For many, the delicate rattle of ice in a glass or tiny bubbles bursting can best be accompanied only by the tinkling of the ivories. What could please more than relaxing with a cocktail and enjoying piano music, both freshly rendered? Only southern comfort included of course, and fittingly, there are many local piano bars to satisfy in the beautiful downtown Charleston area.
Hall’s Chop House is located at 434 King Street. A pianist delights on a baby grand nightly from 7-11 and weekly on Sunday mornings from 10:30-2 during Gospel Sunday Brunch. Hall’s features a full bar and an extensive wine list. The property is gorgeous, and the vibrant atmosphere is inviting. More information at http://hallschophouse.com.
Another piano venue is Charleston Grille located inside the Charleston Place Hotel at 205 Meeting Street. World class jazz is presented seven nights a week — Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday from 7-11, and Thursday-Saturday, 8-midnight. The piano is often accompanied by other instruments including bass, drums, and trumpet. The dining room and full bar offer an ever-changing menu and an extensive wine collection. More information at www.charlestongrille.com.
The Thoroughbred Club is also located in Charleston Place Hotel. It boasts a full bar, large wine selection, and an extensive bar menu in a hunt club atmosphere. Thoroughbreds also has teas from around the world. Enjoy a seat at the bar or on the sumptuous leather couch while listening to a pianist play your favorites daily, 1 p.m.-11 p.m. and Sundays, 1 p.m.-10 p.m.
A cozy, intimate place for live piano music is the First Shot Lounge at The Mills House Hotel. Sip a cocktail while luxuriating in a huge, over-stuffed chair overlooking the courtyard. The Mills House Hotel is located at 115 Meeting Street. View their website at www.millshouse.com. Call ahead for that evening’s pianist’s schedule.
The Swamp Fox Restaurant and Bar, complete with a baby grand piano, is located in The Francis Marion Hotel overlooking Marion Square Park at 387 King Street. The lounge offers a full bar, full menu, and a wonderful pianist every Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Enjoy a cocktail, listen to the piano, and watch the comings and goings.
Charleston, South Carolina is known for its history, southern charm, and fabulous eateries. It is also a city most willing to soothe with elegantly delivered, polished, rich piano music. Someone, somewhere is tickling the ivories nightly downtown, and you owe it to yourself to partake.
