50 Best Bars in Charleston

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

“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.“

“Service was fast and friendly. Food was fantastic! Best smash burger I've ever had. Fries were perfectly salted and crispy.“

“Andrew was excellent and very present and an amazing bartender. The other bartender that was working rushed us out of the restaurant saying we needed to “chug” our drinks so we can get out in time before they close. As someone who works food and bev, I understand the wanting to close up and get out, but he rushed us. Frankly, it was very rude and unprofessional. I have never been to a place that essentially tried to kick us out because we were not finishing our drinks fast enough. The service is usually extremely awesome but tonight i was disappointed in how uncomfortable i was that we were rushed out of there.“

“Get the ricotta gnocchi with the truffle service!“

“Hmmm I really enjoyed bar George but a few things probably keeps it from being one I’ll frequent. First they only had one variety of oyster. And it was ok. But then they didn’t have horseradish for it. I get that everyone wants to be fancy with mignonette but have a lil on the side for us common folks. LOL

Now all that said I also had a small peach Caesar salad that was delicious and the drinks have the best curly straw around!“

“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.“

“Slice of Paris right here in Charleston!“

“Love coming here for the Catfish Sandwich and frozen Cin and Tonic!“

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

“Highly recommended. Staff were very attentive, and of course the view was amazing. We went just after dusk. Very stylish. Drinks were good. Went for after dinner drinks but menu included food. Slight wait for a table, but the hotel bar had an open space that was nice pass the wait.“

“What a perfect spot for some Saturday lunch!! Our waitress was the best! Emily took great care of us even though the place was super busy!“

“We had an amazing time at Uptown Social, especially thanks to our bartender, Nate—he was super nice and definitely brought the vibes! We spent the afternoon on the rooftop, and the music was just right for the atmosphere.

We took advantage of the Saturday special and tried the $5 coffee shots, which were good. I had the Palmetto Paloma—it had a strong grapefruit flavor, which I enjoyed. Nate also made me another drink with strawberry, and it was amazing! My boyfriend stuck with margaritas, which he really liked.

Overall, we had a blast and would definitely come back for the great drinks and rooftop vibes!“

“Alex was just as superb as the food. Recommend this restaurant without a doubt!“

“Delicious shrimp and grits and the fish and chips were cooked to perfection. We went at lunch and our server was friendly and checked on us several times to see if we needed anything and our food came out pretty quickly and piping hot!! Highly recommend Ms Roses!!“

“Delicious food, great atmosphere and unique drink options. Highly recommend.“

“This place is AMAZING!!! Literally every single dish we had was incredible. The service is top tier (Amelia is world-class, she took amazing care of us), the food is LIFE CHANGING, the ambience is incredible, I mean, not a single miss. The chef curated every dish perfectly with so much flavor!

This has been where I have been taking all my friends and family that I want to impress. We met the owners and all the managers and they are all such kind, caring people. We love this place and can’t wait to come back again!! We had the Lobster tartin and Octopus for appetizers, Filet and Lamb for entrees (the filet wellington is insanely good) and Raspberry Tiramisu for dessert (still thinking about it haha)! Highly recommend any of these but everything was phenomenal!“

“I held off eating here because of the reviews. I’m a Texas gal living here in Charleston and I’m particular about my Tacos! Had some friends stay at an Airbnb across the street and it was convenient so I finally went. I’ve now been twice in less than a week. Everything is so fresh. Well flavored. Delicious. Cocktails are lovely. Staff was helpful and attentive both times. I also learned that some of the bad reviews here are dishonest. I’m here to say- ignore them and go. Casual, fun, and yummy for my tummy!“

“Great coffee and most importantly great staff. being in the restaurant business traveling from Sarasota to Charleston I’m so happy I found this gem. Talk about efficiency, staff is ready for crowds, everyday I went there there’s always a line which they seem to know how to handle efficiently and flawlessly. Now let’s talk about coffee, there’s a red hair young lady working the coffee machine (she’s a powerhouse) she pushes those drinks so fast without compromising the presentation of each cup along with the quality. My flats white (Australian style coffee equivalent to cappuccino with less milk) was so good I ordered a second to go every time.
Now let’s talk about the staff The Harmony between them is hard to find and from what I can tell resulted of them working together for a while (less employees turn over= good management or boss). Do yourself a favor and try this small cafe and I promise you won’t be disappointed. The only downside I noticed was the WiFi, it seems to be hard to connect to internet.“

“I cannot express how great this establishment is. Best meal I have ever had. Normally would not write a review but this place was unforgettable.“

