Jenny Ferrara and Michael Bourke (provided)
The deceptively tucked-away location of Philosophers & Fools at 50 Bogard St. makes it feel like a discovery every time you step inside this bookstore bar. And there are plenty of reasons you may find yourself becoming a regular.
Maybe it’s enjoying a glass of pinot noir at the bar with a basket of popcorn while you get lost in My Friends, Fredrik Backman’s latest novel. Or perhaps it’s a quiet afternoon coffee paired with Pan: A Novel by Michael Clune, a book you picked up because it will be featured in the September Book Club session. Strike up a conversation with the person on the next stool, who tells you they loved it, and suddenly you’re part of the spontaneous friendliness that defines this downtown gem — whether you live around the corner or drive in from Mount Pleasant, Sullivan’s Island or beyond.
On Sunday mornings, Philosophers & Fools serves croissant sandwiches that are as tempting as they are delicious. You might wrestle with the choice between the Turkey Pressed — turkey, strawberry preserves and brie on a toasted croissant with dressed greens — or the Ham Pressed — ham, Dijon and muenster with greens. Sundays are also “Sunday Spritz with Crosswords & Croissants,” co-owner Jenny Ferrara explained. “We always put out free crossword puzzles for folks on Sundays.”
The third Thursday of each month brings Bingo at the bar, complete with chips, boards and prizes. Players cheer one another on, hoping the next round is theirs to win.
Of course, above all, a bookstore is for browsing and buying books. Many new releases are always on display, and customers often consult the owners or “booktenders” for recommendations.
Ferrara and her partner, Michael Bourke, own Philosophers & Fools and are avid readers who happily share their favorites. One of the perks of being booksellers, Jenny noted, is reading advance copies. Lately, she’s been drawn to fantasy and magical realism, though two of her most memorable recent reads couldn’t be more different: Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhirst — a true story about a couple shipwrecked and stranded for four months — and John Green’s Everything Is Tuberculosis, which blends global health history, disparities in care and personal storytelling.
Michael’s top picks this year include Gliff by Ali Smith and Fever Beach by Carl Hiaasen.
Jenny, originally from Connecticut, worked in advertising before moving to Charleston 15 years ago. In addition to running the bookstore and hand-selecting every title on its shelves, she also serves as communications director for FAB, a business workshop for women in the food and beverage industry.
Michael, originally from Ohio, is a College of Charleston graduate and full-time accountant who manages Philosophers & Fools’ food and beverage program, finances and time behind the bar.
The couple always envisioned opening a bookstore bar “someday,” but the pandemic accelerated their plans. Finding the perfect corner space on Bogard Street, they opened about 18 months ago. Their goal was to create a cozy, welcoming space where neighbors could spend time reading or relaxing with friends. The atmosphere reflects that vision, complete with personal touches like a clock from Jenny’s grandfather and a leather chair from her father.
The menu, like the events calendar, continues to evolve. Five recurring events anchor the schedule, including the Sunday crossword series, Thursday bingo nights, a monthly Book Club and “Extra Credit,” a monthly talk led by a College of Charleston professor. Author talks and chef pop-ups are sprinkled in as well. Book clubs also reserve the living-room-style space beyond the bar for meetings.
Check the website for upcoming events and details: philosophersandfools.com