The Coolest Hotel Bars in Charleston
In recent years, Charleston’s burgeoning culinary scene has been lauded and well reported. A less advertised fact about the Holy City? It has its fair share of hip watering holes, as well. After all, what’s a night on the town without a delectable pre-dinner tipple or warming nightcap? Lucky for travelers, some of the city’s best bars are housed in local hotels.
Market Pavilion Hotel
Why it made the list
A picturesque pool (open only to hotel guests) anchors this busy rooftop bar, while wrought-iron bistro tables adorned with string-lit umbrellas line the perimeter. You’ll gaze out at steeples and the stately U.S. Custom House while sipping standard spirits, wine, and domestic and imported brews.
Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston
Why it made the list
This rooftop bar is funky and fun, with artful seating, fire pits, and faux grass. Though it can get stuffy up there in the summer, you can retreat to the sleek indoor bar, as needed.
The Restoration
Why it made the list
Atop the hip boutique hotel The Restoration sits The Watch Rooftop Kitchen & Spirits, where denim-clad servers bring you tasty craft cocktails, local beers, and wine. Inside, community tables and bar seats offer far-reaching views of downtown and beyond, while open-air tables outside do the same but with a salty breeze and sunshine. Catch happy hour on weekdays from 4 to 7 p.m. and live music on certain nights.
Belmond Charleston Place
Why it made the list
Boasting an old-school Charleston vibe, the Thoroughbred Club at Belmond Charleston Place is a dimly lit, equestrian-themed watering hole where head bartender Mouzan Taylor—a bit of a local legend—serves up strong spirits and lively conversation. In the winter, cozy up to the flickering fireplace; during spring and summer, snag a seat on the outdoor patio.
The Vendue
Why it made the list
Perhaps the most popular rooftop bar in town is The Rooftop (fitting name, no?) at The Vendue. Though the expansive drink menu won’t blow your mind, the views are seriously stunning—the best in town as far as public rooftops go—and there’s always a refreshing breeze. With multiple floors, bars, and sitting areas, you’ll find somewhere to settle, but you might encounter a line to get in on especially gorgeous weekend afternoons.
Zero George
Why it made the list
The perfect place for a happy hour libation, Zero Restaurant + Bar’s comfortably clad second-floor piazza and sitting rooms make you feel like you’re drinking at a well-to-do Charlestonian’s (not-so) humble abode in lieu of a bar.
The Dewberry Charleston
Why it made the list
Sink into one of The Living Room’s deep velvet sofas as you sip slowly on an old fashioned and you’ll feel like you’ve snuck onto the set of Mad Men (bonus points if you’re there on a night when there’s live jazz). The Dewberry’s perfectly dressed midcentury-modern Living Room stars a shining brass bar where talented mixologists donning white sports coats hand-chisel ice to suit your potation of choice.
The Spectator
Why it made the list
Though it’s situated just off the lobby of The Spectator boutique hotel, The Bar is by no means your standard lobby bar. Oozing Jazz-Age glamour, the setting is sexy (walls are covered in well styled bookcases and a snow-white taxidermy peacock), and the spirit selection is sumptuous, starring playfully named craft cocktails often mixed with local liquors. Happy hour deals (like a $6 glass of wine and $7 cocktail) up the swanky bar’s appeal, as well.
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