What an excellent cocktail menu. This place rivals the absolute best cocktail bars in NYC, Chicago and San Francisco. Among the highlights are an excellent gin & tonic (sounds simple, but the addition of lemon bitters gives it a unique character), a smoldering manhattan, and a dark and stormy made with house-made ginger beer. The room is also lovely, with tasteful wood paneling and candlelight. The last element that really makes this place are the bartenders. One of the two people working the night we were there was the owner and he really went out of his way to be welcoming and to describe the cocktails. Really added to the overall experience. read more

Proof - Smoldering Manhattan....yeah buddy! - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

My first day in Charleston and after purchasing some shoes at Sperry I realized "King St." was what was cool in this city. It's a long one way street lined with shops, clothiers, bars, and restaurants. I found a great parking spot near Sperry on a Monday and pulled up my Yelp app because I wanted to find a really good cocktail bar and try something new. Proof came up first and realized it was right behind me so I jumped out of my rental and made my way over. Only a few patrons at the bar and two friendly bartenders who helped me right away with a cocktail menu. The atmosphere is dark, comfortable, yet cozy and almost romantic with sweet lighting and liquor bottles lining the wall. First tried the PGT which I think was Gin, Bitters and Tonic and something else which was really good and had a fizz kick to it. The next cocktail stood out and was by far my favorite..enter "Dark and Stormy" and it was raining and storming so I felt in fit in perfect. Had rum, pineapple and ginger beer and was excellent, the top part was dark and the bottom part was the storm, BAM. I didn't ask for a gluten-free menu here since they were cocktails and only bar food was boiled peanuts and pimento cheese sandwiches, so not sure on it's gluten-free status. If you want proof this place is legit, check my photos of the Dark and Stormy, these dudes casted spells on the drinks and did some weird language in secret and I believe they were magical but not sure, go check it out. They also offered me an excellent recommendation for dining. read more

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Update: now that I am able to experience Proof, I'm a fan. Note to people, this establishment sometimes does off-site events and may be unexpectedly closed. I'm happy I was able to spend a drink (or two) and experience first hand the awesomeness that is Proof. This is definitely a must see if you are in the Charleston area. :) read more

Proof - American Mule - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Low key nightcap- tables are bench - service is friendly- nice 90s tunes playing on Musak

Every story needs a beginning. Begin your story any evening downtown at this great cocktail bar on King St. The atmosphere is very comfortable and the service is friendly. There are sooo many classic cocktails to choose from. I just might have to work my way down the menu each visit because I plan to return soon and often. read more

Proof - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

I loved this place. Wait staff was very friendly, and took the current pandemic very seriously. They took all of our temperatures, provided hand sanitizer at the table and all wore face masks. Their drinks were spectacular. I tried a old fashioned and their equivalent of a gin fizz (forgot their name). All were perfectly balanced and delicious. Will definitely go back read more

This is a place for serious cocktails. My wife enjoyed a French 75. I ordered a Lion's Tail, which is a bourbon-based drink. It was delicious. read more

Proof - Lion's Tail - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Proof is simply the best cocktail bar I've ever been to. The setting is a little throwback and not very intimate with long community tables. You have to order from the bar, but the staff is very focused and will remember you. I love going to the bar watching the craftsman create sensational drinks while I sip on an old-fashioned or one of their daily specials. It is unlike any other place in Charleston that I have been to. The staff is attentive, conversational and take their trade very seriously. I'm sure the bartenders are subject to tons of questions as their cocktail menu is quite large and includes drinks with boiled peanuts, egg and bitters in nearly every flavor imaginable. I've gone back three times now and always try something new. I highly recommend you do the same. I've not been disappointed yet. My favorite would be the lion's tail. Enjoy! read more

Proof is great. It knows what it is: a place to get a drink or two, with maybe a small plate. The music was enjoyable: slow tempo blues and light classic rock. Drinks are affordable. It's a great place for a pre or post dinner drink. Service was quick when drinks were empty. There are 5 long shared high top tables, some seats at the window (great people watching) and seats at the bar. No complaints about our visit. read more

