Swordfish Cocktail Club

Fabulous. The Swordfish is a gem we don’t want people to know about, but I’m happy to tell you about. Excellent cocktail selection with expert counsel waitstaff. Abbey was charming and moved lots of recommendations that we loved. Espresso cocktail is their version of an espresso martini— with dark rum and strong orange aromas. Loved it. You will need a reservation on most occasions. This is a great place for any occasion. Business, pleasure, celebrations… dress smart and you’re set. Bathrooms are clean and nice. The place is well decorated. Ralph Lauren type decor with the dark rich wood and interesting art. Intimate and moody. Will be back next time I’m in town.

This spontaneous experience exceeded our expectations! This is a great date night spot. Intimate vibes and great service. We came in on a Tuesday, where they were serving a small pop up menu from a local chef. Excellent bites to compliment expertly crafted libations. Their aperol spritz is the best I’ve had. Hats off to the owner who knows how to run a successful bar. We will be back!

I loved this hidden gem! The drinks my spouse and I ordered were enjoyable. We had a reservation as I read it is a must, and we were seated at the bar. Our server and cocktail mixer, Emily, was excellent! The vibe is cool. Lights are dimmed, and space is small. Id recommend this cocktail bar to anyone looking for an intimate experience. Edit: I went again and enjoyed several food items that were simply amazing. The Pork Belly Steam Buns were phenomenal! And the seasonal (Fall) dessert menu is worth Every penny.

This place took us by surprise in a really pleasant way! My husband and I decided to try somewhere new and came across Swordfish online. Reservation was easy via text. When we arrived, we had reserved seating right at the center of the bar. The bartenders were attentive and made great recommendation on our cocktails. Steamed buns and the bone marrow were delicious. They brought out hot towels for our hands, which was wonderful (3 times for me even though I didn’t even ask! Must have noticed me eating with my hands lol). The place was small (seats maybe 30 people) but the atmosphere was intimate and inviting.

Bartenders are very knowledgeable. The ambiance is low lit and inviting. I love to take a date here and ask the bartender to craft something based on tasting notes they like.

Had the best experience here. The bartenders were amazing. Anticipated what I might want and gave it to me before I could even ask. 10/10. Will be back

Swordfish was recommended many times by locals, and it was EVERYTHING we heard about it. The service was fantastic, and Shepherd was very knowledgeable and assisted with cocktail choices. The food was absolutely DELICIOUS and paired perfectly with the cocktails. Our experience was memorable and left us wanting to return soon. If you are looking for a true cocktail experience (not a costume party) Swordfish Cocktail Club is THE PLACE.

The best cocktail bar in town, no competition. The atmosphere, the service, the drinks, the food, everything is 12/10. The cocktails are expertly blended and creatively designed. Pricey but absolutely worth every penny; perfect for a special occasion.

We heard from locals that this was the place to go for gin cocktail drinks. The backdrop at the bar was sophisticate and relaxing. I ordered one of the many gin cocktails and added ginger to enhance the overall flavor. Very relaxing and warm place to enjoy drinks and your company on any night you can.

Stumbled into this place while waiting for another reservation for a quick cocktail. I was greeted by the host and I asked politely if I could have a seat at the bar out of curtesy even though I saw two spots open. The host responded "uhm yes" but I could sense some hesitancy and couldn't tell why. She started to walk me to my seat at the bar, but then turned back around, looked at me and asked for my ID. If you've been to this location you know how small and intimate it is. So I looked up as I handed her my ID and wondered if she had done the same to anyone else. As I was getting my ID out she said " you know before you get to the bar" -- as if she was trying to save me from something? But in reality I'm embarrassed now because you've stopped me mid-walk and I have to stop and fumble in my bag to get my ID out in the middle of the establishment. Anyway, despite that very strange carding situation at the door like a college dive bar; my drink was amazing and the service at the bar was impeccable. They checked on me several times and they were incredibly polite an helpful. They made some really great recommendations as well for similar bar service which I'm excited to check out.

