The charming downtown Charleston peninsula is known for its abundance of bars and restaurants. However, many of the Lowcountry’s best gems are overshadowed by well-known tourist traps and overcrowded college bars. Luckily, I have compiled a list of the best and most unique bars that deserve a visit. Whether you enjoy fabulous nights out on the town, tropical happy hour treats, casual patios or good ol’ dive bars, this list is guaranteed to help you find your new favorite Charleston hot spot!
1. Henry’s Bar and Restaurant
Location: 54 North Market St.
Dress: More formal (at night); no shorts, no sandals or shirts without collars for men
Price: $$$
Henry’s has something for everyone. The restaurant/bar is chic and fun during the day but transforms into a swinging party by night. The windows open up to historic Market Street and allow customers to watch horse carriages trot by while enjoying a drink in the 1930s-esque atmosphere. At night, the second floor Whiskey Bar has live music and a full upscale bar. The rock/soul music combined with leather seats and candle-lit ambiance is perfect for dancing or enjoying a relaxing whiskey on the rocks.
If you’re looking for a Miami-style night, Henry’s third floor transforms into the city’s best night club. Henry’s rooftop includes NV, an enclosed club with three separate bars. On weekends NV has an energetic DJ and a spacious dance floor. If you’re in the mood to dance all night with friends and strangers, NV is the place for you. With the mellow first floor, Whiskey Bar, NV, and the rooftop area, you are guaranteed to have a great time!
If you like Henry’s you’ll like Stars and The Cocktail Club.
2. Cane Rhum Bar
Location: 251 East Bay St.
Dress: Casual
Price: $$$
Replacing a run-down college bar, Cane opened this July ready to dazzle customers. The bar/restaurant is a breath of fresh air. Its tropical atmosphere will trick you into thinking you’re on vacation. Cane features a long bar, colorful murals, walls coated with bamboo, and fishing nets that hang from the ceiling. The staff is fresh and friendly. If you’re hungry, their Caribbean kitchen can whip up delicious treats like Rhum Cake and dinners such as Banana Stuffed Chicken Ballontine. While the space itself is large, Cane still provides a relaxing and intimate atmosphere that is perfect for happy hour or a delightful date.
Cane’s drink and food menus feature authentic Caribbean items. While they serve common cocktails, Cane also offers original drinks and a wide variety of their specialty item: rum! Cane carries almost 100 different rums from over 20 different countries. If you’re undecided, you can always create your own fleet of shots and sample liquid paradise from all over the world!
If you like Cane, you’ll like The Gin Joint and Voodoo Tiki Bar (West Ashley).
3. Burns Alley
Location: 354 King St
Dress: SUPER casual
Price: $
Hold on to your PBRs and concert tees – this dive bar has taken Charleston’s nightlife by storm. Burns is literally a hole in the wall; the entrance is hidden in an alley. The grungy atmosphere is somehow charming, and includes occasional live music, a shopping cart hanging from the ceiling and an entire wall composed of confiscated fake I.D.’s. This place is as quirky as it gets, and their prices are some of the cheapest you’ll find downtown; they’re famous for their five-dollar-PBR-and-shot-of-whiskey deal.
Burns attracts a cult following of locals dedicated to blowing off steam after work. If you’re brave, you can stop by karaoke every Wednesday and enjoy angsty throwbacks. The fun doesn’t end with karaoke; Burns is like a mini arcade. They have pool, SkeeBall, and even a deer hunting game. If you’re a fan of wearing sneakers to a bar and tattoos on your bartender, Burns is the place for you.
If you like Burns Alley, you’ll like Big Gun and Upper Deck Tavern.
4. Blind Tiger Pub
Location: 36 – 38 Broad St.
Dress: Casual
Price: $$
After undergoing major renovations, Blind Tiger was reborn with the same, beloved spirit. The indoor area is relaxed and decked out with pirate flags and mahogany walls, yet what really sets this pub apart is its magnificent deck area. The outdoor bar is surrounded by stunning, rustic brick arches and potted plants. You can enjoy an intimate table for two among trees and canopies or pull up a stool at the brick bar and watch the game.
Blind Tiger is a perfect stop during a night out. It is one of Charleston’s only authentic pubs equipped with cheap beer and a polished atmosphere. This is truly the greatest outdoor area in Charleston, and it’s totally affordable. On top of a full bar, the kitchen serves everything from wings to “Truffle Duck.” And don’t worry – their patio has fans and space heaters so you’ll be comfortable in any weather!
If you like Blind Tiger, you’ll like The Griffon and Closed for Business.
