Charleston has one of the best bar scenes on the east coast, and I think it’s largely because of how much of a variety of different bar styles it has. There’s a vibe here for whatever type of night you’re trying to have, and whoever the crowd you resonate with is. Because it has so much depth, I guarantee there’s bars that you’d love that you haven’t tried yet, regardless of your go to spots.
Here are 11 of the most slept-on bars in Charleston that you should try next time you’re out.
Harold's Cabin
Harold’s is an eclectic bar and restaurant tucked away in the West Side on the corner of President St and Congress St. It’s got a downstairs bar, and a cozy second floor bar and lounge room called The Pickled Beat, with an outside rooftop deck.
They’ve got a great happy hour from 4 – 7 pm Tuesday through Friday, and you’ve got to try the signature cocktail the Beetle Juice.
Check out the their deals and more on Bartopia: Harold’s Cabin | The Pickled Beat
Pink Cactus
This may shock some of you but I think Pink Cactus are my favorite margaritas in town. They have Pink Cactus, Pineapple, Coconut, Pepino, Mango, Lime and Spicy flavors and they’re all on happy hour Monday to Saturday from 3 – 6. Also on happy hour is some incredible Oaxacan style snacks like tacos, salsa, queso fundido and more.
I’m only scratching the surface on one of the best happy hours in town. Check out the details on their Bartopia listing: Pink Cactus
Grace & Grit
Coming over the bridge from downtown, Grace & Grit is just into Mt. P to the left. They’re known for their amazing food and brunch, but most people don’t know how dope their happy hour is.
They have a collection of over 400 bourbons and whiskeys, and – I kid you not – multiple levels of bourbon flights on their happy hour. Plus discounts on top shelf and premium level bourbons. This has become one of my favorite bars to go for bourbon and I’ve found some new favorites from the flights.
See the rest of their happy hour on their listing: Grace & Grit | Bartopia
CO
CO is tucked away on King just below Calhoun and right near Burns Alley. They have some of my favorite Southeast Asian food in Charleston and its happy hour and location make it a perfect place for dinner to start your night out.
They have some great drink deals on happy hour (including sake infusions) and tons of snacks like edamame and spring rolls.
There’s too many deals to list them all here, but check out the details here: CO | Bartopia
Baker & Brewer
This is a very cool collab between Holy City Brewing and EVO Pizzeria. Located just off Meeting right near the bridge on-ramp, Baker & Brewer has a sweet porch and two sided bar. I love getting half-off cocktails and $3 drafts from 4 – 6 pm weekdays, but there’s more on other nights too. Plus as a Liverpool fan it’s great watching Premier League games with other fans.
Check out all the details: Baker & Brewer | Bartopia
Kid Cashew
Kid Cashew is in Mt. Pleasant on Coleman right near the connector to Sullivan’s. I have some friends who are absolutely ride-or-die by Kid Cashew, and once you hear their weekly deal line-up you’ll see why.
They don’t have happy hour but they offer deals on something different every day of the week. $6 brown liquor on Tuesdays and $6 craft cocktails on Fridays to name a few.
See the full week breakdown here: Kid Cashew | Bartopia
Smugglers Island Eats and Rum Shack
Smuggler’s has a great outdoor bar vibe on IOP right below Coconut Joe’s and down the street from the Windjammer. They’ve got some great deals on rum drinks during happy hour plus half off smash burgers on Mondays.
Check out their full happy hour: Smuggler’s | Bartopia
Madra Rua
Right in the heart of Park Circle’s bar scene, Madra Rua is a very cool Irish pub and one of my favorite places to watch Premier League games. They’ve got some killer Irish grub like Shepherd’s Pie and Corned Beef & Cabbage, plus rotating lunch and dinner specials.
Check it out: Madra Rua | Bartopia
DIG in the Park
Right across the street in Park Circle is DIG, a great outdoor bar and live music hub. They have an indoor bar too but their courtyard is a cool place to hang outside at the bar or a table. They have happy hour, but their Taco Tuesday is next level. Deals on tacos, shots, margaritas and more! Hands down one of the best Tuesday specials in Charleston.
Get your taco on: DIG | Bartopia
Jalisco Taqueria & Tequila
One of the best Mexican restaurants in all of Charleston, Jalisco is in the heart of James Island. Not only is their food absolutely off the charts, they have an insane line-up of deals and specials.
I love getting $5 margaritas and Espolon shots plus snacks on happy hour 4 – 7 pm on weekdays. But they also have way more, and a different deal every weekday, including tequila flights on Fridays!
See the rest that I couldn’t list here: Jalisco | Bartopia
Barsa Tapas Lounge & Bar
Barsa’s got some amazing Spanish tapas right on upper King near Recovery Rom and Neon Tiger. The wrap-around bar inside or the patio out front are perfect for happy hour all 7 days a week. Go grab some paella with friends and save some money on their deals, even on the weekends!
Check out the their deals and more on Bartopia: Barsa Tapas Lounge & Bar
I hope you enjoyed this and try some of these awesome spots in town if you haven’t already. Remember that you can use all different types of searches on Bartopia to discover more of this city’s great bars and restaurants that you might not know about.
If you do end up going to any of these places after reading this article, please message or tag us on social media to let us know. Cheers and happy drinking!
