This is our go-to in the larger Charleston area for cocktails! Located in the Avondale neighborhood…read moreof West Ashley, you can get a hand crafted cocktail without having to combat the hustle and bustle and the parking nightmares that downtown Charleston bring. The owners did a tremendous job at curating an extensive cocktail menu with modern twists to an array of tasty classics. Mother! is a go-to favorite that I revisit often with its glitter flare serve in a sophisticated coupe. If youre there with friends the Margarita and Mojito flight is perfect to share (or enjoy yourself). Complimenting the cocktail menu are several snacks that always seem to pair perfectly with the cocktails including delicious flatbreads and desserts to enjoy.

Exactly what you want from a cocktail bar. Awesome classics, fun inventions, drinks smoked right at…read morethe bar. Decent flatbreads. Friendly service. Dark, cool vibe.

If you're looking for a spot in Charleston that truly leans into the holiday spirit, Prohibition…read moregoes all out with its Christmas decorations from the moment you walk in. It sets the tone immediately, and the festive energy carries straight through the meal. We kicked things off with Bloody Marys and a Morning Fog -- simple, classic, and done right. For starters, we shared the Hula Hoisin Wings. They were definitely on the heavier side with the hoisin, but still absolutely delicious. The Mistletoe Mango Tuna Poke Tacos were a standout. They come as a small plate with three appetizer-sized tacos, and every bite was bright, fresh, and beautifully balanced. The Buddy the Elf Burger offers a choice of a single or double patty; ours was cooked perfectly. The smoky bacon really brought everything together and gave it that extra "wow" factor. We rounded things out with the O Come, All Ye Fried Rice with Hanger Steak, which was another winner -- perfectly cooked, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. As if the meal wasn't great enough on its own, we happened to be there while Emily Curtis was performing. She's truly incredible and added such a fun, memorable vibe to the day. I'd be remiss not to mention Kevin our server. Go see him. He was great. The whole team works great together. Don't let the bar-like atmosphere fool you -- Prohibition is far from your typical bar food or bar scene. There's a great space in the back, and the elevated menu makes it absolutely worth the visit. A festive, flavorful, all-around fantastic experience.

Food and drinks were both good... not the best I've ever had but good…read more Lunch on a Friday... several ppl at the bar but we were the only seat customers. The waitress was indifferent and seemed as they we were bothering her ....which is fine, as I was equally "bothered" by her and her attitude. I liked the bar and restaurant and the menu was solid. Our service would have made this 5 stars but we have lots of other choices on King Street that will have staff more excited for our business.

Every time I find myself in Charleston I must stop here. Not your average bar at all. I like that…read morethey change up their menu so every time I visit there is something new to try. I have never had a bad drink here. I got the Batata Clarified Milk Punch (description in picture) which was fantastic. The toasted marshmallow garnish was a great touch for the season we were in. My mom got the Bourbon and Clyde and she said it was incredible. Description also in picture. The orange foam and pistachio crumble was a great addition. Another great drink for autumn. My second drink was the Smokin Indo which was probably my favorite. They performed the smoked glass technique with applewood which was not only cool to watch but added a unique flavor to the drink. We always make a point to get the assorted cheeses when we are here because they make a great charcuterie board. They switch up the cheeses just like they change their cocktail menu. Love to sit at the bar because it is truly an art to watch the bartenders make these drinks and really adds to the experience. Everyone who works here is super kind and knowledgeable on their craft. However, if you are able to be there when the two Doar brothers are working it makes it truly special. They give postcards with their check and there's a bowl of matchbooks sitting on the bar. One of the best cocktail bars in Charleston. Debated writing this because I selfishly want to keep it under the radar but it definitely deserves its accolades.

The last trip to Charleston, we made a reservation for Doar Bros to pop in for a cocktail after…read moredinner. I loved the atmosphere! It's super cozy, very chic, and pretty small. The service was on point and the bartender was killing it at the bar - multitasking making 3 drinks all at once. It was super impressive and I took a few videos of him. I'm giving 4 stars because the first cocktail I ordered was SO SWEET that I couldn't get it down. I tried to drink it but had to send it back. We asked when we ordered about the flavor profile and supposedly it wasn't sweet, but all 3 of us agreed it was way oversweet. My black manhattan was phenomenal and my husband had a mocktail moscow mule that was awesome. Overall, I'd come back again - just be mindful of the ingredients in the drink and modifying as needed for sweetness. Make a reservation if you can!

I will forever love this place. It holds a place in my heart. In Bar George we trust. My weekly…read morehang out.

Bar George is one of my favorite places on James Island. They have the best house dirty martini in…read moreCharleston and their Peruvian chicken is to die for (they can run out of chicken late into the evening). I also highly recommend their hot dogs, which I know sounds crazy but trust me. The girls and I stop here on a fairly regular basis and the service is always enjoyable. Such a cute bar, definitely worth stopping in.

