Bar Mash

Ok, so I’ve been debating whether or not to actually post this review because I’m torn between wanting to keep Bar Mash all to myself and shouting my love from the not-that-tall rooftops downtown. I finally decided to not be so selfish and go ahead and let you in on a little secret. Bar Mash is amazing. If you follow me on Instagram or Yelp, you’ll see that I’m there all the time (I have a problem). Their cocktails are fantastic, the staff is super cool, the food is tasty, and the atmosphere is comfortable and chill.

If you’ve read my Thrillist article, you already know that I’m mildly obsessed (understatement) with bar manager and mad cocktail scientist Teddy Nixon (and of course I mean that in a fun, adorable, pleasedontgetarestrainingorder kind of way). I could go on and on, but the gist of it is Teddy is awesome and you should have him make some drinks for you.

The cocktail menu changes with the season, but I’ll showcase some of my favorites below. First up is the Arboretum with Hophead vodka, sage liquor, ginger, lemon, rosemary tincture ($12). It was fresh and refreshing and super delicious. I highly recommend it!

Here’s the Heavy on the Vine (St. George Chili Vodka, Blanco Tequila, lime, Watermelon-Basil shrub, soda, $12), which has a happy little kick to it. Definitely more of a savory cocktail (but in a good way).

So normally when I come into Mash, I tend to just chat with Teddy or Elliot or whoever’s behind the bar and have them freestyle something for me mostly because I don’t understand half the ingredients in their drinks anyway. I just tell them what I like, and before I can say “this isn’t considered stalking is it?” BAM a tasty and refreshing cocktail appears in front of my face. It’s magical.

Here’s a mystery cocktail that I don’t know what it is, but I’m really proud of my photo (and I’m confident that I enjoyed it), so I’m going to showcase it here.

Food is also a great option at Mash. Below, I’ll highlight some of my favorite options. My first favorite is the tater tot poutine ($12), which was just added to the menu this fall. They’re topped with mozzarella curd, smoked pork, roasted tomato gravy, and It’s happiness in a bowl.

Next up, pretzel bites with beer cheese ($7). Super soft, chewy pretzels, and a thick, creamy cheese sauce makes for a picture perfect bar snack.

If you’re trying to err on the side of being healthy, the fried brussels sprouts are a pretty tasty option, too. Topped with a grilled scallion vinaigrette, and parmesan cheese ($10), it’s hard not to scarf these down like popcorn.

A recent find of mine was the fried pickles ($8). These house made pickles are done a little differently from normal, as they’re sliced long ways, before being breaded and fried. They’re also served with black garlic ranch dressing, which is the perfect accompaniment IMO.

I’ve also tried the ricotta toast (duck ham, poached egg, oyster mushrooms, persimmon vinaigrette, $12). It’s good, but probably my least favorite of everything I’ve tried. Something about the duck ham just isn’t my cup of tea, but the poached egg on the toast with the creamy ricotta is pretty good on its own!

In addition to their normally great atmosphere, food, and drinks, they often have live music, a killer late night menu, rotating food trucks on Saturday nights, artisan jello shots, daiquiris, bocce, shuffleboard, a huge TV for watching sports games, and probably more stuff that I’m forgetting. *sigh* It’s just the best.

Mash
701 East Bay Street
Charleston, SC 29403
843-793-2636
Read Sydney G.‘s review of Mash on Yelp