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Libby Wiersema lived in California and Alabama before settling in South Carolina 38 years ago,
where she's covered the state's best culinary offerings and tells the stories behind the food.
Some places are known for great drinks. Some places have a reputation for amazing cuisine.
And then there are those that pull off both with remarkable flair and finesse.
In South Carolina, such treasures are easy to find as more and more restaurants devote equal time to developing memorable menus and stellar beverage programs. By teaming up with local purveyors and esteemed breweries, wineries and distilleries, they can offer guests the best of both worlds in one experience.
No need to begin your evening at a dedicated cocktail bar before moving on to the main course somewhere else. Simplify your date night logistics when you patronize establishments with bar programs that are as inspired as the menus.
Here are a few suggestions, in no particular order, to get you started:
Bourbon 1214 Main Street, Columbia
The scoop: Located inside the historic Brennan Building near the South Carolina Statehouse, Bourbon is a whiskey bar and Cajun-Creole restaurant.
Setting the bar: As its name implies, Bourbon specializes in more than 150 bourbons and whiskeys plus craft cocktails.
Menu highlights: Shrimp creole, Viet-Cajun spare ribs, gumbo bowls, shrimp and tasso ham étouffée, boudin balls, Po' boys and even a duck ratatouille are standouts among an assortment of steaks, chops, chicken and quail.
Notable: Reservations not accepted. Dinner only.
Tattooed Moose 3328 Maybank Highway, Johns Island, Charleston 4845 Chateau Avenue, Park Circle, North Charleston
The scoop: The Tattooed Moose has been featured on Guy Fieri's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" and remains a favorite on his "best of" list.
Setting the bar: The drink lineup includes a comprehensive list of beers on tap, canned and bottled, including lots of Charleston brands. Boozy Sunday brunches with offerings like Beer Moose-A with Steigl Radner and champagne, and a variety of mimosa and coffee concoctions have earned them a reputation for great drinks and eats.
Menu highlights: Inventive sandwiches are wildly popular here and include the house specialty (and Fieri fave), Mike's Famous Duck Club, along with hot pastrami, Lowcountry Cuban, the Tattooed Moose Burger and an array of appetizers. Don't miss the duck fat fries!
Notable: Happy hour specials and late night menu
The spacious dining room at Edmund's Oast in Charleston offers a communal table, bar seating and more. Photo courtesy of Edmund's Oast.
The scoop: The indoor dining area at Edmund's Oast is open concept with booths, tables, communal tables and the Chef's Table that offers a view of the kitchen. There's also a great dog-friendly outdoor patio with a bar called The Bower.
Setting the bar: Edmund's Oast's on-site brewery produces a variety of award-winning beers that hit the lineup on a seasonal basis. Growlers are available. Check the website for current listings. Wine and cocktails served, too.
Menu highlights: You can't go wrong with anything here - no lie. Among the most popular dishes are the Artisan Meat Share Cheeseburger, Salt Chicken, Crunchy Salad and the best dang pickled shrimp in all the Lowcountry. There's also Lowcountry farm-raised beef and poultry, plus catch-of-the-day local fish dishes.
Noteable: Edmund's Oast Restaurant is open daily; reservations suggested. Patio dining menu differs a bit and seating is first-come, first-served. There is a satellite bar at 1505 King Street that serves beer and small plates.
Félix Cocktails et Cuisine 550 King Street, Charleston
The scoop: A Parisian vibe defines this Conde Nast favorite located in the heart of Charleston. Dim-lit with charming French decor and a curvaceous marble-topped bar, Félix is a gem among the King Street crowd.
Setting the bar: Sublime classic concoctions include a creamy espresso martini, gin old fashioned, pretty sparkling cocktails, draft cocktails, inventive mocktails and signature drinks like the Impératrice Violette made with Aurora gin, fresh lemon juice, peach, mint bitters and egg white.
Menu highlights: You can go French here at a pleasing price point. Enjoy excellent dishes like Petit Croque Monsieur, the Raclette Burger, Lobster Deviled Eggs, Salade Lyonnaise and Steak-Frites. Rich omelettes and the irresistible candied bacon are brunch musts on Saturday and Sunday. For dessert, try the custardy Chocolate Pot De Crème.
Noteable: Serves lunch and late-night, too.
An expertly curated wine list and creative cocktails have earned Lula Drake Wine Parlour a loyal following.
Lula Drake Wine Parlour 1635 Main Street, Columbia
The scoop: Vintage elegance prevails at Lula Drake, which is located in a historic building in the heart of the capital city. In 2024, this hotspot snagged the James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program.
Setting the bar: Owner Tim Gardner is the head sommelier, and he knows his stuff as demonstrated through expert wine and food pairings. Lula Drake's offers a rotating list of wines by the glass and bottle, madeira, sherry and rare vintages from the world over.
