Paddock & Whisky

We went to the Terrace Theatre's special showing of Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me for my birthday and wanted to grab a bite first, but I wanted to stay REAL CLOSE to the Theatre on Maybank Hwy. I asked my foodie group for recommendations and read reviews here and chose this place because they have a Sushi Ninja popup on Wed-Thur-Fri. We LOVE SUSHI! And hubs loves whiskey! Traffic was SO BAD it took an hour and a half to get to the Terrace from Goose Creek. Left at 4:45, parked at 6:15. Show at 7:30. This is why I stick close to home. But we hit Paddock & Whiskey and had the best time, great drinks, and excellent Sushi Ninja sushi! Best in Charleston? That's a high bar. But wow. This was excellent sushi. I ate a piece before the pic, it looked so good. We got the Nigiri Mori at the recommendation of the amazing bartender, and I also got her favorite gin and tonic. Local, very fruity and naturally sweet. Lovely! The drink was good too LOL Seriously, though, the Tropical Gin from Beyond Distilling Company is sweet and fruity-good. The Aburi scallop is not to be missed! I swear I got an almost Bleu cheese taste from it, in the most pleasant and pungent way. The A5 Wagyu was also a hit. The Bluefin Tuna, Hamachi, and regular scallop with smoked sea salt were all so fresh and delicious. It was all so good. The sushi chef came out since he was told it was our first time and was so kind and genuine in his appreciation for the fish. I am impressed. The sushi was gone in a minute so we ordered another round and hubby was offered a discount dram (or 2) of a special bourbon and of course he couldn't say no. It was worth it. The space is tight but that makes it cozy and sincere. I would totally hang out all the time if I were local. The outdoor seating is great, too. This is an incredible locals bar tucked away in an art theater strip mall with an amazing sushi meal three nights a week. Where do I sign up? If you're in the area, check 'em out! If you're on the way, be patient and turn up the music. It's all waiting for you. Would brave the horrific traffic again for it.

Such a dude bar feel! Wood look and lots of whisky and bourbon as the name promises. If I had bros I'd totally go here with them. Actually I did go here with my bro-ther and friends and it was a great spot for a couple drinks. They have a small outdoor area and a small indoor area as well. Personable bartenders as well.

Great bourbon and wine lists, excellent prices, atmosphere and even better service. Grab a drink before and after a show at the Pour House or on the way to Folly!

The drinks were great. The selection was amazing. The fries were even on point.

Great little bar. They have a great selection of beer and whiskey.

It was supposed to be a fun night out with friends, but it turned into a nightmare at the bar. The moment we walked in, we could tell something was off. The music was too loud, the lighting was dim and flickering, and the air smelled stale and musty. We tried to ignore the ambiance and ordered our drinks. But even that didn't go smoothly. The bartender was rude and dismissive, barely acknowledging our presence as he sloppily poured our drinks. We should have taken it as a sign and left right then, but we decided to give the place a chance. Big mistake. As we sipped our drinks, we noticed the other patrons were rowdy and aggressive. They kept bumping into us and yelling, making it impossible to have a conversation. The atmosphere was tense, and it felt like a fight could break out at any moment. And then it happened. One of the patrons got into a heated argument with another, and it quickly escalated into a full-blown brawl. Bottles were smashed, chairs were overturned, and people were screaming and running in all directions. We were caught in the middle of the chaos and had to duck for cover to avoid getting hit. When the police finally arrived and broke up the fight, we were shaken and traumatized. We had never experienced anything like it before, and we couldn't believe how quickly a fun night out had turned into a nightmare. We left the bar in a hurry, vowing never to return. It was a bad time at a bar we would never forget.

‘Been coming to Paddock since they opened. Other than the weekend vibe, which can be a bit over the top, I’ve always enjoyed coming here midweek after a long day working in the hot sun. This eve, however, I was served by a bartender I’ve never met before. Instead of the usual smile and banter, he stopped in the middle of processing my credit card, walked over and asked, “you’re not gonna pour this drink into that cup and take it outta here are you?” Cheesus, dude. Paranoid much? I was finishing a cup of watered down lemonade and had planned to find a trash can for it. I’m a professional, and Charleston native. Not that that automatically provides credibility, but I do tip well and I consider myself to be a good patron. Other bartenders would surely agree. I hate to use the phrase “I was offended”, but the accusatory question was definitely out of line. It’s gonna be a minute before I return here, to one of my fave neighborhood bars. I’ll definitely not even bother coming in if this paranoid dude is working the bar. All he had to say to me, if he was that “suspicious” of my scrunchie, would have been, “I’m sorry but can you finish that drink and toss out the cup real quick? I’m happy to give you a fresh glass of ice water, but we can’t allow outside cups in the bar- I hope you understand!” Honestly, I’d forgotten I even had the cup in my hand. It was strawberry lemonade; I was thirsty and finishing it up. That is all. So, thank you rude Paddock Bartender with a mall-cop mentality, for ruining my experience, my evening, and my drink. But because I’m better than that attitude, I still left a 20% tip. I hope the owners train their bartenders in the future to not chase off and insult one of their most dedicated customers. Maybe it doesn’t matter, anymore, once the City Paper gives you an award. It was very disappointing. My company has their Christmas party here every year. I’m going to have to really think about this, before committing this season. I am soured. It’s so sad when a neighborhood bar shows such hostility.

