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    Elsies

    4.5 (11 reviews)
    Closed 2:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)

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    Back door from the hallway/bathroom
    Tracey D.

    Awesome vibe! My first speak easy experience and I'm hooked. Quiet and dark but such a cool setting. The smoked old fashions are great and my espresso martini made with tequila was different. You enter into Elsie's and say the password (there are hints) which continually changes. Once through the "freezer" door you enter the speak easy. Amazing service and suggestions from the bartenders. I can't wait to return.

    Robert C.

    Last March I wrote a review for Elsie's, this new speakeasy in Rock Hill. Unfortunately it wasn't recognized as being for a new cocktail bar and it was instead posted as an Update for its "sister" restaurant, Kounter. I am now reposting this in its rightful place. (Fingers crossed, it remains here this time.) Rock Hill now has its own Speakeasy. In downtown rests a new clandestine hideaway. Elsie's is a wonderful place to spend an hour or an evening with guests. Part of the fun is finding Elsie's. It's next door to Kounter, directly across the Freedom 9 mural alley. But it's well-disguised, hidden behind a small sandwich and deli "bodega". The question to ask is "how do we get in?". Easy, just walk into the deli and give the cashier the secret password (hint -it's available on the Facebook and Instagram sites). You'll then be led through - no, I won't say, that's all part of the fun and adventure - and into the bar. The atmosphere is dark, romantic and serene (caution, cell phones must be kept on silent and no calls are allowed within the club). One side of the carpeted hall has a long bar counter with upholstered chairs, small tables are on the other side and larger group seating is available in the back. There is ample and attentive service, we sat at the counter and were well cared for. Elsie's has an excellent cocktail, wine and beer menu and also a selection of small food plates. We were greeted with a complimentary goblet of olives and almonds- classy! My wife asked for "something with mezcal" and was treated to an off-menu cocktail called "Naked & Famous". Delicious! (And now part of my home cocktail repertoire.) Elsie's is a great group or date-night opportunity just waiting for those of us who hate battling interstate traffic in and out of Charlotte. Check it out!

    Lavender dream
    Ashley J.

    Chris and Chelsea are the best bartenders!! They are so knowledgeable and will make you a cocktail custom to your needs/wants. This was my first time here and I had such a great time!! The vibe and atmosphere is so nice, very quiet like it should be and great for an intimate setting!! Such a great first experience!!

    Brittany M.

    If you are looking for a fun and unique experience in Rock Hill, SC, you've found the place! Delicious cocktails and great vibes, the entire staff is amazing! I come here often and never leave disappointed. Whether you are coming here for a beverage after work or out on a date, this is the place to go in town. 10 out of a 10. Highly recommend!

    Tiki Haze and Lavender Dream

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    17 days ago

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    11 months ago

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    21 days ago

    Got on the list before we ate, went in for a nightcap. Great service, bartender was awesome!

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    11 months ago

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    4 months ago

    This place acts like you are not supposed to drink. We were having a great time then they decide we are not to be served.

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    Alicia F.

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    Ask the Community - Elsies

    Review Highlights - Elsies

    A friend recommended we do dinner at Kounter first and put our names on the list early for Elsie's.

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

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    Old Town Kitchen & Cocktails - Ahi tuna salad

    Old Town Kitchen & Cocktails

    4.1(260 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    I visit Old Town Kitchen & Cocktails at least once or twice a month. The service is great, the food…read moreis excellent, and the prices are fair. I am usually surprised at how easy it is to get a seat. It's a big space which helps but the food is so good. I always anticipate having to wait. Unless there is a sporting event next-door, I can usually find a place at the bar or get a table. If you sit at the bar, hope Mariah is there. She makes a good cocktail and she's incredibly sweet. Food is consistent and very good. Their smoked wings must be the best in town get the lemon pepper rub in the house made blue cheese dip. You won't regret it. The blackened chicken Caesar salad is also a huge hit. I highly recommend this place. Enjoy!

    We arrived at an odd hour, hungry and tired from a day of driving from early morning until about 3…read morepm. We were a little confused as to how to enter the restaurant, but I chalk that up to being tired. The space is wide open and airy, with large windows and skylights. The restaurant was nice and clean, save for something that was splashed on the wall in our booth - but it's a restaurant. There's going to be little picky things here and there and I'm sure it was wiped down by the end of the day! Our hostess was also our server and she was so knowledgeable about the menu. I took her suggestions at every turn and did not regret it. We started off with the Bang Bang Brussels Sprouts app and let me tell you - I could've eaten that as my entire meal. They are SO delicious and I'll be dreaming of them until I can return to Rock Hill. Holy cow, they were good - crispy on the outside, loaded with flavor and just enough spice to give the sweetness a little bite. So good. My husband had the country fried steak and he said it was very good. Not the best he's ever had, he said, but good enough. He wished there'd been more steak and less crust, but the flavor was right on. They were out of the salt and pepper flounder, so I changed my order to the ranch chicken. Ummmm....excuse me. Who says not to order chicken breasts at restaurants? The portion size is SO generous and the chicken is SO DELICIOUS that I, the girl who rarely bothers to take leftovers, boxed up what was left and brought it back to my hotel and ate it as a midnight snack. The grilled zucchini served on the side of it was delicious. If I ever get back, I'll ask if I can skip the potatoes in favor of more of that zucchini! We didn't really have room for dessert, but when we heard about the warm banana pudding, we were curious. DO NOT SKIP THIS DESSERT. If you're a banana pudding fan, this will blow your mind. Absolutely incredible! It's both warm and cool at the same time, caramelized bananas and a torched meringue topping were bowl-licking delicious. All in all, this was a fantastic experience and I wouldn't hesitate to go back.

