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Best Rooftop Bars With a View in Downtown Charleston

The weather is warming up and so is our desire to enjoy a cocktail with a view. Experience Charleston from above at one of the best rooftop bars in downtown Charleston.

Citrus Club

Citrus Club sits on top of The Dewberry hotel and just happens to be the highest rooftop bar in Charleston. Not only do they provide delicious craft cocktails and small plates for guests to enjoy but also allow you to soak in a 360-degree view of the Holy City.

Élevé

Located on the roof of the Grand Bohemian Hotel, Élevé is known for their fun and eccentric decor – perfect for a photo op with friends. Sip on one of their specialty cocktails while savoring an appetizing meal on their rooftop garden setting, where their “vibrant cuisine takes on a gypsy twist.” 

Pavilion Bar

Nothing says summertime like enjoying a cocktail by the pool. The Pavilion Bar atop the Market Pavilion Hotel has got you covered. Relax by their pool with a craft cocktail in hand. Most known for their mojitos and martinis, the Pavilion Bar is the best place to spend a warm day in Charleston, taking in the views and the drinks. 

Revelry Brewing

If craft cocktails aren’t your thing, check out the craft brews at Revelry Brewing. Grab a cold craft beer and soak in the sun (or catch a stunning sunset) on their dog-friendly rooftop bar at their NoMo location. They also have a food truck onsite that offers appetizing bites for patrons to enjoy.

The Rooftop Bar at Vendue

Awarded “Best Rooftop Bar” By Charleston City Paper since 2007, the Rooftop Bar at the Vendue Hotel provides guests with a two-level experience. In addition, each cocktail has a familiar base with a unique twist like their Red Moon Margarita, which includes jalapeño infused tequila with a blood orange puree. 

Eat & Drink

Five Signature Charleston Cocktails

When it comes to food and beverage, Charleston has plenty to talk about. With world-class restaurants serving some of the best food there is, it’s no surprise that Charleston yields some world-class cocktails as well. Take a look at these five signature Charleston cocktails:

The Charleston Fizz

Likely the most refreshing drink on this list, this gin cocktail combines fresh tarragon, Ruby Red grapefruit juice, St. Germain, simple syrup, club soda and, of course, gin. Originally inspired by Cannonborough Beverage Company, a Charleston-based soda company, their Grapefruit Elderflower soda can be used to add some extra flavor to this cocktail in place of club soda.

The Charleston Light Dragoon Punch 1792

Sean Brock, Husk’s executive chef, has created the perfect signature Charleston cocktail with this punch that uses tea, raw sugar, lemon juice, brandy, rum, peach brandy and soda water. The recipe was actually adapted from antebellum militia recipe that Brock received from the South Carolina Historical Society, making this drink a true Charleston classic.

Planter’s Punch

Rumored to have been created at Charleston’s own Planter’s Hotel in the nineteenth century, it’s unclear where exactly this recipe came from. While this cocktail isn’t necessarily a Charleston signature, Garden & Gun gives Peninsula Grill in downtown Charleston credits for making one of the best versions of this punch that you can get. With the ingredients of rum, freshly squeezed orange juice, pineapple juice and grenadine, this summer cocktail can help anyone beat the heat.

The Charleston Breakfast Coffee

Athens-based bartender Jerry Slater came up with this cocktail recipe during the Charleston Wine + Food Festival using local whiskey from High Wire Distilling Co. This drink, made to match the mood of the cold and rainy weekend it was created on, is perfect for any day that you’re stuck indoors. All you’ll need is High Wire’s sorghum whiskey, simple syrup, dark roast coffee and heavy cream.

The Charleston

Last, but not least, is an elegant drink worthy of being created in the high-scale food scene of Charleston. This signature cocktail uses bourbon, madeira, Angostura bitters and an orange peel for garnish. The Charleston is similar to a manhattan with its bourbon base, but uses madeira as they did in the early 19th century to give it that classic Charleston feel.