Stopped by after dinner to sample some bourbon and whiskey. Nice place, good layout, clean bathrooms. Staff is super friendly. Mark, our bartender, knew his stuff. Also sampled some cocktails only available here. Very yummy! I highly recommend!

Cool, chill joint with a great selection of whiskeys, bourbon and more. Well educated staff that knows mixology and are generous with their time to prepare just the right drink. There is a small interior and outside, but the cozy feel compliments the local small town saloon feel. If you are looking for a good drink, beer or cocktail and a small intimate setting, this is a perfect spot on James Island. Plus it is in the same plaza as the Terrace Theater, Miller's All Day and Maybank Public House. Makes it perfect for a pre or post event drink.

Stopped by for one drink on the way downtown for dinner. Patio area outside and a long bar inside. Very cool vibe at this place. We sat at the bar and were welcomed by the bartender. Quick service. Ordered a Sazerac and Old Fashioned. Both served in a glass with a block ice cube. The Sazerac was my favorite. Definitely recommended ordering that drink if you're a Sazerac fan. Prices are reasonable for a cocktail bar in the Charleston area. Huge selection of bourbon to choose from on the menu. They even have store picks for a few of the bourbons. They have $3 Coors Light draft if you're with a group of friends and one person doesn't like cocktails or liquor.

Great spot to grab a drink and hang out. The environment is warm, everything is finished out in wood, and staff is super knowledgeable and helpful. The drinks are awesome!

Hard to top the whiskey and bourbon selection here. I've been several times and have a harder time picking liquor than anything. They do make a quality old fashioned and sazarac I can say that for sure. The chi mule is also a favorite. Mostly friendly staff but they will let an empty glass sit in front for a bit while they attend to friends and regulars who want to discuss their debauchery and hangovers. I have tried a few of their seasonal or specialty cocktails and those are hit and miss, so just make sure it sounds like something you really want before ordering those. However, overall this is a very good spot to stop for a drink.

My friend brought me here since I was flying in from a Florida. As soon as we walked in I wished I knew a place like this back home. Its a very stylish establishment with so many different kinds of whisky that I had no idea what to try lol! I ended up trying their spicy chicken sandwich(cant remember the actual name) and it was F'n delicious. The first bite had my mouth a blaze but after that it was nothing but sweet deliciousness . The bartenders were nice and attentive also which is always a plus. Definitely try this place out if coming from out of town.

I've been here a few times. Stopped in after a show at the coliseum. Their liquor choices are vast, especially the Whiskey. The late night menu only has 4 choices, Oysters, a burger, a chicken sandwich, and a bowl of fries. We wanted something, but nothing too heavy. So the fries were satisfactory. The specialty cocktails are unique, and the wine list has a good variety to choose from. Nice atmosphere.

Relaxing whiskey bar with tons of options. Quick and attentive bartenders/servers. Happy hour with good options and good prices. Definitely a place to pop into while in town.

Really enjoyed this place with the recommendation of our Yelp Community Manager. It was a place that's compared to downtown San Francisco I agree it was a very good place to enjoy a nice drink and some good food with the prices to match.

Very nice bar. It has a super warm atmosphere giving an "all are welcome" kinda vibe. They have a large window that opens up to the outside patio which makes the space feel open. You can tell that it is very regular heavy. The bartenders have a great rapport with many guests. This definitely speaks to the quality of the establishment and the employees. I've gone a few times and enjoyed my self each time. They have a great assortment of wine, beer, and whiskey. I have yet to try a cocktail, but I hear the Chai Mule is incredible! There's something on the menu for everyone! Will definitely go again!

First off- Justin was amazing. He let me start the night making my first 2 picks, and then let me ask questions and helped guide me to the rest. I told him what we liked, what we didn't, what we felt was not worth it, discussed distillery's. Justin alone is worth the experience. He has a wealth of knowledge, made sure we had plenty of water in between pours to stay hydrated, and gave recommendations on where to hunt for bottles the next day. I will make an entire trip to James Island again just to go to Paddock multiple nights. If they had offered food that night, I would have stayed, ate, and ubered back to our AirBNB. This was an amazing way to close out my birthday weekend!

