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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!

Events

How You Should Celebrate Mardi Gras In Charleston

Charleston is still mourning the loss of Folly Gras, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still celebrate Mardi Gras! 

Head over to Shem Creek on February 29th for the Low Country Parrot Head’s 16th Annual Mardi Crawl! This is a “Party with a Purpose” with proceeds going to local charities and causes like Pet Helpers, The Alzheimer’s Association, Ronald McDonald House and more. Over the last 15 years the LCPHC has been able to donate over $120,000 to these local charities! So, come out, drink and crawl for a cause!

Those participating in the Mardi Crawl will make their way around the various bars located on Shem Creek, including Red’s Ice House, Water’s Edge, Vickery’s Shem Creek, RB’s on Shem Creek and Saltwater Cowboys. This event will start at 1pm and will go until 6pm! Make sure to end back up at Red’s by 6pm in order to be entered into a raffle to win the grand prize. Live music will be playing all day and the event will happen rain or shine!

Register online here until February 27th! Online registration will cost $25, although walkup registration on the day of will be available for $30. Save some time and money by registering early! *Pre-registration check-in will be located between Red’s Icehouse and Tavern & Table*

Eat & Drink

Guide Day In Mount Pleasant

Your Guide To A Perfect Day In Mount Pleasant

Featured Image: Experience Mount Pleasant/Facebook

Just on the other side of Charleston, across the well-known Ravenel Bridge, is the town of Mount Pleasant. Whether you’re from the area and want to remember all the reasons why people are flocking to the coastal town or you’re a tourist looking to explore like a local, we’ve got you covered. Here’s your guide to exploring Mount Pleasant.

START THE DAY BY WALKING THE BRIDGE

Start your day off with a bit of exercise and a gorgeous view by walking the iconic Ravenel Bridge. The walking and biking path is 2.5 miles from one side to the other, but if you’re not up for walking the entire 5 miles back and forth, many people walk to the halfway point and turn back. Either way, you can take in the beauty that is the Charleston Harbor from above and even get a look at the USS Yorktown.

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The only upside to exercise is this view

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EXPLORE OLD VILLAGE

Dating back to the 18th century, Old Village is one of the area’s oldest waterfront communities. It was once a neighborhood for wealthy Charlestonians to retreat to during the summer, but now it’s home to a mix of people, families, and businesses. Visit Pitt Street to shop boutiques, like Out Of Hand, or stop by Rudi’s Old Village Wine Shop for a glass of wine. Then head down to Pitt Street Bridge to take in some SPECTACULAR views of the Charleston Harbor.

GRAB LUNCH AT SHEM CREEK

After working up an appetite with all the exploring you’ve done so far, head over to Shem Creek and grab a bite to eat. Shem Creek is home to some of the most picturesque views in Charleston and the best restaurants in Mount Pleasant. Try out Saltwater Cowboys for local seafood and BBQ, Tavern & Table for the BEST pimento cheese and oysters, or Water’s Edge for a variety of seafood and an extensive wine list.

SPEND THE AFTERNOON AT WATERFRONT PARK

Right around the corner from Shem Creek and at the base of the Ravenel Bridge you’ll find Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park. Here you can grab ice cream at River Watch Cafe, enjoy even more views of the Charleston Harbor, and walk along the 1,250-foot-long pier. You can also experience the local culture at the Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Pavilion and go back in time at the War Memorial.

WATCH THE SUNSET AT THE BEACH

The good thing about Mount Pleasant is no matter where you are, it’s likely to be a beautiful sunset. But if you’re looking to enjoy the sun while taking in some ocean air and listening to the waves then head over to Isle of Palms or Sullivans Island and watch the sun set on your adventure-filled day.

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Good looks

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Of course, this is only a bit of what Mount Pleasant has to offer but enjoy, relax, and take in all the views.

Eat & Drink

insta-worthy dishes Charleston

Become A Foodstagrammer With These Insta-Worthy Dishes In Charleston

Feature Image: King Street Dispensary/FB

Who hasn’t ordered a dish just becuase it would make a great IG pic that will cause a serious case of FOMO for all your followers? Don’t worry, us too. And since Charleston is a culinary destination and everyone lives by the cardinal rule of ‘Gramming before grubbing these days we’re picking out some of the most-insta worthy dishes around the Holy City.

King Street Dispensary

Order: The Dispensary Burger

If you haven’t tried this burger, you’re missing out! For only $6 on Wednesday, you’ll get two double bacon-crusted patties topped with melted cheese on a delicious bun and a side of truffle fries (that are quite possibly the most addicting fries you will ever eat) along with a pic that will qualify you as a major foodstagrammer. If your followers weren’t hungry before, they will be after they double-tap this pic.

