Zachary's Daiquiris Charleston Reviews: A Deep Dive Into The Buzz, The Beverages, And The Backlash
Charleston, South Carolina, a city renowned for its historic charm and vibrant culinary scene, has recently welcomed a new establishment that's stirring up quite a conversation: Zachary's Daiquiris. More than just a bar, it's positioned as a "tropical paradise" designed for "good vibes," offering a unique blend of frozen concoctions and an innovative artistic experience. However, like many new ventures, its opening has been met with a mix of enthusiastic praise and significant controversy, making its online reviews a fascinating landscape to explore.
Welcome to Zachary's Daiquiris: A Tropical Oasis with a Heartfelt Story
Opened in February 2025, Zachary's Daiquiris quickly became a highly anticipated destination on King Street. The establishment holds a special significance, being named after cancer survivor Zachary Elliott, a detail that aims to infuse the space with heart and a sense of purpose. This personal touch, combined with the promise of a vibrant atmosphere, immediately set it apart from typical bar openings.
Owned by Leva Bonaparte and her husband Lamar, familiar faces from the popular reality TV show Southern Charm, Zachary's Daiquiris arrived with a built-in fan base and considerable public interest. The Republic Hospitality, a prominent Charleston-based company, is behind this new concept, ensuring a professional and high-quality approach to its operations.
But what truly makes Zachary's Daiquiris unique is its innovative dual concept: it's not just a daiquiri bar, but also what they proudly call "the world’s first paint bar." This "love child" of a daiquiri bar and an art studio offers a relaxed, no-pressure creative outlet. Patrons can simply grab a drink, some food, and then purchase a "Paint Bucket" to unleash their inner artist without the need for classes, sign-ups, or stress. This blend of leisure and creativity is a fresh take on the entertainment scene, promising a different kind of night out in Charleston.
The Daiquiri Experience: What's on the Menu?
At its core, Zachary's Daiquiris is a haven for frozen boozy beverages. The bar boasts an impressive setup with 12 slushy machines, each churning out a different, tantalizing flavor. From sophisticated choices like espresso martinis to the ever-popular frosé, there's a frozen drink to suit every palate. Adding a local touch, many of the drinks are named after Charleston-area references, inviting patrons to explore a menu that feels connected to the community.
While the focus is undoubtedly on the daiquiris, the establishment also offers food, complementing the drinks and providing a complete experience for those looking to spend a few hours. Whether you're there for a quick refreshment or a leisurely evening of drinks and art, the diverse menu aims to cater to various preferences.
The Buzz and the Backlash: Unpacking Zachary's Daiquiris Reviews
Since its highly anticipated opening, Zachary's Daiquiris has certainly generated a lot of buzz. Over recent weekends, the "newly opened hot spot" drew significant crowds, with "patrons lined up to try its highly anticipated menu." This initial excitement is reflected in a flood of five-star reviews across platforms like Google and Yelp. However, this wave of positive feedback has been accompanied by a notable number of one-star reviews, creating a stark contrast in public perception.
The Allegations: Racial Profiling and Dress Code Controversy
The primary source of the negative reviews and "drama" surrounding Zachary's Daiquiris stems from serious allegations of racial profiling. Multiple customer reviews, particularly on Yelp, indicate an "alleged incident of racial targeting in the form of a dress code." This controversy has led to the bar "facing controversy over an alleged racial profiling incident," casting a shadow over its otherwise promising debut.
Reports suggest that some patrons felt unfairly targeted or denied entry based on arbitrary interpretations of a dress code, leading to accusations of discrimination. This type of incident can severely impact a new business's reputation, especially in a diverse city like Charleston, and has undoubtedly contributed to the influx of one-star reviews. The owners, Leva Bonaparte and Lamar, have found themselves at the center of this contentious issue, as customer reviews of their new establishment continue to highlight these concerns.
The Positive Pours: What Patrons Love
Despite the controversies, it's clear that many patrons have had genuinely positive experiences at Zachary's Daiquiris. The numerous five-star reviews suggest that when things go well, the establishment delivers on its promise of good vibes and delicious drinks. While specific details from positive reviews aren't extensively provided in the given data, we can infer that patrons appreciate:
- The Unique Concept: The combination of a daiquiri bar and a paint studio is a novel idea that appeals to many looking for something different.
- The Drinks: With 12 slushy machines and a variety of creative flavors, the frozen daiquiris themselves are a major draw.
- The Atmosphere: The "tropical paradise" and "good vibes" branding likely translates into an enjoyable and relaxed environment for many visitors.
- The Service (for some): Positive reviews often highlight friendly and efficient service, suggesting that not all experiences are marred by the alleged incidents.
The initial crowds and lines outside the venue indicate a strong initial interest, which for many, translated into a satisfying visit.
Finding Zachary's Daiquiris: Location and Contact
For those looking to experience Zachary's Daiquiris firsthand, or perhaps form their own opinion amidst the mixed reviews, here's how you can find them:
- Address: 460 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
- Hours: Monday - Sunday, 11 AM - 12 AM
- Contact:
- Phone: (843)-718-1649
- Email: info@zachsdaiqs.com
- Online Presence: You can find them on their Instagram page and other review platforms like Tripadvisor and Yelp for more information and to see what people are saying.
Whether you're planning a road trip or just a night out in Charleston, Zachary's Daiquiris is easily accessible and offers a distinct option for entertainment and refreshment.
Conclusion: Navigating the Waters at Zachary's Daiquiris
Zachary's Daiquiris in Charleston, SC, represents a bold new concept in the city's hospitality landscape. It's a place designed to offer a unique blend of refreshing frozen drinks, a relaxed artistic outlet, and a heartfelt story. However, its journey since opening has been a microcosm of the challenges new businesses can face, especially in the age of instant online reviews.
The establishment has clearly succeeded in drawing crowds and generating excitement, with many patrons enjoying its innovative concept and delicious beverages, leading to a surge of five-star ratings. Yet, the serious allegations of racial profiling and issues related to a dress code have undeniably impacted its reputation, resulting in a significant number of one-star reviews and sparking considerable public debate. As with any new establishment, potential visitors are encouraged to consult a variety of sources, including unbiased reviews on platforms like Tripadvisor, to form their own informed decision. Zachary's Daiquiris remains a hot topic in Charleston, a vibrant spot that continues to evolve under the watchful eye of its patrons and the wider community.
ZACHARY’S DAIQUIRIS - Updated May 2025 - 19 Photos & 10 Reviews - 460
ZACHARY’S DAIQUIRIS - Updated May 2025 - 19 Photos & 10 Reviews - 460
ZACHARY’S DAIQUIRIS - Updated April 2025 - 17 Reviews - 460 King St
