photo from kaminskys.com
Susan says…
Part of my reports from the Charleston, SC / Folly Beach area
This has to be the best bar idea ever. Located adjacent to T Bonz restaurant on Market Street in historic Charleston SC, Kaminsky’s satisfies both your thirst and your sweet tooth.
The interior ambiance is romantic and intimate. A large bar stretches across one side of the space. Brick walls, dark woods and low-lighting complete the stage. It’s a small space, holding about a dozen tables. We were seated immediately when we arrived but as we lingered, the place became packed with tourists and locals.
Not only does Kaminsky’s offer a variety of beer, wine and liquor, but they also shake and serve specialty martinis and alcoholic milkshakes! A selection of homemade desserts, varying daily, is the first thing you’ll see in the glass case to your right as you walk through the door.
Service was impeccable: prompt, professional and friendly with a side of humor.
Ron went with the liquid menu, a Highland Gaelic Ale for $4.75, but the girls and I were geared up for some chocolate! Hope chose the brownie ice cream sundae for $4.75 – a traditional dish of a warm brownie (with or without nuts) topped with vanilla ice cream, chocolate fudge and whipped cream. Hannah went with the Bailey’s Irish Cream Cheesecake, also priced at $4.75. I decided to steal from my children.
The brownie was rich and decadent… moist and fudgy. The contrast of the warm brownie with the cold ice cream makes a winning combination. I couldn’t really get my spoon in there, though – Hope was defending her turf well. Moving on to Hannah’s plate, she willingly gave me a bite of her cheesecake. One. Little. Bite. The bite I got was creamy and dense with the flavor of Bailey’s running through it.
Realizing that my plan had been foiled, our server, Damon, asked me if I liked peanut butter. Of course! He returned with a glass a little bit bigger than a shot glass, but same style, filled with layers of chocolate cake and a peanut butter whip. I don’t know how much that cost, because it was on the house. And it was absolutely delicious. It reminded me of my favorite candy bar – the Resee Cup. Two great tastes that taste great together.
The drink prices were what I expected but the desserts were a bargain. With the great service and atmosphere, we stayed longer than we intended so I also sampled one of the specialty martinis for $7.50.
This was one of our favorite dining experiences of the trip. Kaminsky’s is now on our must-visit list any time we come to Charleston, SC. FOUR FORKS.
Kaminsky’s Most Excellent Cafe 78 North Market Street Charleston, SC 843-853-8270
Yea, the best bar ever is usually the one someone is drunk in at the time.
“oh mmmman, this ish dthe beshtest bar ever. I love you guys.”
I didn’t say it was the best bar ever…it is the best bar IDEA ever.
I would rank Mario’s Fishbowl as the best bar ever IMO.
(A review of Mario’s Fishbowl is coming soon.)
Unless the new owners have changed it since the last time I was there, I wouldn’t call Mario’s a “bar.” Bars serve liquor. Mario’s is (was?) more of a beer joint.
I also think it was way cooler when it was and Mario and missus and the genuine article, but I do give the new owners credit for not going too far too make it modern.
It’s sort of like the Mystery Hole in that regard. Sometimes , it’s the personality of the originator that makes a place really special more than the place itself and try as they might successors can’t recapture that.