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The Best Rooftop Bars in Charleston

Open-air restaurants are all the rage this summer, as establishments adhere to COVID-19 guidelines. Luckily, Charlestonians already love to dine outdoors. While many restaurants are finding ways to create more patio seating, nothing quite compares to a rooftop view. Here’s a roundup of the best rooftop bars in Charleston for the next time you decide to hit the town. 

Stars Rooftop & Grill Room

This King Street beauty has a short, but sweet, rotating menu. With stellar drinks and a downtown view, this establishment is nothing short of fabulous. Locals love the weekend Brunch as it’s known iconically for their decadent selection. Pop a cork and cheer mimosas with friends on their open-air rooftop. 

The Rooftop Bar at The Vendue

Enjoy al fresco lunch on the highrise patio at this chic hotel. For lively atmosphere and Southern architecture views, join the folks at the Vendue. On hotter days, a Strawberry Basil Lemonade will quench your thirst. Their plethora of seating offers options for parties of all sizes.

The Watch 

You’ll forget to check your watch as time spent on the rooftop of the Restoration Hotel is time well spent. Guests will want to head to the restaurant at sunset for an incredible Holy City golden hour. As you soak up the last of the sun, share appetizers while picking through their selection of sweet libations.

Revelry Brewing 

Calling all IPA drinkers! This rooftop brewery is young, lively, and perfect for an evening escape. Their large selection of home-brewed beer is iconic in this city. Crack a cold one safely outdoors at this large beer garden. 

Red’s Ice House

Ditch downtown and head to Shem Creek for sunset drinks at Reds. The motto here? “Inside is boring!” Enjoy this laid back setting for seafood and drinks as you watch boats float by. The occasional dolphin even makes an appearance along the creek!

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charleston date night ideas

4 Date Night Ideas In Charleston For Every Couple

It’s easy to fall into the same routine of work, dinner, and Netflix, but Charleston is a city full of date night options. Whether you’re a new couple who is exploring the city together or a married couple of many years looking for a day of relaxation, we’ve got a date idea here for you. Here are four must-do “date nights”.

The Adventurous Couple

What better way to spend some quality time together than taking an adventurous weekend getaway to Edisto Beach State Park? Grab your tent, a sleeping bag, and enjoy a weekend “roughing it” at Edisto Beach. During the day you can bike, fish, swim, kayak, and roam the trails, and at night you can relax by the fire and watch the sunset together.

The Foodie Couple

There’s no better place to go on a date and explore the culinary scene than in Charleston. Whether you want to enjoy some of the best food Charleston has to offer or learn some tips to take home, the Holy City has a ton of options. Our choice for best date night? Enjoy a steak from Halls Chophouse, grab some drinks from Hotel Bennett’s champagne bar, Camellias, then finish the night off with dessert from Kaminsky’s.  If you’re looking for something more interactive, you and your bae can take a cooking class at Zero George Street and take your tips home to the kitchen.

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? Pour some sugar on me! ?

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The Laid Back Couple

We totally get it, binge-watching Netflix in bed is hard to beat but Charleston has plenty of date activities for those couples who want to relax but are looking to get out of the house. Head to the beach for a relaxing day and grab some drinks from a nearby restaurant like Taco Boy at Folly Beach or Mex1 at Sullivan’s. Or splurge a little and head to the spa at Hotel Bennett for ultimate relaxation.

The Curious Couple

Are you and your SO always looking to learn something new? These date night ideas mix romance, fun, and education. Learn how to make candles together for your next date night at Candlefish’s candle making workshop or pick a class to take at AR Workshop in Mount Pleasant and DIY, together.

Whatever you and your date choose to do, have a blast.

 

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OpenTable Restaurants Charleston

Results Are In: The Top 10 Overall Restaurants In Charleston

Featured Image Source: Peninsula Grill Facebook

The results are in and OpenTable users have spoken.

Each month OpenTable reads hundreds of thousands of reviews and sorts the results by category to help users discover new, delicious food.

Here are the top ten restaurants to try in Charleston according to OpenTable users:

1. McCrady’s Restaurant

McCrady’s is a tasting-menu-only restaurant located in historic downtown, Charleston. A meal here is $125 per person and is worth the splurge. The restaurant holds the honor of a AAA Five-Diamond Award and is one of Wine Enthusiast’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants in America. Looking to pair a glass of wine with your food? Alcoholic pairings are $80 per person and $160 per person for reserve pairings.

2. Charleston Grill

Located in the fabulous Charleston Place Hotel, Charleston Grill offers Lowcountry cuisine with a French accent. If you’re really looking to go all out and make for an impressively romantic evening, you can dine in the private Vinter’s Room featuring walls of glass-fronted wine cellars showing off their magnificent collection from around the world.

3. Cru Cafe

Looking for some comfort food? Try Cru Cafe. It’s a favorite among tourists and locals and is in a classic single-style Charleston home off the beaten path. It’s consistently ranked as one of the top eateries in Charleston and we can see why.

