A Garden-Inspired Lounge in the Historic Distric
One of Charleston’s newest boutique hotels features a small lounge serving small bites and excellent cocktails. If you are looking for something off the main tourist areas and a little quiet time, head to the Veranda Lounge at the Loutrel.
When you walk into the lobby, you will be welcomed with a warm greeting, cucumber water that you can add your own lime and cucumber slices, and a selection of nuts and snacks to accompany your cocktail. The Veranda Lounge at the Loutrel is in the lobby, and feels like a neighbor’s sunroom with its large windows. It’s filled with potted plants, comfortable couches, and even an oversized garden swing, which is a feature worth seeing on its own.
Off to the left in the Veranda Lounge at the Loutrel is an oversized moody garden painting by local artist Linda Fantuzzo. It was commissioned and painted from the original landscape architecture drawings of Loutrel Briggs and fills the entire left wall of the lobby.
The Loutrel also features a selection of local art throughout its public spaces, and it’s all available for purchase, which I love.
Thoughtful Cocktails at the Veranda Lounge at the Loutrel
If you like a dirty martini, try the Fine Brine Pickle Martini, which is served in a coupe. The garnishes and herbs used in their botanical cocktails are actually grown in their rooftop garden. You also can’t go wrong with a smoky old-fashioned smoked tableside.
If you’d like a nibble with your cocktail, try the kale salad, the empanadas, or the other small bites. The cocktails and food program at the Veranda Lounge at the Loutrel is carefully curated and everything is inventive and delicious.
Or, grab your cocktail and head to their rooftop garden. You’ll need a key card from the concierge, so it feels like a secret hideaway. The rooftop is lower than other rooftop bars in Charleston, but it’s a nice place to see the steeples and rooftops of Charleston and enjoy a cocktail or a cup of coffee. There is no bar service up there, but it’s quiet (or at least it was when we were there) and the sunset views are lovely.
