La Cave Is Now Open on King Street in Charleston

Erin Perkins is the editor of Eater Carolinas.

Popular Charleston restaurant Félix Cocktails et Cuisine (550 King Street) embodies the bustling atmosphere of modern Paris, but when owner Félix Landrum took over the space next door, he decided to shift the mood to the south. New Upper King bar La Cave (550 King Street) is Landrum’s tribute to his travels to Southern France with his wife, Leslie.

“La Cave is a very provincial-themed cocktail lounge,” says Landrum, “We’ve got a pretty nice French wine menu with approachable wines — something for everybody. It’s a place to come and sip drinks, snack on small plates, and socialize. Everything’s very laid back here.”

Customers entering from restaurant Félix travel through a hallway made to look like a stone cellar to signify that they are now in the south of France. The entry opens up to a cozy room with olive trees, lavender plants, blond wood flooring, a marble-top bar, tufted couches, glittering chandeliers, cafe tables, antique mirrors, and family paintings on the wall.

The drink menu lists ten craft cocktails, including a martini with a fromage fat-washed vodka and caviar crisp garnish. There’s also a section of hard-to-find whiskies. Food selections range from oysters and caviar to a petite bouillabaisse and a duck confit gnocchi. Customers can also order a smaller version of the popular raclette burger from Félix.

La Cave opens on Thursday, October 17, at 5 p.m. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, from 5 p.m. to midnight. Take a tour of the space here before it opens to the public.