50 Best Cocktail Bars in Charleston

“Spent several late afternoons/early evenings at Doar Bros. last week and had a great time! Jake and Stephen are artists in creating phenomenal craft cocktails! JD, one of the owners, very personable and welcoming! All great guys! If you're in to cocktailing, no trip to Charleston is complete without a stop at Doar Bros.! Cheers!“

“We enjoyed oysters, yellowfin tuna, clam chowder, steak and the fish basket plus some delicious drinks! Service was amazing as well as the entire experience. Highly recommend!“

“Phenomenal food and atmosphere. Get the “dessert bread” appetizer if you come. Had the grouper on special and it was incredible“

“The food was excellentellent and the atmosphere was great. Was a great dining experience for our mother-daughter trip to Charleston“

“Had brunch today. Food was good. The chicken and waffle was really tasty.“

“My husband and I sat at the bar and were pleasantly surprised by the cocktail engineers helping us navigate our lunch. We started with drinks and an order of calamari; prices seemed high, but we are always willing to pay for superb experiences, after all, this is our first time in Charleston, thus our first time at Bar167. The place was packed; everyone was chatting with one another, along with the friendly staff. Between my husband and I, and the new friends we made, I think every cocktail on the specialty menu was made and sampled. The cocktail engineers were knowledgeable, attentive, and welcomed all the questions (no matter how dumb they were). We had the crab roll and the fish sandwich – did not disappoint! CAN I JUST TELL YOU, the damn Tzatziki Drink was unexpectedly amazballs.
This was a great place, if we are ever in the area again, we will be there“

“The Dewberry Charleston's rooftop Citrus Club is stunning, and I am totally obsessed with this place. I recently visited with my boyfriend + some friends of ours while in Charleston, SC and we had the absolute best experience!! Our waitress was so sweet - she was attentive, kind, and took excellent care of us during our visit. The atmosphere inside of the Citrus Club is so chic and luxurious, but their outdoor rooftop space is the reason you must visit. There are perfect views of Charleston's incredible architecture from every single angle of their rooftop (as pictured in this review). You are at the best spot in the house, regardless of where your table is located. For cocktails, I highly recommend their Spicy Margarita. Regarding their food menu, their Grilled Seasonal Vegetables and Hamachi Tataki are both excellent! :-) We will be back, Citrus Club - thanks for the hospitality!“

“OMG, The food, service and overall experience was amazing. Dan and the guys behind the bar made sure it was an excellent experience. Will be going back every year on St. Patrick’s day.🍀“

“The dining area of the Lobby of this hotel is an awesome experience. The service culture and southern hospitality of the staff make this place a crowd favorite. The food is excellent. Sections of classic favorites like avocado toast or unique selections or just some oyster are all delicious and served with an informed smile. Make this a goto if your in the area.“

“Lowlands was a fantastic find! I chose it because it was within walking distance to an event, though it wasn’t initially recommended. I was pleasantly surprised by the ambiance, food, and exceptional service. We sat at the upstairs bar, where Avery took great care of us. Thank you, Avery, for making such a great first impression! We’ll definitely be back.“

“This is the best rooftop bar in Charleston. It’s so put together and feels like you’re in Architectural Digest. A beautifully executed interior is matched by the service and drinks. As a Charlotte native, I won’t skip this place on my trips down. Just incredible.“

“Had a fish sandwich. Collard greens, slaw, fried oysters, and calamari. Outstanding. Collards off the chart. Service even better. 15/10 recommend.“

“Stepped out of our typical places to eat to try Azur and we were really impressed. Food, drinks, and service were all top tier. Pedro and Chris were great bartenders who made sure our experience was absolutely excellent.“

“Unique cocktails; friendly knowledgeable waitstaff“

“literally everything we had here tonight was fantastic. the calamari strips are some of the best calamari I have ever had. the drinks were wonderful. I had this seard fish with the succotash which was so good. my boyfriend had the pot roast melt and loved it. the owner was absolutely fantastic. we will definitely be back repeatedly!“

“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! 🔥✌🏼“

“We had the most amazing night celebrating our 10th anniversary. The entire team went above and beyond and we left feeling so filled with joy—and OUTSTANDING food. Flavors that we never will forget and memories for a lifetime. WC team, thank you for making our first night in Charleston one we will never forget.“

