ACME Bar & Grill in Downtown Charleston: Casual Dining and Live Music

What to expect at ACME Bar & Grill

ACME Bar & Grill is a casual neighborhood spot in downtown Charleston known for burgers, wings, and a full bar with a rotating selection of local beers. The restaurant occupies a brick storefront with exposed ductwork and industrial lighting—the kind of place where you can eat at the bar in work clothes or sit at a table with friends. The menu leans toward American comfort food: hand-formed burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, nachos, and daily specials that change with the season.

The bar itself is the draw for many regulars. ACME stocks craft beers from South Carolina breweries like Palmetto Brewing and Holy City Brewing alongside national brands, and the bartenders can recommend what's on tap that week. The space fills up on weekends, especially when there's live music—the restaurant hosts local bands and solo performers several nights a week, with no cover charge most of the time.

Key Takeaways

• ACME serves burgers, wings, and fried chicken sandwiches in a casual, industrial-style dining room open for lunch and dinner.
• The bar features rotating local craft beers and a full selection of spirits and cocktails.
• Live music happens most weekends and some weeknights, with performers ranging from solo acoustic to full bands.
• The restaurant is located in downtown Charleston and accepts walk-ins; reservations are recommended for larger groups on Friday and Saturday nights.

Menu highlights and pricing

ACME's burger menu is the backbone of the restaurant. Burgers come in single and double sizes, with toppings like cheddar, bacon, fried egg, and house-made pickles. Most burgers fall in the $14 to $18 range. The fried chicken sandwich—brined, hand-breaded, and served on a brioche bun—is another signature item, priced around $15. Wings come sauced or dry-rubbed, with flavors that rotate seasonally.

Appetizers include loaded nachos, fried pickles, and deviled eggs. Entrées beyond sandwiches are limited but solid: the restaurant occasionally runs specials like meatloaf or pot roast on certain nights. Desserts are simple—pie, cake, or ice cream—and usually under $6. Prices are moderate for downtown Charleston; a burger, fries, and a beer typically runs $25 to $35 before tax and tip.

Hours, location, and how to get there

ACME Bar & Grill is located on King Street in downtown Charleston, within walking distance of the historic district and a short drive from the waterfront. Street parking is available but can be tight during peak hours; a nearby parking garage offers paid parking if street spots are full. The restaurant is accessible by CARTA bus routes that serve downtown.

Hours are typically 11 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday. These hours can shift seasonally or for special events, so calling ahead is wise if you're planning a visit outside typical lunch or dinner times. The restaurant does not take reservations for small groups but will hold a table for parties of six or more if you call in advance.

Live music schedule and atmosphere

ACME hosts live performers three to five nights a week, typically starting around 8 or 9 p.m. The lineup includes local singer-songwriters, cover bands, and occasional touring acts. Most shows are free to attend; a few ticketed events happen a few times a year for bigger names. The restaurant posts its music calendar on its website and social media, updated monthly.

The noise level during live music is loud enough that conversation at a table becomes difficult, but the bar itself is a good spot to stand and listen. The sound system is decent but not concert-quality—this is a bar with a stage, not a music venue. If you're coming specifically for a band, arriving by 8 p.m. gives you a better chance at a good spot and a table.

Drinks and the beer selection

The beer list changes regularly and focuses on South Carolina craft breweries. You'll typically find selections from Palmetto Brewing, Holy City Brewing, Westbrook Brewing, and Revelry Brewing on tap, along with a few national brands and imports. The bartenders know the beers and can describe what's currently on draft—helpful if you're trying something new. Prices for draft beer range from $5 to $7 depending on the size and brewery.

Beyond beer, ACME serves cocktails made with standard spirits and house-made syrups and bitters. The cocktail menu is short and straightforward—Old Fashioneds, Margaritas, Daiquiris—rather than elaborate or trendy. Wine is available but not the focus. Happy hour pricing on beer and well drinks typically runs 4 to 6 p.m. weekdays; check the website for current specials.

Parking and accessibility

Street parking on King Street fills quickly during dinner hours and weekends. A paid parking garage is one block away, with rates around $2 to $3 per hour. The restaurant itself has no dedicated lot. ACME is accessible by wheelchair; the entrance is at street level and the dining room is on one floor, though the restrooms are down a short hallway.

The bar area can get crowded on weekends, making it harder to navigate if you need extra space. If you're planning to visit during peak hours and have mobility concerns, calling ahead to let staff know can help them reserve a more accessible table.

When to visit and what to know

Friday and Saturday nights are the busiest times, especially after 8 p.m. when live music starts. If you prefer a quieter meal, lunch or early dinner on a weekday is your best bet. The restaurant is popular with the after-work crowd, so 5 to 7 p.m. on weekdays can be moderately busy at the bar even if tables are open.

ACME is a casual spot—no dress code, no reservations needed for small groups. The crowd is a mix of downtown workers, tourists, and locals who live nearby. The restaurant does not have a kids' menu, but children are welcome, and the burger-and-fries format works fine for families eating early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

Walk-ins are welcome for groups of five or fewer. For parties of six or more, call ahead to reserve a table, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Reservations are not taken online; you'll need to call the restaurant directly.

Is there a cover charge for live music?

Most shows are free. A few ticketed events happen throughout the year for touring acts or special performances; these are announced on the restaurant's social media and website. Ticket prices vary but are usually $10 to $20.

What if I'm vegetarian?

The menu is meat-heavy, but the kitchen can make a veggie burger or a fried cheese sandwich. Sides like fries, nachos, and deviled eggs are also options. Call ahead if you have specific dietary needs so the kitchen can plan.

Can I see the full menu online?

ACME posts its current menu and daily specials on its website and social media. The menu changes seasonally, and specials rotate, so checking online before you visit gives you a sense of what's available that day.

Is ACME good for a date night?

It works better for casual hangouts than romantic dinners. The bar is lively and social, the noise level is high during live music, and the vibe is more "grab a burger with friends" than intimate. If you like that atmosphere, it's a solid choice; if you're looking for quiet and candlelight, look elsewhere.