50 Best Bars near Folly Beach

“Love LowLife and visit frequently. Recently had a baby and brought her today after the Sea and Sand Festival. The place was understandably packed. We didn't have a table and needed to change our baby's diaper. They don't have a diaper changing station on site. I changed her on the ground outside the front door on our changing mat. I don't mind doing that but it seems like a minor detail to accommodate the numerous families that visit locally and as tourists.Kid-friendliness: No changing tables on site.“

“The dimly-lit interior is visually OK but not really conducive to a lively gathering. We usually get drinks here (top-notch service and sufficient pours) but have been slightly surprised by the few decent food options we’ve consumed. Live music here is very loud inside. The outdoor area is well-furnished and prime people-watching real estate.“

“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.“

“Omggg!!! That was the BEST CHICKEN CHEESE STEAK I HAVE EVER HAD!!! We actually live on Folly Island and rarely do fast food/delivery food , but tonight was just one of those exhausting evenings. First of all the girl that took our call was so sweet , polite and patient. We ordered the " Redneck " chicken cheese steak and a beef steak cheese steak. Side of Cole slaw and side of chips. It took no time at all for our " Hot Food " to arrive. The driver was so friendly and fast ! The food was extremely fresh and the bread to meat to cheese proportions where on point!! Absolutely the best cheese steak we have had and we will be ordering again. Thank you so much! You made our dinner evening effortless and delicious“

“I had walked past the night before and the place was packed. We went for lunch the next day. It was quiet and the food was good. I had a hamburger with a nice crisp outside. The fires were cooked just right. My wife had shrimp tacos which she was pleased with. It was one of the better eateries we went to in Folly Beach. It is dog friendly.“

“So absolutely a great great place. I loved the food the service and drinks. Honestly one of the best spots on the beach in my opinion. Would recommend to anyone Haley and jj are great managers. I had a slight mishap with a chair and the chair won but they made sure my experience was amazing. They comped my food the first day but we came back the next day just because how great this place is. 10/10 will always come again lol.“

“A couple weeks ago, I took someone special to Halls for his birthday! The love, care and respect we received were matched only by exquisite cuisine and stellar service. In fact, so people waited on us, sadly we could not keep up with names! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for such a lovely experience. We will be back! And I so enjoy playing Gospel Brunch! :)Vegetarian options: The vegetarian options are exquisite! Halls is very attentive to dietary restrictions, and made a few items the way we needed. Thanks for that!Dietary restrictions: I enjoyed the scallops so much! I can eat most seafood and vegetarian options, but sadly don’t digest red meat well. I leave that for my guests!“

“Great restaurant! We had lunch here after walking around the park and rainbow row, conveniently located. The grilled salmon was absolutely delicious and the gazpacho was refreshing and tasty. The tacos were just okay, they were the best but they good for lunch. Mahi was the best, tuna is a seared tuna btw and the shrimp was just okay and fried. Landon, our server was on top of our waters and very nice. Great vibes and would come back!- Insta @ SpicyAivy“

“Great vibe! Lots of fun people having a great time! The food is excellent--some of the best scallops I have ever had, very juicy and tender. Whatever you do, do not skip the key lime pie!! Oh my gosh. They lightly brown the top (like a creme brûlée) and I cannot tell you how it just pushed the already divine pie over the top and into paradise. So delicious. Who would have thought?“

“Had a spectacular lunch at another restaurant and went over the top with dinner at FIG. Arugula salad + ricotta gnocchi with lamb bolognese + desert of strawberry profiteroles with greek yogurt. Off-the-chart meal capped off an unbelievable food day in Charlestown. If I eat another meal this good in this city I may never leave Charlestown. Wow!“

“This is a down home funky southern restaurant serving primarily oysters and fried chicken in a converted garage. So for that reason they get 5 stars. The food was good, the roasted oysters were great, beer was cold, sides were enough to share service was attentive. They don’t take reservations for party less than six so you can expect to wait if you go at prime time. It a pretty popular place.Parking: Primarily a residential neighborhood so parking can be sparse. They do have a free parking lot but it’s small. Neighborhood not the best so be aware walking at night“

“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.“

“Swig and Swine has the best barbecue in Charleston! The food and the service are amazing. I usually get the brisket or pork and it is delicious. The staff are very hospitable as well. I’d definitely recommend trying it out if you’re in the area.“

“I would have given this restaurant 5 stars for the food except for the preparation of the garlic shrimp…the taste was spot on but the texture was a little mushy because of all the delicious sauce (the bread dipped in the sauce with lots of capers was a revelation). Maybe there is a way to have the majority of the sauce on the side so the shellfish doesn’t suffer. Caesar salad was among the most unique and delicious I’ve ever had. Really solid meal and the service was superb. Prices were reasonable as well.“

