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The Best Bars for Foodies in Charleston

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by The OpenTable Team
Updated March 14, 2022

British colonists founded Charleston in 1670 in honor of King Charles II. Centuries later, the Holy City maintains its colonial charm as the oldest city in South Carolina, with so much to see and do. Charleston sure knows how to throw a party, from Lowcountry boils and country music jams served with craft cocktails and bottles of bubbly. But where are the smartest, savviest locals going out? Welcome to our Tastemaker List. Our team of experts brings you the best bars in Charleston to help revelers find their ultimate night out. Book a table at the bar tonight!

Dive bars downtown attract game lovers and those seeking a social nightlife. Amazing rooftop venues combine stunning views with masterfully mixed cocktails. Or how about a Bavarian-style Biergarten, just by the river? Find some friends, browse our list and book a table at one of the best bars in Charleston right now.

Bourbon N' Bubbles
4.3 (1386)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Downtown Charleston
King Street is the ultimate destination for bar lovers, from the hip and trendy to dark and intimate craft beer dives. Bourbon n Bubbles has homed in on the hype and added a touch of exclusivity. They’ve introduces Charleston’s first members-only “liquor locker”. This allows privileged guests to keep their favorite tipple in stock at all times. These drinks range from some of the highest end champagnes to an eye-and-mouthwatering selection of bourbons. Add in food like cilantro wings, filet mignon, and even a bourbon milkshake for dessert, and it’s one of the most luxurious nights out in Charleston. Booking recommended.
Top review
B
Dined 1 day ago
We were a party of 4 with a reservation at 5pm on a Wednesday in March. We were slightly put off by the fact that we got 2 emails and multiple messages through the OpenTable app reminding us that we only had 90 minutes to drink and eat but as soon as we saw the empty restaurant we knew that wouldn’t be an issue. When we got there we were seated immediately. The one complaint I have is the tables here are awful. They are not only round and tiny but they also wobble and the waitress had to have us remove everything from the table and place napkins under the feet to stabilize it and even though she did that we still almost lost a cocktail glass from the wobbling. The tiny tables were also not conducive to the four of us sharing an appetizer easily, with the charcuterie board balancing between the two round tables. The only other disappointing thing is a member of our party wanted to try the Wellers 12 year on the menu and it was not available, but we know how allocated liquors in the South can be. Everything we ordered was delicious and perfectly cooked. Charcuterie board had a nice selection of 2 cheeses, a couple of meats, as well as honey, jam and olives. For entrees we had the fish of the day which was snapper, the wagyu burger, one of the specialties which was Tuscan risotto gnocchi and the chicken lollipops. We had many cocktails, including an ounce pour of two of the bourbons, the watermelon spritz, the Charleston 75, and the First Love. Some we liked more than others but that is just our own personal tastes, nothing to do with the making of the cocktails themselves. Our waitress Nola was sweet and attentive and made some very good recommendations on menu items. We saw that the restaurant had a lot of bad reviews and I’m not sure what this place is like at peak times or days but we greatly enjoyed our visit and would recommend it with a caveat that we went at an off time apparently.
King Street is the ultimate destination for bar lovers, from the hip and trendy to dark and intimate craft beer dives. Bourbon n Bubbles has homed in on the hype and added a touch of exclusivity. They’ve introduces Charleston’s first members-only “liquor locker”. This allows privileged guests to keep their favorite tipple in stock at all times. These drinks range from some of the highest end champagnes to an eye-and-mouthwatering selection of bourbons. Add in food like cilantro wings, filet mignon, and even a bourbon milkshake for dessert, and it’s one of the most luxurious nights out in Charleston. Booking recommended.
