Zachary's Daiquiris Charleston Reviews: Unpacking The Buzz And The Backlash
The Concept: More Than Just Frozen Drinks
Located at 460 King Street in Charleston, SC, Zachary’s Daiquiris opened its doors in February 2025, quickly establishing itself as a "newly opened hot spot." The concept, developed by Republic Hospitality – the prominent Charleston group behind popular venues like Republic Garden & Lounge, Bourbon N' Bubbles, MESU, and Lamar's Sporting Club – aimed to create a distinctive atmosphere. At its heart, Zachary's Daiquiris is a bar dedicated to frozen boozy beverages. With an impressive lineup of 12 slushy machines, patrons can indulge in everything from classic daiquiris to more adventurous concoctions like espresso martinis and frosé. The establishment prides itself on offering a "chic frozen daiquiri destination" that exudes "good vibes." But Zachary's offers more than just a wide array of frozen drinks. It uniquely blends the daiquiri bar experience with an art studio, proclaiming itself "the world’s first paint bar." This isn't your typical structured art class; instead, it's designed for relaxation and spontaneity. The motto is "No classes. No sign-up. No stress. Just grab a drink, grab some food." This innovative approach allows guests to enjoy a boozy beverage while freely expressing their creativity, adding an intriguing layer to the Charleston nightlife scene. The establishment also carries a deeply personal touch. It's named after Zachary Elliott, a cancer survivor, with the intention of "infusing heart" into the business. This personal connection, combined with the innovative concept, generated considerable excitement leading up to its grand opening.The Grand Opening Buzz and Initial Reception
From the moment its opening was announced by "Southern Charm" star Leva Bonaparte via a joint Instagram reel with the establishment, Zachary’s Daiquiris garnered significant attention. Leva Bonaparte and her husband Lamar are the co-owners, bringing their established reputation in Charleston's hospitality industry to this new venture. Upon its opening, Zachary’s Daiquiris "drew a crowd over the weekend as patrons lined up to try its highly anticipated menu." The initial buzz was palpable, with many eager to experience the unique combination of frozen drinks and the "paint bar" concept. Social media was abuzz with anticipation, and early visitors seemed keen to share their experiences. The bar's operating hours are Monday-Sunday, 11 am - 12 am, making it accessible for both daytime relaxation and evening entertainment.What Are People Saying? The Mixed Bag of Reviews
However, the initial excitement surrounding Zachary's Daiquiris soon gave way to a more complex narrative as customer reviews began to surface across various platforms, including Google, Yelp, and Tripadvisor. The feedback, particularly over the opening weekend and into June 2025, presented a stark dichotomy. On one hand, the bar’s Google page was "flooded with five-star reviews," indicating that many patrons had positive experiences, enjoying the drinks, the atmosphere, and the unique concept. These reviews likely praised the "tropical paradise" ambiance, the variety of frozen beverages, and perhaps the relaxed art studio aspect. On the other hand, simultaneously, the bar also received "many one-star reviews." This significant volume of negative feedback quickly signaled that not all experiences were positive, and that something was amiss.The Allegations: Dress Code Controversy
The primary reason for the influx of one-star reviews and the subsequent public outcry centered around an alleged "racial profiling incident" involving the establishment's dress code policy. "Zachary's Daiquiris in Charleston, owned by Leva Bonaparte and her husband Lamar, are facing controversy over an alleged racial profiling incident." Customer reviews on Yelp and Google explicitly "indicate an alleged incident of racial targeting in the form of a dress code." Reports suggested that the dress code, while seemingly neutral on paper, was being enforced in a discriminatory manner, particularly appearing to "target Black men." This led to widespread accusations of a "racist dress code policy." The controversy quickly gained traction online, with "Zachary’s Daiquiris going viral, but not for a great reason." News outlets reported on the "backlash over its dress code policy, raising concerns of racial discrimination." The situation escalated to the point where "there was drama at Leva Bonaparte’s new bar if recent reviews of Zachary’s Daiquiris are to be believed." The "blackinformationnetwork" also highlighted the controversy on social media, bringing it to an even wider audience. The allegations suggested that while patrons of certain demographics were allowed entry, others, particularly Black men, were denied access based on subjective interpretations of the dress code. This sparked outrage and led to many patrons sharing their negative experiences and warning others.Conclusion: A Hot Spot Under Scrutiny
Zachary’s Daiquiris in Charleston, SC, undoubtedly arrived on the scene with a splash. Its innovative concept, combining a wide array of frozen alcoholic beverages with a stress-free paint bar experience, promised a refreshing addition to King Street's vibrant offerings. The establishment's connection to "Southern Charm" star Leva Bonaparte and its heartfelt naming after a cancer survivor added layers of interest and anticipation. However, the initial excitement has been significantly overshadowed by serious allegations of racial profiling and discriminatory dress code enforcement. The deluge of one-star reviews alongside the five-star praises paints a picture of a business grappling with a significant public relations challenge. While some patrons have clearly enjoyed the "tropical paradise" and unique offerings, others have reported deeply troubling experiences that raise concerns about inclusivity and fair treatment. As reviews continue to pour in, Zachary's Daiquiris remains a hot topic in Charleston, embodying both the promise of a unique entertainment venue and the complexities of navigating public perception in a diverse community. **Final Summary:** Zachary's Daiquiris in Charleston, SC, opened in February 2025, offering a unique "tropical paradise" concept with 12 slushy machines and an innovative "paint bar" experience. Owned by Leva and Lamar Bonaparte of Republic Hospitality, the venue quickly drew crowds and positive initial reviews. However, it also faced significant backlash and a flood of one-star reviews due to alleged racial profiling and a discriminatory dress code policy, leading to widespread controversy and public scrutiny.
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
