Gene's Haufbrau

I specifically looked up German restaurants near me and was excited to try this one while passing through SC! Both bar tenders were very attentive and kind, I was served food and drinks at the bar! They allowed me to order my favorite German drinks! I had a Colaweizen (coke and beer mix 50/50) with their draft Paulaner München beer and I also had a Trojan Horse (coke and Guinness) both of which were so refreshing even though the bar tenders hadn't made it before! I ordered the pretzel and schnitzel and it was very good!! The beer cheese is great. Not a huge fan of the steamed cabbage but I really enjoyed the rest and it was a nice place to check out by myself. There was some cool art on the outside of the building too which was fun to see! Great place, poppy atmosphere and awesome staff and food.

Very cool place that was established in 1952. Local bar with pictures and stickers all over. Wine glass was not clean and had somebody's lipsticks on (Yuck) but bartender went and cleaned another glass for us once we showed him that.

Awesome little dive bar! The burgers are some of the best in have ever had! Great prices! You do have to order at the bar and that can be a little hard if they are super busy, there were only 2 people behind the bar and they are doing everything. 10/10 would eat here again!

Visit this place every time we come down to visit friends, usually 6-7 times a year. Was recently down there and was playing Shuffle Board with a buddy, and my shorts got caught on a screw hanging out of the table. Let the Bar Tender know so no one else would do the same or worse! Bar tender gave me a free beer and took my name to pass on to the owner who was on vacation. The owner got back to me immediately when he got back apologize for the delay in a response. Offered to cover the cost to replace my shorts!!! Totally wasn’t expecting that, but the offer was nice touch. Definitely will keep going back to this bar!!

Gene's I love you! Haha but really it's my friend groups favorite spot to have some fun and get some late night eats. The pretzel and cheese holds a special place in my heart. I do wish the cheese cup was a little bigger...seems a little small if you think about the bread to dipping sauce ratio but it's still a win. Shuffle board is our go to and recently tried the arcade bowling game...think wii bowling sort of...it was fun. And if that's not your thing, they have plenty of board games, cards, darts, pool, golf simulator game. It's a blast! Drinks are great and bartenders seem to always be on it. Plus you always meet all types of characters and can get a wide assortment of beer that's hard to find.

This place is so cool, oldest in Charleston, SC. Started with the artichoke dip and pita chips- AMAZING, Crawfish Salad with a sweet jalapeño dressing- I was very nervous about the dressing being hot but it wasn’t hot at all, just gave it a jalapeño flavor. Buffalo Ranch salad. And had really cool artwork alongside the building.

We love you Gene's. 5-star dive bar. Best place in WA to get a good beer and catch up with friends over some pool.

Was expecting a little more of a German beer hall style, but it's a decent spot anyways. Pretty good beer selection, and the staff was friendly and helpful. The couple of appetizers we got were awesome, particularly the chicken strips, they were amazing.

Love this place! Food, service and beer selection are all great! Lincoln behind the bar will keep your drink full while cracking jokes! I highly recommend Genes if you're looking for a laid back spot! Folks in the kitchen kill it! Everything we have tried has been excellent!

I have been meaning to go here for a long time. I mean, I'm German, it sounds German (except it is hofbrau, not haufbrau). The bartenders are nice. They have decently stocked beer coolers. It's a decent vibe. The two German-themed foods looked terrible on the menu, so I picked a burger. The burger I got was garbage. There was a tiny amount of BROWN avocado on it, same with the peppers and feta, just a dusting. The bun was old, wet, and gross. The fries were half as good as gross Burger King fries. Why don't they care about their food program? I ate it anyway because I did 20 years in the army, but hopefully, it doesn't finish the job that Al-Qaeda started. I will return only if someone forces me to at gunpoint.

