Some of the Best of the Charleston Counter Culture – Cool, Hip and Slightly Under the Radar

Charleston has a hip scene, or is that a hipster scene?  Either way, there are some great spots and communities that promote creative integrity, innovative commentary and just a downright quiet place to call home.  It is these places that give Charleston integrity and grit.  Through the forces behind these activities and places, this city continues to flourish with a sense of individualism and raw power.

We want to provide you with the imaginative and hip Charleston that isn’t typically in the limelight, but will keep your juices flowing.

• Improv Night at Theatre 99 – Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, Theatre 99 on Meeting Street (Just behind the bike shop – Yes, it can be easily missed) offers some of the funniest acts in Charleston providing their spin on current events, local culture and more.  Many of the troop members have been together a long time and it shows in their timing, creativity and genuine fun they have on stage and with the audience.
• Chico Feo – Some places bleed culture.  Some just kick back and give you a place of solace and relief and others just feel like home.  Chico Feo, located just off of Center Street on Folly Beach is such a place.  This converted house hosts bands, fund raisers or just a place to sit on the back porch with friends.  There isn’t a place like this and it has all the atmosphere of relaxed beach life.
• Faculty Lounge – This isn’t a place where the teachers hang out in between classes or a stuffy place for suits to drink.  This is a cool place to drink, dance and let loose and what happens at the Faculty Lounge tends to stay there.  Its a place where gangsters, bikers and students can all co-exist in harmony.
• Burns Alley – Their tag line is, “If you can find us, you’ll never forget us”.  That sums it up well.  Not more than a stone throw from King Street, but still hidden way in a corner alley, this college bar, that even locals and alumni call home is the place to go when King Street becomes overbearing.  It is a place that is proud of its cheap drinks and dive status.
• Revelry Brewing – This East Side brewery has lost most of its hidden mystique because of the great beer, hot spot status and reputation, but we wanted it on our list for another reason.  What many don’t know is that this trendy indoor, outdoor spot has hosted pop up ramen nights, Purim parties, bands and fund raisers.  They offer an open arms approach to acceptance and community.
• The Royal American – With a stage barely big enough for 4 people, let alone a full set of instruments, this bar has been witness to some of the best local and Southeast area bands around.  Not to mention, the best loaded baked potato around.
• Elliotborough Mini Bar – If you don’t live in the Elliotborough neighborhood, you may not even know how to find this corner bar.  If you have been there, you know it can comfortably manage about 20 to 30 people.  But while inside you can find exciting events from vegan delights to poetry.
• Purple Buffalo – “The atmosphere that the purple buffalo provides for local artist to express their craft is incredible. It’s really welcome and fun. The sound is great and there’s been a lot of love put into this place.”. This review speaks volumes.  This place is inclusive, gritty, comforting and quietly becoming a creative Mecca.