Still our favorite cocktail bar with very talented mixologists- the pre prohibition style drinks mean strong and pricey drinks. But worth it!! The last couple visits our service wasn't quite as stellar - the server just wasn't very friendly or helpful to our friends. But everyone has off days. Overall still always a good experience

Well deserved 5 star review...which I rarely give. My husband and I stopped in for drinks after dinner one evening. They identify as a pre-prohibition speakeasy. It's small, intimate and well appointed with a gorgeous bar. The menu is seasonal and features small plates, desserts, classic (era-appropriate) drinks, and house drinks - modern take on the classics. Sit at the bar the first time you visit to watch the bar tenders work their magic. They have all sorts of bottles with syrups and essences and even use real egg white for frothy drinks. If you are looking for super sweet martinis or other drinks, this is not the place for you. They don't make anything super sweet and will tell you as much. Try their version of an espresso drink - which actually contains espresso and is definitely unique. The French75 is divine. Although we didn't have any, the small plates looked amazing. I'm excited to go back and try them. The creme brûlée is fantastic and perfect for sharing. The service was flawless and the bar tenders are very knowledgeable and enjoy sharing. Hint: For $8, you can "add a round for the kitchen staff" to your tab in support. This place is a hidden gem in downtown Greenville - I'm hoping it stays that way!

We love to eat and drink our way thru cities. This place is amazing. Don't miss the pork buns. Each cocktail was specific to what we wanted. They are doing so many things right. This is a must do when your in Greenville. And Emily at the bar is amazing!!!

Excellent Cocktails, great atmosphere, attentive service. We stopped by after a birthday celebration nearby to just try the place out. They had a great cocktail menu, but we were in the mood for something different, also a good test of the bar tending skills and knowledge... We ordered two 1947 Airmails. The waitress said "I'm certain they can make those, but I will ask real quick." She immediately returned and said the drinks would be coming up. So someone behind the bar was familiar with the drink. In just a few minutes we had two perfect Airmails... It's a great rum drink with Brut Champagne, lemon juice, and a touch of honey. Refreshing... The place is very upscale, quiet. A real sophisticated look place. Definitely somewhere to try. It's a cut above...

Swanky, classy, and downright extra. I am HERE for it. Not a single thing is out of place. The small little restaurant is immaculate. Every detail was thought of. Even the alcohol display behind the bar is pretty. And the art they chose is very strategically placed. But it's LOTR, so only the worthy will understand it's intricacy ;) just kidding. Menu isn't big, but either is the restaurant. So it really works. And what they DO have, is amazing. The sticky buns were our absolute favorite. And the wings, if you're into barbecue styled hot sauce, are the largest chicken wings I've ever seen. Messy, but they bring you hot towels (actual towels) to clean up with after. The staff was exceptional, kind, and VERY knowledgeable. Every drink is an artistic display. But be aware that the seasonal dessert tends to go early in the night. This is not a restaurant designed to have a million people in each evening. It's more of a place to hang out for 2-3 hours and relax with friends. Not noisy, great 2nd or 3rd date place when you really like the other person. Not cheap either, but price is worth what is received. It's not irrational. Make a reservation though. Be ready for strong drinks that are gorgeous, and small plates with a huge pack of flavor. Definitely deserves a 5 out of 5 stars. We will be back.

Wasn't my favorite. Drinks/food were okay. Price for it was a bit much. To top it off, our server gently smacked our friends foot and complain how she will need to polish the leather at the end of the night because she propped it on the seat. Yes, my friend shouldn't have done that but there could of been a better way to tell her. We paid and left right after that.

I've been want to try this place, but every time we've stopped by, the place is packed! So I made reservations and glad I did! Very intimate, smaller setting. We sat at the bar, and very much enjoyed the mixologists work their magic! The cocktails were fantastic, the food was delish and the service was top-notch! Highly encourage you Make reservations!

