Restaurant Reviews

Bar Mash

January 12, 2017

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.

Also it’s dark enough that you can get away with not wearing makeup notthativedonethatimjustsaying

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.


Like a boss.

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!

Thanks Caty Cain for the photography skills.

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).

I have no idea what watermelon-basil shrub is, but it’s delicious.

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.

Accio cocktail!

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.

Say, what’s in this drink?

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.

Tots + roasted tomato gravy + smoked pork = heaven

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.

And they taste pretty good, too.

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.

They should serve fried brussels at the movie theatre.

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.

And my opinion is clearly the only one that matters.

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!

At least it photographs well!

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.

Just go. But make sure you save me a seat at the bar!

Mash
701 East Bay Street
Charleston, SC 29403
843-793-2636
Read Sydney G.‘s review of Mash on Yelp
Bar Mash Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

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  • Marianne | Basil & Bubbly January 12, 2017 at 2:55 pm

    love love love Bar Mash. They make THE BEST Daiquiri I’ve ever had, and those brussels sprouts always hit the spot.

  • Tori Williams January 12, 2017 at 6:17 pm

    Ahhh I love this place! Have only been once but it blew me away and I’ve been dying to go back!

  • Liz Martin | Charleston Weekender January 12, 2017 at 11:48 pm

    Just went there and love the game options! Plus the tots… I couldn’t stop!

  • Amy Lauren January 13, 2017 at 4:21 pm

    Looks like I need to try this place out- sounds like the food prices are fairly reasonable as well for downtown and the quality.