HEARTS BREAK AROUND CHARLESTON AS LOCAL 616 ANNOUNCES CLOSURE

The start of the new year has marked many restaurant openings around the city. Sadly, along with it came multiple closings this month. Here are the major restaurants that closed in Charleston in February 2025.

After 12 Years, NoMo Fixture Local 616 Will Close This Month

Bartender Dwayne Mitchell opened neighborhood hangout Local 616 in 2013, and after a solid run of more than a decade, he announced that the bar’s last day will be February 12. He posted the sad news on Instagram: “It hurts my heart and has been tearing me apart since I knew this day was coming. I always knew, but never thought of how much 616 means to me until now writing these words on this page. All I see when I write these words are all the amazing and beautiful times I’ve shared with all of you for so many days, weeks, and years since Local 616 opened in 2013.” He shares that the cost of doing business, especially the rapidly expanding cost of insurance, has become unsustainable.

Mitchell was a mainstay of legendary dive bar Upper Deck Tavern (RIP), until he went out on his own to open his own place on upper Meeting Street. Local 616 has all the staples of a great neighborhood bar — cheap drinks, a pool table, and a cast of regulars — but it also boasts an expansive patio, creative slushie drinks, and pop-ups from aspiring chefs in the kitchen. Mitchell and his sister Vicki will be pouring drinks for the next few days. Judging by the number of distraught condolences on the Instagram post, you might have to go early to get a seat for a final cold one.

Fish Taco Spot Taco Bartina Closes After 16 Years in West Ashley

Ashley River Road staple Taco Bartina announced its last day on Instagram. The restaurant was known for its fusion tacos, like a teriyaki version with wasabi sauce or a Lowcountry chicken and sausage taco. Fans were also fond of the classic fish taco.

2025-02-03T20:14:32Z