Perfect local bar. Great wings, fair priced drinks, pool tables and arcade games. Had a ton of fun with the boys this weekend

Gene's Haufbrau in Charleston, South Carolina is hands down one of my favorite places to grab a drink and a bite to eat when visiting. It's one of the first places that I tell my friends I want to go when I come to visit, and for good reason. The blue plate specials are really fun and always very tasty! The friendly staff always make sure you're well taken care of and Gene's is known to have the best craft beer selection in Avondale. It's top-notch, with a wide variety of options to choose from. Even though I'm a vodka-with-club-soda kind of guy, I always appreciate a place that my beer slugging friends can enjoy a good. But the best part about Gene's? The atmosphere. It's cozy and casual, making it the perfect spot for a casual dinner or a night out with friends. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good German beer hall? So, if you're ever in Charleston, be sure to stop by Gene's Haufbrau and raise a glass with me. Prost!

Bartenders are family, tons of beer to choose from. Wings and corn dogs are my fav! It's my go to place in west Ashley

Great food, really and a laid back bar. Really friendly folks working there. Awesome local spot for West Ashley.

Ask me how I can give a dive bar that's been here for well over 50 years five stars? Well I can because they deserve it! Some of the best Wiener schnitzel around! It is their house special. They also have daily lunch specials that are always fabulous! Beer you say? They have about any kind of beer that you want on tap and buy bottles. If you want a very cool break weather is for lunch or dinner or just hanging around, then jeans Hofbrau is your go to place!! As a matter of fact I wish I could go there right now for their fish Friday with two sides!

Meat and 3 this is your place. Wings..they have you covered. Schnitzel yup that's a must try here. This place has been a staple in the Avondale area forever. You can't go wrong with stepping in for some good GM food and service.

Surprise. What a great place and the food is quite good! Bartenders are entertaining and appreciative.

Food was okay and the service was excellent. It's a good place for a drink at the bar!

It's a hit or miss here. You either get served right away or they go to every single person besides you. It's been the same bartenders for YEARS and it's fascinating to me that I get served quicker when it's slammed then when the bar is not busy. I had to walk out Wednesday night because I was just sitting there hoping one of the two bartenders would make eye contact with me. They seriously need to do better, I felt super unwelcome. The food is actually pretty decent for a dive bar but I'm taking a break from going here. I walked into roost after leaving here and got served in less than 30 seconds and it was way busier over there.

I was so excited to come to Gene's for the games and shuffle board. I had so much fun playing shuffle board there but when it was time to order a drink I was skipped over time and time again. They served people at the bar that came after me. It was so ridiculous and I didn't feel welcomed. I was waiting for 20 minutes and they just kept serving others besides me. I ended up leaving to go to Roost and was served in a minute. I understand there was only two bartenders there at the time but I waited patiently 20 minutes before I ended up leaving. Please be more self aware of the customers at the bar. The friends I was with were also skipped over.

All meals are too salty, but it might be good for drink. I ordered blue plate specials and it supposed to come with drink, but they forgot it. Totally, I'm disappointed.

Enjoyed a cold beer then hubby had the bratwurst sandwich that he loved. I had blue plate pot roast special that was delicious. Nice sized portions of food and good atmosphere

Bartender was out front by himself but did a great job. Food is good and reasonably priced. Will definitely go back.

Loved Genes for a delicious beer, welcoming atmosphere and the crawfish salad (the jalapeño vinegarette ) it was a fun few hours and I got some help with the days Wordle

Best bar in Charleston. Line for drinks can be a bit long on a weekend, but that's anywhere decent in Charleston. Alcohol is cheap for the area, has two pool tables, and friendly staff. Honestly it has my favorite food in the area, and I'm upset no food delivery service has them on there app. The food is incredible. It's a dive bar, but not a sports bar, reminds you of that place from home you grew up that your dad would always take you, you know the one. I love Genes!

Good place. Wife and I stopped in for a couple of drinks and maybe a bite to eat. We did decide to eat, glad I tried the Wiener schnitzel, just a good all around meal, better than most, reasonable price as well. Wife liked her chicken quesadilla, with half it going back to the hotel as another meal. Drinks and service were spot as well. Heavy beer list also.

