12 Best Dive Bars near Charleston

Big John's Tavern Bar • $$
251 E Bay St, Charleston

Customers` Favorites

Duck Nachos and Bavarian Pretzel
Clothesline Bacon
Chicken Tenders
Chicken Fingers
Smash Burger
Beef Tartare
Smoked Wings
Purple Rain
Fries

“Wish I could give 10 stars! The food was elevated but comfortable! I felt like a local as soon as I walked in with my group! Barkeep service and drinks spectacular. fyi if you go order the torch cooked bacon … something I didn’t know I needed in my life!“

4.6 Superb111 Reviews
The Royal American Bar & Grill • $
970 Morrison Dr, Charleston

Customers` Favorites

Bake Pimento Cheese with Pork Rinds and Ritz Crackers
Guinness Stout Breakfast of Champions
The Royal American Hamburger
Royal Burger and Fries
Housemade Potato Skins
Philly Cheesesteak
Cajun Chicken Wrap
Tra Chopped Salad
Veggie Muffuletta
Hot Dog and Fries

“Cool place close to downtown. You order at the bar and you pick your food up and take it to your table. You also clean your dishes and toss your trash when done. If you want white linens and table service, this is not going to be your jam. We were there for lunch and there were only a few folks scattered around. Food was good! Burgers were delicious. Bartender was friendly, bathrooms were crazy but clean, outdoor seating was nice. We would go back.“

4.4 Superb77 Reviews
Recovery Room Tavern Bar • $
685 King St, Charleston

Customers` Favorites

French Fries Basket
Tater Tachos
Onion Rings
Corn Dogs
Wings

“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!“

4.4 Superb67 Reviews
Tin Roof Bar • $
1117 Magnolia Rd, Charleston

Customers` Favorites

Tater Tots with Chili and Jalapeno Pimento Cheese

“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“

4.4 Superb31 Reviews
Frontier Lounge Bar • $$
135 Calhoun St, Charleston

“Frontier lounge is the best place in Charleston. I would say bar but it’s so much more!! I go here every week with my friends and have the best time Every. Single. Time.. they always have the best live bands and djs playing and you meet quality, local people there too. I met my current boyfriend here and the rest is history ;). If you like good music, drinks, meeting new people and in the market to find your soulmate or just want to have a really good time …. Go here!“

4.1 Good26 Reviews
Burns Alley Tavern Bar • $
354B King St, Charleston

Customers` Favorites

Miller High Life

“Visited on a Wednesday night - decent size crowd. Was supposed to be karaoke night, but they didn't have it due to plumbing issues.Ordered several beers, a Jack & Coke, and a Mule. Cocktails were decently made. Prices very reasonable.Service was good and attentive. Fun, divey atmosphere. Would recommend for a fun drink (or several).“

4.3 Superb79 Reviews
Salty Mike's Bar • $$
9 Lockwood Dr, Charleston

Customers` Favorites

Big Mike's Clam Chowder

“My dad and I had a pit stop in Charleston and stopped in for a drink. Unfortunately for us, it was just at closing time (10! Not 10:30 as written). We had just enough time for one round but the place was still lively. Our bartender, Shawn (Sean?) was such a wonderful guy and made us feel so welcome despite it being last call. A true locals dive in the best sense of the word.“

4.2 Good20 Reviews
Cutty's Bar • $
227 St Philip St, Charleston

“A nice little "hole in the wall" bar that always has good drinks and friendly staff. The place is decorated in signs and stickers, which will keep your eyes entertained for a while. The place is pretty clean, and the bartenders do not skimp on the alcohol. The prices here are great, especially when comparing them to bars just down the road. There's also pool, pinball, and an arcade game inside if you're into that. Overall, a great place to hang out to begin or end the night.Parking: It can be pretty difficult to find parking. I recommend getting an Uber.Kid-friendliness: Not the place for kids.“

4.2 Good23 Reviews
The Purple Buffalo Bar • $
2702 Azalea Dr, North Charleston - 4.95 miles

“The Purple Buffalo Is a pretty nice cozy place. The only thing is the bathroom is awful. The doors don't look, toilet paper on the floor, it was just a nasty bathroom. A nice establishment like this should have someone tend to the bathroom throughout the night. Nothing like a nasty bathroom to turn someone off. Keep the bathroom clean and up to par. People will always talk about a clean bathroom.“

4.9 Superb9 Reviews
Ge Le's International Lounge Cocktail Bar • $$
4624 Dorchester Rd, North Charleston - 7.45 miles

“You just have to get your butt up there and see for yourself. The people, the atmosphere, and of course…the more the merrier!! Attentive Bartenders and the owners are just the best! They’re sisters and ‘Oh So Country’ and so so sweet. You should know that smoking is an actual thing there. If u smoke, you can smoke inside at the bar, tables by the pool table, out on the back patio, anywhere, everywhere…u can smoke. And even if you don’t smoke….just know they will be. Smoke Eaters are up there doing what they do The girls crack the doors open and will turn on the turbo fan, whatever it takes to keep the air clear of as much smoke as possible..:. But, it’s seriously so chill there, always a good time, good laughs and memories that will make for some great stories to tell around the fire later and for years to come. I can say, I have never had a bad time or less than an awesome, fun experience there. And as you may have already gathered YES! I go there often!! Maybe u should too!!Parking: Just know there’s plenty!!“

4.9 Superb7 Reviews
Sand Dollar Social Club Bar • $
7 Center St, Folly Beach - 8.4 miles

“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.“

4.3 Superb36 Reviews
The Basement Bar • $
1055 SC-41, Mt Pleasant - 9.7 miles

Customers` Favorites

Mozzarella Sticks
Chicken Fingers
Mac and Cheese
Fried Chicken
Smash Burger
Pretzel
Nachos

“This and Royal American are my favorite local bars in the area. Always great food, great specials, fast service, also the heaters were clutch this winter. Been coming here about once a week since moving to Mount Pleasant and they are always on their A-Game.“

3.9 Good47 Reviews
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