Bars

Excellent cocktails and a “boozy vacation on the Mediterranean coast” feeling. Dinner is possible, though the quality comes with matching prices.

A tranquil European wine bar with a wonderful collection of people, excellent wines, and small bites.

A dive bar with signed dollar bills covering the walls, kind staff, and a satisfying, unfussy menu.

A small bar attached to the restaurant, a little over a block away. Enter from Smith Street; weekday happy hour is 5–7.

High-end cocktails and local craft beer in the small brick house next to Husk. The full restaurant menu is available at the bar.

A high-touch speakeasy feel with classic and modern cocktails.

A cocktail-forward stop with easygoing staff and patrons—excellent for a premium pre-dinner drink.

An approachable place to discover interesting wines and people alike.

A hidden underground treasure in an old bank vault, with cocktails, wine, and interesting bites.

Multiple rooftop decks for everything from a lively crowd to a quiet view—the original guide’s go-to rooftop.

Traditional service, cocktails, wine, and an art-deco-inspired lounge made for lingering.

A relaxed stop for a reasonably priced drink and a quick shrimp-and-grits appetizer.

A dive behind a gas station with some of Charleston’s best water views and surprisingly good-value drinks.

Unexpected location, a wide cocktail list, and a good early-evening stop before it gets busy.