Lagunitas Charleston Taproom and Beer Sanctuary

Address:	161 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Phone:	+1 843-853-4677
Site:	lagunitas.com
Rating:	3.7
Working:	Closed 12–9PM 12–9PM 12–9PM 12–9PM 12–9PM 12–9PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 24

Brenda Overmyer

While living in Charleston, Southend was a favorite of ours. So, when we came back to visit we were disappointed to find it was no more, it was replaced with Lagunitas. My husband and I decided to try it out, it looked like it still had the same cool vibe we enjoyed. There was a live band and several patrons seemed to be enjoying themselves. It was open seating so we grabbed a picnic table and waited...and waited. There were several staff members wandering around, doing anything but addressing us. The hostess finally came over and got our drink orders and brought some peanuts and pretzels. We waited at least ten more minutes before a server came over to ask if we wanted a different drink. They didnt have tea machines yet, so my husband wasnt able to get his sweet tea. We didnt try any beers so I couldnt attest to their selection. After we declined ordering something other than the water we had originally been brought, he left again. We waited another long while before he came back to take our orders. The restaurant was not at all busy, maybe this shouldve been our hint. The food at least came out quickly, but mine was burnt and had no taste. I ordered the chicken club and the tomatoes were the most flavorful part of the sandwich. I ate the chicken strip off the bread and the tomatoes. My husband enjoyed his pulled pork sandwich but his potatoes were also burnt to a crisp and didnt hardly touch those. Overall, I would not recommend this place to anyone and I will not be returning.

Lisa Rudolph

Terrible ambience. They couldve done so much to this place to make it comfortable, inviting and give it a good vibe - but they didnt. The seating is mostly beer garden benches that belong outside... in a beer garden; theres one long booth that faces directly into a wait station; a few very small 2-seater high-top tables around the glass center; and a bar, that should be the feature in a brewery, is tucked away on the side with very limited seating. It would be so cool if their bar, instead, wrapped around the center windows that surround the tanks of beer. Also, some cozy booths and tables/chairs (with backs) in the front windows and along the side where the current bar is would be more welcoming to guests. Since Im already familiar with Lagunitas beer, coming here was more about eating than drinking because we were hungry and cold. But the menu wasnt anything worth mentioning. So, because we didnt feel comfortable in the restaurant (even after trying 3 different spots to sit), we left. So, while I already know their beer is good and they dont sell any beer in the restaurant thats not already distributed, Id recommend simply buying it at a grocery store. For good food, ambience and service, go to Cumberland St. Smokehouse down the street.

Justin Williams

This is Southend Brewery with better beer. Im a huge fan of Lagunitas and particularly enjoy their IPA. When I found out they were coming I was very excited for their arrival. Past history with Southend Brewery was not good food, not great beer, and overpriced for what you got. So when it went away I had hope. Tried it out last night and found that the food was nearly exactly the same experience with about the same prices. The beer was better this time around though. The environment is OK enough. You seat yourself and will be served by a waitress. Service was not bad but nothing overwhelming either. Simply put, Id only go here for the beer or the nachos (if you feel like dishing out $11). I really hope they step up their game and get some better food going.

Ashley S

Walked in thinking it was still southend brewery. Decided to give it a try even though i was dissappointed from the beginning. The menu was basic. Pizza and sanwiches and bar food. Nothing spectacular. Didnt even have french fries. No meals or whole dinners. Congrats people!!!! You turned what was a family friendly place to eat with a great menu into yet another downtown bar with adequate drinks and less adequate food. You missed the mark at trying to be trendy. I, nor any of my family and friends visiting from out of town will be patronizing your new establishment. And i work in a tourism related occupation and will not recommend this place to anyone i come in contact with at work.

Terzia82

Die Kritik am Ambiente ist nachvollziehbar. Das Lokal hat schon die Anmutung einer Halle. Es ist aber ein professioneller Betrieb, der wirklich gutes Bier ausschenkt. Nicht die üblichen schlechten und wässrigen amerikanischen Biere, sondern crafted.

John Miller

Family friendly beer-hall style brewery. The service was fine, food (mainly appetizers) was delicious, and the beers had a nice selection. Excellent stop for lunch or dinner. Fun fact: Troegs in Hershey, PA and Lagunitas here both use the same spicy mustard for pretzels and both are worth the visit. Cheers!

Chrys Blackstone

This is a Lagunitas joint. Purple on the inside but still historic on the outside. Look forward to beers coming from the old Southend tanks and any special Charleston only brews too. Third floor is the merch floor for all your Lagunitas swag and be sure to ride the elevator for a special auditory treat!

John Whitehill Jr.

Crafted after their beer garden in Petaluma! I dont know what people are complaining about. Solid establishment, good beers that paved the way for much of the craft beer scene around the country... super happy to see a great spot!

Jennifer Martinez

Great beer, great service thanks to Ben. Had fried green tomatoes and the prawn avocado salad, both were excellent. My mom had the burger and gave two thumbs up. My son loved the music. Pricing for the area is superb.

James Richardson

Shrimp and grits with bellpepper? Pulled pork sandwiches with salad? Good brews, weird menu, average/mediocre service. This place is a little unfocused; Spanish name, beer garden seating, Appalachian style music.

Jim Michael

Its now a piece of Charleston history. Closed my friends. I liked it when it was still in business but thats the restaurant and brewing business for you. Here today gone tomorrow. Cheers!

Yolima Urrego

What a fun place!! The beer selection was wonderful and the food was delicious! If you go in the evening the 3rd floor loft is open for drinks. Fun place to go on a date or with friends!

Diane West

Disappointed. The food was beyond terrible. When a great brewery becomes a stamped out cookie cutter McDonalds experience we all lose hope I would never go there again

Michael Sokolov

Eventhough I dont like ipa beer - Im really impressed with the atmosphere of this place. Would love to spend my evening there again.

Nate Simon

Just getting into their groove now that they are a Lagunitas TapRoom. Definitely worth stopping by for a visit and some fresh beer.

ddrack1312

Great pizza and house beer! Service was confusing and slow (ex. Took 10 minutes before someone came to get our drink order alone)

Jason Warren

Our server Julia was the best! Nachos w/brisket is worth going back for. Love that the old buildings have been saved.

mark hoffman

Good beers, great service. At the Charleston location, just opened last September, just in time for Hurricane Mathew!

Brittany Willard

Great atmosphere, great beers, great customer service! Cant go wrong with a stop at the Charleston Lagunitas!