A Few Charleston Bars That Resemble Works of Fine Art

To discuss these iconic works of art — all of which helped shape the way civilization has perceived the general aesthetic over the last five centuries — in the same breath as the bars mentioned in this brief compilation would be, well, brazen at best.

But that doesn't mean we can't have a fondness for them as they stand currently. From rich mahoganies and the finest Edison light fixtures a gift card from Williams Sonoma can buy, to supple leathers and extensive booze collections that would bring a frat house to its proverbial knees, there are a handful of bars throughout Charleston that could be easily immortalized in the Louvre — or at least a super-important issue of Architectural Digest.

1. The Bar at Husk
Honestly, most people end up at Husk's bar to serve as a welcomed form of Limbo until their tables are ready. But once you push that out of your mind, there's an undeniably simple beauty that needs to be appreciated about this bar. It's sturdy, solid, and an all-around utilitarian approach to the classic bar. Whether it be the leather padded stools or the absurdly attractive staff, The Bar at Husk is a beautiful, well-oiled purgatory, indeed.

Husk Restaurant

2. Mellow Mushroom, Avondale
No matter which location you find yourself in, each of the over 150 locations in the U.S. all have a dialed-up whimsy about them that border on the line between playful and psychotropic. The Avondale location is different, though. For some reason the mélange of the multi-corded chandelier and the blown-up portrait of Husk chef Sean Brock, circa the Victorian era, seemingly looming down at all the light touches in his kingdom, makes the entire bar look perfect. We'd imagine it would be somewhere Salvadore Dali would go to whet his whistle.

Provided

3. Edmund's Oast
Considered the restaurant world's Rookie of the Year by some, Edmund's Oast took the concept of fluid design and applied it to nearly every aspect of their establishment including, no, especially the bar. The beauty lies in Oast's ever-evolving selection of spirits from several corners of the globe. There are few places like Oast where you can indulge like a Belgian monk, get knackered like an Englishman, and imbibe like a Southern gent — all under one roof, mind you — in impeccable style.

Rebecca Gallagher

Written and reported by Brian J. Wilder.