It's cool with me that Big John's wants to be a dive bar, and as others have reviewed, it is the most dive bar in downtown Charleston. But just because your angle is to be a dive doesn't mean I should have to worry about wearing a surgical mask to the bathroom. It's 2013 and they still have a trough toilet in the men's room, which after some long nights, can get very backed up. But the main reason BJ's gets a one star review from me is an incident that happen during my last visit. I had an open tab running and they held my debt card. At some point in the night, a stranger made off with my card and rang up $300 at another bar around the corner. While the bartenders were "looking" for my card, I called my bank and they informed me of the fraudulent charges, which I relayed to the BJ's bartenders. Now, I understand these things happen from time to time but what happen next was the problem. Whomever took my card and ran up the charges actually returned my card to the very BJ's bartenders that seem so concern about my missing debt card. You might think the bartenders would questioned this person about taking my card and the $300 of other charges, but they didn't. I may have been just on the very wrong end of a big mistake but the bartenders at BJ's handled it poorly, and to top it off, they still charged me for my tab. They do have cheap drinks, but so do 29 other downtown bars. I'll pass on this hole. read more

It's fun, dirty, cheap and full of some of the very cool people in Charleston. There are many regulars that gather in and out, depending on the time of the next cigarette break so there is some preferred treatment for the regulars but if you need a quick shot or a few PBR's before you tackle the Market Street bars and clubs, this is the place. Located close enough to the tourist bars but a stand alone place, it has the perfect setting for a quiet night out or a first stop in a long string of bars. read more

Low frills, lower lighting, and the lowest prices in town! That's Big John's Tavern, baby. A favorite of tour guides, Citadel cadets and food & beverage folk, Big John's has been Charleston's best dive since 1955. 2 pool tables, 7 TVs and an immeasurable amount of local color make this a must for those who seek out the local scene while visiting Charleston. They even have live music, damn! What they don't have, though, is an extensive menu, so you may want to eat before you belly up to the bar. read more

Been a dive since 55'... The real charm of this place is it's obvious neglect. Everything seems to be original and plastered with signs and stickers - including the questionably clean bathrooms. We had a few drinks here and enjoyed ourselves. I hope it stays as-is for another 50-years. read more

Talk about an institution! Big John's has survived half a decade of tourist seasons and kept it's local roots. No frills, lots of shots and even more smoke, Big John's is Charleston's version of a dive bar. It's within walking distance of Market Street so it draws in a late night food and beverage crowd. I would give it 4 stars but the smoke is sometimes unbearable. read more

Like everyone else has said, this place is a dive, but the drinks are cheap and the atmosphere is fun! $4 pitchers and $1 shots on a Thursday night? Don't mind if I do! This is not a place to take someone when you're dressed up. There are bras and panties hanging from the ceiling, but that is just part of it's dive-ness! The last time we went, there was a guy spinning music and would let pretty much anyone have the mic to say whatever they wanted! That made for some interesting moments mid-song! Big John's never disappoints! read more

Overheated and tired, we popped in here for a drink to cool off. After we got settled with our drinks, we noticed the walls are decorated with paraphernalia from local organizations and the ceiling is spotted with bras! This is your ultimate dive bar. I asked for a shandy, and the bartender had never heard of it. When I told her it was lemonade and beer, she shouted, 'skip and go naked! I would love to make one for you!' Apparently, that's what they call a shandy round these parts, and they are a favorite...go figure... Overall, a dive bar, if that's what you're in the mood for. read more

If you're the sort of person who's upset their latest application to Jersey Shore didn't make the cut, you will feel right at home. If every other bar in the city of Charleston burned to the ground, I would learn how to make grain alcohol in my bathtub before I gave a dime to this place. Steer clear. read more

When checking out a new city I like to venture out into a variety of new places, and the local dive bar is of course on the list. It's your typical dive--beer, a bit dirty, pinball, and a wide assortment of bras hanging from the ceiling. The beer selection is actually quite good for a dive, and they seem to be getting ready to expand their draft selection. It might have been a bit pricey for a dive, but we ordered good local pints, not your typical dive bar order of PBR. read more

Exactly what we were looking for. Great dive bar, great music, really friendly staff and cheap drinks.

