Bottoms up: It’s ‘like family’ at Irmo’s Social Grill

Just from its Irmo location, Social Grill was never meant to be a college-town bar. Instead, it’s a family restaurant with a sports-bar atmosphere.

The bar receives heavy foot traffic from surrounding Ballentine neighbors who are greeted by first name, some even with a hug. Just imagine being transported into an episode of “Cheers” if it were made in the South.

“This is so very much a local family restaurant,” said Autumn Browning, a 13-month employee who is one of the main daytime bartenders. “We don’t get really crazy, but we do have a good time.”

“We want everybody to feel like family here,” added Bill Corless, the bar’s owner. Corless has owned previous bars downtown, but with this location, he wanted something with a local feel.

“Downtown, you see all these people you’ll never see again,” he added. “You don’t have hotels around here, so you have to rely on people that live in the neighborhoods.”

One of the bar’s biggest draws – besides its made-to-order menu, where nothing costs more than $20 – are its 12 craft beers on tap. The Sacred Heart IPA, the Artemis Blonde and the Medusa Stout are brewed in downtown Columbia by Conquest brewery. Seasonal ales like Sam Adams Oktoberfest will run for a few months before a new selection is chosen.

Another draw is Social Grill’s themed nights. Wednesday nights are open mic and Thursday night, Ladies Night, offers women a selection of $3 Svedka martinis, cosmos and house wines.

“If you cater to women, the guys will come,” said Corless. “That way, you keep everybody happy.”

The social butterfly is one of the more popular of the Ladies Night drinks, made of peach rum, cranberry juice and orange juice. Girls’ Night Out is another favorite, comprised of strawberry colada vodka, cranberry juice, pineapple juice and a splash of Sierra Mist. Both drinks are fruity, flavorful and – best of all – strong.

But don’t just take our word for it.

Next time you’re in the neighborhood, stop in and say hello. They may not know your name at first, but don’t be surprised if the second time you come by, they’re working on your drink before you sit down.