Speakeasy Sagas – Charleston Prohibition Pub Crawl

The Speakeasy Sagas Charleston Prohibition Pub Crawl invites guests on an exclusive journey through the city’s illicit past. Blending historical narratives and captivating storytelling, this tour explores the landmarks, restaurants, and secret speakeasies that once thrived during the Roaring Twenties. Participants will discover the intriguing world of Charleston’s moonshiners, rumrunners, and flappers who defied prohibition, all while savoring a curated selection of craft cocktails. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, this immersive experience promises to transport visitors back in time and uncover the fascinating details of the city’s rebellious cocktail culture.

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

Key Points

• The Speakeasy Sagas Charleston Prohibition Pub Crawl takes visitors on a journey through the city’s illicit past during the nationwide ban on alcohol.

• Participants explore historic landmarks, vintage restaurants, and bars that once operated in secrecy, while learning about Charleston’s moonshiners, rumrunners, and flappers.

• The tour showcases Charleston’s thriving cocktail culture during the Prohibition era, with a focus on iconic drinks like the Bee’s Knees and Sidecar.

• The Blind Tiger Pub, a notorious speakeasy from the Prohibition era, is a highlight of the tour, where guests can sip on classic cocktails.

• The tour is led by knowledgeable and entertaining guides who bring Charleston’s Prohibition-era history to life with engaging narratives and vivid storytelling.

Exploring Charleston’s Prohibition-Era History

Charleston’s prohibition-era history comes alive as visitors explore its storied speakeasies and hidden watering holes during the Speakeasy Sagas pub crawl.

The tour delves into the city’s rebellious past, when the 18th Amendment’s nationwide ban on alcohol fueled a thriving underground scene. Guests will visit historic landmarks, vintage restaurants, and bars that once operated in secrecy, evading the law.

Along the way, the knowledgeable and entertaining guide regales them with tales of Charleston’s moonshiners, rumrunners, and flappers who defied the prohibition. Participants gain a vivid understanding of how the Roaring Twenties unfolded in this coastal city, where the spirit of resistance and resilience prevailed despite federal crackdowns.

Cocktail Culture in 1920s Charleston

Though the speakeasies of Charleston were shrouded in secrecy, the city’s cocktail culture during the Prohibition era thrived, showcasing the ingenuity and resilience of its residents who found creative ways to indulge their thirst for libations. Enterprising bartenders crafted innovative cocktails using homemade bitters, fruit juices, and other ingredients to mask the harsh taste of bootleg liquor. The allure of these clandestine watering holes attracted a diverse clientele, from wealthy socialites to blue-collar workers, all seeking a taste of the forbidden. The following table highlights some of the most popular cocktails and their legendary origins in 1920s Charleston:

Cocktail	Ingredient	Origin
Bee’s Knees	Gin, Honey, Lemon	The Green Room
Sidecar	Cognac, Cointreau, Lemon	Blind Tiger Pub
Aviation	Gin, Maraschino, Crème de Violette	Masquerade Ball
French 75	Gin, Champagne, Lemon	Planters Hotel
Negroni	Gin, Vermouth, Campari	Charleston Yacht Club

Blind Tiger Pub: A Prohibition-Era Landmark

The Blind Tiger Pub’s history as a Prohibition-era landmark dates back to the 1920s, when it operated as one of Charleston’s most notorious speakeasies, offering patrons a secretive haven to indulge in illicit libations during the nationwide alcohol ban. Today, the pub proudly celebrates its storied past, drawing visitors eager to enjoy the roaring 20s experience.

Visitors can:

• Admire the pub’s vintage decor, which evokes the Prohibition-era aesthetic with its dark, moody ambiance and speakeasy-inspired design.
• Sip on classic cocktails like the Bee’s Knees or the Boulevardier, expertly crafted using recipes and techniques from the 1920s.
• Explore the pub’s nooks and crannies, where hidden doors and secret passages once facilitated the smuggling of illicit alcohol.
• Engage with the knowledgeable staff, who delight in sharing tales of the Blind Tiger’s colorful past as a center of Charleston’s Prohibition-era underworld.

Vintage Restaurants and Bars of Charleston

Beyond the Blind Tiger Pub, Charleston’s vintage restaurant and bar scene offers visitors a chance to step back in time and enjoy the city’s rich Prohibition-era history.

From classic speakeasies like The Vendue, with its hidden entrance and intimate, atmospheric vibe, to historic bars like The Griffon, which dates back to the late 1800s, these establishments transport guests to the roaring twenties.

