A few months ago I was visiting Jason in beautiful Charleston, SC. He’s been one of my best friends for over a decade. He was excited to show me a few of his friend Leva Bonapartes’s spots—he used to run nightlife, so this kind of thing is totally his jam, haha.

Just a quick note: Jason’s friends with Leva, which is why I ended up checking this place out. But he made it clear he didn’t want to influence me, so everything you’re about to read is 100% my own take.

If you’ve ever heard someone name drop Republic Garden & Lounge as the spot in Charleston, well I have thoughts. As someone who’s danced under the neon lights of Vegas and soaked up the edge of L.A. nightlife, I came in with high expectations. This place apparently used to be a vibe…THE vibe, but these days? The glitter might be fading. And yes, Bravo’s hit show Southern Hospitality is filming season four here, but even the cameras can’t hide the cracks.

✨ Cute, Then Chaos

Let’s give credit where it’s due: the outdoor garden space is adorable! It’s giving “date night starts here”, string lights, plush lounge seating, and cocktails that at least look promising. But once you step inside, that charming atmosphere disappears. You’re hit with elbow bumps, bodies, and the bizarre feeling that you just time-traveled into a frat party with bottle service. Total bros club.

🍾 Inside is Pure Madness

Let’s just say: subtlety is not Republic’s strong suit. The second you cross the threshold inside, you’re in the thick of sparkler shows, bumping shoulders, and watching twenty-something year olds spill espresso martinis on their well-planned matching outfits. If you’re not ordering bottles, don’t expect any service love, you’ll feel invisible. And the some snarky staff look at you sideways if you’re not at a table. Not the best impression.

🍹 The Drinks: a mixed pot

Cocktails were…okay…fine. Not great, not terrible by any means. I ordered a margarita and ended up with tequila, ice, and some hope it tasted like one. The inconsistency from bartender to bartender made it hard to know what you were getting or whether it would come with a side of attitude or a smile. TJ from Southern Hospitality was really nice, but the only one from the cast actually working.

🎶 Music: a DJ party

The playlist? Predictable: Top 40, EDM drops, and a dash of hip hop. But the transitions were amazing the DJ (who was gorgeous-girl power!) was GREAT. The DJ’s changed up every hour which kept the party going and the music flowing!

👯‍♀️ The Crowd: Spring Break 2.0

If you’re under 25, still living for themed party nights, and cool with getting elbowed at the bar every 12 seconds – this place might be your jam. But if you’re over 30 and looking for a place to sip something strong without screaming over EDM? Keep it moving. Leva Bonaparte owns several places on N King St and they all have better atmosphere in my opinion, especially her club Lamar’s – that was cute! I’ll have to write a review on that one.

Boujee or Bust?

🍾🍾🍾 / 5

Both for me. But, I will definitely give it another try if I’m ever back in Charleston! I wanted to love it, maybe it was my expectations for the show?

Check out more reviews here!

Have you been to Republic Garden & Lounge and what was your experience like?