Pokémon Go Mania Reaches Charleston Restaurants and Bars

Pokémon mania is taking over the country with the recent release of the new augmented reality addiction, Pokémon Go. The mobile game utilizes smartphone’s camera and GPS to encourage encourage people seek out the fantastical creatures in the real world, which includes homes, parks, and, of course, restaurants and bars.

There are special locations where users can get Pokéballs (how else do you catch a Pokémon?) and eggs (to birth new Pokémon); there are also locations acting as gyms to battle other players called PokéStops. Those spots were determined through Ingress, a previous game from parent company Niantic, using attractions and other points of interest to create the sites.

Many of these characters appear in Charleston restaurants, like Psyduck chilling at the bar at the newly-opened Lewis Barbecue or Pidgey waiting for a table outside Husk (hope you have a reservation, Pidgey).

Other eateries are cashing in on Pokémon fever by offering discounts, trivia, and prizes. on Wednesday July 20, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., The Alley will host a Pokémon GO Happy Hour featuring $3 select appetizers, beers, and house liquors for all Pokémon trainers over 21. Sandwich shop Persimmon Cafe will offer 10% off online orders if you enter promo code POKEMON. Boozy pop shop Crooked Crown hosts Pokémon trivia tonight, July 13, from 8:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Let us know if you spot any characters or deals around town.

Jared Irish

It's a GO for #Pokemon themed trivia tomorrow at #crookedcrown from 8-10:30p. But this is for all levels of trainers, so catch ya there? Tag a friend who is obsessed with Pokemon Go! #kingofpops #pokemongo #chs #charleston #trivianight

A photo posted by charleston (@crookedcrownchs) on Jul 12, 2016 at 5:02pm PDT