Fine wines and beers at Oak Barrel Tavern

During my regularly scheduled (local) Christmas shopping, I stumbled upon a new tavern in West Ashley.

Open for just three weeks, Oak Barrel Tavern is warmly decorated and the perfect place to sip a stout beer or red wine in between the parties and mayhem.

Bartender Chaz Green was friendly and told us everything we needed to know about the best beer and wine.

Q: How is business so far?

A: It's good. Very steady, and mostly locals so far. The neighbors are just walking by and popping in to check us out.

Q: How long has Oak Barrel been open?

A: On Thursday, it was three weeks, so, three weeks and two days!

Q: Tell me about the concept.

A: One of the owners here also owns the Drop In out on Folly Beach, and the other owns the Brew Pub on Folly. They basically took the concept of the Brew Pub and brought it here. Avondale needed something like this.

Q: Tell me about the wine list you offer.

A: The choices constantly change, like everything else does. As far as wines by the glass, a current pick is the Red Wire from California. It's appealing to pretty much everyone.

Q: What about beers?

A: We'll have 16 rotating taps eventually. We're still getting some of the taps now.

One of my personal favorites is the Racer Five on draft. It's a nice, hoppy flavor and it's a bit more potent than some others.

Q: What are the customers ordering so far?

A: A nice blend, really. They love the draft selections. We also have a lot of ladies come in and order a bottle of wine with friends.

Q: What's your bartending background?

A: None at all. I'm good friends with the owner. Before this, I used to farm raise clams.

Q: Where's your favorite place in Charleston?

A: I love Folly. I love the Surf Bar and the Sand Dollar. But I live downtown, so I also go to Closed for Business and the Recovery Room a good bit.

Q: Any holiday hangover tips to share?

A: Take Airborne before you go to bed. It really works.