How To Drink Like An Artist In Charleston

From coffee to cocktails

by Joseph Coker Oct 31, 2016, 11:00am EDT

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Coffee at Black Tap

| Lindsey Harris

by Joseph Coker Oct 31, 2016, 11:00am EDT

Artist Joseph Coker likes to find inspiration in coffee shops and intimate bars around the Holy City. Wanting to help others with writer's block or other malady stopping you to be your most creative, Coker suggests a few spots where you can break through to new ingenuity.

Like many creatives in Charleston, my artistic self-description is full of slashes. I do comedy, I host my own podcast, and I just recorded an EP in Brooklyn with Roger Grenawalt (Iggy Pop, The Pierces). When I’m out, I’m looking for places that have a bit of the familiar and the strange. The family and the chaos. My brain demands new. That’s where the best jokes, songs, and conversations come from. Here is where I go to be renewed and reminded in Charleston.

Note: Map points are listed in geographical order and are not ranked. Did we miss your favorite spot? Show it some love in the comments, send us an email, or start a forum thread in its honor.

The Orange Spot Coffeehouse

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Most days start with a cold brew and chitchat with Laura Cannon and Julie Simuang, the owners of Park Circle’s adorable neighborhood coffee shop. Order the Karate Man (iced mocha with four shots of espresso), a drink named after me, that is only for people with lots of creative goals and serious caffeine tolerance.

4824 Chateau Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405

(843) 637-4504

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The Sparrow

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Every Monday, you can find me and a huddle of the best comics in Charleston telling jokes at Neil Bansil’s comedy open mic held at the Sparrow. Owner Cami Kind or Gordon Keiter will usually be working the bar, which is back dropped by gorgeous pop culture murals in black and white. There's no specialty cocktails here, but their vibe, the shows, and the staff make it worth it — I'd get a vodka soda.

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1078 E Montague Ave, N Charleston, Park Circle, SC 29405

Cutty's

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Cutty’s is the dive bar of champions. With the aesthetic of a rundown Soviet nightclub, it’s a great place to go deep in conversation (or vodka sodas) and the impromptu after party for every Rip City, the best variety show in town.

Bogard, Charleston, SC 29403

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Top 10 Charleston Dive Bars for a Shot and a Beer

Elliotborough Mini Bar

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Mini Bar is like a living room that will sell you wine, and I mean that as a compliment. The small space and beautiful acoustics make it my ideal environment to play music gigs, and the clientele are chatty and kind.

18 Percy St, Charleston, SC 29403

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Tin Roof

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Tin Roof has been keeping cool alive in West Ashley against all odds. The best bands and comics in town frequent here, making it a perfect place to be inspired. Christmas lights and pin ball machines give the bar a familiar feel. Order an alcoholic slushy then hit the Autobahn food truck parked out front for flavorful Asian-cuisine-inspired sandwiches.

1117 Magnolia Rd, Charleston, SC 29407

(843) 571-0775

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