Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Whale

    4.6 (29 reviews)
    Open 12:00 pm - 10:00 PM

    The Whale Photos

    THE WHALE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Hipster
    Casual
    Trendy

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - The Whale

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Big pour or small, this is a cool spot for a drink!
    Kevin E.

    Tucked by the railroad tracks just beyond downtown Charleston proper and before reaching Park Circle, The Whale is a fun spot to pop in for a beer or to hang out for a few hours. There is ample seating inside and out, and they even have board games for you to borrow. They typically have tons of beers on tap and beers and from multiple breweries around the world in cans. Guests can order food from the sports restaurant next-door and they will bring it to you. Their logo is cool, the staff is always nice, and they even have a whale Skelton hanging from the ceiling. For brews on tap, you can order a 5oz pour inexpensively so you can enjoy several varieties. Oh, dogs are welcome, too!

    Out front walking in
    Rachel G.

    The bartender seemed like he was the very least interested in us being there and we were a little surprised that most beers on tap are not local. Also NO TASTERS! So my husband and I ended up switching beers after they had been poured and tasted. They usually have a food truck. I didn't realize that The Whale is at The Refinery! Anyway, the ambiance is super cute and the parking was simple for us!

    Watermelon and sea salt
    Lorena G.

    I read up on this place before our trip out to Charleston and hoped that it would not disappoint. We have a few great venues of the same type here in Tucson so my standards were really high. Upon arrival, at first glance, the place was absolutely gorgeous. You can tell that they took the time to really plan things out. The outside will eventually have a really really nice stage for outside entertainment. The inside has all the feels. Great color scheme, great vibes! Let's talk about the selection of adult beverages. Yeah, they don't disappoint, a great tap list and cans/bottles of the tap list doesn't appeal to you. (If it doesn't, something's def wrong with you). An awesome curated bottle list. This place is banging. I wish I lived in a Charleston so I could visit at least three times every week. For those of you that are lucky to visit, have a cold one for me! Cheers!

    Matt T.

    Great selection of beer. They have around 20 beers on tap. Even more beer in cans and bottles. In my opinion, the large selection of cans and bottles is the best part! Everyone can find something that they will like. There was a pizza popup and the pizza looked very good. Only negative was they don't give you a sample of a draft beer if you request. Just say that you order a 5 oz. sample.

    Outdoor picnic tables and space
    Emily Z.

    Feels like a hidden gem. Went on an ideal weather Friday night and it was shockingly not busy at all. Great indoor/outdoor seating, cute decor, massive binder of cans and bottles and ever changing draft list. Had Trillium there that had just been put on draft, and some other rare and large beers (hence the name of the bar). They also have cider, wine and other beverages. Can drink inside or take your drink out into the amphitheater area. Knowledgeable bar staff, fast service, and a ton of options. Great spot for a large variety of hard to find beer options in Charleston. So glad we stopped there!

    D2 Wild Ale
    Kaitlynn C.

    As always, good beers and good vibes. Great spot to go after work or come and do some homework. Never too crowded during the week and always has good music playing!

    Yummy beer

    Christian is absolutely amazing!!!!!!! This is my first time visiting Charleston and he was so patient with me!!!! Even though Hurricane Debby is a downer, my friend and I still had an amazing time!!! Would recommend!!!

    Brittany S.

    I had a really great experience here even as a non beer drinker! The vibe is really cool, parking was easy, and there was a lot of cool seating and space to explore. The space was beautiful and the art everywhere was super cool. I ordered a drink I did not like (it was like a natural seltzer drink) and they replaced it without hesitation with something else which was very kind. I appreciate that they have a sold number of cider and wine options as well for non beer drinkers. Looking forward to spending some summer nights here in the future!

    Outdoor area at night
    Luke S.

    This just fits right into the Charleston beer scene! Located on upper meeting street among the "brewery district " classics this newcomer from Asheville is a curator of the unique and hard to get. Very funky Asheville vibes in a brand new building. The taproom is located on the backside of the building with a great outdoor area, indoor area, and 2nd floor outdoor balcony. Plenty of parking in the nearby gravel lot. From a huge selection on draft to two coolers full of cans you will find something for any beer lover here. There is also a decent cider selection and a spritzer for the non beer folks. Dog friendly! And food trucks for food

    Devon H.