    Photos
    Old Town Kitchen & Cocktails - Dinning room

    Dinning room

    Old Town Kitchen & Cocktails - Smoked Chicken Wings

    Smoked Chicken Wings

    Old Town Kitchen & Cocktails - Old Fashioned and Signature cocktail

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    Old Fashioned and Signature cocktail

    Kounter - Seared scallops

    Kounter

    4.4(319 reviews)
    0.0 mi

    Kounter in Rock Hill, SC absolutely deserves every bit of five stars. The food was delicious, the…read moredrinks were perfectly made, and the atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and full of character. Our waitress, Brandi (Brandice), was phenomenal -- knowledgeable, informative, respectful, and genuinely happy to be there. Her energy made the entire experience even better. The restaurant itself is deeply rooted in history as part of the Friendship Nine sit‑in location, and you can feel that significance the moment you walk in. It adds a meaningful layer to an already great dining experience. The bathroom was spotless, the prices were very reasonable, and everything from start to finish felt intentional and well cared for. Highly recommend Kounter for anyone looking for great food, great service, and a place that honors an important piece of Rock Hill's history.

    An amazingly creative menu at this small southern town eatery. Reason is that the…read moreowner/creator/chef come into town having been awarded a Michelin Star. That kind of chef and it shows in the food. Fried Ribs ($14) appetizer is a decent sized, four rib, main course plate. These ribs are fried and are delicious with a mild BBQ sauce on them. Totally yummy. For a side I had a substantial bowl of collard greens ($6), done perfectly. Wife had the meat loaf ($15) which was two large hamburger-sized pieces, wrapped in bacon and with a delicious sauce. She did not share them with me. One of those pieces came home with us. Continual iced tea was served for $2. A bit of history is in the hallway of the Kounter building. Nine Black college students served nearly 30 days detention on a prison farm after staging a sit-in at this South Carolina Whites-only restaurant in 1961. On a visit to Kounter in December, I was told by a waiter it's not uncommon to see some of the Friendship 9 eating at the restaurant. Drop by to ogle the menu and take in the historical display. Very interesting and a good insight as to where black people were back then.

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    Kounter
    Kounter
    Kounter - Cake stand slider Beef

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    Cake stand slider Beef

    FM Eatery - Bang bang shrimp lunch special (very light- shrimp a bit over cooked)

    FM Eatery

    4.9(130 reviews)
    7.3 mi

    Another great dinner at Fort Mill Eatery. The birria empanada was a standout and easily one of our…read morefavorites of the night. We also tried the Cuban pupusa, which wasn't our favorite dish, needed something, but still good. The mushroom ravioli was rich, flavorful, and something I'd definitely order again. The jambalaya was very tasty, especially the fish. We finished with the spare ribs, which had great flavor but were a bit dry. Overall, a fun experience with a lot of variety on the menu. Our server was delightful. I'd happily return for the mushroom ravioli and birria empanada.

    This was my second visit, and once again, I was truly impressed…read more From the customer service to the food, everything was excellent. It can get quite busy and loud, so it's not the best place for an intimate conversation, and reservations can sometimes be difficult to get. That said, it's absolutely worth it. The menu changes regularly, so I try to visit whenever they announce a new one. Yesterday, we shared several small plates. The bacon-wrapped dates were phenomenal. I almost ordered a second serving before realizing we still had four other dishes coming! The chicken and waffles definitely satisfied my craving--crispy, savory, and full of flavor. The mushroom ravioli was also outstanding. We finished with the stuffed calamari, which reminded me of something my mom used to make when I was younger. It wasn't Asian-inspired like hers, but the concept brought back some wonderful memories. To top it all off, I enjoyed a delicious dessert while feeling pleasantly tipsy from the evening. I'd call that a win!

    Photos
    FM Eatery - Single open dining room

    Single open dining room

    FM Eatery
    FM Eatery - Bar at the back of the restaurant

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    Bar at the back of the restaurant

    Ay Papi Tacos & Tequila

    Ay Papi Tacos & Tequila

    3.9(94 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    We have been going to Ay Papi's since they have opened. We have always enjoyed the selection of…read morestreet tocos and other dishes as well. Overall, this is a good restaurant with solid dishes. The tacos are street style, small but great flavor. They seemingly always have a special toco to try. Their salsa thats served with chips is always fresh. They also have a side mixed green salad that is served with avocado ranch that is always spot on. I will say the customer service is excellent. Always refilling drinks and asking if the order is correct and assisting in any way. The crowds are hit and miss but there seem to be people in and out. The restaurant is clean and unique. I would recommend to anyone looking for street tacos style food.

    The Food: * Oxtail Taco: A disappointment--completely…read moreunder-seasoned. When you're paying for oxtail, you expect deep flavor, and this missed the mark. * Carnitas & Steak: Decent, middle-of-the-road options. Nothing to write home about, but they get the job done. * Chicken: Be warned--this has a serious kick. If you don't have a high heat tolerance, skip it. * Sides: The rice and beans were a major miss; way too much salt, to the point of being hard to finish. * Churros: Very good The Vibe & Service: The service was actually the highlight--awesome staff and a great atmosphere. They have a $5 drink special which is a steal, though it's definitely on the sugary side. The Bottom Line: It's a nice spot with fair prices, but the kitchen consistency just isn't there. If you're looking for a cheap night out and aren't a stickler for seasoning, it's fine. Personally, the quality of the food (specifically the salt and seasoning issues) means I won't be back.

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    Ay Papi Tacos & Tequila - Hair

    Hair

    Ay Papi Tacos & Tequila
    Ay Papi Tacos & Tequila - Tequila selection

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    Tequila selection

    Elsies - cocktailbars - Updated August 2026

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