While walking around Charleston, I came across The Tavern. The woman working welcomed me inside and started sharing the history of the place. It is the oldest liquor store in America. With that being revealed, of course I had to make a purchase. I got to a mini mason jar of the first legal moonshine in the flavor Apple Pie, and it is quite tasty. read more

The Tavern at Rainbow Row - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

This is a small but interesting package store. It is the oldest liquor store in the country. They do carry a nice selection of bourbon as well as other spirits. There are two entrances and the other entrance features a tantalizing selection of craft beers. Some are available cold and by the can and others by the six pack. Stop in for a little bit of history. read more

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Oldest liquor store in America! I love the history of this place, super cool. They have two separate "stores" one for liquor and one for beer and wine. One of our tour guys said they are going to put a bar here which I think would be great. The inside was very neat! read more

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Pretty cool liquor store located on rainbow rows. They have a good selection of local spirits. read more

The Tavern at Rainbow Row - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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The service is always great, and friendly. This isn't a big store, HOWEVER you get the experience of shopping in the oldest liquor store in America. It's a great nice store, definitely recommend. read more

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Rename this place and call it the Let Down at Rainbow Road. My husband, an avid beer & liquor enthusiast, was looking forward to checking this place out. First off, two entrances. we walked through the entrance on the street corner. Walked in and through. We said to each other, is this it? I made a comment to the young man working at the cash register, " I am surprised you don't make shirts and capitalize on being the oldest liquor store in America." His response, " Oh we do. Next door. It's all a part ofthe original building/tavern." My husband looked at me with a little glimmer in his eyes that there was still hope this could be a cool place. We walked in next door. The man working looked grumpy and his shirt was too short, his belly was just hanging out. No hype. Nothing special happening here. I tried to engage in conversation with the guy and he wasn't having it. Some chic was trying to sell him cans of beer without labels. Things were overpriced. We left feeling very let down. read more

The Tavern at Rainbow Row - the window of a liquor shop - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Good though small selection of booze (liquor only) a short walk from anywhere in downtown (down peninsula really) Charleston; would've saved me a bundle if I knew about it 2 days ago but g***le maps ghosts it. Right next to the exchange- bonus points! Bldg dates to 1682, go to the oldest liquor store in N America!! read more

The Tavern at Rainbow Row - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

I love the history of this building and the great selection of stuff hard to find in normal beer wine or liquor stores! The new staff are knowledgeable and friendly- not just clerks behind a counter. Highly recommend on your visit to Charleston! read more

The Tavern at Rainbow Row - Great eclectic beer selection! High-end wines as well. Oldest commercial building in South Carolina! - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Tavern at Rainbow Row claims to be the oldest liquor store within the United States, having been selling spirits in the Holy City since 1686, which is truly amazing. The place is, as you might expect, small and if you hit it with other customers, cramped. I stopped by to get a bottle of Dewar's, a rather common scotch, but they didn't have it. As the place is so small the stock doesn't amount to much though they carry a number of what I would call gimmicky items such as Moonshine. The history of the place makes it more than what it really amounts to. read more

The Tavern at Rainbow Row - the entrance to the restaurant - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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It's Americas oldest liquor store so you know I'm there to checkout their selection during a three day visit to Charleston. I was told they have rare stuff. The two story exterior is darn cool on a corner. It's been there since the 1700's. They received liquor by horse drawn carriage in the day. The store is small but packs a punch with rare hard to find liquors. The bourbon selection is strong. However the prices are steep on the hard to find allocated items. The clerk was not too involved and I was the only customer in the store. Keep in mind all liquor stores in SC are closed on Sundays. 3.5 rounding up with selection. read more

After visiting Rainbow Row, my girlfriend and I stopped by The Tavern to see the oldest liquor store in America (signaled by the three red dots). We didn't end up getting too much but did pick up a small shooter of White Lightning Palmetto Moonshine which was fun. The cashier was very friendly and we had the same wallet :) I recommend stopping by. read more

I did it, I visited the oldest liquor store in America. Am I an alcoholic or just a person who likes to explore history? We will never know. This place is next to the dungeon & provost which housed many pirates I'm sure who visited here and had some rum just like Cpt. Jack Sparrow. This is the spot, it's an amazing place to visit also they have an excellent selection of liquors, beers, and an excellent staff member. Got to try some Howler Head Whiskey since they don't allow it in Texas! Be sure to check this place out, bucket list item? Could be! read more

The Tavern at Rainbow Row - The oldest liquor store in USA! - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