Great experience for whiskey, rum, or burbon lovers! This is a neighborhood-feel bar with a great range of pours - it is low key, friendly, and intimate attracting those who appreciate good alcohol. For the most part, you won't see the younger crowd because the selection of alcohol offered are an average price of $15 for an ounce. The bartender was very friendly and great with recommendations. He even brings the bottle down for you after he pours and places it in front of you in case you are curious to read or take a picture to buy it for yourself later. He also offers a large ice cube or several smaller ones which showed me how much they value customers and offering to address their preferences of drinks. Unfortunately this is not where you'll find fancy drinks like a mixologist could deliver. It's more of a straight on the rocks or neat type of drink, or something simple like a rum coke. It is a smaller bar with an L shaped counter area. There is bar seating inside along the longer side of the L and small round table seating in an enclosed seating area that is adjacent to the shorter L side of the bar. I really liked this arrangement because it allows people to order from both sides of the seating areas. I was here from Hawaii visiting my sister, who now lives in Charleston and she said we just HAD to go here. I was definitely impressed -- coming from Hawaii we don't see bars like these and she knows that I appreciate my alcohol. If I am back, I will definitely go again! We were here during sunset and the bartender was trying to advertise their bar by taking a picture as the sunlight hit the bar top. I offered my drink as a prop in his picture and also my phone for the portrait mode and got a great picture! He ended up using in their bar's Instagram story -- I loved it! Such a good time.

Really cool place! A lot of variety and the bartender was great. Will be back for sure :)

The whiskey selection is terrific, the bartenders are very attentive, and the overall look of the place is nice. Unfortunately the narrow layout of the restaurant causes terrible acoustics so that it was uncomfortably loud for me there.

Smoker friendly! Best patio for smoking cigarettes on James Island. There are a few "smoke free property" signs but you can ignore those. They probably have to display them; but the signs are never enforced anywhere outdoors. Plenty of ashtrays are provided and always plenty of lit cigarettes with never a word from staff. Not sure if pipe/cigar smoke is allowed but worth a try. Casual, relaxed, no questions asked atmosphere. Other patrons will not bother you for smoking. Please don't ruin it for other smokers by asking staff about the policy, the less said the better. Preserve our James Island's smokers' paradise! Who doesn't like to smoke while they're drinking? Come join us on the patio for some cigarettes!

The bourbon selection was wonderful and the atmosphere was even better. Nice place for a cocktail.

My boyfriend and I were looking for a cool spot to grab a celebratory drink after a successful day of fishing and landed at Paddock & Whisky. We were not disappointed! The bartenders were very knowledgeable and helpful and they have a HUGE selection of whiskies (as well as other spirits). They played great music and had both indoor and outdoor seating. It was very cozy and we really enjoyed our evening! We'll be back on our next trip to Charleston!

Fried bologna sandwich at happy hour was great. Nice mix of flavors. Elijah Craig old fashions were perfect and both bartenders were super friendly!

Found it by accident but we will be back! Absolutely loved the vibe and the playlist, great specialty cocktail and drink selection, love the brown drink selection (husband!), smoked fish dip with deep fried saltines was a revelation... truly... great service, love the ambiance, 5 stars.

Outstanding bartending staff. Excellent whiskey selection. An environment that does not overwhelm you.

Awesome find. Nice to find a good cocktail bar with a dive bar feel. On the smaller side but plenty of seating indoor and outdoor. Cocktails are very good. Service was great. Would definitely return.

I have been here three times, the service and food was IMMACULATE during every visit! I highly suggest the Fried Brussel sprouts. The Derby greens and the Brunch Quiche made me so happy. And last but not least 'The Red Eye Tour' is my favorite specialty cocktail on the planet. Highly suggest! honorable mention: the ambiance is fire

Had a bourbon sampling with friends for my 70th birthday. Very well conducted and enjoyed a lot. The snack in between was also very tasty. Its a nice place, very inviting and lots of good products to choose from. Will go back again soon.

Wow, wished I'd had the same experience as the reviewer before me. A busy night, not enough service, nothing unusual about the whiskey, and ho hum food. Not to mention this place is so narrow it's a safety hazard. BTW, when we left to go eat, it took more than 25 min. to get someone to check us out. Not on our list of places to go to.

