Although most people would jeer at the musical theme of precede A / C for sunshine during the tyrannical Charleston summers , there are few things more enjoyable than spending the afternoon in the undecided gentle wind , looking out over the city with a drink in hand . That say , when it comes to solar day drinking , not just any rooftop streak will do : there ’s a delicate remainder to be struck between the persuasion , the drinks , the food , and the ambience . That ’s why we ’re give you the scoop on the Holy City ’s expert , to help you bask the warmer months from a fittingly idealistic tiptop .

Élevé

Trendy and whimsical bar on the rooftop of the Grand Bohemian HotelÉlevé looks like it belongs in anAlice in Wonderlandfever dream instead of in the middle of Downtown Charleston , but the art deco - smell of the rooftop bar stool for a sport and unequalled ambiance not found elsewhere in the Holy City . The menu is pretty upscale – though not awful pricey , despite its location in theGrand Bohemian Hotel– and it offer a healthy list of wine and speciality cocktails . It ’s a great topographic point for well-chosen hour with Friend or coworkers . Plus , being in a hotel , there ’s always the option to grab a room for the nighttime ( if you could afford it ) .

The Pavilion Bar

Swanky rooftop overlooking the securities industry and Charleston harborThis rooftop bar at the Market Street Pavilion hotel offer some gorgeous views of both the Charleston seaport and Market Street . With the infinity pool in the middle of the floor , table set up with well-lighted umbrella , and doormen with top lid , this is definitely a bar deserving get dressed up for . Be certain to get there early on to nock a much desired tabular array and to be able to get a majuscule position of the sundown .

Stars

newfangled American - vogue restaurant subject for dinner , brunch , and late nightCraft cocktail by starlight . What could be honest ? This spot is peculiarly great for group , as it has a bit of large mesa and couches set up couch - style outside on the rooftop stripe . It ’s an super democratic maculation in town , so make certain to get there betimes – otherwise you ’ll be waiting for a recollective while just to get in ( and then again for your drinks ) . adept ' frozen Bellinis are hard to beat , so you may imagine your frustration if you ’re waiting f.o.r.e.v.e.r . just to get one .

The Rooftop at Vendue

Lively rooftop gathering stain with a killer whale happy hourThe Vendue Hotel commercialize itself as " Charleston ’s Art Hotel , " so everything from the tile floors to the artwork on the bulwark is impeccably decorate . The rooftop was redo a couple of year ago , now offer scene of the Gallic Quarter and the Charleston seaport . There ’s also some passably tasty specialty cocktails with fabulous name ( lookin ' at you , Apple Jack Sparrow ) .

Snapper Jacks

Three - write up beach bar serving seafood favorites and Pisces bowlsWhen you ’re at the beach and want to work up , Snapper Jacks is unquestionably the post to do it , as the Eastern Malayo-Polynesian - themed rooftop is typically hop with live music and oodles of playfulness . Keep it simple with one of the fixed cocktails ( like the Snappers Colada , made with Captain Morgan , strawberry corn liquor , peach , mango , pineapple plant , and a dab of lemon ) , or get raucous with some acquaintance and ordering one of the giant fish bowl made to portion out .

Uptown Social

An energetic neighbourhood sports bar , serve up upscale gin mill solid food and frozen cocktailsThis is the newest addition to upper King ’s burgeoning think of district ; not only did they bestow pizzas , sandwiches , and yellow-bellied terrapin northerly of Spring , but they also supply one heck of a rooftop distance . Although there is n’t much of a view , the space has tons of character thanks to the presence of a mural wall , Edison bulb twine lights , and plenty of cocktails . Plus , their fixed drink menu is stocked with frosé , dark and slushies , and something called a “ Day Rager ” whose description reads solely “ Vodka + vigour . ” Sounds like something you ’ll need a lot of for lounge under the sun all good afternoon .

Pour Taproom

A earnings - by - the - ounce draught beer , wine-colored , and cocktail bar omit King StreetPour Taproom is the bar and eating place atop the Hyatt House / Hyatt Place , which offers panoramic views of Downtown Charleston . The construct here is super unique , in that they have over 70 beers , wines , and cocktail on muster for you to try by the ounce . No pauperism to confide to a full pint of any potable ; you could take small sip of different beverages to create your very own secret tasting session every clock time you visit .

Balao

A rooftop seafood restaurant service a rotating list of seasonal saucer and cocktailsWhat was once just a small rooftop used mainly for secret events at Burwell ’s got refashioned into something a scrap more approachable and useful : a rooftop bar and restaurant specializing in seasonal and locally - sourced seafood . Balao is still under the helm of Burwell ’s executive chef Nathan Davenport , but feel like an entirely novel conception . The rooftop ’s standard atmosphere match the topographic point ’s consignment to the ocean , with lots of natural wood , blue hue , and open aura . snaffle one of their Lime In The Coconut cocktails to really put in yourself in a tropical modality .

Red’s Ice House

Traditional seafood roast omit Shem CreekThis place is one of those shamed delight bars where you’re able to wear jean short shamelessly and eat your weight in fry seafood . Your best bet is to place a bucket of beers , climb up the stairs to the " crow ’s nest " bar , and watch the boats go by on Shem Creek as country euphony is blasted at full volume . This is one of the more popular office out on the brook , so , like many of these position , be trusted to arrive early to void having to wait .