This was my favorite experience in Charleston! We just happened to be walking down the street as they were pulling people inside for a tasting of moonshine. After a group of 15 or so people had gathered inside, we were treated to a bit of history behind the store and a sample of several of their moonshines. We also received a lesson on how to take a shot of moonshine without having it burn. My boyfriend and I loved it so much that we decided to get a sampler pack of mini bottles to bring home with us as they were approved for flying. I personally enjoyed the apple pie moonshine the best. As a history buff, I was fascinated being in a building that was built in 1686. I felt like I had been transported back in time. read more

The Tavern at Rainbow Row - people walking in front of it - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Tavern Wine and Spirits Amazing staff and one of the most fun experiences I've had on my trip to Charleston. If you are looking to learn about the oldest tavern in North America and see a wide variety of wine and spirit, their selection is top shelf choice! The staff are so much fun, making your visit one to always remember! read more

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We always like coming to this spot and grab some wine when we are in town. We love the history behind the building (as other have already said, it is the oldest liquor store in America!). It is a very small building and it can get cramped if there are too many people in there, but we have never really had any problems with that. read more

I love stopping in to The Tavern when I'm downtown and in need of liquor. It's super small, so wait outside if there's a crowd inside. I went in looking to show my brother around, who was visiting from NY, and I ended up being the one buying something. Palmetto Moonshine had a sampler package and I bought that for my wife for Christmas. Service is always friendly, and sometimes you'll get some lively music being played outside while you shop or walk by. You never really know what you're going to find here. Also, how often can you say that you went in to the oldest liquor store in the country?! read more

The Tavern at Rainbow Row - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The guys were very helpful in picking out a beer that suited me. The atmosphere was awesome and the location was great. The beer was excellent and the canned it right in front of me. read more

The Tavern at Rainbow Row - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The store is small but had a great selection of liquor. Had a bourbon tasting while there! read more

The Tavern at Rainbow Row - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Love the that this is the oldest running liquor store/tavern in America. Prices are on the high side, but it's 2022 (BA) so what isn't expensive. We got a bottle of local bourbon, but haven't had chance to try. It's on the corner to the right of the Exchange and Prevost building. read more

While passing by a gentleman asked my gfs and i if we wanted to try some whiskey, and who would pass up free booze from a man in overalls and no shirt!! Best decision ever. He gave us a brief history lesson, taught is about this location and how to properly take a shot. I will never ever take a shot the way i used to. and We all loved the moonshine. I had more fun those few minutes in this shop and learned more , for free, than i did at the distillery i paid to go to the day prior. We all ended up getting the 4 pack sampler with 4 diff flavored moonshines. If you're out and about touring the town stop by!!! read more

The Tavern at Rainbow Row - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The Tavern is one of my favorite liquor stores in the Charleston area. I like the history of the location and fun the vibe and atmosphere of the store. The location is very convenient for this part of town and they have a really good selection of some items that you may not see at other places. read more

The Tavern at Rainbow Row - The Tavern - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Yeah its downtown prices on liqueur and wine, but they offer a great selection for the size of the place including local spirits as well. Lots of history here and great staff that is willing to tell a tale or two while they help you shop. Definitely recommend. read more

Very rude attendant. Would not look at you when you spoke and unkind when asked questions about the products they carried.

I was drawn to revisit this magical place to recapture the spirit of my late son, Ben. He held up the store's "JOIN or DIE" flag for a pose with his siblings, on 8/6/16, just 3 mos. before his untimely and accidental death on Election Day, 2016 (11/8) at age 15. I sought the same. Meeting owner, Scott Blackwell was an in unexpected pleasure. When I told him our story, which included the significance of the place, he offered to take my picture. When I decided I wanted local Bourbon to take a part of this special place with me, he gave me a choice. I picked VESEY'S STRAIGHT BOURBON. It sports a beautiful label, a "CHARLESTON DISTILLING CO" with palm tree imprint on the glass, and a future as vessel, with great character and southern charm, for my olive oil (Blackwell-recommended). Scott is passionate, knowledgeable, and friendly. I'll enjoy drinking a toast to my late son, to Charleston, with its historic charm & to Scott's historic store, and I'll embrace this great Bourbon as I bring the essence of it all into my heart and soul! "Amor Manet (Love Remains)." -Steve Pierce (@scharlespierce/@stevepiercetenor/@pfannarbor). read more

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Oldest package store in America, has a lot of local whiskies if not all of them. South Carolina makes some great stuff, especially moonshine. I was traveling and this is my second time in Charleston, and I will be back due to the friendliness and educational aspect that I was given today. If you sell something, you must know your product and Steve sure does. read more

The Tavern at Rainbow Row - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Decent enough selection and pricing for someone stopping in for a quick bottom or mid shelf bottom expect anything remotely rare to be priced at least twice retail. Good selection of local liquors. read more