4. Peninsula Grill

Peninsula Grill is truly a Charleston gem. With delicious food, a beautiful courtyard to dine in, and a fabulous champagne room offering some of the world’s best champagne, it’s no surprise Peninsula Grill made the list. It’s been recognized by several publications including Conde Nast Traveler, Food & Wine, The New York Times, Southern Living, Travel + Leisure, and others.

5. Circa 1886

If there’s one thing we can say about Circa 1886, it’s that Circa 1886 is unlike any other Charleston restaurant. Inspired by dishes from around the world, Chef Marc Collins curated a menu that offers a Lowcountry spin on many well-known dishes.

6. Ella & Ollie’s

One of the two restaurants on the list that is not in downtown, Charleston, Ella & Ollie’s is located on Edisto Island and is a cute southern seafood restaurant. Their food is so loved that they opened a second space next door using the same inspiration and ingredients to create tacos unlike any other.

7. Indaco

Indaco is the only Italian restaurant in Charleston to make the list and we can’t argue it. Indaco offers a great atmosphere, delicious dishes, and one-of-a-kind cocktails that make for a great birthday dinner, anniversary, or just a regular night.

8. Oak Steakhouse

There is no shortage of amazing steakhouses in Charleston and with Oak being the only steakhouse on the list, it’s obviously a must-eat in the Lowcountry. With an exquisite selection of signature cuts, delicious seafood specialties, and a great selection of vegetarian options, Oak Steakhouse has earned its spot on this list.

9. 843 Korean BBQ & Sushi House

The second of the two restaurants not in downtown, Charleston, 843 Korean BBQ & Sushi House is located in North Charleston. It’s dinner and a show at this restaurant as the chefs prepare your dinner right at your table. More of a sushi fan? Try one of their delicate sushi rolls prepared by sushi artists.

10. The Macintosh

Closing out the list is The Macintosh, known for their local ingredients. Executive Chef and partner Jeremiah Bacon creates his menu using seasonal ingredients from local farmers and fishermen. And, once you finish your dinner and drinks here you can head upstairs to its sister lounge, Cocktail Club for a delicious cocktail.

Which one will you try first?

To view the list and make a reservation visit OpenTable, here.

Eat & Drink

Valentine's Day Events In Charleston

Celebrate Love At One Of These Valentine’s Day Events In Charleston

Whether you view Valentine’s Day as the most romantic day of the year, a made-up greeting card holiday, or the antithesis of everything happy in the world, today is still a reason to celebrate! Whether you’re celebrating love or choosing to just treat yo-self, we’ve rounded up the top V-Day activities the Holy City has to offer.

Take a walk on the wild side


(Because exercise gives you endorphins and endorphins make you happy.) If your Valentine is more of the adventurous sort, head over to Wild Blue Ropes Adventure Park. For just $50 per couple, you can tackle that big, bad ropes course. What better way to say “I love you” than with a heart-pumping ropes climb?

Dinner and a movie


If you’re that hopeless romantic, hop on down to the Terrace Theater for the second annual Valentine’s Date Night. Local jeweler Croghan’s Jewel Box teams up with the theater to show the cult classic, To Catch A Thief. Grab some popcorn, forget the roses, and impress your date with your classy taste for classic films.

Anti-Valentine’s Day


Stupid Cupid. Maybe you don’t believe in the holiday or maybe you’re licking your wounds from a relationship gone bad. Whatever your reason for not feeling all mushy gushy, you’re not alone! Local bars The Brick and Charleston Beer Works are each holding anti-Valentine’s Day parties. With drink specials, speed dating, and even a pinata giveaway (no, really) these two bars will make sure you end the night on a high note.

Beer Lovers


Who doesn’t like enjoying a few drinks with their special someone? Frothy Beard is have a beer and cheesecake pairing. They’ll have 4 of their delcious beers available to pair with “fun flavored” cheesecakes. Not a fan of sweets? No worries, Edmund’s Oast Brewing and Bendy Brewski Yoga are hosting a yoga for beer lovers class.

We know, it’s hard to choose just one.

 

Eat & Drink

Charleston Italian Restaurants

These Italian Restaurants Have The BEST Pasta In Charleston

Charleston has plenty of places for you to get your fix on all things pasta. You might not be in Italy, but go to any of these restaurants and you’ll think you were transported straight to an authentic Italian homemade meal in the heart of the land of pasta. Whether you go for a creamy white sauce, a hearty red meat sauce, or a spaghetti dish complemented with the catch of the day, these Charleston locations will have you begging for another serving of noodles.

Juliet


Juliet is a restaurant inspired by classic Italian dishes located on Upper King Street. According to Tripadvisor, Juliet is home to the best pasta dishes EVER. Take advantage of their Happy Hour everyday from 4pm to 6pm.

Indaco


Indaco serves rustic Italian cuisine by Executive Chef Michael Holler. Wood-fired pizzas, hand-crafted pastas, house-made salami and cured sausages fill the restaurant’s menu which can be enjoyed family-style or a la carte. With community tables, an open kitchen, and a comfortable atmosphere, Indaco is the perfect place to unwind with family, friends, or your significant other.