Proof - High top shared tables - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Small cocktail bar with great drinks. Drinks: 4, atmosphere: 4, service: 4 Return worthiness: sure Highlights: - Drinks: mostly classics with some unique ones but with crafted ingredients - Sazerac and dark and stormy are 2 of our faces and they held their own - Atmosphere: cozy with a few tables and a small bar area. It isn't a scene as the focus is on the quality cocktails - No crazy lines: later in the evening getting a cocktail down the street entailed waiting in a line which we weren't interested in. - Bartender: would make suggestions for your next drink Lowlights: - Service can be slow but just cause they're taking their time making the drinks Enjoyed our night here cocktaiking it up after dinner. read more

Great drink selection! Jimmy the bartender is half artist half drink expert. Made me a tasty pisco sour. Prepared with great attention to detail. Very attentive. Proof serves its drinks in a warm intimate bar setting with wood furniture accents throughout. read more

Proof - Pisco sour - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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. There are tons of great cocktail bars in Charleston - GO TO ONE OF THOSE AND STAY AWAY FROM PROOF. read more

Went in October, they checked for fever and gave you some space between guest. service and drinks were good.

Came here a month ago, it was great. Amazing cocktails. Tonight it was hell. Watered down drinks, horrible ( I mean horrible) service. I hate not being able to count on places to be consistent, and I hate wasting my hard earned money on watered down cocktails. Owner was extremely rude too for no reason. I won't be back. read more

So disappointed. Came here with two friends and we are locals to Charleston. However, it did not take long for us to walk right back out the door. As locals, we love sitting at bars. They had three seats at the bar next to eachother, but we were told we could only have a table. I asked if we could move to the bar after being seated and they proceeded to say they didn't have three consecutive seats together. I literally was looking at them. Clearly, they just didn't want to accommodate our requests. Don't recommend going here, especially if they can't please the people who actually live in Charleston and support your businesses. read more

This place has very good drinks. Although, we were kicked out for someone else putting gum on the table. So it is safe to say they literally don't want anyone to have fun haha. If you're looking for a place to have drinks in silence, then this may be the place for you....Otherwise, go somewhere else. There was a guy and girl worker in there that seem like they hate their jobs and make it quite an unpleasant atmosphere if I'm being honest. read more

Very cool place to grab a cocktail, beer or glass of wine. Fun music and low key scene. Atmosphere makes everything great. read more

Proof - My almost finished Siddhartha Spritz- sweet and delicious! - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Proof is the perfect getaway from the roaring King Street. It's a great place for a date or small group of friends. Proof will never be crowded to the point that everybody is searching for breathing room because they are better than that. When I'm looking for a good drink, Proof is the place to go. Drinks range from about 9 to 12 bucks so make sure to sip and savor. I've tried a variety of the drinks and they have yet to disappoint. The most entertaining part is watching the bartenders dressed in jean aprons concoct your fancy drink. It's like a witch making a potion because it's that meticulous. The atmosphere is perfect with music that you don't have to yell above, dimmed lighting, and that rustic wood feel. My favorite whiskey sour was made here. Check out Proof yourself and get hooked! read more

Proof - Whiskey sour with egg white and a little proof advertising on top. - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

My new wife and I stopped in for drinks, along with our entire wedding party, last Saturday around 8pm. After getting seated at two tables of 6, I made a comment to one of my friends concerning Coronavirus. Something to the effect of "yeah but at least 99% are surviving it". Comment made...to my friend. The server, or honestly I hope it was the owner as I truly can't imagine an employee saying this, says... And I am quoting here, "FUCK OFF!! It may be your grandmother that dies". So there I am, in my wedding tux, with my bride still in her wedding dress, being told to "fuck off" by a Proof employee. For no reason. I wasn't even speaking to him. So, we all left without spending any money and took our business elsewhere. I can't recommend any place that treats a customer like this, especially with many other good options nearby. I am still stunned with their employee's behavior. Welcome to 2020'i guess. read more

