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    The Whale

    4.6 (29 reviews)
    Closed 2:00 pm - 10:00 PM

    The Whale Photos

    THE WHALE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Hipster
    Casual
    Trendy

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    Recommended Reviews - The Whale

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    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

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    3 years ago

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

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    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

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    Blind Tiger Pub

    Blind Tiger Pub

    3.9
    (1k reviews)
    3.4 mi
    $$

    Our first stop on this Charleston trip & it wasn't on my list but I'm so glad we stumbled upon it!…read moreWe sat outside in the outdoor area, where you order at the bar and the bartenders will bring your drinks, and food out. It was easy & we loved our lunches! I chose the double smash burger which was so delicious and filling! Loved it! Hubs chose the Cobb chicken salad and he loved it! Ate every bite & reports that the chicken was fried perfectly without too many clumps or batter lumps. We would absolutely come back for brunch items! Cool things: the bathroom wallpaper was epic, outside they have a water cooler with cups for self help access & a dog bowl for those who bring their pups. Loved that!

    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 mule
    Blind mule
    Chicken Tenders
    Chicken Tenders
    The Blue chips were delish!

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    The Blue chips were delish!
    Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer

    Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer

    4.4
    (612 reviews)
    2.6 mi
    $

    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
    Atmosphere
    Atmosphere
    Tasty homemade peach pop tart
    Tasty homemade peach pop tart
    Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer

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    The Whale - beerbar - Updated July 2026

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