Top review
B
Dined 1 day ago
We were a party of 4 with a reservation at 5pm on a Wednesday in March. We were slightly put off by the fact that we got 2 emails and multiple messages through the OpenTable app reminding us that we only had 90 minutes to drink and eat but as soon as we saw the empty restaurant we knew that wouldn’t be an issue. When we got there we were seated immediately. The one complaint I have is the tables here are awful. They are not only round and tiny but they also wobble and the waitress had to have us remove everything from the table and place napkins under the feet to stabilize it and even though she did that we still almost lost a cocktail glass from the wobbling. The tiny tables were also not conducive to the four of us sharing an appetizer easily, with the charcuterie board balancing between the two round tables. The only other disappointing thing is a member of our party wanted to try the Wellers 12 year on the menu and it was not available, but we know how allocated liquors in the South can be. Everything we ordered was delicious and perfectly cooked. Charcuterie board had a nice selection of 2 cheeses, a couple of meats, as well as honey, jam and olives. For entrees we had the fish of the day which was snapper, the wagyu burger, one of the specialties which was Tuscan risotto gnocchi and the chicken lollipops. We had many cocktails, including an ounce pour of two of the bourbons, the watermelon spritz, the Charleston 75, and the First Love. Some we liked more than others but that is just our own personal tastes, nothing to do with the making of the cocktails themselves. Our waitress Nola was sweet and attentive and made some very good recommendations on menu items. We saw that the restaurant had a lot of bad reviews and I’m not sure what this place is like at peak times or days but we greatly enjoyed our visit and would recommend it with a caveat that we went at an off time apparently.
Prohibition
4.4 (2529)
$30 and under
American
Downtown Charleston
Billed rather sweepingly as a gastropub, Prohibition certainly has the right combination of great food and drinks to earn this moniker. It’s so much more, though, with a reputation as one of the best bars in Charleston for live music. Up to six nights a week sees bands from swing to acoustic take the stage, with punters dancing and singing along. Tuck into curried cauliflower or comforting shrimp and grits, then wash it down with some of the most creative cocktails on King Street. A night to remember.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 7 days ago
There are not enough stars listed for this place!! Drinks and entrees were SO good! Erin our server was so accommodating, helpful, friendly, and fun! She completed the package!! Next trip to Charleston will be a return trip to Prohibition!! MerryAnn Karas New Jersey
Billed rather sweepingly as a gastropub, Prohibition certainly has the right combination of great food and drinks to earn this moniker. It’s so much more, though, with a reputation as one of the best bars in Charleston for live music. Up to six nights a week sees bands from swing to acoustic take the stage, with punters dancing and singing along. Tuck into curried cauliflower or comforting shrimp and grits, then wash it down with some of the most creative cocktails on King Street. A night to remember.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 7 days ago
There are not enough stars listed for this place!! Drinks and entrees were SO good! Erin our server was so accommodating, helpful, friendly, and fun! She completed the package!! Next trip to Charleston will be a return trip to Prohibition!! MerryAnn Karas New Jersey
ÉLEVÉ at Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston
3.7 (1354)
$30 and under
European
Downtown Charleston
Head up to the fourth floor of the Grand Bohemian Hotel on Wentworth to discover Eleve. Inside, it’s chic and modern, with glam touches like huge chandeliers and ornate mirrors. The food is “French with a gypsy twist”. This means diners can expect oysters with a touch of ginger, lamb chops with tarragon and a heavenly espresso ice cream with a dash of liqueur. The rooftop area is a turfed affair with pale parasols and round wicker style sofas; the epitome of relaxation. Try their house cocktail, The Boheme, for a flavor explosion worth every cent.
Top review
Prentice
Dined 3 days ago
Great place to have lunch, but the food quality and taste for the price is subpar.
Head up to the fourth floor of the Grand Bohemian Hotel on Wentworth to discover Eleve. Inside, it’s chic and modern, with glam touches like huge chandeliers and ornate mirrors. The food is “French with a gypsy twist”. This means diners can expect oysters with a touch of ginger, lamb chops with tarragon and a heavenly espresso ice cream with a dash of liqueur. The rooftop area is a turfed affair with pale parasols and round wicker style sofas; the epitome of relaxation. Try their house cocktail, The Boheme, for a flavor explosion worth every cent.
Top review
Prentice
Dined 3 days ago
Great place to have lunch, but the food quality and taste for the price is subpar.