 

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Saltwater Cowboys

Order: The Trashcan Nachos

Trying to up your game from a still image to a fire boomerang or drool-worthy Insta story? Head over to Saltwater Cowboys on Shem Creek and order the Trashcan Nachos. Make sure your phone is ready because when the server lifts the can and reveals the mouth-watering layers of tortilla chips, black beans, pico, sour cream and drizzled queso, you won’t want to miss a beat. 

 

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The Daily

Order: The Avocado Toast

Look up the definition of millennial and we’re pretty sure you’ll find the words Instagram and avocado toast somewhere. And, if you want Insta-worthy avocado toast, The Daily is where you need to go. They start with a slice of crunchy sourdough bread and top it with zesty avocado spread, then leave it up to you to add tomato, bacon, or an egg for a tasty Instsa snack. Tip: snap a pic from an above angle for optimal aesthetics.

 

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Leon’s Oyster Shop

Order: The Char-Grilled Oysters

Even if you’re not an oyster fan, these chargrilled oysters prepared with butter, parmesan cheese, lemon, and parsley are hard to pass up. They’ll have you flagging down your server for another order before you can even finish your first. The presentation of this dish is just as amazing as the oysters themselves.

 

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We know it’ll be hard to avoid taking a bite of any of these dishes before ‘gramming but don’t forget. ‘Gram before grub.

Eat & Drink

BBQ With A Salty Twist Coming To Shem Creek

Featured Photo: Saltwater Cowboys Facebook

Shem Creek is getting a new restaurant/bar and guess what – it’s going to have a ROOFTOP!

Saltwater Cowboys is set to open sometime in the very near future in the old Cottage on the Creek building. The new owners have given the restaurant a complete makeover by renovating the rooftop bar, adding a second outdoor bar with lots of TVs, a dog-friendly patio, more than 60 feet of floating dock and much much more.

The new barbecue restaurant will feature onsite, pit smoked barbecue selections along with locally sourced seafood including catches from neighbor Captain Tommy Edwards’ shrimp boat, the Miss Judy Too.

Wade Boals and Brett Yearout teamed up with Joel Olindo, co-owner of seafood and oyster bar Nico, to make this dream a reality. Along with executive chef Ryan Love the team promises a restaurant that’s more than just traditional barbecue and seafood.

According to Eater Charleston, a hot and spicy sausage sandwich, Cheddar Creek biscuits served with strawberry bacon jam, house-made bread and butter pickles, barbecue shrimp and grits, and fried oyster bacon po-boys make the menu, as well as, the stacked high “trash can nachos.”

Welcome Saltwater Cowboys, we’re ready for you!

What's Trending

Top Charleston Events You Can’t Miss This February

Featured Image Credit: SEWE Facebook

January has finally come to an end and it’s time to ditch the new year resolutions and have some fun. Check out the top 5 must-go-to events for February.

Southeastern Wildlife Festival (SEWE) – February 16-18

Every February for three days, downtown Charleston turns into a wildlife hub with the annual Southeastern Wildlife Festival (SEWE).

SEWE is a three-day showcase of everything people love about wildlife and nature. It allows people of all ages and genders to come together to enjoy the beauty of nature’s wildlife in historic downtown Charleston. From fine art exhibits, conservation education, sporting demonstrations, and parties, SEWE lets everyone unleash their “wild” side and pay tribute to our naturally beautiful world for a weekend.

For more information, SEWE schedule and to purchase tickets visit, www.sewe.com.

 

Bohemian Bull’s Charleston Craft Beer & BBQ Festival – February 24

What do you get when you mix 15 local Charleston breweries, bbq, and some great live music? An event you can’t miss out on – Bohemian Bull’s first annual Charleston Craft Beer & BBQ Festival..

Return of the Mac and The Jaykob Kendrick Band will be on site with live music all day long and of course, bbq will be being served up with tons of sides. Breweries include Freehouse, Frothy Beard, Snafu, Tradesman, Revelry, Twisted Cypress, Charles Towne Fermentory, Holy City, Westbrook, Two Blokes, Pawley’s Island, Munkle, Lo-Fi, Cooper River and Rusty Bull.

Tickets are $50 (plus fees) and include bbq, sides, live music and beer samples. Purchase your tickets here and don’t wait because this event will sell out.

 

Mardi Crawl – February 24

The Lowcountry Parrot Head Club is back at it again with their annual Mardi Crawl on Shem Creek. Come out and enjoy this awesome “party with a purpose”.

Participants will “crawl” by foot or water taxi to various venues along Shem Creek and at each stop they will enjoy live music, food/drink specials plus trivia questions and games — all while donning their favorite Mardi Gras gear.

All proceeds benefit the Alzheimer’s Association – South Carolina Chapter, Pet Helpers Adoption Shelter and Spay/Neuter Clinic, and other local charities. Registration for the event starts at noon and the crawl lasts from 1 pm – 6 pm. Purchase tickets here.

 

Home Team’s “Rock the Block” Party – February 24

Home Team BBQ is hosting their inaugural Hogs For The Cause block party, “Rock The Block” at their downtown location from 11 am – 6 pm on February 24.

At this new event, local and regional guest chefs from various culinary backgrounds will come together to prepare 2-3 menu items with the use of Big Green Egg grills, thanks to the company’s donation. Guest chefs include Shuai Wang of Short Grain, Bob Cook of Edmund’s Oast, Sam Jones of Sam Jones BBQ, and more.

Home Team BBQ Beverage Director, Adam Rothstein, and Jayce McConnel of Edmund’s Oast will team up to create several unique cocktails for the party, using spirits provided by Virgil Kaine and other partners. Additionally, Home Team and Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co. will collaborate on a limited-edition beer to be released at the event and henceforth sold at all Home Team and Edmund’s Oast locations while supplies last.

During the event, guests can listen to live music from: T. Hardy Morris, BJ Barham of American Aquarium, The Artisanals, and Hans Wenzel & the Eighty Sixers.

Admission for the event is FREE, and food and beverages can be purchased from the various chefs’ tables and satellite bars throughout the block party.

 

Charleston Wine + Food Festival – February 28 – March 4

The Charleston Wine + Food Festival is back for its 13th year and this year is going to be the best yet. Every year for five days people can enjoy delicious events that let them explore all the culinary world has to offer.

The annual Wine + Food Festival brings together an exciting blend of top chefs, winemakers, authors, storytellers, artisans and food enthusiasts from around the globe. The beloved festival highlights the region’s unique food + flavors through world-renowned culinary experiences.

With 120 events planned, the 2018 festival is guaranteed to be a five-day weekend full of delicious bites, flavorful sips and good times. To purchase tickets and browse all the events the festival has to offer visit, www.charlestonwineandfood.com.

Eat & Drink

The 7 Best Places To Grab Drinks In The Lowcountry

Featured Image Credit: Prohibition/ Facebook

#1.Revelry Brewing

Looking for an awesome rooftop with great beer? Revelry Brewing is a great indoor/outdoor spot to hang out for a few. The bar features Tobo Sushi’s food truck every day. Be sure to get the famous sushi burrito! Choose from a large selection of craft beer at this amazing rooftop and downstairs indoor bar.

#2.The Gin Joint

A hot spot on East Bay street to grab some of the finest cocktails. The bartenders here are one of a kind. You are able to give the bartender a few keywords from a list and they will make you a cocktail to suit your personal needs. Their cocktail menu is always a great option too!

#3.Holy City Brewing

“Holy City is one of the best brewery/beer garden spots we’ve ever been to,” says a Yelp reviewer. This is might be why it holds the #3 spot on the ‘Taste’ app. This North Charleston location has high-quality beer is quality and service.

#4.Frothy Beard Brewing

Hands down one of the best breweries. Did we mention they have monster slices of pizza? Well, THEY DO. They have beer that goes perfectly with a customizable monster sized slice of pizza. Unique beer puts them at the top of the list along with the awesome environment. The brewery has a play section for kids and is perfect for a family lunch or dinner out!

#5.Tavern & Table

What could be better than drinks on the water? Maybe a nice sunset to go along with it. Tavern & Table is right on Shem Creek with an AMAZING view. They have a great outdoor spot where you can enjoy your drinks right on the water and maybe even catch a beautiful sunset!

#6.Prohibition

A classy spot to enjoy some drinks right on King Street. This place has a great vibe inside with a large outdoor patio as well! They provide handcrafted cocktails that are superb.

#7.Stars Rooftop and Grillroom

King Streets favorite rooftop bar. Stars is a fantastic place to sit and enjoy some mimosas or cocktails with some friends. Surrounded by a nice assortment of plants and lots of seating, this is a refreshing spot to get away from the hustle and bustle!

To find more great lists of places to eat & drink visit the app, Taste. Foodies love it and locals need it. Instead of picking places you might not like, Taste, makes it simple to find the best places around town!

