The Blind Tiger has been a fixture of Charleston nightlife since 1992, but the name runs deeper than that - "blind tiger" was the late-1800s slang for the speakeasy-style bars that popped up in Charleston as a protest against the city's strict Dispensary laws, and the pub on Broad Street carries that rebellious streak into the 21st century. The 2016 restoration kept the wood-panelled, slightly-worn feel of a proper neighborhood pub rather than sanding it all away, and the back courtyard patio has a reputation of its own. It's upscale pub fare in a French Quarter setting, which puts it in a middle ground: pricier than a dive, cheaper than the fine-dining spots down the street, and crowded with both tourists and locals who have made it a regular stop.
The food is what keeps people coming back after the drinks. The pub burger and truffle fries are the crowd-pleasers, the tuna poke is the sleeper hit, and brunch is worth a Sunday trip even if the line is out the door. The bar skews toward local and Southern spirits with a solid wine list, and the wine service is relaxed in a way that suits the room. It's not the cheapest place in downtown, but the food portions and the atmosphere make the price easier to stomach than at some of its neighbors.