Charleston has a robust bar scene if you are looking. While many are found on upper King Street, others are dotted throughout the city. Here’s our list of the best breweries, cocktail, wine and rooftop bars in Charleston (and of course 1 or 2 with a speakeasy style).
Best Breweries in Charleston
Palmetto Brewery, oldest Brewery in Charleston, 289 Huger Street, food truck on site, Warehouse taproom, speakeasy taproom, live music, games.
Revelry Brewing, Charleston’s only Rooftop alehouse, 10 Conroy Street, Located in 2 industrial shipping containers stacked on top of each other, live music, trivia nights, sushi and on-site food truck.
Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co. & Taproom, production brewery distributing to 8 states plus on-site all-day casual restaurant, located next to Rancho Lewis,1505 King St, large outdoor dining patio and courtyard plus astroturf field.
Edmund’s Oast Restaurant & Brew Pub, for a slightly more upscale experience, 1081 Morrison Dr, quality-driven comfort foods in a cozy dining and chef-driven atmosphere, full dinner menu plus take-out and smaller plates for outdoor dining. Offers a different list of brews (brewed on-site) than the Taproom.
Best Cocktail or Wine Bars in Charleston
Living Room at The Dewberry, 334 Meeting Street, elegant yet cozy, mid-century style, white jacket bartender service, cocktails, wine, beers and limited snackable menu.
Bar at Husk, 76 Queen Street, tavern feel with exposed brick and wood floors, known for historic and modern cocktails plus extensive whiskey and wine list, can now order Husk's full menu in their bar.
Thoroughbred Club at Charleston Place Hotel, 205 Meeting Street, elegant and everything you would expect from an upscale “club” experience without the membership; live music, varied menu.
Bin 152, 152 King Street, Oldest Wine Bar in Charleston, Extensive wine list plus 40 different cheeses and charcuterie, rustic French style with indoor and sidewalk bistro table seating.
Prohibition, 547 King St, rustic-chic, jazz-aged speakeasy theme, full chef-driven menu for lunch & dinner, live music most nights after 9:30.
Camellias at Hotel Bennett, 404 King St, a champagne lounge with caviar, charcuterie and seafood by night and Afternoon Tea service by day (reservation required for tea), elegant casual attire, most known for its pink decor.
Other popular spots include Azur, Bar Mash, Belmont, Gin Joint, Proof, The Cocktail Club (Speakeasy), The Commodore (jazz bar), Vintage Lounge
Best Rooftop Bars in Charleston
Citrus Club at The Dewberry, 334 Meeting Street, highest rooftop bar, known for the views and swanky design, elegant casual attire (no athletic apparel, swimsuits or beach cover-ups and collared shirts for men required), no reservations taken, gorgeous view, lite bites and drinks.
Fiat Lux-Hotel Bennett, 404 King St, refined with a casual meets elegant vibe, champagne, cocktails, wine and local brews plus lite bites; evening attire is elegant casual and no hats allowed for men, women’s hats must be dressier or none.
Rooftop Bar at The Vendue, 19 Vendue Range, two levels to the rooftop with views of the City and Harbor (best views on top level), a more casual vibe, younger crowd after the sun goes down, no listed dress code, moderately priced food menu with shareables and sandwiches plus drink menu.
The Watch at The Restoration, 75 Wentworth Street, 7th Floor, elegant casual, indoor and outdoor seating; snack, shareables and handhelds plus drink menu.
Pour Taproom Charleston at the Hyatt House, 560 King Street, very casual, primarily Craft Beers on tap—A pour and pay by the ounce.
REMINDER:
These are included primarily for their bar and cocktail scene vibe, rooftop views, or interior swankiness.
Website links were included for each one—check out the menus beforehand for food and drink offerings as well as pricing to make sure it fits the vibe you are looking for.
