Charleston's Rebrands as Country Bar, Brings in National Acts

Country music fans in the area will soon have a local honky tonk to call their own. 

Charleston's Bar & Grill in New Lenox is rebranding itself to become a country music themed bar beginning Jan. 10 with a grand re-opening featuring the band Brother Trouble. 

Co-owner Cheryl Harris said Charleston's has been seeking an identity, perhaps known as a restaurant or a sports bar in the past, and that country music seems like a good fit. 

"I’m a big fan of country, and we just recognize that it’s something that’s been popular lately," Harris said. "We've had live music on and off, but when it's country we've been getting the crowds." 

The large side room to Charleston's already has a stage, but it's being country-ified, with old barn wood and other country style decor to give it more of a feel. There will be a dance floor in that room, and Harris said she hopes to have line dancing and other events to go along with the music. When bands are playing, the doors to that room will be open so patrons in the main bar and dining area can still hear the music well. 

Charleston's will still offer private parties and banquets in the side room, and the menu will stay the same, for the most part. The restaurant's Smokehouse Menu already features some country-style dishes like brisket, pulled pork, rib tips and beer can chicken, and Harris said she hopes to add more. 

Local and national country acts will play Friday and Saturday nights, and if there isn't a band booked there will be a country DJ. Shows will begin at 9 p.m., and there is no cover charge. 

The grand re-opening will also feature representatives from Ole Smoky Moonshine, who will be sampling their whiskey. The following night, Jan. 11, Mason Rivers will play at Charleston's. The lineup through January includes: 

• Jan. 10 Brother Trouble
• Jan. 11 Mason Rivers
• Jan. 17 country DJ
• Jan. 18 Billy Croft
• Jan. 24 Matt Stillwell
• Jan. 25 Crazy Talk
• Jan. 31 Country DJ