    If you haven't heard of this new brew pub, you HAVE to check it out!!! The owners are incredibly down to earth & talk to everyone!! The bar staff is BEYOND helpful, friendly & knowledgeable! This place is going to be a hot spot for sure!!! GO CHECK IT OUT!

    Cider and draft
    Ryan H.

    It was cold. We wanted Seol Ha's corn dogs and a beer and a place we could enjoy both and be inside with the dog. The Whale gave us this experience and my wife just kept saying she loves the vibe. I concur. This place stocks beers/ciders from all over with nothing local. The bartenders were lots of fun and very cool place. We will be back.

    Tap
    Stefany B.

    Clean. Cool vibe. Gonna be amazing when the band shell opens. Wide open to the music area. Not sure what the old train is gonna be but would be co if done right. 20 beers on tap today. Cooler full of local picks. Up and coming area too. We will be back.

    Wendell W.

    Well may be the very best spot in Charleston to get rare craft beer. The atmosphere is amazing.

    The Whale CHS :: A Craft Beer Collective

    See all

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of B H.
    1
    31
    28

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kelly C.
    487
    1079
    1010

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ryan H.
    762
    1316
    1524

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rob L.
    63
    13
    2

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Evan G.
    128
    4800
    28754

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ray E.
    173
    7
    0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of K C.
    278
    13
    6

    3 years ago

    Service was absolutely terrible. The bar tender was rude to my friends and I and overall completely unfriendly and unwelcoming.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - The Whale

    Review Highlights - The Whale

    I appreciate that they have a sold number of cider and wine options as well for non beer drinkers.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Beer Bar 245 times last month within 10 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Frothy Beard Brewing Company - Loaded Fries

    Frothy Beard Brewing Company

    4.4(399 reviews)
    2.8 miWest Ashley
    $$

    Zero complaints. Solid brewery. Good beers AND good food!…read more My husband and I sat at the bar for lunch. I got the "Out at Third" which is a Belgian tripel beer. It tasted light and was easy to drink despite the high ABV. I loved it! For lunch, I ordered buffalo wings and a side of fries. Both were better than expected; wings had great flavor and fries were crispy. I'd definitely recommend checking this place out :)

    Frothy Beard in Charleston has great food, but the service definitely needs some improvement…read more They always seem a bit understaffed, and items are often forgotten. I actually did an event with them where they walk around and take vendor orders--which is such a smart idea--but I ordered an iced tea and never received it. That said, the food itself was delicious. I had a wrap and fries, and both were really good. If I were rating based on food alone, it would easily be a 5/5. Service-wise, they don't bring out napkins or extras, which is something to note. However, they do have plenty of outdoor seating, making it a great spot to bring your pup and hang out. The ambiance inside is really nice--it's a large space with a relaxed vibe, and there's also a big parking lot, which is convenient. Overall, I'm rating it lower for now due to service, but I'd definitely come back and hope to update this review next time!

    Photos
    Frothy Beard Brewing Company - Openers! So cool!

    Openers! So cool!

    Frothy Beard Brewing Company - Lemon pepper chicken wings

    Lemon pepper chicken wings

    Frothy Beard Brewing Company

    See all

    Blind Tiger Pub - Four Cheese Bacon Mac

    Blind Tiger Pub

    3.9(1k reviews)
    3.4 miFrench Quarter
    $$

    Popped in here for our last night in Charleston. We didn't know what to expect but was impressed to…read moresee how big it was once we stepped inside. The back opens up to another bar with outdoor seating, very cool. The bartender out back took our drinks, I forgot her name but she was from California originally, La Jolla area? Anyways, very friendly and was attentive even with all the guests in need. We hung out for hours, meeting locals and enjoying drinks. Decided to order food and they had a cheese dip that was spot on. My wife ordered the steak salad and the steak was overcooked, but when asked how things were, they were quick to make it right, and brought out another steak to fix the issue. 5 stars! I hope they see this review and know that they are doing something right. I do wish they had better merch. I wanted to buy stuff but was told their shirts shrink quite a bit after washing. Bummer.

