Top 8 Places to Drink a Painkiller in Charleston

Pusser's Painkiller®

Pusser’s Painkiller® had its start at the Soggy Dollar Bar at White Bay on the island of Jost Van Dyke, BVI. It was owned by an English lady, Daphne Henderson.

Boaters like Charles Tobias, Pusser's founder, came from distant shores to sample her locally famous Painkiller. The two became good friends, but she refused to divulge her secret recipe. Eventually, Tobias managed to get one of her concoctions back through the surf, and ultimately into his kitchen on Tortola. There, he went to work matching her flavor, which he finally worked out to be “4-1-1-1” ratio—four parts pineapple, one part cream of coconut and one part orange juice, and one part Pusser's Rum.

Tobias returned to her bar and announced that he had finally broken her secret. So, he mixed one of his concoctions and circulated it for comments. The patrons unanimously preferred his version to hers, and the rest is history!

Soon after, Tobias started promoting Pusser’s Painkiller® first at the Road Town Pub and then at his restaurants at West End and Marina Cay. From this modest beginning, the fame of the Pusser’s Painkiller® has not only spread throughout the boating and sailing communities but to the bars, corner pubs, chain restaurants, and some of the finest cocktail venues throughout the world.

Charleston, SC is now the headquarters for Pusser's Rum and has become a hit spot for a Pusser's Painkiller®. With plenty of beaches, bars, and restaurants, there's a place for everyone to enjoy a Pusser's Painkiller®. Here are a few of our favorites.

1. Acme Lowcountry Kitchen - Isle of Palms

Acme Lowcountry Kitchen is an upscale, yet casual traditional coastal cuisine with classic fare. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in a casual beach atmosphere with flavor profiles that exemplify fresh local ingredients and sustainable seafood. Also serving cocktails, like the Pusser's Painkiller®, Acme Lowcountry Kitchen has quickly become a beachside favorite.

2. The Crab Shacks - West Ashley, Folly Beach, Coosaw Creek

The Crab Shacks are known for some of the best seafood in Charleston. The Crab Shacks serve fresh local food that will satisfy both land and seafood lovers. Their Lowcountry seafood brings in locals from all over the Charleston area, with service and smiles that will keep you coming back. And if that doesn't bring you back for more, a Pusser's Painkiller® surely will.

3. Mex-1 Coastal Cantina - West Ashley, Sullivan's Island

Mex 1 Coastal Cantina is inspired by surf trips down the Baja Peninsula cruising down the Mex 1 highway, veering off towards the ocean on a small dirt road and manifesting perfect surf in the cove it leads to. The entire experience is fueled by the light, fresh flavors of the Baja peninsula served up in the little cantinas that dot the coastline! Until your next big adventure, Mex-1 can provide you with the perfect little escape with a Pusser's Painkiller®.

4. Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar - Downtown Charleston

Fleet Landing is a traditional favorite for drinks and dinner, located in the heart of Historic Downtown Charleston. They specialize in traditional Lowcountry dishes, like Shrimp & Grits, She Crab Soup, and Crab Cakes. And what better place than Fleet Landing to pair your lunch or dinner with a Pusser's Painkiller®.

5. Salty Dog Cafe - Seabrook Island

The Salty Dog Cafe is prominently known for quality apparel that is made in-house, kid friendly activities, sunset cruises, and wonderful food. With one restaurant handling so many tasks, this restaurant is sure to give you that local at-home feel as soon as you walk in. With a beautiful view, The Salty Dog Cafe is a popular spot to enjoy a Pusser's Painkiller®.

6. Holy City Brewing - North Charleston

Holy City Brewing is a well-known local brewery and restaurant. With an outdoor bar sponsored by Pusser's Rum, stage for live entertainment, a beautiful lowcountry view, delicious food, and perfect blends, they're the up and coming spot to be in Charleston, SC! Head over to Holy City for a Pusser's Painkiller cocktail, frozen Pusser's Painkiller, or even a Pusser's Painkiller Beer!

7. Saltwater Cowboys - Shem Creek

Saltwater Cowboys is one of Shem Creek's finest restaurants. From local seafood, to BBQ, Pusser's Painkillers, and even frozen Pusser's Painkillers, SWC is sure to please any palate. Whether you visit for the delicious food and cocktails, the casual atmosphere, or some of Charleston's most scenic views, you're sure to leave craving more. 

8. Coconut Joe's - Isle of Palms

Coconut Joe's is an oceanfront restaurant serving food, families, and fun since 1997! Whether you stop in for brunch on the roof top, take a seat at the bar for lunch, or sit inside for dinner, be sure to have a Pusser's Painkiller along with a beautiful beach view.