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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.

A photo of Bourbon N' Bubbles restaurant
Bourbon N' Bubbles
4.2
4.2 (1343)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Downtown Charleston
About the restaurant
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
Alexandra
Dined on Dec 21, 2024
It was our first time in Charleston and we stumbled upon this restaurant. We had a great meal and left happy and full. If you sit in the “bourbon” side you have to make sure to check out the “bubbles” side too! Great contrast while still being cohesive. My husband and I recommend! I had the Sunday Sauce special and it was *chefs kiss*!
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Popular dish
A5 Wagyu Burger
A photo of Blue Crab Fondue of a restaurant
Popular dish
Blue Crab Fondue
A photo of Caesar Salad of a restaurant
Popular dish
Caesar Salad
A photo of Prohibition restaurant
Prohibition
4.5
4.5 (2499)
$30 and under
American
Downtown Charleston
About the restaurant
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
Jean Anne
Dined on Dec 19, 2024
So much fun to experience Prohibition’s pop-up Christmas bar. Festive, with good food and tasty Christmas drinks
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A photo of Lobster Roll of a restaurant
Popular dish
Lobster Roll
A photo of Shrimp & Grits of a restaurant
Popular dish
Shrimp & Grits
A photo of Charred Wings of a restaurant
Popular dish
Charred Wings
A photo of ÉLEVÉ at Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston restaurant
ÉLEVÉ at Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston
4.3
4.3 (1341)
$30 and under
European
Downtown Charleston
About the restaurant
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
Shirley
Dined 7 days ago
We truly enjoyed our food, so delicious. And the staff was very friendly.
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A photo of Kessler Calamari of a restaurant
Popular dish
Kessler Calamari
A photo of The Establishment restaurant
The Establishment
4.8
4.8 (2666)
$50 and over
Seafood
Downtown Charleston
About the restaurant
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
iwanD
Dined 5 days ago
Excellent! As always. The food, the service and quality of both is always the very best!!
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Popular dish
Gnudi
A photo of Grouper of a restaurant
Popular dish
Grouper
A photo of Prime Ribeye of a restaurant
Popular dish
Prime Ribeye
A photo of Church and Union - Charleston restaurant
Church and Union - Charleston
4.5
4.5 (8622)
$31 to $50
American
Downtown Charleston
About the restaurant
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
Kevin
Dined today
Amazing food, great service, terrific environment. Never disappoints.
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A photo of Filet Mignon of a restaurant
Popular dish
Filet Mignon
A photo of Fried Chicken of a restaurant
Popular dish
Fried Chicken
A photo of House Burger of a restaurant
Popular dish
House Burger
A photo of Stars Restaurant - Rooftop & Grill Room restaurant
Stars Restaurant - Rooftop & Grill Room
3.9
3.9 (2403)
$31 to $50
American
Downtown Charleston
About the restaurant
There’s a comforting, old school feel about Stars. Warm wood, a traditionally shaped bar and exposed, polished beams give the vibe of a 40s steakhouse- a theme which the menu echoes. Shrimp cocktail making the most of the local seafood, a house Caesar, plus the Stars Grill Room Steak, with truffle grits and seasonal greens; all the best in high-end comfort food. Head upstairs for what Stars claim is the best rooftop bar in Charleston. Enjoy unparalleled views of the city whilst sipping international wines, cocktails, or even craft beer. Stars has the whole night covered.
Top review
Phoebe
Dined on Dec 9, 2024
My group and I had the BEST time at Stars! It was my first time in Charleston and this dinner as the last - really did save the best for last! Miguel the head Chef came over to share some insights of the menu/offerings and we were not disappointed by any of the dish. Each one was thoughtfully done, perfectly cooked and seasoned uniquely with seasonal + locally sourced ingredients. Our server Dakota was outstanding as well and Anna was awesome too. Truly was an amazing experience and I will definitely be back next time I visit! :)
A photo of 39 Rue de Jean - Charleston restaurant
39 Rue de Jean - Charleston
4.4
4.4 (5150)
$31 to $50
French
Downtown Charleston
About the restaurant
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
SusanVIP
Dined today
Lovely setting, exceptional service, delicious food.
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A photo of Seared Scallops of a restaurant
Popular dish
Seared Scallops
A photo of Fried Goat Cheese Salad of a restaurant
Popular dish
Fried Goat Cheese Salad
A photo of Escargots of a restaurant
Popular dish
Escargots
A photo of O-Ku restaurant
O-Ku
4.8
4.8 (2748)
$30 and under
Japanese
Downtown Charleston
About the restaurant
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
Annalisa
Dined on Dec 24, 2024
Amazing dinner, service and food Sam our server was great very knowledgeable and not overbearing Highly recommend
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Popular dish
Dumplings
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Popular dish
Lobster
A photo of Lobster Temaki of a restaurant
Popular dish
Lobster Temaki
A photo of Maison restaurant
Maison
4.9
4.9 (1713)
$31 to $50
French
Downtown Charleston
About the restaurant
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
Stephanie
Dined 5 days ago
Always a positive experience! Enjoyed the special this evening: roasted chicken thighs with mushrooms and hazelnut. The leek vinaigrette appetizer was light and tasty. Great wine selection and French digestifs. The chocolate mouse with shaved chocolate and cherries was a sinful treat. You must go!
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A photo of Happy Hour at Maison of a restaurant
Experience
Happy Hour at Maison
A photo of Amen Street Fish + Raw Bar restaurant
Amen Street Fish + Raw Bar
4.8
4.8 (5075)
$30 and under
Seafood
Downtown Charleston
About the restaurant
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
Judi
Dined today
Oysters, she crab soup, shrimp and grits fried green tomatoes all outstanding!
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A photo of Shrimp & Grits of a restaurant
Popular dish
Shrimp & Grits
A photo of Fried Oysters of a restaurant
Popular dish
Fried Oysters
A photo of Baked Oysters of a restaurant
Popular dish
Baked Oysters
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