BARS IN CHARLESTON
Whether you’re looking for a subtle, quieter night with a couple of friends, or a bit of a more wild night out, Charleston is the perfect spot for you. Take a look at our picks for some of the the best bars in Charleston.
Recovery Room Tavern
Image: Recovery Room Tavern Website
This dive bar doesn’t try to fluff everything up with fancy decorations or extras. Instead, folks visit The Recovery Room for its vintage feel with a pinball machine, dartboard, pool table, and bocce ball set. RR sells the holy trinity – wings, sandwiches, and beers. Coupled with a minuscule patio out front and a wonderful selection of draft, this place is certainly somewhere you don’t want to miss out on.
Bay Street Biergarten
Image: Bay Street Biergarten Website
Found in a historic building on the corner of Chapel and East Bay streets, the Bay Street Biergarten is a stunning display of eye candy and ingenuity. Containing high ceilings, communal tables, and cozy booths, you’re going to be here for a while. Full of the greatest craft beer around and iPad equipped tables, this place just emanates creativity and community. Definitely don’t miss out on the BSB!
Silver Dollar
Image: Silver Dollar Website
As mentioned that Charleston has no lack of liveliness in its design, the Silver Dollar bar is absolutely the place to go. As one of the most energetic and upbeat downtown bars, its location is conducive to college students as it is near campus, and the bar pulls a crowd almost every night of the week. The social premise and dance-inspiring soundtrack is the perfect place to lighten up.
The Rooftop at the Vendue
Image: The Vendue Website
The rooftop bar is a phenomenal scenic establishment at which guests can grab a drink and socialize against the sunset backdrop. The Rooftop Bar at the Vendue Inn is located on top of the boutique hotel and is known for its beautiful views right on the water. Known as the ‘Best Rooftop Bar’ by the Charleston City Paper for countless years now, this is the perfect place to stop by for live music and gorgeous views.
Stems & Skins
Image: Stems & Skins Website
In possession of classy pictures, relaxed atmosphere, and a wonderful assortment of wines, the Stems and Skins wine bar is a perfect change of pace from some of the roudier options on this list. The staff is notorious for being friendly and super-knowledgeable, and the options of wine, beer, and cocktails is endless. Well-crafted small plates like grilled octopus, Iberico ham, and more are perfect accompaniments to the beverages.
The Royal American
Image: The Royal American Website
The Royal American is without a doubt one of the most unique options on this list. Furnished with lamps, leather, and an entire aura of creativity and class, the Royal American is perfect at making people feel comfortable. Specializing in giant cups of bourbon punch and exciting music acts, the Royal American is a great stop that is not worth missing out on.
Faculty Lounge
Image: Faculty Lounge Website
Home to Beyonce nights and rotating DJ’s, experimenting with mezcal and brandy cocktails, the Faculty Lounge is your quirky and fun destination. Make sure to stop by during happy hour for discounted top shelf liquor! Furnished with a wonderful lighting setup and color pallete, the Faculty Lounge is a place to make sure you don’t miss!
The Commodore
Image: The Commodore Website
One of the most innovative designs we’ve ever seen, The Commodore, is a fantastic trip to the past. The jazz club features stay exactly true to the ‘80s. Full of live music, a dance floor, and plenty of booths to chill at, this time machine is a wonderful place to remind you of the past and to do some dancing!
Forte Jazz Lounge
Image: Forte Jazz Lounge Website
Home to local lowcountry artists, Charleston teachers, and jazz musicians, the Forte Jazz Lounge really does make you feel right at home in the South Carolina community. The live music room has a beautiful mural, and the family-owned atmosphere is truly a cozy, special one. This is without a doubt one of the most approachable, relaxed, and friendly bars in Charleston!
Local 616
Image: Local 616 Website
Straying away from some of the more exotic options on this list, Local 616 keeps it remarkably casual, simulating a good ol’ neighborhood bar. Designed to help guests watch a good football game and providing plentiful options for alcohol, the Local 616 pub feels right at home. It’s like visiting a friend’s house… with beer!
