Upper Deck’s Replacement Elicits Groans Around Charleston

Well, at least cherished dive Upper Deck Tavern won’t be a trendy Prohibition-era cocktail bar. Owner of Gilroy’s Pizza Pub, Brian Wolter, tells Charleston City Paper that the recently shuttered Upper Deck will soon become King Street Bait and Tackle.

The Lower King saloon was home to PBRs, camaraderie, Sunday night karaoke, liquor shots, and bartenders willing to lend an ear for over 16 years, so fans probably weren’t going to be happy with any replacement. When Charleston City Paper posted the news, Facebook comments ranged from “lame” to “boo.” A friend of Eater snarkily confided, “I’m just going to go on their Yelp and leave reviews complaining that they don’t actually sell bait or tackle and that I wasn’t able to fish in Colonial Lake.”

From what Wolter tells Charleston City Paper, it sounds like the new bar at 353 King St. will still retain much of the dive aspect, as customers will be able to buy two hot dogs and a beer for $5.

• Almost Two Decades Behind the Counter at Gilroy’s [ECHS]
• The Owner of Gilroy’s Is Reopening Upper Deck as King Street Bait and Tackle [CP]