6 Best Cocktail Bars in Charleston, SC
If you’re looking for great cocktails, beautiful bars, or better yet, both, you’re in luck: there are tons of great cocktail bars in Charleston, SC. There is no shortage of great spots for cocktails in downtown Charleston, so whether you’re looking for an evening out, pre-dinner drink, or night cap, you can’t go wrong with any of the places below.
In this post, you’ll learn about six of the best downtown Charleston, SC cocktail bars, what to try on their menus, tips for getting a table, and more:
Felix
Last Saint & Annex
Vintage Lounge
Prohibition
The Gin Joint
Babas on Cannon
The seemingly endless number of great restaurants and bars in Charleston is what made me fall in love with this charming city. With so many incredible options, it was difficult to narrow down for this post, but in my opinion, these are the best cocktail bars in downtown Charleston, SC, to enjoy great cocktails with good company.
We have so many places to cover, so let’s get into the 6 best cocktail bars in Charleston, SC!
Félix – A Top Brunch Spot in Charleston
This charming Paris-inspired restaurant boasts a large specialty cocktail menu and an ambience that feels like you were transported straight from South Carolina to the heart of FrancePrice: $$$
Location: Upper King Street
My favorite drinks:
75th Aviation and Halley’s Comet – One of the unique things about Félix’s menu is they have a list dedicated to just Sparkling Cocktails, which are my favorite kind and I constantly recommend to my friends
If you’re a whiskey lover, my boyfriend loves the Le Soleil and Grand Heron
Of course, the Espresso Martini
Food: Félix is a full restaurant with brunch, lunch, dinner, and even a late-night menu. Whether you’re a fan of French food or just looking for a great meal, you’ll be happy with anything you order here. My favorites for dinner and late night are the Petit Croque Monsieur (ham and gruyere mini sandwiches) and Soupe À L'Oignon (French Onion Soup), or for brunch, I’d recommend the Félix Benedict
Atmosphere: Lively, Bright, French, Classy but Comfortable
The owner’s parents are both from Paris and the restaurant is striving to encompass the city’s spirit. Félix is the type of place where you stay longer than expected to get another drink, soak in the cozy setting, and enjoy your conversations
What Makes It Special: For me, it’s rare to find a place that has so many drinks I want to try that I have to visit multiple times, but also some of my favorites in the entire city that I have to continuously re-order. I’ve never been with someone at Félix that didn’t 1. love their cocktails and 2. struggle to choose between all the great options, so it’s no surprise that Felix makes the list of 6 must-try bars in downtown Charleston
Reservations: Not necessary as most of the times I’ve visited, we walked in and grabbed a spot at the bar or a lucky open table, but if you’re hoping to visit on a weekend evening, I’d recommend reserving ahead if you don’t want to risk missing this great spot!
Bonus: Félix has the cutest matchboxes! They’re in a bucket near the door, so make sure to grab one!
Last Saint & Annex – Best Cocktail Bar in Downtown Charleston, SC
Last Saint is a fun cocktail bar with a cozy speakeasy called Annex. The cocktails are insanely good, and the staff clearly have impressive mixology experience. And just when it couldn't get better, the Annex doesn't have a menu so all drinks are custom-made Price: $$$
Location: Upper Meeting Street (about a 5-minute walk from many of the Upper King Street locations on this list)
My favorite drinks: Age of Aquarius and literally everything else I’ve ever had. I forget the names of most, but I can confidently say the best drinks I’ve had in all of Charleston were from Last Saint & Annex, making it one of locals' favorite cocktail bars in Charleston by far!
Food: This is strictly a cocktail bar, so make plans to eat before or after at nearby Melfi’s
Atmosphere: Eclectic, Moody, Cool, Cocktail-centric
The speakeasy Annex is exactly like what I imagine a speakeasy should be: dark with few candles and red lighting, small with seating for only a little more than 20 people, and a vibe that make you want to stay for hours having good conversation over even better drinks.
