Charleston is known for their foodie hotspots, but a place to grab a drink is also a must! There is so many breweries and cocktail bars to explore around Charleston, depending on your preference. Below, I'll mention some of our favorites.
Breweries:
Edmonds Oast- We loved the vibe and ambiance of this place. We visited this place a couple of times and enjoyed it. The nice part is it has indoor and outdoor seating, so depending on the weather, you can have your dog join you outside. They serve food onsite, too, and we found out most breweries here do not have a kitchen. We went during power hour on a Sunday, providing specials on food and beverages. It would be a great place to enjoy with friends or watch a game at the bar.
Two Blokes- This was one of our favorites in Mount Pleasant. They typically have a food truck onsite, but only sometimes. It is more laid-back, and we always have good service. They offer several events throughout the week and have trivia every Wednesday at 6:30 pm, which we soon realized was popular. Check their events and food trucks before you go because they have a lot going on!
Low Tide- This brewery is on John'sIsland, but the atmosphere is upbeat and fun. We came on a Friday evening, and the place was popping, which made it challenging to find a table! It was too cold to sit outside when we visited, but it would be a great place in the summer with tons of outdoor seating. They offer various beer options, which I appreciate, given I only enjoy a few kinds. This place is excellent for people with different beverage tastes, ranging from light beers and IPAs to sours.
Hobcaw- Given the short time we were in the area, we visited this place once, but we really liked the beers! We went during trivia night, which made the place busy. Due to their limited hours, finding a time that works for you can be challenging, but if it's open, I'd recommend giving it a shot!
We also tried Westbrook and Ghost Monkey but weren't fond of either.
Cocktail Bars:
Little Palm- This poolside cocktail bar had vibrant décor. We sat at the bar inside and were intrigued by the menu's cocktails. They weren't your standard cocktails but were uniquely crafted by their mixologists. Ours turned out delicious, and I would return if given the opportunity.
Doar Bros- This place is situated downtown off Meeting Street. It was recommended to us by a bartender at another establishment, so we figured it was worth the hype. This place always seems busy since it's a small space, but it is worth the wait. We put our names on the waiting list and eventually got seated at the bar. The service was good; it was New Year's Eve, and the cocktails turned out well. Doar Bros is a good cocktail lounge if you're seeking a less expensive option than others in the area.
Crave- This restaurant and bar is in the heart of Mount Pleasant, and I'd recommend it to anyone nearby. They serve all types of drinks, so it has something for everyone. I ordered the Blackberry & Basil margarita twice, and my husband got the Pharmacist Old Fashioned. If you're looking for a snack with your drink, they serve a nationally and globally acclaimed mac & cheese that you won't want to miss!
Meeting at Market- We've had cocktails at this place several times, and they are consistently delicious. It's a great stop after you've walked through the downtown market for a drink or a bite to eat. The bar is extensive, and we love watching sports there.
Gin Joint- This was hands down one of my favorite cocktail lounges. The first time we tried to go, the wait was too long, but we returned a couple of weeks later and got seated immediately! The indoor vibes were cozy, and I loved the 1920s-inspired décor. The menu offered several unique cocktails, most of them made with gin. I would recommend ordering their "bartenders' choice" cocktail, which consists of you picking any two words from a list that describe cocktails you typically enjoy. The mixologist will craft something special for you that is not on the menu! I tried this twice due to the unique nature, and I loved how both of mine turned out. I thought it was an enjoyable way to experience something new.