    Listen, it's a great bar. The courtyard is nice. There is an ample amount of options for drinks…read more But... What does that matter if you're ushered out before closing? A group of about 8 of us went out for drinks Saturday (5/2/26). We were having a great time (respectful, quiet, not causing a problem). Last call hit at 1:30 so we decided one more drink before we went our ways home. 10 mins later we're were asked to leave the courtyard and head inside - not a problem. We will finish our drinks inside. 5 minutes after that, we were asked to take our last sips and leave. 15 mins before the posted closing time. Again, we weren't causing a problem, weren't loud, weren't disruptive. This was a group of 8, most of us well into our 40s (or older). But they were telling all guests to leave at 1:45a?? Just after we bought drinks? The posted hours say they close at 2a. Not 1:45a. Most of us left half finished drinks. The large bouncer was nice enough, the tiny one in a hoodie with glasses was totally unprofessional. So beware. The Blind Tiger has what it takes to remain a Charleston institution. Their staff, might ruin that chance.

    Photos
    Blind Tiger Pub - Blind mule

    Blind mule

    Blind Tiger Pub - Chicken Tenders

    Chicken Tenders

    Blind Tiger Pub - The Blue chips were delish!

    See all

    The Blue chips were delish!

    Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer - Banana Walnut muffin

    Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer

    4.4(609 reviews)
    2.6 miRadcliffborough
    $

    Had the best time during the Yelpies awards here at Kudu! The vibes at this place were on point! I…read morelove that they have a huge patio area for when you want a more open space. The inside of the cafe is very cozy and perfect for doing school work and some work from home stuff. The pastries were delicious as well and the drinks were the best part. They have a huge selection of coffee and they also serve beer so they have something for everyone. The drinks came out really fast considering that there were a lot of people in the event. What I liked best was that the owners seemed very supportive of the staff and very engaging towards everyone that was there. Overall, I highly recommend this place for anyone looking for a cozy place for coffee in downtown!

    Bev and I had a beautiful ride from Pawleys Island to Charleston. We easily found a parking spot…read morearound the corner of Kudu Coffee and Beer. Jenny and Johnny own the Kudu Coffee and Beer. They were so gracious to Host the Yelpies Award Ceremony this year. Bev and I use walker and did not know what to expect. As we were walking past the gated Garden Scotty C. opened the gate for us and welcomed us warmly. Jenny ( the owner) went to get a hot chocolate for Bev and a coffee for me. I was overwhelmed and yet felt connected at once. We met about a half dozen people within 5 minutes. . The atmosphere was exciting and joyful. Like a reunion for the first time. We were invited to sit at the table with lamp warmers. Right next to Nanda's Pizza spot. I saw pizza in my near future. I took a moment to look around and see everything around us. This place is fantastic. Perfect for a group to meet up. The food and drinks were exceptional. The place was clean and well lit. I decided to have my one year Yelp photo taken. It was fun. I had someone help me with the technical part. Bev and I were enjoying ourselves so much. Scotty brought our drinks to us. As people circled around they stopped to chat with us. It was lovely. The music was great! The music stopped when Scotty welcomed everyone and the formal Thank You was delivered with enthusiasm by everyone. Such a special group of people. We are so glad to be a part of the Yelpies. The celebration was palpable. Such kindness and acceptance all around. Bev and I wandered in to look around. I'm so happy we did. We met Jay and Millie by the Robots. It was amazing. They took our photo and the robot sketched it out in a Santa Christmas theme . We were able to keep the card. Johnny (the Owner) offered us a chocolate croissant.... I did not say no to that. Yummy,delicious, scrumptious, for a few words. It was a Taste Bud Party in one bite! Thank you. We also got to meet a few others behind the scenes that work there... Amelia at the Bar Cami making sandwiches Ray helping everywhere Debi at the bar Also we met Shawna Charles Toni Bev Gail Nanda Jay and Millie I recommend Kudu Coffee and Beer to everyone visiting Charleston. The value is worth every cent. Say hi to Johnny and Jenny ! Tell them the Yelpies sent you.

    Photos
    Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer - Atmosphere

    Atmosphere

    Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer - Tasty homemade peach pop tart

    Tasty homemade peach pop tart

    Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer

    See all

    The Whale - beerbar - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...