Why yes, you can have an all fresh caught, locally sourced, just picked meal and the latest in local Charleston brewery draft beers at the same place, at the same time. Welcome to Edmund's Oast, located just a short bike ride or drive up the peninsula to Morrison Drive, where gorgeous charcuterie and cheese plates, lowcountry farm-raised beef and poultry, and catch of the day fish are regular fixtures in a menu that changes daily with supply. The chef, kitchen staff and front of house service team take their jobs seriously, with apparent attention to detail and frequent staff trainings, all while maintaining a communal brew pub atmosphere.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Edmund's Oast is known for amazing food and comfortable environs, but beer nerds revel in the choices of both locally made and unique foreign brews.
Clare's expert tip: Do not overlook the dessert menu at Edmund's Oast! It may be challenging to save room; take your dessert to-go as a last resort.
Located on Morrison Drive just a short bike ride or drive from the heart of Charleston's entertainment and bar scene, The Royal American has had no trouble attracting a crowd following since its opening in late 2011. Boasting a popular outdoor deck and an interior space that's festive and worn in just the right places, regulars come to The Royal American for a comfortable, no-frills atmosphere, and regularly scheduled live music. Vintage-style string lights and band posters adorn the walls behind the small stage area, so anyone can catch a great view of the show from any stool or standing spot at this happy dive. Beers are cheap, and live music typically costs just $5 - $10 as a cover charge.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: The Royal American makes for a great hang out spot on the weekdays after work just as much as any weekend night, affordable and comfortable.
Clare's expert tip: The Royal American also serves up some great dive bar eats! Be sure to taste test the housemade beef jerky and beef tips & chips.
Recently rebranded, renovated, and remodeled as Charleston's Art Hotel, The Rooftop at Vendue has always been known for its expansive, unforgettable views of the Charleston Harbor and East Bay Street architecture. The Rooftop is a favorite spot for locals to bring out of town visitors, for an impressive introduction to Charleston's classic beauty, top-notch hospitality and cultivated art community. Expect a full house at the Vendue Rooftop on weekdays and some weeknights, especially if the weather is ideal for outdoor dining and drinking. Visitors to The Rooftop at Vendue come for the views, but stay for the service, specialty cocktail and craft beer menu.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Classy bar service and idyllic Charleston views from a rooftop by the water? You got it. Lifesize, interactive pin art? Yeah, they've got that, too.
Clare's expert tip: The Vendue Rooftop is only open til midnight, so plan to start your evening here so as not to miss out on incredible sunset views of the Charleston Harbor.
Drag shows, dancing, and damn good company are what it's all about at Cure Nightclub in downtown Charleston. Known to have some of the best music in town, and arguably the city's best club atmosphere, this LGBT epicenter welcomes anyone and everyone 18 & up, serving both affordable house liquor and premium top shelf cocktails. Cure Nightclub is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights until 2am, and the club and dance floor are packed every night the doors are open. Formerly known (and loved) as The Pantheon, Cure has been renovated into the ideal hotspot for all ages, any night of the weekend—the ideal nightlife destination for anyone looking to dance and drink the night away until closing time (2am in Charleston). Don't miss Cure's famous drag shows, Fridays and Saturdays at 11:30pm and Sundays at 11pm.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Cure is THE LGBT club of Charleston, with nightly drag shows and no covers on Sunday fundays!
Clare's expert tip: Cure Nightclub hosts fabulous drag shows featuring local talent every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Spice up your week with fantastic costume and dance!
Bay Street Biergarten doesn't fit the mold of what you'd typically imagine a sports bar to be, and that's a good thing. Here, you'll be able to watch the big game without dealing with huge crowds or standing room only. You'll also be able to try a near-ridiculous selection of craft beers from Charleston and beyond, alongside a menu that lends itself more to a meal than something to hold you over through the game. Bay Street Biergarten menu items are more inclined to satisfy an entire afternoon or evening of sports-watching, with items like pretzels with smoked cheese sauce, bourbon-beer wings, pimento cheese sticks serving as a warm up to bigger gourmet burgers, brats and sandwiches.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Big enough to hold all of your friends, Bay Street Biergarten never feels overly crowded, thanks in part to the second patio bar out front.
Clare's expert tip: Beer is certainly the main focus of this powerhouse biergarten, but sports fans will enjoy the rowdy atmosphere and multiple TVs for their next big game!
This comfortable, casual brewery is a fun time day or night, and brings in an all ages (over 21) for some of Charleston's very best locally-brewed beer. Highlights from the sizeable, award-winning selection at Revelry Brewing include the Gullah Cream Ale, Funkmaster Brett & the Furious Hops, and the Oh My Darlin' Scotch Ale, among many others. Locals love the ample outdoor space at Revelry, equipped with heat lamps in winter, shady covered areas in summer, and enough bar seating and picnic tables to bring a crowd. There's food here, too, (as required by SC law), including a sweet cheese and charcuterie plate.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Thank goodness for Revelry, whose central location and casual outdoor space make for an ideal hangout spot for laid-back afternoon beers or nighttime flight-sharing.
Clare's expert tip: Check the Revelry Facebook page before you visit; this local brewery hosts numerous events throughout the year, and some take place during the day rather than the evening.
Of course, The Alley is best known as Charleston's only downtown bowling alley, and for good reason. This retro-style bowling hotspot brings in bowlers of all levels to enjoy their squeaky clean lanes, open seven days a week. The Alley has so much more to offer than just bowling, which is readily apparent with your first step inside. Come to The Alley for a much better than pub-grub menu of burgers, sandwiches and salads, alongside a changing menu of local and regional craft beers. There's also a selection of arcade games to keep you occupied while waiting for your turn at the lanes. The Alley is a sports bar in every sense of the term, which is why you'll see every major college and pro game on the TV screens. Drink and play while you watch at The Alley!
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: The Alley provides a little something for everyone: great beer selection, bowling, and a whole lot of space to play a game or watch one.
Clare's expert tip: Yes, it's a bowling alley, but it's also a sports bar! The Alley is an ideal spot to catch a game while playing one, and enjoying some local beers.
Stepping into The Cocktail Club is akin to stepping back in time to Charleston of the prohibition era. Located just above The Macintosh at 479 King Street, The Cocktail Club prides itself on superior cocktail craftsmanship and service. This intimate, brick-walled 'hideout' also features a rooftop deck, which doubles as the source garden for cocktail garnishes. If you're a frequent visitor or local to Charleston, consider joining as a Cocktail Club member. Memberships at the Cocktail Club include 50% off of happy hour prices (5-8pm), no line waiting, attendance of the biannual membership party, one free cocktail class per year, one private spirit tasting invitation and more. Memberships are priced at $200 per person or $350 per couple.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: The Cocktail Club is serious about serving the city's best cocktails, hosting cocktail making classes and sourcing herbs and accouterments from their rooftop garden.
Clare's expert tip: A line forms early on weekend nights. Elect to visit on a slower weeknight or get there early for quicker entry and better space.