19 Best Rooftop Bars In Charleston SC in 2025

Charleston is one of the most beautiful cities in The United States of America. It is truly a gem in the South. One of the best ways to view the city is from the top of a building. Luckily, Charleston does not have any skyscrapers, so getting a great view is not too hard. One of the best ways to do this is with a drink in your hand at a bar. Charleston is littered with fantastic rooftop bars and this list is going to give you the best rooftop bars in Charleston SC.

One of the best feelings is hanging out with friends, family, or your special someone having a few cocktails and laughing. You can do all this from the top of a building while taking in the beautiful view that is Charleston. There is nothing better than doing this during sunset over The Holy City.

Take along those you want to have a drink with and head out to one of the many rooftop bars in Charleston SC and make the best memories. The following list will give you the best options that Charleston has to offer for rooftop bars. So grab your favorite pint or cocktail and enjoy.

Best Rooftop Bars in Charleston SC

Whether you are staying at a hotel that has a rooftop bar or just looking for a great one, Charles t on has many options for you. In fact, I recommend trying as many as you can so that you can find your new favorite spot.

From finding great ones downtown to being on the water, Charleston has you covered. There is a rooftop bar for everyone to enjoy. So with that, this is the list of the best rooftop bars in Charleston SC.

Stand Alone Rooftop Bars in Charleston SC

1. Uptown Social

Many people enjoying the outside at Uptown Social for the best rooftop bars in Charleston SC — Photo Courtesy by Uptown Hospitality

Location: 587 King St. Charleston, South Carolina, 29403

Uptown Social is a great two-story bar located on the popular street of King St. On the first floor, you will notice that it is busy sports bars with plenty of TVs everywhere. This is a sports fan’s place to watch a game.

But do not worry if you are not a sports fan, once you get to the second floor and the rooftop, it is not as intense. The rooftop is a lot of fun, though it does lack amazing views with buildings around it. People love the butterfly wings mural on the wall; most of everyone will take a photo with the wings behind them.

The food is great and is catered around normal pub-style food. They do a great Breakfast Bar Pie with bacon and mozzarella for brunch on the weekends. Uptown Social has a large selection of craft cocktails and beers.

2. Revelry Brewing

Outdoor bar with red cover and wood floors with people having a drink while finding the best rooftop bars in Charleston SC

Location: 10 Conroy St. Charleston, SC 29403

If you are a beer and brewery lover and want a rooftop setting, Revelry Brewing is your spot. Revelry Brewing is located in the upper peninsula area that is growing fast. You will get some great views from a different angle of the city.

The rooftop bar is on top of the brewery itself. This is a great location to relax and listen to live music and enjoy with your dog. Yes, dogs are welcome at Revelry Brewing. You will be able to get a great view of the sunset while drinking one of their best beers.

View of trees while people drink beer with tables and chairs

Enjoy an amazing bite to eat from a great selection of food from a classic American, Latin-inspired, and Asian Inspired menu. You will be able to get a large selection of beer since it is a brewery. And for those who are not big beer fans, they have you covered with some great wines.

3. STARS Rooftop and Grill Room

Chairs by a railing with church in the background while viewing rooftop bars in Charleston SC

Location: 495 King St. Charleston, SC 29403

STARS Rooftop and Grill Room is in the heart of the dining experience area of King St. The downstairs restaurant is fully wooden-themed and hosts a live firewood grill. The rooftop bar is a classy/casual setting that will give you a fantastic 360° view of Charleston.

Since this spot is in the heart of the dining area, it will fill up fast and be really busy. It is a very popular spot. You will enjoy being surrounded by your friends as you relax on couches and catch up.

Bar with chairs and an orange top with a wooden roof.

STARS Rooftop and Grill Room serves an American-style menu with plenty of options. The bar offers a wide variety drink menu. You can find crafted signature cocktails, artisan tap wines, premium spirits, drafts, and canned beers.

4. Saltwater Cowboys

Chairs and tables on a deck with hanging lights above while viewing rooftop bar in Charleston SC

Location: 130 Mill St. Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Saltwater Cowboys is in a different spot from the standard downtown Charleston locations. It is in Mount Pleasant on Shem Creek, one of the best spots in the city area. This restaurant and bar have a large deck area on the first floor then you can move up to their rooftop to enjoy amazing views of Shem Creek.

View of a table with chairs and water with boats

Saltwater Cowboys is a popular place and you should expect it to fill up pretty fast, especially during the warmer months. They are a dog-friendly bar and even have a dog treat menu. You will enjoy the views of Shem Creek with sunsets, boaters, kayakers, paddleboarders, and even dolphins.

