I stopped by The Griffon on Tuesday night for a few drinks with my friend, and we had a great time. The staff was very friendly and welcoming. I just had a vodka soda, so I can't really speak to the rest of the drink menu, but it was made perfectly every time. My friend was drinking Crown and water, and he enjoyed his drinks as well. The thing that really stood out to me, though, was the atmosphere. I've been to bars that have dollar bills on the ceiling or scattered on a few walls, but I've never seen anything like The Griffon. The place is absolutely covered from floor to ceiling in dollar bills. It was such a unique sight and made for a really fun experience. I didn't try any of the food, so my review is based solely on the drinks, service, and atmosphere. If you're looking for a fun bar with a great vibe, I'd definitely recommend stopping in. I'll absolutely be back the next time I'm in Charleston. read more

Great dive bar. Service was terrible, servers were OK but attitudes were questionable. Food was great. Recommend the fish n chips. read more

Good pricing. Very personable bartenders! Love the dollar bills on every inch of the bar. Will be back! read more

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You can keep your manicured cobblestones, your whisper-quiet dining rooms serving deconstructed shrimp and grits, and your pastel linen trousers. Charleston is gorgeous, sure--almost impossibly, theatrically genteel. But if you want to find the real, beating, gloriously rumpled soul of this town, you have to peel off East Bay, stumble down Vendue Range, and push through the heavy wooden door into The Griffon. Step inside, and your retinas take a second to adjust from the blinding Lowcountry sun to the sacred, amber-lit gloom of a true, unrepentant pub. It smells of seasoned fryer oil, draft cider, damp wood, and decades of honest sweat and bad decisions. It is, in a word, paradise. The first thing that hits you--before the cold pint of local bitter hits the mahogany, before you even hear the clatter of darts or the clash of pint glasses--is the sheer, manic spectacle of the walls. It's not wallpaper. It's money. Thousands upon thousands of dirty, creased, greenback dollar bills stapled five-deep across every square inch of wood, wrapping the pillars, dripping from the ceiling like paper stalactites in a limestone cavern of pure indulgence. Every single bill is a prayer, a confession, a marker of human survival scrawled in black Sharpie. "We got hammered here, 1997." "To hell with yesterday." "Sarah + Dave forever." Names, dates, bad sketches of anatomy, declarations of war against sobriety. It's an accidental, anarchic cathedral of good times. You look up while waiting for a pour and realize you are standing beneath a canopy woven entirely from the disposable income of happy degenerates, sailors, off-duty line cooks, and wandering souls who found shelter from the storm. It doesn't feel tacky; it feels miraculous. It's proof of life. And the vibe? God, the vibe is electric, warm, and utterly devoid of pretense. There is no velvet rope. There are no reservations, no QR-code menus, no artisanal nonsense. You get dockworkers sitting elbow-to-elbow with visiting lawyers who've loosened their ties, swapping stories over greasy baskets of fish and chips that arrive piping hot, crisp-battered, and practically screaming for malt vinegar. The bartenders move with the fluid, no-bullshit grace of seasoned prizefighters--quick with a pour, sharper with a grin, possessing that innate radar for knowing exactly when your glass is three sips away from empty. In an increasingly sanitized world where every bar is designed by an algorithm to look like an upscale airport lounge, The Griffon is a stubborn, magnificent monument to the ancient art of having a damn drink with your fellow man. You take a Sharpie. You write your name on George Washington's forehead. You staple it to whatever microscopic patch of exposed timber remains. You order another pint, lean your elbows on the sticky wood, and you say a silent thank you to whatever gods watch over the dives--because as long as places like this exist, everything might just turn out alright after all. read more

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First of all it is typical bar food. So it lives up to that. I didn't take a picture because the food when it was sat before me didn't excite me. I got the grilled buffalo chicken sandwich with a side of coleslaw. It was good. We also got the chicken Philly sandwich and it was delicious! The fries came out hot & fresh. Our server didn't offer much answers to our questions about the menu, so we just had to figure it out. The ambience is perfect for a bar. Loud music, people laughing and having a great time! It's just what we needed after traveling all day to get to Charleston! read more

