Best bars in Charleston

Doar Bros.

Snug bar specializing in unique cocktails, wine & beer, plus monthly Italian dinner nights.

Bearded, A Social Tavern

Craft cocktail bar and event space on Montague Avenue in North Charleston, with a neighborhood tavern feel and rotating programming.

Uncork Charleston

Wine bar and small plates spot on upper King, pulling double duty as a late-night lounge with live music.

Somm Wine Bar

Dog-friendly wine bar tucked into Johns Island's Halcyon development, pouring focused selections with food to match.

Low Tide Brewing

Johns Island brewery and pub on Maybank Highway, pouring house beers with plenty of parking and a laid-back Lowcountry pace.

Edmund's Oast Brewing Co.

Avant-garde beers, wood-fired pizzas & high-concept bar eats in a trendy, spacious locale.

Snafu Brewing Company

Industrial park brewery in North Charleston pouring house-made beers in a no-frills taproom with ample parking and a loyal local following.

Langdon's Restaurant & Wine Bar

Contemporary dining room for refined takes on classic Southern food & an acclaimed wine list.

Two Blokes Brewing

Neighborhood taproom in a Mount Pleasant strip mall pouring small-batch ales brewed on-site.

167 Sushi Bar

Compact East Bay sushi bar with a focused menu, sake list, and reliable omakase options in a spare, dimly lit room.

The Charleston Pour House

Crowds gather for live shows by touring bands at this popular, no-frills concert hall & tavern.

Moe's Crosstown Tavern

No-frills hot spot for watching sports, playing pool & drinking beer also offers American chow.

Munkle Brewing co.

Neighborhood brewery on the upper peninsula pouring house beers in a no-frills taproom on Meeting Street.

The Archer

Neighborhood bar and kitchen on the Meeting Street corridor, pulling a loyal crowd with straightforward food and well-made drinks.

Graft Wine Shop & Wine Bar

Focused wine shop and bar on King Street pouring natural, low-intervention bottles with retail and glass options under one roof.

Wine & Company

Laid-back wine bar & retail outlet with a curated selection, plus cheese & charcuterie plates.

Ardoa Wine Bar

Low-key spot offering global wines from self-service dispensers, plus gourmet cheeses & meats.

Pounce Cat Cafe + Wine Bar

Coffee, wine & beer plus pastries & sweets in a living room setting roamed by adoptable cats.

Baker's Bar

Neighborhood pizza and beer spot on Windermere Boulevard with live music and a loyal West Ashley following.

Babas on Cannon

European-style cafe and natural wine bar. Coffee in the morning, vermouth in the afternoon.

Locals Sushi & Sports Pub - James Island

Neighborhood sushi counter on Folly Road that doubles as a sports bar, drawing James Island regulars for rolls and draft beer.

Madra Rua Irish Pub

Offering traditional Irish fare such as shepherd's pie plus a variety of brews & weekday happy hour.

Hachiya Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar

Relaxed, family-friendly Japanese restaurant offering a sushi menu, tempura & teppanyaki meals.

Lowlife Bar

Breezy, rustic locale offering global dishes like jerk chicken & tuna poke, plus cocktails.

Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar

Tranquil eatery featuring sandwiches & charcuterie, classic Italian desserts, wine & cocktails.

Charles Towne Fermentory - Avondale

Avondale taproom pouring house-fermented beers and wild ales in a laid-back industrial space off Savannah Highway.

Bar Mash

Whiskey-forward bar on East Bay with a deep bourbon list, pub bites, and live music most nights.

Tideland Brewing

Neighborhood brewery tucked into a North Charleston industrial strip, pouring house lagers and IPAs with a no-fuss taproom vibe.

COAST Brewing Company

Straightforward neighborhood brewery featuring tours plus samples of its craft beers.

Sissy Bar Park Circle

Laid-back Park Circle bar on Montague with cold beer, live music, and a loyal North Charleston crowd.

Rappahannock Oyster Bar

Expansive, lively destination for oysters & hearty entrees, with a copper bar for cocktails & wine.

Gene's Haufbrau

Classic pub fare & a long list of beers on draft at this lively tavern with pool & other games.

Container Bar

Repurposed shipping containers turned walk-up bar on Mt. Pleasant Street, with outdoor seating and dogs welcome.