The history of the place is what drew us to stop by and really the only thing we enjoyed about it. It was cramped as expected and the on tap beer selection was pretty good. But the server was less than helpful and borderline rude. Disappointing to say the least read more

Went exploring in Charleston, South Carolina. Found this jewel. Great selection of Beers and Wine. The staff was amazing . Went above and beyond in service. Beer we got was cold and delicious. Large assortment of wines. Next Door they sell spirits. Nice selection there too. If you're in Charleston head on over. You won't be disappointed. read more

These people know their liquor! It's a small - almost tiny - store packed with most anything you need, plus lots that you don't know you need until you discover it. They introduced us to local South Carolina whiskey and vodka and told us the history behind the labels and the choice of names for the products too. And, up on a shelf, there were several bottles of ultra-super-rare prized unicorn bourbons that, if it were my store, I'd have locked up behind hammer-proof glass. Here, you can touch them and imagine what it would be like to hold them in your warm embrace if only you had the hundreds or thousands of dollars it would take to buy them. read more

We passed by and they were having moonshine and whiskey samplings. The tasting was lively and everyone was super friendly. The apple pie moonshine was delicious and I would definitely come back to buy it! They had a cute flavored moonshine variety pack that would make for a great present. read more

We stopped in for an impromptu tasting of flavored moonshines (apple pie, blueberry, strawberry, & regular unflavored) and the oldest whiskey made in SC. The guy facilitating the tasting was very funny and gave good instructions on how to sample the liquors in order to best enjoy the flavors. I bought the flavored moonshine variety pack and wanted to buy the whiskey as it was strong but smooth but it only came in the large bottle. Supposedly it is still distilled the way it was back when originally made. They were all very good and the flavored moonshine embodied the flavors of the fruits they were flavored with. We were warned on the blueberry to be careful as it seems sweet and smooth "but will have you naked in a tree!" They even offered to hold your purchases if you wanted to walk around but you had to be back before closing or else wait until Monday to pick them up. I enjoyed the little signs that may have been from the origins of this oldest tavern in Charleston. It was an unexpected treat on a lovely day! Stop in when they offer the free tastings or just to walk into a historic place. You won't be disappointed. read more

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I wish zero stars were an option. The proprietor was blasting sports radio the entire time. Despite being the only person in the shop, I was never asked if I needed help. When I did ask for something specific, the man did not turn down the radio, and I had to remove my mask just so he could hear what I was asking, after 3 times posing my question. Highly recommend if you enjoy a terrible experience. read more

It's a really good thing that the gentleman working today is NOT indicative of the success of this business. The man was unhappy, unfriendly and uninviting. And since he expressed that he was working today to specifically "entertain ME" I felt it was important to say that I was SO unimpressed by him that I walked out without making a purchase. Its a shame that someone so unhappy is working customer service. I wouldn't recommend this stop on your walking tour of Charleston. read more

Great little spot. Was the first bar in Charleston, and now is the most educated whiskey house in the city. We had a great chat with the staff and picked up some local whiskey. read more

Not only the Oldest Liquor Store in America, but it has been continuously selling alcohol since it was built by British shipwrights in 1686! Excellent selection of local spirits- some only available there. read more

The owner was an old school sailor type. Fun guy, unique place. He told us it was previously the first bar in Charleston. A place where sailors went to fillup their tankards. Stocks plenty of local liquors. read more

Really cool place! This place has been a liquor store since it's founding which predates our country! Amazing historical stop and the local shop owner is filled with knowledge and history of the local area. Not only does he have a great stock of liquor, but the owner is kind, welcoming, and can really offer insight into the history of this great city. read more

The Tavern at Rainbow Row - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

We love the atmosphere of a true corner shop where locals and visitors come to talk about daily happenings. A true place where you feel the history and what many have experienced, for over 300 years, in this exact location. Community coming together. Throughout the week and weekends, this intersection is bustling with much to see and do. It's common to see many familiar faces in passing as they go about their work meetings, dog walks, post office and lunch runs. If you're a visitor, you pop in to find out local landmarks and favorite places to brunch, dinner or cocktail. Tastings are often ensue, offering a fun vacation feel to this historic location of the oldest continuously selling liquor store in America. read more

Had a very rude exchange after asking about shipping. Was accused, and personally attacked, of trying to tell the gent behind the counter how to run his business. Walked the F out. Will never return. His business will not suffer, and I'll buy my liquor elsewhere. read more

Excellent customer service. The owner is a lively and friendly person. We enjoyed talking futty with him. He helped us in finding a special southern bourbon. His local features several great wines - especially Spanish. read more