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The Woodruff

4.6 (36 reviews)
ModerateWine Bars
Closed 4:00 pm - 11:00 PM

The Woodruff Photos

Business Info

THE WOODRUFF ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Intimate
Classy
Upscale

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Recommended Reviews - The Woodruff

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Reviews With Photos

Anne O.

This is one of our favorite spots. For fresh cocktails and delicious foods. Menus change often, so keep up on FB. But, a standard is their tuna nachos and we get them every time!!! Intimate, beautiful, fresh, attention to detail...love it!

Jacqueline T.

I stopped for a quick cocktail with a friend and it was magically delicious. Definitely on the pricier side, but unique, well concocted drinks if you're looking to indulge and celebrate. I haven't eaten here yet, but I've heard the peach cobbler egg rolls are to die for! Great bar service and a cute atmosphere. Will be back for sure.

Inside view!
Emily V.

Great spot! Parking is somewhat limited but not too bad to grab a spot. They have several outdoor tables and several options inside (regular, high top and bar). Staff were friendly! Cocktail took a little bit to come out but not too long. Even with several tables and most of the bar full, was still quiet/easy to have conversations. The meatballs and Brussels were both so good! Would definitely get either again.

Charcuterie Board
Jules B.

I've been eagerly awaiting the opening of the Woodruff ever since it was announced that a wine and cheese bar was coming to Johns Island. It actually took me a little longer to get over there than I expected! The location is in the new Live Oak Square shopping center on Johns Island. We went on a Saturday night around 8pm and they were pretty busy but we still managed to grab seats for 6 at the community table after a quick 15 minute wait. They have a large wine list and lots of cheese and charcuterie options. The other offerings are more appetizer / tapas style along with a fun dessert menu. My husband and I opted to split a cheese and charcuterie board which was very fun to pick out our options. Cheeses included both local South Carolina and imported options. The boards are served on super cool wooden serving trays with olives, jam, green apple slices and toasted baguette slices. I love honey on my charcuterie so that may have been the only thing missing :). My husband also ordered the sliders and I ordered a soft cheese on the dessert menu that was served with honey and nuts (a somewhat savory dessert option, perfect for an appetizer as well). I wanted to try to peanut hummus but I'll save that for our next visit. The ambiance was great and the decor is very pretty -- a great setting for a wine and cheese night. With limited seating I'd suggest getting there early or being patient enough to enjoy a glass or two of wine if you have to wait for a table. We will definitely be returning, my only hope is that they expand the menu offerings over time and maybe offer something a bit more substantial as my husband isn't as much of a snacker as I am!

Champagne Jell-O shots
Victoria B.

I have had varying experiences at the Woodruff, but the most recent one I had was just great. Two friends and I split a bottle of the Palazzi Garganega, which was delicious. The bartender was attentive and engaging. The highlight of my visit were the champagne Jell-O shots - they were absolutely delicious and served with a tiny spoon so they felt ~fancy~ as well. I highly recommend these - they were only $3 and I believe flavors rotate. I'll be back!

Adorable mouse themed art.
Rikkie K.

Lovely little cocktail space, we only had drinks but the food at a table nearby looked and smelled delicious. Both our cocktails were delicious and well balanced. The art they have up is so cute. Service can be slow but it looks like the bartender and waiters are working quickly and doing their best to fill the orders at every table, and we enjoyed the experience here!

Wine flight
Kristen H.

My friend and I were craving wine and charcuterie and wanted to try a new place. Upon walking in all seats at the bar were full as well as the tables. The bartender saw us and informed us that there were a couple of people closing out so we stayed. We are so glad we did because the food was delicious and they had great wine! The meatballs were to die for, super cheesy, full of flavor and not dry at all. If you're stuck on what wine to get as a bottle, I recommend getting a flight (you pick 3) and then decide! Bartender was very attentive and friendly. He also let us know that they have different specials each week and that they will be having a special ramen night next wed (2/22). We will definitely be back!