Visiting in Charleston SC . Stopped in on a survey mission . Comforted by the Bartender's answer to the litmus test question . Can you make a Corpse ? Rather than look at me as if i was crazy ... Sam ( my new friend ) said confidently " which kind 1,2 or 3 ? " So we came back . Excellent service . Home made ginger beer . A cocktail called the elephant keeper which requires a miller life pony bottle before enjoying ( to kill the time , the cocktail takes ten minutes to make ) Came back after dinner for a last word . Excellent all around . Worth the visit . read more

Great atmosphere. Great drinks. The ramen was delicious. A cozy place to come grab a snack, and drink

Great bar in Upper King with an extensive whiskey collect and a large and interesting cocktail list. They also have a few local whiskey's that were fun to try. Having sat at the bar when I visited, I was impressed with the skill of the bartenders and their attention to each and every drink. Definitely worth a visit when in Charleston! read more

Loved the candlelit cozy vibes and good jams. There's a cute spot by the front window to sit and people watch. Drinks may take a few minutes to make but that's standard for a craft cocktail bar There's plenty of options to pick from for all sorts of flavors and preferences. The bartenders were excellent and knowledgable. Well worth the wait, especially if you're able to find a seat and camp out for a bit. read more

Intimate speakeasy with great cocktails. It's a great place to hang with friends or for a nightcap. The bartenders take the art of mixing cocktails seriously. read more

Just good dudes serving good drinks. Thanks for the Tuesday experience guys! Gratitude from San Diego visitor!!

they make the best drinks and the best hemingway daquiri i've ever tried! i felt the snack selection was lacking though.

Blonde waitress w tattoos on her arms harrassed us. The guy checking our IDs (really cool guy, makes the bar honestly) said "order at the bar" before we walked in. We didnt listen sadly. We ordered 2 vodka sodas at the table, she charged us for 3 and then gave us the bill and walked away. We were just trying to order a drink and she said "this is a bar, be serious with me" and then she charged us 2 more drinks than we ordered and gave us our check right away. We love proof, but that waitress ruined our experience. read more

Dropped in, but left on account of the smell. Like cheap leather, markers and warm mop-bucket water.

Great little gem we stumbled into for happy hour. The bartenders are awesome and the drinks were so great. We had excellent moscal mules. They use all homemade ingredients. Decor is neat and the vibe is super local. Would go back for sure! read more

So much style! Proof's mixologist really are masters at what thy do. One look at their cocktail menu and you would see what I mean. They have an immense inventory of alcohol from around the world, bitters, aromatics, and ingredients. I haven't seen a cocktail menu with such classic old world ingredients since traveling in Europe. They even serve absinthe properly! Finally their presentation is outstanding. My cocktails are always served with care and you really see the time they take to make each one. The drink prices may seem a bit high for some, but the work they put into making your cocktail is worth it! Heads up though, it's not to big of a place so it can get crowded. I prefer coming in later in the evening. The lighting is dim and provides a relaxing experience that compliments the decor. read more

Great bar and drinks! Bartenders are thorough and know how to make quality cocktails. I appreciate the attention to detail. We enjoyed a few drinks here on Saturday night.. the crowd ebbed and flowed throughout the night, but generally it was easy to get a seat somewhere. They played great music too. read more

So we asked around to quite a few places where we should go for awesome cocktails and a great bourbon list. Two places we were suggested were Husk (which was awesome as well) and Proof. We ended our night at Proof and the cocktail list is extensive but they definitely have something for everyone! We tried the Charleston Buck, the Knuckleball and 2 more cocktails that were bartenders choice (not on the menu.) We were not disappointed! Tasty cocktails! Greg and Craig know what they are doing behind the bar for sure. Super cool dudes. It also felt like a place that locals come to- which is what we prefer the most. The other patrons there were so friendly and really made South Carolina welcoming to us! Would highly recommend this place! read more

