The Absolute Best Bars and Restaurants for Live Music in Charleston
Few cities manage to blend history, Southern charm, delicious food, and lively entertainment like Charleston. Renowned for its rich culinary and musical heritage, this coastal gem of a city is home to a thriving music scene that showcases a variety of different genres and artists. And what better way to enjoy this musical culture than by pairing it with the rich culinary delights and handcrafted brews? Whether you’re a local looking to discover new hotspots or a visitor seeking the ultimate Charleston experience, join us as we explore some of the best establishments where you can satisfy your cravings for both sensational sounds and delectable dining.
1. Commonhouse Aleworks
4831 O’Hear Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 471-1400
Located a little bit outside of downtown in North Charleston, Commonhouse Aleworks is truly a place that brings people together. This place serves as a focal point for families and friends to gather together, drink delicious beer, eat good food, and spend quality time together. You can find live music being played here weekly as well as other fun events like trivia, open mic poetry nights, and improv nights. What makes Commonhouse unique is that a portion of every beer sold gets reinvested back into the community by being donated to local organizations. They also feature local food trucks which supplement their standard brewery menu. While Commonhouse Aleworks might not be the fanciest place to go, it’s one of the friendliest, and that’s just as important.
2. Hall’s Chophouse
434 King Street, Charleston, SC 29503
(843) 727-0090
Owned and operated by the same family that runs High Cotton, Hall’s Chophouse is a cornerstone of the Charleston dining scene. Not only that, it’s one of the finest steakhouses around. At Hall’s, you’ll find the finest steaks that money can buy, and it costs a pretty penny to buy them. That being said, every single bite is divine. No matter what cut of meat you get, the flavors are out of this world. Hall’s also offers an extensive wine selection that only adds to an already elevated dining experience. When it comes to live music, Hall’s is renowned for its Gospel Brunch on Sundays as well as smooth jazz on select nights. Dining at Hall’s is the definition of a complete culinary experience.
3. High Cotton
199 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 724-3815
High Cotton is the pinnacle of Southern-Style cuisine. With its pine wood floors, antique brick, and stylish dining rooms, you know you’re walking into a classy establishment from the get-go. The Lowcountry-inspired menu is elegant, and every single ingredient is carefully selected to ensure only the highest-quality culinary experience. That’s reflected in the cost of dining, as this is one of the pricier options in Charleston. However, it’s completely worth it. Especially if you’ve never enjoyed the flavors of the Carolina coast. Live music is performed every Friday and Saturday, as well as other select days throughout the week. High Cotton isn’t just one of the best places to catch live music in Charleston; it’s one of the best places to dine in Charleston.
4. Prohibition
547 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 793-2964
Stepping inside Prohibition feels like you’re taking a step back in time. The name gives it away, but this place was inspired by the classic speakeasies of the roaring twenties, and you can see it within the design of the space. However, that’s where the classic feel ends because the cocktail and food menu is anything but classic. With modern and inventive creations behind the bar and the kitchen, Prohibition serves up delicious drinks and Southern-inspired food. If you want the full experience, you can enjoy a casual tasting menu paired with a dealer’s choice of beverage pairings. On top of all of that, Prohibition offers up live music on an almost daily basis. From New Music Thursdays to Bluegrass Brunch on Sundays, there’s always something to get the vibes flowing at Prohibition.
5. John King Grill and Dueling Piano Bar
428 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 483-5940
When it comes to gastro-pub-style food and live music, you’ll struggle to find many places better than John King’s. This laid-back spot features delicious smashed-style burgers, bacon fat confit fried chicken wings, locally sourced and antibiotic-free chicken sandwiches, and more! In addition to the absolutely delectable food, John King’s features a dueling piano show Wednesdays through Saturdays from 8 pm every night. They also have plenty of big-screen TVs throughout the space, which makes it perfect to catch whatever game you want to watch before settling in for some live music.
6. King Street Dispensary
559 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 737-4284
King Street Dispensary is yet another phenomenal staple of Charleston’s culinary scene. This sophisticated Gastroput and Bourbon bar serves up a full menu of innovative and modern pub-style food with a beverage selection that is almost impossible to top. That’s because, in addition to its extensively curated bourbon list, King Street Dispensary features a vast selection of rare microbrews, large-format imports, and many of the city’s impressive local brews. The happy hour here runs from 5-7 pm, Monday through Friday, and saves you 50% off all local beer & spirits. Live music happens nightly on the spacious outdoor patio. This all comes together to make King Street Dispensary one of the hottest spots in town!
7. The Royal American
970 Morrison Drive, Charleston, SC 29043
(843) 817-6925
Since 2011, The Royal American has been delighting the city of Charleston with its food, drinks, and fantastic live music. Located on Charleston’s Upper Peninsula, this place has live music every Friday and Saturday and you can check out who’s playing on their website. As far as the food goes, The Royal American serves up an elevated Classic American fare. Ingredients are locally sourced, and new specials are always being rotated through to keep things fresh. However, their house-ground burgers and patty melts are stellar and always available.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Charleston page!
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