Upper King Street is getting a familiar kind of buzz — just with a new accent.
The former home of The Rarebit at 474 King St. has found its next act, and it’s arriving with a well-earned reputation. Mother’s Ruin, the popular New York City cocktail bar known for inventive drinks and elevated pub grub, is opening its first Charleston location this spring.
According to the Post & Courier, Mother’s Ruin blends “inventive cocktails, elevated pub grub and approachably divey vibes” — a formula that’s helped the brand grow well beyond its original NYC outpost, which opened in 2011.
Charleston will become the bar’s fifth location, following expansions to Nashville (2019), Chicago (2022), and Austin (2025). The team began scouting the Holy City about eight months ago, drawn by the city’s strong neighborhood-bar culture and sense of community.
“For us, it’s really about that guest connection and serving tasty drinks quickly,” Director of Hospitality Jayson Storicks told the Post & Courier.
A familiar space — with a few signature changes
For longtime Upper King regulars, the space should feel comfortably recognizable. Mother’s Ruin plans to preserve much of The Rarebit’s layout, while introducing a few brand hallmarks.
The most noticeable change? A pressed tin ceiling — a signature design element found at every Mother’s Ruin location. The center booths will also be removed to create more room for ordering and movement, leaning into the bar’s social, high-energy flow.
The Rarebit, a longtime staple, closed in December after years of declining business that began during the pandemic.
Brunch all day, burgers by night
Food is central to the Mother’s Ruin experience — and Charleston’s menu will closely mirror what’s worked elsewhere.
Per the Post & Courier, the bar will serve brunch daily until 4 p.m., featuring spicy chicken and waffles, breakfast burritos, French toast sticks, and more. As the day turns to night, the menu shifts to smash burgers, crispy chicken sandwiches, and French onion grilled cheese.
And then there are the fries.
Mother’s Ruin’s waffle fries earned national attention from VinePair, which praised them as “expertly cooked until perfectly crisp,” then tossed in Old Bay seasoning and served with spicy ketchup and caramelized onion dip — a detail highlighted in the Post & Courier.
Storicks also noted there will be Charleston-specific menu items exclusive to the new location.
Late nights — and a soft introduction
Once open, Mother’s Ruin Charleston will serve food until 1:30 a.m. and keep the doors open until 2 a.m. — a welcome addition to Upper King’s late-night landscape.
Before the official debut, the team is hosting pop-ups at local bars to introduce themselves to the community. Dates include appearances at Faculty Lounge, The Royal American, Proof Bar, and Sugey’s Bar through mid-March.
Spring can’t come soon enough.
This is a summary of an article published in the Post & Courier. Click here if you’d like to read that article.
