Here’s a review of Torch Velvet Lounge I wrote 2/16/11 for a different site. Enjoy.
Torch Velvet Lounge, King Street, Charleston, SC
Torch had been on my list for quite some time, so I was excited when my buddy's bar choice was ruled out by an excessively long line.
“Oh, weird, there's Torch right next door. We should just go there.”
The bar was pretty dark and it got darker the further back you went. I had heard some less than favorable stories of what occurs in the back of the bar, so I hung up front.
The bar wasn't that special – fairly typical actually. Besides the standard bar, there were couches, pillows, comfy chairs and a tapas menu. Nothing all that exciting.
The only thing that really sets Torch apart is that they are a hookah bar. For those who are unaware, a hookah is a device that you smoke a flavored tobacco out of. It's usually a water-pipe and looks really funky.
Most hookah bars feature an assortment of flavors to sample and Torch was no different. We chose the apple flavoring and it was actually pretty tasty. It didn't feel like you were actually smoking which was a huge plus. Between the smoking and drinking, I was quite relaxed. I really enjoyed the bubbling sound of the water in the pipe every time I took a long drag. It added to my relaxation.
I had a good time, but I'd have to really be in the mood to smoke in order to return to Torch. I'm not a smoker, so it doesn't appear I'll be going back anytime soon. It's a fun experience though and I recommend trying it once!
If it turns out to not be your cup of tea, there are plenty of great bars, shops and restaurants on King Street that you can go to afterwards.