Dalila's

Intimate cocktail bar tucked into a Meeting Street suite, pouring serious drinks in a low-key, well-lit room.

Pearlz Oyster Bar

Relaxed, light-filled eatery with outdoor seating serving classic seafood, raw bites & burgers.

Firefly Distillery

Sweet tea vodka birthplace turned distillery bar on Spruill Avenue, with tastings, tours, and a sprawling outdoor patio in North Charleston.

The Reserve Tavern and Market

Upscale tavern and bottle shop on Johnnie Dodds where craft cocktails and a curated market share the same Mt. Pleasant strip-mall address.

Revelry Brewing Co

Industrial taproom in NoMo pouring house-brewed lagers and ales with free parking and a food truck rotation.

King Claw - Juicy Seafood & Bar

Customizable seafood boils & fried baskets in a roomy space with elaborate nautical decor & TVs.

Citrus Club

Rooftop cocktail bar on the eighth floor of 334 Meeting, with skyline views, live music, and valet.

Big Gun Burger Shop & Bar

Compact hideaway with creative burgers, craft drafts, classic cocktails & Southern small plates.

The Darling Oyster Bar

Stylish spot with vintage appeal for creative seafood dishes, fry baskets & raw oysters.

Thoroughbred Club

Elegant lounge at Charleston Place hotel offering cocktails, small plates, desserts & live music.

Elliotborough Mini Bar

Pint-sized speakeasy with eclectic local art, chill music, small plates & a hipster feel.

The Wine Bar

Neighborhood wine bar in a Mount Pleasant strip mall, pouring by the glass for groups without the downtown markup.

Stems & Skins

Neighborhood wine & cocktail bar with Mediterranean small plates served in a chic, upscale space.

Fleet Landing Restaurant & Raw Bar

Southern seafood staples like crab soup, oysters, and more served in a sleek spot, with a waterfront patio.

Commonhouse Aleworks

Dog-friendly brewery and taproom off O'Hear Avenue in North Charleston, pouring house beers in an industrial space.

Accent on Wine Park Circle

Wine bar & retailer offering charcuterie, craft beer & desserts, plus sidewalk seating.

Avondale Wine & Cheese

Fine wine bar-meets-store offering curated tastings, plus craft beer & charcuterie & cheese.

Philosophers & Fools

Neighborhood wine bar and bookshop on Bogard Street where you can drink well and leave with something to read.

Angel Oak Restaurant and Bar

Southern-inspired outfit serving scratch-made American fare, wine & beer in a cozy, rustic setting.

Locals Sushi & Sports Pub - Mt Pleasant

Laid-back, late-night hangout offering sushi, cocktails, beer & a roster of live entertainment.

Mainland Container Co. Kitchen & Bar

Laid-back outpost with ample outdoor seating, serving seasonal tacos, sandwiches, salads & seafood.

Community Crafthouse

Suburban taproom in Point Hope with rotating craft beer and wine, tucked into a strip center off the parkway.

Burtons Grill & Bar

Upscale bar & grill chain featuring an extensive menu of American fare in a stylish dining room.

Last Saint

Dimly lit Meeting Street coffee bar that slides into cocktails after dark.

Madison Maison

Second-floor wine and cocktail bar on Calhoun, reservable and suited for groups.

Mex 1 Coastal Cantina

Breezy Sullivan's Island cantina serving tacos, coastal seafood, and margaritas a block from the beach.

Indigo Reef Brewing Company

Industrial taproom off Wambaw Creek Road, pouring house-brewed beers in a no-frills warehouse setting on Charleston's outskirts.

Maguro Sushi Bar

Compact Japanese counter in West Ashley strip mall serving sushi with a tight menu and an unusually high local following.

Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar

Bustling spot for refined seafood dishes, served in clubby, brick-walled environs, with a bar.

The Brick

Bustling sports tavern & American grill with an upbeat atmosphere, plus karaoke & comedy nights.

Local 616

Neighborhood bar on the upper stretch of Meeting Street with live music, cold beer, and a loyal local crowd.

Bedford Falls CHS

Neighborhood coffee shop and bar on Meeting St, pouring drinks and letting dogs in since before it was fashionable.

