Historic Charleston, South Carolina, is well known for its cobblestone streets, antebellum architecture, and rich maritime legacy. But nestled within its vibrant French Quarter lies a hidden gem of history, mystery, and spirits — and we’re not just talking about the ones served in glasses. Welcome to The Blind Tiger Pub, a bar with roots sinking deep into Prohibition-era lore and ghost stories that chill even the most seasoned paranormal investigators. Whether you’re a history buff, a fan of classic cocktails, or a ghost hunter in search of your next supernatural hotspot, The Blind Tiger Pub offers a little something for everyone — and perhaps more than you bargained for.
The History
The Origins of a Curious Name
The name “Blind Tiger” might sound quirky today, but it has significant historical weight. Back in the days of Prohibition (1920–1933), “blind tiger” or “blind pig” was slang for an illicit establishment selling alcoholic beverages. Patrons would pay to see an exotic animal — the so-called blind tiger — and enjoy a complimentary alcoholic drink while they were there. The trick? The alcohol was “free,” skirting around legal loopholes. Charleston had its fair share of these creative operations, and the name of The Blind Tiger Pub is a nod to this rebellious era of speakeasies and secret libations.
From Speakeasy to Spicy Saloon
Located at 36–38 Broad Street, The Blind Tiger building has served many purposes over the years. It wasn’t always a pub. In fact, this lot once housed a tavern way back in the late 1700s. Charleston’s Broad Street was a central hub for commerce and entertainment — a perfect environment for both legal and illegal socializing.
During the early 1900s, the building transitioned into a saloon, attracting a colorful clientele ranging from local politicians to sailors seeking a strong drink and lively company. There are murmurings in historical records that it may have been one of the city’s more infamous watering holes even during the height of the Prohibition years — a seedy underworld haven cloaked behind the guise of a legitimate business.
Rebirth of The Blind Tiger Pub
In the 1980s, the property was reimagined as The Blind Tiger Pub — embracing its speakeasy inspiration and Charleston’s igniting love for atmospheric taverns. The exposed brick, gas lanterns, oak-beamed ceilings, and overall Colonial charm encapsulate the elegance of old Charleston, while the pub itself has become a haven for locals, tourists, and ghost seekers alike. Most recently renovated in the 2010s, the space retains its historic character while offering modern creature comforts — and perhaps some creatures of the supernatural variety as well.
The Haunt
Ghosts, Whispers, and Apparitions
As with many historic properties in Charleston, whispers of hauntings accompany nearly every old corner — and The Blind Tiger Pub is no exception. With over two centuries of history embedded in its walls, it’s little surprise that many believe spirits from the past still linger in the pub today.
Staff and patrons have frequently reported eerie experiences: objects moving on their own, disembodied whispers, and chilly gusts in rooms without open windows. Some bartenders are reluctant to work late-night shifts alone due to the sensation of being watched or followed by something — or someone — unseen. Paranormal investigators who have visited the site describe a thick energy in certain areas of the bar, particularly near the back room that once served as a private speakeasy lounge during the 1920s.
Most Notable Hauntings
- The Lady in the Mirror: A recurring story involves a woman in vintage garb — possibly from the 1920s — seen glancing through a mirror in the women’s restroom. When approached, she disappears. Psychic mediums believe she may be a former hostess or entertainer who died under mysterious circumstances.
- The Disappearing Bartender: Multiple guests have reported striking up casual conversations with a “friendly bartender in suspenders” who then mysteriously vanishes. Oddly, no such bartender was scheduled or even on staff during those sightings.
- Poltergeist Activity in the Cellar: No modern patrons are allowed in the old cellar beneath the pub, but that hasn’t stopped paranormal teams from investigating. These teams consistently record electromagnetic spikes and unexplainable cold spots. It’s speculated that during Prohibition, the cellar may have been used to hide kegs, contraband spirits — and possibly scandals darker than anyone dares to think about.
Ghost Investigations at The Blind Tiger Pub
Several local paranormal groups, including Haunted Charleston and Lowcountry Spirit Watch, have conducted investigations inside The Blind Tiger Pub with compelling results. EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) sessions have captured faint voices saying things like “run,” “stay,” and “tiger.” Some EVP frequency spikes occurred precisely at 1:13 AM — a time one former bartender claims was when a full glass slid off the counter and shattered without being touched.
Ouija boards have reportedly been used — unofficially, of course — in quiet corners, and while results vary (as they always do), a few sessions have pointed toward a spirit with initials “J.M.” No confirmed historical figure has been linked to those initials yet, but it remains a tantalizing open mystery for any ambitious history sleuths out there.
Atmospheric Vibes That Feed the Mystery
Even if you’re skeptical about ghosts, there’s no denying the ambiance of The Blind Tiger Pub plays a powerful role in its haunted reputation. The warm gas lanterns flicker like whispers of the past. The shadow-filled corners, the antique mirrors, and the antique iron-wrought back patio each seem plucked from a historical plane where time slips just enough for spirits to peek through. Whether haunted or not, the air at The Blind Tiger is thick with tales waiting to be told — or revealed anew.
Conclusion: A Must-Visit for Ghost Hunters and History Lovers
The Blind Tiger Pub in Charleston is far more than just a place to grab a pint or nosh on some tasty Southern fare. It’s a living time capsule — a retreat where history pulses through brick and wood, and perhaps where the echoes of the past occasionally find a voice. For those of us who live for the thrill of ghost hunting and historical exploration, it offers a unique dual experience: authentic Charleston charm wrapped around whispered legends and spectral encounters.
Whether you’re searching for the ghostly lady in the restroom mirror or hoping to catch a phantom bartender in your photos, The Blind Tiger Pub deserves a spot on your paranormal itinerary. Bring your EMF detectors, your audio recorders, and — just in case — a flask of salt for good luck. No investigation in Charleston is complete without a night spent unraveling the mystery of this haunted speakeasy-turned-pub.
Next time you’re in South Carolina, head down Broad Street, take a deep breath, and step into the lingering echo of Charleston’s past at The Blind Tiger Pub. And remember: not all spirits at the bar are poured into glasses.