“Excellent service, creative fantastic food and the best cosmo ever!“

“Jenn was the best waitress I have ever had and I go to restaurants for fun. She was caring and was passionate! The buffalo Brussels sprouts were amazing and the shrimp Gnocchi was to die for!!! 10/10 would recommend and ask for Jenn!!!“

“All I can say is WOW. My sister and I were visiting for a girls weekend and came across The Belmont while walking King Street. From the welcoming staff as we entered seats were made available quickly! Let me tell you- their holiday and their full time cocktails are incredible. We sat at the bar, and James couldn’t have been sweeter-plus can that man make a martini like no other!! The Belmont will absolutely be on our “must visit” next time in Charleston!“

“Fabulous Service, staff, atmosphere. Food is excellent..“

“I love the Recovery Room. It has a great atmosphere, and is an extremely clean and good laid back dive bar. The drinks are good and it's always full of plenty of people, inside and in their outdoor seating. You can play pool, foosball, and other stuff. I had the opportunity to take some pictures very early when it wasn't crowded, so here they are.“

“This was the most amazing experience on our 10 day road trip! We needed "adventures " and they allowed us to put a a sign above their bar for our beloved deceased friend. it stayed up the entire weekend we were there. you have no idea how much we love amd appreciate you amd your kindness!!“

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

“Great ambience and open mics on Wednesdays“

“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.“

“Best cocktails in Charleston!“

“Went here for a bachelorette party and had dinner and also came back for drinks later. Our server and later bartender Anna was AMAZING. She made our trip to Charleston great by not only her friendly and personable service but also recommending things we could do and see while we were there. 10/10 would recommend going there for not only the great atmosphere, food and drinks but also the staff for making our trip a memorable experience.“

“Food and service was good but wish they kept their social media updated. Arrive at 4:30 and were out of the Double-barrel and ribs. If looking to go for their ribs, definitely suggest calling ahead as this was a huge disappointment. The wings however were amazing! The white hot and their hot honey and blue sauces were fantastic! The pork rinds with Tabasco honey and blue cheese were so fun and tasty! They arrived at the table popping with deliciousness!“

“The food, cocktails, atmosphere, and service were a 10/10 for my wife and I. The oysters were perfect and the specials were interesting and delicious. Will definitely be coming back next time we’re in Charleston!“

“I visited twice during a recent Charleston business trip…. Dinner at the bar the first day and lunch on the back patio the next day. Both experiences were excellent. My servers were very friendly and happily offered guidance and suggestions. Don’t skip dessert! I loved everything—you can’t go wrong!“

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

“Nice bartender. Good location and it was little uncomfortable early part but as it got darker it cooled off. I had flat bread but wish there are better choices to spend a full evening vs going to different place for real dinner. Overall, it is good experience.“

“Great place. The staff is welcoming and atmosphere fun. Whether you are looking for lunch with friends or want to enjoy a few drinks in one of their cozy and classy rooms it’s a sure win. Lots of history in Charleston. Don’t forget to visit Henry’s and view the sites from their rooftop bar.“

“Awesome place & great bartenders“

“Silver is a great spot for cheap drinks, amazing staff, and great entertainment from live music to DJ’s late night. When you get tired of king st. Prices def make silver one of your stops it won’t disappoint. The outdoor patio was a great addition that was added in the last year“

“Charming Atmosphere, but Low Value

We went here for brunch to this conveniently located close to downtown, with easy access and a relatively quiet setting neighborhood. Parking is across the street so if you have a tough time walking or handicap you may have to think it through. I’m not sure if there was handicap parking. The atmosphere, from the parking lot across the street to when you walk inside, creates a homey feel, neighborhood vibe. It’s pretty welcoming and warm charm.

However once seated, things were not as smooth. The chairs at the table were uncomfortable, which made it harder to relax and enjoy talking after meal etc. The menu is concise but also offers unique food and drinks that I suspect to appeal to many. The food itself was good, flavorful- but I can’t say it was great value for the price. The drinks, while looking great on the menu, were a bit disappointing; as I received a drink almost all ice. The drink did not last and probably got only 5 sips out of it.

Another issue was the eggs. We asked for them to be well done but they came out being looser than well done. For what it is worth we did not send the eggs back but we didn’t want the other foods to get cold.