Freehouse Brewery

Neighborhood brewery and pizza spot tucked into a North Charleston industrial suite, pouring house beers on Pringle Street.

Oyster House Seafood & O-Bar

Industrial seafood fixture in a former warehouse with a raw bar, craft cocktails & an outdoor patio.

Pearlz Oyster Bar

Relaxed, light-filled eatery with outdoor seating serving classic seafood, raw bites & burgers.

Bin 152

Many wines by the glass, plus cheese & charcuterie, in an art-adorned, rustic-cool space.

Blūm Coffee & Wine Bar

Second-floor Meeting Street café shifting from espresso to natural wine as the day moves.

Over The Horizon Brewing

Neighborhood brewery on Heriot Street pouring house-made beers in a low-key taproom with room to park.

Holy City Brewing

Craft brewery featuring a garagelike tasting room with a pool table & live music, plus free tours.

The Bar at The Spectator

1920s-style hotel bar on State Street pouring classic cocktails in a velvet-and-brass room that takes the era seriously.

The Bounty Bar

Folly Beach dive bar on Center Street with live music, cold beer, and dogs welcome on the patio.

The Tippling House

Intimate neighborhood bar on Coming Street pouring considered cocktails and wine in a dim, parlor-like room.

Opal Restaurant & Bar

Mediterranean fare & an extensive wine selection are offered in a lofty, sophisticated setting.

Fam's Brewing Co. featuring Famulari's Pizzeria

Family-run brewery and pizzeria on Folly Road pairing wood-fired pies with house-brewed beers in a laid-back, sports-bar setting.

The Restaurant at Zero George

Upscale hotel eatery creating seasonal New American cuisine & craft cocktails.

The Peacock

All-day cafe and bar on East Bay that shifts from morning coffee to cocktails and live music after dark.

The Belmont

Dimly lit King Street cocktail bar. Old movies on the back wall, classic drinks executed right.

Muse | Restaurant & Wine Bar

An extensive number of wines are available to pair with Mediterranean dishes such as homemade pasta.

Ireland's Own / Jagerhaus Pub

Irish pub and German bierhall split-personality bar in an Ashley Town Center strip mall, pouring pints alongside schnitzel and corned beef.

Trio

Varied DJ nights are presented by this private club with an outdoor terrace & spacious dance floor.

ThaiZapp Restaurant and bar

Straightforward restaurant offering traditional Thai cuisine, including chicken satay & dumplings.

Tobin's Market

Neighborhood bar and market on Jackson Street with live music, a dog-friendly beer garden, and bottles to drink there or take home.

The Whale A Craft Beer Collective

Cavernous craft beer bar on upper Meeting Street with rotating taps, live music, and a parking lot.

Dunleavy's Pub

Set in a cabinlike building, this Irish bar stages weekly live folk, country & acoustic music.

Burns Alley Tavern

This lively watering hole offering bites, games & TVs in unfussy surrounds draws students & locals.

Grumpy Goat Seafood Cantina

Mexican fare & seafood plus weekend brunch at a casual local hangout with ample TVs & a patio.

Recovery Room Tavern

No-frills bar offering pinball, darts, pool & bocce, along with wings, sandwiches & beer.

The Cocktail Club

King Street upstairs cocktail bar with a deep menu and a working fireplace in winter.

Westbrook Brewing Company

Craft brewery offering frequent tours plus a tasting room with rotating beers on tap.

Haberdash

Basement cocktail lounge beneath the Market Street bustle, drawing groups for reservations and drinks away from the tourist foot traffic above.

The Ryder Cup Bar

Clubhouse bar at the Ocean Course on Kiawah, overlooking the links where Ryder Cups were played.

Hobcaw Brewing Company

Neighborhood brewery off Long Point Road in Mount Pleasant, pouring house-made beers in a low-key taproom.

Mex 1 Coastal Cantina

Lively eatery dishing out Mexican favorites, including tacos and tortas, in hip, casual environs.

Frothy Beard Brewing Company

West Ashley craft brewery slinging pizza and wings alongside rotating house beers in a casual, family-friendly taproom.

Triangle Char & Bar

Local chain serving cocktails, locally sourced burgers, tacos & more in a vibrant setting.