Monza


One of Charleston’s favorite Italian restaurants just got a whole new look. Monza, located in the heart of King Street, has expanded into what was its sister restaurant, Closed For Business. Be the first to try Monza’s new pasta menu when it reopens this month.

Melfi’s


Stay ahead of the Foodies and reserve your next meal at Charleston’s newest Italian restaurant Melfi’s. It’s all the rage to the Charleston locals with its sophisticated interior. Its long wooden bar, a variety of linen-draped dining tables, and an intimate pizza counter where guests can watch the action surrounding two wood burning ovens, makes it the perfect night out on the town.

Fulton 5


Looking for a romantic date night in Charleston? Walk through the heart of Charleston’s historic district and stumble upon this quaint Italian restaurant. A locals favorite spot, Fulton 5 is a must go for authentic Italian pastas from their tortellini to their Cavatelli.

Trattoria Lucca


Tucked away in a quiet corner of downtown Charleston’s Elliotborough neighborhood lies chef Ken Vedrinski’s charming Italian eatery, Trattoria Lucca. Inspired by the ancient Tuscan city of Lucca, a place renowned for its olive oils, Trattoria Lucca brings the essence of Italian cuisine to the Lowcountry. The dinner menu changes nightly depending on the local ingredients of the day.

Pan E Vino


This tiny Italian restaurant is tucked away in Downtown Charleston. The food is served with the perfect intimate atmosphere with lanterns hanging from an old live oak in the outdoor courtyard providing a dining experience like no other in Charleston. Owned by an Italian family from Northern Italy, you won’t be disappointed by these authentic pasta dishes.

We promise, these dishes won’t disappoint.

Eat & Drink

date night

Got A Hot Date? Try These Date Night Restaurants In Downtown Charleston

Featured Image Credit: Circa 1886 Restaurant Facebook

Do you have a date lined up and have no idea where to eat? Well, head downtown to one of the best date night restaurants in Charleston. With ambiance and great food, these restaurants will impress your date and satisfy your appetite. There are so many places to choose from, so we’ve narrowed it down to eight.

 

Chez Nous

Image Credit: Chez Nous Facebook

One of the best hidden gem restaurants in Charleston is Chez Nous. It’s also perfect for a romantic date.  The menu changes daily, so follow them on social media to find out what’s in store. The atmosphere is intimate and the food is delicious, how can you go wrong?

 

Halls Chophouse

Image Credit: Halls Chophouse Facebook

If you want to have a fine dining experience with excellent food choices, then look no further than Halls Chophouse. Steak lovers will be in paradise, but their pasta, seafood, and chicken dishes also delight. There is also live piano, perfect for a romantic night out.

 

82 Queen

Image Credit: 82 Queen Facebook

82 Queen is the perfect date spot for warmer months. Their historic Charleston courtyard is intimate and enchanting. The service is impeccable and the food is southern dining at its best. So if you’re a lover of all things southern, then 82 Queen is the place for you.

 

Magnolias

Image Credit: Magnolia’s Facebook

Another place for great takes on southern fare is Magnolias. One of our top picks for shrimp and grits, it’s also a perfect spot for a date downtown Charleston. The food is on point and the white tablecloths present a refined atmosphere ideal for a date.

 

Circa 1886 Restaurant

Image Credit: Circa 1886 Restaurant Facebook

Circa 1886 Restaurant is on the grounds of the historic Wentworth Mansion, on our list of best places to stay on your wedding night.The restaurant is actually the original carriage house. The menu features southern fare as well as dishes inspired by cuisine all over the world.

 

Oak Steakhouse

Image Credit: Oak Steakhouse Facebook

Here’s another one for the meat eater in your life. The steaks are the stars here but there are other dishes who don’t crave beef. Fresh seafood, house-made pasta, and a vegetarian plate are available and are all excellent choices. The steakhouse is located in a historic bank building that has three floors and five distinct dining areas. No matter which one you’re seated in, it’s the perfect place for romance.

 

Peninsula Grill

Image Credit: Peninsula Grill Facebook

Peninsula Grill is another fantastic place for a date when the weather is nice. Their courtyard, with its lanterns and winding brick pathways, is the ideal spot for an intimate dinner. And the food is divine as well. From steaks and chops to fresh seafood, everything has lots of flavor with a southern twist. And don’t forget to save room for a slice of their Ultimate Coconut Cake.

 

Five Loaves Cafe

Image Credit: Five Loaves Cafe Facebook

Five loaves is a lovely little spot for those looking to dine in a sustainable and healthy way.  But don’t let the word “healthy” throw you. The dishes here are to die for. Five Loaves works with local farms to serve the best fruits, vegetables, and poultry. They also serve seafood, beef, and pork dishes that will delight. And the staff here are able to accommodate any allergies or intolerance. The atmosphere is great for a date, but if you can’t make it at night, stop by any of their three locations at lunch.