Covered bar with people sitting with dogs and chairs

The menu consists of local seafood, BBQ, burgers, tacos, and all your bar favorites. Saltwater Cowboys does have a large beer menu that includes crafts. They have many specialty-made cocktails to help you on those hot days.

5. The Cocktail Club

Outdoor seat with red wood flooring with a brick wall

Location: 479 King St. Charleston, SC 29403

The Cocktail Club is upstairs and on top of The Macintosh on King St. It does have its own entrance but is overshadowed by The Macintosh. The inside of The Cocktail Club is stripped down to the beautiful wooden frames and brick fireplaces. There are plenty of leather couches and chairs to sit and chat.

The outside opens up to a wooden deck rooftop bar with plenty of seating. This rooftop bar’s vibes and atmosphere rule the area vs. the views. The whole bar is relaxing and has a very chill vibe.

The menu is not too large for food. This is definitely a place for drinking. But try the bacon-spiced popcorn as a snack while drinking. Since the name of the place is The Cocktail Club, you can guess that they specialize in making cocktails. This is their money maker and they are experts at it. Also, if you have a group, try the punch bowl.

6. Ritual Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge

Rooftop bar with green grass, umbrellas, lounge furniture while viewing rooftop bars in Charleston SC

Location: 145 Calhoun St. Charleston, SC 29401

Ritual Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge is a new, urban, and stylish addition to the rooftop bar scene. Just across from Marion Square, you will find this Tulum-inspired place.

Wood furniture surrounded by plants and a table on a tile floor

You will find the rooftop bar surrounded by tropical plants, dining tables, and comfortable lounge spots. While enjoying a bite to eat or a drink, you can take in the views of Charleston including the Ravenel Bridge. Once the sun goes down, the rooftop bar area turns into a live entertainment area that includes a late-night DJ.

Bar with chairs and people sitting with a slatted roof for sunlight coming in

The menu has a modern international theme to it that focuses on shared plates and local fresh seafood. With that, you will find that the menu is inspired by a Yucatán Coast theme and flavors. While eating and taking in the view, wash it all down with the amazing choices in their wine and cocktail menus.

7. Red’s Ice House

Bar on the water with a covered roof and people sitting around it

Location: 98 Church St. Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Red’s Ice House is on beautiful Shem Creek. This is the best laid-back, hang out with your friends, and have a great time place. There is a restaurant inside but the outside is where it is at. It has a large outdoor seating area with two bars on an open deck right on the water. There is a second-floor deck with its own bar as well that gives you spectacular views of Shem Creek.

You will enjoy live music in the evenings at Red’s Ice House as you watch the sunset from the edge of Shem Creek. During the day, enjoy seeing boats pull up, kayakers and paddleboarders going by, and dolphins swimming. Red’s Ice House has been voted, The Best Waterfront Bar since 2004, Best Mount Pleasant Bar since 2007, and Best Outdoor Patio since 2011 by Charleston City Paper.

Tables and chairs with people sitting by the water with a wooden railing while viewing rooftop bars in Charleston SC

Enjoy a great menu that features seafood that is locally caught and cooked on the same day. If you are here to visit during the football season on Saturdays or Sundays, they even have a special Football Menu setup. Red’s Ice House has a large variety of drinks, including craft beer, signature cocktails, and wine.

8. Charleston Harbor Fish House Bridge Bar

Table and chairs on a wooden deck with a heater and an aircraft carrier in the background

Location: 32 Patriots Point Rd. Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

The Charleston Harbor Fish House Bridge Bar is right on the water and next to the USS Yorktown in Patriots Point. The rooftop bar itself isn’t too high up only on the second floor. But, what makes this place stunning is the incredible views of the water.

Table and chair along a railing on the marsh and water with a teal umbrella cover

While you are having a drink during the day or at sunset, you will enjoy the water at the tip of Patriots Point. At The Charleston Harbor Fish House Bridge Bar, you will enjoy the views of The Ravenel Bridge, Fort Sumter, The Battery, and downtown Charleston. You will enjoy the island vibe feel without it going overboard.

If you are hungry, you can expect plenty of local fresh seafood dishes. There are options for other types of food, but seafood is where Charleston Harbor Fish House Bridge Bar shines. The drink menu is a great menu as well and you will have a lot of options for cocktails, beer, and wine. This is a great spot to take your date, significant other, or spouse for a perfect date night, especially at sunset.

