Where to Watch Football in Charleston: Locals Sushi & Sports Pub (JI)
We put the Charleston football-watching challenge on hold while we visited friends in NYC last weekend. However, I figured I would highlight a spot I visited and loved last season—Locals Sushi & Sports Pub. While sushi and sports pubs don’t sound like a likely combo, this place makes it work. With three locations in Mt. Pleasant, West Ashley, and James Island, you know they must be doing something right. This article is specifically about the James Island location since I have not yet visited the other two.
Locals James Island is conveniently located off Folly Road and boasts a large outdoor seating area, an outdoor bar, and a spacious two-floor indoor dining area. They have several TVs located outdoors and many spread throughout the indoor area as well. Let’s dive in!
Highlights & Stand-Out Features —
The option to be outdoors on a beautiful fall day in Charleston is definitely a perk here! With several TVs located on their outdoor bar and patio space, along with plenty of seating, you don’t have to choose between enjoying the weather and staying inside to watch football—you can have the best of both worlds!
The indoor space has two floors, with the top floor being a little more private and intimate, making it a great option for a party or gathering with a group.
While the food isn’t your standard football bites (though they do have a few of those on the menu), it’s a delicious option if you’re a sushi lover! They were awarded "Best Sushi" by Charleston Living Magazine for four years in a row.
On Mondays, they offer buy one, get one half-off sushi rolls all day, making this a great option for Monday Night Football.
Considerations to Know Before You Go —
I’m pretty sure I recall this being an Eagles bar, so if you’re a Giants fan like me, you’ll want to prepare for a bit of light teasing.
The outdoor TVs are limited, and they might not be playing every game, but they adjusted one of the TVs for me based solely on the sports team attire I was wearing, so there’s probably some room for flexibility.
If you’re looking for the best traditional bar food and football snacks, this probably isn’t the spot for you. They do have wings, nachos, soft pretzels, and some other options, but their sushi is the standout, while the rest was just okay.
TVs span the perimeter of the large, spacious venue, so depending on which game you’re trying to watch, you might not have a great view. Get there early to grab the best spot near a TV that’s playing the game you want to see.
Tips & Recommendations —
Get the spicy tuna bites! I still think about them regularly.
Get there early if you want your choice of seating and to ensure a spot at a TV playing the game you want to see.
While I’m excited to get back into the Charleston football-watching challenge this week, I was glad for a week off to reflect on my favorite spots from last season. This was definitely a standout, and my taste buds are tingling as I write this just thinking about those spicy tuna bites! This post served as a much-needed reminder that I need to get myself back to Locals—and so do you!