Gene's is a long time staple in Charleston, and specifically Avondale. Parking can be a pain, but there is a small pay lot next door and lots of street parking if you don't mind searching and walking. I just build it in to the trip when I head here, so as to not be upset when there isn't much available. They have a pretty extensive beer selection, both on draught and in bottles/cans. Not too much of a liquor variety however. If you're coming here for something other than beer and pool, and a laid back atmosphere, you're probably in the wrong place anyway. It's good for a standard cocktail or shot, but not much more. They have a small room with doors in case you want/need privacy. We have had a few meetings in there, but the lighting could be improved. With our group though, I didn't much mind the darkness. If you're a smoker, they have a small covered area outside now. Food is typical bar food, but I like some of the apps pretty well. Others were impressed with the sandwiches. I don't usually eat here, so I will leave that portion of the review to someone else. If you're looking for a very low key hangout to throw back a few beers (or more), and maybe shoot some pool, or play jenga, this may be your next "go to" spot too.

Dive bar? Yes, I don't know what else to call it. My kinda place! Plus, I live in the neighborhood so I can walk. PBR on draft for $3 which is pretty cool. I rarely play pool but there's a lot of that going on too. I have heard the food is great (surprised?) but I've never tried it. 5 stars all the way!

Have been meaning to go here for years but somewhere else always seemed to come first! Finally got here today and the Blue Plate Special was a total winner, and they have a different one each day, Yummmmm! The Haufbrau is a down home bar with great food and beers, don't delay anymore, go try it.....you'll like it Mikey!

There's good and not so good in Gene's. First the good - prices are exceptionally low. Five adults and 2 little ones got out for under $100, including 4 beers. Not at all used to this in the greater Charleston area. They have a nice beer selection, as one would expect. Decent bar-foodish menu which I enjoyed. I opted for the bratwurst sandwich with fries and a beer, as I decided to be less than health conscious that evening. The brat was decently good and the fries were very good; prepared and seasoned nicely. They have a number of TVs around with sporting events playing, but none of us were interested in them. Service was just OK. The not so great of Gene's is that it is getting on the divey side. I do love a dive bar, but with our group, preferred something a little cleaner. All in all, a solid place and I'll be back!

2 stars for service, 2 stars for margarita - it's a beer spot with a tasty margarita- I'm 3 in with 3 shots, do it!

I've been coming here for a long time and apparently its also the oldest bar in Charleston. I've been away for two years and nothing has changed! Great beer selection and great above par food selection. Beyond your average bar food but will satisfy all your greasy spoon needs if that's what you're looking for at midnight (personally, I'm a big fan of the crawdads) They don't have the best happy hour on earth but in true Charleston fashion, they do have a happy hour. Great staff too. High five, very nice.

Gene's does have the best craft beer selection in Avondale with plenty of drafts and even more in bottles to choose from. I enjoy coming here on my nights out bar hopping around in Avondale to escape some of the insanity of some of the smaller places. Not that Gene's doesn't get crowded, just that they have more space compared to The Roost & Voodoo which makes it easier to relax with some friends while having a beer and maybe hear each-other talk. I only ate here once and it was for a very hungover brunch many moons ago so I won't comment except for the fact that it did the job as far as I recall. Board games all over contribute to its divey-ness but I'm sure that's what they're going for.

This is my go-to bar on a weekend night. They have a plethora of board games to play as well as a couple pool tables and dart boards. The prices are reasonable and even when you're up playing games, there is a waitress coming around and checking on you to bring new drinks so you don't have to play roulette to see who leaves the group to get another round. I also can appreciate their variety of beers and their music selection, but I'm not sure I would eat here..

Gene's has a great atmosphere and it has a huge selection of beer from all over the world. For example, I had some Japanese light beer when I visited last and it was awesome. The food is also very good and cheap! It's good for happy hour, game day, late night and those who love live music as well. Another great quality is simply the location. It's right in the middle of Avondale so if you decide to go elsewhere, you're right in a social hub.