Tin Roof

Festive hangout offering live music, game nights, karaoke & comedy, plus cocktails, burgers & more.

Bourbon N' Bubbles

Fashionable haunt highlighting elevated sharing plates, champagne & handcrafted cocktails.

Estuary Beans & Barley

Johns Island coffee roaster and brewery sharing a roof on Meeks Farm Road, pouring house-roasted beans alongside locally made beer.

Paddock & Whisky

Whisky-forward bar and restaurant on Montague Ave in North Charleston, with live music and a straightforward menu built around the pour.

SAVI Cucina + Wine Bar

Neighborhood Italian spot in Mount Pleasant with a wine bar focus, live music, and a menu built around pasta and wood-fired dishes.

Vintage Lounge

Swanky wine bar with pours by the glass & a wide selection of fondue, charcuterie & appetizers.

Pour Taproom: Charleston

Pour-your-own rooftop taproom with soaring views & 70 craft beers, plus sandwiches & nachos.

Villa Cantina

Neighborhood Mexican cantina on Sam Rittenberg with margaritas, live music, and a reliable Cal-Mex menu.

Cantina 76

Laid-back hangout known for choice margaritas & upmarket, contemporary tacos & Mexican entrees.

LO-Fi Brewing – Pizza & Kitchen

Neighborhood brewery on Meeting Street Road slinging wood-fired pizza alongside house-brewed pints in a no-frills North Charleston taproom.

Bevi Bene Brewing Company

Neighborhood brewery on Summerville Avenue pouring Italian-inspired lagers and ales out of a small, unpretentious taproom.

R Pub

Casual pub with a short list of bar food plus regular live music, karaoke, trivia & midnight movies.

Hunley's Neighborhood Grill

Laid-back West Ashley sports bar with cold beer, pub grub, and occasional live music in a strip mall off Savannah Highway.

Blind Tiger Pub

Upscale bar food in an alehouse dating back to 1803, featuring a charming, brick-walled courtyard.

Bar Vauté

French wine bar and cocktail lounge tucked below street level at the corner of Broad, pulling double duty as a late-night café.

Daniel Island Park Club

Tom Fazio-designed private golf club on Daniel Island with two championship courses and marsh views.

Art's Bar & Grill

Unpretentious Coleman Boulevard neighborhood bar slinging burgers, seafood, and cold beer to Mount Pleasant regulars since the 1970s.

Fratello's Italian Tavern

Seasonal Italian comfort food served in a loft-like dining room with unique decor & a stylish bar.

The Bangkok Lounge

Upstairs karaoke bar on King Street where groups sing through Thai-inflected nights above the street-level noise.

The Pub On 61

Neighborhood bar and grill on Ashley River Road with live music, cold beer, and no pretense.

The Lucky Luchador

Neighborhood wrestling-themed bar on Hanover Street slinging cold beer and unpretentious pours in a no-frills room.

Veranda Lounge

Rooftop lounge on State Street with live music, cold beer, and views over the lower peninsula.

Zero George

Elegant boutique hotel set in 1800s buildings offering free breakfast, a bistro/bar & loaner bikes.

O'Brion's Pub & Grille

Neighborhood Irish pub in I'On Village with wings, drafts, and enough TVs to catch whatever game you need.

Husk

Sean Brock's Southern restaurant in a restored Queen Anne. Menu changes with what arrived that morning.

East Cooper Disco

Neighborhood bar tucked into Mount Pleasant's Old Village, pouring beers and wine without the disco.

The Break

Casual neighborhood bar and grill tucked into a Folly Road strip mall, drawing locals with cold beer and no pretense.

The Gin Joint

Cozy, intimate bar/eatery serving cocktails & eclectic small plates in a 1920s-inspired setting.

Charleston Sports Pub

Sprawling Mount Pleasant sports bar on Highway 17 with live music, dog-friendly patio, and enough screens to catch every game.

The Hidden House - Charleston

Tucked down a brick alley off King, this wine-and-coffee shop pours both without fuss.

Events at 495 + Satellite Rooftop Bar

American eatery with a seasonal menu & mid-1930s vibe boasts a rooftop bar & wood-fired oven.

Prohibition

Rustic-chic Modern American restaurant with creative cocktails & a Jazz Age theme.

