Welcome to the Charleston skyline, where the sun sets gently over the harbor, and the sea breeze carries the laughter of locals and visitors alike. As you take in the charm and history of South Carolina's oldest city, there's a special way to elevate your experience — quite literally. Escape the bustle of the streets and step into the world of downtown Charleston's vibrant rooftop bars. Each one offers a unique perspective of this coastal gem, providing panoramic views that seem pulled from a storybook.
List of Charleston Rooftop Bars.
Here's a handpicked list of the best rooftop bars in downtown Charleston that are as seductive as the city's rich culture and history. Whether you're a local looking for your new favorite hangout or a traveler seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience, these rooftop locations are guaranteed to leave you spellbound with their southern charm and modern flair.
79 Wentworth Street, 7th Floor.
Charmed by History, Served with Style!
Located atop The Restoration Hotel (the 7th floor), The Watch Rooftop Kitchen & Spirits beautifully marries past and present. The name pays homage to the 1940s building's original use as a watchtower. Today, it offers a vantage point for stunning sunsets over the historic district. This perch unites a casual atmosphere with a menu that's a nod to Lowcountry traditions—think she-crab soup and shrimp and grits with a modern twist. The bartenders here are serious about their craft, curating a selection of craft cocktails featuring local spirits. With Signature cocktails that include Romero’s Bad Habit or Pebbles and Bamm Bamm, you are bound to have a wonderful time at the Sunset hour. Every Sunday they offer discounts for employees in the restaurant service industry from 4PM till close. If you are around on a Thursday, check out their Martini Madness.
225 East Bay Street.
A Palatial Escape!
At Market Pavilion Hotel, you'll find The Pavilion Bar, a chic oasis in the heart of the Market area. What sets this bar apart, besides its unobstructed view of the Ravenel Bridge is its commitment to luxury. This rooftop bar oozes opulence with its lush tropical plants and plunge pool. This is a rooftop oasis. The bar is an extension of the lavish hotel, which is mirrored in the price of drinks, but the divine selection of champagne and upscale cocktails is worth the indulgence. Reserve a table for a touch of privacy and enjoy the starlit sky best viewed during the balmy Charleston weather. Sweet Tea Martini and Pavilion Punch are a couple specialty cocktails you should enjoy.
C. Eleve
55 Wentworth Street.
Elevating the Scene with Energy!
The Grand Bohemian Hotel follows through on its name with Eleve, a rooftop experience that elevates not just your physical location, but your spirits too. This high-energy bar is reminiscent of a European street scene, complete with an open-air terrace and a bustling atmosphere. Set against the backdrop of Charleston's historic church steeples and the harbor, it hosts live music and entertainment to keep the night alive. Cocktails span a wide range — from bespoke mixes to classics with a twist. Feel like royalty as you sip the signature Bohemian Sunset cocktail, beautifully presented and as charismatic as the hotel's art collection.
19 Vendue Range.
Art, Ambiance, and Awe!
The Vendue's Rooftop Bar is a sight to behold, not just for its 360-degree views of the city but also for its status as an extension of The Vendue, Charleston's Art Hotel. The ambiance here is unrivaled, with a relaxed vibe that harmonizes with the contemporary art featured. Savor culinary creations influenced by the sea and by Southern comfort flavors, perfectly complemented by the curated wine selection. This artistic setting calls for the perfect shot of creative cocktail — try The Pimm Daddy, a delightful combination of Gin, lemon, simple syrup, muddled cucumber, and a splash of soda. Perfect drink for great views of the city.
495 King Street.
Understated Elegance with a Stellar View!
Stars Rooftop & Grill Room offers an upscale-casual setting that welcomes everyone like a dignitary. Located on Upper King Street, this is one of the only rooftop bars that face the sprawling inland of Charleston SC, providing an intimate view of this historic southern oasis, the Holy City. The craft beer and cocktail lists change with the seasons, ensuring the best mixology creations complement the view. The first floor is where you go for food, as they do not serve food on the rooftop. Stars Rooftop Bar is a place to go for a good time in summer or winter as they have heaters on the roof to keep you nice and warm in the off season.