By FAR the best and finest cocktail club in the Upstate. I've been following this savvy crew since they were working out of a speakeasied garage and am so proud of how they've transformed into a knockout of a place. The atmosphere alone is worth half the asking price of anything they may offer you: dark wood, loooong zinc bar (always beautifully polished), the best jazz playlist you've ever heard, and a bottle collection to impress even the toughest to please. The people here are gold, too. They treat you like you just might be a special human being (I happen to believe we all are), and -- if you come more than once -- they'll do their best to remember you and learn what you like. The drink menus are seasonal and focus on a solid collection of great classics + a new slate of house-made recipes with an inspiring range. However, if you feel adventurous (or know enough to be slightly dangerous), you can talk a bartender into making you something off-menu. The food is also very good, leagues beyond what you might expect from bar fare. If you get invited to go out to Swordfish, that person must really love you. If you don't get invited, don't wait! If you love cocktails, this place loves you.

Swordfish is a hidden gem here in Greenville. It's one of my favorite places to go to get a great drink and delicious food. I love sitting at the bar because I feel like I'm getting a drink show. The staff and bartenders are so nice and they will do all they can do to give you an experience! We got the charcuterie board, which is TOO DIE FOR. Amazing choices of cheese and a huge fan of the pickled veggies. The drinks we got were perfect for a spring/summer night (citrus enhanced!). At the end of your experience, they give you a hot towel to clean your hands (which I love!!!) It's pricey, but worth it!

Really good drink selection in a nice atmosphere. They're definitely busy, so recommend reservations. My friend and I didn't have any, so we lucked out and got in around 830 on a Saturday night. I had the coconut water daiquiri and the poor little rich girl - both were well balanced and delicious. My friend had the French 75 and she said it was good also. Definitely recommend!

I suppose I would call this Greenville's first legitimate cocktail bar. I don't know how they keep that copper bar polished, but it's beautiful. Brad and co. are always over-the-top accommodating and welcoming. They show guests true courtesy. The drinks are made to exacting standards and skew pre-prohibition in terms of overall flavor palette, but they have a lot of modern drinks too. So, ultimately if you like good cocktails and you like cocktail bars it is probably the only reliable place in GVL to get that sort of experience at a high level that would be at home in any major city in the US. They are doing God's work - and doing it well, too.

Favorite place in Greenville. The food is delicious, the drinks are excellent and service is amazing. Reservations are a must! The building is pretty small.

This is not a place for your average cocktail consumer. It is an experience for someone who really loves cocktails. The bartenders craft cocktails that compliment the taste of the liquor so you will not find vodka here. Every cocktail I had was great. Food was great too. They offer several small plates. The cheese board and bone marrow was amazing.

Best drinks and service in all of Greenville. If you're looking for a speakeasy with top tier drinks this is the spot! Even made a phenomenal Vesper Martini! Make sure to ask for Brad.

Truly a class act. The staff, the environment, and the owner exude taste. I felt welcome. The drink was also beyond expectation, and I expected it to be great.

THE BEST IN CLASS!!! I highly recommend you check this place out! Loved it! The staff is really wonderful

If you're looking for an upscale cocktail experience, this is the spot. It's definitely an experience vs. I just wanted a drink kinda place. Every single thing they do is a process with steps, so patience is a must for even the simplest of things. If you can't appreciate small details, then this might not be your spot. If you've got some time to appreciate their method, you won't be disappointed.

Too many good things to list here. Wonderful staff, the mixologists know their stuff and the food...uggggh so good! We came for dessert and dinner but could have started + ended the night here. Expect to get to know the person next to you at the bar (it's cozy) if you're smart, make a reservation but if you LOVE a fantastic cocktail and enjoy "experience"...this is the place!

There is no place finer for a cocktail in all of Greenville. Don't waste your time on anywhere else. Every element of your experience is classy perfection! The staff are unmatched and a joy to get to know. Stop wondering if you should go and just do it! But also try to keep it somewhat of a secret, because it's truly *that* special.

