Bars in Charleston

Blind Tiger Pub is Charleston's most atmospheric old-town bar — a Broad Street establishment in a beautifully preserved historic building with a courtyard beer garden that captures the essence of old Charleston's bar culture. Named for the illegal speakeasies of Prohibition (Charleston's name for them), the Blind Tiger connects contemporary drinkers to the city's long tradition of finding creative ways to enjoy their beverages despite legal restrictions.

Edmund's Oast is one of America's most celebrated craft beer bars and brewpubs — a Charleston institution with 40 tap handles of extraordinary craft beers, a daily-changing draft list curated with the knowledge of a sommelier, and a food program considered one of the best in the South. Its James Beard nominations, national beer press accolades, and role in establishing Charleston as a craft beer destination make it one of the most significant bar establishments in the American South.

Empty Glass is Charleston's most beloved live music bar — an Elk City neighborhood institution that has been presenting nightly live music spanning blues, folk, country, and rock in one of West Virginia's most intimate bar atmospheres for over three decades. A true locals' institution in a state capital that takes its bar culture seriously, Empty Glass serves as the social gathering point for Charleston's creative community and represents the authentic heartbeat of West Virginia's urban music scene.

Holy City Brewing is Charleston's largest craft brewery taproom — a North Charleston facility with an expansive tap list and taproom that serves as a community gathering point for Charleston's craft beer community. The brewery's name references Charleston's historical nickname and its product lineup reflects the personality of one of America's most distinctive cities.

New Realm Brewing's Charleston location is a popular brewpub destination for Charleston's craft beer enthusiasts — serving well-crafted beers alongside an elevated pub food menu in a welcoming taproom environment. Charleston's extraordinary craft beverage scene, supporting dozens of independent breweries, distilleries, and cocktail bars, finds a consistent participant in New Realm's quality-first approach to brewing and hospitality.

Pour House is Charleston's favorite neighborhood live music bar — a 400-capacity James Island venue with an outdoor stage, craft beer selection, and nightly live music spanning country, blues, rock, and local Charleston originals. Beloved by locals who appreciate its laid-back alternative to the tourist-facing Upper King Street scene, the Pour House captures the authentic community bar culture that defines Charleston beyond the historic district and makes it a genuinely beloved part of the city's social fabric.

Proof on King is Charleston's most respected whiskey and spirits bar — a King Street establishment with over 200 whiskies and a cocktail program focused on showcasing American spirits against a backdrop of Lowcountry flavors. South Carolina's emerging bourbon and craft spirits scene, combined with Charleston's extraordinarily sophisticated dining and drinking culture, creates an ideal market for Proof's spirits-focused bar programming.

The Cocktail Club is Charleston's most acclaimed craft cocktail bar — an Upper King Street institution consistently ranked among the South's best bars for its house-crafted syrups, fresh ingredients, and cocktails that reflect the flavors of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Its sophisticated program and commitment to showcasing local ingredients have made it a key part of Charleston's reputation as one of America's finest culinary and drinking destinations.

Grill 225's bar program is one of Charleston's most prestigious restaurant bar experiences — a top-tier steakhouse bar in the heart of Charleston serving an exceptional whiskey and cocktail list to diners and bar guests in one of Charleston's most elegant dining environments. Its connection to the Market Pavilion Hotel and its views of Charleston's waterfront make it one of the most scenic and sophisticated bar experiences in the South.

Weathered Ground Brewery is Charleston's most community-connected craft brewery — a Capitol Street institution producing outstanding ales that reflect West Virginia's remarkable natural landscape. West Virginia's extraordinary outdoor recreation culture (whitewater rafting on the New River, skiing at Snowshoe, and rock climbing in the New River Gorge) and Weathered Ground's consistent quality create a brewery taproom of genuine West Virginia outdoor adventure community significance.