The Establishment
4.8 (2739)
$50 and over
Seafood
Downtown Charleston
This historic building on Broad Street dates back to 1791, and plenty of the original fixtures feature in the beautiful décor that welcomes guests upon their arrival at The Establishment. There’s a sense of grandeur here, from the huge horseshoe-shaped bar to the screen flicking between scenes of perfect serenity. Dive into sumptuous seafood, washed down with one of their popular signature cocktails- all very well priced during happy hour. A perfect place for some top Instagram shots. Booking recommended.
Top review
Edward
Dined 6 days ago
Perfect evening. Everything. Thank you to Brian and Team. 👏👏👏
This historic building on Broad Street dates back to 1791, and plenty of the original fixtures feature in the beautiful décor that welcomes guests upon their arrival at The Establishment. There’s a sense of grandeur here, from the huge horseshoe-shaped bar to the screen flicking between scenes of perfect serenity. Dive into sumptuous seafood, washed down with one of their popular signature cocktails- all very well priced during happy hour. A perfect place for some top Instagram shots. Booking recommended.
Top review
Edward
Dined 6 days ago
Perfect evening. Everything. Thank you to Brian and Team. 👏👏👏
Church and Union - Charleston
4.5 (8800)
$31 to $50
American
Downtown Charleston
5Church is not only one of the best bars in Charleston, but the most dramatic by a long shot. Walking in here is a religious experience as guests take in the original stained-glass windows and huge, vaulted ceiling. Press hails the food as New American, which ranges from ramen to flatbreads to ravioli- something for everyone. Those just wanting to drink can pick from the extraordinary wine list or indulge in a sinful signature cocktail. Try the Garden of Eden at a special rate during happy hour: a feisty fusion of vodka, ginger, cucumber and lemon. “Take me to Church” just got a whole new meaning.
Top review
AngellaVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Such a great experience! The food, the ambiance, the service were awesome! Highly recommend!
5Church is not only one of the best bars in Charleston, but the most dramatic by a long shot. Walking in here is a religious experience as guests take in the original stained-glass windows and huge, vaulted ceiling. Press hails the food as New American, which ranges from ramen to flatbreads to ravioli- something for everyone. Those just wanting to drink can pick from the extraordinary wine list or indulge in a sinful signature cocktail. Try the Garden of Eden at a special rate during happy hour: a feisty fusion of vodka, ginger, cucumber and lemon. “Take me to Church” just got a whole new meaning.
Top review
AngellaVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Such a great experience! The food, the ambiance, the service were awesome! Highly recommend!
39 Rue de Jean - Charleston
4.3 (5252)
$31 to $50
French
Downtown Charleston
This classic French restaurant gets its name from its address, and that’s all the advertising it needs. Word gets around about the tuna-filled niçoise salad, buttery short ribs and the many variations of mussels- all perfect for pairing with a glass of bubbles. The bar offers an extensive wine list, including around 18 types of champagne and prosecco. Cocktails range from the Desperate Housewife to a Grim Mary, their own signature take on the brunch classic. Reservations recommended.
Top review
Ann
Dined 3 days ago
My coworker and I saw in Melissa’s section. She was awesome, super friendly and menu knowledgeable. I had the salmon and he had the strip steak. Both were delicious. The atmosphere was charming, a fantastic change from the common franchise experience. I highly recommend ❣️
This classic French restaurant gets its name from its address, and that’s all the advertising it needs. Word gets around about the tuna-filled niçoise salad, buttery short ribs and the many variations of mussels- all perfect for pairing with a glass of bubbles. The bar offers an extensive wine list, including around 18 types of champagne and prosecco. Cocktails range from the Desperate Housewife to a Grim Mary, their own signature take on the brunch classic. Reservations recommended.