The Jell-o "shots"
Katharine M.

The woodruff has a very cool vibe and is different than any other establishment on Johns Island. It feels like a hip trendy wine bar you might find downtown, but tucked in the corner of a Johns Island shopping center. The bartender was great and offered us good recommendations on wine and food. We ordered a bottle of the Pinot Grigio and the pork belly sliders to split between the three of us. Everything was great! I have been here multiple times and they have yet to disappoint. Some of the best food I have had on Johns Island. It's the perfect stop for a date night or a girls day!

Pork buns
Tiarra T.

I want to say first off I will be back here for the wine, the ambiance, the customer service, and vibe. I had such a great time with my friends here and plan to come back to drink wine and have cheese/apps. My friend loved the wine flight. I was a little skeptical about a wine bar having full meals, but I went for it. I thought unique! Now to the reason why I gave them three stars....The pork bun sliders, and the Brussel sprouts were not good. The pork buns where not plated well, and they did not taste well. The spice took away from the taste, and they sat out for a while....so the bread was soggy and the meat was a little cold. The vegetables on the pork bun were not fresh either. The Brussels sprouts had way to much salt, and the aioli on top had no specific taste. I felt like I was eating a salt stick. After getting home, my stomach felt really bad, and started turning. This place is good for wine, and the cute decor. Maybe the wine snacks are good, but the full meal I ordered wasn't good and brought the score way down for the food. I will be back for the wine, so hopefully I can report a better review.

Charcuterie board

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24 days ago

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1 year ago

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8 months ago

Amazing food and service and cocktails. Would send anyone here for dinner the staff is fantastic

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2 years ago

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5 years ago

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3 years ago

Great little spot on Johns Island for charcuterie and other small plates as well as beer, fine wine and signature cocktails.

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4 years ago

I love everything about this place. The food and staff are great. I had pasta, tacos, etc...I love their beautiful special drinks too.

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4 years ago

Great service, warm and friendly staff, delicious food and amazing wine and cocktail selections. Such a lovely restaurant with a fun vibe.

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Kristin B.

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Ask the Community - The Woodruff

Review Highlights - The Woodruff

It's tucked in a little corner in the shopping center right off of Maybank Highway, on Johns Island.

Mentioned in 12 reviews

Read more highlights

The Royal Tern

The Royal Tern

4.5(367 reviews)
0.3 mi
$$$

First time in charleston, SC there are many restaurants in the area and we picked by chance, The…read moreRoyal Tern, wonderful experience food was excellent and our waitress Jessie, was very friendly and attentive. Highly recommend.

Food - 5 stars. Both my girlfriend and I got the blackened…read moreshrimp chowder. Absolutely delicious! I love how they fire the shrimp at the last minute, so they don't sit in a heated soup for hours on end, becoming rubber bands. Next, I got the scallops with the saffron risotto. Yum! Girlfriend got the a snapper dish on a butter bean medley. She doesn't like Lima beans (which these actually appeared to be), so she ate around them, but she loved the fish! Service - 5 stars Our waiter was a nice gentleman named Tony. He was very friendly and helpful and timely with his service. Did a good job of helping my girlfriend navigate the wine menu (she's quite picky). They've actually got some aged white wines (Sauvignon blancs) that are quite different than what she normally drinks (she likes New Zealand varieties), so he steered her clear of them. Ambiance - 5 stars I found the interior of the place to be very inviting. Tall ceilings and modern architecture. A little on the loud side (we had a family with young kids nearby), but not bad. They actually have sound absorbing panels mounted on the ceiling, so you can tell they've given this element some thought. Finally, our table had a nice view of the kitchen and, as an avid personal chef, I really appreciate that aspect. Only odd thing (to me, at least) was that they sat us at a table right away (we arrived right at 5pm, which was when they opened), but told us that the bar seating was by reservation only. Odd...but maybe be the Kentucky Derby was coming on later that evening? In summary, I highly recommend this place and we will certainly be coming back!