Eat & Drink

The Best Greek Food Restaurants in Charleston

Featured Image: Manny’s Restaurant

Greek food is not only wildly popular but also known to be extremely healthy. Luckily, Charleston has plenty of options for a top-class Mediterranean dining experience. Check out our top 5 here:find

#5: Platia Food Truck

This colorful food truck can be found conveniently parked right downtown on Spring Street. With incredible Greek classics, this restaurant on wheels has become a local favorite. Offering up all of the traditional meals from pita wraps to souvlaki, they’ve mastered their own twist on authentic Greek food making this an easy start to the list. Stop by for a fast and delicious bite.

4. Kairos Greek Kitchen

This counter-service Greek restaurant has locations in both West Ashley and Mount Pleasant, making it easier for you to get your Greek fix wherever you are in Charleston. With tons of options for salads and protein bowls, you can’t go wrong with this build-your-own-meal. Kairos is classic, customizable and, of course, tasty.

3. PaPa ZuZu’s

PaPa ZuZu’s is a local favorite, sitting in the heart of Mount Pleasant. Featuring authentic appetizers, salads, gyros and pita wraps, there is no shortage of variety at PaPa ZuZu’s! This restaurant will serve you some of the freshest food in the Holy City. It’s no surprise why Papa ZuZu’s is one of the best greek restaurants in Charleston.

2. Stella’s

 

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Another one from the Holy City. This evening. Stewed octopus, local okra, tomatoes, parsley, white wine, garlic, lemon. ✨

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Greek comfort food has been mastered at the downtown restaurant Stella’s. They feature options for meze (the Greek equivalent of tapas,) salads, and main entrees. With authentic Greek-style meats, including a fish of the day, Stella’s is one of Charleston’s finest for sure.

1. Manny’s Mediterranean Grille

Located in West Ashley, Manny’s has been a Charleston mainstay for over 25 years. With great food and a fun atmosphere, Manny’s offers every authentic Greek dish you could want. Using original family recipes, you simply can’t go wrong with a stop by Manny’s, putting it at the top of our list for the top Greek restaurants in Charleston!

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Charleston Live Music

Check Out These 5 Places In Charleston For A Fun Live Music Experience

If you’re a fan of live music, there are plenty of great places in Charleston for you to enjoy a show. I mean we’re home to Hootie & the Blowfish, so duh!

These are just a few of the best places in Charleston offering great live music, Charleston vibes, and sometimes (fingers crossed) free entry.

Charleston Pour House


Charleston Pour House offers one of the best live music experiences in Charleston. Their mission is to be the “regional epicenter for music lovers, artists, and other like-minded individuals”. They welcome local musicians and touring bands of all levels to their stages. On a nice day, you can catch a show on the back deck in the afternoons and early evenings. Don’t worry though, the music doesn’t stop when the sun goes down, it just moves inside.

Royal American


Located in the building that was once the local source for commercial ironwork, the Royal American welcomes music acts of all levels. They are home to some seriously delicious bar food (you have to try the beef jerky), cheap beer, and some of the best live music acts in town. Royal American is proudly a dive bar located on Morrison Drive on the outskirts of downtown Charleston.

Revelry Brewing


Named for the definition of Revelry – lively festivities, while enjoying beer – this venue is where you want to go if you want a large selection of local beer, an upstairs deck that screams Charleston, and some awesome live music. It’s truly a Charleston gem and definitely a local favorite.

Uptown Social


What happens when you combine a Brooklyn legend and a group of hospitality pioneers? Uptown Social. It’s one of the hottest bars in Charleston and with good reason. They have a total of four bars which means you can grab a drink without missing any of the show whether it’s downstairs, upstairs, or on the back deck. Helpful hint: GET THE PIZZA.

King Street Dispensary


One of the best bars on King Street, Dispensary offers nightly live music, killer specials, and a mouthwatering brunch on Sundays. There’s nowhere else you can enjoy $6 burgers and fries, $3 bourbon, and some of the best local music acts, but here. As soon as you order a drink the staff makes you feel like a friend and the atmosphere is one of the best in Charleston.

Grab your friends and head to one of these venues to catch some pretty amazing talented musicians.