The Garden by Charles Towne Fermentory

Outdoor coffee and beer garden on Ashley River Road, with live music and dogs welcome on the grounds.

Sand Dollar Social Club

Cash-only Folly Beach dive bar on Center Street with live music, cold beer, and no pretense.

Babylon

Middle Eastern-themed nightclub and lounge on Calhoun Street with cocktails, live music, and a hookah-friendly atmosphere.

The Riviera Theater

Restored 1939 movie palace on King Street now hosting touring acts and local shows in an ornate, 1,000-capacity room.

Odyssey Bottle Shop

Neighborhood bottle shop and bar on Harbor View Road pouring local drafts and curated wine alongside retail shelves.

Meeting at Market

American & Southern dishes & cocktails are served in an upscale hotel dining room & bar.

The Reel Bar

Festive tavern for craft taps & comfort chow in nautical-themed digs offering regular live music.

Locals Sushi & Sports Pub - West Ashley

Neighborhood sushi bar and sports pub on Old Towne Road, serving rolls alongside draft beer and wall-to-wall screens.

The Southern Bar & Grill

Informal bar & restaurant serving Southern fare, with live bluegrass, country & jazz music.

The Spectator Hotel

Upscale hotel with a stylish cocktail bar & butler service, plus free breakfast & loaner bikes.

Blind Tiger Pub

Upscale bar food in an alehouse dating back to 1803, featuring a charming, brick-walled courtyard.

Crafty Draught

Self-pour taproom off Riviera Drive in Mount Pleasant, with rotating craft taps, wine, and a dog-friendly patio.

San Miguel Mexican grill & bar

Strip-mall Mexican in Mount Pleasant with margaritas, live music, and a loyal local following on Shoremeade Road.

Faculty Lounge

Low-key, convivial cocktail lounge offering beer specials, tap wine & bar snacks, plus dance nights.

Muddy's Dockside Bar

Waterfront dive bar on Shem Creek with cold beer, live music, and a front-row seat to the shrimp boat traffic.

Tommy Condon's Irish Pub & Restaurant

Nothing-fancy, family-friendly spot combining Irish pub with Lowcountry seafood & live music.

Bay Street Biergarten

Rustic-chic spot for Southern pub grub with Bavarian flair, plus craft beer with pour-your-own taps.

Bourbon N' Bubbles

Fashionable haunt highlighting elevated sharing plates, champagne & handcrafted cocktails.

Pinky & Clyde's Arcade Bar

Retro arcade bar on Montague Ave with free-to-play machines, cold beer, and enough neon to keep North Charleston weird.

Sugey's Bar

Unpretentious neighborhood bar on upper King with cold beer, wine, and a no-fuss crowd.

John King Grill & Dueling Piano Bar

Laid-back joint for elevated burgers, hot dogs & bar food, with sidewalk tables & big-screen TVs.

Paddock & Whisky

Bourbon-focused neighborhood bar in a Maybank Highway strip mall, with outdoor seating and a racehorse motif.

Reggie's Tavern

Neighborhood bar and grill on Reynolds Avenue in North Charleston, serving lunch with beer and wine in a no-frills setting.

The Kickin' Chicken

Casual local chain serving chicken sandwiches, wings, tenders & wraps, plus burgers & fries.

The Shelter Kitchen + Bar

Locally sourced menu in a dog & family-friendly hangout with an outdoor deck, live music & sports.

The Tavern at Rainbow Row

Narrow wine bar tucked into a historic Rainbow Row townhouse on East Bay, pouring bottles alongside a small rotating food menu.

Islander 71 Fish House and Raw Bar

Laid-back waterfront fish house on Isle of Palms serving raw bar staples and fried seafood with cold beer and occasional live music.

Henry's On The Market

Burgers & updated pub fare served in an upscale bohemian brick tavern with live jazz & a roof deck.

Rusty Bull Brewing Co. (North Charleston)

Industrial North Charleston brewery with a beer garden, burgers, and enough screens to follow every game.

Scotty Doesn't Know Speakeasy

Cocktail-forward speakeasy tucked behind East Bay Street, pouring wine and drinks in a low-lit, reservable room.

Red's Ice House

Busy, no-frills joint with ample patio space overlooking the water, serving up seafood & pub grub.

