The Absolute Best Bars and Nightlife on King Street in Charleston, South Carolina
A night out on the town in the charming city of Charleston, South Carolina means a visit to famous King Street. The bars on King Street are known for their fun atmosphere, delicious food and tasty drinks in their historic locations. Let’s take a look at the bars on King Street that you should visit when you have a free night in Charleston.
Burns Alley
354 B King St Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 723-6735
This classic dive bar on lower King Street is the go-to place in town for live music. Burns Alley Tavern is a gritty, rustic bar with every inch covered in paraphernalia, stickers, logos and fun additions like campy art and even a suspended shopping cart filled with crushed beer cans. Visitors to Burns love their signature drink of a PBR and a shot, a perfect dive bar combo to start off while you wait for the live music or karaoke to begin.
Uncork Charleston
476 King St Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 790-2120
Not your typical stuffy wine bar, Uncork is a beautiful space with a big selection of wines, spirits and delicious food. This bar on King Street is where you want to go for an upscale bar experience because Uncork serves up around 40 wines and a large selection of cocktails to die for with local names like the Whisky on Wentworth or Killing Thyme on King Street. Nibble on their cheese stuffed truffled ravioli or smoked bourbon brisket while enjoying all the wine.
The Darling
513 King St Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 641-0821
More oyster than dive, The Darling is a stunning bar that offers up a Lowcountry seafood twist to the bar scene in Charleston. The bar is situated alongside the comfortable dining area of The Darling and they meld together seamlessly to create a relaxed vibe. Visitors here love to order the Darling Fashioned or the Shoulder Monkey to go along with a plate of Littleneck clams or a platter of one of the six varieties of raw oysters on offer here.
Bourbon N’ Bubbles
570 King St Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 438-6593
This upscale bar on King Street specializes in cocktails and champagne but visitors here will love their top-notch food offerings, too. The stunning round bar grounds the space while low-slung velvet couches are perfect for meeting new friends at the shared cocktail tables. Big spenders can splurge on a spendy bottle of champagne like the Ace of Spades while bourbon lovers can order a flight of spirits to find a new favorite flavor.
Uptown Social
587 King St Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 793-1837
This lively spot is made up of four different bars connected to the restaurant. Guests here can sip on a Gone with the Gin on the rooftop bar at Uptown or share a shrimp-topped Orchard pizza and a 32-ounce Lowcountry Lemonade with friends in the longest bar in Charleston (coming in at a whopping 60 feet long).
Charleston Beer Works
480 King St Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 577-5885
A casual bar on King Street that beer lovers frequent is Charleston Beer Works. With over 48 beers on tap and sports on the big screen, guests here won’t have any problem finding a new favorite brew to go along with a Southern Fried Yard Bird sandwich or a plate of Think Twice wings with a sauce so spicy you may question your heat tolerance. Beer Works is the kind of place locals and visitors to this southern city both enjoy since the downstairs bar, upstairs bar and patio all are places to chill with friends, old and new.
Cocktail Club
479 King St Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 724-9411
This upscale lounge is the place to go for unique and delicious craft cocktails. Charleston’s best cocktail award-winner, drinks here like the passionfruit-infused Certified Lover Boy and the 95 Miles an Hour that is swirled with espresso make it easy to see why the Cocktail Club is one of the city’s best bars. But for those that come with friends (or want to meet new ones), ordering a Punch Bowl is a great way to taste the bartending magic that this bar is famous for.
Prohibition
547 King St Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 405-2949
A speakeasy-style bar, Prohibition is a great place to go with friends for a bar on King Street serving up some of the best cocktails in town. Modern cuisine pairs nicely with 1920s-era drinks with a twist like the peach and grapefruit flavors of the Tariff with the locally-sourced charcuterie board appetizer or the shrimp and grits. Popular at brunch as well, Prohibition’s apricot-flavored Carolina Wren cocktail pairs perfectly with the smoked salmon BLT or the stuffed French toast.
Ink Charleston
565 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 501-7220
Located on upper King Street, this bar combines southern charm with the unique flair of South Beach. Whether you’re a tourist or a Charleston local, this bar is a go-to-spot for a memorable night out in the city. Sip on your cocktail on the rooftop and enjoy the incredible views of downtown Charleston. Stop by on Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays from 5 to 7 pm for $5 drinks – who doesn’t love happy hour?
The Belmont
511 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
If you’re looking for an intimate bar that is ideal for couples and small groups, visit The Belmont. This bar is a spot perfect for conversation, reminiscing, and easing the hardships of the day. The Belmont offers curated cocktails, a warm and inviting atmosphere, and delicious snacks to pair with their drinks, including meat and cheese boards and homemade pop tarts. Expect booth seating and old-timey movies projected on the wall here.
Stars Rooftop & Grill Room
495 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 577-0100
If you’re looking for the best view and drinks in Charleston, look no further than Stars Rooftop and Grill Room. Located in the heart of downtown Charleston, Stars is a classic American grill restaurant with a posh rooftop bar with 360-degree views of the city. Enjoy a classy steak dinner, then head up to the bar afterward for some drinks. Some favorite cocktails here are the Sherry Spritz, White Negroni, and the Hemingway Daiquiri.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink around Charleston, check out our Charleston city page.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on July 11, 2022 and last updated on November 24, 2023. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
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