Charleston: Speakeasy Sagas Prohibition Pub Crawl

The "Charleston: Speakeasy Sagas Prohibition Pub Crawl" offers an immersive journey through the city’s vibrant Prohibition-era drinking scene. This intimate tour blends captivating historical insights with the thrill of specially-crafted cocktails at renowned bars and lounges. As participants stroll from the U.S. Custom House, they’ll uncover the tales of bootleggers and speakeasies that once flourished in the 1920s. With limited capacity, this exclusive experience promises an unforgettable glimpse into Charleston’s hidden drinking history. What secrets might these speakeasies hold?

This experience made our list of the 15 Best Drinking Tours In Charleston.

Key Points

• Explore Charleston’s Prohibition-era drinking establishments on a 2-hour guided walking tour that provides historical insights and cocktail tastings.
• The tour is limited to 6 participants, is wheelchair accessible, and offers a Reserve Now & Pay Later booking option.
• Highlights include learning about Prohibition’s origins in Charleston, hearing entertaining stories, and experiencing specially-crafted cocktails at top bars and lounges.
• The tour includes drinks and gratuity, providing great value for money, with an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 based on 154 reviews.
• Charleston was a hub of underground liquor trade during Prohibition, with over 1,000 speakeasies operating in the city and notable establishments, such as Casablanca Lounge and Moonlight Distillery.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Charleston: Speakeasy Sagas Prohibition Pub Crawl is a 2-hour tour that takes participants on an exploration of Charleston’s clandestine drinking establishments during the Prohibition era.

Priced from $35 per person, the tour is limited to just 6 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

Conducted in English, the tour is wheelchair accessible, and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Guests can book their spot and pay later, while ensuring to check availability for the starting times.

The meeting point is the U.S. Custom House, at the East Bay Street side entrance, where the guide will be waiting.

Booking Information

Guests can book their spot and pay nothing today through the Reserve Now & Pay Later option.

To ensure availability, they’ll want to check the starting times for this 2-hour Charleston Speakeasy Sagas Prohibition Pub Crawl.

The meeting point is the U.S. Custom House, on the East Bay Street side, where the guide will be waiting.

The tour is limited to just 6 participants and is conducted in English, with wheelchair accessibility.

Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Highlights of the Experience

This Charleston Speakeasy Sagas Prohibition Pub Crawl offers a unique blend of history and social experience.

Participants will learn about Prohibition’s origins in Charleston during the 1920s, hearing entertaining stories from that era.

The tour takes guests to the best bars and cocktail lounges in the city, where they can taste specially-crafted cocktails.

The combination of an informative historical tour and a fun social night out makes this experience truly memorable.

Guides are praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm, providing an engaging and insightful look into Charleston’s Prohibition past.

With drinks and tips included, this tour offers great value for money.

Included Features

The Charleston Speakeasy Sagas Prohibition Pub Crawl includes a guided walking tour, where participants can enjoy drinks and gratuity for the guide.

The tour isn’t suitable for those under 21 years of age.

The experience highlights include:

• Learning about Prohibition’s origins in Charleston during the 1920s
• Tasting cocktails at the best bars and cocktail lounges in the city
• Hearing entertaining stories from the Prohibition era
• Experiencing a combination of history tour and social night out

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Customer Reviews

Participants have praised the Charleston Speakeasy Sagas Prohibition Pub Crawl, with an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 based on 154 reviews.

The guides, particularly Jamie, have received high marks for their knowledge and enthusiasm. Many participants highlighted the fun and informative nature of the tour, noting the unique stories and experiences they encountered.

However, the transportation aspect of the tour earned a slightly lower rating of 3.7 out of 5.

History of Prohibition in Charleston

During the Prohibition era, Charleston found itself at the heart of a thriving underground liquor trade.

Speakeasies and bootlegging operations flourished, catering to the city’s thirsty residents. Local moonshiners and smugglers took advantage of Charleston’s strategic coastal location, bringing in illicit alcohol from the Caribbean and other sources.

The city’s vibrant nightlife and lax enforcement made it a prime hub for the Prohibition-era black market.

Some key facts about Charleston’s Prohibition history:

• Charleston was home to over 1,000 speakeasies during the 1920s
• Notorious bootleggers like "Big" Jim Corbett operated lucrative smuggling rings
• The city’s port was a major entry point for rum-running ships from the Bahamas
• Local politicians often turned a blind eye to the thriving underground liquor trade

Notable Speakeasies and Cocktail Lounges

Amidst Charleston’s vibrant Prohibition-era nightlife, a handful of speakeasies and cocktail lounges stood out as beacons of illicit allure.

The Casablanca Lounge, hidden behind a bookcase, offered a sophisticated speakeasy experience with its art deco decor and expertly crafted cocktails.

Another notable haunt was the Moonlight Distillery, accessible only through a nondescript alley, where patrons could indulge in moonshine-based libations while enjoying live jazz performances.

The Crimson Cabana, meanwhile, drew in a more exclusive clientele with its hidden entrance and intimate, underground atmosphere.

These establishments catered to those seeking to circumvent the law and sip their way through the restrictions of Prohibition.

Practical Tips for the Tour

To make the most of the Charleston Speakeasy Pub Crawl, travelers should plan to arrive a few minutes early at the U.S. Custom House, East Bay Street side (back entrance), where the guide will be waiting.

A few practical tips to keep in mind:

• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the tour covers several blocks.
• Bring a small amount of cash for any additional drinks or tips.
• Be prepared to show valid ID, as the tour visits bars and lounges.
• Pace yourself, as the tour includes multiple cocktail tastings over the 2-hour duration.

The combination of historical insights and lively storytelling makes this Charleston speakeasy tour a unique and engaging experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the Tour Guides Provide Food During the Tour?

No, the tour guides do not provide food during the tour. The tour focuses on visiting bars and cocktail lounges, where participants can purchase drinks. Food is not included as part of the overall tour experience.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and attire appropriate for visiting bars and cocktail lounges. The focus is on the historical content and experiences, not on formal attire.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Alcoholic Drinks?

Participants cannot bring their own alcoholic drinks on the tour. The tour includes drinks, and it’s not permitted to consume outside beverages. This policy ensures all guests have a consistent experience and follow applicable laws.

Are Private Tours Available for Larger Groups?

Private tours are available for larger groups, though the maximum group size is limited to 6 participants according to the tour information. Guests should check with the tour operator to inquire about options for private or custom group experiences.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Bar/Speakeasy?

The tour typically spends 20-30 minutes at each bar or speakeasy, allowing participants to enjoy several cocktails and learn the history behind them. The exact time spent at each location may vary depending on group size and pace.

Recap

The Charleston: Speakeasy Sagas Prohibition Pub Crawl offers an immersive journey through the city’s vibrant Prohibition-era drinking scene. Blending historical insights with cocktail tastings, this intimate tour introduces participants to the tales of bootleggers and speakeasies that flourished in the 1920s. With specially-crafted drinks and a visit to renowned bars, it’s a thrilling way to explore Charleston’s rich Prohibition history.

You can check if your dates are available here: