Best bars in Charleston

Uncork Charleston

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

The Charleston Pour House

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

Ardoa Wine Bar

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

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.

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.

Bar Mash

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mex 1 Coastal Cantina

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Trio

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

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.

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.

Tin Roof

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

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.

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.

O'Brion's Pub & Grille

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

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.

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.

Crafty Draught

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

Husk

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rusty Bull Brewing Co. (North Charleston)

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

Red's Ice House

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

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.

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.

On Air

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

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.

Belle Station Sports Bar & Grill

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

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.

Manhattan's Food and Spirits

Neighborhood bar and grill off Morgans Point Road in Mount Pleasant, with cold beer, cocktails, and game-day TVs.

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

The classic Shem Creek dock bar in Mount Pleasant — open-air seating directly on the creek, shrimp boats and pleasure craft moving through, the Mount Pleasant fishing fleet visible from every table. Walk-in friendly weekdays, reservations smart on weekends. Known for the blackened mahi sandwich, crab dip, mojitos, and a sunset deck that fills 90 minutes before the sun goes down from May through October.

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.

Share House

Neighborhood restaurant and bar on Ann Street with live music, a dog-friendly patio, and a communal sensibility in the lower peninsula.

Frontier Lounge

Dim, no-frills Calhoun Street bar with a back stage and rotating local acts.

The Dive Bar & Grill

No-frills Goose Creek bar and grill with live music, cold beer, and the kind of name that tells you exactly what you're walking into.

Titanic Event Center

Pavilion Bar

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

Beachside Burgers & Bar

Casual bar and burger spot tucked inside Isle of Palms' Grand Pavilion, with beach access, cold beer, and occasional live music.

Dudley's

Energetic LGBT-friendly hangout with drag performances, karaoke, billiards & dancing.

Fugazzi at Revelry Brewing

Revelry Brewing's in-house bar and kitchen, pouring house beers alongside casual plates in a North Morrison industrial space.

Charleston Beer Works

Airport concourse bar slinging local drafts and bar food to travelers killing time before departure gates.