145 Calhoun Street. Suite 301.
A Whimsical Wonderland in the Sky!
Step into the extraordinary at Ritual Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge, where every visit is an adventure peppered with a dash of whimsy and a sprinkle of enchantment. Perched above the cobblestone streets of Charleston, Ritual invites you to a world where the ordinary morphs into the extraordinary. Here, the cocktails don't just tantalize your taste buds; they take you on a sensory voyage. Imagine sipping on a Cenote Punch, or a More Honey More Problems. Beyond the rooftop they also have a Nightclub to dance the night away, the perfect place for a good time. Ritual isn't just a place to dine; it's a destination to experience joy, laughter, and maybe a bit of mischief. It's where the stars seem to twinkle just for you, and the Charleston skyline serves as the backdrop to an evening filled with wonder.
334 Meeting Street, 8th Floor.
Sip a Sour, with a Beautiful View!
And just when you thought the adventure couldn't get any zestier, welcome to the Citrus Club, located at the Dewberry Hotel. For hotel guests or patrons who crave a twist of sun-kissed revelry. This isn't your typical club; it's a jubilee of juiciness, a citadel of citrus wonders where every cocktail is a burst of liquid sunshine. Picture savoring the "Purple Rain", a blend of Tito’s, Lavender Syrup, Lemon and Sparkling Water. It's not just a drink; it's a performance, with flavors pouring across your tongue in a symphony of sweet and sour. This is the best place with one of the highest views of the city, from a Rooftop bar. At the Citrus Club, every moment is a celebration of the vibrant, the vivacious, and the downright vivifying. It's where laughter bubbles over like champagne, and the air is tinged with the scent of lemongrass and adventure. Here, the sun never sets on fun, and the only requirement is a thirst for life and a penchant for the extraordinary.
H. Fiat Lux
404 King Street.
Modern Chic Meets Bourbon!
Fiat Lux, the next jewel in Charleston's crown, where the buzz of the city fades into a serene whisper, and the lights dance just for you. This isn't just another venue; it's a symphony of sophistication and sass, a place where Southern charm meets a cosmopolitan vibe. Located in Hotel Bennett, you are nestled in on comfortable seats, a beautiful modern look on the inside with lighting, and then on the outside on the rooftop terrace there are bar height tables and chairs, while the air carries a hint of bourbon and laughter. Here, every drink tells a story, every corner holds a secret, and every night promises an enigma wrapped in the warm hug of South Carolina. It is a great spot, with its eclectic mix of grace and modern flair, Fiat Lux is not just a stop on your itinerary; it's a destination, a place where art, music, and flavors collide to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you're clinking glasses with old friends or making new ones. Fiat Lux wraps you in a world where time slows down, and the joy of the moment takes center stage. Try the signature cocktail called Passion Project or Honey I’m Comb.
560 King Street.
Where Beer is King in the Holy City!
Pour Taproom, Charleston's very own playground for the spirited and the spontaneous beer lover, where the taps flow as freely as the rivers and the laughter rises like a tide. This isn't just another bar; it's the highest rooftop bar in Charleston, it’s a place where freedom rules and the choices - oh, the choices! - are as boundless as the ocean. Imagine a place where you're the master of your own libation destiny, navigating through an ocean of taps with the ease of a seasoned captain, each pouring an exploration, each sip a discovery. With every flavor from the darkest stouts to the crispiest ciders awaiting your decree, Pour Taproom invites you into a world where your palate is the compass and adventure is the course. Nestled in the heart of Charleston, with walls that whisper tales of merriment and ceilings that echo with the joy of gatherings, it's here that memories are not just made but poured with precision and a spirit of abandon. They have a happy hour and Hyatt Hotel customers receive a 10 percent discount. The air buzzes with the energy of first timers and regulars alike, all united in the quest for the perfect pour. Get ready to be swept off your feet and into the wave of fun that is Pour Taproom - where every drop is a drop of happiness!
565 King Street.
Relax During the Day, Dance at Night!
