50 Best Cocktail Bars in Charleston

“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.🍀“

“What an amazing place! Went without reservations..told them it was my 70th birthday! Got a great table for 2 in back dining room…food was amazing! Our waiter Brian was the best! When I was disappointed that the didn’t have an apple dessert I wanted he had someone go across the street to get me one with a candle on it! And Josh brought us a glass of champagne… they didn’t know us …just met us.. and treated us to make my night extra special! Try High Cotton you will love it! ( we had the Filet and crab cakes)“

“Doar Brothers has completely changed the cocktail game in Charleston. Their Italian Nights are hands down one of the best experiences in the city — incredible atmosphere… world class drinks… and a team that genuinely cares about raising the bar in hospitality.

Johnathon, Jacob, Jake, and the entire crew operate on another level. The bartenders have a ridiculous depth of knowledge and creativity behind the bar. IMO true “200 IQ” cocktail minds that somehow still make everything feel approachable and fun.

They’re not just serving drinks, they’re elevating Charleston’s entire cocktail scene. Every visit feels intentional, polished, and unforgettable. Easily 5 stars.“

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

“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!“

“Fabulous. And if you're impatient, the sro.. best service in the house!“

“Great rooftop bar at The Dewberry Hotel. Hostess checks you in fro the Guinness and gives you a “pass” to take the elevator to the 8th floor. Another hostess greets you and seats you. Just outdoor area with panoramic views of the city. Small intimate seating indoors with a few booths, bar and counter seating. They do have sharables , sandwiches, salads, and sweets but we were there for the beverages. Great place for a real cocktail. I had “white Album”. It was the perfect cocktail. Large, clear ice cube, appropriate glass ware, and garnish…and the flavor! One of the best cocktails Ive had in a very long time. Great mix of flavors; not too sweet, not too boozy. Refreshing and yummy. My husband was also very pleased with his selection, the pineapple-jerk Old Fashioned. Again, great mix of flavors. Enjoyable without any one component overpowering the other. And did I mention the ice? It’s amazing. If you’ve ever tried to make clear ice cubes, you know it’s quite the task. They have mastered it. The ice was (almost) as amazing as the cocktails. Staff was friendly and professional. We will definitely be back for another round… or two! Check it out, you wont be disappointed!“

“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!“

“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!“

“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!“

“We're from Louisville so we're used to southern hospitality and charm. Hyman's were above and beyond. Genuinely amazingly friendly and hospitable. The gm was on the floor, as I understand he is most nights, and personally came by and personally thanked us for coming in and choosing them. The service was fantastic and the food was great. They have an extensive menu and 4 different fresh fish on the menu that can all be prepared almost any way you want. fried, broiled, Cajun, scampi, jerk. Choose whatever you want. The hush puppies are fantastic and everything was well presented and well cooked. Pricing is very reasonable but not cheap, nor should it be for the quality of food and the exceptional service. Meals were about 25 to 30 bucks a person. That's pretty typical for a slightly higher end experience in most Midwestern towns and far far cheaper then the 40 to 50 a person you would pay at a more say "exclusive" restaurants. If you want posh elegance that's not what they offer. If you want great food, amazing hospitality, reasonable prices, and straightforward seafood you'll regret it if you don't visit Hyman's at least once during your time in Charleston. It's located right down by the old market, so spend the day/afternoon walking the battery and shopping the market, and then stop in for an excellent dinner. Expect about a 45 min to 1 hour wait. Since it's literally 3 min from the market you can put your name in and then browse the market. There is a convenient public parking garage about 4 minutes walk away. Thanks for the hospitality!!! Most friendly dining experience my family has had in years!“

“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.“

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

“Dining at Living Room at The Dewberry is less about simply having a meal and more about experiencing Charleston hospitality at an elevated level. From the moment you enter, the atmosphere feels intentional, refined, and remarkably calm, making it one of the most inviting dining spaces in Charleston.

What immediately stood out was the balance between sophistication and comfort. The lighting, seating arrangements, textures, and overall pacing of the environment create a space that encourages conversation, relaxation, and presence. It feels luxurious without ever becoming overwhelming or performative.

The food and cocktails were beautifully prepared, thoughtfully presented, and aligned perfectly with the atmosphere of the property itself. Every detail, from service timing to presentation, felt polished and consistent.

What many people may overlook is how well the Living Room transitions throughout the day. During daylight hours, the space feels airy and restorative, while evenings settle into a richer, more intimate atmosphere that works beautifully for date nights, executive meetings, wedding weekends, and quiet gatherings alike.

As someone who works within photography and hospitality environments professionally, I pay close attention to atmosphere, guest experience, and presentation, and The Dewberry continues to execute all three exceptionally well.

For anyone searching for one of the best luxury dining and cocktail experiences in Charleston, South Carolina, the Living Room at The Dewberry is absolutely worth experiencing.

Perspective by
Monifa Basdeo with Picture Perfect Photography

#TheDewberry #CharlestonDining #CharlestonRestaurants #LuxuryHospitality #CharlestonSC #FineDining #LuxuryTravel #CharlestonFoodie #CocktailLounge #HistoricCharleston #CharlestonLife #RestaurantReview #CharlestonPhotographer“

“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.“

“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!!“

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

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

“Unique cocktails; friendly knowledgeable waitstaff“

“Absolutely loved this place! The atmosphere is fun and welcoming, the drinks were fantastic, and the bartenders were friendly, fast, and really knew what they were doing. You can tell they put a lot of care into creating a great experience. Whether you're stopping by for a casual drink or a night out with friends, it's definitely worth checking out. Can't wait to come back!“

“Amazing birthday celebration dinner.“

“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.“

“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!“

“Gin in my favorite libation…I’ll have to frequent this tiny bar more often.“

“Best seafood ever and I don’t particularly like seafood, but this was exceptional“