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The one place we make a point to visit every trip to Charleston is The Griffon. Be there for lunch when they first open and you will find a table. Parking meters 2 blocks over for easy parking. Have not had anything but the fish and chips because they are the best I have ever had. Made with cod, it's always the same, just like McDonalds. The coleslaw is delicious, as is the tarter sauce. They also serve local beers if you want to try something new. Highly recommend if you love fish and chips. read more

We stopped by The Griffon after going to The Black Fedora. This is a laid back drive bar, which we really appreciated. We snagged a seat and were able to order some mozzarella sticks and people watch for a bit. Service is great, even when it gets busy. The mozzarella sticks are SO GOOD! Their red sauce was spectacular. Highly recommend if you're looking for a dive bar. read more

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The Griffon is full of character and right in the heart of Charleston, making it the perfect spot for a quick drink. The beer selections solid and the vibe feels lived in rather than made for tourists. But the real charm are the walls. They're covered floor to ceiling in dollar bills that patrons have stapled up over the years. Best part? When the walls fill up completely, the bar donates every dollar to charity. Such a cool spot! read more

The Griffon - Pubs Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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We were here this week, it was cute on the outside, but inside it was a dingy looking place-dollar bills nailed to the walls, ceilings, we had one drink and left. Would never go back, I would be afraid to eat there because it looked so dingy. read more

Great and convenient location to have a beverage. Didn't try the food. Nice selection of beers and you can leave a dollar with your name- bar decorated with them. read more

The Griffon - Our $$ - Pubs Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Grabbed a bite with friends before a tattoo appointment but here's what we found. The ambiance is very dive bar-ISH. There is a slew of dollar bills all over from the top to the bottom of the pub. It was a little bit busy for a Monday afternoon. With the right group of people, it's a great time. The service was normal, nothing out of the norm but nothing bad. The food was decent, okay portions for the price (it is Charleston). Over all it wasn't a bad experience, but even better with great company. read more

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We were looking for a good hamburger (with out a bun) and headed to The Griffon. Very interesting decor that features dollar bills that have been signed, colored on or have stickers on them. The staff were fine. However they couldn't make a skinny margarita so I got a Diet Coke. The burger and coleslaw were tasty. My husband had to add mustard to the potato salad. The bill was reasonable. Cute and quaint. I may go again when I am in town. read more

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Loved it! Great beer selection. Buffalo shrimp were tasty but it was a small portion for the $$. Dollars bills decorating the space. Friendly staff. read more

Cute divey feeling pub downtown. No reservations, seat yourself so keep that in mind if you're going on a busy night/weekend. Kid friendly, has highchairs but no kids menu. I had a black bean burger with fries that made my vegetarian heart so happy. Husband really liked his fish and chips and my son was very happy with his fried shrimp and fries. Good beer options I had a blueberry blonde that was very light and refreshing. I would definitely go back for a pop in but wouldn't plan on a group of hungry people definitely getting a seat. Bathrooms are one at a time male and female read more

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The Griffon is a fun, laid-back pub right in downtown Charleston with tons of character. The walls covered in dollar bills give it a unique, old-school charm, and the vibe is lively but relaxed--perfect for hanging out with friends or grabbing a casual meal. We ordered a good mix of food: nachos, wings, shrimp BBQ, a Reuben, the Griffon burger, Philly chicken, and a chicken burger. The Griffon burger was the standout--soft, juicy, and absolutely delicious. The Reuben was good too and hit the spot. The nachos, wings, and shrimp BBQ were solid pub bites. That said, the Philly chicken and chicken burger weren't great and didn't really stand out compared to the rest. Overall, it's a great spot for drinks, atmosphere, and classic pub food--especially if you stick with their burgers. Definitely worth a stop when you're in Charleston. read more

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If you're looking for a bar that knows how to take care of a crowd, this place absolutely delivers. We came in with a large party, and the staff couldn't have been more accommodating--quick service, super friendly, and genuinely on top of everything. It made the whole experience feel effortless. One of the coolest parts of the bar is their fun tradition of letting guests write on dollar bills and staple them to the walls. It adds so much character and becomes a little activity in itself--everyone in our group loved it. The food hits the spot, classic bar favorites done right, and the drinks are solid without breaking the bank. Overall, it's just a great hangout spot with good vibes, great prices, and a team that knows how to make you feel welcome. Highly recommend stopping by with friends or a big group. read more