Menu highlights: Small plates and shareables are a delight here with delicious offerings like Capa Negra Jamón Ibérico, Pickled Strawberry Salad and addictive Yangnyeom “KFC” Korean Fried Chicken. Pasta entrees are all the rage, especially Cacio e Pepe featuring pillowy ricotta gnocchi. End with the panna cotta paired with a dessert wine.
Noteable: Reservations are not accepted and seating is limited, so arrive early. Dinner only. When it comes to pairings, follow the dictates of the Lula Drake staff.
Rivertown Bistro 1111 Third Avenue, Conway
The scoop: Rivertown Bistro is well-known across the state for its fine cuisine and bar offerings. Proprietor Darren Smith is also a 2025 South Carolina Chef Ambassador, so you know that every aspect of this restaurant is top-notch.
Setting the bar: The cocktails here are as creative as they are delicious. The lineup is a mix of old and new. Try the oaky Old Fashioned, Clementine Cosmopolitan, Caramel Appletini and seasonal refreshers like the Summer Rita with cucumber and watermelon. Fine wines and beer round out the offerings.
Menu highlights: Expertly executed dishes include Braised Beef Short Rib, Bacon-wrapped Pork Tenderloin, Yuzu Miso Glazed Salmon and Pan-seared Duck Breast. The Hot Crab Dip and daily fondue are great shareables, too.
Noteable: Serves lunch, Saturday brunch and an abbreviated menu between 3 and 5 p.m.
Igloo dining makes for a novel al fresco experience at Publico in Columbia.
Publico 2013 Greene Street, Columbia
The scoop: Located in the Five Points entertainment district, Publico is known for exciting Lat-Asian cuisine and an eclectic, hip environment.
Setting the bar: There are 54 - count 'em - 54 beers on tap with a whopping 45 of those from craft breweries across South Carolina.
Menu highlights: Creatively crafted fusion dishes are highly prized here. Try the Korean Hot Chicken Bao Buns, Spicy Turkey Gyoza, Persian Pear Salad, Chicken and Puffles, and Cheesecake Chimichanga. Feeling particularly adventurous? Grasshopper tacos (yes - grasshoppers!) should fulfill the urge. Sunday Funday Brunch features everything from a double breakfast smash burger to chilaquiles.
Notable: In the winter months, reserve a heated "igloo" and dine comfortably outdoors.
Lost Local 705 Bay Street, Beaufort
The scoop: Even if you aren't local or lost, you would be remiss to pass up Lost Local, a colorful, quirky little taco and seafood bar with tasty affordable eats and an amazing bar selection.
Setting the bar: The cocktails here are downright kickin' - hand-crafted and artistically presented. A main attraction is the diverse lineup of martinis: Prickly Pear, Cosmo Rose, Wild Lavender, Cucumber Mint, Espresso and more. Margarita choices are just as impressive with more combinations than you have fingers. The beer menu is vast with everything from blondes to sours to lagers and seltzers, and the wine selection has a global lean that will please afficionados.
Menu highlights: The menu is a testament to the crafty minds in the kitchen. Think tacos with chicken and macaroni and cheese, BBQ pork and collards, fried green tomatoes, fried sushi and shrimp and pineapple slaw. Traditionalists are covered, too, with barbacoa and carnitas. The Crack Nachos make a fun shareable and pair well with a cold margarita. Pan-seared mussels with bread for dipping up the spicy tomato-wine sauce are excellent with a glass of red.
Notable: Lost Local is committed to locally sourced ingredients so the menu is ever evolving.
Seafood and cocktail pairings are a sublime affair at The Independent.
The Independent 615 Front Street, Georgetown
The scoop: The Independent is located at The George, historic Georgetown's boutique hotel. Fresh, seasonal dishes with a Southern touch and a seafood-centric menu complement the beverage program for an elevated dining experience.
Setting the bar: This establishment offers a globally curated wine list, array of local beers, creative spirit-free drinks and cocktails for perfect pairings and relaxed sipping. The Grey Man, named for the area's best-known ghost, is a tasty mix of vodka, cranberry, lime and rosemary simple syrup. Warm up to the sublime flavors of the cardamom-infused Spiced Apple Spritz or Maple Black Walnut Manhattan.
Menu highlights: As stated, the seafood dishes take the spotlight with delectable options like grilled oysters with smoked ancho chili butter, parmesan and breadcrumbs and blackened Red Drum with lump crab and andouille sausage pileau. The raw bar is brimming with choice treasures, too. Certified angus beef steaks and grilled quail have a dedicated fanbase. End with the hummingbird cake with a brown butter cream cheese icing.
Notable: Reservations recommended. Try their Wine Wednesday events and Sunday brunches for a treat.
Fire & Smoke Prime Steakhouse 411 79th Avenue N, Myrtle Beach
The scoop: Part steakhouse and part gastropub, Fire & Smoke serves American fusion and Southern comfort food made with locally sourced, fresh ingredients.
