Charleston is the biggest city in South Carolina, offering something for everyone with its thriving art scene, historical streets and architecture, as well as its beautiful landscape and coastline.
Charleston is also a highly underrated hub for cuisine and drinks, being home to countless bars that will enhance your evening on any occasion. From rowdy and old-school dive bars to modern and sophisticated cocktail lounges, Charleston offers bars with unique aesthetics alongside world-class drinks and food.
Whether you want a romantic place for a date night or a place to chill with friends, this guide will cover the best bars in Charleston, SC, so that you can make the most of your next vacation.
1. Prohibition
- Address: 547 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
With a warm and rustic appearance, huge drink selection and a full menu of offerings ranging from burgers and steaks, it’s no wonder Prohibition is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Enjoy one of their artisan cocktails along with their delectable menu of classic American dishes cooked to perfection. You can dine indoors or in the covered backyard patio, with some nights providing live music as well.
This can be a great place for groups and couples as the 1920s jazz theme is blended in perfectly with the modern and classy aesthetic, making it a must-visit bar in Charleston.
2. The Griffon
• Address: 18 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401
The Griffon is an old-school English-style pub featuring acclaimed fish and chips along with a wide craft beer selection plus rotating classic pub meals like burgers, sandwiches and more.
It’s situated in a historic brick building and the interior walls and ceiling are covered entirely in old dollar bills, making the design impressive and unforgettable. With a dive bar aesthetic offering a casual and fun vibe, The Griffon is a great stop for those who want a hearty meal and a cheap cold beer during their vacation.
3. Church and Union - Charleston
• Address: 32B, N Market St, Charleston, SC 29401
The best bars in Charleston, SC, are usually ones with rooted history, and Church and Union is no exception. It's a new but quickly beloved bar set in a historical church which makes it both a beautiful and wholly unique experience.
The church interior remains, with stained-glass windows and dramatic natural lighting, although there’s a full bar serving some of Charleston’s best cocktails along with high-quality American cuisine which makes the interior that much more interesting. For a delicious cocktail and a hearty meal, like a lamb burger, fried chicken, or seared scallops, along with a beautifully divine aesthetic, you can’t go wrong at Church and Union.
4. Bourbon N’ Bubbles
• Address: 570 King St, Charleston, SC 29402
Bourbon N’ Bubbles is an old-school cocktail bar that’s perfect for a date night in Charleston or a night out with your group. The aesthetic is both modern and retro as it’s a dimly lit spot that’s fantastic for enjoying a premium drink along with burgers, steaks, mussels and assorted appetizers like truffle fries and steak tartare.
As the name implies, there’s a vast selection of bourbon and wine available alongside handmade cocktails.
5. The Gin Joint
• Address: 182 E Bay St #2169, Charleston, SC 29401
The Gin Joint is a quaint and relaxed cocktail bar serving a rotating selection of the world’s finest gin, along with high-quality cocktails and other drinks alongside hearty American cuisine.
Whether you’re a gin aficionado or are looking for a cozy place to enjoy some late-night drinks, The Gin Joint is sure to leave an impression with its vast menu, professional service and highly knowledgeable staff. Plus, the dim setting makes it perfect for a date night in Charleston.
6. Doar Bros.
• Address: 225 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401
Doar Bros. is an intimate hangout spot that features a central bar and cozy seating in a dimly lit yet classy interior.
Enjoy some of Charleston’s finest cocktails along with a rotating food menu including seafood, burgers and sandwiches, plus occasional Italian specials. If you’re looking for an elevated and trendy cocktail experience, Doar Bros. is the perfect stop for dinner and a drink.
7. Dalila’s
• Address: 441 Meeting St, Suite F, Charleston, SC 29403
Dalila’s is a modern, breezy cocktail bar with a sleek design and subtle tropical decorations, making it a great place to relax throughout the day and night.
The main attraction here is the fantastic cocktail menu, which has something for everyone whether it’s premium gin or a professional handcrafted drink. With crowd-pleasing drinks and cozy setting based on lounges from the 1950s, Dalila’s is great for couples and small groups at any hour.
8. Vintage Lounge
• Address: 545 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
Some of the best bars in Charleston, SC, are also some of the most uniquely themed. Called “the most beautifully designed bar in South Carolina” by Architectural Digest, Vintage Lounge is an inviting upscale bar that focuses on wine along with select handcrafted cocktails. With spacious indoor and outdoor patio dining, Vintage Lounge is a wonderful place to kick back and relax while enjoying some of Charleston’s best wines and liquors.
There’s also a small food menu focusing on meat, bread and cheese plates that can be customized to pair perfectly with your drink.
9. The Belmont
• Address: 511 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
The Belmont is an intimate, cozy cocktail lounge that feels right out of the 1950s. This dimly lit bar even projects classic black-and-white movies onto the rustic brick walls, giving it a unique and lovably retro vibe.
The drinks are also fantastic, ranging from handcrafted cocktails to wine, spirits and more. Along with charcuterie boards and flatbreads, you can spend hours here enjoying small-bites and great drinks along with the upscale yet casual decor.
10. The Royal American
• Address: 970 Morrison Dr, Charleston, SC 29403
If you want a no-frills dive bar serving great American bar food, cold beers and with live music, The Royal American is always ready to provide a great time.
This is a fun place for larger groups and those wanting a higher energy atmosphere than other bars on this list and it has a classic Americana vibe that fits Charleston perfectly. With an old-school diner appearance, along with spacious outdoor patios, you’ll always have an unforgettable experience at the Royal American.
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