Scotty Doesn't Know might be one of South Carolina's best kept secrets. Tucked away with true…read morespeakeasy energy, it feels like the kind of place you only hear about from people in the know. The moment you step inside, the Victorian-style décor sets the tone. Rich textures, warm lighting, and that unmistakable southern charm create an intimate, welcoming atmosphere that feels purposely hidden. Katie, serving as both bartender and host, elevated the entire experience. She was gracious, professional, and genuinely friendly the kind of hospitality that makes you want to come back before you've even left. Her Knob Creek whiskey sour was exceptional, easily one of the best in Charleston. Perfectly balanced with extra froth, it showed the kind of craft you expect from a top-tier mixology spot. If you're looking for a speakeasy that nails vibe, service, and cocktails, Scotty Doesn't Know should be at the top of your list. A standout gem in Charleston's bar scene.

Fun, dark speakeasy right downtown and easily accessible with several paid parking lots close by…read more The space is pretty small, so probably on weekends reservations are necessary and don't know if it would be great for a party larger than 6ish. There's a comprehensive cocktail menu and the French 75ish and the tiramisu martini were both delicious ($18 each). The prices are super comparable with other bars downtown. They have a full bar if you'd like a standard cocktail or any other creation I'm sure they could make it. Our server was great and very attentive. The kitchen stopped serving food at 10pm which I wish we had been told when we came in because I tried to order fries at 10:04 and was told I couldn't. Which I understand I just wish I had known. The place is pretty small and dark and very quiet so the perfect place for a calm nightcap.

The cocktail options here are honestly endless, and every drink feels like it was crafted just for…read moreyou. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable -- they listen to what you like and somehow curate the perfect cocktail every time. The atmosphere is lively and fun, making it an easy place to lose track of time in the best way.

Nice staff with quick service - I wouldn't say this spot feels like a Cocktail bar, more like a…read moredive bar where you can take a bunch of fun shots. 2 restrooms, some tvs, 100+ shot types, canned drinks, etc. Barstools need some TLC, most were cracking and wobbly.

We had the pleasure of dining here 2 separate times over an extended weekend trip…read more Host very welcoming and nurturing. Finds your table, if you arrive early for a reservation we had luck with them seating us and he says a kind goodbye as we left each time. Nice list of 3 mocktails so even if not consuming alcohol one can look to play the part at the table and enjoy the flavor notes of a well made cocktail. The first meal we had was a bit of a work/get together meal. We ordered an assortment of items off of the menu and created a more tapas menu. The charcuterie board we picked the cheeses for and it was lovely. All as expected and quite surprised to find a cheddar I enjoyed. Came with some grapes, figs, nuts, honey and I think mustard. Glazed carrots were phenomenal. Heartily enjoyed the beet salad and thought the presentation was quite pretty. Lamb lettuce wraps are alright. Not my favorite of all the dishes served but delivered as promised, nicely cooked and presented. Spouse really liked the lamb wraps and were a stand out dish to them. Meatballs are excellent truly great texture and flavor. Escargot was a fun take on a classic dish. Finished with a unique strudel in its presentation it was quite pleasant. Spouse liked the peanut butter chocolate dessert. For brunch, I had the carrot ginger soup. Which I must say was a total delight. The soup had the hallmark texture and base flavor of the carrot ginger but it had a beautiful breath of savory and some heat seasoning wise to it. It was quite an elevated soup and heartily enjoyed! I followed the carrot soup with a French toast. I am all for softly scrambled eggs but the French toast was a touch undercooked. (I did not let the restaurant know or give them the chance to make right. I regularly eat soft boiled eggs and soft scrambled so I felt comfortable with consuming them.) Strawberries were ripe and tasty. The whipped cream was gorgeous in thickness and flavor. One in law had the caesar salad with croutons and grilled chicken. Their bowl was left clean so while they are not the talkative of sorts they did seem to enjoy it. Ordered a baguette with butter. Unfortunately the butter never made it to the table but the baguette was enjoyed. Spouse had the Azur burger with the side of tapas style potatoes. All was cooked properly to temperature and texture. Flavor and taste as promised. Wasn't their favorite dish at Azur as we had tried so many lovely dishes a few evenings before. But it did deliver on what was represented in the menu. Other in law had the quiche and a side salad. They liked the quiche and would order it again.

Wow! What a beautiful restaurant! I love the cozy atmosphere and the decor. There isn't a lot of…read moreseating so you need to make reservations. Our server was very sweet and helpful! Everything we ordered was delicious - I don't know that you could go wrong in anything here!