“Nico has amazing seafood and drinks. As well as dessert. Their service is amazing and very welcoming. Thank you for Noah our server for being great and helpful with all of his recommendations. Definitely eat their ice cream and brownie for dessert!!“

“Highly recommended by cocktail loving co-workers, I visited the Last Saint twice - once in the main bar and once in the Annex. I loved this place. Located just a little off the people heavy King Street Last Saint had a front room which is very grandma-chic, like a bar met an antique store and had a kid, and a back room, the Annex, which is mellow, intimate, and delightful. The difference is that the front bar has a fixed menu of delightful cocktails and the Annex doesn't believe in menus. They need no menus because they are awesome. Both visits I had a great time. The Last Saint offers amazing, inventive cocktails while acknowledging the classics with all the hospitality I enjoy in Charleston. I was shocked to find that I was remembered from my first trip. I don't consider myself noteworthy, so I was taken off guard with the recognition. It was such an amazing experience!“

“It was our first time at the Citrus Club and we were quite impressed. The roof top is intimate and very comfortable and offers a 360 degree view of the water and Charleston. We had the warm crab dip that was completely lump crab meat and delicious. We also enjoyed , and would highly recommend the rice bowl with jerk chicken and the perfectly prepared grouper sandwich. Kudos both to the chef and our server, Bree, who greatly enhanced our wonderful dining experience. Having been to several others, we vote this the best rooftop bar in Charleston.“

“Really great Chicken Caesar salad and great outdoor area for a balmy evening bite. The Salmon BLT was solid too. Hidden favorite was their house honey mustard which we used on our fries. Service was great and the porch as I said, was lovely.“

“In addition to excellent food, the waiters, Brandon and Nolan, were amazing. They provided fantastic service, were friendly, cordial, and always smiling. Simply stated, they provided a congenial atmosphere. The owner, Carly, came to our table introduced herself. She, too, was lovely.“

“Awesome atmosphere and food!“

“I had Saturday brunch with my parents here while visiting Charleston. It was a lovely spot that felt very hip and had a cool vintage aesthetic to it. The food was amazing and tasted very fresh! We ordered the lamb burger, surfer delight, cauliflower wings, and a cocktail. I loved the cauliflower wings and the lamb burger came with sweet potato fries which were my favorite! The service was great!! Our waiter was so friendly and helpful with choosing dishes. We were also sat very quickly despite it being a Saturday and a busy crowd. The ambiance is so cute and I loved the vibe. It's a bright space with nice windows, a bar, and outdoor seating. Great spot that I'm glad we came across while visiting!!“

“I don’t go all the time because I don’t like spending money like that but I really like it here. I don’t love talking I just grab my tea give a nod and take a sip and give a thumbs up it’s an introverts dream. It’s never wrong so I never have to say anything.It’s nice to have somewhere so peaceful next to work. Makes me remember I’m human again or something.“

“Stopped in for a few drinks after dinner and this place was perfect for our girls night.Live music was being played in the corner by a solo musician that set a quiet tone while an old Mel Gibson flick played on the wall on the opposite side of the bar. The mood was quiet , quirky and sophisticated. It was refreshing from the “college kid vibe you get from most places after 9pm DT .“

“Absolutely love Bar George!! Neat, retro decor with an open kitchen concept accompanied by fantastic cocktails. Highly recommend the Spanish Fly or their house dirty martini! Haven't tried all of the food options yet but so far the oysters and salads have been fantastic.“

“My cousin and I were reading the menu outside when our waiter Michael, opened the door and invited us in! We had the best meal of our visit to Charleston! Everything was delicious and cooked to perfection!! The service was southern hospitality at it's best! On my next trip to Charleston Amen Street Restaurant will be my first stop for lunch or dinner or maybe both!“

“"Xiao Bao Biscuit is a culinary gem in Charleston, offering a unique fusion of Asian flavors with Southern comfort. The eclectic menu features inventive dishes that are bursting with bold flavors and creativity. Standout dishes include the Okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake loaded with flavor and texture, and the Fancy Boy Rice, a delightful combination of aromatic rice, tender pork belly, and flavorful toppings. Both dishes showcase the culinary prowess of the chefs and are must-try options. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, making it a great spot for a relaxed meal with friends or family. The service is friendly and efficient, adding to the overall enjoyable dining experience. Xiao Bao Biscuit is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore adventurous and delicious cuisine in Charleston."“