“Always a pleasure to visit Beautiful South. The staff is all friendly, attentive, and accommodating. And the space is inviting and alive. The dining area has a more cozy section with booths and a buzzier section with small tables, but we always enjoy the spaceous bar, where Johnathan and Gabriel make excellent drinks (on and off menu) and are genuinely hospitable fellas. All of the food is cooked with care, good luck trying to decide what to eat without doing a complete tour de force of the menu. Beef dumplings are extremely flavorful, don't be scared of the rose water - it's just a hint but a unique and memorable one. The green beans are good enough to eat a popcorn bucket full. And the Hunan chicken is unctuous and saucy and just delicious. Did I mention there is plenty of convenient parking? What more do you want?“

“Always amazing!! Cooking class with Chef Tyler was so fun!! Zero George is our go to in Charleston!“

“Great meal and awesome waitress“

“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.“

“This might be my new favorite bar in town? The vibe was excellent, comfortable seats, and great service. The drinks were simply BEAUTIFUL and SO good! I tried a few things and they were all done to perfection. Highly recommend but almost want to keep it to myself!“

“French Fries are the best and the sweetest girl from Georgia pretty blonde was super nice and friendly and made sure we didn't sit dirty with empty plates and glasses - Did not catch her name but the atmosphere was absolutely wonderful-“

“Not sure why this location has a lower rating than the other. I had a great time at both locations and I’m glad I went out of my way to pop into this one. If I was local I’d be a regular for sure! I sat at the bar top and enjoyed my coffee and people watching. The team work and way the staff interacted with each other made it known that it was a well run establishment. Great job, Babas!“

“Sooo I arrived with a party of four to enjoy a wonderful glass of wine. But they didn't have anything to serve me that I like to drink, and sure enough the beverage manager over both bars came in and saved the day. She is amazing! Her name is Haley! She hooked us up with beverages we loved. She is the bar manager imagine that! Amazing! Thank you Haley .“

“Dined here back in 2019, but form wouldn't let me select that. It is has since closed (as a result of Covid? I'm unsure.), but so hope it reopens in the future. Lovely upscale dining spot with an old school feel. Fantastic design. Delicious food.“

“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. Casual, fun, and yummy for my tummy! Go!“

“I found out about Southbound, through my job. I had to go do some work there, and found the owner and everyone there, super friendly. Most people at restaurants ignore working people while they are there. As my 42nd anniversary was quickly approaching, I decided to give this place a try. Some of my past picks, have not been the best. Southbound cleared EVERY hurdle I have about restaurants. From the moment we approached the restaurant, great service began! While coming thru the gate, the hostess yelled out, "HEY LARRY" and then said, "This must be your beautiful wife"! Like CHEERS, it felt great to go somewhere, "Where everybody knows your name" We were seated and got to view the open fire oven. I had dropped off 42 roses the week before for them to put on our table, for my wife. Tropical storm Debbie, and downtown flooding prevented us from going exactly on our anniversary. I was worried that store bought roses, would not last thru the weeklong delay, Joel assured me everything would be taken care of, and not to worry. As we were seated, there on the table, sat 42 roses. Fresh, and arranged with baby breath flowers included. I was told the young lady with the hostess had arranged them. They were gorgeous! They also had an anniversary card on the table from them, not something I had dropped off. The service was tremendous, the food indescribably outstanding! I have only had steak Tar Tar once before in my life, and was greatly afraid to try it again, as the first time was awful. It was superb! They take great pride in the presentation of their food products. I felt like I was in an episode of Master Chef. We had the steak, as well as the Sea bass, okra, corn, sweet potatoes, and the Caramel cake. Everything absolutely wonderful! This was a truly wonderful and memorable dining experience!! I would give 100 stars, and a Siskel and Ebert two thumbs up! There was only one thing I was disappointed about. No sweet tea! Were In Charleston SC, no sweet tea. Everything else totally made up for it though. The staff even had everyone present sign a menu, wishing us a happy anniversry1 I will most definatly go there again for a special occasion. Thanks to Andrew, Joel, and the entire staff, for making this night special!!“

“The atmosphere was nice the food was amazing and the drinks were delicious! Also the dessert was yummy! Nice place to relax eat good food and unwind!“

“Stopped by on a whim. Excellent drinks, good food. Corn bread WONDERFUL surprise.“

“Our experience at Élevé absolutely exceeded expectations. On Monday, we gathered with friends for a delightful rooftop dinner that felt both elegant and relaxed, with remarkably artful cuisine, a chic rooftop garden ambiance, and breathtaking views of downtown Charleston’s cobblestones made it unforgettable. Then on Tuesday, we returned simply for a glass of wine at sunset, and that alone felt like magic.