Better late than never. My salon girls and I finally celebrated our Christmas party and Galentine's…read moreDay here, and it could not have been a better choice. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted so warmly. We accidentally forgot to update our reservation from 6 to 7, and the staff was incredibly patient and kind while waiting for a table that could accommodate our group. They made us feel so comfortable and even let us enjoy a drink in the waiting area while everything was sorted out. No stress at all. Once seated, our server was fantastic. Every single person we interacted with was friendly, attentive, and more than happy to give recommendations, which was much needed because everything sounded amazing. They even played along with our Christmas party raffle games, which made the night extra fun. Such a cool, welcoming vibe. For appetizers, we shared the lemon ricotta dip, the Dippin' Shrimp, the spinach artichoke dip, and a spicy Caesar salad. Everything was absolutely delicious. For my main course, I ordered the pecan-crusted chicken with a side of Brussels sprouts, and wow. Phenomenal. Huge portions, incredible flavor, and we were all stuffed by the end. Amazing service, amazing food, and an overall great experience. I cannot wait to come back again. This is officially a go-to spot for celebrations.

Very friendly greeters, food was decent and space is relatively modern. Our waitress kept hovering…read morewhich was annoying. How many times do you need to check on us? Must have shown up every 10 minutes while we were eating and and kept interrupting our conversation.

My first time visiting a speakeasy since living in Charleston, and the Annex absolutely blew me…read moreaway. From the moment I walked in, the vibe was intimate, beautiful, and the perfect setting for a relaxed Saturday night cap. What made the experience truly special was the bartender. There's no traditional menu, instead, he takes the time to learn what you like and crafts drinks based on your taste. I've never experienced anything like that before. The level of knowledge and creativity behind the bar was incredible. Every drink he made was stunning and tasted even better than it looked. I was honestly so impressed that I couldn't even remember all the ingredients he mentioned because I was too busy being amazed at how good everything was. It was one of those moments where you realize there are real levels to this craft. I walked in thinking I knew a thing or two about mixing drinks at home, and left with a whole new respect for the art of it. The atmosphere, the personal attention, and the quality of the cocktails made this place feel truly top tier. Huge shoutout to the bartender, easily a 15 out of 10. Cool, knowledgeable, and passionate about what he does. If you're looking for an intimate spot for date night or just want to experience thoughtfully crafted cocktails in a beautiful setting, the Annex is the place. I will absolutely be back as soon as possible.

My husband and I visited Last Saint for cocktails before a group dinner when we were in Charleston…read morelast weekend, and it was the perfect place for drinks before a dinner. (On occasion, I rant about how we need more cocktail bars and wine bars that don't serve food at all or just snacks like nuts - don't get me started.) Last Saint is a really cool dual concept cocktail bar. The front of Last Saint is more casual - small, cozy, allows walk-ins. But you can also make reservations (or try to get lucky walking in) at the Annex. The Annex is their weekends-only cocktail experience in the back of Last Saint. You walk to the back of the bar and press ring the bell by the yellow door. Someone answers and seats at one of six seats at the bar and three small (but private) tables. The Annex is a no-menu experience. The friendly and creative staff ask you questions about your preferences for drinks and then make you something that fits the bill. It was personal and fun, and we enjoyed all the drinks we had. A reservation at the Annex is good for a 1.5 hour time frame, which was perfect for us to have two drinks before closing out and heading to our dinner reservation. We sat at the bar, which I loved, because we got to chat with the staff and watch them make our and others' drinks while we enjoyed our creative cocktails. The staff have a wide knowledge of cocktails and an almost endless supply of ingredients to choose from when making your drinks. A truly fun experience. One I haven't had in any other city. I wish there were more bars like Last Saint!

I would 10/10 recommend Basic Kitchen to anyone visiting Charleston! Perfect for brunch or lunch…read moreafter walking on King Street. It's a sit down brunch spot with a warm atmosphere. I'd make a reservation. Staff was very respectful of food allergies. Good vegan options. Very inclusive menu. I highly recommend the sweet potato fries. My boyfriend and I still talk about how good they are!

We had a wonderful dinner at Basic Kitchen, located just a short walk from King Street. The…read morerestaurant has a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that feels very community-driven and intimate, making it a great spot for a relaxed dinner. When we visited on a weekday evening, we were seated quickly with no wait! We started with the corn ribs, which were honestly one of the BEST appetizers we've ever had! They had the texture and flavor of ribs but were made from corn and served with an incredible chipotle dipping sauce that brought everything together perfectly! For our main dish, we ordered the spinach and feta pita, which was warm, gooey, and packed with flavor. The pita was stuffed with spinach and feta, making it rich and comforting--almost like a warm hug. It also came with a fresh side salad that was tangy and refreshing, which balanced the richness of the pita really well! I do wish that the pita was a bit more flavorful on the inside, not just the outside. My husband also ordered an Old Fashioned and said it was excellent. Overall, the food felt incredibly fresh and thoughtfully prepared. If you're looking for a cozy spot in Charleston with fresh ingredients and great flavors, this place is definitely worth visiting!