9. Henry’s On The Market

Green grass floor with table and chairs around with red umbrellas and a view of the city while viewing rooftop bars in Charleston SC

Location: 54 N. Market St. Charleston, SC 29401

Henry’s On The Market says it all in the name, it is right on The Market in historic downtown Charleston. This place was established in 1932 and is the oldest continuous restaurant in Charleston and in South Carolina.

Green grass floor with a lounge seat with red umbrellas and chairs

The views from the rooftop bar are great while taking in The Charleston City Market. Take in the view and people watch during the day or night while one of the city’s best cocktails. Besides the rooftop, Henry’s On The Market has many other things going on such as a dance lounge and speakeasy bar.

Red seats and couch on green grass with a door and a brick wall

Henry’s On The Market was once known for its famous seafood. The place has changed over the years and now it offers authentic Lowcountry menu items. You will get some great Lowcountry staples such as shrimp, grits, and other local favorites. Enjoy the full bar service with many options for beer, mixed drinks, and wine.

Hotels With Rooftop Bars In Charleston SC

10. Fiat Lux at Hotel Bennett

Blue chairs with a wood floor and some pillars heading to outside — Photo Courtesy by Hotel Bennett

Location: 404 King St. Charleston, South Carolina 29403

Sitting on the ninth floor of Hotel Bennet, is the rooftop bar, Fiat Lux. This is a semi-casual setting bar that gives great views of Marion Square, King St., and St. Matthews Lutheran Church. This is a perfect location to start an early evening with drinks while making your way down King St.

Fiat Lux is a perfect place for a date or a celebration with the luxe status of the hotel. You will notice the slightly higher class feeling with the premium prices as well. You will see many hotel guests along with young professionals enjoying an evening of drinks while here.

The kitchen has a light menu with options such as charcuterie, poached pear salad, and a mezze platter. Fiat Lux makes its own signature cocktails with fun names. Enjoy a special evening at Fiat Lux with these cocktails, wine, or local-brewed beer that they offer.

11. The Citrus Club at The Dewberry

View from on top of The Citrus Club of church steeple with chairs, umbrellas, and plants while touring the best rooftop bars in Charleston SC

Location: 334 Meeting St. Charleston, SC 29403

The Citrus Club sits on the eighth floor atop The Dewberry, a mid-20th-century boutique hotel. The rooftop bar consists of an inside bar and an outdoor terrace. There are many comfortable lounge sofas and patio chairs surrounded by olive lemon, lime, and palm trees.

View from on top of a rooftop bar with a church and many buildings

There is more of an upscale feel and vibe to The Citrus Club. You will enjoy drinks from here while taking in incredible views of Charleston, including the beautiful sunset. The Citrus Club gives you one of the best views, if not the best view of Charleston. With the decor and feel of the place, you can see the citrus theme of The Citrus Club.

View of a rooftop bar with church steeple and a park with chairs and tables on the bar

The Citrus Club serves food as a shareable/appetizer called, “Lite Bites”. It has food that spans from oysters, lobster rolls, and laua pie. This place has a small beer selection, mostly focusing on wine and cocktails. Almost all the cocktails are made from top-shelf products.

12. Aqua Terrace Rooftop Bar

Rooftop Bar with dark chairs and tile floor with a firepit

Location: 170 Lockwood Dr. Charleston, SC 29403

Aqua Terrace Rooftop Bar is at the Charleston Marriott Hotel on the Ashley River right by Brittlebank Park. If you plan your evening out during baseball season, you will get a great fireworks show after a home game from the Riverdogs. This is another amazing spot for sunsets as it sits on the Ashley River and you face west.

Aqua Terrance Rooftop Bar has been recently renovated. It is a spacious rooftop that hosts modern wicker chairs, a bar, fire pits, and heaters. The feeling of the rooftop bar is more of laid back, southern charm feel. This bar is only on the third floor but still gives you amazing views that will make you feel like you are standing still in time.

Rooftop Bar with dark chairs and a fire pit on tile floor

At Aqua Terrance Rooftop Bar, you can expect a menu of classic American-style bar food such as wings, flatbreads, and tacos. You will be able to find a great selection of beer, wines, and cocktails.

13. Élevé

Colorful lights of pink and blue with a green grass floor with chairs and tables overlooking buildings — Photo Courtesy of Grand Bohemian Hotel and Eleve Rooftop Bar

Location: 55 Wentworth St. Charleston, SC 29401

Élevé is on the top floor and is the rooftop bar for the Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston. The dining room inside is an elegant look with chandeliers and an illuminated marble bar. Outside on the rooftop bar, it is a little more relaxed with turf carpeting, colorful chairs, and large plants.

