Prohibition, the award-winning cocktail bar on Charleston’s famed King Street Corridor, will open its speakeasy-inspired restaurant and bar in South Carolina’s capital city this Wednesday, April 10th at 5pm. Located in the historic McCrory’s Building, Prohibition Columbia will expand on the success of the decade old flagship location, serving seasonal, small format dishes that allow guests to explore a range of flavors and experiences, a curated list of classic and craft cocktails that pull inspiration from the culinary trends during the Prohibition era, and an eclectic catalog of international whiskey.
During the Prohibition era, smaller format dishes and finger foods became popular due to the influx of home cocktail parties. In the kitchen, Executive Chef and Partner Greg Garrison, who also helms the kitchen in Charleston and sister concept Repeal 33 in Savannah, GA, and Chef Analisa LaPietra pay homage to the time period behind the concept, opening with an innovative menu of smaller format dishes that are big in flavor and creativity. The dinner menu is organized into four categories - vegetables, seafood, meat & poultry, and oven-prepared selections - all of which feature eclectic uses of each season’s best ingredients and flavors. Opening dishes include the Grilled Asparagus with Artichoke Gribiche, Lemon and Pea Tendrils, the Chicken Kotletki with Yogurt, Dill, and Harissa Butter, the Lobster Roll with Brown Butter, Miso Mayo, and Fines Herbes, White Cheddar Pierogi with Sour Cream, Date, and Onion, and the Tart Flambee prepared in the custom oven with Creme Fraiche, Bacon, Onions, Emmentaler Cheese, and Date Syrup.
Behind the bar, guests will find a dynamic cocktail program and a selection of draft beers and cocktails. Bar Director Jim McCourt, who is known for his innovative craft cocktails and twists on classics, has created a cocktail menu specifically for Columbia. Opening cocktails will include riffs on classics, including the Main Street Manhattan, as well as delicious, light cocktails perfect for spring, including the Drop Kick made with Lost Irish Whiskey, Raspberry, Grapefruit, Lemon and Seltzer and the Stateline Swizzle made with Ten to One Rum, Passionfruit, Lime, Demerara, Mint and Bitters. Following in the footsteps of Prohibition Charleston, whose catalog of Irish whiskey is the largest in the state, Prohibition Columbia will house an impressive list of rare and collectible whiskies.
For the design, James Walsh, Prohibition founder and partner, once again collaborated with New York-based Benjamin Kay from Adorn Designs to create a space that embraces the aesthetics of a 1920’s speakeasy in a more modern and open environment. The rustic style complements the Charleston location through accents of weathered wood reminiscent of a well-loved bourbon barrel paired with ironwork, while the images hung throughout the space pays homage to Columbia’s unique history. Guests will also find a curated collection of authentic Prohibition artifacts that furthers the authenticity of the experience.
Downstairs, the repurposed, full-service bar runs the length of the dining area leading to a large, elevated stage at the rear of the space. The state of the art sound system will further the regular line-up of celebrated local, regional and national live music acts.
“We’re excited to join Columbia’s incredible live music scene by bringing in some really great acts from favorite local artists all the way to celebrated national artists,” explains Walsh. “We look forward to welcoming a range of artists to ensure that we have something for everyone.”
Upstairs, the private mezzanine area gives guests an overhead, panoramic view of the space and stage, making it an ideal spot for private parties to enjoy their own space while still thriving in the energy of the restaurant. The space will also offer private and corporate event options that accommodate larger parties.
Located at 1556 Main Street, Prohibition will be downtown Columbia’s spot for innovative dishes, a cutting edge cocktail program, a curated selection of draft beverages, and live music throughout the week. Upon opening, Prohibition will be open nightly for dinner from 5pm-10pm; the bar will stay open until 2am. Plans for Friday, Saturday and Sunday brunch are forthcoming.
For more information, visit prohibitioncolumbia.com and follow along at @prohibitioncola on Instagram and Facebook.
