Charleston is known for some of the best restaurants and bars in the country. From local watering holes to chic rooftop bars, there’s an abundance of destinations to consume your next round of alcoholic beverages. Here are the best places for cocktails in Charleston.
Best Places for Cocktails in Charleston
Citrus Club
Citrus Club is located within the Dewberry Hotel. Check-in with the host, then make your way up to sip on a tropical cocktail while you enjoy the highest public viewpoint in the city.
Neighborhood: Downtown | Mazyck-Wraggborough
Order this: Panic Button
Bar 167
Bar 167 is a trendy and chic restaurant and bar located right off of King Street behind 167 Raw. Bar 167 offers a fun list of specialty cocktails, zero proof drinks, and a great list of wine and beer. Bar 167 also serves great small plates – if you have never tried the Funghi Fritti. They have indoor and outdoor seating options.
Neighborhood: Downtown | Lower King
Order this: Fool’s Gold
Little Palm
Little Palm is a poolside cafe and cocktail bar located at The Ryder Hotel. The menu features vibrant cocktails and creative seasonal dishes. This new hot spot is open for dinner and late-night drinks and bites.
Neighborhood: Lower King | Upper King
Order this: Paid Vacation
Azur
Azur is an intimate European eatery and event space located right off King Street on Market Street. They have a great bar area as well as a beautiful outdoor patio. Azur has an extensive cocktail and wine menu, house made pastries and desserts, and a beautiful food menu with French, Italian, and Spanish inspired dishes.
Neighborhood: Downtown | Lower King
Order this: Espresso Martini
Bar Mash
Bar Mash is an American whiskey and beer bar offering an extensive list of seasonal cocktails. During the week, they have live music, food trucks, cocktail deals, and a late-night menu.
Neighborhood: Downtown | Eastside
Order this: Cinn City
Estadio
Estadio is a vibrant Spanish restaurant and bar that has a large Gin, Sherry, and Wine menu to enjoy alongside their tasty tapas.
Neighborhood: Downtown | Cannonborough/Elliotborough
Order this: Rosé GinTonic
Proof
Proof is an intimate cocktail bar located on Lower King. Enjoy expertly-mixed drinks like the French 75 featuring Beefeater gin, lemon, sugar, and champagne.
Neighborhood: Downtown | Lower King
Order this: Hemingway Daiquiri
Scotty Doesn’t Know
One of Charleston’s best-kept secrets is hidden behind the newly-opened Charleston Custard and Candy Shop and Big Johns Tavern on East Bay Street. Scotty Doesn’t Know is a cozy speakeasy that serves top-notch cocktails.
Neighborhood: Downtown | Ansonborough
Order this: Flowers Cocktail
Thoroughbred Club
Thoroughbred Club is an elegant lounge and cocktail bar situated in the lobby of The Charleston Place hotel. Guests can expect live music, an impressive drink selection, tapas, and decadent desserts.
Neighborhood: Lower King | Upper King
Order this: Whiskey Sour
Little Jack’s Tavern
Little Jack’s Tavern, located on Upper King, is an old-school American tavern that serves classic cocktails like Moscow mules and whiskey sours.
Neighborhood: Downtown | Upper King
Order this: Bee’s Knees
Prohibition
Prohibition is one of the most popular cocktail bars in Charleston. This speakeasy-style bar features live music every night of the week and delicious drinks.
Neighborhood: Downtown | Upper King
Order this: Castle Sour
The Cocktail Club
The Cocktail Club is a hidden gem situated on Lower King. This upscale lounge includes a rooftop terrace with a custom garden.
Neighborhood: Downtown | Lower King
Order this: After The Disco
Dalila’s
Dalila’s is a 1950’s-inspired cocktail bar located on Meeting Street near Upper King. Stop by for unique seasonal cocktails with flavors of the Caribbean.
Neighborhood: Downtown | Upper King
Order this: Bottom Bay
The Gin Joint
The Gin Joint is a cozy bar located off East Bay Street. They offer a variety of fine-tuned drinks but can stir up any classic cocktail you desire. Get the Bartender’s Choice for a unique option.
Neighborhood: Downtown | French Quarter
Order this: Bartender’s Choice (pick two words to describe the drink you want)
The Rarebit
The Rarebit is known for its classic cocktails and mid-century atmosphere. Try the Moscow mule and Greyhound, also available during their happy hour.
Neighborhood: Downtown | Upper King
Order this: Dam Dirty Martini
The Belmont
The Belmont, a cocktail lounge located on Upper King, is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a refreshing cocktail. The atmosphere is comfortable and drinks are served until 2:00am daily.
Neighborhood: Downtown | Upper King
Order this: Espresso Martini
Doar Bros
Doar Bros, located on Meeting Street, offers fine spirits and modern cocktails. Every other Sunday is “Italian Night,” an in-house Italian pop-up dinner featuring specialty cocktails and seasonal dishes.
Neighborhood: Downtown | Lower King
Order this: Bourbon & Clyde
The Bar at The Spectator
The Bar at The Spectator is a Prohibition-style bar located in the Spectator Hotel. Enjoy 1920’s-inspired refreshments and a refined twist on classic bar food.
Neighborhood: Downtown | French Quarter
Order this: The Dude Imbibes
Faculty Lounge
Make your way to the stoop at Faculty Lounge in the North Central neighborhood of Downtown Charleston. This spot offers creative cocktails, drink specials, bar snacks, and dance nights. Remember to ring the doorbell before entering!
Neighborhood: Downtown | North Central
Order this: Old Fashioned
Vintage Lounge
The Vintage Lounge was named “The Most Beautifully Designed Bar in South Carolina” by Architectural Digest. This upscale bar is known for its classic and original cocktail creations. Stop by for a refreshing drink while listening to local live music featured weekly.
Neighborhood: Downtown | Upper King
Order this: French 75
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