News Summary
Elisie’s has opened in Rock Hill, South Carolina, offering a unique speakeasy experience in a historic building. This establishment honors the civil rights legacy of the Friendship Nine, who were arrested for protesting racial segregation in 1961. Guests must use a daily passcode for entry, adding an element of intrigue. The intimate setting encourages personal interactions among patrons. Elisie’s serves craft cocktails and light snacks, making it a must-visit spot for both locals and visitors, particularly those dining at neighboring Kounter.
Rock Hill, South Carolina has welcomed a new speakeasy, Elisie’s, which is located in a historic building on Main Street that once housed McCrory’s Five and Dime. The new establishment aims to provide a unique drinking experience while honoring the civil rights legacy associated with its location.
The site is historically significant, as it was the location where nine Black men, known as the Friendship Nine, were arrested in 1961 for staging a sit-in to protest racial segregation at lunch counters. This act of civil disobedience contributed to a broader movement dubbed “Jail, No Bail,” which fueled significant activism during the civil rights era. Due to its importance, the building is now part of the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, serving as both a historical landmark and an entertainment venue.
Chef Rob Masone, known for his successful restaurant Kounter located on the ground floor of the same building, operates Elisie’s as a modern take on the speakeasies from the Prohibition era. The bar is discreetly hidden behind a storefront that sells cheese and other food items, making it a challenge for casual passersby to discover.
Visitors wishing to enter Elisie’s must provide a daily passcode to gain access. For those unfamiliar with the code, the host offers helpful clues. The entrance itself is cleverly disguised as a vintage commercial cooler, adding to the intrigue of the experience.
The interior of Elisie’s is small and dimly lit, accommodating around 50 patrons. The intimate environment is designed for personal conversations, intentionally avoiding loud music and television screens. Guests are encouraged to silence their phones and refrain from using flash photography, contributing to a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere. This setting encourages connections among visitors, creating opportunities for new interactions. Experience stories of camaraderie include guests freely exchanging drinks and warm embraces.
Though the design of Elisie’s contains modern elements, the core experience is focused on fostering a sense of community. In addition to a selection of cocktails and beers, Elisie’s offers light snacks to complement the beverages. The dress code is casual, making the speakeasy an inviting destination for a wide range of guests.
Located at 135 E. Main St, Rock Hill, SC 29730, Elisie’s is recommended for those looking to enjoy a night out in the area. Visitors from nearby Charlotte are particularly encouraged to dine at Kounter before heading to Elisie’s for drinks, making for a seamless evening out.
As Elisie’s opens its doors, it not only provides a fresh nightlife option for Rock Hill residents and visitors but also pays tribute to a significant chapter in the ongoing civil rights movement, ensuring that the legacy of the Friendship Nine is remembered as part of the local culture.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Charlotte Observer: Wellness
- Wikipedia: Civil Rights Movement
- Travel Noire: Charlotte’s Black Culture
- Google Search: Charlotte Black Culture
- WBTV: Charlotte Real Estate
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charlotte Real Estate
- QCity Metro: Great 28 Black Charlotteans
- Google News: Great 28 Black Charlotteans
- WSOC TV: Hornets Black Excellence Jersey
- Google Scholar: Charlotte Hornets
- WCNC: Charlotte Transit Plan
- Google Search: Charlotte Transit Plan
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
