Charleston’s Prohibition cocktail bar opens downtown Columbia location

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A popular Charleston cocktail bar has opened a Columbia location.

Prohibition, the award-winning cocktail bar on Charleston’s King Street corridor, will open its speakeasy-inspired restaurant and bar in Columbia at 5 p.m. today, April 10, according to a news release.

Located at 1556 Main St. in the historic McCrory’s Building, Prohibition Columbia will expand on the decade-old flagship location, serving seasonal, small format dishes, a curated list of classic and craft cocktails that pull inspiration from the Prohibition era, and an extensive catalog of international whiskey, the release stated.

Executive Chef and Partner Greg Garrison, who also helms the kitchen in Charleston and sister concept Repeal 33 in Savannah, Ga., and chef Analisa LaPietra open with a menu of smaller format dishes, the release stated. The dinner menu is organized into four categories: vegetables, seafood, meat and poultry, and oven-prepared selections.

Bar Director Jim McCourt, who is known for his innovative craft cocktails and twists on classics, has created a cocktail menu specifically for Columbia, the release stated. Opening cocktails will include riffs on classics, including the Main Street Manhattan, as well as delicious, light cocktails perfect for spring. Following in the footsteps of Prohibition Charleston, Prohibition Columbia will house an extensive list of rare and collectible whiskies.

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For the design, James Walsh, Prohibition founder and partner, once again collaborated with New York-based Benjamin Kay from Adorn Designs to create a space that embraces the aesthetics of a 1920s speakeasy in a more modern and open environment, the release stated.

Downstairs, the repurposed, full-service bar runs the length of the dining area leading to a large, elevated stage at the rear of the space, the release stated, which will feature local, regional and national live music acts.

“We’re excited to join Columbia’s incredible live music scene by bringing in some really great acts from favorite local artists all the way to celebrated national artists,” Walsh said in the release. “We look forward to welcoming a range of artists to ensure that we have something for everyone.”

Upstairs, the private mezzanine area gives guests an overhead, panoramic view of the space and stage, making it an ideal spot for private parties, the release stated. The space will also offer private and corporate event options that accommodate larger parties.