12 Best Dive Bars near Charleston

“Cool place with incredibly attentive and fun bar team. Regan from Alabama was new and a lot of fun. Walter greeted us immediately. Incredibly welcoming. We watched them working and they were so engaged with all the patrons I can see this having a great bunch of regulars! Thanks very much Regan and Walter.“

“Cool place close to downtown. You order at the bar and you pick your food up and take it to your table. You also clean your dishes and toss your trash when done. If you want white linens and table service, this is not going to be your jam. We were there for lunch and there were only a few folks scattered around. Food was good! Burgers were delicious. Bartender was friendly, bathrooms were crazy but clean, outdoor seating was nice. We would go back.“

“It’s a dive bar but definitely the best bar we went to in Charleston. Strong pours, fun, happy patrons, friendly bar staff and just so good. If you are looking for a down to earth bar full of locals check it out and have a good time. Enjoy!“

“This is our favorite place. The people are down-to-earth and friendly. Chill vibes, cheap prices, great bar staff, pop-up restaurants, and theres almost always something going on and someone cool to talk to.Vegetarian options: There’s a vegan burger pop-up that runs Fridays and Sundays that is amazing“

“Frontier lounge is the best place in Charleston. I would say bar but it’s so much more!! I go here every week with my friends and have the best time Every. Single. Time.. they always have the best live bands and djs playing and you meet quality, local people there too. I met my current boyfriend here and the rest is history ;). If you like good music, drinks, meeting new people and in the market to find your soulmate or just want to have a really good time …. Go here!“

“A nice little "hole in the wall" bar that always has good drinks and friendly staff. The place is decorated in signs and stickers, which will keep your eyes entertained for a while. The place is pretty clean, and the bartenders do not skimp on the alcohol. The prices here are great, especially when comparing them to bars just down the road. There's also pool, pinball, and an arcade game inside if you're into that. Overall, a great place to hang out to begin or end the night.Parking: It can be pretty difficult to find parking. I recommend getting an Uber.Kid-friendliness: Not the place for kids.“

“One the best bars near King Street for live music. The place is a huge College of Charleston hangout, and the staff there are pretty cool to interact with. The prices of drinks and food here are great as well, but there is a very limited selection of food. They will occasionally have food pop ups, though. They usually have great live music almost every night right on the stage by the bar. There are two "floors" to the place as well, with a good amount of seats each. Overall a great place to spend a couple of hours at.Parking: There's parking available at a nearby parking lot, the streets by Marion Square, and a parking garage close by.Kid-friendliness: Not the place for kids.“

“My dad and I had a pit stop in Charleston and stopped in for a drink. Unfortunately for us, it was just at closing time (10! Not 10:30 as written). We had just enough time for one round but the place was still lively. Our bartender, Shawn (Sean?) was such a wonderful guy and made us feel so welcome despite it being last call. A true locals dive in the best sense of the word.“

“The Purple Buffalo Is a pretty nice cozy place. The only thing is the bathroom is awful. The doors don't look, toilet paper on the floor, it was just a nasty bathroom. A nice establishment like this should have someone tend to the bathroom throughout the night. Nothing like a nasty bathroom to turn someone off. Keep the bathroom clean and up to par. People will always talk about a clean bathroom.“

“I've only been there during the day and it was always really nice. Nice group nice crowd bartenders for amazing. Went on super bowl Sunday and they watch the game I just watched the puppy game and went home. Been there a long time now The owner had passed and his daughters are running it definitely visit them it's a great place. I did not order food so I don't know what they have. But I'm sure they have food cuz that's our kitchen. Very friendlyParking: Plenty of parking behind the restaurant is where you find the barWheelchair accessibility: It is a slab building I think so easy wheelchair slope to get in with wide doors. Outside smoking area very accessible. Nice place“

“This bar is a good place for a drink and games of pool. On the weekends, there is live music. If you want to play pool make sure to check that it is not a league or tournament night first. If you want to play in a tournament there is usually a buy in and starts around 8. Friendly service, cheap drinks, and smoking allowed inside makes this a blast from the past.“

“This and Royal American are my favorite local bars in the area. Always great food, great specials, fast service, also the heaters were clutch this winter. Been coming here about once a week since moving to Mount Pleasant and they are always on their A-Game.“