Mac's Place

Festive pub & eatery offering American & Irish mains like shepherd's pie, plus TVs for sports fans.

Cutty's

Narrow neighborhood bar on St. Philip with strong pours and no pretension.

Bay Street Biergarten

Rustic-chic spot for Southern pub grub with Bavarian flair, plus craft beer with pour-your-own taps.

The Commodore

Distinctive bar offering vintage jazz & funk sets, along with a dance floor & DJ sessions.

Groovers Listening Bar

Intimate listening bar on Calhoun Street built around vinyl, craft drinks, and serious sound.

Fuji Sushi Bar & Grill

Sleek venue featuring signature sushi rolls & hibachi entrees, plus a full bar & daily happy hour.

King Street Dispensary

Sophisticated sports bar serving innovative pub fare & a wide selection of local beers & liquors.

Zachary's Daiquiris | Downtown Charleston Bar

Frozen daiquiri counter on upper King, pouring strong, simple drinks with a no-fuss New Orleans-style carry-out culture.

Charleston Beer Works

Welcoming sports bar has a large selection of beers on tap plus several TVs & frequent live music.

Revelry Brewing - Folly Beach

Folly Beach outpost of the Charleston brewery, pouring house-made beers steps from Center Street's main strip.

Tru Blues House of Wings

A casual wing-focused menu is served in this upbeat bar with a heated deck, karaoke & TV sports.

The Mill

Neighborhood bar and restaurant in a converted North Charleston mill building, pouring local beers alongside straightforward comfort food.

CHS Golf

Indoor golf simulators and a full bar on Savannah Highway, where locals hit bays year-round without leaving the peninsula.

On Air

Narrow King Street bar with live music and cocktails, drawing a loyal local crowd most nights.

All My Exes

West Ashley coffee shop and bar where the drinks are named after bad decisions and the vibe leans accordingly.

Agaves Cantina

Low-key, unfussy Mexican eatery featuring classic standards plus patio seating, margaritas & beers.

Henry's On The Market

Burgers & updated pub fare served in an upscale bohemian brick tavern with live jazz & a roof deck.

Saltwater Cowboys

Smoked meats, local seafood & a robust drink menu in a sprawling locale directly on Shem Creek.

DIG In The Park

Beer & pub grub served in a sports bar setting with plenty of TVs & an expansive outdoor patio.

Proof

Small Upper King cocktail bar with a quiet menu and serious bartenders.

Sunsets Creekside Bar

Waterfront bar on Shem Creek serving cold beer and live music with marsh views from a worn-in deck.

Sportsbook Cheesesteaks & Wings

Airy, contemporary pub featuring 30+ flatscreen TVs for sports & classic American comfort food.

The Purple Buffalo

New Realm Brewing Co.

Brisket, burgers & veggie-driven seasonal fare in a lively, expansive brewery & live music venue.

The Kickin' Chicken

Casual local chain serving chicken sandwiches, wings, tenders & wraps, plus burgers & fries.

Fiat Lux

Narrow King Street cocktail bar with live music and a low-lit room built for lingering over wine or beer.

Whiskey Run Sports Bar & Grill

Neighborhood sports bar off Dorchester Road in North Charleston, pouring beer and wings for a loyal local crowd.

El Jefe Texican Cantina

Tex-Mex cantina on King Street slinging tacos and cold beer to the College of Charleston crowd.

Agaves Cantina West Ashley

Neighborhood Tex-Mex cantina in a West Ashley strip mall serving margaritas, tacos, and cold beer to a regular local crowd.

A.C.'s Bar & Grill

Low-key watering hole with pool tables serving pub food such as burgers, cheesesteaks & nachos.

Belle Station Sports Bar & Grill

Neighborhood sports bar off Highway 17 with pizza, sandwiches, and dog-friendly patio in the Belle Hall corridor.

Community Perk

Counter-service coffee stand on Meeting Street, doubling as a casual bar with dessert and lunch options.

Benne’s by Peninsula Grill

Daytime coffee shop and evening cocktail bar from the Peninsula Grill team, tucked into the Market Street corridor.

Salty Mike's

Waterfront dive bar on Lockwood Drive with live music, cold beer, and a dog-friendly patio facing the Ashley River.