Photos
The Royal Tern - Beautiful interior

Beautiful interior

The Royal Tern - Tuna-Salmon Tartare

Tuna-Salmon Tartare

The Royal Tern

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Scotty Doesn’t Know Speakeasy - Parlor room

Scotty Doesn’t Know Speakeasy

4.4(82 reviews)
8.0 miAnsonborough

Scotty Doesn't Know might be one of South Carolina's best kept secrets. Tucked away with true…read morespeakeasy energy, it feels like the kind of place you only hear about from people in the know. The moment you step inside, the Victorian-style décor sets the tone. Rich textures, warm lighting, and that unmistakable southern charm create an intimate, welcoming atmosphere that feels purposely hidden. Katie, serving as both bartender and host, elevated the entire experience. She was gracious, professional, and genuinely friendly the kind of hospitality that makes you want to come back before you've even left. Her Knob Creek whiskey sour was exceptional, easily one of the best in Charleston. Perfectly balanced with extra froth, it showed the kind of craft you expect from a top-tier mixology spot. If you're looking for a speakeasy that nails vibe, service, and cocktails, Scotty Doesn't Know should be at the top of your list. A standout gem in Charleston's bar scene.

Fun, dark speakeasy right downtown and easily accessible with several paid parking lots close by…read more The space is pretty small, so probably on weekends reservations are necessary and don't know if it would be great for a party larger than 6ish. There's a comprehensive cocktail menu and the French 75ish and the tiramisu martini were both delicious ($18 each). The prices are super comparable with other bars downtown. They have a full bar if you'd like a standard cocktail or any other creation I'm sure they could make it. Our server was great and very attentive. The kitchen stopped serving food at 10pm which I wish we had been told when we came in because I tried to order fries at 10:04 and was told I couldn't. Which I understand I just wish I had known. The place is pretty small and dark and very quiet so the perfect place for a calm nightcap.

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Scotty Doesn’t Know Speakeasy - Parlor room

Parlor room

Scotty Doesn’t Know Speakeasy
Scotty Doesn’t Know Speakeasy - QR drink code

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QR drink code

Edison James Island - Gnocchi

Edison James Island

4.6(314 reviews)
6.9 mi
$$$

Always great food at the Edison. Good service and a cozy spot to grab something delicious. Lots of…read moreseasonal options on the menu. Highly recommend!

Gotta admit - I struggled with this one. I ended up getting the West Indies seafood chowder for an…read moreappetizer. It was...good...not great. Had a slight kick to it (spice wise) but very little evidence of actual seafood in it. After much debate about what to get for a main course (and after seeing what other patrons got at the bar where I sat), I decided to get the Moroccan salad with salmon. Again...it was good...not great. I cook way better salmon at home on a cedar plank over real charcoal, so maybe I'm being unfair here? I dunno. The salad itself was heavy on arugula, which I'm not a huge fan of. Which is odd, because I love the flavor of pepper! Anyway, the menu made it sound like it was more fennel-oriented, so... Ended up capping off the meal with the blackberry key lime pie. It was quite tasty. Not the best key lime pie I've ever had, but good. As to the atmosphere, it's nice. My girlfriend has actually convinced me several times that we shouldn't come here because we weren't dressed well enough. Well, let me just say: I saw several guys here wearing jeans, fishing shirts, and ball caps and they fit right in. So: not stuffy at all! Bottom line, it's a good, not great place to grab a meal. I love that it's off the beaten path (i.e., not close to Folly Road). Will def come back with my girlfriend next time. Might try the swordfish or maybe the meatballs next time.

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Edison James Island - Inside dining room

Inside dining room

Edison James Island
Edison James Island - Dinner special

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Dinner special

The Woodruff - wine_bars - Updated May 2026

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