Charleston cocktail bar’s Columbia location opens next month

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Prohibition begins soon in Columbia.

A restaurant with a name intended to capture the spirit (but not the law) of an era, Prohibition will open its doors along Columbia’s Main Street early next month.

Located at 1556 Main St. in the historic McCrory’s Building, Prohibition will be a downtown Columbia spot for innovative dishes, a “cutting edge cocktail program,” a distinctive selection of draft beverages, and live music throughout the week, according to a news release.

Inside, the space has been updated to pay homage to the aesthetics of a 1920s speakeasy situated in plain sight, the release stated. The rustic style incorporates the building’s original exposed brick and ironwork accented by weathered wood. The repurposed, full-service bar runs the length of the space leading to a large stage at the rear restaurant. A private mezzanine area overlooks the space and stage, creating a spot for larger parties and private dinners. 

In the kitchen, Chefs Greg Garrison and Analisa LaPietra will take advantage of the spacious kitchen to create a menu of dishes inspired by the local, fresh ingredients of the season. The original Prohibition is in Charleston.

Related story: Charleston cocktail bar to open in downtown Columbia

“The tapas-style dishes lend a convivial dining experience that allows guests to experience more dishes and flavors,” the release stated. “Guests will find (the) menus thoughtfully categorized by the primary ingredient and method — vegetables, seafood, meat and poultry, and fourth section for dishes prepared in the custom pizza oven.”

Menus will be updated seasonally to utilize the best local ingredients.

Behind the bar, guests will find a cocktail program led by Bar Director Jim McCourt, who has developed original libations for the Columbia location and pulled some fan favorites from Prohibition Charleston, including a Margarita Picante and a Negroni Diversi.

Prohibition will be open nightly for dinner and on Saturdays and Sundays for brunch. A specific opening date and more details will be available soon on the website.