Cocktail Hour in Charleston

Rooftop Bar at the Vendue

What it's known for: Rooftop Bar at the boutique Vendue hotel is considered one of Charleston's best upper level bars thanks to sweeping views, its top-notch list of signature cocktails and an extensive selection of local craft beers. If you're looking for a place to meet friends for dinner or simply relax with drinks and great scenery, you won't be disappointed.

Style: Southern, rooftop bar

Address: 19 Vendue Range, Charleston

Phone: (843) 577-7970

Stars Rooftop & Grill Room

What it's known for: The lively Stars Rooftop & Grill Room has taken "Carolina Cuisine" to a whole new level with its 1930s-style grill room. Everything about this restaurant is impressive, but the drink menu is a star in its own right. Enjoy specialty cocktails with your meal, or venture upstairs to the only 360-degree rooftop view in Charleston. 

Style: Rooftop bar, farm-to-table, Southern

Address: 495 King St., Charleston

Phone: (843) 577-0100

Edmund's Oast

What it's known for: The beer inspires the menu at Edmund's Oast, where almost everything, including the extensive charcuterie program, is made from scratch. And it's almost as fun to read the beer menu as taste from it. The patio makes for a nice experience, and they serve Sunday brunch, too.

Style: Seasonally-focused menu, elevated brewpub fare

Address: 1081 Morrison Drive, Charleston

Phone: (843) 727-1145

Pavilion Bar

What it's known for: Sitting atop the Market Pavilion Hotel, the Pavilion Bar just feels like luxury. Sit by its one-of-a-kind cascading pool and watch the sun set over a gorgeous historic Charleston view with champagne in hand, and you'll see what we mean.

Style: Stylish but casual, eclectic bar menu

Address: 225 E. Bay St., Charleston

Phone: (843) 723-0500

Charleston Grill

What it's known for: Set in the elegant Belmond Charleston Place hotel, Charleston Grill is the standard-bearer for the Holy City. It is as welcoming as it is beautiful. Executive Chef Michelle Weaver, a 2018 South Carolina Chef Ambassador, uses local ingredients to create innovative, memorable dishes. Enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine at their Thoroughbred Club jazz bar where the service shines as much as it does in the main dining room.

Style: Southern, Lowcountry, elegant, James Beard Award Winner

Address: 224 King St., Charleston

Phone: (843) 577-4522

The Griffon

What it's known for: The Griffon is a traditional British pub located just steps from Waterfront Park in historic Charleston. A comfortable spot to sit and enjoy a craft beer with your traditional fish and chips, or if you're feeling more Lowcountry - the buffalo shrimp. If you have a good experience, make sure you add a tip to the wall.

Style: British pub, casual, lunch, dinner

Address: 18 Vendue Range, Charleston

Phone: (843) 723-1700

The Windjammer

What it's known for: The Windjammer has been a favorite watering hole on the Isle of Palms for years. With lots of entertainment - including live music, contests and beach volleyball - it's the perfect place to stop in for a cold drink no matter the occasion.

Style: Waterfront, beach bar, late lunch, dinner

Address: 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms

Phone: (843) 886-8596