50 Best Bars in Charleston

“Great atmosphere and super friendly staff. Limited seating inside and outside but it seems like a hot spot!
Their sandwiches and salads looked amazing as I saw them going out but I thoroughly enjoyed my cortado with their house made syrup. The vibe is lively and it seemed like a good place for a date, to study or grab something to go. I look forward to coming back to try their food!“

“Leon's is literally in my dreams! My boyfriend and I went there for the first time three years ago. It blew our minds! Affordable, delicious food, and such a fun atmosphere. We returned a couple of times on the same trip. We live in NJ... and set up a trip last year JUST to go to Leons. I am actually scared to post a review because I selfishly want to keep it a secret for my boyfriend and I. Man, if you like chicken and oysters... you cannot go wrong. Damn, now I need to set up another trip. :)“

“Awesome bar. The vibe, immaculate. Service, on par. Drinks, phenomenal. Happened to come across this place. They have the best espresso martini I've had in Charleston yet. Great selection of cocktails/beer/wine. It gets busy quick so get there early! Fair prices and great staff. If you have a chance to check out the annex, I highly suggest it!“

“I have a long, productive day where I celebrating accepting a new job with CPI Security and hanging out with Dad today who lives adlund the corner on Society. Both my parents came here back in the 60's. It was phenomenal and very enjoyable! They staff killer - very friendly. Also, I'm a former craft cocktail bartender with a fairly refined palette and that Manhattan was fire! 🔥✌🏼“

“The best, freshest seafood! Best fish taco i ever put in my mouth. And love the atmosphere!“

“Had a great experience and stay… we enjoyed our time at the pool bar. Bartenders were very engaging and friendly.. great group and they make great drinks. Cozy and quaint.. just wish they played music around pool and not just on the bar side.“

“The food, service and all at this restaurant was beyond excellent ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“S/O to Kiavon for providing excellent service to me and my family!! His energy is out of this world and he knows his stuff! Definitely will be coming back to see him again really soon!! Thank you Kiavon and thank you Zack’s Daqs for having such an amazing staff!“

“I have never had anything less than a 5 star experience at Bar George. The menu, delicious. The cocktails, creative. The vibes, high. Spencer is awesome, he’s very attentive and a great conversationalist. Extra bonus, he never lets empty plates or drinks sit for a while on the bar which I appreciate! Knows the menu very well and can point you in the direction of what you’re looking for. Not to mention the creative, funky decor that definitely adds to the high vibes. Definitely check them out if you haven’t yet!“

“Had the steak & cheese eggrolls, pulled pork nachos and pineapple passionfruit marg. All so good! Would def come back and recommend to others! 😁“

“Tucked away behind an unassuming facade, this spot is pure Charleston magic. Dim lighting, impeccable cocktails, and lowcountry charm create an unforgettable experience. The thoughtfully crafted drinks and a whispering vibe make you feel part of a well-kept secret. A true hidden gem—if you know, you know.“

“We didn’t have reservations, but were able to sit at the bar! We had the best food, craft cocktails and dessert! The staff was amazing, especially Kiersten, K-WOW, the bartender! Highly recommend!“

“The service was impeccable! Suzanne and I had one of the best experiences during our weekend in Charleston. Suzanne loved her Shrimp and Grits, and I opted for a Ribeye Sandwich. I'm glad I did as it was perfect. Suzanne's birthday brunch was enhanced by the live Gospel music lofting through the building. I could go on and on about our brunch it was that much of an experience.“

“Some of the best food! Great fries! Some of the best and cheapest drinks in the city. The staff are such amazing people. We were there one night for trivia and another night for dirty Santa! The experience both times was so fun and entertaining. I'm so glad we found this place on our trip! Hope they stay sweet and fun!“

“The Belmont is an amazing experience! Amy and her crew are absolutely lovely people! Very personable, warm and professional. The drinks are made perfect every time and the food is excellent! Once you visit the Belmont, you will find that it is simply the best in Charleston!“

“An authentic neighborhood pub feel!!!!! Very friendly atmosphere!!!!! Nice beer and whiskey selection Wonderful food“

