Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in South Carolina

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in South Carolina? 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!

Kind of Blue

4.8

4.8 (9)

$31 to $50

Southern

Hilton Head Island

About the restaurant

Indulge in a musical culinary journey like no other at Kind of Blue. Our restaurant is a sanctuary for music and food enthusiasts, offering a blend of elite performances, exquisite flavors and warm hospitality. Join us to savor the finest culinary creations and elevate your musical dining experience.

Top review

MamieVIP

Dined 2 days ago

The owner was very pleasant and welcoming. Our server did a good job...

erica wood fire bistro & raw bar

4.7

4.7 (34)

$31 to $50

Bistro

Pendleton

About the restaurant

Welcome to Erica Wood Fire Bistro & Raw Bar. Operated by husband-and-wife team Troy and Erica, our bistro brings you the best in wood-fired cooking with an Italian wood-fired oven and grill that infuse every dish with rich, smoky flavors.

Our menu features perfectly grilled wood-fired steaks, fresh seafood, and our celebrated 48-hour fermented sourdough pizza. Enjoy the finest oysters at our raw bar and savor expertly crafted rolls at our sushi bar.

We take pride in offering exceptional hospitality in a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for any occasion. Complement your meal with our selection of fine wines, local draft beers, and craft cocktails. Discover why Erica Wood Fire Bistro & Raw Bar is a local favorite, where outstanding food, excellent service, and the perfect drink come together.

Top review

Joan

Dined on Jun 26, 2025

The food and drinks were outstanding. Great variety and excellent service. I highly recommend it!

SOHO 21st

4.6

4.6 (5)

$30 and under

Sushi

Myrtle Beach

About the restaurant

Soho is a multifarious restaurant with a Japanese and Mediterranean flare. The restaurant is sleek and has an extensive menu that includes pasta, steak, sushi and different types of seafood. The atmosphere at Soho is urbane with a trendy ambiance and the interior is cultured with lightings, artwork and diligent finishing. The bar has a full range of drinks and the lounge is reverberated with soothing music. The menu has a complete range of dishes made from chicken, beef and seafood. Soho also has daily specials that feature signature dishes. Seafood platter is the specialty and has abundant shrimps and fish. Imported Scotch, Rum and Vodka savor the drinks menu.

Top review

Ruben

Dined on May 24, 2025

Great food and great service! Ambiance was fun and inviting. Good music

Fire & Smoke

4.6

4.6 (705)

$50 and over

Steak

Myrtle Beach

About the restaurant

Welcome to Fire & Smoke.
We are a chef driven restaurant with emphasis on fresh local, sustainable products. Our philosophy is simple. We use the best ingredients obtainable to produce the best tasting food possible. We proudly feature Brasstown PRIME beef and the freshest seafood available. We feature a wood fired grill and extensive wine list. Whatever the occasion, from a quiet weeknight dinner to a special private event, let us handle every detail. We will do the work. You sit back and enjoy.

Top review

TeresaVIP

Dined on Jun 11, 2025

Delicious with beautiful presentation for food and beverages! Lee kept us happy with prompt anticipatory service and we were delighted with the new watermelon salad, beau soleil raw oysters, oysters Rockefeller, tuna tartare, lobster escargot and elk chops!

Discover more

Popular dish

Pork Belly

Popular dish

Mountain River Elk Chops

Mesu

4.6

4.6 (760)

$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 5 days ago

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

Discover more

Port of Call - Food & Brew

4.4

4.4 (32)

$31 to $50

American

Downtown Charleston

About the restaurant

Port of Call in Charleston offers a fusion of coastal charm and culinary innovation. With a menu celebrating Southern classics with a modern twist, impeccable service, and an inviting ambiance, it's a culinary gem for locals and visitors alike. Come savor the essence of Southern hospitality and excellence at Port of Call.

Top review

Teresa

Dined 6 days ago

First time to PoC. The menu is what attracted us and the food did not disappoint (quality taste and nice portions). Good cocktails and amazing service. Great prices. We will definitely plan another visit.

Discover more

Experience

Port of Call Happy Hour

Alfresco Italian Bistro

4.4

4.4 (10)

$30 and under

Italian

Georgetown

About the restaurant

Escape into the enchanting ambiance of Alfresco Italian Bistro, a haven for indulgence and culinary bliss. Located in the charming waterfront town of Georgetown, this establishment combines traditional Italian fare with a contemporary and chic setting. Explore the flavors of Italy in an atmosphere that invites relaxation and celebration. Dive into the artistry of each dish, meticulously crafted to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the heart of Tuscany.

Top review

Vinny

Dined on Jun 27, 2025

Food freshly prepared quality of food excellent beautiful presentation well worth the money

Hot Tomato

4.2

4.2 (11)

$31 to $50

Italian

Myrtle Beach

About the restaurant

Welcome to Hot Tomato, where passion for authentic Italian cuisine meets a commitment to culinary excellence. Nestled in the heart of Myrtle Beach, our restaurant is a celebration of the rich and diverse flavors that define the Italian gastronomic tradition.

Top review

Kate

Dined 3 days ago

Great food and service! Very popular place in Myrtle Beach

Boku- Columbia

4.2

4.2 (303)

$30 and under

Asian

Columbia

About the restaurant

At Boku Kitchen and Saloon, you can be sure you are receiving only the highest-quality meals with the freshest ingredients possible. We pride ourselves on not serving our customer's pre-made food. We make everything from scratch, including our noodles, salads, crab rangoon, calamari, soups, cocktails, and more! All our food is made-to-order. You won’t be able to find quality like this elsewhere!

We want to make your time at our restaurant as enjoyable as possible. Therefore, at Boku Kitchen and Saloon, you can trust that we will provide you with a made-from-scratch meal paired with the best cocktails, sake, wine, and craft beer you will find in Columbia, SC.

Our team is excited to serve you, your family, and your friends' delicious meals and beverages. See you soon!

Top review

Adriane

Dined on Jun 11, 2025

Friendly knowledgeable staff, with good customer service. The food was enjoyable but not portioned for the price.

Discover more

Zunzibar - Hilton Head

4.0

4 (52)

$30 and under

American

Hilton Head Island

About the restaurant

Beachy Sports Bar Serving Signature Cocktails, Frozen Drinks, Local + Import Beer, Wine, + Full Bar! Our Menu Features Zunzi's Award-Winning Sandwiches, Wings, Sauces, + More! Happy Hour DAILY from 4PM-7PM and 10PM-11PM! Live Music or Sports EVERY DAY!

Top review

StaceyVIP

Dined on Jun 24, 2025

Hidden gem right outside of Shipyard! We have been to HHI a number of times and did not know about this place. Comfortable low key, great cocktails, great service! We will be back for sure!

Explore Diners' Choice best of South Carolina

Explore more Diners' Choice lists