Elsie’s at Kounter offers a dual concept culinary journey with a hidden location, nestled in the heart of Rock Hill’s downtown neighborhood.
As a charcuterie and sandwich shop by day, our offerings are a testament to high-quality ingredients and delectable house-made items.
When the evening descends, it magically transforms into a secluded speakeasy. Step into this secret York County haven, where crafted cocktails and an intimate atmosphere await, providing an enchanting experience for the adventurous and discerning palate.
Jason Ellsberry
This is a true speak easy. You have to know the password to get in so follow them on Instagram to get it. Walking down the street you would think this is a sandwich shop. Once you enter the secret door, you are taken to a bar with a great atmosphere that takes you back in time. They set a time limit (I believe 2 hours) so that others can have a chance to get a table but we didn’t mind. Their specialty cocktails are great. We share it with all of our friends.
… moreBrittany Kelly
Incredible space for intimate seating, a date night, catching up with a friend or business conversation. This is not the place for a big group. There is one lounge area in the back with a sofa and chairs that can accommodate a larger party. It’s Everything you’d hope for in a speakeasy! Amazing food, drinks and ambiance. You lose track of time inside the hidden room and love that you can visit this place on a Sunday at 12 and think it’s 10pm at night! Expect a wait as all good things that are exclusive are worth waiting for! Grab a drink or dinner at Kounter while you wait.
… moreAnthony J. Scott
Elsies is Rock Hills first speakeasy. You must get on the wait-list if you want to get inside in a reasonable timeframe. We really enjoyed the unique drinks. Service was also really great despite only being open two weeks. It is also decorated very nice and true to what you expect a speakeasy to look like.
… moreJ D
Update: the owner/manager reached out to rectify the situation. She said she spoke with the host and hopefully this will not be a reoccurrence for future guests. I appreciate her follow up on this situation and professionalism.
We attempted to get in and were told 2-3 hours. We came back to see if we could get in after we spent about 1-2 hours at another bar. The staff member at the counter, (red hair female) was quite rude. I asked “can we come in, we were here over an hour ago and wanted to see the place”. Her remark and facial expressions were as rude as could be. She replied “no, we don’t just let anyone in”. If I could use an emoji to demonstrate her face, I would, but there is not a emoji repulsive enough to describe her expression. Picture a not so good looking Regina George gatekeeping you from paying $20 for an overpriced cocktail experience. She may have saved us. Who knows!? I will never find out. I’ve been to plenty of speakeasy bars across the US, but I’ve never been so berated. She acted like we weren’t good enough to have access and it was quite telltale. If you don’t have your membership card, don’t even bother. I wouldn’t return based on that interaction alone (have not seen nor experienced the place). I saw a post from here where they had a similar experience, so I assume this is par for the course. It’s Rock Hill SC, not Los Angeles, not South Beach, Miami. I don’t think they have quite the status to treat patrons like second class citizens, but it was good to know where I won’t be spending my money.
… moreJoseph Mills
I looked forward to the Elsies Speak Easy experience and encouraged others to check it out. Well, that was before my wife and I actually went there. When we arrived, with the password, it immediately felt as though they were doing us a favor by letting us in. It was a negative vibe. Someone could have been having a bad day but it was what it was. When we sat, two of us, we were only given one menu which was strange. I ordered a margarita with a sugar rim but was later told that they don’t do sugar or salt rims (?). We ordered three appetizers, one of which was a tiger shrimp dish with cotton candy. I wanted the shrimp but not the cotton candy and we were basically told that we had to have the cotton candy because the chef created it for the experience. I understand the chef wanting you to have an experience but I didn’t want cotton candy on my shrimp. Overall, we went with the intention of returning and bringing friends but it was not accommodating at all. We left feeling like they were not interested in our business. Kounter, on the other hand, is a great experience and we go there often.
… moreKevin Noble
Atmosphere is dream-like and the cocktail menu is expertly curated. I really feel like I’ve been taken back to Prohibition in the most elegant way. Can’t wait to come back!
… moreMichaela Ails
Our waitress was phenomenal but we were turned off when a random employee reprimanded us about a 2 hour time limit. We had a lovely time up until then. There were multiple open seats in the bar. Disappointed.
… moreRiley Van Hout
If you’re looking for a cozy, intimate bar in Rock Hill, this is it. Friendly staff, gorgeous decor, and expertly crafted cocktails. They have a wide variety of good scotch and whiskey that can be hard to find elsewhere in this town. It was nice to see the director of operations getting down and dirty with the rest of the staff too! We will be repeat guests at Elsie’s, without a doubt.
… moreCourtnay Klee
I absolutely LOVE Elsie’s! It’s an amazing place, and the staff is wonderful. I love that they have the option to make most of the drinks in an NA version, so it’s truly an experience for everyone. If you’re into craft cocktails and inventive small bites – you’ve got to get here.
… moreRobert Williams
Elsie’s is a phenomenal spot to go enjoy unique, delicious cocktails in a truly wonderful atmosphere. The entire staff (with a special shoutout to Tony, Chelsea, Jake, Shelby, and Chris) are a delight. Everyone is so friendly and ensure you always have a great time. The charcuterie and other food items are heavenly, having been freshly prepared, with quality ingredients. My wife and I have loved going here, either for a quick cocktail before dinner or for a longer date night with multiple drinks and snacks. We cannot recommend this place enough, and are so thankful Elsie’s opened up in Rock Hill!
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