By choosing from 9 simple categories it makes choosing a restaurant simple and EASY. Other apps leave you searching through reviews trying to find the best spots while Taste gives you the top picks in your area. What’s even cooler is that you get to have an opinion too! If you have a favorite place in one of the categories, it gets 100 points in the ranking. Also, if you love one category and are visiting it frequently, the weight of your ranking increases in points.  

Don’t waste time trying to find a great restaurant or bar, let your app help you out click here to download the FREE app for iOS devices.

Featured

7 Tips To The Perfect Charleston Weekend

#1 Food food food and more FOOD!

Known for its authentic, southern food, Charleston will never disappoint in the food department. From fried chicken smothered in gravy to the best creamy grits you’ll ever have, this charming little city has it all. Take a visit to one of Charleston’s more high-end restaurants like Hall’s Chophouse or Husk. Or if you’re looking for a more laid-back dining experience, take in the breathtaking views at Fleet Landing at their waterfront outdoor dining area.

Image Credit: Charleston CVB

#2 Downtown Parks

If you’re on a budget, there are two gorgeous waterfront parks located in Downtown Charleston you can explore for free. Take in the Spanish Moss covered oaks blended with pastel-colored mansions at The Battery. It is one of the most picturesque parks in America, clustered with pieces of history. The second park known for its famous pineapple fountain is the Waterfront Park. Here, visitors can dip their feet in the two water fountains located on the peninsula’s edge or take a break on one of the swings overlooking Fort Sumter and Patriot’s Point on the large community dock.

#3 Horse Drawn Carriage Tours

There’s nothing more authentic than bumping along one of Charleston’s cobblestone streets on a horse-drawn carriage. Learn the history of the Holy City while accompanied by beautiful horses. These tours take you through the heart of Downtown Charleston where you are enlightened with architect wonders, tales of the Civil War, and even ghost stories. Private carriages are also available for your liking.

Image Credit: Charleston CVB

#4 Trips to the Beach

If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Charleston, you’re in luck! There are 3 stunning beaches about 20 minutes away from the heart of downtown. You can’t go wrong between Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island, and Isle of Palms. If you’re looking for a more private, residential beach Sullivans is the place to be. Cluttered with impressive southern homes and oak trees, it’s almost impossible not to relax. Your visit to the Island isn’t complete without a quick historic stop at Fort Moultrie and a nice dine-in experience at Poe’s Tavern. A short distance away, Isle of Palm is another residential beach lined with a large beach. Stop by the famous oceanfront bar the WindJammer to enjoy live music and a nice cold beer. In the opposite direction, Folly beach is home to quaint beach houses and a local surfer feel to the small town. Take a peek out on the Folly pier or join the locals down at the Washout.

#5 Shem Creek

Looking for the perfect place to enjoy the sunset and get some great food? Look no further, Shem Creek, located in Mount Pleasant just over the Ravenel Bridge is a bustling tourist destination. With boats flowing in and out of the small canal lined with restaurants on both sides, it’s the ideal place for sunset viewing and cocktail sipping. You’ll probably even see some dolphins swimming around.

Image Credit: Charleston CVB

#6 Rooftop Bar Hop

After you’ve seen the sights of the gorgeous city and gotten a nice tan from the beach, the nightlife in Charleston is something you don’t want to miss out on. Any rooftop bar has a phenomenal view of the city and the water surrounding it. Start off at the Vendue rooftop bar right down the street from Waterfront Park to get the best water views. Then make your way to the chic Grand Bohemian Hotel where ascending in the elevator brings you to the lavish rooftop where you can indulge in a fresh mojito followed by some savory appetizers. Stop by the Market Pavilion Hotel rooftop or Restoration Hotel Rooftop, The Watch, for a classy look over the city. If you want to venture out to a more Americanized bar, Henry’s is the place to go.

#7 Sunday Funday

You haven’t truly experienced Charleston until you brunch in Charleston. Sundays are all about the Bloody Marys and Bottomless Mimosas. Sunday brunch is a lifestyle in the Holy City, so you should plan on making reservations to beat the crowds. Enjoy a caraffe of bubbling mimosas while indulging in a truly southern brunch style meal. If you’re looking for a higher end brunch, Hall’s Chophouse, The Macintosh, The Palmetto Cafe, and Poogan’s porch are legendary for their brunch menus. Feeling a more casual experience, Toast, Low Country Bistro, and Hominy Grill have people lining the streets to get in. Enjoy the outside patio at the oldest bar in Charleston at Blind Tiger or a renovated church with stained glass windows and high ceilings at 5Church right off Market Street. If you’re looking to go somewhere off the peninsula, Shelter is perfect for outdoor seating and cocktails.