The Best Bars In East Cooper, Charleston, South Carolina

Richard Tulis

Comfortably resting a couple of miles outside Downtown Charleston is a quieter, more tranquil suburban niche across the East Cooper River called Mount Pleasant. The area is famous for its picturesque river and marsh scenery in addition to many public parks and interesting historical landmarks. If you’re in the area, there are several local watering holes at which you can grab a drink or two.

Mount Pleasant, SC

1. King Street Grille

Bar, American

Kick things off at one of East Cooper’s local sports bar, King Street Grille. The establishment is spacious and the bar’s seating can accommodate quite a few guests. Whether it is Sunday afternoon and a big football game is on, or happy hour after a long day at work, King Street’s impressive beer selection will do the trick to hit the spot. Ask about trivia night, too; King Street Grille hosts it weekly, and if you add a burger with a beer and some friends, you’re sure to have a leisurely experience at this neighborhood bar.

Locals Bar

This sports bar-sushi spot-dive bar triple hybrid is anything but your typical place to grab a drink but don’t let that dissuade you! If anything, Locals Bar excels in bringing a fresh take (and fresh sushi) to the table. With three-dollar wells during happy hour (4 pm to 7:30 pm, Monday through Friday), live music, and nightly DJs, Locals Bar is an ideal spot for a bit of late night entertainment. The cocktail menu is expansive, as is the premium beer collection. Locals Bar did not forget the sake, either. The exciting Japanese fare coupled with weekly specials makes Locals Bar a lively pick for some enjoyment out on the town in East Cooper, South Carolina.
Address & telephone number: Locals Bar, 1150 Queensborough Boulevard, Mount Pleasant, SC, USA, + 1 843 388 5114

2. Liberty Tap Room & Grill

Restaurant, American

White Thai from Westbrook Brewing
© Eugene Mah/Flickr
This local taproom is peppered throughout a couple of surrounding areas (Myrtle Beach, Greenville) in South Carolina. Its patio is expansive and fosters a great view of Mount Pleasant, Charleston’s calmer backyard neighborhood. Liberty Tap Room keeps a whopping 38 beers on tap, which includes their own line of micro-brews (including locally brewed Westbrook White Thai Witbier). The kitchen keeps burgers and pizzas ready, and the drink menu stretches on towards white and red wines, margaritas, and unique specialties. No matter the size of your party, the restaurant welcomes the crowd and is used to hosting large groups.

3. The Shelter Kitchen + Bar

Bar, American

Bloody Mary
© Anthony/Flickr
Finally, a bar that’s dog friendly. With quite a handful of local dog parks and nature trails nearby, Mount Pleasant is the perfect place for canine friends. At this particular bar, which features a relaxing outdoor deck and plenty of surrounding greenery, live music and drinking games like corn-hole are the norm. Delicious appetizers like fried pickles and okra, buffalo shrimp, and spicy chicken dip await at the Shelter Kitchen and Bar. Grab a Sunday morning Bloody Mary using their ‘build your own’ bar, or stop by virtually any night of the week for a live musical performance (conveniently, you can check the lineup ahead of time on their music and event calendar).

4. House of Brews

Bar, American

Terrapin Hopsecutioner
© Beer In Focus/Flickr
Specializing in beer, coffee, and tea, House of Brews makes for one of the most interesting bars in East Cooper. The bar will happily fill your growler with one of eight obscure, rotating tap choices. The bar’s beer selection encompasses everything from Abita Turbo Dog, Tusker Lager (from Kenya), and Sierra Nevada IPAs (canned and on draught) plus the full-bodied Terrapin Hopsecutioner, hailing straight from Athens, Georgia. With a knowledgeable staff and an open back porch, guests should have no problem picking out a favorite and enjoying it on site.

5. SOL Tequila Bar

Bar, Restaurant, Mexican

At this trendy tequila bar, management promises there won’t be a single ‘bottled sour mix in sight.’ With 100% agave tequilas, fresh squeezed citrus juices, and a hardy commitment to the service of East Cooper locals, SOL makes a dreamy pick for a daytime margarita as well as the perfect pit stop for a tequila shot with some salt and a lime (fresh, of course). For those averse to the electrifying taste of even the smoothest tequila shot, SOL projects its own craft beer menu (each of which are on tap), 16 choices strong. Avión Tequila | © Katherine Lynch/Flickr

6. Ardor Wine Bar

Bar, Wine Bar, French

French Wine
© no_typographic_man/Flickr
Ardoa, a local French wine bar and shop, is wholly unique, straying from the Low-country norm in terms of its innovative style. Step inside and immediately witness swanky environs, a low-lit common area, and tons of comfortable couches and love-seats. The pleasant vibes don’t stop there: the French inspired bar is replete with charcuterie and gourmet cheeses and dessert plates. All of these go great with a glass of wine, which Ardoa has plenty of. Their selection differs in color, taste, price, geographic origin, and more.

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