Charleston has no shortage of beautiful patios to drink and dine al fresco this summer. Enjoy the sunshine and the salty air from one of the best patios in Charleston. The patios are sorted by neighborhood and include photos of the patios, too, so you can see which sun-soaked spot is right for you. If you want to bring your furry friend along, be sure to check out our 30+ Dog-Friendly Patios in Charleston Guide!
The Best Patios In Charleston
Downtown Charleston
Fuel Charleston
Fuel, located in the popular Cannonborough Elliotborough neighborhood in Downtown Charleston, has a lively outdoor patio that is dog-friendly. This Caribbean-styled restaurant serves a variety of tacos, salads, margaritas, and jerk chicken sandwiches. Fuel also has a great happy hour to enjoy on the patio!
Le Farfalle
Le Farfalle is a beautiful Italian restaurant off King Street in the Harleston Village neighborhood. Le Farfalle has a sunny patio with large tables to enjoy wine and some house-made focaccia with friends and family. Make sure to take a look at their impressive wine list while you are there.
Xiao Bao Biscuit
Xiao Bao Biscuit is an Asian-inspired restaurant that serves delicious and creative family-style dishes. Xiao Bao’s menu regularly has new seasonal items, but one menu item that has always stuck around is the Okonomyaki Cabbage Pancake. Be sure to order one, even if it is just for the whole table to try as an appetizer. Xiao Bao has a few indoor tables, but in the warmer months, they add extra picnic tables out front so you can enjoy the sunshine.
Edmund’s Oast Restaurant and Brewpub
Edmund’s Oast Restaurant and Brewpub has a beautiful large indoor dining area. In the warmer weather, they have a covered and uncovered patio with plenty of seating and fire pits, making it the perfect spot to hang out on a summer evening. The outdoor menu includes Peel N’ Eat Shrimp, Cheeseburgers, Hearty Salads, and Fried Chicken Meals.
Frannie and The Fox
Frannie and The Fox is in the boutique hotel The Emeline. This lovely Italian hotspot serves wood-fired pizzas, salads, plates of pasta, and fresh seafood dishes. Enjoy your meal or a drink near the cozy outdoor fireplace or on one of the outdoor couches.
Melfi’s
Melfi’s patio is the perfect date-night spot. Melfi’s offers a romantic indoor and outdoor dining experience. Enjoy fresh pasta, wood-fired pizzas, specialty cocktails, and wine on Melfi’s secret garden patio.
Leon’s Oyster Shop
Leon’s Oyster Shop is a Charleston go-to for good reason. Leon’s has a front and back patio where they serve fresh seafood, tasty cocktails, and beer. You can even order soft serve ice cream with rainbow sprinkles to round out your meal. Leon’s also rents their back patio and “Oyster Shed” for events. Click here for more details.
Coterie
Enjoy a meal or drinks on Coterie’s beautiful outdoor patio filled with flowers and plants. Coterie serves Modern American Faire and craft cocktails. We recommend trying the “Staycation” cocktail while dining at Coterie.
Home Team BBQ
Looking for a place to watch a game, sit outside in the sunshine, and grab a frozen cocktail or beer? Home Team BBQ has you covered. The downtown Home Team has a packed patio, and is always a good time. Home Team also has locations in Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, and Sullivan’s Island with great outdoor seating.
Guru Tip: Be sure to grab a Game Changer and some Fiery Rons Smoked Chicken Wings.
Herd Provisions
Herd Provisions is a restaurant and bar that focuses on ethically-sourced ingredients. And not only do they have great menu items, but they have a boutique grocery and butcher shop in the restaurant. This high-quality restaurant has a sunny porch to sit on while savoring one of their burgers (meat or veggie) and a specialty cocktail.
Lewis Barbecue
Barbecue in the fresh air is always better. Lewis Barbecue serves some of the best Brisket and Green Chile Pudding in town and has both a covered and open patio. Lewis also has a food truck outside the restaurant to take drink orders or to host pop-ups for partner restaurants.
Prohibition
Popular King Street bar and restaurant Prohibition has a large patio where you can enjoy one of their specialty cocktails. They also host events and live music on the patios so be sure to check out their event schedule. And you can rent our the patio for private events like bridal lunches, birthdays, and corporate events.
Fleet Landing
Fleet Landing was built in 1942 by the U.S. Navy as a debarkation point for sailors and is now known as one of Charleston’s best waterfront restaurants. Enjoy southern seafood and the view of the Charleston Harbor and the Cooper River on Fleet Landings Patio.
Cleats.
Cleats. is an awesome new sports bar in Downtown Charleston located at The Refinery. Cleats. serves various local beers, cocktails, sandwiches, salads, wings, and more. The outdoor patio at Cleats. is dog friendly and has access to the lawn at The Refinery.