We were going to try this place out. It looked unique. Didn't have a place to sit so I guess that's a good sign. The vibe was really off for us. I think it draws to a younger crowd. We are in our 60's and felt out of place. Funky smell and the decor kind of weird. I wanted to check out the dollar bills all over the walls but it made me feel closed in. Certainly wins the prize for odd. Sorry I can't rate the food. read more

Very cool place! We absolutely loved the burgers, and they were so good! The fish was some of the best we've ever had, especially since it's near the coast! We also got to put a dollar on the wall, which was really cool. There was a little bit of a wait, but it was definitely worth it! read more

The Griffon - Pubs Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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We had a group of 6 only for drinks before we went on the ghost tour, we did not eat here. The prices did seem fair compared to most for the area. It is a tiny place so if it gets packed, might be tight but what little time we spent here it was OK for grabbing a drink. read more

The Griffon - Front entrance - Pubs Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Quaint dive bar, with a quirky atmosphere. Usually packed, friendly staff. Food is okay, except for the fish & chips. That item is great. read more

The Griffon - Pubs Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

I'll be honest, I've been going to The Griffon probably long than most that read this have been alive. Which is to say, I've dropped by several times before 2000! The place has a real ambiance about it and while I don't have it completely figured out I have my thoughts. First, it's the location of the pub but more importantly it's the building itself. It's got that old, old vibe to it. Next it could be the beer-stained floors along with all dollar bills slapped everywhere. If this was a stripper, she's needed a bigger G-string to maintain all the bills. My next admission is I've literally never eaten here. I don't know how or why it's just never happened. I guess odder things have happened like winning the lottery, but just reporting the facts officer! Now, for what it's worth in that I'll give a summary of all my decades and friends experiences the food is "meh." Typical to below bar quality food, but that's not the point, it's the atmosphere. In essence, the food is used to absorb the alcohol so the hangover won't be as bad. The prices for the grub are good while the portion sizes are average. Sorry I couldn't help more. The drinks are good and fairly priced. I had a good friend and local legend work there a long time ago but he passed. I say that to emphasize the fact he was the coolest guy out there, which optimizes the staff in general. They're cool, laid back, give good conversation and great at their jobs. You know, part friend, part phycologist and a supplier of liquid courage. Griffon is a great place to visit and a cornerstone of Charleston nightlife with a lot of history. I really encourage groups as the place gets even livelier with more likeminded patrons. Drop in and stay for a while and make some memories. read more

Average bar but since the prices are good for downtown I'd recommend. The drinks are okay. Pretty watered down but it was $7 for a well drink so I can't really complain. I got what I paid for. The service was attentive (we sat at the bar). Typical dive bar feel inside with some harsh lighting. Bathrooms were pretty disgusting. Fries and fried pickles were decent but pickles were the spears if you're into that kind of thing. Ranch was weak. read more

The Griffon - Fried pickle spears and French fries - Pubs Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Probably my favorite dive bar/pub in Charleston. What a find in downtown Charleston - good food, good prices, not touristy at all (although tourists are welcome). The location is in the heart of peninsula Charleston, just down the street from the Waterfront Park and Pineapple Fountain. Although it is located near pricey hotels (e.g., HarbourView and Vendue inns), The Griffon is simply good bar food that is affordable. We have started visiting with our office colleauges and always have good experienes. Even when The Griffon is busy, the service is consistently good. You will notice dollar bills posted around the bar - make sure you take 1, 2, or 3 to add to the collection. And the great part? The Griffon periodically takes down the dollars to donate to various charities. The Griffon is a local treasure - enjoy it! read more

The craft beer menu interestingly enough, does not have any prices. The owner said it is not required to list prices. I personally still think they should for transparency. The state sales tax is 9% plus the Charleston sales tax is another 2%. The owner said there is another state 5% tax per alcoholic beverage. With the 3.5% credit cards usage fee, it does add up to 19.5%. Pretty pricy but at least I understand now. read more