Disclaimer that an old intern of mine is involved with this project, and that's one of the reasons I didn't storm through the door of Greenville's hottest new cocktail bar as soon as it opened. I waited for the kinks to work themselves out. I waited for the line to die down. Or I thought I did. Turns out there didn't seem to be any kinks and the line isn't going to die down soon. The bar is dim and smallish, and because it is also in high demand, there are reservations even to sit at the bar itself, not just the tables or booths. We were lucky that a hostess squeezed us in with the promise that we wouldn't take up root and would only order one drink and be out before the reservation after us arrived. The menu is endearing, offering small 2oz pour options of beer or liquor to tide you over while your more complicated, craft cocktail is made. The glassware is lovely. The menu consists of small bites. We ordered the bone marrow with crusty bread and the charcuterie board with extra mustard. Yes, I'm gluten free, and was disappointed with their lack of gf bread offering, but I did try their bread offering dipped in the marrow and holy crap. Perfect bread. Mustard and pickles that made us swoon. The old fashioned was classically tasty. And I wanted soooo much more food. But we had to bounce to make room for the people waiting for their taste of another great dining experience in Greenville.

Cool vibe and good drinks! The staff was super friendly and helpful and the menu has something for everyone.

Nifty spot for a relaxing cocktail before or after dinner. Received the best service by Brad and a lot of information regarding the Club and drinks. I believe the staff is very driven to help each other since there's even a drink you can purchase for the staff; what a fun idea. I do believe Greenville restaurants/bars are becoming exorbitant in some aspects and should reconsider some pricing when the cocktails are easily created, maybe add some smoked cocktails or bar tending tricks; not to be a circus but why not?!

This is the place that you must visit as any review will not do justice to the great experience!

A comfortable craft cocktail lounge with a cozy warm atmosphere, friendly staff and excellent cocktails. The food was excellent as well. Expensive but very tasty. Smaller portions, more on the tapas side but delicious. Great place for a date or to hangout with a few friends.

Exceptional cocktails, the staff were extremely knowledgeable, and their take on a Negroni was fantastic. The bread was excellent, and I do hope the chef follows through with opening a bakery in Greenville as it will fill a much needed niche. Remember, this is a cocktail club, with gin and bourbon as their flagships, so prepare yourself if you are expecting standard fare or prices. Ignore the reviewer who complained about a tequila and soda, if that's what you're looking for head to Applebee's.

A very cool and unique experience! Watching the bartender mix drinks was my favorite part of visiting this establishment. He was truly a cocktail artist ! You can tell that they spare no expense, using all high quality ingredients. The drinks are pricey but the uniqueness of it all made it worth the cost. I'll be back :)

We texted the number on their site and were able to book a last minute reservation for 8. Whoever runs the messaging is a gem, as we had originally booked an earlier time slot and had to push it back due to a timing issue -- they were patient and accommodating as we sorted ourselves out. Upon arrival, we were seated in a spacious booth and received some phenomenal customer service -- the wait staff here is so genuine and so helpful; they added to the experience immeasurably. There are some great options for food here, but the one thing you must get is the Bread and Brandy Butter. Question this if you want, but it is such a simple and lovely snack to indulge in; some of our party had been here before and insisted we get 3 plates -- thankful we did, as it was gone in a moment. I asked our waiter for a recommendation for a lighter, herbal cocktail and proceeded to have two of the best martinis I've ever had -- one utilized a green chartreuse, and the other a yellow. This was such a unique and welcoming spot -- would definitely recommend settling in for a round of drinks with friends!

Overall the vibe was good but it did not live up the the hype and I was unimpressed with the knowledge of the staff. For a place called a "cocktail club" I expected more....I was looking for a tequila cocktail but did not see one on the menu. I asked if they were able to make a Paloma which seemed pretty standard. Our server checked with the bar and said they could not make that, no big deal, so I just ordered a tequila soda with a lime....our server seemed confused and said she didn't think they had soda but would check and a few minutes later just brought me a 2oz tequila shot over ice. If this was just a random restaurant I would ignore it but to be called a cocktail club and your server not know what a tequila soda is seems odd. I understand it wasn't on the menu but you can order that at literally any bar....

