Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Charleston

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Charleston? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

O-Ku

4.9

4.9 (2879)

$30 and under

Japanese

Downtown Charleston

About the restaurant

O-Ku, a Japanese restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina, is a triumph of execution and concept. The restaurant's menu is a modern take on traditional Japanese cuisine, and it features fresh, seasonal ingredients that are prepared with care. The dishes are beautifully presented, and the flavors are both complex and delicate. Focused on incorporating authentically Japanese flavors into the fare, O-Ku's menu is comprised of signature contemporary Japanese entrées and traditional sushi of the season reflecting the uniquely designed space. Guests can enjoy chef specialties including kurobuta pulled pork don-buri, braised short rib with shiso pesto, coconut curry, and hakozushi a box-style sushi. A wide variety of nigiri, sashimi and crudos are also available. The beverage program at O-Ku is a sophisticated blend of specialty cocktails, premium sake, bubbles, red and white wines and unique beer selections.

Top review

Andrew

Dined 3 days ago

Amazing , great food, very nicely presented, would recommend

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4.9

4.9 (291)

$30 and under

Chinese

North Charleston

About the restaurant

Jackrabbit Filly proudly serves award-winning, heritage driven New Chinese American cuisine in the heart of Park Circle, North Charleston. Our ingredients support local farmers and fishermen. Our wines are all-natural and support women producers. And our cocktail list supports a good time. We can't wait to have you in!

Top review

Nicole

Dined 5 days ago

As always, an amazing experience. The food is insanely delicious.

Indaco

4.8

4.8 (3972)

$30 and under

Italian

Downtown Charleston

About the restaurant

Located on Charleston's Upper King Street, Indaco (Italian for "indigo") serves rustic Italian cuisine. Wood-fired pizzas, hand-crafted pastas, housemade salami and cured sausages fill the restaurant's menu which can be enjoyed family-style or a la carte. With community tables, an open kitchen, and a comfortable atmosphere, Indaco can accommodate 100 guests for a casual night of food and drinks. The wine list is focused on affordable Italian varietals, the Negroni cocktail is on tap, and the fresh sodas are made in-house. The massive wooden doors on Upper King Street are your first indication that Indaco is different from the typical Charleston restaurant. Rustic details continue inside with butcherblock tables, lime-wash walls, and white brick. An open kitchen with nearby community tables lets interested diners keep an eye on the action inside the kitchen. Outside, a patio puts you streetside to watch Upper King Street's vibrant nightlife scene.

Top review

Michael

Dined 2 days ago

We had a great experience! Service to food it was well worth the trip

Lamar's Sporting Club

4.8

4.8 (22)

$31 to $50

Lounge

Downtown Charleston

About the restaurant

Sophisticated lounge offering excellent craft cocktails, upscale bar bites, and weekly top shelf happy hours in a comfortable setting and home of Sir Wieners Hot Dogs (as seen on Bravo Tv).

Enjoy College & NFL games with 10+ HD TVs. Lunch & Brunch are available on the weekends during football season.

Lamar's was designed for like-minded individuals who value nightlife experiences, sports, and exclusivity. The establishment features an intimate lounge with a classic and upscale ambiance. With rich, dark wood paneling, subdued lighting, and plush leather banquettes, sofas, and cocktail tables, the venue provides both comfort and luxury seating. The sporting club lifestyle is reflected in the carefully curated decor, which includes antique-inspired elements such as modern-vintage artwork, chandeliers, eclectic bookshelves and wildlife on display.

Located on the corner of King & Spring, Lamar's is the ultimate way to elevate your sports viewings & evening experiences in Charleston.

Top review

Stephan

Dined 3 days ago

Great experience as always. Awesome service and conversations.

Rappahannock Oyster Bar - Charleston

4.7

4.7 (2773)

$30 and under

Seafood

Downtown Charleston

About the restaurant

Travis and Ryan Croxton debut their spinoff from the highly acclaimed Rappahannock Oyster Bar at Union Market in Washington, DC. They’ve even brought their DC Chef, Kevin Kelly, to man the kitchen at this outpost. This location in the historic Cigar Factory Building on East Bay Street, allows room for Chef Kelly to showcase more of his cuisine to a larger audience, including an incredibly unique 40 seat raw bar. Oysters grown by the Croxton’s own Rappahannock Oyster Company are accentuated, but Kelly’s signature dishes like lambs’n’clams, crabcakes, shrimp & grits and the best po’ boy you’ll ever eat are enough reasons in their own right for constant visits. Coupled with a great cocktail program and focus on local ingredients, ROB is a great place for any occasion.

