Speakeasy-inspired bar for the LGBTQ+ community opens in North Charleston

NORTH CHARLESTON — Brent Compagni wanted to provide the queer community with a new option. The city already boasts one space with drag queens and dance music , so his first business venture would be different. A speakeasy-inspired cocktail lounge would best serve the LGBTQ+ community, he decided.

King Street nights: see what happens when 50,000 people pile into Charleston's entertainment district “I thought it would be good to offer a space that people could talk to others within the community and bring the community together,” said Compagni of Bar Polari , which opened at 1813 Reynolds Ave., in July. “We really focus on not only the cocktails themselves but curating a space that makes everyone want to talk to each other.



” The new cocktail bar is named after a form of slang that evolved into a secret language and was popularized by the gay community in the 19th century. Bar Polari patrons will find Compagni, who moved to Charleston four years ago, at the bar most nights, where patrons can choose from about a dozen house-crafted cocktails like the Bibi with tequila, Campari, grapefruit, lime, strawberry syrup and soda. “I enjoy meeting new people and love being a host and making people feel welcome and warm,” Compagni said.

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Compagni is enthusiastic about the location of Bar Polari, which is situated behind Peruvian spot Macho Pichu Chicken . Several locally owned businesses have sprouted up in this part of North Charleston between Park Circle and downtown, including King BBQ , Rebel Taqueria, Wit’s End Comedy Lounge, Maya Del Sol Kitchen and Burgundy Lounge at The Starlight Motor Inn. Bar Polari opens daily at 4 p.

m. For more information, visit barpolari.com .

Parker Milner.