What Makes It Special: The coolest part is that Annex does not have a menu and all drinks are custom made by the skilled bartenders based on your answers to a few questions about what kind of spirits you like and your taste preferences (e.g., fruity, sweet, boozy, citrus, etc.). It makes for a very special experience and is easy one of the most unique bars in Charleston SC
Reservations: If you’re hoping to go to Annex, I’d definitely get a reservation since it’s such a small space, but I’ve never had an issue getting a spot at the bar at Last Saint, which doesn’t accept reservations
Vintage Lounge – Most Unique Bar in Charleston, SC
A beautiful, moody space with a high-end feel, impressive wine menu, and tasty cocktails. Architectural Digest even named Vintage Lounge “The Most Beautifully Designed Bar In South Carolina”Price: $$
Location: Upper King Street
My favorite drinks:
Espresso Martini – one of my favorites in Charleston!
French 75
Old Fashioned – Tip: On busy nights, it’s sometimes pre-mixed, so request a specific Bourbon so it’s made-to-order
Aperol Spritz (I know everywhere has a Spritz, but I promise they make a really great one)
Food: Small menu of cheese and charcuterie if you’re looking for a snack. If you’re looking for a meal, check out this post on restaurants nearby before heading to Vintage Lounge!
Atmosphere: Elegant, Classic, European
The historic building was renovated to showcase the original barrel ceiling, complemented with gold accents, beautiful furniture, and perfect touches everywhere you look to create a great ambience. And with Architectural Digest’s prestigious accolade of “The Most Beautifully Designed Bar In South Carolina,” Vintage Lounge is one of the best bars in downtown Charleston, SC for first-time visitors to experience the beauty of the city!
What Makes It Special: Aside from the pretty interior, Vintage Lounge offers an extensive wine list with more than 200 bottles, specifically from small producers. You can order by the bottle, glass, a Wine + Cheese Flight, or even a Porron (if you’ve never heard of this, you may as be as surprised I was to leran it’s a glass pitcher for wine with a spout like a watering can that is meant to pour into your mouth without touching your lips – look it up if you don’t believe me!)
Reservations: Not necessary unless you have a large party. There is a nice outdoor patio with standing room too if there is wait
Prohibition – Fun Bars in Charleston, SC
Classic American cocktail bar and restaurant that has great vibes for dinner or an evening drink. Prohibition also turns into a nightclub with an upbeat DJ and dancefloor for late night Price: $$
Location: Upper King Street
My favorite drinks: Espresso Martini (which is my second favorite in all of Charleston!) and the Pimm’s Cup
Food: Mostly small plates (our table loved the wings and Brussel sprouts), but there are a few regular-sized entrees (the burger is great)! If you’d like a full meal before, get dinner at the nearby Darling Oyster Bar
Atmosphere: Casual, Upbeat, Fun
There are two sections inside – the dark, main dining room and the smaller, bright bar – plus a huge outdoor patio with just as great of an atmosphere as the inside! Since every area has a different vibe, you can stay at Prohibition for hours, making it one of the most fun bars in Charleston, SC
What Makes It Special: This spot feels casual and no-fuss, while delivering high quality cocktails in a nice, well-decorated space. I like when somewhere feels comfortable enough that we can casually pop in while at the same time, being such a great time that it’s also a destination to center your evening around. With how easy stopping here is and how great the drinks are, it’s definitely on my list of must-visit bars in Charleston, SC
Reservations: Not necessary if you just want a drink, and if you want a table, they’re not usually needed, but I’d recommend booking one if you have a party larger than 2 for dinner on a weekend. Tip: Around 11pm, Prohibition will have a cover and line, so try to get there before!
The Gin Joint – A Must-Visit Bar in Charleston
A cozy bar and restaurant that does a great job of honoring their namesake with very unique, high quality gin cocktails. Don’t worry The Gin Joint does have other spirits!Price: $$$
Location: French Quarter on East Bay Street near the City Market and Pineapple Fountain
My favorite drinks: “The Cat’s Eye”, which included milk and is surprisingly so delicious. They’ve changed their menu so this is no longer on it, but they’ve still made it for me since and I definitely recommend!
