Charleston Nightlife Guide: Complete Guide
Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. Discover the best nightlife experiences in Charleston.
Welcome to the ultimate nightlife guide for Charleston! Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. This comprehensive guide will help you discover the very best nightlife experiences that Charleston has to offer, from popular hotspots to hidden local favorites. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you'll find insider tips, detailed recommendations, and everything you need to make the most of your nightlife adventure in Charleston. Our carefully curated selection ensures you won't miss any of the must-see spots while also discovering unique experiences that most tourists overlook.
Key Takeaways
- Charleston offers over 63 exceptional nightlife experiences
- Best time to visit varies by activity - check individual listings for optimal timing
- Many experiences require advance booking, especially during peak season
- Local guides and experts provide invaluable insights and access
- Prices range from budget-friendly to premium, with options for every preference
Top Bars & Cocktail Lounges
Craft cocktail bars, rooftop lounges, and unique drinking establishments with great atmospheres.
Prohibition
Highly rated American in Charleston with 4.4 stars from 2716 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 547 King St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
The Griffon
Highly rated American in Charleston with 4.5 stars from 2995 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 18 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
The Rooftop at the Vendue
Highly rated American in Charleston with 4.5 stars from 3650 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 19 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Little Palm
Highly rated Restaurant in Charleston with 4.6 stars from 761 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 237 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Last Saint
Highly rated Bar in Charleston with 4.8 stars from 168 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 472 Meeting St B, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Peacock
Highly rated Restaurant in Charleston with 4.6 stars from 434 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 213 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Ritual Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge
Highly rated Restaurant in Charleston with 4.1 stars from 557 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 145 Calhoun St UNIT 301, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Doar Bros.
Highly rated Bar in Charleston with 4.9 stars from 472 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 225 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Iron Rose
Highly rated American in Charleston with 4.8 stars from 2376 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 115 Meeting St #174, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Uptown Social
Highly rated Bar in Charleston with 4.1 stars from 1287 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 587 King St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Blind Tiger Pub
Highly rated Bar in Charleston with 4.4 stars from 3042 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 36-38 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Vintage Lounge
Highly rated Bar in Charleston with 4.5 stars from 318 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 545 King St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Nightclubs & Dance Venues
Popular nightclubs, dance clubs, and venues featuring top DJs and live performances.
Ritual Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge
Highly rated Restaurant in Charleston with 4.1 stars from 557 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 145 Calhoun St UNIT 301, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Ritual Nightclub
Highly rated Bar in Charleston with 3.8 stars from 33 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 145 Calhoun St UNIT 301, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Republic Garden & Lounge
Highly rated Bar in Charleston with 4 stars from 1222 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 462 King St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Prohibition
Highly rated Bar in Charleston with 4.4 stars from 2716 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 547 King St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Aura Latin Club
Highly rated International in Charleston with 3.8 stars from 224 reviews.
📍 28 Ann St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Burns Alley Tavern
Highly rated Bar in Charleston with 4.5 stars from 659 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 354B King St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Uptown Social
Highly rated Bar in Charleston with 4.1 stars from 1287 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 587 King St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Peacock
Highly rated Restaurant in Charleston with 4.6 stars from 434 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 213 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Henry's On The Market
Highly rated Restaurant in Charleston with 4.2 stars from 2577 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 54 N Market St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Thoroughbred Club
Highly rated Bar in Charleston with 4.6 stars from 287 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 205 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Live Music Venues
Concert halls, jazz clubs, and venues showcasing local and international musical talent.
The Charleston Pour House
Highly rated Bar in Charleston with 4.7 stars from 1623 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1977 Maybank Hwy, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Music Farm
Highly rated International in Charleston with 4.5 stars from 981 reviews.
📍 32 Ann St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Charleston Music Hall
Highly rated International in Charleston with 4.8 stars from 2016 reviews.
📍 37 John St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Prohibition
Highly rated American in Charleston with 4.4 stars from 2716 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 547 King St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
The Windjammer
Highly rated Bar in Charleston with 4.5 stars from 2027 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1008 Ocean Blvd, Isle of Palms, SC 29451, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Refinery Charleston
Highly rated International in Charleston with 4.7 stars from 250 reviews.