Setting the bar: Imbibe on high-end microbrew beers, fine wines and upper-end spirits. Don't miss the star of this beverage program: smoky hand-crafted cocktails. There's also an extensive bourbon menu with an array of WhistlePig selections, whiskeys by Buffalo Trace, Pappy Van Winkle and the hard-to-find Weller 12 made popular by the Yellowstone series.
Menu highlights: Choose from specialties like Duck Confit Nachos, Pulled Pork Poutine, Crawfish Hushpuppies and Seafood Charcuterie.
Notable: Themed wine and spirit dinners are offered throughout the year.
Juniper gets an A+ for fun drinks and tasty eats.
Juniper 315 S Main Street, Greenville
The scoop: Situated atop the AC Hotel on Main Street, Juniper delivers stellar cuisine and cocktails in a stunning rooftop space with scenic views and a nightime party vibe.
Setting the bar: Juniper is tops in every way when it comes to hand-crafted cocktails. With fun names like Rich Girl, Risk It For Hibiscus, Caught in the Rain and Get Frooty With It, you just know the drink presentations will be just as intriguing. Other drink options include zero proof, frosé, bubbles, spirit flights, craft beer, liqueurs, an array of wines and plenty of classic cocktails for more traditional tastes.
Menu highlights: For shareables, try the Rock Shrimp Tempura, East Coast Oysters or Crispy Octopus. For plate-size appetites, there's heartier fare like Pan-roasted Halibut, Wagyu Strip Steak and Lion's Mane Crab Cakes. Finish on a sweet note with a silky Ube Panna Cotta.
Notable: Reservations recommended. Late-night hours on Friday and Saturday; Sunday brunch
The Feed Sack 1593 Whiskey Road, Aiken 1069 Edgefield Road, North Augusta
The scoop: Don't be fooled by the equestrian-inspired name. Both locations of The Feed Sack offer refined dining and a noteworthy bar program with live piano music nightly.
Setting the bar: From the Vanilla Walnut Old Fashioned to the Autumn Gin Fizz to the Lavender Lemon Drop Martini, the cocktails here are designed for sublime sipping. Smoky classics are available, too, as well as a selection of bubbles, fine wine and beer.
Menu highlights: The seasonal rotation has included favorites like seared scallops and risotto, shaved prime rib sandwich, braised short rib and a juicy herb-roasted, sweet tea-brined pork chop.
Notable: On Saturday nights at the Aiken location, enjoy the outdoor patio with a dedicated bar and stage for live music - weather permitting.
Cuisine and cocktails both shine at Old Town Kitchen in Rock Hill.
Old Town Kitchen & Cocktails 300 Technology Center Way, Rock Hill
The scoop: Old Town Kitchen & Cocktails serves tantalizing comfort food and cocktails in an inviting space that contrasts tall steel-framed windows with rich wood accents.
Setting the bar: The beverage program is robust thanks to mixologist, Bob Peters, whose masterful concoctions are acclaimed in the Rock Hill area and across Charlotte. There's a cocktail here to perfectly suit your palate - or surprise it. Black Bubbles, a sparkly drink made with Salamander vodka, blackberry syrup, fresh lemon and prosecco and the Rumpkin Stillskin, made with Queen Charlotte's reserve rum, pumpkin tea syrup, sweet vermouth and bitters are just a couple of examples of the craftiness you'll savor.
Menu highlights: The approach here focuses on locally sourced ingredients and meals that satisfy. Choose from a kaleidoscope of flavors and cuisines with dishes like New Awlins Shrimp Toast, Salt and Pepper Fried Flounder, Chicken Fried Steak, Creole Chicken Linguine and Pork Schnitzel. There are sandwiches and salads, too, for lighter appetites.
Notable: Bob Peters routinely offers free cocktail classes for those seeking to hone their mixology skills. See their Facebook page for details.
The Trappe Door 23 W Washington Street, Greenville
The scoop: With a focus on Belgian food and drink, The Trappe Door has garnered a loyal following who love the Old World flavors and vibe.
Setting the bar: Trappist ales, plus pales, blondes, witbiers, dubbels, saisons and triples - it's all here. The range of spirits - whiskey, scotch, gin, rum, bourbon, rye and such - is likewise impressive. Craving a cocktail with your bitterballen? Go for the Trappe Door Whiskey Sour or Moscow Mule.
Menu highlights: Food options range from unique appetizers like blackened crab and blue cheese fondue, duck spring rolls, wild mushroom Vol Au Von and fried Brussel salad to Flemish onion soup, pork and cherry sausages and the best Belgian waffle ever with ice cream and fresh fruit. Entrees to try: Braised short ribs, sautéed duck breast, steak frites and walnut-crusted pork loin.
Noteable: Tables here are in high demand, so reservations should be made far in advance.
Libby Wiersema lived in California and Alabama before settling in South Carolina 38 years ago,
where she's covered the state's best culinary offerings and tells the stories behind the food.
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