Cocktails, wine bars and dives: drinking in Charleston for grown-ups.
Cocktail bars, wine bars, dive bars and gastropubs: drinking in Charleston for grown-ups.
The Cocktail Club in Charleston runs a King Street upstairs cocktail bar above The Macintosh since 2011. Order the brown spirits, classic cocktails.
DrinkBrown spirits, classic cocktails
FoodSnacks
TipWalk-in upstairs entrance. Tuesday to Sunday 17:00-02:00; reservations available on weekends.
Proof in Charleston is The Commonwealth Company's long-running King Street craft cocktail bar, twelve-plus years on Upper King with a tight tiki and mezcal.
DrinkMezcal cocktails, classic tikis
FoodBar snacks
TipWalk-up bar; arrive at 17:00 for stools. The mezcal cocktails are the kitchen's strongest run.
The Belmont in Charleston runs cocktails and bar bites from a King Street upstairs lounge since 2011. The pop-tart dessert program is the kitchen's signature.
DrinkAperitif cocktails
FoodCheese, charcuterie, pop tarts
TipWalk-in. Bar seats first-come; tucked above a King Street shop with no exterior sign.
Charleston Beer Works on upper King Street runs 48-plus taps of local and regional craft beer with scratch pub food. At 480 King St. Booking recommended.
DrinkLocal and regional craft beer on draught
FoodScratch pub fare, house-ground burgers
TipWalk-in. Open daily 11:30-02:00; live music Thursday through Saturday. Bar seats first-come on weekend nights.
Little Jack's Tavern in Charleston has run a King Street tavern since 2015 with a deep cocktail list and the Tavern Burger. Tin-ceiling room, leather booths.
DrinkClassic cocktails, draught beer
FoodTavern burgers, salads
TipWalk-in bar seats serve the full menu till midnight. The Tavern Burger sells out by 22:00 weekends.
Kudu Coffee and Craft Beer in Charleston pours both coffee and local craft beer from a Vanderhorst Street courtyard cafe since 2003. Open until 22:00 daily.
DrinkCraft beer, espresso
FoodPastries, light bites
TipWalk-in. The courtyard fountain seats are the best for an evening pint. Kid- and dog-friendly.
2 hours
Learn how to make cocktails from a professional bartender in Charleston. Sip on 3 delicious cocktails and munch on some basic bar snacks.
2 hours
Learn about prohibition history during this cocktail class in Charleston. Make and drink 3 cocktails and nibble on snacks in an authentic speakeasy.
2 hours
Unleash your creativity with a paint and sip experience in Charleston. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with music and drinks, and take home your own canvas as a memento of ...