1909 LIVE: Where to Eat Wings and Live Music in Charleston

What 1909 LIVE is and where to find it

1909 LIVE is a restaurant and music venue in downtown Charleston located at 390 King Street. It serves wings alongside other casual fare and hosts live performances most nights of the week. The space combines a full bar, dining area, and stage in a single room, so you can eat, drink, and watch performers without leaving your seat.

The venue takes its name from the building's address and the year the structure was built. It sits in the heart of King Street's entertainment district, within walking distance of other restaurants, shops, and galleries. Parking is street parking or nearby lots; the Charleston City Market garage is two blocks away.

Key Takeaways

• 1909 LIVE serves wings and casual food with a full bar in a downtown Charleston location that doubles as a live music venue.
• The venue hosts live performances most evenings, with the schedule and performer details posted on their social media and website.
• You can reserve a table ahead of time, which is useful on weekends and when major events draw crowds to King Street.
• The space is a single room with the bar, dining, and stage all visible, so you experience the music regardless of where you sit.

What to order and what the menu covers

Wings are the signature item, offered in a range of sauces and heat levels. The kitchen also prepares burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, and sides typical of a casual sports-bar menu. Prices are moderate for downtown Charleston—wings and a drink will run you less than $30 before tip.

The bar stocks beer on draft and in bottles, well liquor, and a selection of cocktails. Happy hour pricing varies by day; check their social media for current specials. Food orders are taken at your table or at the bar, and service is typically quick enough that you can eat before or during the opening act.

Live music schedule and what to expect

1909 LIVE books local and touring bands, solo artists, and DJs most nights. The schedule changes weekly and is posted on their Facebook page and Instagram account. Genres range from rock and blues to hip-hop and cover bands; the venue does not specialize in one sound.

Most shows start in the evening, typically between 8 and 10 p.m., though timing varies. There is usually no cover charge, though the venue may add a minimum drink purchase on busy nights or for headlining acts. The stage is small and close to the audience, creating an intimate feel even when the room is full.

Parking and getting there

Street parking on King Street fills quickly, especially on weekends and during evening hours. The Charleston City Market parking garage is a two-minute walk north; the Wentworth Street garage is slightly farther south. Both charge hourly rates and accept credit cards.

If you are using a rideshare service, drop-off is on King Street directly in front of the venue. The location is also walkable from most downtown hotels and from the Market area. Public transit via CARTA buses runs along King Street, with stops near the venue.

Atmosphere and who goes there

1909 LIVE draws a mix of locals, tourists, and people out for a night on King Street. The crowd skews casual—jeans and a shirt are standard—and the energy is relaxed during dinner hours, louder and more energetic once the band starts. The single-room layout means you are part of the scene whether you came for the music or just the wings.

The venue is open to all ages during the day and early evening, though it becomes 21+ after a certain hour on nights with live music. Check ahead if you are planning to bring anyone under 21. The space can get crowded on weekends, so arriving early or reserving a table improves your chances of a good seat.

How to find out what is happening and make a reservation

The most current information about performers, hours, and specials appears on 1909 LIVE's Facebook page and Instagram account. You can also call the venue directly to ask about upcoming shows or to reserve a table. Reservations are recommended on Fridays and Saturdays and whenever a known local band is performing.

The venue's phone number and social media handles are listed on Google Maps and on their website. Follow their accounts to see photos from recent shows and to get a sense of the kind of music and crowd they draw. Many performers post their own announcements when they are booked, so following local musicians you like can also tip you off to upcoming shows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cover charge to get in?

Most nights there is no cover charge, though the venue may require a minimum drink purchase during busy evenings or when a headlining act is performing. Call ahead or check their social media to confirm the policy for the night you plan to visit.

Can I bring kids during the day?

Yes, 1909 LIVE is open to all ages during daytime and early evening hours. The venue becomes 21+ after a certain time on nights with live music. If you are unsure about the exact cutoff, call the venue to confirm before you come.

What if I want to sit away from the stage?

The space is a single room, so you will hear and see the stage from anywhere in the venue. If you prefer a quieter spot, arrive early to claim a table farther back, or ask your server when you arrive—they can usually seat you based on your preference.

Do I need to reserve a table?

Reservations are not required but are strongly recommended on Friday and Saturday nights and whenever a popular local band is performing. You can call the venue to book a table, or arrive early and take your chances with walk-in seating.

What is the best time to go if I just want to eat and not stay for the music?

Arrive before 8 p.m. on any night, and you can eat in a quieter atmosphere before the band starts. The kitchen serves food throughout the evening, so you can also order dinner and leave before the show begins if you prefer.