Trio Lounge
Trio Club is host to live music, DJs, and dancing in a trendy and business casual atmosphere. The music selection is quite eclectic—on any given night you are likely to hear Latin, disco, folk, blues, and R&B.
139 Calhoun St.
Charleston
(843) 965-5333
The Purple Tree Lounge
Purple Tree is an 18-and-up dance club/bar located in the Market. A DJ, plush couches, and a large dance floor complete the Lounge. Every Thursday night a Jell-O wrestling contest is held—ensuring an interesting evening.
The Pantheon
Charleston’s most popular gay bar/dance club attracts both the gay and straight crowd. There are drag shows every Friday and Sunday night and an annual Ms. Pantheon Pageant that cannot be missed! If you’re in the mood to dance to some Whitney Houston or techno, this is the place for you.
28 Ann St.
Charleston
(843) 577-2582
The Silver Dollar
This cheap dive bar is a favorite among the Greek life crowd, as well as for those looking for a wild night and possibly a one-night stand. The small bar gets packed Thursday through Saturday nights, but is a really fun place to dance and shoot some pool. The “Dirty Dollar” is also a popular freshman bar.
478 King St.
Charleston
(843) 722-7223
The Rooftop Bar & Restaurant
A nice casual rooftop bar with a spectacular view of the city skyline and the harbor and live acoustic performances. But remember wear a coat in the winter—surprisingly it does get cold and windy in Charleston! Also be prepared to wait in line to get in.
O'Malley's Bar & Grille
Irish Pub with lots of live music, sponsored parties and yes, a huge St. Patty’s Day celebration. This popular student venue also has a side patio for those who want to escape the packed madness of a Friday night crowd or smoke a cigarette or two.
549 King St.
Charleston
(843) 805-5000
Upper Deck Tavern
The last Sunday of every month features a 4 p.m.-to-8 p.m., half-off-everything happy hour. An all-around fun, popular dive bar, the Upper Deck offers decent specials throughout the week, such as $2 mixed drinks and $2 Molsons on Saturdays.
353 King Street
Charleston
(843) 958-0002
Torch Velvet Lounge
A martini bar with miniature hookahs, funky artwork, a DJ, and a back room with plush bed-sized couches. A great place to take a date or have a make-out session.
Social Wine Bar & Restaurant
Blind Tiger Pub
Located in a historic building with a lot of atmosphere (the structure dates back to 1803), the Blind Tiger is rumored to have operated through Prohibition—hence the name. The pub features a very extensive bar and live music nightly.
Big John’s Tavern
Another popular dive, Big John’s features a number of weekly specials, and a happy hour featuring $3 house well drinks, $2 domestic bottles, and $1.50 domestic drafts.
AC’s Bar and Grill
AC’s borders on being a dive, but in the most positive way possible. It’s an extremely popular Charleston hangout, both among students and residents. The burgers are good, the clientele is diverse and friendly, and the beer specials are plentiful.
467 King St.
Charleston
(843) 577-6742
Mad River Bar & Grille
Built in an old church, Mad River is an exciting sports bar and pub. Beware underagers, the bouncers at Mad River get paid to take fake IDs, so don’t press your luck.
Charleston Beer Works
Pool table, Shuffleboard, 30 beers on tap, and televisions to watch the game.
468 King St.
Charleston
(843) 577-5885
Chai's Lounge and Tapas
This tapas lounge and bar has a large outside patio with space heaters and where guests can listen to reggae or jazz and sip on some delicious mojitos.