Cute spot!!! Very pretty decor and nice cocktails, good date spot! The cocktails were yummy and creative and the staff was knowledgeable. My only critique on this spot is they packed us in and I didn't feel properly social distanced at all :( I was surprised by this considering they require reservations. I wouldn't go back until post covid.

Make sure to request a table when making reservations. We were not notified our reservation for two would be bar reservations...very, very tight and nowhere to move. Not the best experience. Not exactly what we were expecting. Nonetheless the potato small plate was phenomenal as well as the other food we tried.

We were here a few weeks ago. This is the best cocktail bar in Greenville. The place is small, and a little hard to find which is the perfect recipe for a great cocktail bar. Also the staff was super friendly and made great drinks! We'll definitely be back.

Very quaint but knowledgeable place if you look for customized drinks and atmosphere. Highly recommended for those who enjoy fine crafted drinks. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. The food menu is well crafted and enough for connoisseurs. Highly recommended

Incredible mixology and amazing drinks. Small plates we just as good, we had the board and it was delicious.

Best cocktail bar in Greenville. Better cocktails and more knowledgeable bartenders than Vault and Vator.

Top-notch drinks, very cool ambiance, and wonderful food. Highly recommend for a fun night out.

I love this little cool prohibition type bar. Best cocktails and they can make you anything. Also love the Pork Bao Buns.. I dream of these!!!

We actually found out about this place by chance and are grateful for the gods of good fortune for leading us to it. We passed it by on our way to a neighboring restaurant (the always superb Aryana's) and our curiosity of what was contained behind the large dark window of the establishment where well-dressed folks were entering into was piqued by the lack of visible signage. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be what looked to be a very small and very classy cocktail bar. We decided to check it out the next time we went out and when we did as soon as we stepped through the doors we realized we had happened upon an incredibly special place. It's like stepping back in time or even out of the everyday world into this fantastical speakeasy with Great Gatsby vibes. Everything here is just top notch. The food, the drinks, the service, the atmosphere. All of it sets the bar for excellence. The cocktails are hands down the best we've ever had - every one a truly unique flavor experience whose memory will stay with you long after you leave. I linger over the drink descriptions and find myself increasing my knowledge of libations as my curiosity compels me to look up the unknown components of cocktails that I come across. The food menu is small, but perfect, and we always end up spending much more than we intend to because everything just sounds so dang good. I usually skip desserts when I go out, but I can't do that here. How does one say no to choices like house made ice cream infused with spirits or cookies served with steamed brandy milk? All the little details here really put this place above and beyond other similar establishments. Options like "tiny bubbles" (an affordably priced glass of champagne to sip after your capacity for stronger drinks/or the limits of your wallet have been reached) and small glasses of good beer are welcome additions to the budget conscious/or over-indulged diner. Special touches like a hot damp towel to refresh yourself with after your meal make you feel like this place is truly an experience, not just a destination. Oh, and the bathroom - never have I ever been so enraptured with a bathroom - the all black interior with the gorgeous wallpaper, fresh cotton towels to dry your hands, the rich smoky scent of burning incense. I never thought I'd be raving about a dining establishment's bathroom on Yelp, but here I am. All that being said, if you are lucky enough to be in the Greenville area you need to check this place out. I have a feeling you just might fall in love. If you do end up visiting here all I ask is that you please dress up - this place begs for it and if you roll in wearing a hoodie or some other casual outfit you're really detracting from the magic of this place and doing yourself and your fellow diners a disservice.

Amazing evening at Swordfish! 1. The interior is super cool, looks like a great NYC bar, the copper bar top is worth the visit alone. 2. They are super professional in all aspects. 3. It's a craft drink show - best drinks I've had in GVL and Emily is the best barkeep I've ever encountered. Amazing! Run, don't walk

Swordfish never disappoints! The staff, food, and drinks are always spot on. We love it here. It's so fun to meet up with a couple friends here. Make sure to make a reservation.