Visitors can sip on craft cocktails made with premium spirits while enjoying live jazz music or savoring delicious Southern-inspired cuisine.

Whether it’s the elegant Art Deco decor or the chance to imbibe like a true Gatsby-era socialite, these vintage venues capture the spirit of Charleston’s illicit past with style and sophistication.

United States Custom House: Tour Starting Point

Charleston’s prohibition-themed pub crawl kicks off at the stately United States Custom House, a historic landmark that sets the stage for the city’s intriguing Prohibition-era past. Situated along the picturesque East Bay Street, this grand Greek Revival-style building, completed in 1852, once served as the centerpiece of Charleston’s bustling maritime trade, overseeing the import and export of goods during the 19th century.

Today, this iconic structure provides an apt starting point for exploring the shadowy world of illegal speakeasies and the illicit liquor trade that flourished during the Roaring Twenties. As the tour begins, guests can imagine the building’s former role in Charleston’s thriving port economy and the transformative impact of the 18th Amendment.

Key features of the United States Custom House:

1. Majestic Greek Revival architecture
2. Central role in Charleston’s 19th-century maritime trade
3. Oversight of import and export of goods
4. Symbolic significance as a tour starting point for Prohibition-era exploration

Knowledgeable and Entertaining Tour Guides

Guiding guests through Charleston’s captivating Prohibition-era history, the knowledgeable and entertaining tour guides bring the era to life with engaging narratives and vivid storytelling.

Drawing from their deep understanding of the city’s past, the guides regale visitors with tales of speakeasies, bootleggers, and the underground world that flourished during the dry years.

With a flair for the dramatic, they transport participants back in time, painting a picture of the Roaring Twenties that’s both educational and immersive.

Whether sharing little-known historical anecdotes or leading guests to hidden landmark locations, the guides ensure that each Prohibition pub crawl is a dynamic and memorable experience.

Maximum Group Size and Tour Duration

The Speakeasy Sagas Charleston Prohibition Pub Crawl is designed to accommodate a maximum group size of 15 people, providing an intimate and exclusive experience for participants. Lasting 3 to 4 hours, the tour allows ample time for guests to enjoy the city’s Prohibition-era history while visiting a curated selection of historic landmarks, vintage restaurants, and renowned bars.

The tour’s compact size ensures:

1. Personalized attention from the knowledgeable and entertaining guide.
2. Easier navigation through the historic streets and venues.
3. Opportunities for deeper engagement with the local culture and stories.
4. A more exclusive and memorable experience for each guest.

Alcoholic Beverages and Gratuities Included

One highlight of the Speakeasy Sagas Charleston Prohibition Pub Crawl is that it includes both alcoholic beverages and gratuities, allowing guests to fully enjoy the 1920s speakeasy experience without worrying about additional costs.

During the tour, you will enjoy a curated selection of craft cocktails and locally-sourced libations at the historic bars and pubs visited along the way.

The inclusion of gratuities also means guests can focus on savoring the drinks and enjoying the lively atmosphere without needing to calculate tips.

This all-inclusive approach enhances the authenticity of the experience, transporting visitors back in time to Charleston’s vibrant Prohibition-era nightlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Appropriate for Children?

The tour is not appropriate for children, as it focuses on the history of prohibition and visiting bars that serve alcoholic beverages. The content and activities are geared towards an adult audience and would not be suitable for minors.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Accommodations?

The tour does not specifically address dietary restrictions or accommodations. However, guests with special dietary needs should contact the tour operator in advance to inquire about any available options or substitutions.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

Yes, the tour can be customized for private groups. The tour operator offers private tours for groups of any size, allowing them to tailor the experience to the group’s interests and needs.

Is There an Option to Book the Tour in Advance?

Yes, the tour can be booked in advance. Typically, customers can reserve their spots online or by contacting the tour provider directly. Advance booking ensures availability, especially for larger groups or during peak seasons.

Are There Any Safety Precautions or Guidelines for Participants?

The tour provider likely has safety guidelines for participants, such as reminding guests to drink responsibly, providing designated meeting and drop-off points, and encouraging the group to stay together throughout the experience. Safety is likely a top priority.

Recap

The Speakeasy Sagas Charleston Prohibition Pub Crawl offers a captivating journey into the city’s rebellious past.

Guests explore historic landmarks, vintage restaurants, and secret speakeasies, learning about Charleston’s moonshiners, rumrunners, and flappers who defied Prohibition.

With knowledgeable guides, curated cocktails, and an immersive experience, the tour provides an exclusive glimpse into Charleston’s illicit cocktail culture during the Roaring Twenties.