The Trappe Door - Greenville, SC

Attraction: The Trappe Door
Location: 23 W Washington St, Greenville, SC 29601
Industry: Restaurant
Website: https://www.trappedoor.com/

Descend below street level in downtown Greenville and you’ll discover something magical.

The Trappe Door is located in the basement of a building with low ceilings and all, creating a very different feel that seems to fit perfectly.

This cozy Belgian pub captures perfectly the feel of a ‘basement’ Belgian/middle European pub, with open casks, tables made from barrels, open faced brick walls, and dim lights.

What started as owner Josh Beeby’s dream to bring authentic Belgian cuisine to Greenville has become one of the city’s most beloved dining destinations.

Beer & Cocktail Highlights

Extensive Belgian Selection: They have an extensive, albeit pricey, menu that can satisfy any beer enthusiast’s tastebuds, specializing mainly in Belgian and Trappist ales. The entire staff, even waiters and hosts, are extremely knowledgeable about the selection of different ales, lagers, wines, and liquors.

Signature Cocktails: Creative cocktails include the Trappe Door Whiskey Sour with bourbon, lemon juice, lemon peppercorn syrup, housemade vanilla extract, and egg white. The Garden Variety #2 features Aqua Perfecta basil Eau de vie, St. George Green Chili, Sotol, tomato and bell pepper shrub, lime, and celery bitters.

Proper Glassware: Beers like the Chimay Blue from the Trappist ale list are served in their own special glasses, which enhance the high carbonation of the ale.

Food Highlights

Moules Frites: The mussels and frites are by far one of their more popular offerings, and once you taste the double fried potatoes and succulent mussels, you’ll agree. You have choices for the broth they’re cooked in, plus three choices of specialty mayo dipping sauces for the frites.

Specialty Entrees: Popular dishes include the Carbonades flamandes (traditional Belgian beef stew), pork tenderloin with mustard cream sauce, and duck. The Seafood Waterzooi features scallops, shrimp, and mussels of high quality with great presentation.

Unique Sides: In Belgium they use mayonnaise instead of ketchup for fries, and you can select three flavored mayonnaises including truffle, raspberry, and curry.

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Atmosphere & Décor

Basement Charm: Located in the basement below Barley’s Taproom, the entrance features two large wooden doors with The Trappe Door logo above them, leading to a wooden staircase. Everything is quite dark, as you’d expect in a basement, but it’s lighted enough to see and creates the perfect ambiance.

Authentic European Feel: The bar has a wonderful old world, tavern and inn feel with tables made out of barrels, dimly lit atmosphere, long wood bar, and complete with creaky hardwood floors. Belgian beer schwag displays in cabinets add to the authentic feel.

Intimate Space: There’s a good bit of space and plenty of tables, but the basement feel with low ceilings and exposed beams supporting the floor above is hard to overlook. Dark colors and lots of brick add to the cozy atmosphere.

Other Considerations

Reservations Recommended: The place was hopping when many visitors arrive, so reservations for popular weekend nights are recommended. You can make a reservation by picking a date, time, and party size.

Service Quality: The quality of service you receive is unrivaled in the downtown area among more than 20-25 bars within a 10-mile radius. The staff makes you feel comfortable, at home, and taken care of.

Pricing: Wine portions seem a bit small for the price, with an $11 glass seeming somewhat limited. However, the price is definitely justified given the quality and knowledge of the staff.

Perfect for Beer Lovers: If you’re here to sight-see and tour the city, it’s recommended to visit other establishments first, as you’ll want to spend the rest of your time in this cozy little gem, enjoying the finest Belgian and Trappist Ales South Carolina has to offer.

Gluten-Free Options: They have several gluten-free options and a menu dedicated to gluten allergies, making it accessible for guests with dietary restrictions.

The Trappe Door
📍 23 W Washington St, Greenville, SC 29601