“This food was absolutely amazing! I split the scallion oil noodles with my friend (who is non-vegan and from China) and she was really impressed with how authentic the dish was. The portions of king pao mushrooms and general tso’s tofu were great too; I ended up with enough leftovers for lunch the next day. Updated from previous review on 2026-03-23“

“Great music, happy hour, and staff!“

“Absolutely love this spot. Jorge makes some of my favorite cocktails in Charleston. I genuinely tell my friends I hope he’s working every time we come! Dive feel with fantastic service, dim ambiance, great for a date night or cocktails with friends. Oh also happy hour deals slap and I love the $5 surprise cocktail.“

“Rosemary Lounge delivers a relaxed, inviting atmosphere with a touch of elegance. The cocktails are well-crafted and balanced, and the staff is attentive without being overbearing. It’s a great spot to unwind, whether you’re meeting friends or enjoying a quiet evening. Definitely a place worth returning to.“

“All of the food was good, to be honest it was my Mom’s favorite, and the service was unanimously good. I unfortunately once again to not remember the servers name, seems to be a personal problem. That being said, I thought the steak was not as good and a bit pricier than some of the other spots we tested in Charleston. I would go, but it wouldn’t necessarily be my first choice“

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

“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.“

“First time is a charm! We hosted my son’s engagement celebration at The Peacock! The rooftop bar was the perfect location for our semi-private event. Joe and Dia were so attentive and made our evening fun and simply perfect! Michelle was so helpful and planned a wonderful evening for us!“

“Wonderful ambiance and service. Fantastic drinks!“

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

“We visit Le Farfalle every time we visit Charleston, as it is a tradition for me and my son. We love the food and the atmosphere. We can’t wait to have many more trips together to enjoy there.“

“Share Our Suzy is incredibly grateful for Swig & Swine and their continued partnership in presenting our annual Denim & Diamonds event. Their commitment to supporting local breast cancer patients and giving back to the community means so much to our mission. Because of partners like Swig & Swine, we are able to provide real support to women in the Lowcountry during treatment. We are thankful for their generosity and for standing with us year after year.“

“Excellent service from start to finish! Our waiter- George Michael ☺ was incredibly friendly, attentive, and welcoming. He made sure we had everything we needed, checked on us regularly without being intrusive, and made the entire dining experience enjoyable. The food and drinks were great, and the outstanding customer service really stood out. Highly recommend, and we’ll definitely be back!

Shout out to Adam! Thanks for all the great Charleston tips!“

“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.“

“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.“

“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!“

“This restaurant is an example of if your food is
great, people will find you. The location seemed to be tucked away off the downtown area but was very busy. The food was great. Drinks are a little small for the cost but no biggie. Highly recommend.“

“Had an absolutely amazing dinner at Matador! Delicious food and drink and we were SO lucky to be served by Sam! He told us incredible stories and gave us tons of tips of what to do! He absolutely made our dining experience something extra and I hope his manager knows what gem he is!“

“We’ve been to Belmont every single night of our holiday, which probably tells you everything you need to know!

It was originally recommended to us by the team at Uncorked, and we’re so glad we took their advice. The cocktails are excellent, but what really makes this place special is the staff. A special shout-out to Doug and Murat who treated us so well throughout our visits and always had the best recommendations.

We loved grabbing a spot by the window to people-watch while enjoying a drink. The atmosphere is fantastic. It’s not an overly young crowd, but it’s still lively and full of energy. The music is great and at the perfect volume, so you can actually have a conversation without shouting.

The food menu looks amazing, and we’ll definitely be back to try more of it. Belmont has become our favorite bar in Charleston. Great drinks, great atmosphere, and even better people. Highly recommend!“

“This is the best burger I've had in Charleston. I rate them on the same standard....Meat, American cheese, and bun. Only additions allowed are grilled onions, jalapeños, ketchup and mustard if you partake. Heavys is great but this one wins out based on the burger and better fries (came out piping hot!).“

“Great food and service!!!“

“One of our fave places! They arguably have the best orange spritzes in the world! We're obsessed with the pickled shrimp toast and ham and butter sandwich! Oh and you must try the peanut drink. It's DELICIOUS! The staff is also always so friendly and consistent. 😍“

“A fantastic cocktail experience!

Lovely bar sharing space with the main lobby of the hotel, puts an emphasis of floral and fresh drinks and ingredients.

There’s also a lovely aroma throughout the space, which can be attributed to the custom Tuscan Orange fragrance for the Loutrel hotel.

Leah is a superb mixologist and provided us with unique cocktails that I guarantee you aren’t going to find anywhere else in Charleston.“

“La Cave (next to Felix) completely lived up to the hype. The ambience is absolutely beautiful.. elegant without feeling stuffy, with gorgeous decor and cocktails that were just as impressive as the food.

Everything we ordered was incredible. The caviar biscuit was a fan favorite, and the filet tartine was by far one of the best things I’ve ever eaten in my life. It was a perfect balance of sweet, salty, spicy, crunchy, creamy, rich, and tender all in one bite. It was perfectly cooked and packed with flavor, I hope they never take it off the menu lol! Every cocktail was unique, well-balanced, and presented beautifully.

Also have to give a huge shoutout to our server, Tito, who was amazing all night. Super attentive, knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely made the experience even better. They also accommodated us adding two extra people to our reservation last minute, which we really appreciated❤

Hands down one of our favorite dining experiences in Charleston. Already looking forward to coming back!!!“

“Incredible food with wonderful southern charm. Server and hostess were incredibly courteous. Great service, we had Dillon. I loved the halibut and spouse had the prime rib. Both of us put this food toward the top of our experiences.“