Charleston, SC is not only a city bursting with charm and rich history but also boasts a vibrant culture and a dynamic food and beverage scene. This harbor town has been enchanting both residents and tourists with its grandeur and Southern hospitality.
Whether you’re in search of a cozy venue to unwind after a hectic day, a delightful place to catch up with friends, or a location to revel in mouth-watering food and drinks, you’ll find an abundance of options for happy hours in Charleston, SC.
From platters of succulent oysters and sparkling bubbles, to juicy burgers and chilled beer, this city is teeming with vibrant eateries and watering holes offering irresistible happy hour deals.
If you find yourself downtown for a day of exploration or a night out, be sure to check out our recommendations for the best happy hour in Charleston. Here are nine unforgettable venues you definitely don’t want to miss.
Pearlz Oyster Bar: A Paradise for Seafood Lovers
Nestled in the heart of East Bay Street, Pearlz Oyster Bar is a favorite amongst seafood enthusiasts. With its variety of fresh seafood including oysters, shrimp, crab, and more, it’s easy to see why this spot is considered one of the best Charleston happy hours.
Address: 153 E Bay St, Charleston, SC, 29401
Phone: (843) 577-5755
Happy Hour: Monday to Saturday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. (bar only)
During their enticing happy hour, patrons can savor $1 oysters, $4 house wine, $4 house liquor, and $3 draft beer. You’ll also find $6 select appetizers like fried green tomatoes, calamari, and tuna tacos.
One of the delights of Pearlz Oyster Bar is their ever-changing happy hour menu – a promise that there’s always something new and exciting to try. Make sure to include this spot in your itinerary when you’re exploring the restaurants in Charleston, SC.
Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar: A Fresh Take on Seafood
Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar is a beacon for seafood aficionados, renowned for its fresh, locally sourced fish, shellfish, and oysters. This East Bay Street eatery is an excellent spot for downtown Charleston happy hour.
Address: 205 E Bay St, Charleston, SC, 29401
Phone: (843) 853-8600
Happy Hour: Monday to Sunday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
During happy hour, this venue presents a remarkable spread of $1 oysters, $5 house wine and liquor, $4 draft beer, and $6 select cocktails like the signature Amen Mule and the invigorating Amen Margarita.
Complementing the beverage offerings are the $6 small plate options like fried pickles, hush puppies, and an unforgettable crab dip. Visit this establishment when exploring restaurants on the water in Charleston.
The Alley: More Than Just a Bowling Alley
At 131 Columbus St, you’ll find The Alley – a unique establishment that’s more than just a bowling alley. It’s a casual, lively spot where friends can gather, enjoy arcade games, watch sports, and savor delicious food and drinks. This entertainment hub is popular for its all-day Sunday happy hour specials.
Address: 131 Columbus St, Charleston, SC 29403
Phone: (843) 818-4080
Happy Hour: All day on Sunday
Sunday’s happy hour features $12 buckets of select beer, $4 Bloody Marys, $4 mimosas, and half off loaded tots or fries.
The Alley also offers a regular menu brimming with hearty burgers, pizzas, salads, and sandwiches, making it an enjoyable spot for those on a tour of the restaurants in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Edmund’s Oast: Where Brewing Meets Culinary Excellence
Edmund’s Oast is more than just a brewery; it’s an establishment where the art of brewing merges with culinary creativity. This Morrison Drive locale offers a variety of craft beers, cocktails, wines, and dishes crafted from local ingredients.
Address: 1081 Morrison Dr, Charleston, SC 29403
Phone: (843) 727-1145
Happy Hour: Monday to Friday, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
During their delightful happy hour, guests can avail of half off frozen drinks, house draft beer, and a selection of savory bites like curly fries, fish sauce and vinegar chips, and Korean chicken “dunkaroos”.
While you’re there, don’t miss out on their signature peanut butter and jelly beer or their exquisite charcuterie board. It’s an experience akin to browsing the delightful boutiques in Charleston, SC.
Herd Provisions: Farm-to-Table Flavor
Address: 106 Grove St, Charleston, SC 29403
Phone: (843) 637-4145
Happy Hour: Daily, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. (at the bar or on the patio)
Herd Provisions is your local neighborhood hotspot that prides itself on sourcing its meat from its very own farm in Virginia. This commitment to quality makes it stand out amongst the best happy hours in Charleston.
Embracing the farm-to-table concept, their menu showcases fresh burgers, sandwiches, salads, and entrees made with grass-fed beef, lamb, pork, and chicken, mirroring the freshness found at the boutiques in Charleston SC.
During the happy hour, you can sip on $7 select cocktails, $5 select beers, and $8 select wines, while indulging in $6-$11 bites. From the Herd Burger (beef or veggie) to poutine, wings, and hummus, there’s a delightful selection to accompany your drink.
The Longboard: Tropical Refreshment
Address: 2213 Middle St Suite A&B, Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482
Phone: (843) 789-3585
Happy Hour: Daily, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Longboard, a coastal cantina, introduces a tropical twist to Charleston’s happy hour, offering tropical-inspired dishes and drinks that embody the relaxed vibe of the Caribbean. Here, you can escape to a tropical paradise, much like the islands of South Carolina.
