No event or night out in Charleston is complete without some form of alcoholic beverage . While there are some somewhat amazing local brewery churn out tasty beer , there ’s something undeniably decadent and romantic about going out for cocktail . As the Holy City ’s cocktail picture mature bigger and better each year , you owe it to yourself to absorb at Charleston ’s best cocktail barroom .
Prohibition
Prohibition ’s self - proclaimed “ cocktail wizardry ” has won this speakeasy - inspired cocktail Browning automatic rifle several prize , include “ best cocktail ” in City Paper ’s Best of Charleston 2016 . But the hooch is n’t the only reason to visit ( although you ’ll definitely require to try the bacon maple Old Fashioned ) – it also has an knowledgeable back terrace with live music six night a week . Enjoy nothingness , boastful band , and funk musicians , or stop by for swing and salsa lessons . Since the addition of executive chef Greg Garrison , Prohibition also dishes out great pocket-size plates and admission .
Proof
Although it is smaller than most of the bars on this list , Proof boast one of the most versatile and robust craft cocktail menus in the urban center . A perennial ducky is the Hemingway daiquiri , feature caña brava , rum , maraschino liqueur , linden , and grapefruit . Still not seeing the perfect cocktail on the menu ? Let the barkeeper know what you like and they ’ll whip up something particular just for you .
Bar Mash
One of the new accession to the Charleston cocktail scene , Bar Mash has already made quite a name for itself thanks to amazing barman likeTeddy Nixon . Mash features a identification number of classic cocktail , originals – try the Endless Summer , made with Pimm ’s , cucumber vine - infused Cocchi Americano , and pickle peppiness acetum , among other specialty ingredients – “ spirits of the calendar month , ” and daily Jell - O shots ( who says Jell - O shots are just for atomic number 27 - explosive detection system ? ) . Bar Mash also has fantastical nutrient pick ( get the fried oyster & boudin – you wo n’t be disappointed ) , making it a one - stop workshop for a dandy night out .
The Cocktail Club
We would be delinquent to make a list of the best cocktail parallel bars in Charleston without remark The Cocktail Club ; the name alone should undertake it makes the cutting . But aside from its extremely appropriate moniker and speakeasy standard pressure , Cocktail Club is one of those places where you ’d be unsurprised to find Don Draper in one of its dark corners , sitting on a leather sofa and sipping an Old Fashioned . A booster once gloss , " Everything I hear about Bourbon dynasty , I learned at Cocktail Club . ” So if you ’re in want of a Bourbon dynasty education , you should definitely put Cocktail Club on your tilt of places to go .
The Gin Joint
You do n’t have to be a gin fan to revel a great cocktail at The Gin Joint . In fact , you do n’t even have to know what sort of liquors you like at all . Just opine of your favored cocktail and line it using two of the words offer on the “ bartender ’s choice ” portion of the bill of fare ( recollect “ fizzy ” and “ brisk ” ) , and the pros at Gin Joint will whip you up a custom drink that ’s certain to be your new favorite .
Thoroughbred Club
Often overlooked because of its location inside the Belmond Charleston Place Hotel , Thoroughbred Club is a dreary , leathery bar with a low - key , upscale atmosphere . It switches up the cocktail seasonally , which mean you could have a unlike experience somewhat much every time you visit . For an extra touch of class , Thoroughbred Club often has a springy pianist playacting so you could feel like you ’re truly live the living of understated luxury .
492
492 eschews the idea of a “ Hellenic cocktail bar ” for something a little more modern and voguish . Its creative , somehow whimsical cocktail are artfully crafted by cocktail virtuoso Megan Deschaine , and are , in at least one font , colour - changing . Everything from the decor to the beverage to the intellectual nourishment ( the menu change daily ) will make you experience like you fall down the kettle of fish to Wonderland .
The Rarebit
If you ’ve ever been to a ' 50’s - fashion buffet car and imagine , “ If this place served cocktail , it would be heaven , ” then Rarebit is the spot for you . Although it ’s most well known for its Moscow mule , other cocktails are just as suitable of appreciation . If you ’re a buff of the bubbly stuff , the Champagne Cocktail with cava , Smirnoff , St - Germain , and seasonal soda is a fun and refreshing option that pair surprisingly well with the crybaby & waffles .
The Belmont
If you ’re in a hurry to grab a beverage and get on with the respite of your even , we suggest skipping The Belmont . If you want to appreciate an slyly craft cocktail that is made with the commitment and pride of someone who unfeignedly wish about their craftiness , this is definitely the topographic point to go ( it ’s also the “ Bar Most probable To Be Frequented By Your Favorite Bartender , ” so you know it ’s sound ) . Pair that with the cozy space and homemade Pop Tarts , and you ’re in for a stellar eve .
Warehouse
Much like a chamaeleon or the Room of Requirement inHarry Potter , Warehouse is one of those bars that can easily transmute into on the nose what you need for the night . Whether you want a low - key glass of wine after work , a night of bet pool and pounding PBRs , or to coddle in a few craft cocktails ( like the Where The Crosswalks End ) with friends , Warehouse is the bar that keeps on giving .
The Bar at The Spectator
For a night when you want to experience really fancy ( and do n’t mind dropping some serious bills on a few drinks ) , then head to The Bar site inside The Spectator on Market Street . This 1920’s - inspired bar makes you feel like you ’re drinking in the living elbow room of a ally who also happens to be a millionaire . For a cocktail that ’s just as fun to drink as it is to say , the Kimchi - huahua ( with sesame mezcal , sake , kimchee puree , yuzu , cucumber , medal clams ) is the way to go .
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Prohibition - Charleston
Bar Mash
Gin Joint
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The Rarebit
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Courtesy of The Spectator
