If you drive down Coleman Boulevard frequently, you may have noticed a new bar under construction at the corner of Mill Street near Shem Creek. The construction didn’t take long, as The Shelter quietly opened on Labor Day.
A note from the website says, “The Shelter Kitchen + Bar was born from a simple idea. Three Charleston area builders couldn’t find the perfect hangout. They were looking for cold beer, drinks to suit any situation, good food, friendly service, and reasonable prices; basically everything. Since they couldn’t find it, they decided to build it, and The Shelter was born.”
Ever since I got a glimpse of the huge front patio, I knew I wanted to stop by and check it out.
The bar itself tends to crowds inside and out and includes a hodge podge of interesting stools. I found the toilet seat to be quite humorous.
As for drinks, there’s an eight-tap system with a beer for everyone: Bud Light, Bell’s Two Hearted Ale, and a couple locals. They’ve also got a frozen concoction of six different rums and various fruit juices called Category 6. For $10, you get 22 ounces of this potent drink and a sure shot at a hangover.
The menu includes standard bar items with some Southern twists. I tried the fried pickles and okra and the fried green tomato BLT. I’d order them both again.
The menu also includes a bunch of sandwiches and six burgers where you can choose between beef, chicken, portabella, or a veggie patty.
They’ve also got an appealing Saturday and Sunday brunch menu.
A couple of TVs are mounted inside and two more on the patio. There’s also a pool table in the back.
This place may not be right on the water, but the open-air bar and large patio are quite inviting. You can’t miss it, as the front entrance is literally five feet from Coleman Boulevard.
Check it out and let us know what you think.
www.theshelterkitchenandbar.com Stay cool. Support City Paper. City Paper has been bringing the best news, food, arts, music and event coverage to the Holy City since 1997. Support our continued efforts to highlight the best of Charleston with a one-time donation or become a member of the City Paper Club.