Élevé sits in a great location overlooking cobblestone streets as you take in the views of Charleston. With the different styles at this rooftop bar, you can come for any type of occasion, a date, a happy hour, or just to have a good time.

The menu is an inventive coastal-inspired selection. It is based on Southern heritage and is rooted in French culinary techniques. Élevé has a fun and good size drink menu that includes specialty cocktails, wines, and beers.

14. Pour Taproom Charleston

Chairs on a bar overlooking the city while viewing rooftop bars in Charleston SC

Location: 560 King St. Charleston, SC 29403

Beer drinkers rejoice! Pour Taproom Charleston is made for those who love beer. They have over 70 taps dedicated to different styles of beer. You will enjoy the views from one of the highest rooftop bars in Charleston atop the ninth floor of the Hyatt House Hotel.

The Pour Taproom Charleston has one of the best views down King St. This is a perfect location to meet up with friends or have a casual date. You will enjoy this location while meeting beer enthusiasts while watching busy King St.

Wall of taps for beer with a stainless steel backsplash.

As you can see, this place is made for beer lovers. With over 70 taps, the choices are almost endless. You will be able to find meads, ciders, fruit beers, IPAs, Sours, and so much more. They also have pour-your-own taps for you. If you are hungry, they do have some great options more on the snacking side. Enjoy some nachos, cheese plates, and tacos while you enjoy your pints.

15. The Watch Rooftop Kitchen & Spirits

Pink drink on table with an overlook of the city. — Photo Courtesy of The Watch Rooftop Kitchen And Spirits

Location: 75 Wentworth St. Charleston, SC 29401

The Watch Rooftop Kitchen & Spirits is on the seventh floor of the Restoration Hotel. This is just off of the College of Charleston campus. Here you will find sweeping views of Charleston while enjoying the industrial-chic style interior and two outdoor terraces.

While getting cocktails is a great part of what this place has to offer, the food and experience make The Watch Rooftop Kitchen & Spirits unique. You will enjoy the modern American food with low c ounty and global influences this place has to offer. All of their ingredients are locally sourced.

Inside a bar with wooden floor and tables and chairs — Photo Courtesy of The Watch Rooftop Kitchen And Spirits

Make sure to check them out throughout the week because they do daily specials. Mondays are Burgers and Beers Night. Tuesdays are Tikis and Tacos. On Fridays enjoy Frozen Cocktails all day. They have a special for every day of the week except Saturdays.

16. The Rooftop Bar at The Vendue

Couple sitting at a table with a church steeple in the background — Photo Courtesy of The Vendue

Location: 19 Vendue Range Charleston, SC 29401

The Rooftop Bar at The Vendue is a two-tiered rooftop experience on top of The Vendue Hotel. This rooftop bar has an environment of Pop-Art that keeps it lively. The views from the rooftop are some of the best in Charleston.

Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere as you watch the sunset or take pictures of the Charleston skyline. Take in some drinks with some friends as you relax on the comfortable outdoor furniture. In fact, The Rooftop Bar has been awarded the “Best Rooftop Bar” by Charleston City Paper since 2007.

Bar with red chairs by it and a view to the outside — Photo Courtesy of The Vendue

The food menu is not too large and has something for just about everyone. Check out their tacos, Greek Meze Plate, or cheesecake. They offer a great variety of drinks but their sweet spot is their cocktails. The Rooftop Bar at The Vendue likes to put their own twist on their cocktails. Which makes them unique and a lot of fun to try.

17. Pavilion Bar

View of the city from a table and fence at the top of a rooftop bar

Location: 225 E. Bay St. Charleston, SC 29401

The Pavilion Bar is on the rooftop of The Market Pavilion Hotel right on The Charleston City Market. This bar is one of the original rooftop bars in Charleston. One of the things that really separates this bar from the others is that it has a pool apart of it for the guests of the hotel.

As you arrive at the hotel, you will be invited in by the bellhop and walk through one of the best restaurants in Charleston, Grill 225. There is a dress code for the restaurant and bar that is more on the business casual side. You will enjoy the amazing views of historic Charleston and The Ravenel Bridge while having a bite to eat and a cocktail.

Pool in the middle of the floor on a rooftop bar with lounge chairs by it and tile flooring

The Pavilion Bar has many drink options but specializes in cocktails. There are two cocktails to be specific that you will want to try, mojitos and martinis. They have a wide variety of different styles and flavors for you to try. The menu has a larger selection of food choices than most locations. You will see amazing options from local seafood and shrimp satay to pizzas and large sandwiches.