Got there about 4:30 on a sat, bar full, sat at the table, no one came over! So, we left. Go figure. Oh yea, the rest of the tables were totally empty!! Is this any way to run an airline? I can't speak for the food or drinks, never had any. Will I go back, if it's like this when almost empty, what is it like if a full house?? Bad night maybe? Frank G

Well! Let me just start out by saying this is me and my husbands favorite place to relax, eat and drink. It's a wonderful five bar/restaurant that we discovered along the way while moving here. I always make it a point to order something new and different I've never tried from the menu. ALL the food I've had here is simply delicious! I get hungry just writing and thinking about their food. :) From burgers, wings, appetizers and classics during the week...I am always left full and satisfied. Their beer collection is off the charts, love the trivial pursuit games they got on each table and the staff is super friendly and attentive. I honestly don't know what the other. What I've reviews are about but never have I been shunned or forgotten here. I look forward to each time I go here because I *know* I will leave satisfied and happy. Give this awesome dive bar/restaurant a chance and I'm certain you will not regret it

Cheesy, bacon ranch fries - YES! Chicken tenders - YES! Ranch burger - YES! Plus a lot of beers on tap, too. There are other items on the menu, but why mess with the perfection of decadent bar food, right? Gene's seems to have been around forever and I hope its longevity continues. Definitely divey and not trendy, this Savannah Highway icon is a nice compliment to the newer establishments in the Avondale area. There are TVs for sports fans, board games available for friends and families (our daughter loves that), and pool tables, too. There is a smoking area OUTSIDE, but make sure to sit away from that door because the second hand smoke does filter inside sometimes. When you need bar comfort food or a good beer in a spot without prevention - head here!

Great lunch special! Meat and two sides with a drink for $8.50. The only thing better than the price is the flavor of the fried pork chops on Mondays. Oh boy I can't wait to try their other meats during the week. This place is a total hidden gem.

This place is great! The food and drinks are out of this world! Can't wait to come back. Best Bloody Mary I have ever had! Great music too!

The beer selection is over the too and great selection and price. I ordered a burger and a beer for a late lunch. The burger was cooked just as I asked along with a hefty portion of fries to go with it. The quality of both where good and was a very enjoyable with a pint to German lager to go along with them. I do feel like the price was a little high for what your getting during the day. Maybe once a few beers are consumed the prices would be more acceptable I would recommend it, but maybe the schnitzel is the way to go.

The good, lots of choices of beer, they offer a lot of board/card games if you happen to be with a group of friends, and serves food pretty late. The bad, parking is awful, service good be better, as could the food. Out of the bars in the Avondale are, Gene's is on the lower end of choices.

Great chill place, old school local place and it's a great place with tons of beer options! Pool tables, shuffle board and assorted video games Brunch is great, Loaded fried are to die for Avondale burger is also great!!!

Its not really a german beer house, and its not a sports bar, but its a good place to get a cheap cold beer in Avondale. Bar food pretty good service. The bathrooms are sketchy at best.

Stopped in here last night with some co-workers, prior to going to our work related Christmas party, and had a few drinks. Plenty of seating, not too busy around 6pm, and a wide selection of drinks. Draft menu can be found above the bar on a digital screen (3 of them) that rotate at random intervals. I went with ol' faithful and got a Holy City pint, and never looked back. Service was quick and friendly. I can't comment on the restrooms because I never made it to the back, and really only visited my table and the bar. Parking can be a bit of an adventure outside, so be creative. All things considered, this was a good first experience and I hope to be back again in the future to try out some more options on tap.

What makes Gene's so unique is that it is just outside the city limits of Charleston in the Avondale area but caters to a local and city crowd. It is a nice escape with a warm staff, amazing beer selection and most of all games.. Not just pool but Yahtzee, Connect 4 and Chess. Yes board games. You heard me... What can be more fun. And...You cannot smoke inside. Another big bonus.

My 5 year old says this is his favorite restaurant. Us adults love it because we have a choice of many craft beers, cocktails, and our favorite- Jameson. The kids enjoy the small arcade area. Bartenders are fun and helpful. Best dive bar around!

Stopped by late Tuesday night after Craft Conundrum closed and I was glad to finally check this place out after driving by it dozens of times over the years on my Charleston visits. It took the bartender a little longer than it should have to acknowledge us but we got our drinks quickly and the prices were decent. I thought they had a decent selection, but with the competition in the immediate area (Oak Barrel, Fermentory, etc) I think they made need to step up their game a smidge. It seemed like a pretty chill place and it was really busy for a Tuesday night. Reading the reviews, I'd like to try the food next time as well!

