My boyfriend found this unique bar on our first day in Greenville! Good eye "mi amor". For this occasion, we decided to visit Vault & Vator.
Location: This is the worst part because the place is hard to find. It is located in the basement of a building and the entrance is through the parking lot. The entrance has no big sign or anything very visible. We circled the building and walked right by it the first time. We had to ask some locals on the street where the bar was. Either way, the bar is located in the heart of Greenville, SC.
Parking: The bar does not have its own parking lot. You have to pay for parking unless you are lucky enough to get a free parking spot on the street. We paid around $5 for 2 hours of parking.
Service: The bar is very small, only about 8 tables in total, so we decided to sit at the bar. The service is pretty standard. The bartender was friendly and knowledgeable about cocktails.
Drinks quality: Not disappointed. The drinks are really good and unique. The flavors are completely different from any standard American Bar. We got Lavender Fields (Cathead Honeysuckle Vodka, Lavender-Vanilla Liqueur, Crème de Violette, Pineapple, Lemon, Cardamom Syrup, topped with Butterfly Pea Tea), a refreshing, relaxing, mild, and nice smelling drink, and Bitter Sweet Symphony (Rye Whiskey, Fernet, Punt e Mes, Ginger Syrup, Cranberry Bitters, Angostura Bitters) that taste very similar to bourbon old fashioned.
Price: Completely acceptable. The quality of the drinks and the atmosphere are worth what you pay for the drinks. We pay for 2 cocktails $29.19 plus tip. Atmosphere: This is the best part. The bar is dark, but comfortable, cozy, romantic, a bit small, quiet, you can talk without any problem. We enjoyed the atmosphere. It was a great cocktail experience for us. Every aspect is unique. You can feel how the tastes of the drinks match with the concept and decorations of the bar.
Recommendation: Open your eyes wide, so you can see the bar door. Park anywhere and explore downtown on the way to this bar. This is not a bar for just any type of person, if you are a lover of sports bars and full-of-people atmosphere, this bar will probably not be exciting to you.
Would I visit this bar again? May be...if I'm bored or if a friend invite me, I'd get up and go there, but I wouldn't intentionally plan to go again once I experienced the vibe and knew the drinks already because I've been to better bars with similar themes.
Follow me. Instagram @hoppincities Facebook: @hoppincities Twitter:...
Read moreLast night, we decided to check out Vault & Vator after seeing all the rave reviews, and overall, it was a delightful experience worth sharing!
We called ahead to inquire about reservations and were informed that they don’t take them, but arriving at 8pm should be just fine. Upon arrival, I discovered they didn’t offer any food prep besides the hummus, which was a bit of a letdown since we were excited about the charcuterie board and cheese platter. It would have been helpful to know this beforehand, as we might have chosen another night.
That said, the hummus, olives, and flatbread were absolutely delicious and beautifully presented on Crown Ming China, adding an elegant touch to the evening. I enjoyed the V & V Barrel-Aged Old Fashioned—perfectly balanced with bourbon, bitters, cherry, simple syrup, and candied orange peel. My wife’s Montand Brut Sterling was equally impressive.
Not wanting to leave without trying a signature drink, I shared my favorite cocktails with the host, who recommended the Suit & Thai winter special. It combines white and dark rum, Thai tea, Suze, sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk rice, and chocolate bitters. Initially skeptical, I was pleasantly surprised by how amazing it was. This unique concoction definitely stood out and elevated our night.
The ambiance of Vault & Vator is charming with its speakeasy vibe, creating an intimate and cozy atmosphere. Additionally, cell phones are not allowed, which encouraged us to fully engage in the experience without distractions. The friendly service added to the overall positive experience.
While I wish we had known about the limited food options in advance, the excellent drinks and lovely setting make Vault & Vator a place we’ll likely revisit. If you’re looking for a quaint spot with standout cocktails and a welcoming atmosphere, this is definitely worth a...
Read moreI can't begin to explain to how awesome and amazing this place is! Do yourself a favor and read the rules they have in place before you show up. If the place is full you are put on a list and they will text you and let you know when there is seating for you (how nifty is that?) The reason behind this, is it's a nice, quiet, beautiful, small speakeasy. No standing room where it's crowded and lame.
To start off it's in the back of a building that's hard to find. You're greeted first by George. A tall, handsome gentleman with a great smile and if there is room, he will escort you to your table or a nice bar stool. The bartenders, Chelsea, Jp, Courtney, Carson are absolutely amazing at their jobs. Smart, creative, hard working team willing to do what they can to educate and enlighten you to real, well made cocktails. Listen, this is not a college bar. No shots, no cheap lame beer, and I really love the secrecy and elegance that comes with it. You sip on delicious, tediously made drinks that send you back to the 1920's. Phones are discouraged, which is nice, because you are encouraged to meet new people and locals and really engage in conversation. I can't think of a better place to go. Thank you guys for a wonderful ending to a truly enchanting...
Read more