During the day visit the multilevel INK rooftop, then when nighttime arrives the night club is where the fun is at. INK Rooftop and Lounge. Perched like a crow's nest atop Charleston's vibrant landscape, INK is where the sky's the limit — literally! Drenched in the glow of twinkling lights and serenaded by the whispers of the night, this spot is a haven for those who chase the moon and dance with the stars. With cocktails that sparkle with creativity and a view that steals your breath away, INK isn't just a place; it's a destination, where the urban skyline meets the charm of Charleston in a symphony of night-time magic. Here, every moment is a brushstroke on the canvas of the night, painting memories in hues of laughter and joy. Raise your glass to the celestial and let the vibrant energy of INK Rooftop and Lounge infuse your evening with an unforgettable glow. In Charleston, the rooftops hold stories, and INK is ready to tell its tale.
587 King Street.
Social Butterflies will Flutter Here!
If your heart still thirsts for more adventure and your soul for camaraderie, make your way to Uptown Social. It's not just any spot; it's the heartbeat of Charleston's vibrant scene! Imagine a place where laughter bubbles up like a finely poured ale and where the music beats in tandem with your pulse. Uptown Social is a melting pot of joy, a place where stories intertwine over a slice of heavenly pizza and a cold beer. Here, every table holds the promise of a new friendship, and the energy is so contagious, you'll find yourself dancing until dawn. It's more than just food and drinks; it's a sanctuary for those who live for the night and thrive in the kinship of spirited souls. At Uptown Social, the city's electric spirit is alive, inviting you to be part of the endless celebration that is life in Charleston.
54 North Market Street.
Old Time Flair with New Style Selections!
Henry's on the Market, an iconic jewel nestled in the vibrant heart of Charleston! Imagine a place where history and merriment dance hand in hand, where the walls hum with the stories of yesteryears, and every corner tells a tale. Henry's is not just a venue; it's a lively pageant of Charleston's rich tapestry, a carnival of flavors, music, and laughter. Henry’s Restaurant has been continuously open since 1932. They have live music, a rooftop deck, a dance lounge, old style speakeasy bar, and a southern style porch. Like many others on this list, you can book for private events, and reserve tables.
Think of it as your rendezvous with the soul of the city, where the past meets the present in a joyful celebration. At Henry's, the air is thick with the aroma of delectable Southern cuisine, inviting you to indulge in a culinary adventure that tantalizes your taste buds and warms your heart. With live bands setting the rhythm of the night and the cheer of the crowd lifting your spirit, it's impossible not to get swept up in the revelry. Henry's on the Market is the embodiment of Charleston's unwavering spirit, a place where every night is an ode to joy and every visit leaves you longing for more. Join the symphony of smiles, the chorus of chatter, and the dance of delight at Henry's, where every moment is a toast to the art of living passionately.
170 Lockwood Drive.
Charleston Views with a Drink in Hand!
Last but not least, as if Charleston hadn't already stolen your heart with its ground-level wonders, elevate your senses at the Aqua Terrace Rooftop Bar. Located at the Charleston Marriott, perched atop the city's skyline, this is not just a bar, it’s a rooftop paradise where the sky kisses the sea, blending the horizon into cocktails of dreams. Imagine sipping on your favorite drink, the city lights twinkling below like a thousand fireflies, narrating tales of the night sky. The Aqua Terrace is more than a spot, it's a celestial experience, a place where the moon and stars are your companions, and the cool night breeze whispers secrets of the city into your ears. Open daily from 4PM till 10PM, they unfortunately have seasonal operations. Website says March till early November, so always check in advance to make sure when you visit, they will be open.
Conclusion
Each of these rooftop bars in downtown Charleston offers a special kind of magic that adds a new layer to your experience. At the heart of each is the city's welcoming spirit, seamlessly combined with the exclusivity of top-tier service and the awe of the South Carolina skies. With this guide in hand, your exploration of Charleston's skyline promises to be truly unforgettable. Whether you're catching up with old friends while the sun says its goodbyes or raising a glass to new horizons, these rooftop venues provide the perfect stage for memories and moments that will last a lifetime.
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