10 Stunning Rooftop Restaurants in Charleston, SC
Sitting outside in the gorgeous sunshine or taking in the cool evening breeze is one of the best ways to enjoy the friendly southern city of Charleston. But finding a spot with a great view, good food, and a festive atmosphere isn’t always easy. So we have curated our list of the best rooftop restaurants in Charleston to help you find the perfect place to relax outside in one of the South’s most charming cities.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on July 10, 2022 and last updated on September 7, 2023. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
1. Hotel Bennett
404 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 203-0922
Hotel Bennett, in the heart of King Street, is a stunning hotel from top-to-bottom. However, their Fiat Lux rooftop offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Charleston’s characteristic blend of serene park and bustling historic city. Once you’re up top, treat yourself to a few of their tasty bites, like Duck Fat Fries or the Blue Crab Croissant. And why not a cocktail too? The Bennett Buzz is a unique twist on the espresso martini, made with Casamigos tequila instead of vodka.
2. Pour Taproom
560 King St Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 779-0810
As the tallest rooftop spot in town, enjoy breathtaking views at Pour Taproom along with a very unique way for guests to sample the many drinks on tap. Using a QR code system, visitors to Pour are only charged by the ounce of the self-serve taps of wine, beer and cider lining the walls. Sampling brews is simple and guests here can focus on enjoying the view under the stars while relaxing at the long, communal tables and bar lining the railing. Covered patio dining with a view is also available and visitors at Pour love to order the fried chicken tacos or the dipping trio to share with friends on a visit to one of the best rooftop restaurants in Charleston.
Photo credit: charlestoncvb.com
3. The Watch Kitchen & Spirits
75 Wentworth St Charleston, SC 29401
(877) 518-5115
Sitting atop the swanky boutique Restoration Hotel, The Watch’s patio and indoor dining areas are open in the mornings for breakfast, through cocktails and dinner alongside the stunning sunset views (but close even later). Early diners love The Watch’s geechee boy grits and a weekend favorite are the mimosa carafes to spice up their brunch. But the craft cocktails are not to be missed here during lunch or dinner with one of The Watch’s party pouch drinks or their many shaken and stirred choices like the Pirate’s Handshake and the Lady in a Red Dress. Diners love sharing the burrata appetizer, a delectable cheese with spicy-sweet additions that go just right with a glass of something refreshing and a gorgeous sunset.
Photo credit: charlestoncvb.com
4. Citrus Club
334 Meeting St Fl 8 Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 558-8000
Situated on the 8th-floor terrace of the Dewberry Hotel, the Citrus Club’s rooftop cocktail bar offers up a small menu to compliment their amusing drinks that go perfectly with a marvelous view of the city. One of the best rooftop restaurants in Charleston, the Citrus Club, is renowned for its impeccable views and delicious drinks. Once arriving at the Dewberry, the concierge will arrange a reservation to go up to the club. When you find your seat, order up a tropical hibiscus mojito paired with the calypso chips and salsa made from fried plantains to complete the chic chill vibe of this beautiful spot.
Photo credit: cntraveler.com
5. The Rooftop at the Vendue
19 Vendue Range Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 414-2337
This rooftop restaurant in Charleston has two levels to enjoy that both provide beautiful views of downtown, the bridge and the water. Sitting on the top floor of the artsy Vendue Hotel, dining at this spot practically guarantees you will be sharing the space with the trendiest locals and visitors in the know. Long considered one of the best outdoor rooftops in town, locals rave about the pizzas and the crack fries, a great starter to share while enjoying the fantastic atmosphere here.
Photo credit: starsrestaurant.com
6. Stars Rooftop & Grill Room
495 King St Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 577-0100
Downstairs, the full-service Exhibition Kitchen and Grill serves up convivial dining in Charleston, but up the central staircase lies the jewel of this place: the Stars Rooftop & Grill Room. Casual seating and a full bar flank the open sides of Stars Rooftop. Excellent views of upper King Street are plentiful for guests who are shaded by large umbrellas or warmed by large heaters in the winter. Dining options here are limited to the walnut bar or the dining room downstairs, but visitors to The Rooftop can order a lavender lemonade cocktail or even a “mystery beer” that will surprise your taste buds with a different beverage every time it’s ordered.
Photo credit: Yelp
7. Poogan’s Porch
72 Queen St Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 577-2337
A stately southern beauty built in 1888 and dressed in soft yellow with a double-decker porch is the home of Poogan’s Porch. While not technically a rooftop, the second-story porch commands lovely views of Queen Street and the surrounding area. The graceful feel of this restaurant just oozes Charleston’s charm. Guests here nosh on southern comfort foods like pimento cheese fritters and shrimp & grits for brunch.
Photo credit: churchandunioncharleston.com
8. Church & Union
32B N Market St Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 937-8666
This very vibey restaurant is unique because it is located in a renovated church that retained its gorgeous stained glass windows and unique architecture. And the almost secret patio upstairs provides another way to enjoy the outstanding food at Church & Union, but this time you are under the stars and twinkling lights instead of in the multi-colored light streaming through the gorgeous gothic interior. Visitors here love to snag oysters on the half shell or red pepper arancini to share as well as the fried chicken or filet for lunch or dinner here.
photo credit: cntraveler.com
9. Eleve Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge
55 Wentworth St Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 724-4144
The elegantly casual Eleve has places to chill, tables to dine on and a bar to mingle at all in one stunning space. Sitting atop the Bohemian Hotel, Eleve is one of the best rooftop restaurants in Charleston because their elevated dining options like the crab cakes, shellfish chowder and tasty burgers recently available here hit the spot.
10. Charleston Crab House
41 S Market St, Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 853-2900
This family owned restaurant is located right in the historic district and is serving up some of the tastiest seafood in town. It’s the perfect spot to grab a seat and enjoy some drinks and Crab-a-tizers. Start off with something like their crab stuffed mushrooms, BBQ shrimp and grits or the crab dip. It only gets better from here! For dinner try options like their steam pots if you’re in the mood for a low country shrimp boil, or go classic with a crab cake sandwich or blackened chicken Alfredo. Something fun they do here is the “you hook it, we cook it!” option. Just bring in your cleaned fresh catch and they’ll cook it up for ya! Sit upstairs for rooftop views of the Charleston City Market and enjoy.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Charleston page here!
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