Great grungy dive bar. Signed money on the wall added a nice touch. Mainly beer and pub food, which was delicious. Servers are fun, direct and spunky. Would definitely be a "Cheers" bar for me if I lived in the area. read more

Food is not good at all the ketchup was bad too. The service was ok. It is unique place with all the dollar bills on the walls but nothing special. read more

Super cool vibe, food was tasty, waitresses were nice but must have been asked if we were OK 100 times, and the draft beer selection was limited mostly comprised of IPAs and blonde or pale ales, which is not what I expected from a British pub. read more

This place is pure fun. Great service, authentic food, with a very fun European pub vibe. Best fish & chips I've had outside of England! read more

The Griffon - Fish & chips - Pubs Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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After hitting several swanky bars earlier in the evening, I rang in my 34th birthday at The Griffon. There was a hodge podge of patrons of varying ages and the vibe was very no-frills, as you might guess by the wall decor. Our bartender was nice, I forget his name (Dustin maybe?). I ordered a Westbrook pineapple gose and my friend ordered birthday shots, I forget what kind and I failed to label my photo but I don't think I hated it. My friend accidentally left her emotional support water bottle behind at the end of the night, and when she called the next day, they were happy to report that they had it behind the bar for her. She was quite pleased to reunite with it. It was a fun stop in downtown Charleston, all in all. I'm pretty sure I saw it featured on an episode of Southern Hospitality too, but I could be wrong. read more

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Got a beer. It was good. And cold. Highly recommend. Did I mention it was cold? And good. read more

The Griffon - Beer at the bar. Cold. Good. - Pubs Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Great atmosphere. The dollars covered every wall! It was great service and food and beer were delicious. Loved that they kept the door open to outside fresh air. read more

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I love this place. Old English Pub downtown Charleston. Staff are amazing and friendly . The walls are covered with one dollars bills that past customers have signed. They have a nice choice of draft and can/bottle beer as well as a full stocked bar. Pub food at its best. Fish and chips, Burger and wings are at the top of my list. They do have salad for those who have a healthier style of eating . The Tideland Amber beer is delicious. Great music. I highly recommend this pub. Downfall is the parking can be challenging since the pub is located downtown across from the pier and Charleston Harbor. If you have not visited The Griffon, take time to stop by. read more

Classic Irish Dive Bar. Good food, great drinks! Cast of interesting characters working there! Prices were reasonable for downtown Charleston. We enjoyed the experience. read more

Great dive bar in downtown charleston. One of the oldest ones around. Dollar bills pinned to the wall. Story has it that during covid, the owner took down the money from one wall to continue paying his staff and get them through the tough time. Gotta respect and support that! read more

This place is a dive bar where every square inch of surface not made of stone is adorned with decorated dollar bills stapled to it. The fish and chips were excellent, with good breading and fresh fish taste. The selection of local beers was good for my liking. The place was busy when we went, but we were able to get a table after a reasonable wait. At no point did we feel rushed to free up our table. 3.5% "cash discount" (credit card fee) is applied to all bills. read more

Absolutely perfect dive bar with friendly staff, excellent service and great food. We had fish and chips and it was delicious! Large piece of fish, perfectly fried and nice, crispy fries. Great selection of local craft beers. read more

The Griffon has been around a very long time, great little place. Best fish & Chips in Charleston, no doubt. Excellent beer selection. Service is always friendly and fast. Gotta love the dollar bill wallpaper!! read more

fun environment, very lively. Food was good. Service was friendly. Went there for lunch, quick service and nice booth read more

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Stopped in on a short trip to Charleston. Very quaint down to earth place. No fancy cocktails, just a dive style menu. Just grabbed a couple drinks. While we didn't eat, the service was great, the atmosphere was fun and the employees were awesome. You can decorate your dollar with the markets from the cups on the counter and "staple it anywhere that isn't naked, cuz if it's still naked, it's naked for a reason!" Wish I had been able to come back later because the vibe was great! Such great energy in this place. Will definitely be back when I'm back in Charleston! read more

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Worst corn beef sandwich I ever had with very little MEAT HORRIBLE place needs to not sale who fries corn beef for a sandwich read more

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