What truly elevated the experience was the service. I didn’t catch the server’s name Monday but she was fabulous. On Tuesday, Hannah was a true highlight, warm, bright, and effortlessly attentive. Both servers navigated the evenings beautifully.

The setting is one of Charleston’s most artful dining destinations, with an elegant rooftop garden and an inventive coastal cuisine rooted in Southern and French flavors, where every detail, from the herbs to the presentation, is intentional. The vibe borders on whimsical: a rooftop wonderland where art, cocktails, and culinary design converge.

Élevé isn’t just a dinner, it’s an experience you want to savor again and again. If you’re in Charleston, plan to stay awhile, and ask for Hannah.“

“Exceptional wine selections in self serve machines and an owner that is extremely knowledgeable about wines throughout the world! Great service and a wonderful positive vibe. I can't wait to go back!“

“Wonderful ambiance and service. Fantastic drinks!“

“Gorge was possibly the greatest host I’ve had At a bar. We mentioned it was our first time and he generously gifted us a shot that was absolutely wonderful. Each drink is so layered and personable that I feel like I’m tasting a story. Making this my weekly regular, even if just for Gorge’s superb company. What an incredible team and gem of a speakeasy. I understand what’s it’s like to really taste liquor instead of just consume. Amazing!!!“

“Amazing birthday celebration dinner.“

“The staff was amazing. It was our anniversary and the GM personally came to our table and poured us a glass of Champaign to celebrate. They also gave us a free dessert. The hostess, wait staff, and GM all took time to wish us a happy anniversary. The food was amazing as well! Overall it was a great dining experience!“

“This is a MUST!! It’s like a beautiful art museum as soon as you enter, beautiful exhibits!! It’s definitely a VIBE, mature crowd and the food was delicious!“

“Natalie was amazing. Great food recommendations! Nice conversation and vibe. Enjoyed the experience.“

“Great music, happy hour, and staff!“

“Thank you for having Charleston Society of Horror yesterday for our monthly meeting! We had a wonderful time. The food was great, service was even better and we will be back.“

“We had an excellent experience at The Peacock! The food was outstanding, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the service was top-notch. Our party of four all enjoyed delicious meals — everything was perfectly prepared. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a great dining experience.“

“The food was incredible and our server, Courtney B was outstanding!! Courtney helped us select the perfect items and she made it fun!! Awesome!“

“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 adored this place! We accidentally found the downtown Charleston location during our stay there at a close AirBNB! We visited 3 times in our 2.5 days there. Then, we passed by the John’s Island location on our way to Kiawah and decided to make the 25 min drive the next morning for our coffee and pop tart fix! Great coffee, service, pastries, toasts and local drink and food finds!“

“Great food! We came for lunch and ordered the combo meal. It was a good price and generous portion! Everything tasted amazing! The salsa is a cooked salsa where the peppers and tomatoes are roasted giving great flavors! Nice cozy atmosphere with friendly staff.“

“Wonderful experience last night. We had a surprise birthday party for my wife in the event was fantastic. I particularly appreciate the staff at the restaurant playing along to ensure the surprise as well as the continuous attention to being sure that we were having a great time.“

“To the owner: the AC is set on 68 and pulling to 79. While the fans in the corners (moving air = imperative), you gotta upgrade the AC. Your staff is great…amazing. But these working conditions should have OSEA in here. Invest in AC…!!!! 😘“

“Great customer service and great food!“

“My daughter and I stopped in tonight for a light dinner. It didn’t disappoint. The staff was amazing, especially Eric & Jacob. The food was tasty and my espresso martini (with peanut butter tequila) was a hit. Thanks for the hospitality and good times.“

“Kayla B was a friendly as she was persuasive — how did we end up with that second round of cocktails?! — and make great recommendations about what paired best with the proteins we ordered. Easy to speak with, funny and laid back. The food was outstanding, as usual, which was even better on the patio in the late afternoon sun. A favorite for locals and“