The Best Rooftop Bars in Charleston
Between the many options for fabulous seafood, the upscale hotels (with equally upscale bars), and the picturesque charm of Rainbow Row, Charleston is a classic weekend getaway location. Recently, my daughter, Graysen, and I had the opportunity to visit for a girls trip with our friends Sara (mom) and Lauren (daughter). Lauren recently made Charleston her home, so she was a wonderful local guide!
The rooftop bars were a big hit with all of us. No matter what atmosphere or drinks/food you are looking for, Charleston has it. So which is the best? Keep scrolling and see which one is perfect for you!
Trendiest Vibe: Ritual Restaurant and Lounge
Current Hours of Operation:
Mon-Wed | 4pm -late, Thurs | 4pm-1:30am
Fri-Sat |12pm – 1:30am, Sun | 12pm-late
The entire restaurant is on the top level, and you are delivered by a cool industrial elevator. Ritual Restaurant and Lounge has a gorgeous, stylish roof patio, only matched by the gorgeous jungle decor INSIDE as well. The recommended house cocktails include the Tepache Betty (a tropical inspired mule) and Cenote Punch (fruity and sweet – you’ll think you’re at a resort!).
Best for Live Music: Mac’s Place
Current Hours of Operation:
Fri-Sat | 11:00 am – 2:00 am
Sun-Thurs | 12:00 pm – 2:00 am
Mac’s Place, a sprawling pub located near the Charleston City Market, is the place to go for your live music fix. It’s a labyrinth of levels and rooms, with multiple musicians playing throughout. And I don’t know how they do it, but you somehow don’t hear the other bands from other various areas of the bar! The drinks are easy to come by, even when it’s crowded due to a plethora of open bars and attentive bartenders. And if you are looking for a lower noise level, the rooftop has a rooftop – just keep walking up stairs to the top level!
Best Food: The Citrus Club at The Dewberry
Current Hours of Operation:
Sunday – Thursday | 12pm – 8pm
Friday – Saturday | 12pm – 10pm
The Citrus Club has a classy, high end feel with maybe the best view of all the rooftops we visited. As a result, prices are elevated as well! For that view and atmosphere, it’s worth it. And I haven’t even gotten to the food yet – I’m a sucker for Brussels sprouts, and they delivered! It’s a great place to get some nourishment before continuing your rooftop bar crawl.
Best for Feeling Fancy with the Girls: Camellias at Hotel Bennett
Current Hours of Operation:
Monday – Thursday | 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Friday – Saturday | 5:00 pm – 12:00 am
Ok, this one is a bit of a cheat, as it’s on the ground level. Hotel Bennett also has a lovely rooftop bar called Fiat Lux with some great views of the city. However, the extensive champagne collection, movie star glam atmosphere, and pink EVERYTHING reeled us right into Camellias. And they also offer an afternoon tea (reservations only)!
Coolest Decor: The Vendue Rooftop
Current Hours of Operation:
Sun-Thurs | 11:30am -11pm
Fri-Sat | 11:30am – 12am
Nestled in the French Quarter, the Rooftop Bar at Vendue has fascinating works of art everywhere you look, even the bathrooms. The color scheme is vibrant and bold. I found myself lingering in the lobby before taking the short elevator ride to the rooftop. We went here for more of a happy hour cocktail so I can’t comment on the full nighttime views, but the roof has a view of the Atlantic ocean!
Best Party Vibe: STARS with special mention Prohibition
Current Hours of Operation:
Monday – Thursday | 4:00pm – Close
Friday | 12:00pm- Close
Saturday – Sunday | 11:00am – Close
And for one our final stops, STARS Rooftop Bar and Grill was a fun spot in a restored building conveniently located on King’s Street. It had gotten a little too late for pictures, but the rooftop has some greenery and feels cozy. There was plenty of seating, although most of the patrons were standing and chatting. The rooftop would be a great event space!
And you’ll be glad to know that even if it starts raining (as it did for us), there is an indoor option to keep the party going – Prohibition (open M-F 5pm-2am and Sat/Sun 11am-2am) is just a few steps down the street!
Everyone visiting Charleston is looking to have a good time, and there are plenty of good times to be had. Come for the history and the architecture, but don’t forget to enjoy the less structured moments as well. There is just something invigorating about being out on a rooftop drinking cocktails with your friends! Until next time, Charleston!
And for some more fun things to do while you visit Charleston:
