8 Stylish Rooftop Bars in Charleston With Great Views and Craft Cocktails
Charleston is one of the most cheerful, inviting cities in the country. The streets are highly walkable and lined with grand architecture and mansions – some dating back to the earliest years of this country. Situated right on the water, there are beautiful views nearly everywhere around the city. Award winning Charleston restaurants offer briny oysters and crisp glasses of wine, and the night life is nothing to scoff at either. Late night drinks and dancing are all popular pastimes in Charleston, but Charleston rooftop bars are the best way to experience the city.
With sweeping views of the water and city skyline, craft cocktails, and stylish settings, rooftop bars in Charleston are the coolest place to hang out in the city. Here are the rooftop bars in Charleston where you where to watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand.
Aqua Terrace Roof-Top Bar
Located inside the Charleston Marriott, this spacious rooftop bar is the best place in the city to catch views of the Ashley River and marina. Along with cocktails, the bar serves pub fare like sliders and flatbreads. Come here at sunset to watch the yachts swim by on the river.
Aqua Terrace Roof-Top Bar: 170 Lockwood Dr, Charleston, SC 29403
Price: $$
Citrus Club
This impeccably chic bar is located on the highest rooftop in Charleston. Fun cocktails like a coconut margarita and, according to one reviewer on TripAdvisor, a “life changing” pina colada, and served along upscale seafood – think lobster rolls, oysters, and crab dip. Stop by with friends for day drinking fun on a summer afternoon,
Citrus Club: 334 Meeting St 8th floor, Charleston, SC 29403
Price: $$$
Fiat Lux
Inside the Hotel Bennet is one of the classiest rooftop bars in Charleston. Not only are there panoramic views of the city skyline, but there are navy blue couches to match blue walls, and comfortable brown leather chairs. Alongside the cocktails and Champagne are small plates like charcuterie boards. Cocktails include playful touches like edible glitter and strawberry jam.
Fiat Lux: 04 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
Price: $$$
The Rooftop at the Vendue
This lively rooftop bar offers a more casual and fun atmosphere than others on this list. With a full food menu, which includes sandwiches, tacos, nachos, and flatbread, guests can enjoy dinner and sweeping views of the city.
The Rooftop at the Vendue: 9 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401
Price: $$
Stars Rooftop & Grill Room
The polished wood bar and planters filled with herbs and other lush greenery make this rooftop bar on Upper King Street stand out. Guests can lounge in wicker chairs while sipping tap wines and enjoying the city views. Signature cocktails include both a frozen negroni and a frozen mimosa, as well as rum punch.
Stars Rooftop & Grill Room: 495 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
Price: $$$
Pavilion Bar
One of the most enticing features of this rooftop bar is that there’s also a pool, so you might encounter sunbathers and swimmers during your visit. The cocktail menu includes an extensive array of martinis – and the snacks are plentiful too. Along with fresh seafood dishes from shrimp to tuna tartare, the bar also offers pizza and burgers.
Pavilion Bar: 225 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401
Price: $$$
INK Rooftop & Lounge
While some rooftop bars are a classy place to lounge with a glass of champagne in hand as you watch the sunset, INK Rooftop & Lounge definitely brings the party vibes. In fact, the atmosphere is supposed to mimis South Beach, Florida. This story rooftop bar – one level is a wooden deck and the other is carpeted with fake grass – features all white furniture, bottle service, and an Asian fusion menu. The rooftop is intended for day drinking, INK also features a night club if you want to extend the party into the evening.
INK Rooftop & Lounge: 565 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
Price: $$
Élevé Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge
The food at this restaurant combines French and coastal Southern cuisines. The bar menu includes burgers, a charcuterie plate, and truffle fries. While there is indoor seating at the bar, the outdoor area has a garden-like atmosphere, from the green turf to the ambient purple and blue lighting.
Élevé Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge: 55 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC 29401
Price: $$
Where to stay in Charleston
Photo: Jason Barnette
Whether you’re staying in Charleston with friends, traveling with family, or there to relax on the near the beach with a platter of oysters and no plans, a comfortable home where you can recover from a hangover or get a brief respite from the chaos of city life. Charleston Airbnbs are often spacious, historic homes that fit lots of guests and feature fun amenities like private pools and porches. Here are a few highly rated options where you should book your next stay.
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Luxury downtown Charleston apartment
Photo: Airbnb
With its sunshine filled courtyard (outfitted with lots of chairs for an easy group hang) and mint green color scheme, this apartment is the epitome of Charleston charm. Located within walking distance of King Street and downtown Charleston, the central location makes this sport especially appealing. With accommodation for 12 guests, it’s perfect for families or bachelorette parties.
Cottage with heated pool
Photo: Airbnb
This cottage features low ceilings for that cozy feel and lots of windows that let in natural sunlight. Located in a quiet neighborhood, it’s a peaceful stay for people who are looking for a more low key vacation – to that end, the cottage sleeps four guests so no need to worry about space getting crowded. The best part is the secluded courtyard where you can enjoy coffee in the morning, a leisurely lunch – and then take a plunge in the private heated pool.
Centrally located home with patio
Photo: Airbnb
This recently renovated home features lots of colorful touches like sunny yellow tiles in the kitchen, a teal couch, and pink walls in the bedrooms. A great choice for a group of friends traveling for fun or for a wedding, this house has a youthful vibe and its walking distance to all the attractions of downtown Charleston. 