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Great cocktails, Jimmy and his colleague crafted wonderful cocktail. We had Last word and jimmys signature cocktail. read more

Proof - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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I love cocktails and this place has them in spades. My husband has now seen the light, too and actually enjoyed cocktails more than beer in the Charleston heat. Thrown a cucumber in it and he's all smiles. The gentlemen behind the bar clearly know their stuff and the atmosphere is great. I'd be Norm from Cheers if this place was near me. read more

Was visiting this bar for a few drinks before date night dinner and fell in LOVE with this place! Amazing menu of cocktails and loved the intimacy of the smaller space of the actual bar. Jimmy was the name of our bartender and he definitely made some mean drinks. Don't come here unless you want a one-of-a-kind craft cocktail! Only 4 stars because not a big beer selection and only a few options for bar snacks. read more

There's something about the summer that brings out the Hemingway Daiquiri enthusiast in me. I think it might be because I discovered them while I was living in Miami so I associate the drink with heat. In any event, it was a hot Saturday night and I found myself at a popular craft cocktail bar. I wanted a Hemingway Daiquiri. Proof delivered and them some. I kept them coming. Not only were they potent but they were served in the proper glassware and at the proper temperature. If I can trust Proof with a classic, I can trust them with any sort of cocktail -- and you should too. Judging from the crowd, it appears all of Charleston does. The place was packed and a party was in full swing. The playlist was fantastic and everyone there seemed to be in a festive mood -- which is good news seeing as how small the bar is. Yes, it was a Saturday night but it the place had a massive crowd. As in, doorman in front who would only let one in once one left. It doesn't appear as though King Street is much of a secret to local or tourist. Plus, proper attire is a big thing. Not dressed appropriately? Don't plan on getting in. I live in a Southern town but I haven't seen as much attention paid to dress code as I did in Charleston. I'm of two minds about it. I digress... Our group managed to get in and as luck had it, we pressured another group.... I mean, another group was leaving from the front window seat. I am a fan of people watching and drinking so this was prime real estate. I parked my butt and sipped on tart rum all night long. There are worse fates. I'd come back. I'm a fan. read more

Bar owner called me a "CUNT". Kicked me out. He was confused... he was clearly the Cunt. I was having to deal with a drunken patron you over served next to me, whom kept telling my wife he was going to snap her bra. You're welcome for my business btw. Because I should Have left the tab on you, but instead, took the high road and tipped alot. My friends with I were from the steakhouse next door - They saw you act like a drunken fool. Those locals will remember that. read more

I mourn all the people throughout history who have died never having had the pleasure of an expertly crafted cocktail from Proof. The Sazerac and Charleston Buck are my personal favorites. Tip: Once you are rightly belligerent and liquored up, the window seats are also great for harshly judging pedestrians. Charleston Buck, WTF - Cheers! read more

Visiting Charleston from San Diego, love love this place. Caroline is amazing, her enthusiasm for cocktails is infectious, no need to know what drink you want, she will figure it out after asking you 4 or 5 questions (I think she is ex KGB)... read more

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We got there early and it was pretty quiet, but that allowed us lots of time to consider the menu and linger over our drinks. We tried four different cocktails and all were excellent. I chose a Dark and Stormy because it was part of the Happy Hour special and if all their classic cocktails are as solid as this one, I feel like you can't go wrong. But for me the real winner was the Clover Club, a gin, raspberry and vermouth concoction that wasn't too sweet but still fruity even though it was definitely gin forward. My husband had the Gold Rush which was a really solid, deceptively simple bourbon based cocktail. And he finished with the Oui Chef, which the bar tender described as their twist on the daiquiri. It was excellent. The atmosphere of Proof was hard to judge since there were so few of us in the space that early, but the decor is clubby without being too in your face "we're a speakeasy" that some revival type bars attempt. And the bartenders were friendly without being overly attentive and willing to talk about their craft if you brought it up but didn't feel the need to educate drinkers, which I appreciate. read more