featured-image

Proof owner Craig Nelson has seen the changes along Upper King Street in downtown Charleston. He’s watched restaurants along the strip develop craft cocktail programs that compete with his. He’s felt the squeeze of rising liquor liability insurance costs on his small business.

He’s seen the number of regulars dwindle as police barricades and a lack of parking make the area less approachable for locals. How did Upper King become Charleston's main nightlife district? [email protected] All these factors led Nelson — whose 437 King St.



bar is often credited with helping put Charleston’s cocktail scene on the map — to make sweeping changes at Proof, starting with its name. Proof will officially become 100 Proof on Oct. 2.

Its new menu will feature 100 shots and a frosé machine. Paired with a more casual ambiance, the new programming is meant to cater to the younger demographic that frequents this part of King Street , Nelson said. “We just kind of felt like we were missing out on some of (that business),” Nelson said.

“The street isn’t really for locals anymore on the weekends.” Today's Top Headlines Story continues below Clemson blasted for holding football game in aftermath of Helene. University now cancels classes.

'Too many trees to count': Aiken, Augusta golf courses face damage from Tropical Storm Helene They put their Myrtle Beach-area house on the market in April. Helene knocked an oak on it. Beaufort County tries to get back to normal afte.

Back to Food Page