📍 1640 Meeting St unit 108, Charleston, SC 29405, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Forte Jazz Lounge
Highly rated International in Charleston with 4.8 stars from 574 reviews.
📍 477 King St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Credit One Stadium
Highly rated International in Charleston with 4.6 stars from 1591 reviews.
📍 7596, 161 Seven Farms Drive, Charleston, SC 29492, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Late-Night Dining
Restaurants and eateries open late for post-party meals and midnight cravings.
Iron Rose
Highly rated American in Charleston with 4.8 stars from 2376 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 115 Meeting St #174, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Church and Union Charleston
Highly rated Restaurant in Charleston with 4.4 stars from 4159 reviews.
📍 32B N Market St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
Prohibition
Highly rated American in Charleston with 4.4 stars from 2716 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 547 King St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
The Griffon
Highly rated American in Charleston with 4.5 stars from 2995 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 18 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
The Peacock
Highly rated Restaurant in Charleston with 4.6 stars from 434 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 213 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Ritual Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge
Highly rated Restaurant in Charleston with 4.1 stars from 557 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 145 Calhoun St UNIT 301, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Rooftop at the Vendue
Highly rated American in Charleston with 4.5 stars from 3650 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 19 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Henry's On The Market
Highly rated Restaurant in Charleston with 4.2 stars from 2577 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 54 N Market St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Entertainment & Shows
Comedy clubs, theaters, and entertainment venues offering nighttime performances.
Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre and Shoppe
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Charleston venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Theatre 99
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Charleston venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Wit’s End Comedy Lounge
Laugh the night away at this popular Charleston comedy venue, showcasing both local and touring comedians.
- •Arrive early for best seating
- •Two-drink minimum often required
- •Be prepared to interact with performers
- •Check age restrictions (often 18+ or 21+)
- •Avoid sitting in front row if you don't want attention
Old Trolley Theatre
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Charleston venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Charleston Music Hall
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Charleston venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Charleston Gaillard Center
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Charleston venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Nightlife Districts
Popular neighborhoods and areas known for vibrant nightlife and bar-hopping.
Ritual Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge
Explore Charleston's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Prohibition
Explore Charleston's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Ritual Nightclub
Explore Charleston's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
The Rooftop at the Vendue
Explore Charleston's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Republic Garden & Lounge
Explore Charleston's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Burns Alley Tavern
Explore Charleston's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Essential Tips
- 🌃Check dress codes before heading out
- 🌃Arrive early to avoid long lines at popular venues
- 🌃Use ride-sharing apps for safe transportation
- 🌃Keep valuables secure and stay aware of surroundings
- 🌃Pace yourself and stay hydrated
- 🌃Research cover charges and drink prices
- 🌃Make reservations for popular venues
- 🌃Bring valid ID - many places are strict about checking
- 🌃Start early - some venues close earlier than expected
- 🌃Ask locals for current hotspots and hidden gems
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
The best time for nightlife experiences in Charleston varies by activity and season. Generally, spring and fall offer ideal conditions with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is peak season with the most options but also the highest prices and largest crowds. Winter can offer unique experiences and better deals, though some activities may be limited.
Average Price
Prices for nightlife experiences in Charleston range widely depending on the activity and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium and exclusive options can range from $200-500+. Many activities offer group discounts and package deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Charleston offers many excellent nightlife experiences, each with its own unique character. The best choice depends on your preferences, budget, and schedule, but our guide highlights the top-rated options that consistently deliver exceptional experiences.
Timing varies by activity, but generally spring and fall offer ideal conditions. Summer is peak season with the most options but larger crowds. Check individual listings for specific timing recommendations and seasonal considerations.
For popular experiences, especially during peak season, advance booking is highly recommended. Some activities have limited capacity and sell out quickly. Booking ahead also often provides better rates and ensures availability.
Requirements vary by activity, but generally bring comfortable clothing, appropriate footwear, sun protection, water, and any specific gear mentioned in activity descriptions. Check individual listings for detailed requirements.
Many nightlife experiences in Charleston cater to all skill levels, from beginners to experts. Check individual listings for difficulty levels and requirements. Many operators offer instruction and guidance for newcomers.
Costs vary widely depending on the type of experience and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium options can range from $200-500+. Group discounts and packages are often available.
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