“Went to this restaurant for drinks and early dinner service was amazing super attentive and the food and drinks were the best we have had on our entire stay none of the Instagram promoted restaurants even compare! Food was to die for and it's was a beautiful ambiance love the garage dining area and being outside but not at same time! Will go back again and again to try the rest of menu!“

“Great music & atmosphere & bartenders“

“A repeat visit and this place still shines!! We last visited in 2022 and the raw bar, entrees, beverages and service are still one of our favorites in Charleston. We tried all the raw oysters and littleneck clams. Entrees from the whole fish, shrimp and grits, fish n chips, po-boy and Manhattan chowder. We even left room for desserts - carrot cake and basque cheesecake. All were excellent and such a satisfying experience. We were so glad we were able to fit this visit in during our last day in Charleston!“

“We were looking for a place for happy hour and oysters and have enjoyed the Bay St location so we thought we would give the West Ashley spot a try and so glad we did. We sat at the bar by the shucking area and learned more about oysters from Doyle than we thought possible. The oysters were all excellent and you must try the char-broiled oysters for an app. They were fantastic. All of the staff were very friendly and attentive and we really liked the home town, neighborhood atmosphere. If you're looking for a great place for oysters away from the tourists this is the place. Sit on the right side of the bar and visit with Doyle. You'll be glad you did.“

“Visited Coleman Public House on Sunday afternoon. Great burger and Beet Salad. Great beer selection.Service was great too.I like a clean restaurant but my eyes were watering from the cleaning solution they use and the smell of it made it hard to enjoy the meal.Also, I can't help but mention that the silverware was what you might expect at Golden Coral not at an upscale Public House.“

“First ever and last ever review.. If you know you know. Long and short of it, this hotel is immaculate. Butler service, gourmet breakfast daily to the room, arrival cocktail's, complimentary mini fridge and one of the chillest, casual classy lounges I've been to. Imagine Johnny Cash, Karl Lagerfeld and Dean Martin opened a bar then hired the Kennedy's to Manage the hotel“

“Nice little place. Thanks to Jane, they were open, despite planned being closed for the night. Beer was cold and refreshing. Great conversation with the young lady. Despite her only working there once per week, she's certainly knowledgeable about the bar and the beers.“

“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!“

“Dropped by Fiat Lux to grab a cocktail in a state of depression which was the most rewarding decision of my entire life. The drink was standard but the service and friendship that the bartender Patty treated me to was a biblical experience. Not only is this handsome man a shining light with the most beautiful smile but he’s a beacon of wisdom and advice for anyone in need.I’m convinced he will go extremely far in any organization and any company will be blessed to acquire such an asset.P.S. Ladies, I think he’s single but the ice girl (Ryan) is pursing him aggressively, so move quickly“

“My girlfriend and I went there and had a little confusion on our bill. They looked into it, showed us what happened and everything was correct. But, they didn’t stop at “just correct”… the owner gave us two free beers just because WE were the ones confused. I can’t stress enough how kind the people who work there are. You can really tell they love what they do. They went above and beyond! We will definitely be back.:)“

“For starters, the bartenders couldn't be better. They handled a busy crowd in the most efficient and kindest way I've seen. Plus the drinks were great and the glowing ice cubes were super cool. However the food is what takes the cake...I got the 'Reindeer Chili' and it was amazing. It was like home cooked chili w the perfect amount of sour cream and toppings...plus the rice it laid on made the dish perfect. It would be an amazing dip too I bet ...The ambiance was totally on par for Christmas too“

“The best baba ganoush this side of the Mediterranean. The smoked eggplant really made the dish. We had 4 other dishes and each one was better than the last.If you are vegetarian there are heaps of options for you to enjoy!Objectively, here are my ratings:Food: 8.5/10 atmosphere: 7/10 service: 7/10“

“My husband and I really appreciate this spot. Its one of the few indoor environments we can bring our little chihuahua pup and have a nice meal. Food has never disappointed, neither have drinks and sometimes there is a lovely pianist playing nearby. Fun to people watch and also usually never a long wait. I (almost) don't want to tell others about it because I don't want the secret to get out :). But I also came to leave a review for Darryl, who was our server on a late evening. He was incredibly hospitable and friendly and he was running around serving us alongside a large corporate group that came in late. He made sure our experience was still excellent despite how busy he got. Thank you Darryl and thank you Thoroughbreds for always being so accommodating! We will be back!!“

“This place is a true gem. It's everything you want from a neighborhood bar including a great staff, good drinks and awesome food options. The local community that Lucky Luchador serves is warm and welcoming--as an out of towner I felt completely embraced by them. I wish I had a great spot like this near where I live, and can't say enough nice things about it. If you're lucky enough to live in Charleston, you won't regret visiting Lucky Luchador.“