Relaxed, nice, low light, intimate, great quality cocktails, delicious side plates. Service was a little stiff, but will probably loosen with time. Wish there was a specials menu but the classics were great! Definitely a spot we will frequent!

If you're into good cocktails and wonderful liquor selection this place is for you. The owners are also the bartenders which adds a great touch to the place. I had some of the most amazing cocktails and service I've had in Greenville. If I could give them a higher rating I would. Definitely a must try in Greenville

Treat yourself to some high quality cocktails made by people who actually give a shit. And, while you're at it, eat some of them buns and potatoes. Best kept secret in GVL.

Possibly my new favorite place in Greenville. Amazing cocktails, as well as food. We ate prior to coming, and regretted it because we sampled a lot of the menu and everything was great! The bartenders and staff are extremely friendly and interactive, happy to explain the drinks and the stories behind them. Very crowded though, so make a reservation!

Swordfish is one of our favorite spots in Greenville. Emily, the waitress, is very knowledgeable and is happy to work off menu to find the right drink. We're on our third trip and expect to be back for many more. Try the vert martini!

Made a reservation as recommended on their website and our party of 4 was seated promptly on arrival. Service was attentive and cocktails were delicious. Menu focuses on classic cocktails; while the offerings were great, I would like to see a few cocktails that are unique to Swordfish that I can't get anywhere else. I'll stop in again if I'm in the neighborhood.

Lots of kinks to work out. I was so excited for Swordfish to open. We had heard great things from friends when it was more of an underground operation and it had a good reputation before they even opened their doors. I walked in one Saturday night to see if there were any seats at the bar but sounds like they are reservation only on the weekend at the bar. That's not really my style for a cocktail bar, but no big deal, I'll try again. I made a reservation for when some friends were coming in town to sit at the corner of the bar so we could chat (and even included that in the text for the res). When we got there, it seems that was interpreted as the end of the bar which was in the corner of the restaurant. We were squeezed in behind a group sitting at the high tables by the window. Again, not ideal but not a deal breaker. The ambiance was nice and the bar was beautiful. They had a really nice selection with some hard to find things. And the little starter aperitifs they had were a very nice touch and reasonably priced. The drinks are very classic but you can work with them to get a little creative-try choosing from the amazing selection they have (for instance switching up your gin or bourbon in one of their drinks). If you are a dirty martini person though, definitely look elsewhere as they don't have olives or olive juice. Now I'm starting to get a little weary, but ok this is a cocktail club in concept and I'll play by their rules. They have some small bites, which were very nice. As the bar started to get a little more crowded, it got a little louder. And one of us is somewhat hard of hearing. The bartender asked one of the people I was with to keep it down. I touched base with him about this because it was pretty loud in there and I didn't feel they were being any louder than anyone else and I wanted to make things right so didn't get off on the wrong foot. He said the whole restaurant was loud and he was going to touch base with others so everyone's experience was nice. This was a little odd because we were the only ones he asked. And to me we were just friends who hadn't seen each other in a while catching up. We weren't drunk or rowdy. Also, there is a little room in the restaurant to add some sound absorption because there really isn't any (floors were wood, no sound boards, bar is metal). And to be honest, I have never been asked to keep it down in a bar. Talking to the bartender further, turns out he is one of the owners. Which also didn't sit too well. But it's his place so I guess his rules. I truly hope they can work out the kinks as this place could be great. But unfortunately I don't think we'll check it out again to find out. Just not my style of place.

My new favorite spot in Gville. This place is quiet, slow paced & chill. Great for a date night or catching up with good friends. You can get dressed up & swanky or go in your clothes from work. I love the low lit vibe and knowledgeable staff. It's prohibition style cocktails so they're artfully crafted & unique to Swordfish. Go in with an open mind & you won't be disappointed. I would suggest making reservations, you can text them. 5 stars every time! Cheers!

Small spot, dim lights, great night for a date or just a damn good cocktail. Haven't tried the food but I'm sure it's great. Probably the best place to get a cocktail besides Vault & Vator cheers!