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    Philosophers & Fools

    4.8 (28 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

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    Ted K.

    Philosophers and Fools is an awesome little bar / cafe / book store in downtown Charleston. I came in for the first time this weekend with a couple of friends to discuss our latest book obsession, and it was a perfect spot for this. They have $1 popcorn which tastes just like movie theater popcorn, 1 cent Swedish fish, coffees, alcoholic beverages, and some other small food items. The popcorn and Swedish fish were delicious. I also had an iced coffee with oat milk and it definitely hit the spot! The environment is quiet enough to read and relax, or converse with your friends at the bar. I really enjoyed coming here and hope to be back soon!

    From the edge of the bar towards the front door and storefront windows.
    Jeff N.

    I found Philosophers & Fools through my extensive Yelp search for cool bars and restaurants. This one I discovered was both a bookstore and a wine bar, which appealed to me, and I knew it would appeal to my wife. Therefore, I checked out the establishment with her on our last day in Charleston before we returned to Florida. The establishment didn't disappoint on our first visit. While the bar area and lounge was quiet for a Monday mid day, the vibes were warm and welcoming by the store and bar manager. The back area lounge was quite stylish and comfy, while the fine-wooden bar area offered wine, craft beer, coffee, other beverages, and other small bites. We picked up some books including one I am enjoying called "Wicked Charleston." The cold brew bred me more life as I would need it for the travels back to the tropics. We really loved our time at Philosophers & Fools in Cannonborough, and hope to see it again when we return around New Years.

    A comfortable retreat after touring other parts of downtown. I found a good book to read later and on the way back home.
    Peggy C.

    A cozy welcoming spot to relax in a find a good book to read on my flight back home. I really enjoyed their selection of organically produced wines.

    The perfect amount of whimsy.
    Liz M.

    The best of concepts. When describing it to my family, I said that the book selection was limited from a full book store, but way better than what you would get at an airport book store. Options for everyone. Lovely staff and enjoyable drink selection.

    Karen T.

    Terrific concept (although I think a sipping whiskey would be nice). The bar is bigger than I thought it would be and the seating area smaller. Both work well though. Loved the date-stamped "library card" bookmark!

    Fatty Light!
    Teddy W.

    6 months later, this place is still a staple of the Elliotborough neighborhood downtown. Neighbors won't like me saying this but for those not on foot, you can usually find a parking spot on Rutledge. Bogard street is a little hit or miss. Perfect for someone that works remotely to get some quiet work in. Nice paninis / Sammie's for snacks if you're going during the day. We each had a glass of Pinot tonight. Works well for me to wind down after work from 5 or 6 to close at 8.

    Pinot noir and the menu
    Stacey P.

    My newly met friends and I wandered the streets of Cannonborough looking for a place to grab a glass of wine when a woman approached us and provided two suggestions in opposite directions. When asked which was better she pointed down the street and said, "Philosophers and Fools" so off we went! This little wine bar / independent bookstore is new in the Charleston area having opened less than two months ago at the time of this review. It still had that new store smell that of fresh paint and new drywall. A commanding wooden bar is immediately noticeable upon entering and nearby are a variety of bookshelves neatly arranged and perfectly faced. There also was a nook where there were a few comfy looking chairs that one could read and sip. I instantly was reminded of a similar themed bookstore / wine bar in Asheville but this was on a much smaller scale. The owners are also the operators and they discussed the process of how they selected their books and I never thought how much energy must go into creating an inventory from scratch. They are a neighborhood bookstore and wine bar and decently near Verns and Chubby Fish that if / when either has a long wait time P&F is a great location to sip a glass of wine and pass the time. They have a solid wine selection, several beers, a hard seltzer, and several nonalcoholic beverages from coffee to hot chocolate. I had two glasses of wine and thought both were excellent. Highly recommend stopping by!

    Part of the Fantasy section
    Jada J.

    I only wish I had more time to be in this place. It was so cute and adorable and will forever hold a special place in my heart. From the reading bar to the reading spot in the corner-- absolutely amazing place to pop on by. They have newer books as well!

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    2 years ago

    Loved the drinks, popcorn, owners are super cute, great ambiance. I loved everything about it.

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    2 years ago

    Toooooooo loud!!! Food very good, service good, however, the noise level was intolerable. We could not have a conversation!

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    2 years ago

    Such a nice place to chill and have a casual (and inexpensive) drink with the gals! Went here before dinner and will 100% be back

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    2 years ago

    Such a fun bookshop! A little of everything, tasty beverages, and friendly staff. A place for all bookish folk to go and enjoy.

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    2 years ago

    Great vibes with cozy reading spots!! The owners were so nice and hospitable. Also a great book selection and layout!

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    Ask the Community - Philosophers & Fools

    Review Highlights - Philosophers & Fools

    Philosophers and Fools is a quaint local bookstore tucked away on Bogard Street.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    Philosophers & Fools - bookstores - Updated June 2026

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