Lou Lou’s Tavern, a new community-driven spot centered on live music and late-night energy, is set to open at The Refinery.
The concept marks the latest venture from Epic Hospitality, co-founded by Dave Lorenz and his wife Chrissy, the team behind Charleston staples Mex 1 Coastal Cantina and Islander 71.
“Lou Lou’s comes from my wife Chrissy’s sister, Aunt Lou, and we had an old hound dog named Big Lou. It creates a sweeter, feminine side paired with the Tavern,” Lorenz told What Now Charleston.
The Refinery in Charleston is a mixed-use development with more than 40,000 square feet of office space, a 2,000-person outdoor amphitheater, and on-site dining and bars. The industrial-style venue hosts live music, events and pop-ups.
“It sits right against an amphitheater that has become one of the best places to see a band in Charleston. We looked at the space and went to a couple of shows, and we were like, ‘Wow! This could really lean into a vibey type bar that captures the energy of music and late-night elements,’” Lorenz said.
He continued, “I have been going to concerts my whole life. I love concerts. I think what is really unique and I’m excited for is having a restaurant next to a venue like that.”
The interior will immerse guests in an elevated, upscale tavern experience.
“We have a local guy that has really created this beautiful bar top using charred wood. We’ve got elements of olive booths and dark maroon paint. We’ve got vintage, mirrored glass behind the bar and fun, funky wallpaper. It’s going to have a sexy, sophisticated vibe,” he said.
The menu will focus on Americana-inspired small plates.
“It’s the style of dining where you have different things like vegetable plates, roasted or barbecued pork belly, seared scallops with pea puree, wagyu sliders, porchetta. Instead of full dishes, they’re sharable-type items. You can really curate your dining experience. It leans into exploratory dining with friends and family,” Lorenz said.
Lou Lou’s will offer classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned and Manhattan, while also using a keg system to serve drinks.
“We have multiple taps that are not just going to be beer. We’re going to have cocktails on tap. We can play around with fun keg cocktails,” Lorenz said.
He continued, “We’ll also have some wines on tap. It’s really unique because the system is pressurized the whole time, so that the first pour of wine is like a fresh pour of wine every time. Our wine by the glass will be much fresher.”
The goal is to offer guests a distinctive space to enjoy while watching a show.
“The show is right there, so you can literally walk outside and you’re right in the middle of the show. But then, maybe you want to sit down. You’ll be able to, with a nice cocktail and some food,” Lorenz said.
Beyond live shows, Lou Lou’s Tavern will serve dinner daily and offer brunch and lunch on weekends.
“On the weekends, we’re going to drive the day business. We’ll tweak the menu during the day parts on Saturday and Sunday. We’ll serve lobster rolls, burgers, and big salads—that’ll be different from our small plates at night,” he said.
Lorenz looks forward to welcoming existing customers from the group’s other Charleston outposts while also meeting new faces.
Lou Lou’s Tavern is aiming to open mid-May. Visit the website and follow along on Instagram for the latest updates. Stay tuned.
