1 Seanachai
Johns Island bar Seanachai may look like a traditional Irish pub, but the cocktails go far beyond pours of whiskey and beer. Owner Gerry Keiran visits the Farmers' Market every weekend (when in season) to draw inspiration for his ever-changing "cocktail of the week." The menu also lists classics next to newer creations for the more adventurous palate.
2 Voodoo Tiki Bar & Lounge
If only flaming cocktails served in kitschy barware will do, then Voodoo Tiki Bar & Lounge is your spot. The velvet walls, deep booths, and red walls are the perfect throwback decor for the Polynesian-themed drink menu. It's always a party if there's a tiny umbrella in your drink.
(843) 769-0228
3 The Bar at Husk
With one of the largest selections of bourbon on the peninsula and antebellum punch — the Husk bar is a must visit for anyone wanting a one of a kind Charleston experience. The little house next to the famed restaurant on Queen Street is home to some of the most thoughtful cocktails in the Lowcountry.
(843) 577-2500
4 The Gin Joint
The Gin Joint opened as one of the first craft cocktail bars in Charleston, and they revamp their menu every season. This bar banned vodka upon opening in 2010, and if patrons aren't sure what they'd like to order, they can go with the "Bartender's Choice" and chose from a long list of adjectives, like "tart," "strong," and "fizzy," to describe the type of drink they'd like.
(843) 513-5264
5 Thoroughbred Club
Located in the posh Belmond Charleston Place, the Thoroughbred Club is the quintessential grand hotel bar, complete with dim lighting, dark wood paneling, chandeliers, and a tinkling piano. The libation menu reflects the seasons, but the classics are always in style here. If veteran bartender Mouzon Taylor is working, ask what he recommends.
6 Proof Bar
Candlelit cocktail bar Proof doubled their list of offerings this year to allow for some more creative libations. Now, guests have 32 liquor concoctions to choose from, including the Pink Rabbit (Ancho Reyes, Hendrick's gin, house-made strawberry "Quick," and mole biters) and the Knuckle Ball (Old Grand Dad, cola reduction, orange bitters, and pickled boiled peanuts). And if you don't see something you like, owner Craig Nelson and the other bartenders are always quick with a suggestion. Proof is a great spot to meet friends or sit in the window solo and watch the parade of late-night patrons on King Street.
7 The Cocktail Club
Find the tucked-away Cocktail Club early in the evening if you like to contemplate your beverage while relaxing in a cozy, leather-clad nook. Stop by closer to midnight if jostling between high-heeled ladies sipping Manhattans excites you. This King Street bar can get a little rowdy, but they always keep the cocktails serious.
(843) 724-9411
8 The Belmont
Owner Mickey Moran set up The Belmont in 2010 and has seen his stretch of King Street change dramatically. Since he opened, Moran's block has been joined by big culinary names and hotels, but that hasn't affected what happens under the petite cocktail bar's pounded tin ceiling. It's still the same tavern that only allows 40 patrons in at a time, plays black and white favorites like Casablanca on mute and stocks some of the finest bottles in Charleston. The bartenders could make you something different on every visit or remember which classics are your favorite.
(760) 213-7356
9 Faculty Lounge
One look at the Faculty Lounge's Instagram account and you can probably figure out that this spot is a hipster bar — but in a good way. Sure, they host Beyonce nights and rotate DJs, but they also experiment with mezcal and brandy cocktails, make a mean Corpse Reviver #2, and offer discounted top shelf liquors at happy hour. Don't be intimidated by this cool kid on the block.
(843) 723-1353
10 Local 616
Local 616 keeps the atmosphere casual, while also concentrating on specialty drinks and a menu of various mules (think Moscow Mule, but with different liquors). Owner Dwayne Mitchell created a bar where guests could catch a football game and have more selections than just draft beer. It's like visiting a friend's house, who happens to make delicious drinks.
(843) 414-7850