Top review
Ann
Dined 3 days ago
My coworker and I saw in Melissa’s section. She was awesome, super friendly and menu knowledgeable. I had the salmon and he had the strip steak. Both were delicious. The atmosphere was charming, a fantastic change from the common franchise experience. I highly recommend ❣️
O-Ku
4.8 (2808)
$30 and under
Japanese
Downtown Charleston
O-Ku is a downtown bar with a difference- it’s a sushi bar. O-Ku incorporates the ingredients and flavors of the South into traditional Japanese techniques, creating rolls with personality that keep guests coming back for more. Try the box style sushi, with quirky names like Green Eggs and Hamachi Hako, or keep it simple with tuna rolls jazzed up with a touch of spicy aioli. The bar staff are expert mixologists, creating a range of tempting cocktails such as the Asian inspired lemongrass gin and tonic. A journey to the East via King Street.
Top review
J Chris
Dined 1 day ago
Very pleased with everything we experienced at O-Ku. Food was amazing. The finest quality of fish. Exceptional service. First visit but will definitely put O-Ku on my go to Sushi restaurant in Charleston.
O-Ku is a downtown bar with a difference- it’s a sushi bar. O-Ku incorporates the ingredients and flavors of the South into traditional Japanese techniques, creating rolls with personality that keep guests coming back for more. Try the box style sushi, with quirky names like Green Eggs and Hamachi Hako, or keep it simple with tuna rolls jazzed up with a touch of spicy aioli. The bar staff are expert mixologists, creating a range of tempting cocktails such as the Asian inspired lemongrass gin and tonic. A journey to the East via King Street.
Top review
J Chris
Dined 1 day ago
Very pleased with everything we experienced at O-Ku. Food was amazing. The finest quality of fish. Exceptional service. First visit but will definitely put O-Ku on my go to Sushi restaurant in Charleston.
Maison
4.9 (1767)
$31 to $50
French
Downtown Charleston
Visiting Maison is like accidentally stepping into a Parisian bistro. From the bright, airy room to the black and white motif working its way through the room, there’s a sense of simplicity and care in every detail. The food follows this attention to detail, with expected classics like escargot and pate de campagne arriving with perfectly flavored herby butter and sharp cornichons. The bar offers more than just amazing wine to pair with the food. There’s an exciting cocktail list plus a range of aperitifs and digestif- French culture delivered via amazing alcohol.
Top review
DanielleVIP
Dined 5 days ago
Loved our experience! The staff was so friendly and accommodated us so well dining with our baby
Visiting Maison is like accidentally stepping into a Parisian bistro. From the bright, airy room to the black and white motif working its way through the room, there’s a sense of simplicity and care in every detail. The food follows this attention to detail, with expected classics like escargot and pate de campagne arriving with perfectly flavored herby butter and sharp cornichons. The bar offers more than just amazing wine to pair with the food. There’s an exciting cocktail list plus a range of aperitifs and digestif- French culture delivered via amazing alcohol.
Top review
DanielleVIP
Dined 5 days ago
Loved our experience! The staff was so friendly and accommodated us so well dining with our baby
Amen Street Fish + Raw Bar
4.8 (5179)
$30 and under
Seafood
Downtown Charleston
Cumberland Street might be a bit of a hidden gem, but the popularity of Amen Street, the restaurant named for the original moniker of the street, has brought it right out into the limelight. Oyster shell chandeliers catch the attention while the long bar promises more than just premium seafood. As well as cold, fresh, oysters, guests can order up a range of beers, wines (part of the menu called “interesting reds” definitely bears further investigation) plus some specialty cocktails. Ask about happy hour and the Oyster Shooters.
Top review
Diane
Dined 1 day ago
We really enjoyed our experience at Amen’s. Excellent food and excellent service! We are so glad we dined here.
Cumberland Street might be a bit of a hidden gem, but the popularity of Amen Street, the restaurant named for the original moniker of the street, has brought it right out into the limelight. Oyster shell chandeliers catch the attention while the long bar promises more than just premium seafood. As well as cold, fresh, oysters, guests can order up a range of beers, wines (part of the menu called “interesting reds” definitely bears further investigation) plus some specialty cocktails. Ask about happy hour and the Oyster Shooters.
Top review
Diane
Dined 1 day ago
We really enjoyed our experience at Amen’s. Excellent food and excellent service! We are so glad we dined here.
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