18. 45 Waterside

Lounge sofa set with table on a tile floor with a view of water — Photo Courtesy of 45 Waterside

Location: 45 Lockwood Dr. Charleston, SC 29401

45 Waterside is the rooftop bar on the Hilton Garden Inn on the west side of the peninsula. This is a great spot for your corporate gatherings, social events, and weddings. The rooftop bar is made to host semi-private and private gatherings.

While enjoying the private event that you have been invited to, you will enjoy spectacular views of the Ashely Marina. You will see a lot of beautiful boats as you enjoy your drink. The sunset views from the west side of the peninsula are fantastic.

View of water with boats in with a railing and a chair — Photo Courtesy of 45 Waterside

Since this is a private rooftop bar, the menu and cocktail drinks are hand-selected for the events. Private events at 45 Waterside are only available during the months of March to May and September to November.

19. The Rooftop Terrace at The Loutrel

Chairs and table on a tile floor with a view of a church steeple — Photo Courtesy of The Loutrel

Location: 61 State St. Charleston, SC 29401

This rooftop bar is part of The Loutrel, a hotel in the French Quarter area of downtown Charleston. The Rooftop Terrace is the rooftop experience at this hotel. The Loutrel and The Rooftop Terrace are both set with an elegant atmosphere.

This rooftop terrace is a large, open-air area with lush greenery. While enjoying your drink, you will take in amazing panoramic views of the beautiful French Quarter area of Charleston.

Unfortunately, The Rooftop Terrace at The Loutrel is not open to the general public. You will need to be a guest of the hotel to enjoy everything that The Rooftop Terrace has to offer. If you do get the chance to stay here, you will enjoy many great signature cocktails and savory food.

What Hotels to Stay at with Rooftop Bars

As you can see from this list, there are plenty of hotels that include rooftop bars. It just makes staying at one of these hotels a little more special knowing you have the option to enjoy their rooftop bar.

Here are the hotels with the best rooftop bars in Charleston SC.

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Don’t Forget to Pick Up Your Charleston Tour Pass to Save Money on Attractions

While enjoying the best rooftop bars in Charleston, SC, make sure to check out everything that Charleston has to offer. The city is one of the best places to visit in The United States. These rooftop bars are the best way to relax in between visiting all the amazing Charleston locations.

Make sure to grab your Charleston Tour Pass here to make sure that you get the best deal while visiting all of Charleston’s locations.

Get Your Charleston Tour Pass Here To Save On Your Best Vacation

Have Your Bags Picked Up While You Explore With Charleston Bag Valet

Don’t want to haul your luggage all around Charleston while waiting for your flight to leave or for your hotel to be ready? Good News! Charleston Bag Valet will help you out with that. As they say, you explore, they store.

Charleston Bag Valet will pick up your bags curbside anywhere in Charleston and secure each item with a customizable tamper-proof lock. They will store your bags in an insured and secured climate-controlled environment while you explore. When you are ready, they will deliver your bags to you where you want them and when you want them. You can even have them delivered to the airport for your ease.

Get Your Charleston Bag Valet Here And Enjoy Your Time Without Your Bags

How to Get Around Charleston SC

One of the best things about Charleston is that it is a very walkable city, especially in the downtown area. The good news is at least half of this list is within walking distance from each other. A few of these will be farther away so you will need to find other transportation to get to the best rooftop bars in Charleston SC if you do not have your own car or rental.

Rickshaw – Downtown has a lot of rickshaws that would love to take you and your kids all over. If you are looking to relax a little while you get to your next downtown rooftop bar, this is the way to go.
Rideshare – There are always plenty of rideshare options throughout Charleston. This will be the best for the farther away rooftop bars from downtown.

Best Rooftop Bars in Charleston SC: In Conclusion

As you can see, Charleston is not lacking in the rooftop bar scene. Once you visit one or all of these, you will agree on why they are on this list of the best rooftop bars in Charleston, SC.

Whether you are downtown Charleston or heading anywhere near water, you will find a great rooftop bar to relax at. Not only are these the best rooftop bars in Charleston SC but they also cover just about every style you are looking for in a bar.

Wherever you find yourself in Charleston, make sure you check at least one of these rooftop bars. Trust me, there is nothing better than being at any of the best rooftop bars in Charleston SC at sunset with a drink in hand and surrounded by great people!

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