“The Rum Punch is amazing, good service and good food“

“Hotel Bennett is like a Ritz Carlton. Superior in every way.“

“Our server Tiyonna was incredible and we had an amazing time! The decor was so cute and the atmosphere was such a vibe. Drinks and truffle fries were delish and a dj performed started around 9/9:30 which added to the already amazing atmosphere!“

“I have been searching for a deluxe copy of The Games Gods Play here in NJ. Very hard to come by. I saw that they had a copy and emailed them right away asking about it. They reasonded quickly and let me know that I could call the store and place an order over the phone for the book. I did just that. Within 3 days of placing the order I had the book! Whoever answered my emails was very helpful and when I called the lady who answered the phone was very nice and helpful as well. Sorry I didn't catch her name to thank her personally! If I am ever in the Charleston area I will definitely be stopping in!“

“Great ambience and open mics on Wednesdays“

“Simply perfection! The oyster selection is otherworldly. The chargrilled oysters the best Ive had in my life. (Florida born an culinary chef.) The peel & eat shrimp so plump and served ice cold I have craved them since I had them. The service was above and beyond. The atmosphere encouraged private chatter but also conversation with next table easily. Friendly and cheerful and above all excellent food served with smiles, suggestions, and ease. I will never visit Charleston again without making sure to dine here. (Do not eat the soup. I actually sent it back to the kitchen. Never have I had to do that. ) Highly recommend again and again for everything else.“

“Finally made our way here and wow were we glad we did. Beers were fantastic, sushi the best I have had in a while and owners were super nice. Recommended it to our foodie friends and they went a few hours after us… Just texted “great recommendation “.“

“Ultimate dive bar, love it! Quick question- is the angry chick death metal playlist from corporate or just a Wednesday, Thursday , Friday , Saturday thing?“

“Great food, great atmosphere, loved everything about this place!“

“We stopped in for a cocktail on our way out to dinner and couldn't have been more delighted with what we found.

We sat at the bar and were immediately greeted by Allen and Anna. Drinks aren't the only thing being served at this beautiful speakeasy-style bar. The rapport with our bartenders was top notch. They were friendly, welcoming, helpful, and knowledgeable - truly enjoyable to converse with.

With that said, as much as the service shines, the drinks here are definitely the star. Thoughtfully crafted and oh so delicious, we only wished we had more time to stay for more. So much so that we went back the next evening as well. If we ever find ourselves back in the area, we will definitely be stopping by again.“

“Awesome little dive bar! The burgers are some of the best in have ever had! Great prices! You do have to order at the bar and that can be a little hard if they are super busy, there were only 2 people behind the bar and they are doing everything. 10/10 would eat here again!“

“Good vibes! Great beers! Great to have this spot in the neighborhood !“

“Best comfort food in West Ashley! Daily specials are all homemade and portions are huge! Best deal in Charleston!“

“Bar Mash - The Perfect Spot for Charleston Euchre Club! Bar Mash in downtown Charleston is an exceptional venue where our Charleston Euchre Club meets every Tuesday. The ambiance is warm and welcoming, with a stylish yet relaxed atmosphere that's perfect for our weekly euchre games. The staff is always friendly and attentive, making sure we have everything we need to enjoy our time there. The bar offers a fantastic selection of craft beers, cocktails, and delicious food, all at reasonable prices, which makes it easy to stay for hours and enjoy the evening. Whether you're a regular or a newcomer, Bar Mash provides the perfect setting for great games, good drinks, and even better company. We highly recommend it for any group gathering or casual night out!“

“We had our welcome drinks event here for our wedding and if I could give more than 5 stars, I would! The staff was incredible, the drinks were delicious, the atmosphere was so fun and classy. We’ve also been many times for late night drinks and had a blast. We absolutely loved working with them and will continue to sing their praises for many years to come!! Thanks so much to Tatum, Kate and the whole Groovers crew! This is THE PLACE in Charleston to have your event!“

“This place is awesome in so many ways. Friendly staff, clean, roomy, comfy furniture and I have rarely seen so many beverage choices. They have craft beers of all kinds and its a very posh and hip hang-out! They also have various food vendors on different nights so there isn't boring bar food. Check 'em out!!“

“Best bartenders on James island“

“Had a great atmosphere with people of all ages, pool tables, other games and a great bar. The drinks and food were great too!!“

