Big Johns Tavern

charleston's best dive since 1955 nightly from 4pm to 2am when ex-new york giants linebacker “big john” canady opened his tavern on east bay steet in 1954, little did he know it would become a charleston landmark. it’s aged walls, still covered with big john’s football memorabilia, have seen the likes of governors to wayward seamen – not to mention almost every graduating citadel cadet and college of charleston senior, all of which would echo big john’s slogan … come as a stranger, leave as a friend big john’s continues to be a charleston landmark. it is just a perfect dive bar – a place where you will immediately either love it or hate it. stop by for a pint and find out which one you are!