Discover Charleston’s Best Rooftop Bars
Explore Charleston’s Best Rooftop Bars
Charleston has an impressive array of rooftop bars, making it the perfect city for enjoying food and drinks with breathtaking views of the Holy City. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, these elevated spots offer the perfect combination of ambiance, charm, and stunning scenery.
Here are a few of our favorite rooftop bars (in no particular order), all ideal for soaking up the atmosphere with a drink in hand or enjoying a romantic evening under the stars.
Many of these rooftop bars are conveniently close to each other, so you can easily hop from one to the next, experiencing the variety Charleston has to offer. Each spot provides a unique perspective of the city’s historic charm, from the iconic steeples of the Holy City to its picturesque sunsets.
While this isn’t an exhaustive list, these recommendations will guide you to some of the best rooftop bars for sipping cocktails, sampling appetizers, or simply unwinding with friends. No matter which you choose, you’ll find that Charleston’s rooftop scene perfectly blends Southern hospitality, great drinks, and stunning views.
Citrus Club at the Dewberry Hotel
334 Meeting Street
Citrus Club is probably the largest rooftop bar in the city, certainly the highest. Citrus Club has both an inside bar and outside deck. The eighth floor Citrus Club, as it’s called, offers great views of downtown and the harbor in the distance. Personally, We think this is one of the top rooftop bars in Charleston. Just a note: You may have to call ahead and get a reservation.
Fiat Lux at the Hotel Bennett
404 King Street
Located across Marion Square from the Dewberry, The Fiat Lux offers great drinks, an indoor area with a bar that opens to an area with couches and seats. Very sophisticated and chic, this is a sure great date spot. And, if you need a dessert after your drink, head downstairs to the lounge on the main level where there is seating and some first class desserts. First class all the way!
The Pavilion at the Market Pavilion
225 East Bay Street
The Pavilion Bar is on the top floor of the hotel and offers a great view of the historic City Market and the harbor. Plus, the hotel pool is located there and gives the bar area a great ambiance with its LED lighting at night. During the winter months the hotel erects clear windscreens to protect customers from the wind along with heaters making this a must stop for any friends of mine that come to Charleston.
Rooftop Bar at the Vendue Hotel
19 Vendue Range Road
Just down the street from the Pavilion Bar is the Rooftop Bar at the Vendue. I have to admit it’s tough to choose which of these is the best. You can’t. The Vendue offers a huge rooftop bar, plenty of space, great views of downtown and the harbor. Plus, if it rains, they have cover (very important when we hit summer with its frequent afternoon pours). On top of the Vendue Hotel.
Eleve at the Grand Bohemian Hotel
55 Wentworth Street
We love this hotel for its artwork and because the restaurant and bar are on the top of the hotel. The large bar and restaurant provide a good view and protection from the elements, while the outside area offers a rooftop area to enjoy your drinks or snacks. Elegant and classy with a couple fire pits, this is always a winner!
The Watch at the Restoration
75 Wentworth Street
Just a couple blocks from the Eleve. Did we say Charleston has an embarrassing wealth of superior and elegant hotels? The Restoration is one and the Watch is another winner. This one is more in the middle of the city, so you get great views of the downtown area. It offers both an inside bar area with windows and outdoor seating for eating and drinking and again, you won’t be disappointed by the food or views!