“Great food, prompt service. The polenta was wonderful!“

“Had a great time. I’m not someone who interacts with people unless I’m talked to first. But regardless of that they made me feel very welcome. Service was great. People watching was just as great. And I had a gorgeous girl who sat next to me and didn’t make me feel weird for existing. 10/10 recommend. Music isn’t too loud so you can have an actual conversation. And drinks are very reasonably priced. I’ll be back again.“

“I went here with my cousin while visiting Charleston for the first time. We could not have picked a better place to eat. HIGHLY recommend the dumpwings and the pretzel appetizer as well as the Bubba burger. Incredible amazing food coupled with amazing service. Made us feel right at home. If I visit charleston again, I will be coming back.“

“Great service and food. Live music was awesome. Will be back!“

“A great place to spend the late afternoon. Always good food trucks and dog friendly.“

“PC setups are epic, Mario Kart on a whole wall 😳, full bar and kitchen... what else do you need“

“We went to the Terrace Theatre's special showing of Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me for my birthday and wanted to grab a bite first, but I wanted to stay REAL CLOSE to the Theatre on Maybank Hwy. I asked my foodie group for recommendations and read reviews here and chose this place because they have a Sushi Ninja popup on Wed-Thur-Fri. We LOVE SUSHI! And hubs loves whiskey!

Traffic was SO BAD it took an hour and a half to get to the Terrace from Goose Creek. Left at 4:45, parked at 6:15. Show at 7:30. This is why I stick close to home. But we hit Paddock & Whiskey and had the best time, great drinks, and excellent Sushi Ninja sushi! Best in Charleston? That's a high bar. But wow. This was excellent sushi. I ate a piece before the pic, it looked so good.

We got the Nigiri Mori at the recommendation of the amazing bartender, and I also got her favorite gin and tonic. Local, very fruity and naturally sweet. Lovely! The drink was good too LOL Seriously, though, the Tropical Gin from Beyond Distilling Company is sweet and fruity-good.

The Aburi scallop is not to be missed! I swear I got an almost Bleu cheese taste from it, in the most pleasant and pungent way. The A5 Wagyu was also a hit. The Bluefin Tuna, Hamachi, and regular scallop with smoked sea salt were all so fresh and delicious. It was all so good. The sushi chef came out since he was told it was our first time and was so kind and genuine in his appreciation for the fish. I am impressed.

The sushi was gone in a minute so we ordered another round and hubby was offered a discount dram (or 2) of a special bourbon and of course he couldn't say no. It was worth it.

The space is tight but that makes it cozy and sincere. I would totally hang out all the time if I were local. The outdoor seating is great, too.

This is an incredible locals bar tucked away in an art theater strip mall with an amazing sushi meal three nights a week. Where do I sign up? If you're in the area, check 'em out! If you're on the way, be patient and turn up the music. It's all waiting for you.

Would brave the horrific traffic again for it.“

“It's a great place to hang out! The bartenders are on point and you can sing karaoke every Friday. I'll see you there.“

“Best cocktails in Charleston!“

“100% recommend for out of towners. We felt so at home here. The owner is an incredible guy.“

“Fabulous champagne bar. Great selection of champagne by the glass. You can try things here you can’t normally find by the glass. Fantastic service also.“

“The Rum Punch is amazing, good service and good food“

“Amazing food! My family and I went here yesterday during our trip to Myrtle Beach based on some recommendations I saw online...and this place exceeded all expectations!! All of us were beyond satisfied with our meals. Delicious flavors and good portion sizes too! We said we will come back to Myrtle Beach (from PA) just to come back here 😂. Great service, nice atmosphere, and the food is absolutely amazing! We wanted to get photos of our meals but we were so excited to dig in when it came out that we forgot all about photos! Go check this place out and see for yourself.“

“We recently had an event at the Rooftop of the Hilton Garden Inn and it was fantastic! The food was delicious, drinks were strong, and the space is big enough to fit up to 80 ppl. Paige is so great to work with and was on top of it every step of the way; highly recommend using this venue if you have a smaller group and wanted to have amazing views of the marina.“

“It is a good little bar , good service and good atmosphere , enjoyed going there will again when I go to Charleston again“

“wonderful place to unwind and socialize. the cook has amazing specials“