Top review

Ann

Dined 4 days ago

Excellent oysters. The server was helpful, friendly and knowledgable. Short ribs were delicious. I would recommend.

Bistronomy by Nico Downtown

4.7

4.7 (306)

$31 to $50

French

Downtown Charleston

About the restaurant

Bistronomy by Nico invites you to experience a Parisian bistro in the heart of Charleston. Led by acclaimed French Master Chef Nico Romo, this charming restaurant offers a delightful mix of classic French dishes and innovative culinary creations.

The warm and inviting ambiance features a sleek, modern interior and a long marble bar, ideal for pre-dinner drinks. The menu tempts with dishes like escargot, goat cheese spring rolls, steak frites, and tuna crudo.

Chef Romo's dedication to French cuisine is evident in every dish, crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients and expert technique. The impressive wine list focuses on French varietals, and the cocktail menu includes craft cocktails, and mocktails.

Please be sure to include every member of your party in your reservation. Reservations made for a smaller party than arrives may not be able to be accommodated. Kiddos count, as well! Merci!

Top review

DianaVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Food was delicious and the staff provided us with a lovely card for our anniversary. We also received an unexpected treat at the end of our meal. Highly recommend!

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Experience

Bastille Day with Bistronomy

Experience

Mercy of the Chef

Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar

4.6

4.6 (8111)

$30 and under

Seafood

Downtown Charleston

About the restaurant

Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar is Charleston's Best Waterfront Dining with a focus on local and sustainable produce and seafood. Housed in a 1940s retired naval building on the east side of the Charleston peninsula, Fleet Landing features a fusion of classic and contemporary Southern seafood fare in a setting that celebrates the area's waterfront heritage.

We take reservations and invite you to make them as far in advance as possible, as they fill up weeks in advance. We always invite walk-ins to join the waitlist when you arrive. If there is no availability on OpenTable, we are fully committed for reservations, and you are invited to join the waitlist when you arrive. For groups of 5-10, please give us a call at 843.722.8100. Larger groups are usually booked several weeks in advance. The largest group that we are able to accommodate is 10 guests. Please note, we do require your full party to be in the building in order to be seated at your table.

Top review

Susan

Dined 2 days ago

Nicole was terrific and the few from the deck outstanding! My husbands burger and fries were good. My friend oysters were fair....taste was great but tiny and not many on the plate. Butter beans were great!

Mesu

4.6

4.6 (759)

$30 and under

Contemporary Mexican

Downtown Charleston

About the restaurant

Mesu is a vibrant Charleston hotspot on Upper King Street, where urban street art meets the flavors of Mexico and Japan. Our menu features a diverse selection of tacos and sushi, crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Complement your meal with an extensive list of premium tequilas and sakes, or explore our creative cocktail menu. Whether you make a reservation or walk in, Mesu offers a unique dining experience in the heart of the city with a lively atmosphere.

Top review

MichelleVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Good food. Great service. Servers were very attentive and helpful.

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4.5

4.5 (2566)

$30 and under

American

Downtown Charleston

About the restaurant

It's true that Prohibition is a nod to the classic 1920's Speakeasy, but our elevated cuisine and progressive cocktail program are anything but old-fashioned. At Prohibition you can expect the culinary delights of Executive Chef Greg Garrison to leave you completely Jazzed, from savory local seafood to the finest cuts of meat, each dish is prepared with perfection. Kick back in our relaxing surroundings and sample the Mixology Expertise of our award winning Bar Team, led by Jim Mc Court. Our professional and passionate team are constantly striving to push the boundaries of excellence with cocktails like the 547 Manhattan and our signature Bacon Maple Old Fashioned to name but a few. Our extensive and imaginative beer, wine and liquor selection insures we can cater to all tastes.

Top review

CateVIP

Dined on Jun 22, 2025

Sunday bluegrass brunch was great! The food was good, service friendly.

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4.2

4.2 (1430)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Downtown Charleston

About the restaurant

Bourbon N' Bubbles is Charleston's chic Upper King destination where culinary artistry meets liquid luxury. Immerse yourself in a warm, lively atmosphere, perfect for a night out with friends or a romantic dinner. Under the expert guidance of Executive Chef Mike Watson, savor a delectable menu of elevated sharing plates and appetizers.

Indulge in a curated selection of Champagne, bourbon, and handcrafted cocktails, expertly crafted to complement your dining experience. The cozy back bubbles bar offers an intimate setting to unwind and enjoy your favorite libations. Whether you're seeking a sophisticated dining experience or a lively night out, Bourbon N' Bubbles is the place to be.

Top review

Shelley

Dined 2 days ago

Lobster Ravioli was amazing! And so was the Wagyu Burger with potatoes! Highly recommend!!!

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