Skip to main content

787 Bar & Grill in Charleston: Wings, Screens, and Low Country Charm

What 787 Bar & Grill Offers

787 Bar & Grill is a sports bar on King Street in Charleston's downtown corridor, built around a straightforward formula: good food, plenty of televisions, and a neighborhood atmosphere. The kitchen focuses on wings—available in a range of sauces from mild to hot—alongside burgers, sandwiches, and fried seafood. The bar stocks beer on draft and in bottles, with a liquor selection that covers the basics for mixed drinks.

The space itself is casual and unpretentious. Multiple screens hang throughout the room, tuned to whatever games are running that day. The crowd tends to be a mix of locals stopping in after work, sports fans gathering for big matchups, and people looking for a straightforward meal without formality. The noise level rises during televised events, particularly football season and playoff games.

Key Takeaways

  • 787 Bar & Grill sits on King Street in downtown Charleston and serves wings, burgers, sandwiches, and fried seafood in a casual setting.
  • The bar has multiple televisions throughout the space, making it a practical spot to watch games during football season and playoffs.
  • Wings come in several sauce options and are a signature item, though the menu also covers standard bar food like burgers and fried fish.
  • The atmosphere is neighborhood-oriented rather than upscale, with a regular crowd and a relaxed dress code.

The Wing Menu and Sauce Choices

Wings are the centerpiece of what 787 serves. Orders come by the pound or in smaller portions, and the kitchen offers a selection of sauces you can choose from. The range typically includes mild options for people who prefer flavor without heat, medium sauces with a moderate kick, and hot sauces for those who want significant spice. You can also ask about dry rubs if you prefer seasoning without sauce.

The wings arrive crispy on the outside, and the sauce coats them evenly. Pricing is competitive with other Charleston sports bars—expect to pay less than you would at a sit-down restaurant but more than a takeout wing place. Sides like fries, coleslaw, or celery and ranch typically come with larger orders.

Other Food Beyond Wings

The burger menu includes several variations, from a basic cheeseburger to versions topped with bacon, fried eggs, or sautéed mushrooms and onions. Sandwiches lean toward fried seafood—shrimp po'boys, fish sandwiches, and fried oyster plates—which reflects Charleston's coastal location and kitchen capability. Fried seafood platters also appear on the menu, usually served with fries and hushpuppies.

Appetizers beyond wings include fried pickles, nachos, and quesadillas. The kitchen keeps portions generous, which is typical of sports bar pricing. Vegetarian options are limited; the menu is built around meat and fried items rather than salads or plant-forward dishes.

Drinks and the Bar Setup

The bar carries a rotating selection of draft beers, typically including both local South Carolina breweries and national brands. Bottled beer options are broader and give you more choices if you have a preference. The liquor selection covers standard spirits for mixed drinks—bourbon, vodka, gin, rum, tequila—rather than an extensive craft cocktail program.

During happy hour, which runs at times posted on their door or social media, beer and well drinks are discounted. The bar staff is accustomed to handling large crowds during games, so service can slow during peak times like Sunday football or playoff nights. If you're coming for a specific game, arriving early improves your chances of getting a good seat and a quick drink order.

Watching Games and the Crowd

The television setup is the main draw for sports fans. Screens are positioned throughout the bar so you can see from most seating areas, though the best views are at tables facing the larger screens. The sound is usually on for the main game, with other screens muted or showing different events. During major games—Super Bowl, March Madness, playoff rounds—the bar fills up quickly and the noise level becomes significant.

The crowd is mixed in age and background, skewing toward people who live or work downtown. Regulars tend to have favorite seats and know the bartenders by name. The atmosphere is friendly but not forced; people are there to watch the game and eat, not necessarily to socialize with strangers. Dress is casual—work clothes, jeans, athletic wear all fit the setting.

Parking and Location Details

787 sits on King Street, which is the main commercial corridor through downtown Charleston. Street parking is available but can be tight during busy hours; a paid lot is nearby if street spots are full. The bar is walkable from other downtown restaurants and shops, making it easy to combine a visit with other activities in the area.

The space itself is not large—it's a neighborhood bar rather than a sprawling sports complex—so capacity fills up during big games. If you're planning to come for a major televised event, calling ahead to ask about seating or arriving well before game time improves your experience.

Hours and What to Expect on Different Days

787 typically opens in the afternoon and stays open into the evening, with extended hours on weekends and during football season. Weekday afternoons tend to be quieter, making it a good time to come if you want to eat and watch a game without crowds. Evenings and weekends are busier, particularly when there are televised sports.

The kitchen keeps consistent hours with the bar, so food is available throughout operating hours. If you're coming for a specific game, checking their social media or calling ahead confirms they'll have it on and gives you a sense of how busy they expect to be.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation to watch a game at 787?

No reservation system is in place, but seating is first-come, first-served. For major games like the Super Bowl or playoff rounds, arriving early or calling ahead to ask about capacity helps you plan. Weekday games typically have plenty of available seating.

Can I bring a large group to watch a game?

Groups are welcome, but the bar's size means space is limited during busy times. If you're planning a group of eight or more, calling ahead to let them know you're coming gives the staff a heads-up and helps them prepare seating.

Are the wings made fresh or frozen?

Most sports bars, including 787, use frozen wings that are fried to order. This is standard practice in the industry and doesn't affect quality or taste. The sauce and seasoning are what distinguish one bar's wings from another.

What's the best time to come if I want a quieter experience?

Weekday afternoons before 5 p.m. are typically the quietest. Evenings and weekends, especially during football season or when there's a major game on, are much busier and noisier.

Is there outdoor seating?

787 is primarily an indoor bar with limited or no outdoor seating. The focus is on the interior space with television coverage, so most of the experience happens inside.