The Best Bars In Downtown, Charleston, South Carolina

This dive bar doesn’t try to impress guests with fancy decorations or frilly extras – instead, visit Recovery Room for its pinball machine, dartboard, and bocce ball set. The establishment slings wings and sandwiches in addition to beers, and it’s an excellent place to shoot pool with a crowd of lively friends. With several selections on draft and down to earth staff, you’ll be sure to have your order in hand quickly. The bar has a minuscule patio out front, but don’t expect to spend time huddled outdoors; inside is where the action is.

Small-town charm meets boardwalk beauty—that’s the Charleston experience; in 2016, the city was even ranked “World’s Best City” by Travel + Leisure. Couples looking for a laid-back yet eventful place to spend their honeymoon will enjoy the waterfront views and impressive architecture in Charleston. Rainbow Row, a strip of homes along the harbor that dates back to the 18th century, is worth checking out if you have an interest in art and design. You can also take a carriage ride through the city that will teach you about the history of Charleston as you ride past antebellum mansions and secret gardens. Board the Schooner Pride ship for a view of the skyline and watch the dolphins that live in the water. Charleston, SC, USA

This rooftop bar is one of Charleston’s most scenic establishments at which guests can grab a drink and socialize against the sunset backdrop of the South’s most charming beach town. Situated atop the boutique hotel, the Vendue Inn, the rooftop’s panoramic views have been drawing guests consistently for years, and the bar has won the city’s ‘Best Rooftop Bar’ award (given by the Charleston City Paper) for the last eight years straight. Stop by this rooftop bar for live music and unbeatable views to experience the scenery that makes Charleston so great.

Liven things up a bit at Silver Dollar, one of Charleston’s most upbeat, energetic downtown bars. Its location is conducive to college students as it is near campus, and guests are likely to be putting a mere dollar down on the bar top come Mondays and Wednesdays. The college crowds are complemented by a dance-inspiring soundtrack and surging social vibes. Lighten up a bit at Silver Dollar, and don’t be surprised if your drink comes served in a plastic cup.

If you’re in search of a high-spirited, jovial night out in the thick of downtown Charleston, seek out Midtown Bar & Grill, located in the middle of famed King Street. The hustle and bustle outside of Midtown on a weekend is unrivaled, and once you’ve made it inside, it does not exactly stop – with a stage protruding into the middle of the bar, bands are able to provide live music nightly. The patio is adjacent to the backside of the bar and fitted with an outdoor full service bar itself. Friendly bartenders provide the final enticement to visit Midtown, where good drinks and good times are cornerstone to the atmosphere.

Not to be confused with the Belmond hotel, the Belmont is Charleston’s premier, minimalist cocktail emporium, also located on King Street. Sophisticated and chic, the Belmont is home to a small projector that emits black and white classic films against a large brick wall, adding an elegant feel to the atmosphere. ‘A fine place to drink,’ the Belmont also serves small appetizer sized plates of meats and cheeses (such as wild boar salami and Spanish manchego cheese). If you’re feeling a bit hungrier, the Belmont also has a delicious pepperoni Panini with smoked mozzarella and tomato sauce.

The Cocktail Club is a choice spot for Sunday evenings, with live music and well-educated bartenders. Speakeasy style and a rooftop terrace also help make the Cocktail Club of Charleston a truly upscale lounge and bar. Open from 5 pm to 2 am seven days a week, the Cocktail Club has a three hour long happy hour and conventional pub fare perfect for a pre or post dinner accompaniment. With fireplaces and partially exposed beam work, this dimly lit establishment stays inviting and cozy from open to close.

A local dive bar, Tin Roof can get raucous. But don’t let that turn you away; touring musical acts frequent this venue, as do comedians from time to time. Movie nights, karaoke, and dance-offs are not to be forgotten here, and the menu has sandwiches, burgers, and hot-dogs jumping out from page to page. Tin Roof has even been known to host arm wrestling competitions!