One Final Toast to Blind Tiger

By Mark A. Leon

On January 31, 2016 at 11:59 PM the lease expired on Lisa Brown, the final of five owners of Blind Tiger Charleston; an iconic brand in the Charleston infrastructure and watering hole to thousands in the heart of historic Broad Street.  From lawyers to college students to wedding parties, Blind Tiger has been a fixture in this community since the 1980’s and situated in a building built in 1803.  Soon it will re-open; not in the traditional way we have come to love it, but with a new look an feel.

On this evening, while passing the entrance way, we had the pleasure of a true Charleston moment, experienced and captured.  While observing a line of trash laid across the sidewalk in front of the Blind Tiger mosaic, owner, Lisa and friend Amy walked outside and greeted us.

Our conversation reflected on bar memories, alcohol issues, historic ownership and the esthetics of Charleston.  It was four strangers creating a memories on a quiet Sunday evening.  Lisa invited us inside to continue the conversation.  While sitting on the marble floor, we picked up a bottle of vodka with just a few sips remaining.  In one final encore, we went around in a circle and shared the final shots inside a true Charleston landmark.

With only the final remaining moments of sunlight shining in through the window, we laughed and toasted new friendships and old times in this dimly light bar.  While we embraced the moment, residents walked by peaking their heads and puppies inside and taking the time to give their final goodbyes.

As I looked around, I could see the bars shelves empty, mirrors removed off the walls, light fixtures gone and only the ghosts lingering behind.

As the smooth taste of vodka warmed our spirits, I thought about the Charleston I have grown to love and the changing times.  Part of me was happy and part bittersweet.  A new era is upon us.  We see it everyday and the closing of Blind Tiger is one of the symbols of a changing city.

For a few minutes, we forgot about our troubles and lives and celebrated a neighborhood bar that has withstood so much history.  In one final lifting of the glass, it was closing time.

To Blind Tiger, the landmark restaurant and bar may no longer open its doors to the public, but the memories we carry will stay with us for the rest of our lives.