Philosophers & Fools is a cozy new Charleston bookstore and bar (2024)

Bar Tab is a recurring column in The Post and Courier Food section that highlights a locally made or sold adult beverage.

Book lovers and wine sippers unite for this new neighborhood nook.

Philosophers & Fools is both bookstore and bar. When you walk in to the corner store at 50 Bogard St., you’ll see a long wooden bar with black barstools to the left and bookshelves displaying a variety of titles for sale to the right.

A few marble tabletops are arranged by the front windows, letting light stream through, while a cozy lounge area is at back featuring plush velvet chairs and a couch.

“Tell us what you’re reading,” letters read above a burgundy wingback and green and brass lamp.

Co-owners and longtime Charleston residents Jenny Ferrara and her husband, Michael Bourke, took about two years to open the store once they began writing the story of what that might look like. Flip forward a few pages, and these book lovers are living out their dream and drawing like-minded people together. Their retirement plan turned into a let’s-do-it-now.

“At home, we read and we have a bottle of wine or we have a drink, and it’s just what we like to do,” said Bourke. “So we just kind of wanted to build a little clubhouse where other people can do that, and we can hang out with people who like books and talk about books and wine and beer.”

The menu includes wine, beer and seltzer, as well as coffee, tea, soda and sparkling water. For snacks, you can try the popcorn, olives, lupini or a bag of chips, all under $5. Or enjoy a full meal with a turkey and cheese or ham and cheese sandwich or grilled cheese.

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There are also sweets to satiate those in search of a sugary snack while page-flipping. These are baked by Sugar Bakeshop, including a chocolate chip cookie and Heath Bar blondie.

Upon my latest visit, I tried the orange wine, which was $13 for a glass, while perusing the window and table displays of the latest bestsellers. You can also get local brews, some made right down the road in the Charleston Brewery District. There’s the Munkle Wit, Coast Dead Arm, Edmund’s Oast Sour and Westbrook Very Fine.

Whether you join a friend at the bar or indulge in a solo nightcap, it’s hopeful you’ll rendezvous with some other area book lovers. Bourke said a few book clubs are already meeting regularly at the storefront — people from all walks of life gathering to discuss all sorts of genres. The books on the shelves are for sale, so patrons can read them there once they’ve made a purchase.

“It’s been really cool to see the diversity of people — of ages and backgrounds and interests and all that kind of stuff,” said Bourke.

Philosophers & Fools is also getting pre- or post-dinner visits from folks dining at neighborhood restaurants like Chubby Fish, Vern’s and Bistronomy by Nico.

The hours are also ideal for those who might want a more laid-back atmosphere than your typical downtown bar: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and noon-5 p.m. Sunday.

Kalyn Oyer