The Watch Rooftop Kitchen & Spirits

Craft cocktail , elevated American cuisine , and gorgeous viewsCharleston ’s newest rooftop bar pop the question stunning views of the sundown over the city and some of the ripe measure collation of any local rooftop point . The grilled oysters , hushpuppy ( serve with theatre pimento cheeseflower ) , and crispy fried - crybaby skins are undoubted faves to go along with a turn of wine and beers . And rent ’s not blank out the handcrafted cocktail " made from formula passed down over centuries . "

Aqua Terrace Roof-Top Bar

Rooftop terrace overlooking the Ashley River with beverage specials and prevention snacksThis hidden gem is located on top of the Marriott on Lockwood . The rooftop bar was of late refurbish with all new furniture and fire pit , so it ’s naturally become a pelvic girdle spot to enjoy a nice cocktail with some supporter . Stop by , take a ass ( if you’re able to notice one ) , and rate one !

The Cocktail Club

Upscale , intimate cocktail bar specializing in brown liquorCocktail Club , aka bar - where - you’re - likely - to - run - into - a - southerly - spell - casting - member , is pretty well known for the fantastic cocktails and upscale vibe ( note : it takes " upscale " very seriously , as it ’s one of the only bars where the dress computer code is strictly enforced ) . Less well known , however , is the rooftop pack of cards where you’re able to say a few cigars to fume under a cleared Charleston sky . While the interior of the eatery is very dark , the rooftop is well lit and a great position to escape if it get a little gaudy inside ( or if T - Rav shew up and set forth a ruckus ) .

The Boathouse at Breach Inlet

southerly restaurant with a respectable seafood fare and marsh viewsLocated between Sullivan ’s Island and Isle of Palms , the Boathouse at Breach Inlet offers overbold and tasty seafood and some breathless views overlooking the marsh and the Cooper River Bridge . you may regulate beer , wine by the glass , or cocktails on the roof before dinner party , or just get a seat and revel the nice atmospheric condition . Of course , if you ’re one of those people with a boat , finger loose to park it at the dock and head to the Crow ’s Nest for one of the best sunset views in all of Charleston .

Henry’s Bar & Restaurant

Multi - tier rooftop with dancing , booze special , and sight of the MarketIf there ’s such a thing as a divey rooftop bar , Henry ’s is it . It ’s fun for when you need to bask the weather and have a few swallow with friend , but it does have some drawbacks : the inside of the eating place is aged , the food is nothing to indite rest home about , and the service is sometimes lusterless . But here ’s the the true : the rooftop patio is always a fun clip . It ’s separate into two different patios , so you get a variety Market St views as you sip one of the cocktails from the whiskey bar . On a weekend Nox , cabbage over to NV , the nightclub attached to Henry ’s on the first level of the rooftop , and trip the light fantastic the Nox away .

Carolina Ale House

American - fashion streak food with a killer opinion of Marion SquareThe nutrient is pretty basic here – imagine upscale Applebee ’s – but the survey of Marion Square and Downtown Charleston afford to you at Carolina Ale House is intemperate to beat . The draft and bottled beer list is significant as well , offer selections from Goose Island , Blue Moon , and other popular regional brewery . This is the place you go for a fooling afternoon with cold beer , fried snacks , and your favorite sports team on the grown screen idiot box .

Revelry Brewing

A cunning brewery with a lively , gumptious , and dog - friendly rooftop with upscale barroom foodCraft beer lovers flock to Revelry Brewing for great local beer and even good views of the metropolis – the bar ’s position just northward of the Cooper River Bridge means its patrons are address to some moderately spectacular sunset . It ’s also one of the only rooftops on this list that ’s domestic dog - friendly , meaning that you could relish a dry pint of Gullah Cream Ale in the open aura while chilling with your good friend . Because in dog beers , you ’ve only had one .

Mill Street Tavern

A down home Southern eatery with excellent creek viewsFrom the team that brought you the honor - winning Crave Kitchen and Cocktails in Mount Pleasant , comes their Modern venture in Shem Creek , the Mill Street Tavern . This multi - even establishment has an indoor part for when the heat and mosquitoes get to be too much , but the genuine star of the show is their rooftop deck pretermit Shem Creek . Luckily the rooftop deck of cards offers their full carte of Southern ducky ( be certain to enjoin the baked mac & Malva sylvestris ) and drink , so when the weather ’s prissy , there ’s no grounds not to take it to the roof .

Citrus Club

An exclusive rooftop locus with elevated culinary art and craft cocktailsLocated inside the swank mid - century mod hotel , The Dewberry , the Citrus Club is the rooftop bar that almost never existed , thanks to destiny of red tape with the city , but we ’re ever so beaming it does . This gorgeous rooftop offers some pretty dramatic views of the urban center ( think : steeples as far as the eye can see ) , some specialty craft cocktail , and a restrict – but load down with flavor – food carte du jour . Make mental reservation early , as they only provide a few limited reservations for non - hotel node !

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stars restaurant rooftop

Stars Restaurant

eleve

Courtesy of Eleve

Stars Rooftop Bar

Stars Restaurant

The Rooftop at Vendue

The Rooftop at Vendue

Uptown Social CHS

Uptown Social CHS

Balao

Balao

Red’s Ice House

Red’s Ice House

The Watch Rooftop Kitchen & Spirits

The Watch Rooftop Kitchen & Spirits

Aqua Terrace Roof-Top Bar

Aqua Terrace Roof-Top Bar

The Boathouse at Breach Inlet

The Boathouse at Breach Inlet

Carolina Ale House

Carolina Ale House

Revelry Brewing

Revelry Brewing

The Mill Street Tavern

The Mill Street Tavern

citrus club bar

The Dewberry