Overall, the experience was decent. I appreciate the cozy vibe but I believe there are better options around town that offer more value and comfort.“

“If you’re looking for a fancy pre-dinner date night spot, this is it! It’s inside the Charleston Place, a super fancy hotel with plenty of decorations and exploration to do, including a huge model train set and dozens of Christmas trees when we went. The entrance to the Thoroughbred Club also had a grand piano and a harpist, and the inside of the Thoroughbred Club had another grand pianist playing live music. The environment was cozy and old-money, with complimentary fancy nuts. The drinks were great as well.“

“Very good food and friendly staff.“

“Liam was our server for drinks at the Pavillion Bar celebrating my birthday! Junior was the bartender and was phenomenal making every drink to perfection! Both were very hospitable and kind with my rowdy guests! Beautiful rooftop bar in dt Charleston! Great prices drinks & service! Parking was awful unless you want to pay for valet but deff worth the ig worthy views!“

“Second time there visiting Charleston. We love the margs and service!“

“Went to the Pour House with my wife and a friend that lives nearby. What a find! I did not have any food there, but the drinks were very good, and the band was fantastic. We went on Sunday to see the "Motown Throwdown" and it was a blast. Kanika Moore was fantastic on vocals! Mike on sax and keyboard was a master as was the lead guitar player. He played 2 guitars and sometimes at the same time. One of the guitars was a regular guitar and one seemed to be digital. Corey on bass was very nice and a great bass player and the drummer was amazing too. They played Motown, Rock, R&B, jazz you name it. Great time was had by all, and we stayed until all their sets were finished. I will definitely be back!“

“A better speakeasy here in Charleston. The atmosphere here on an afternoon is exceptionally relaxing with the low-light ambiance to it and chill music playing. The place is pretty clean, and the drinks are a fair price for Charleston. They do not skimp on the alcohol here, and they do have a wide variety of liquors, beers, and wines. It does look like a hole-in-the-wall place from the outside, but once you step inside, you'll find yourself in a great, calm, speakeasy environment. Just remember that you have to ring the doorbell to get in.

Parking: Street parking avaliable.“

“Was hoping to have a birthday party, but they don't do that anymore.. Now you pay per game per person cant bring any food only cake. It seems this place is only about money which I understand you gotta make money to be in business, but you should also be catering to your customer to a reasonable point I will never come back to this place again.“

“⭐?⭐?⭐

This place was awesome.

A.C.'s is definitely a dive bar, but I can say it was the best burger and fries I've had in a long time, maybe the best in Charleston. I went in for a quick bite while staying close by, I ended up there for 6 hours!

I had a few drinks and played pool with buddies and the college kids. A.C.'s Bar and Grill has a great vibe, the bartenders are nice, food service was fast and efficient, with a screen that would display your order # for pickup at the kitchen window. The chef was very friendly as well.

The pool tables were easy to work into, and man these folks are good. It is $1 per round, and there is an ATM if you need cash. There's a decent amount of seating, both at the bar and in the booths. Standing room can get crowded at a certain point, especially with people keeping clear of the pool tables. The bar can become crowded but everyone was good with queueing.

The locals know how to party and keep it classy. We were there until closing time and there was never an incident involving fighting, yelling, cops, etc....

❗My only complaint is the overhead vents or pipes would consistently drip water— on your clothes, food, and drinks. I slipped a few times as well from the puddles that would form on the floor. This could be a one-time or seasonal thing due to humidity and the air conditioning. As I am not a local, I will give them a pass, just maybe mop it occasionally?“

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

“I had absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into when I walked through the doors for a drink and a bite to eat at this establishment earlier this evening. I suppose one cannot prepare for such things. I have to start somewhere, though, so I'll begin by saying upon sitting at the bar I initially thought I had made a mistake. "You're not dressed for this," I kept thinking. This establishment is incredibly luxurious, and I was dressed in a very casual street attire. But I was also wrong. The bartenders, Rose and Tori, made me feel welcome and right at home. They prepared an alcohol-free "mocktail" for me, since I don't usually drink alcohol and had come primarily for the food. I'm not sure what the ingredients were but it was absolutely phenomenal. Then, Chef Karen came out of the kitchen specifically to recommend something special for me for the night (by the way, the prices here are amazingly affordable for the quality). It was not busy at all at the time so I'm not sure everyone will have the same experience but it was nice. I ended up ordering the Speck Taters (that was Chef Karen's recommendation, although I'm not sure if I got the spelling right), what I initially believed to be just some fun diced potatoes. I was not ready for what happened next. I do love food, I must say, but usually I eat too fast and don't get to genuinely enjoy my meal. This was the first food I've had in years that forced me to slow down and savor it. There are no words in the English vocabulary to describe the flavor. It transcended any other culinary experience I've ever had, and was about as close to a spiritual experience as I've ever had eating anything. Chef Karen is a genius, and her recommendation couldn't have been more inspired. I have henceforth decided that whenever I am downtown, I simply must return to this place again. And I recommend everyone and anyone to try this fantastic establishment. Because here they serve quite literally the best food I've ever eaten in my entire life.“