During happy hour, indulge in the decadent $12 half dozen raw or grilled oysters or go all out with the $24 dozen raw or grilled oysters. With $10 craft cocktails, $10 frozen cocktails, $6 draft wine, and $20 wine carafe, there’s plenty to quench your thirst.
Plus, there’s $1 off local drafts. Their menu includes tacos, bowls, salads, and sandwiches, making it a perfect spot for any taste.
Handcraft Kitchen and Cocktail: Comfort Food with a Twist
Address: 735 Coleman Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
Phone: (843) 972-8060
Happy Hour: Daily, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Handcraft Kitchen and Cocktail, a charmingly rustic establishment, brings a creative spin to American comfort food and inventive cocktails, setting the bar high for downtown Charleston happy hour.
During happy hour, you can enjoy $7-$8 snacks like mac and cheese, chicken tenders, nachos, and sliders while sipping on $5 house wine, $5 wells, $7 cocktail of the day, and $4 shot of the day.
Their homey food paired with innovative drinks make it a comforting yet refreshing choice for Charleston’s happy hour.
Dog & Duck (Belle Hall): Family-Friendly Fun
Address: 624 Long Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
Phone: (843) 881-3056
Happy Hour: Daily, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Dog & Duck is a family-friendly pub, offering a warm, inviting atmosphere that’s just as welcoming as the restaurants in Myrtle Beach SC. Its menu of pub classics like burgers, wings, fish and chips, and shepherd’s pie complements the hearty drinks offered during happy hour.
You can find $3.50 house liquor, $3 domestic bottles, $4 house wine, and $5 shots of Rumpleminz, Jager, Jameson, Espolon, or Fireball during their happy hour. It’s a classic locale for a relaxing end to your day in Charleston.
The Matador: Authentic Mexican Cuisine
Address: 1034 Johnnie Dodds Blvd Suite B, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
Phone: (843) 971-8488
Happy Hour: Daily, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to close
The Matador, an authentic Mexican restaurant and tequila bar, offers a flavorful array of dishes like tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and fajitas, setting it apart as one of the best happy hours in Charleston.
During happy hour, you can feast on $6 salads, $6 quesadillas, $6 Brussel sprouts, $6 bean dip, $7 nachos, $7 tacos, and $7 guacamole. Quench your thirst with $5 house margaritas, $5 house sangria, $5 draft beer, and $5 house wine. It’s a delightful treat for those craving Mexican cuisine in Charleston.
In Conclusion
Charleston SC is an excellent city for enjoying a variety of happy hours, whether your palate craves seafood, Mexican, American, or anything in between.
With these best happy hour spots in Charleston SC, every individual will be able to find the perfect place that caters to their taste buds and fits within their budget.
For more Charleston culinary exploration, don’t forget to check out our guide to the restaurants in Charleston SC and the unique restaurants on the water in Charleston.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the best happy hours in Charleston, SC?
A: Charleston has several great happy hour spots. Some of the best include Pearlz Oyster Bar, Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar, The Alley, Edmund’s Oast, Herd Provisions, The Longboard, Handcraft Kitchen and Cocktail, Dog & Duck (Belle Hall), and The Matador.
Q: What are the typical happy hour deals in Charleston, SC?
A: Happy hour deals in Charleston often include discounted drinks such as beer, wine, and cocktails. You can also find specials on appetizers, small plates, and sometimes even oysters.
Q: Do happy hours in Charleston only happen during weekdays?
A: While many happy hours in Charleston take place on weekdays, some establishments also offer happy hour specials on weekends. It’s best to check the specific days and times for each venue.
Q: Are there any family-friendly happy hour spots in Charleston?
A: Yes, Dog & Duck (Belle Hall) is a family-friendly pub that offers a welcoming atmosphere and happy hour deals suitable for all ages.
Q: Can I find happy hours with vegetarian or vegan options in Charleston?
A: Yes, some happy hour spots in Charleston, such as Herd Provisions, offer vegetarian and vegan options alongside their regular menu items.
Q: Are reservations required for happy hour in Charleston?
A: Reservations may not be required for happy hours in Charleston, but it’s always a good idea to check with the specific establishment, especially if you have a large group or during peak hours.
Q: Are the happy hour menus consistent or do they change regularly?
A: Happy hour menus can vary from day to day or week to week at some places. It’s recommended to visit the individual websites or call the venues to get the most up-to-date information on their happy hour offerings.
Q: Are there any waterfront happy hour options in Charleston?
A: While not all the mentioned happy hour spots are located on the water, Charleston has a variety of restaurants and bars with waterfront views where you can enjoy a drink and a beautiful setting.
Q: Can you provide recommendations for other types of dining experiences in Charleston?
A: Absolutely! Charleston is known for its diverse culinary scene. If you’re looking for other dining options, we recommend exploring the wide range of restaurants in Charleston, SC, or trying out the unique restaurants on the water in Charleston.
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