This place is simply awesome; from the atmosphere, the drinks, food, and the staff. I am especially thankful for the staff l ( Sam, Leland, and so many more). I've had special requests and they absolutely go out of their way to try their best to accommodate. very appreciative. Love, love, love this place. Ps Happy hour...

best neighborhood bar - good local crowd. large selection of brown water and some of the cleanest bottles I've seen in town

Visitied the Park Circle location on 5 March, we've been there a number of times since they opened. Tonight a tall male waiter with oversized eyeglasses was rude to several of the groups wives. Replying "Nope" and "Yep" to requests without even looking at them. I asked for an extra chair as we were split up due to being a large group and he just said "Nope" and walked off. Kept trying to take drinks off the tables while they still visibly had alcohol in them and messed up orders. Called him a couple times as he walked by and glanced but kept walking, I would've been fine with it if he was in the middle of doing something but, he never attempted to come back, had to have our whole table wave arms to get him to come by. Most rude and terrible service I've ever had there, every other time the staff was very polite and helpful, with the exception of that guy. Might be a while before any of the group ever goes there again.

This was my first time here. We were with a couple that frequents this place and after having dinner next door at Zia we walked over to Paddock. It's a small place but really nice. We sat outside on the patio, ordered the Brown Derby and my Hubby got the Bourbon Bloody. Both drinks were great. The Bourbon Blood was the surprise for me. It was really good. I'm not a bourbon drinker and I finished my drink. Cool place to chill and nice atmosphere

Bourbon bloody, bourbon out the barrel, bourbon cheap, bourbon expensive, bourbon errything! Best selection in town. Big fan of their chai tea mules too & Wednesday nights when Jack of Cups whips up the food. Get some.

I love this place and have been several times! The inside is full of dark wood and whiskey with depth of flavor. It's a perfect romantic spot in the evening and excellent porch sitting for a warm afternoon. They made me a delicious hot toddy when I was working through a cold.

Friendly bartenders, great selection of bourbon and chill atmosphere! Cheese and meat plates are a go!

Love this place! Best selection of whiskeys east of Tennessee! Staff is fun and helpful ! This will be a regular stop for us !!

Really one of our favorite bars in town. The staff is incredibly friendly and the vibe is intimate but fun. Their prices are right and every drink/menu item we've ordered has been delicious. We will keep coming back.

Paddock is dope as can be. I am a Chicagoan who is here on vacation, and I can't imagine a better spot. A local joint with delicious cocktails, wines and beers. The ham and pimento sandwich was to die for. I am a big fan of the lack of Canadian whiskey, (America, F*** yeah). Anyway...just go here. The place is great. You won't be disappointed. The bartenders are kind peeps who want to provide the best service possible. You won't regret it. If you do, I'll Venmo you a dollar. Jk. Enjoy.

This place is great. Walk my dog here for a beer once a week. Great whiskey selection and mix drinks. I would say best bar on JI. Good bartenders too!

Small. Cozy. Great lil shotgun whiskey bar. Good vibes. Great bartenders. Chris is the man.

Great selection, great atmosphere. We came in from Muscle Shoals and Dre was an awesome navigator for other cool places to go in town despite these crazy COVID times. A+ would recommend.

This spot is unparalleled for your favorite whisky! From the moment you walk in and are greeted by the helpful staff and enveloped by the warm smells of charred oak (reminiscent of of a bourbon barrel and lining the walls) and leather, you'll feel right at home! It's a pretty tight space inside (with the Cutest restrooms you've Ever seen!) but the inviting, covered outdoor space with its cute bourbon barrel tables, dried floral arrangements and lit lanterns provides plenty of room for you and your party to spread out. The whisky menu is Amazing and very reasonably priced and they also have a great selection of wines, including my all time favorite sauvignon blanc! Their frozen julep is about the best cocktail you've Ever Tasted! The best part about this spot is that they don't try too hard to be something they're not and I'm certain it will become your favorite place for a pre movie drink or a nightcap!

My husband and I have been to the Paddock several times and have, up to this point, always been happy with the drinks and service we have received there. Until tonight. I ordered my usual Manhattan and my hubs ordered his usual CC and diet coke. David didn't bother to measure my Manhattan as he made it. So it wasn't right. Thus it melted the lone rock very quickly. When I asked for more ice, David gave me a "stone" which did nothing to cool the drink. About this time my husband ordered another, but neither of the two bartenders noticed as they were both focused on some little hottie ordering a beer. When they finally paid him some attention, they informed him they didn't have any Canadian Whiskey. Really? What the hell was in the first drink that they said was the 12 year old CC? Our interaction with David deteriorated to say the least. We really got the feeling that we weren't the demographic they wanted in their bar. Fine. Then don't advertise yourself as a well-poured cocktail bar. Serve your beers to your tatted up hotties.

Visited Paddock and Whiskey last weekend for the first time with friends and was greeted by the owner, bartenders and patrons very welcomingly. Great service, superb drinks and an amazing selection of whiskeys and bourbons. This place has great atmosphere.