Best bars in Charleston

Doar Bros.

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

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.

Langdon's Restaurant & Wine Bar

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

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 Archer

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

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.

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.

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.

Pearlz Oyster Bar

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

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.

King Claw - Juicy Seafood & Bar

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

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.

Fleet Landing Restaurant & Raw Bar

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

Avondale Wine & Cheese

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

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.

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.

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.

Bedford Falls CHS

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

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.

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.

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.

Grumpy Goat Seafood Cantina

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

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.

Mex 1 Coastal Cantina

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

Triangle Char & Bar

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

Bourbon N' Bubbles

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

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.

Villa Cantina

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

Blind Tiger Pub

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

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.

Veranda Lounge

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

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.

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.

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.

Meeting at Market

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

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.

Blind Tiger Pub

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

San Miguel Mexican grill & bar

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

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.

John King Grill & Dueling Piano Bar

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

The Shelter Kitchen + Bar

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

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.

Scotty Doesn't Know Speakeasy

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

Bay Street Biergarten

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

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.

Tru Blues House of Wings

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

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.

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.

New Realm Brewing Co.

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

El Jefe Texican Cantina

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

Belle Station Sports Bar & Grill

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

Uptown Social

Thin-crust pizza, sliders & upscale pub fare in a sports-centric alehouse with a rooftop deck.

The Players' Pub

Casual clubhouse bar on Kiawah Island serving beer and wine to golfers between rounds.

Vickery's Bar & Grill

A variety of Southern dishes are offered at this relaxed hangout with waterfront views & a full bar.

The Watch Rooftop Kitchen and Spirits

Place for cocktails, views & Southern-accented New American fare at the top of a chic hotel.

Agaves Cantina Coleman Blvd

Neighborhood Mexican cantina on Coleman Boulevard serving margaritas and tacos in a casual, reservable dining room.

Ritual Nightclub

Third-floor nightclub on Calhoun with live music, a full bar, and a reservation option for those who plan ahead.

Ritual Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge

Rooftop bar and restaurant on Calhoun Street with cocktails, wine, and live music above the downtown Charleston roofline.

Stones Throw Tavern

Neighborhood sports bar in a strip mall off Savannah Highway, with cold beer, pub food, and enough TVs to catch every game.

Republic Garden & Lounge

Nightclub with innovative cocktails & small plates, served in a sophisticated setting.

Titanic Event Center

Pavilion Bar

Market Pavilion Hotel roof bar doing cocktails & global fare from its upscale perch over the city.