A downtown Rock Hill speakeasy is about to open. Here’s what you need to know to get in
A long-awaited speakeasy in downtown Rock Hill will open next week.
Visit York County announced Elsie’s at Kounter will open Dec. 13. The 135 E. Main St. spot downtown is part of the Kounter restaurant and food group started by Rock Hill native Rob Masone.
The 900-square-foot speakeasy named for Masone’s grandmother will seat almost 50 people and have a counter bar with more than a dozen seats. It’ll have a street-front bodega, an entry “hidden” by a concealed door in the cheese shop and a secret code word for entrance (it’ll be on social media or at the restaurant next door).
Elsie’s will have a to-go charcuterie and second-level private event space, the latter opening in the spring. Elsie’s transforms 3,000 square feet of space previously used by an investment banking company.
“We’ve focused on creating a truly unexpected experience,” Masone said in Thursday’s announcement.
Speakeasy memberships available
Elsie’s will have 50 annual memberships. Members will have personalized decanters displayed on a wall, private access at certain times and invitations to special events.
Elsie’s will have cocktails and non-alcoholic options. Small-bite sweets will be served, too.
Masone announced plans for a new speakeasy last year. It’s the latest project for the former South Carolina Chef Ambassador. Masone opened Kounter in late 2020 at the site of the 1961 Friendship Nine sit-in. One of Rock Hill’s prominent civil rights landmarks, the restaurant still recognizes the time when Black Friendship College students were denied service and arrested after they refused to leave.
Masone has won multiple regional awards during his run in Rock Hill, while operating a food truck, catering and event businesses. He’s been part of several events promoting restaurant week or tourism efforts for eateries across York County.
Masone also temporarily closed Kounter after Hurricane Helene while his team went to North Carolina to feed line workers there to restore power.
This story was originally published December 5, 2024 at 1:21 PM with the headline "A downtown Rock Hill speakeasy is about to open. Here’s what you need to know to get in."