“What can I say? My friends and I love this place. We are here more often than we are anywhere else. The owner-employee's friendliness and the feel of the space are welcoming. It's a bar but with many 'homemade' reasons to visit. Let me start with the freshly squeezed citrus. Sorry, but my powers of observation are keen, and I do not see many other places doing what The Southern does. They squeeze both fresh grapefruit and fresh oranges continuously -- as in, it never stops. They take pride in serving their signature cocktail, A Freshy, made with vodka, fresh grapefruit, and a splash of cranberry. It's $7 during happy hour, and the grapefruit juice alone is worth that price. I seem to always gravitate to the carbs when I visit. Homemade potato skins and homemade, hand-battered GIANT onion rings. The skins start as baked potatoes that are lightly scooped and filled with plenty of cheese and bacon. I make a point of saying 'very lightly scooped' because these skins are meaty! There is quite a lot of potato left here before they add the cheese, so it's a meal I can barely finish -- four to a serving with green onions and heaps of sour cream for $10. The onion rings are finished with the tiniest bit of sea salt right when they come out of the fryer. They may just be the best original recipe onion rings I have tasted, and you get quite a pile for $8. The service is great, and there are always bartenders hustling drinks and hustling food to all the tables. They are the hardest group of owner-employees out there, and the way they care about what goes out to customers shows. Again, this is a bar. But it is also a gathering place for locals. I've never walked in and not known somebody already enjoying themselves. If you know, you know ;-)“

“Great little neighborhood bar that was within walking distance to my Air BnB. It has a decent beer and wine selection. They have snacks as well. Vivian was friendly and had several suggestions for restaurants in the area. I was here early so no one else was in here but I'm sure it's a popular place. Wednesday nights is open mike night and live music every Friday and Saturday. Come check it out!“

“Travis was a great bartender! THC delta 8 cocktails & boylan & real sugar coke sodas. Had the burger baskets & fries. Fries were good but our burgers were flattened & almost burned but it was the end of the evening so maybe the grill man as tired. Fun ambience!“

“Little Palm is such a cute location, with a rooftop seating and the perfect asthetic! If you're looking for great cocktails and an instagram worthy location for a date night, girls night or bachelorette party this is the place! So many cocktails which are not only cute but very good! The food was good we got the cheeseburger and the chicken & rice, nothing spectacular but if you're coming for a drinks get the Yucca Fries (those are amazing)! There is indoor seating as well as the rooftop and now their backyard area!“

“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“

“Wonderful dining experience from start to finish. The hostess was polite. Tyler (server) explained the menu and specials right away. He checked on us in a timely manner after each course. Our desserts were delivered to us by the manager Don. It was our anniversary and everyone made sure to tell us Happy anniversary. We got the signature hot rock as our appetizer. It was delicious. My husband got the dry aged ribeye and ai got the scallops. Both were cooked perfectly. We will be back!“

“You have Vickerys bar and grill upstairs a classic port side restaurant with a beautiful view of the harbor, marsh and ocean and then you have Muddys downstairs just off the dock. Vickerys has delicious fresh seafood and a very reasonable price. The crab cakes will blow your mind and you won't be paying $25 or more that they charge just a few hours inland. They have a large comfortable bar, great friendly service and an overall welcoming feeling from the minute you walk in the door. Then you walk downstairs to Muddys. Muddys is basic but has all you need. A sandy dock side bar just off the water where you can sit and feel like your on vacation at some far away port. You can cozy up to the bar with your feet in the warm sand, watch the boats pull into the harbor while taking in the fresh smell of the ocean and enjoying an awesome view. The drinks are cheap and the fresh seafood is affordably priced and delicious. I strongly suggest going when they have all you can eat oysters. Awesome... Nothing better then hanging out with friends, new and old and spending a day away at this little slice of paradise.“

“I've always loved Gene's Haufbrau! They always have so many great options for drinks and pretty good food too. Love their wide selection of games (pool, darts, shuffleboard and lots of board games). The atmosphere is always charming and fun.“

“First trip to Charleston and happened upon this amazing place to grab lunch before out carriage tour. The shrimp and grits and blackened mahi were awesome and we hope to come back to experience the night life here. Such a neat place with multiple floors and lounging options.“

“I pride myself on finding the best pizza places- this one is a hidden gem. The pizza is super fresh and the crust is awesome. They have lots of different options and we’ve never had a bad meal here. Their happy hour is great and most of the staff is great too. It’s a casual place- a good change in pace from the downtown dining scene. The pesto, pepperoni, and mushroom are our top favorites!!“