What a cute bar in an even cuter area of Charleston! Came here after the mimosa festival and it was delicious! Everyone split a variety of appetizers--cheese fries, fried green tomatoes, egg rolls and a crab dip were ALL good and the best part--cheap! My favorite was definitely the fried green tomatoes with the pimento cheese! A variety of beer to choose from to shit everyone's tastes! Definitely recommend this for snacks and beer!

Being of German decent, I have not found a location that serves any single entree nor app that has a German influence. I dont expect to see kartoffle-glassen on the menu at Pete's Pig Paradise (no such place), but the lack of ethnic cuisine in CHS is really disappointing. Well, at Gene's I can score sour-bratten and chase it with a Francis Kaner Weisse Bier, ON TAP!! That still blows me away, its just so unique to see that. The burgers are fantastic, I have had all of the apps, everyone is a one way ticket to Deliciousland. Back to the beer: If the yeasted German brews do not tickle your fancy, there are about another thousand to two to choose from, from all stretches of the globe, but bring a few extra bucks if its going to be a long night of drinking the good stuff. Pool, skeet-ball, games (board games are available) darts all are there, if you have your beer sports in mind.

I've spent many a night at Gene's. The beer selection is awesome, the bartenders are delightfully sassy, and the prices are very reasonable. I love to come hang out, play a game of pool, darts, or trivial pursuit on the table. The wings, burgers, and fries are all delicious and typical bar food. The bathrooms are the only thing that I'm not a huge fan of. But when it's just a ten minute walk from my house, I really can't complain too much!

Loves Genes!!! For sure a place to go numerous times a week. Great great bar food and the largest selection of beers around. Pool Tables and classic arcades to include table board games put this place in the top bars in Charleston. Definite dive bar but great all around. Staff is top notch. Only thing I wish is bar seats had backs on them. Haha but check it out for an amazing evening of fun and food and cold Beers

Pretty awesome beer selection, both on tap and in the bottle. Quite a few European classics. I am not always a fan of ordering wings in places I go to, I hate when they are soggy... But Gene's wings are just delicious. The burgers there are also incredible and I've heard great things about their sandwiches, although I haven't yet gotten around to trying them.

Good wings, but ask for them to be cooked well done. The Honey Siracha and Lemon Pepper are very good. Good bar with Angry Orchard on tap. I'm not really a beer drinker, so it's nice to have something other than beer and soda to drink.

I used to come here years ago and loved it. Me and my girlfriend came and I have to say it was the worse. Let's get started, they burnt the bacon! How do you mess up on something so awesome. Me and my girlfriend were getting bit by bugs under the table, seriously she left with whelps on here legs. The food was just not up to par, the burger had a weird taste, and the fried green tomatoes had been cooked so much we could of used it as a puck. I'm sorry but I can never recommend this place.

I really love going to Gene's whether it be a Tuesday night or late on a Saturday when the first bar you're at closes. It's a very casual atmosphere with decently priced beverages and food. Great beer selection!!! There are a bunch of games in the back which always make for a great time no matter how many people are there with you. They have tables and booths and a small outdoor area as well. The food is good- I've had fish tacos, burgers, and some apps. Typical bar food but definitely tasty. Lots of beer, great bartenders, and a fun environment whether you're grabbing dinner or going to post party with friends.

This is a local hole-in-the-wall, dive bar with GREAT burgers. The food is always surprisingly delicious. There's a lesson here, don't judge a book by its cover. If you're looking for new sleek fancy fixtures, this is the wrong place. If you are looking for a great burger at a bar, this place does it right! I tried the Avondale burger last night which paired perfectly with a draft beer. The Avondale has an amazing fried green tomato, pimento cheese, crispy bacon served on burger cooked the way you want....I would've leaned towards medium rare if I had a do over. Their fries were yummy, a bit salty with ample seasoning. This place also has some loaded fries that are truly addicting, careful, you've been warned!

Servings and portion of food is great....had the fried pork chop sandwich...huge and dressed nicley.....however it was extremely salty....had to drown it with ketchup