One thing to know before you go is that while they do have more spirits other than gin, they do not have vodka. Given The Gin Joint is one of the best cocktail bars in downtown Charleston, SC, there are plenty of amazing cocktails as well as wine, so not having vodka shouldn’t deter you, but it is good to know ahead of time so you’re not disappointed when you can’t get an Espresso Martini (something I learned from experience!)
Food: Their menu is all small plates so it’s really fun to get a few things and share with the table. My favorites were the Soft Pretzel and Whipped Bone Marrow that is served as a dip (similar to French onion) with bread.
Atmosphere: Dark, Cozy, a place to have good conversation and sip cocktails
What Makes It Special: They have an extensive spirit selection, making it a great place to try something new! They offer a “Bartender’s Choice” where you pick two words from their menu and the talented mixologists will craft a specially curated cocktail, which is always a crowd favorite.
Reservations: The Gin Joint does not accept reservations or calling ahead to join the waitlist, so I’d recommend having a back-up plan nearby if there is a wait. I’ve been seated immediately on several Saturday nights, while another visit had about a 30-minute wait.
babas on cannon – Locals' Favorite Cocktail Bar in Charleston
babas is a quaint, neighborhood café for coffee in the morning and drinks at night. It feels like a set straight out of a movie: the quintessential, little café in a big city. I’m always so surprised by how great it is while never being overly crowdedPrice: $-$$
Location: Cannon Street, right off Upper King Street
My favorite drinks:
Orange Spritz, which has both Aperol and Campari and is on draft. This drink has actually become my new favorite, beating out a traditional Aperol Spritz
Pimm’s Cup – almost too easy to drink
$4 cans of beer – this is truly unheard of in Charleston. And we’re not talking a Miller Lite; they’re two beer choices are craft IPAs
Old Fashioned Service – they bring a glass prepared with bitters and an orange peel and pour from the bottle right at your table. One note from my whiskey-loving boyfriend is that they use top-shelf bottles that you’d typically choose to enjoy neat
If you’re looking for a pick-me-up, they make their own peanut milk in house, so their lattes and cappuccinos are a must, and an espresso shot is only $1!
Food: They have small plates, sandwiches, salads, and even caviar. They serve special (free!) food on weekends that I’ll talk about below, but my favorites are the creamy dips, specialty breads, and cantaloupe with jamón.
Atmosphere: European, Light, Adorable, Old-Fashioned
Their website describes it best: “inspired by the neighborhood cafés and bars of Europe” that “are apart of everyday life” and “the high quality…elevates the daily ritual of a morning latte or an evening aperitif to a simple luxury.” There is both indoor and outdoor seating right on the sidewalk of adorable Cannon Street. If you can’t tell already, I truly can’t get enough of babas and can confidently say it’s a locals' favorite cocktail bar in Charleston!
What Makes It Special: Apertivo on Fridays and Saturdays from 4-6pm, honoring the Italian tradition of enjoying drinks and appetizers before dinner to “open” the stomachs before meals. If you order a cocktail or glass of wine, this buffet-style selection of Italian appetizers is complimentary, which is such a treat. I haven’t found a better deal anywhere else here, so babas is by far one of the best bars in downtown Charleston SC for first-time visitors looking for a fun, affordable experience
Reservations: babas is first-come first-serve. During Apertivo, seats are harder to come by, but there is a standing bar if you can’t grab one. I’ve always found a seat any other time. One thing to note is babas is not full-service – you’ll order and pay at the counter, but they will bring your drinks to the table
So there you have it – the 6 best cocktail bars in Charleston, SC! I love every place on this list and wish I could relive my first visits there, so they really are the best bars in downtown Charleston, SC for first-time visitors. If you can make it to even one of these spots when in Charleston, SC, I promise you won’t regret it!
For restaurant recommendations for before or after these cocktail bars, check out our post on the best downtown Charleston, SC restaurants or for more ideas of what to do on your trip to Charleston, check out these blog posts:
