffic as it's between upper and lower King hot spots. The bartenders make specialty cocktails that range from 10-16 bucks, though you can get beer/wine on the cheaper side. But when in Rome, get the cocktails, right? Although I did like their music selection, I found it a bit loud. It's a classic trick to encourage more drinking and less conversation, but I see cocktail bars as hanging with friends and having conversation (maybe they tone it down a bit earlier in the night). read more

They have booze, and more booze. Excellent mixologist outing together delicious cocktails. Not many food options but the cocktail list is extensive and really has something for everyone. I mean it, EVERYONE. The place is on the smaller side so I can see how late in the night it maybe a little cramp. Worth checking out. read more

Proof - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

A little to small in space but a great spot.. Cocktails are amazing. The Bad Hombre is to die for if you are a tequila fan. Definitely worth a try for the cocktails alone. read more

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. read more

Tried this place based on a friend's recommendation. It is the best, most impressive cocktail bar I have ever come across. The quality is unmatched. read more

was looking for a low key but good place on a saturday night. had a great list of drinks and great vibe, everyone was also very welcoming. made for a great end to a night 10/10 read more

Awesome bar food n King Street! Fantastic cocktails. You have to try a Knxukleball with Pickled boiled peanuts in the drink. Nice pickled eggs, tasty boiled peanuts, and really good drinks. Definitely an Irish slant, but not an Irish bar. Happy Hour specials include 7 cocktails for $7 including a very respectable daiquiri, dark & stormy, Moscow mule, Tom Collins, Gold Rush, champagne cocktail or an old fashioned. Good music and great bartenders. Just do it! read more

See all

Best cocktails in Charleston, hands down. Sam makes a mean Smoldering Manhattan and Penicillin (pictured). You won't be disappointed if you check this place out. read more

Proof - Smoldering Manhattan (left) and Penicillin (right). - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Ok, if you are looking for a craft cocktail in a great atmosphere, Proof on King Street is it. Keith and Damon, the bartenders who put their heart and soul into this 13 minute elephant's Keeper are money. You only live once, make this happen! read more

I have mixed feelings about Proof. I appreciate their cocktail innovation and the large selection on the menu. The cocktails I've had have been great. And when I was actually receiving service, that was great as well. The bartender was very helpful and friendly. That said, it took a long time to receive her attention and the time leading up to that felt very awkward, almost as if I was crashing a gathering of friends with a bartender that didn't want to break free of the laughing group. While I don't mind waiting at a busy bar to make an order, I do mind standing awkwardly waiting while an employee chats with friends-- particularly as a first time patron of an establishment. Bad first impressions aside, I loved having a drink here. The drink menu is filled with options organized by spirit for those who are partial to particular liquors. If you're indecisive like me and enjoy a large variety of drinks, consider having a look at the menu online beforehand-- the options are overwhelming! read more

Proof - Knuckleball -- bourbon, coca-cola reduction, bitters, and pickled boiled peanuts. Interesting! - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

See all

I admit it...I'm not much of a cocktail guy. But Charleston got my feet wet, and I've been a new man ever since. Came in here on my whirlwind tour of Charleston's nightlife. Scotty C (of Yelp Charleston fame) showed me around to a few of my favorite spots and we ended up here after some beer and BBQ. And also after the most awkward Uber ride ever - with a super racist Uber driver, that was making some really un-funny jokes. We were both kinda confused by how awkward the ride was - but luckily the vibe at Proof is a lot less awk. Walking in, the place wasn't super packed. A couple folks - two gals celebrating a break up, a couple on a date, and then me and my bud. Two bearded men, here to enjoy some cocktails....nothing to see here. The bartender, Sam, was super personable, and was chatting us up the whole time. Great dude. He crafted these beauties: My elephants keeper - it was amazing. It takes super long to make so he gave us some beers (I won't mention which ones or my craft beer buds would make fun of me. It certainly wasn't of the craft variety). He says these beers are to hold the customer over while he makes this masterpiece of a cocktail. Now, this cocktail is a little pricy....but hear me out....gin, pollen cream, rose water, honey, lemon, egg white. It's complex - and delicious. Daiquiri - for the second round I told him to make me whatever he wanted. He said he'd make me a proper daiquiri. Being from South Florida, I'm used to frozen, sugary concoctions when I think of a daiquiri. This was not that. It was really good - and packed a punch. I think he used pineapple infused rum. Took a shot of fernet when we arrived. After a huge BBQ meal I felt a lot better about a night of drinking. As a digestif, it really works. Overall this was an excellent step in the right direction of stepping up my cocktail game. read more

The Matradee took my temperature supporting my safety, and his, while wearing a mask as did the other keepers of Proof. Chef greeted and took my ordeR to taste. Handling a difficult situation very well, Proof delivered excellent service, experience, tastes, and ambiance. read more

Proof - Vegetarian ramen and vino. - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Was there anything great about this experience? Not particularly. Was there anything wrong with this experience? Not especially. So for me, it was just pretty good. We didn't stay very long and we didn't order food. I am not going to hold who they are against them. But it is exactly what I think of typical craft cocktail bars that I envision Charleston being riddled with. I can be in the mood, but this particular night, I wasn't. But my friends were... so I will not fault Proof for being who they are. I made some comment about hoping they would not make fun of me for ordering anything but one of their cocktails. And the bartender confirmed that they actually will make fun of you. We all had a good laugh when I ordered a bourbon on the rocks. They weren't very crowded, which is what I needed after a steak feast I had just finished. A little space and a place to sit. We didn't order any food and just had the one drink. So you could say my sample size of this place was small. But I had a well poured bourbon and good company. read more

Nice vibes happening in here. Some of the fanciest drinks I've ever seen. Didn't like that they didn't have beer on tap but I get it... more of a hard liquor bar. Had this strawberry drink and it was pretty good. They are pricey but if this is your type of thing go check it out! read more

My wife and I stopped in for one cocktail before heading back to our air bnb for the night and despite not falling in love with my cocktail, it was worth the experience. I got the knuckleball. It was a Old Grandad BIB based cocktail with a spicy Coca Cola reduction and a few polite peanuts at the bottom. The Coca Cola reduction and the Old Grandad paired well together and I enjoyed that part, but the boiled peanuts in the bottom tasted pickled and I almost was sick to my stomach after trying those. Overall I would have gotten something different if I had a second chance. My wife got the Jungle Bird which she liked which was Cruzan Blackstrap Rum, Compari, Pineapple, and Lime. It was a much better balanced cocktail than mine and I thought the flavors blended well together. I would say the atmosphere is slightly upscale and most of the people around us were done up more than we were. The bartenders were friendly and the old timey cocktail bar feel was fun. I would come back, but would definitely get something else. read more

Proof - Knuckleball (left) and Jungle Bird (right) - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

See all

Just got here after they open at 4:45pm. The place was empty. The bartender Jimmy welcomed us and served us happy hour drinks. $7 each. Jimmy was super friendly and knowledgeable. Old fashion was just perfect. They will let you steer it yourself. Dark & Stormy is a must try drink. They also serve food and have specials on it. read more

See all

I was in Charleston on Friday for a wedding and I brought some friends with me to Proof, where I often go when I'm in town because I love the craft cocktails. We waited in line for about 30 minutes and the door man was letting people in out of order. When we were allowed in, we sat down at the bar. No one was coming over to us and when we finally got a bartender's attention, she said she was purposely ignoring us because "we were yawning and she couldn't have that vibe in her bar when there was a line outside." We immediately got up and left the bar. The worst customer experience I've ever had in Charleston. So much for southern hospitality! Her name was Caroline. Would not recommend this bar for a welcoming atmosphere. read more

Awesome place! Great drinks on the menu and the bartenders are willing do work with you on your favorite liquor. They have a ton of different flavored simples that look house made and a ton of bitters. All in all, if you're looking to explore different flavors and tastes while getting buzzed in the process, this is the place. read more

After seeing pictures of My Elephants Keeper online, I had to try for myself and was not disappointed. Yes, the $18 price tag is steep, but it's such a lovely presentation and they take their time making it--so much time that they give you a little high life buddy to help you pass the time. You can't go wrong with the champagne of beers! We stayed for a second drink because of the ambiance--low mood-lighting, candlelit wood walls, rock music, bearded bartenders, and excellent service. read more

Proof - Elephant's Keeper - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

A craft cocktail bar with speakeasy vibe and only 2 $ signs on Yelp? How could I resist? Then I saw that they have boiled peanuts on the menu and I couldn't get there fast enough. If you frequent this type of establishment, the scene may be all too familiar now. Mainly what I'm talking about has to do with the establishment somehow making you feel as though you are privileged to be there. I like craft cocktails but the service sometimes leaves a bad taste in my mouth. NOT the case at Proof. The gentlemen behind the bar work as swiftly as is possible with complicated concoctions and they also make you feel very welcomed. I also like their outfits (don't shoot me, but I'm a sucker for nice bar attire). You're getting the entire package here. Even the door guy is nice (we walked up and I expected him to tell us they were at capacity and would have to wait outside, which wouldn't be a big deal, but sometimes door guys can be intimidating and this guy was not). The bar was indeed crowded on a Saturday night, but my friends and I were able to get some great seats at the window so there was people watching on King St, as well as people watching in Proof (these people were decidedly less of a hot mess and let's face it, not as entertaining but props to Proof for attracting a good kind of crowd). I stuck to the bubbly (I'm so boring these days), but my friend loved his Hemmingway Daiquiri enough that he had a couple of them. The menu has a good variety of classics and creative house concoctions, as well as bar snacks. Their boiled peanuts are on point! Don't be grossed out, but they even go well with Champagne (I sense thousands of dead French people rolling in their graves). The only improvement I can think of here is that it would be really great if they added waitress service. I'm one of those lazy types who will order way more that way because bellying up to the bar when it's crowded? Not so civilized. I'm still giving them five stars because they are at the top of their game. This will be a regular haunt every time I'm in Charleston. Atmosphere, service, drinks all get an A. read more

A great place for a well mixed cocktail! This spot is not cheap but the drinks are well made her for sure. I'd definitely recommend it if you are not an undergrad student :) read more

Excellent cocktail bar in a great location. The drink list is extensive and the bar staff is knowledgeable. They also have the much coveted Pappy Van Winkle in a variety of vintages on the menu and you can pay by the ounce. We didn't try any this time and instead opted for cocktails. I had the Sazerac which was just sweet enough and fragrant from the orange peel. My husband had the smoldering Manhattan and he also enjoyed their take on this cocktail. They even had a drink on the menu made with 'strawberry quick' which seemed gimmicky, however we did see someone order one so what do I know?! The vibe here was couples and groups seeming to be in their 30s and 40s. It was early so I am not sure if that changes. 8pm on a Saturday night and were able to grab seats at the bar which was a huge plus. I would definitely go back. read more

See all