Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. The Best Bars on OpenTable
  3. The Best Bars for Foodies in Charleston

The Best Bars for Foodies in Charleston

A photo of Red logo
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
4.4
4.4 (1301)
$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
OpenTable Dinervip
Dined 1 day ago
What a lovely evening at Bourbon and Bubbles! Our server Noel was exceptional. Extremely attentive as well as the manager , extremely gracious and personable. The Mac n cheese was the best we have ever had. The charcuterie had an amazing assortment of cheeses and meats including burrata! Great selection of Prosecco! Highly recommend! A pure treat ! Well done
Discover more
A photo of Blue Crab Fondue of a restaurant
Popular dish
Blue Crab Fondue
A photo of Brunch at the Bourbon N Bubbles Bar of a restaurant
Experience
Brunch at the Bourbon N Bubbles Bar
A photo of Bourbon Experience and Informational Tasting of a restaurant
Experience
Bourbon Experience and Informational Tasting
A photo of Prohibition restaurant
Prohibition
4.6
4.6 (2451)
$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
OpenTable Diner
Dined 6 days ago
Delicious upscale food and cocktails. Loved the patio!
Discover more
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
4.4
4.4 (1320)
$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
Christina
Dined 6 days ago
Great setting and service. I love that it was not full.
Discover more
A photo of Kessler Calamari of a restaurant
Popular dish
Kessler Calamari
A photo of The Establishment restaurant
The Establishment
4.9
4.9 (2538)
$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
Glennvip
Dined 2 days ago
Fantastic evening. We really enjoyed everything and look forward to the next event. Couldn’t fault anything except for serving sizes. Food was so tasty but the portions were very small, fortunately they supplied a serving of bread when requested.
Discover more
A photo of Discovering Pinot Noir - A Six Course Wine Dinner of a restaurant
Experience
Discovering Pinot Noir - A Six Course Wine Dinner
A photo of Church and Union - Charleston restaurant
Church and Union - Charleston
4.5
4.5 (8336)
$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
OpenTable Diner
Dined 3 days ago
Definitely worth stopping while in Charleston! Ambiance was great, comfortable seating, and delicious food items
Discover more
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
3.6
3.6 (2393)
$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
OpenTable Diner
Dined on Jul 27, 2024
Our experience was outstanding! Food was delicious and Dakota an excellent server. We would certainly go back.
A photo of 39 Rue de Jean - Charleston restaurant
39 Rue de Jean - Charleston
4.2
4.2 (5003)
$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
Jacqueline
Dined 4 days ago
Amazing scallops. The shrimp and goat cheese appetizer was superb. Service was excellent, and staff was very accommodating.
Discover more
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 (2673)
$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
Rejeanvip
Dined on Sep 5, 2024
Restaurant week offers different options either if you prefer seafood or meat . I selected sea food and I was not disappointed.very high quality tuna. A bit more pricey than last year.
Discover more
A photo of Dumplings of a restaurant
Popular dish
Dumplings
A photo of Lobster of a restaurant
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 (1637)
$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
Melvinvip
Dined 3 days ago
Never disappointed - always well appointed. A locals favorite.
Discover more
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
4.7
4.7 (4953)
$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
MsKJ
Dined 6 days ago
All of the food was great. The mussels were outstanding and the bourbon salmon was delicious.
Discover more
A photo of Shrimp & Grits of a restaurant
Popular dish
Shrimp & Grits
A photo of Seafood Tower of a restaurant
Popular dish
Seafood Tower
A photo of Fried Oysters of a restaurant
Popular dish
Fried Oysters
A photo of East Bay Meeting House Bar & Cafe restaurant
East Bay Meeting House Bar & Cafe
4.5
4.5 (304)
$31 to $50
Contemporary European
Downtown Charleston
About the restaurant
East Bay Meeting House is one of those rare venues that changes throughout the day to match the needs of its customers. Head there first thing for bacon and egg croissants and coffee, or grab a club sandwich at lunchtime. In the evening, French-inspired mains start off the night which winds its way into fine wine, an astonishing range of martinis and carefully crafted cocktails. Look out for live music and even poetry events at this celebration of café culture in the heart of the French Quarter.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined on Jan 3, 2021
Service was very good and food was excellent
Explore other cities and regions
A photo of Tucson
Tucson
A photo of Charleston
Charleston
A photo of Montana
Montana
A photo of Las Vegas
Las Vegas
A photo of Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City
A photo of Caribbean
Caribbean
A photo of Milwaukee
Milwaukee
A photo of Washington DC
Washington DC
A photo of Miami
Miami
A photo of Tallahassee
Tallahassee
A photo of Denver
Denver
A photo of Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi
Other ways to experience the world through dining
Must Try Korean Dishes The GreatsExplore Asian-Owned and -Operated RestaurantsExplore Award-Winning Restaurants on OpenTable The Best Bars on OpenTableTKTKThe Best Restaurants for Breakfast on OpenTableThe Best Brunch RestaurantsThe Best Burgersbest cafe in town
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo