Best Bars & Nightlife in Charleston, South Carolina, United States
1. The Alley
A hidden gem in the heart of downtown, offering a unique speakeasy vibe with live music and craft cocktails.
- Speakeasy Atmosphere: Recreates the charm of Prohibition-era Charleston
- Live Music: Features local musicians playing jazz, blues, and other genres
- Craft Cocktails: Serves creative cocktails made with fresh ingredients and house-made syrups
2. The Royal American
A laid-back venue featuring live music, local beers, and a menu inspired by Southern comfort food.
- Live Music Venue: Hosts diverse lineups of local and touring musicians
- Southern Comfort Food: Offers dishes like shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and collard greens
- Local Brews: Highlights beers from Charleston-area breweries on tap
3. Vendue Rooftop
An upscale rooftop bar offering stunning views of downtown Charleston and creative cocktails.
- Stunning Views: Provides panoramic vistas of the historic city
- Creative Cocktails: Serves signature drinks crafted by skilled mixologists
- Upscale Ambiance: Provides an elegant setting for enjoying an evening out
4. The Bar at Husk
A cozy, Southern-inspired bar offering unique cocktails and a menu curated by James Beard Award-winning chef, Sean Brock.
- James Beard Award-winning Chef: Features dishes created by a renowned culinary expert
- Unique Cocktails: Offers creative concoctions using Southern ingredients
- Intimate Atmosphere: Provides a cozy, inviting space for enjoying drinks and conversation
5. The Gin Joint
A sophisticated cocktail bar focusing on classic recipes and innovative creations.
- Classic Cocktails: Serves well-executed classics, such as the Sazerac and the Old Fashioned
- Innovative Creation: Offers original cocktails that push the boundaries of mixology
- Knowledgeable Staff: Features bartenders who are passionate about spirits and can guide you through the menu
6. The Rooftop at Vendue
A vibrant rooftop bar offering panoramic views of Charleston's historic district and a menu of small plates and craft cocktails.
- Panoramic Views: Provides breathtaking vistas of the city's historic landmarks
- Craft Cocktails: Serves signature cocktails made with fresh ingredients and house-made syrups
- Small Plates: Offers a selection of shareable dishes ideal for casual dining
7. The Cocktail Club
A cozy speakeasy with an extensive menu of classic cocktails and a rotating selection of small plates.
- Extensive Cocktail Menu: Features over 100 classic recipes, along with original creations
- Speakeasy Atmosphere: Recreates the charm of Prohibition-era Charleston
- Rotating Small Plates: Offers a variety of dishes, showcasing local ingredients and flavors
8. The Watch Rooftop Kitchen & Spirits
A rooftop bar with stunning views of Charleston Harbor and a menu of inventive cocktails and Southern-inspired dishes.
- Stunning Views: Provides breathtaking vistas of Charleston Harbor
- Inventive Cocktails: Offers creative concoctions that showcase local flavors and spirits
- Southern-inspired Dishes: Serves dishes inspired by the rich culinary traditions of the South
9. The Commodore
A nautical-themed bar offering craft cocktails, live music, and a menu of seafood dishes.
- Craft Cocktails: Serves unique concoctions made with fresh ingredients
- Live Music: Features local musicians playing blues, jazz, and rock
- Seafood Dishes: Offers a variety of fresh seafood dishes, including oysters, shrimp, and fish
10. The Griffon
A classic Charleston bar offering a wide selection of beers, pub fare, and live music.
- Wide Selection of Beers: Features an extensive list of local, national, and international brews
- Live Music: Hosts live music performances by local musicians
- Pub Fare: Serves traditional pub dishes, such as fish and chips, burgers, and sandwiches
11. The Rooftop at Wentworth Mansion
An elegant rooftop bar offering panoramic views of Charleston's historic district and a menu of small plates and craft cocktails.
- Panoramic Views: Provides breathtaking vistas of the city's historic landmarks
- Craft Cocktails: Serves signature cocktails made with fresh ingredients and house-made syrups
- Small Plates: Offers a selection of shareable dishes ideal for casual dining
12. The Ordinary
A seafood hall and oyster bar offering a menu of fresh seafood, craft cocktails, and an impressive selection of wines.
- Fresh Seafood: Serves a variety of fresh, sustainably sourced seafood
- Craft Cocktails: Offers unique concoctions made with house-made syrups and spirits
- Impressive Wine Selection: Features an extensive list of wines, focusing on varieties from around the world
13. The Gin Joint Annex
A relaxed, speakeasy-style bar focusing on classic cocktails and a rotating selection of small plates.
- Classic Cocktails: Serves well-executed classics, such as the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan
- Speakeasy Atmosphere: Recreates the charm of Prohibition-era Charleston
- Rotating Small Plates: Offers a variety of dishes, showcasing local ingredients and flavors
15. The Cocktail Club Annex
A relaxed, speakeasy-style bar with an extensive menu of classic cocktails, original creations, and a rotating selection of small plates.
- Extensive Cocktail Menu: Features over 100 classic recipes, along with original creations
- Speakeasy Atmosphere: Recreates the charm of Prohibition-era Charleston
- Rotating Small Plates: Offers a variety of dishes, showcasing local ingredients and flavors