The Capital Club

This is NOT a welcoming or inclusive space for minorities other than the performers. During karaoke night, I unfortunately witnessed a patron bully a group of ethnically diverse people into getting kicked out of the club; the same patron insinuated that they deserved to be there more than the ethnically diverse group because they were regulars and spent more money. The bartenders were complicit in allowing the aggressive patron to intimidate other patrons and essentially allowed the aggressive patron to call the shots and kick the group out. Karaoke is supposed to be inclusive, fun, and diverse, and the incident I saw made it the opposite.

I recently had an unfortunate experience at this establishment during karaoke night. I witnessed a group of people being kicked out, not for any disruptive behavior, but seemingly because they werent applauding a female singer who was repeatedly taking the stage.It was disappointing to see that a group of locals, who appeared to frequent the venue and spend money, were able to influence the manager to eject others. Karaoke is meant to be a fun, inclusive activity where everyone should feel welcome, especially at an LGBT establishment that prides itself on acceptance and community.Overall, this incident left a sour taste, as it felt like favoritism and cliquishness overshadowed the welcoming environment that should be the hallmark of any LGBT space. I hope the management reconsiders how they handle such situations in the future to ensure everyone can enjoy their time without fear of being excluded for not participating in a certain way.

It is so sad when an establishment such as The Capital Club has been around for so many years, to have teenagers running a bar and not adults. The bartenders get into their feelings way too much and get angry when you dont tip! Ive worked jobs where it was customary to tip and letting home life effect you at work is not the way to receive a tip. And the drama of a bar should never be seen on the customers eye. Clearly people should read up on customer service more instead of hiring, or letting whoever is not a bartender to interact with customers. Even if you do perform as a performer the two should never mix.Yet its so sad that this bar has had people roofied and they dont know when to cuff off someone who has drank too much and then kick people out on false accusations. I hope that they get the help they need and turn this place back into the bar I once knew & loved.

African Americans and minorities who are not performers are not welcome at this establishment. There is a 40 year long history of discrimination and complicit racism at Capital. The drag queens here are obviously great, but drag is mere appropriation in a culture of discrimination. The owners keep it going via their “volunteer” bartenders (including but not limited to Clara, Matthew, and especially Josh) who ensure a specific population is served and a specific population is excluded or even banned. There are actual videos floating around showing this . It’s truly unfortunate that there are only two options in the city... for now.

The best gay bar ever in Columbia. Tops all the other gay bars. We just moved here the most welcoming bar. Never have I walked I to a bar and been greeted as soon as me and my husband sat at the bar. The employees want to make money: bartenders, drag queens, and even the DJ. Hands down, BEST GAY BAR, hell even the drag queens know me and my husbands name. Need to stop in and let them wow you with their southern hospitality. Love this place.

Perhaps it’s called The Capital Club since it’s located in the capital city of Columbia. Or maybe it’s because it’s one of the area’s most prestigious gathering spots. Either way, this bar takes the title of the oldest and most elite private gay bar in the state. The bar has provided a cultural staple in Columbia for over three decades, and provides its members with an upscale atmosphere prime for networking and mingling. - Best of South Carolina 2017

Love the shows and never have issues with getting served drinks. Can be slower during the weeks, but the game nights are fun. My friends and I always have a good time here. Can’t wait to go back!

This is one of my favorite places in the Vista to go. The atmosphere, community, and sense of belonging my friends and I feel is unmatched. The entire team at Capital has a special place in my heart, and will always be one of my go-tos in Columbia!

Was here on a Thursday at 11pm it was pretty slow. bartender ignored myself and my friend multiple attempts to order drinks then several people that came in after us got drinks within 2 mins and we still we not served, even saw people come in and stand beside us and get drinks and we did not. We left after 30 mins in the bar.

Great music, DJ didn’t allow requests and kept demanding everyone to tip, understandable but with the cover fee at the door and expensive drinks a lot of ppl I was with didn’t have enough money left. Kept interrupting performers to demand ppl tip and called out straight white girls as being “problems”, didnt enjoy the demands but dancers were great. Also called ppl living in South Carolina poor which was probably meant to be funny but the night had a toxic vibe to it.

Ive been to many gay bars in the US and Europe but have never before been to a friendlier establishment than the Capital Club. I could only spend one evening there as I was on the road but I want to return. The owner was behind the bar and made us feel more than welcome. The manager was equally welcoming. The patrons all introduced themselves to me and my partner. It was early in the evening on a Tuesday so the place wasnt jammed full but that suited me fine. It is a private club so please just give them a call and let them know you are traveling through Columbia and want to have a drink at this great place. You will be pleasantly surprised by the experience.

We came for showtunes Sunday and had a great time! Bartender was friendly, happy hour price drinks were great, and the songs were fun and a mix of 70s up to current day

Very friendly staff and inviting owners! Sean & Jose are a hoot 😉 I never have a problem striking up a conversation with a customer or staff member. I really appreciate the friendly atmosphere that is tradition here and Im glad that they arent stuck in time. It feels like a fusion of traditional southern hospitality and modern-day feel good vibe to me.Im a fan for sure! 😀

Nothing makes me happier than being in this bar! The amount of people I’ve met and the bonds I have made are unforgettable and countless. The bartenders, the DJ…and the QUEENS? *chefs kiss*

Great place and filled with characters. Betty Jo brings a lot of cheer and bartenders DJ and Carey are very friendly to visitors. Really cool video and people watching.

I have gone one many occasions. The bartenders are great, except one. She is rude, and become belligerent if you don’t tip. Stating they work for free.

This place is awesome! Ashley was my bartender and she really made the night! Great atmosphere and great people, I’ll definitely be back!

I visit regularly and have taken prominent family there. The staff and owners have always been 5 star until the last week. The man with the cammo hat couldn’t be bothered and the bullying giant man who I have never seen before... I won’t darken their door.

Not for younger LGBT, its almost as if they dont want us there playing music from the 80s all night long. Im sure the older crowd has fun though.. hopefully

This place is very bad!! One little glass of mix alcohol 25$ . Never had before this place where charge that much money for little drink and plus 5$ by the door. The show was very bad. That was my first and my last visit. You can miss this place if you are coming to Columbia. You don’t miss annnnnnnyyything. blaaaaaaa

Great vibes, great entertainment and good drinks! Definitely the it place to go if looking for a great Drag Show and tasty drinks !!!

Columbias Best kept Secret. Very well decorated, speakeasy environment and amazing members that would make you feel so welcomed and like home.

Such an awesome environment! Bartender was super sweet. Everyone there was a blast to be around!

Love Love Love this club. Great staff, members and ownership.

Comfortable, laid back and everyone is friendly. I have been to Capital Club on many occasions and always felt welcome.!

Ashley the bartender was amazing!! I love the ambiance :)

Absolutely Love this bar!! Great drinks and vibes!!🌈🌈❤❤

A Great place to be.I visit the club ever year on Columbia Pride Festival and Loving it All in

I love this place it’s the most welcoming place to be oneself! Please support it!

Columbias Best Kept Secret

Formally the cream of the crop in ColumbiaSeems run by classless people nowGreat memories, however

I expected more, I certainly did not expect to be judged, and ridiculed but I was

Good people, good atmosphere, Filip the owner is a great guy!

The business is more for an older clientele and the music is nothing to rave about literally.

Always fun to come chill here and have a drink

Great place to hang out. Meet new people

Couldn’t ask for a better place! ❤️

A real place in a sea of plastic . Welcome to cola .

Creapy place,, never again,,,,,,

Yess

Awesome bar

Nice atmosphere