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    The Tavern at Rainbow Row

    4.1 (39 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 7:00 pm

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    Some bottles for sale
    Brian L.

    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.

    the window of a liquor shop
    Holly W.

    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.

    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!!

    Great eclectic beer selection! High-end wines as well. Oldest commercial building in South Carolina!
    Charleston B.

    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!

    the entrance to the restaurant
    Marqus R.

    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.

    The oldest liquor store in USA!
    Ray D.

    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!

    people walking in front of it
    Abby W.

    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.

    Tavern Wine and Spirits
    Meagan H.

    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!

    Timothy A.

    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?!

    Ben T.

    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.

    Candace B.

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

    Nancy T.

    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!!!

    The Tavern
    Evan G.

    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.

    10/21/20-Steve Pierce (@scharlespierce) upholding the same flag as his late son, Ben, did on 8/6/2016-3 mos before his accidental death.

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    3 years ago

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

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    Ask the Community - The Tavern at Rainbow Row

    Review Highlights - The Tavern at Rainbow Row

    We just happened to be walking down the street as they were pulling people inside for a tasting of moonshine.

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

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    Photos
    Wine cellar
    Wine cellar
    Refrigerators with beer and wines
    Refrigerators with beer and wines
    Entrance

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    Entrance

    The Tavern at Rainbow Row - beer_and_wine - Updated July 2026

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