A Columbia location of a famed Charleston bar sets an opening date. Here’s when it debuts

A highly anticipated speakeasy-style bar and restaurant has set an opening date in the heart of Columbia.

Prohibition, which made a name for itself with a King Street location in Charleston, will open at 5 p.m. April 10 at 1556 Main St. in Columbia, the company said in a release. That’s in the location that previously was home to Main Street Public House.

Prohibition initially announced plans to come to Columbia’s Main Street more than two years ago when the Public House closed. But with the exception of a seasonal holiday-themed pop-up bar in 2021, the space on a busy downtown corner has remained vacant.

But now the Columbia Prohibition is set to throw open the doors.

Prohibition is inspired by the aesthetic of a 1920s speakeasy. Led by Chefs Greg Garrison and Analisa LaPietra on the food side, Prohibition said in its release that its opening menus will “pay homage to the time period behind the concept, opening with an innovative menu of smaller format dishes that are big in flavor and creativity.”

Opening dishes, according to the release, will include grilled asparagus with artichoke gribiche, lemon and pea tendrils; the chicken kotletki with yogurt, dill, and harissa butter; the lobster roll with brown butter, miso mayo, and fines herbes; a white cheddar pierogi with sour cream, date, and onion; and the tart flambee prepared in a custom oven with creme fraiche, bacon, onions, emmentaler cheese, and date syrup.”

The company also is touting a dynamic bar program, led by bar director Jim McCourt. The release notes that live music also will regularly be on the docket.

“We’re excited to join Columbia’s incredible live music scene by bringing in some really great acts from favorite local artists all the way to celebrated national artists,” Prohibition founder James Walsh said in a statement. “We look forward to welcoming a range of artists to ensure that we have something for everyone.”

The Charleston Prohibition opened on that city’s King Street more than a decade ago and quickly became known for its cocktails and Southern cuisine.

Once it debuts, Columbia’s prohibition will be open nightly from 5 to 10 p.m., and the bar will stay open until 2 a.m.