11 Best Bars in Charleston, SC
Ready for a night out in Charleston that’s full of craft cocktails and unbeatable views? These are the best bars in Charleston, SC.
I love bar-hopping in Charleston because there are so many different options. Whether you want a rooftop with a view (my personal favorite), a classy wine spot, or even a cocktail class, you’re going to love these fantastic Charleston bars.
Best Bars in Charleston for a Fun Night Out
1. The Rooftop at The Vendue
The Rooftop at The Vendue is a rooftop bar atop The Vendue, Charleston’s Art Hotel. They have spectacular views over Downtown Charleston, delicious cocktails, and funky decor. This is the best spot to catch the sunset!
I recommend the Strawberry Basil Lemonade cocktail.
19 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401
2. Well-Hung Vineyard & Restaurant
If you like wine and a playful name (and label), then you’ll love Well-Hung Vineyard & Restaurant. This female-owned vineyard is based in Virginia, but they have a restaurant in Downtown Charleston right off of the Historic City Market.
Grab a flight and enjoy the weather out on their second-story porch. I recommend the Sweetness Flight with their Wishful Thinking, Just Peachy, Creamy Dreams, and Happy Ending wines, as well as the Pop Your Cork Chardonnay.
49 S Market St, Charleston, SC 29401
3. Élevé Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge
Élevé Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge is a classy rooftop bar atop the Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, with great views of Charleston.
They serve elevated cocktails to go along with their coastal-inspired cuisine. Grab a drink and enjoy on their cozy outdoor rooftop patio.
We actually came here for their cocktail class where we learned how to make 4 classic cocktails as well as some Charleston history. I definitely recommend the class for a romantic date night or a bachelorette party!
55 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC 29401
4. Frannie & The Fox
Frannie & The Fox in the lobby of the Hotel Emeline is a trendy Italian restaurant with a cozy bar area called The Den. They have inventive cocktails, special martinis, and a collection of spritzes.
I recommend the Gin and Things.
181 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401
5. Bin 152 Wine Bar
Bin 152 Wine Bar is a small but cozy wine bar with rustic vibes. They have over 40 different wines by the glass and over 200 wines by the bottle that you can choose from.
I recommend trying a couple different wines from around the world and relaxing at a window table to people-watch.
152 King St, Charleston, SC 29401
6. Carmella’s Cafe and Dessert Bar
Carmella’s Cafe and Dessert Bar is known for their desserts, but they also have a bar with wine, beer, cocktails, and boozy milkshakes.
I recommend the boozy Death By Chocolate Shake.
198 E Bay St STE 100, Charleston, SC 29401
7. Frothy Beard Brewing Company
Frothy Beard Brewing Company‘s taproom has over 20 rotating beers to choose from, plus a food menu of pizza, wings, and burgers.
A lot of their beers have fun nerdy names, like Critical Hit and The Tangalorian. I recommend getting a flight so you can try a few.
1401 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407
8. Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co. & Taproom
Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co. & Taproom is the production brewery for Edmund’s Oast beers. They have an expansive patio and courtyard, 20 house-brewed beers on tap, wine, and cocktails.
I recommend their sours. Try out a few beers on tap because they’re always on rotation and you can find something new!
1505 King St #115, Charleston, SC 29405
9. Oyster House Seafood Restaurant
Oyster House Seafood Restaurant has a large covered patio that’s perfect for enjoying a cocktail alongside an appetizer of fresh oysters.
I recommend their Pomegranate Martini.
35 S Market St, Charleston, SC 29401
10. Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar
Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar is a popular Charleston restaurant. Seating is almost always booked up in advance, especially on the weekends, but you may be able to score a spot at the bar a little easier.
I recommend the Cathead Basil Lemonade or the Charleston Sunset.
186 Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401
11. Harborview Restaurant and Lounge
Harborview Restaurant & Lounge is the top-floor bar and restaurant at the Holiday Inn Charleston-Riverview. They have great views across the Ashley River to Downtown Charleston, and it’s a great sunset spot.
They have a menu of classic cocktails. I recommend the Mojito (because I always recommend a mojito!).
301 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407
Charleston Bars Map
Ready to drink your way around Charleston? Use the map below to find all these amazing bars in Charleston listed here.
I hope you have an amazing night out in Charleston, South Carolina!
Save on Charleston’s Top Attractions
Want to save big on Charleston’s top attractions? With the Charleston TourPass, you can save up to 40% on 40+ tours and attractions.
Visit bucket list attractions, enjoy top tours, and discover hidden gems handpicked by local experts. With this pass, you’ll have everything you need right on your phone, saving you both time and money.
Top Charleston Tours
A guided tour is always a good idea to get to know a new city! Check out these top Charleston tours.
- Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour
- Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour
- Ghosts of Charleston Night-Time Walking Tour with Unitarian Church Graveyard
Where to Stay in Charleston
Find the best place to rest your head in Charleston.
- Where We Stayed in Charleston: Holiday Inn Charleston-Riverview
- Where We Stayed in Folly Beach: Marsh-View Condo
- Top Hotel: French Quarter Inn
- Great Value: Town & Country Inn and Suites
- Unique Stay: John Rutledge House Inn
More Charleston Tips
Check out the posts below to continue planning your Charleston vacation:
- 13 Best Charleston Ghost Tours For a Scary-Good Time
- 14 Romantic Things to Do in Charleston for Couples
- 50+ Fun Things to Do in Charleston at Night
- 10 Amazing Hotels in Charleston, SC
- 10 Best Tours in Charleston, SC
- 16 Best Restaurants in Charleston, SC
- Your Perfect Charleston Bachelorette Party Itinerary
- 9 Free Things to Do in Charleston, SC
- 37 Best Things to Do in Charleston, SC
- 7 Days in Charleston: Perfect 1 Week Charleston Itinerary
- 14 Tips for Your First Trip to Charleston, SC
- 14 Best Summer Vacation Spots in the South
- The Best Winter Vacations in the South
Ready to visit Charleston, South Carolina? Plan your trip with these tips.
- Book your flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
- Find accommodation: You can find top hotels in Charleston using Booking.com or vacation rentals near Charleston using VRBO.
- Get packing: Make sure you’ve packed everything you need with my packing list resources.
Cheers!
Paige
Which of these best bars in Charleston, South Carolina will you try next? Let me know in the comments!