Mount Pleasant
Red’s Ice House
Located on Shem Creek, Red’s Ice House is a beloved destination that has stood the test of time. Originally established in the 1950s, it transformed into the iconic Red’s we know today during the 1990s. Once a humble ice house catering to local fishermen, Red’s has evolved into a vibrant and entertaining bar and restaurant. One of its remarkable features is the ability to dock your boat and enjoy a leisurely time at Red’s. With a rooftop area and a central patio, both offering picturesque views of the creek, you’re in for a treat.
Water’s Edge
Water’s Edge on Shem Creek has something for everyone. Water’s Edge is an excellent spot for a celebratory dinner in their inside dining room or casual drinks and appetizers on their large patio and outdoor bar area. Check their website to see if they are hosting live music when you visit.
Tavern and Table
Tavern & Table serves the best aspects of fine dining in a casual atmosphere. Dine on the deck and enjoy delicious Lowcountry cuisine made with local ingredients. Be sure to stop by on a Saturday while they host live music.
Post House Inn
Post House Inn is a coastal tavern and inn in the Old Village in Mount Pleasant, SC. The Post House has two lovely patios to enjoy a cocktail in the sunshine. The side patio pictured above is available for reservations, and the smaller front patio has a few tables available for walk-ins.
Guru Tip: The Backbar Burger and The Affair Cocktail are must-try menu items.
NICO
This upscale French restaurant is no fuss and all flavor. Stop by NICO’s for fresh seafood, champagne, wood-fired scallops, and classic French dishes. NICO has a large patio that is open during the warmer months.
Community Table
Community Table is situated in the charming I’ON community. They have a beautiful covered patio, which is heated during the colder months, and ample outdoor seating surrounding the building. The menu includes the very popular CT Burger, Steamed Mussels served with sourdough bread, Cast Iron Fish, and Lamb Ragu.
Guru Tip: On Tuesday nights, they do $10 burgers and fries!
Santi’s
Enjoying a margarita, chips, and guac in the sun is a summer must. Santi’s is near the bridge to Sullivan’s Island, so if you find yourself stuck in beach traffic, you can always head to Santi’s to wait it out. Santi’s has two outdoor patios and is right next to a sand volleyball court, so you can even play a match before heading over to grab lunch or dinner!
Red Drum
Red Drum serves food inspired by the Southwest and the South. The menu includes fresh ceviche, house enchiladas, a legendary wood-grilled chicken breast topped with tortilla strips, avocado relish, and Mexican melting cheese. Red Drum is a Mount Pleasant favorite because of its excellent service, high-quality dishes, and a top-notch patio to enjoy happy hour or Sunday brunch.
Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms
Sullivan’s Fish Camp
Sullivan’s Fish Camp is a fresh and creative seafood restaurant located off Middle Street on Sullivan’s Island. Fish Camp has a small but mighty patio out front where you can enjoy raw oysters, a frozen piña colada, or ice-cold beer.
The Obstinate Daughter
The Obstinate Daughter is an elegant and chic restaurant that serves French, Italian, and Spanish cuisine. The Obstinate Daughter has a noteworthy pizza menu, pasta dishes, and fresh seafood. You can enjoy the wonderful dishes OD has to offer on their front patio located right in front of their Gelato shop, Beardcat’s.
The Longboard
The Longboard is a newer addition to Sullivan’s Island, and it does not disappoint. The Longboard serves fresh seafood dishes, refreshing frozen cocktails, and offers a daily Oyster Hour with $12 half a dozen oysters.
Guru Tip: Enjoy a Seaside Sangria on the Longboards patio on a Saturday afternoon.
Poe’s Tavern
Poe’s Tavern is a Sullivan’s Island staple. It has been on the island since 2000, and is a local and tourist favorite. Poe’s sunny patio and bar are right off Middle Street across from Home Team BBQ. Poe’s serves some of the best burgers in town, has a great draft beer menu, and offers tasty fish tacos and salads.
Islander 71
Islander 71 is one of the few Charleston restaurants that is located right on the water. Islander 71 is on Isle of Palms near the Isle of Palms Marina. Islander 71 has a patio overlooking the water where you can watch the boats go by. And they have a large yard with outdoor games for the whole family to enjoy.
The Boathouse at Breach Inlet
The Boathouse is known for its diverse local seafood menu and an unmatched view of the sunset overlooking Breach Inlet. Be sure to head to the rooftop bar for a view, then order a drink, sweet corn hushpuppies, and crab fritters.
Coda Del Pesce
When your craving Italian and some of the island life, check out Coda del Pesce. Aside from oceanfront views, this contemporary Italian restaurant is known for homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and decadent desserts.
Daniel Island
The Kingstide
The Kingstide on Daniel Island is one of the top patios in Charleston. The Kingstide not only has a high-quality drink and food menu, but this two-story restaurant overlooks the Wando River, so you can enjoy a captivating sunset as you dine. Plus, The Kingstide is just a short ferry ride from Downtown Charleston.
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