Solid dive. Opens at 3, or whenever. If the door's open, come on in. I lost the $2 "mystery beer" challenge, so I settled for "Icehouse" for my first beer, but I felt right at home wincing as I slurped it down. No pretense, decent tunes, nice "enough" bartenders, and foosball, pool, and sports, what else do you want? Also, they have decent craft beer too. read more

Good closing bar. Fun atmosphere. the bartender helped me pick out a new beer to my liking and was very helpful.. all the bras hanging from the ceiling sure were small tho! IBTC! read more

They call themselves a dive bar, and they are one indeed. Great place for a cheap beer and a game of pool.

Can you say dive bar? I never saw anyone that I would consider Big John here but the beer was cold. I was with a guy named John and he wanted to get a T-shirt but they were out. I saw PBR in coolers below the bar and they had 4-5 bartenders with only 4 partons. I paid my tab on a iphone card swiping device that made me wonder if I was actually paying for the beer or giving the bartender some money. After one beer it was time to move on but it was worth the visit. read more

When we were visiting Charleston in July 2 - 4, we took a Pub Tour, which stopped in many bars; Big John's being one of them. This is truly a local bar, so the drinks are good and very reasonable. If you like to hit "local" bars, this is a must stop place. read more

Perfect for the seekers of a dive bar in Charleston. Not the best beer prices ($2.50 domestics), but you could find much worse in the area. Unpretentious, despite the doorman checking IDs, it is equal to any place in any no frill bar you'd be used to in your home town. read more

Who has a dive bar with no juke box? In my opinion that is essential for a good dive. Sorry big johns loose the cigarette machine and put in a juke. read more

Big John's is the best option for the worry drowner, cheap beer swiller, pool shark and thirsty thurmond down near the market. BJ's just re-felted and re-railed 2 pool tables. I've left my debit card there and the only charge was 15% grat so the bartender could close out. Awesome bar. If not a native of Charleston, it's a must see. Military Vets love this place especially. read more

Got here via a pub-crawl. Place is dirty, old, and gross. Within 5 mins of sitting down at this place our group was approached by a crusty older lady trying to solicit the girls in our group to get on the bar topless. T-R-A-S-H-Y! Will not be going back to this place. read more

Dissapointed. Used to be amazing (like 6 months ago). It's sad that market/eastbay is just a tourist trap now. Thanks carnival.

One of my favorite bars during my time at The Citadel. This place has a lot of character and is the first place that comes to mind when I think of bars in Charleston. More of a local bar but tourists are always welcome. read more

once again, my standard 2 stars. i'm sorry. i just can't help it. maybe i'll tell you about the first time i made it to big john's. i wasn't just with friends but also with my brother (of all people), and luckily we had already been drinking heavily (if you're going to big john's, drink heavily). well, we walked into this sea of people swarming to the bar like moths to a flame because there on the bar were half-naked girls dancing. i guess if you're a guy, this is a selling point. there were also a gazillion bras suspended from the ceiling. i kept my clothes on and therefore couldn't possibly last long at big john's. it's not like that every night, though, and they do have two pool tables if you're willing to play the sharks; they Are cheap and unpretentious, and if you're a smoker, come here and smoke yourself into oblivion. ok i had to upgrade to a three. this bar has soul....and too many stories to tell. read more

Nothing beats the old school grilled cheese on sourdough. The roast beef and burgers are great also. Say hey to Tyler behind the bar, always a good time. read more

This place is a dive, but fun. There is a great selection of beers and a full bar. It seems to be a hangout for local tour guides, so there is always someone interesting to talk to. read more

I'm giving this place 5 stars because every time we go, it's the best part of the night. We have made it a ritual to end our bar nights here, because we know it's going to be fun. The place is loud, and I might need to get a tetanus shot after, but that's the allure that draws us in. Cheap beer, good live music and sticky floors. Don't expect to have a classy time, but expect to have a blast. read more

a classic dive with great drink prices and no frills. the live music that night was great and Phil (bartender) and the rest of the staff was aweosme. he was an os and redskins fan and alot of the staff were from the DMV so it was cool talking with them about home....the crowd was a mix of preppry, hipster, middle age etc and everyone seemed to get along...stop in for a drink and you will stay for another. read more