The best views in Charleston
One of the best ways to enjoy the Holy City is from above. Charleston’s many rooftop bars and restaurants offer panoramic views of the Charleston Harbor and city skyline, a birds-eye view of the area’s church steeples and more. Below is a list of places to enjoy the view from up high. No reservations needed! Pop in anytime at these highly Instagrammable perches.
Vendue Inn Rooftop
9 Vendue Range, Charleston
Open daily, 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m. (open until midnight Friday and Saturday)
Charleston’s original rooftop bar above Venue Inn, this lively spot boasts several views where you can take your pick—harbor or city skyline. This stylish rooftop bar offers imaginative craft cocktails, salads, flatbreads and poke bowls for lunch and dinner.
Salty Dog
1882 Andell Bluff Blvd., Johns Island
Open daily 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Family-friendly Salty Dog at Seabrook comes with postcard waterfront marsh and river views with unbelievable sunset views. The bar has live music and the freshest seafood, salads, steaks, pasta and daily chef specials. The oak tree-lined drive through Johns Island to get to Salty Dog adds to the quintessential Lowcountry vibe.
Tavern & Table
100 Church St., Mt. Pleasant
Open daily, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Tavern & Table, on a lively strip overlooking Mt. Pleasant’s famed Shem Creek, celebrates the food and beauty of the Lowcountry with handcrafted cocktails, an eclectic wine list and a chef-driven menu that uses seasonal ingredients, including a seafood tower.
Henrys on the Market
54 N. Market St., Charleston
Open daily, 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Established in 1932, Henry’s is the oldest continuous restaurant in Charleston and South Carolina. Enjoy the rooftop deck overlooking the historic city market furnished like a traditional Southern porch complete with rocking chairs, swing and canopied shaded outdoor seating to enjoy a great meal.
Stars Rooftop & Grill Room
495 King St., Charleston
Daily 4 p.m – noon; Saturday & Sunday brunch at 10 a.m.
Stars rooftop bar is located in a hip and happening part of King Street and features a 360-degree view of the city’s historic district and seven historic church steeples. The rooftop offers a wide selection of international tap wines, specialty cocktails and craft beers. For delicious bites from a wood-fired grill, head downstairs for seasonally-inspired and locally-sourced cuisine and brunch on the weekends.
Fiat Lux at Hotel Bennett
404 King St., Charleston
Open daily, noon- 10 p.m.
Fiat Lux at Hotel Bennett offers panoramic views of downtown Charleston’s skyline and a bird’s eye view of Marion Square. Anyone is welcome to grab a drink at the bar on the ninth floor. If you’re feeling hungry, pop down to Gabrielle restaurant that offers fine dining with Lowcountry staples.
Citrus Club at the Dewberry Hotel
334 Meeting St., Charleston
Open Wednesday-Sunday noon- 10 p.m.; Monday & Tuesday, 2- 10 p.m.
The Dewberry Hotel’s 8th floor terrace also overlooks Marion Square and its Mid-Century Modern whimsical rooftop cocktail bar, Citrus Club, features citrus-inspired cocktails and fresh lite bites, like oysters on the half-shell and a smash burger.
The Watch Rooftop Kitchen and Spirits
75 Wentworth St., Charleston
Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. -11 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 11 .am. – midnight; Sunday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Located on the 7th floor of The Restoration Hotel, this rooftop restaurant offers a soulful menu showcasing a bounty of locally sourced ingredients all while letting patrons take in amazing sunset views overlooking Charleston’s most historic buildings.
Ritual Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge
145 Calhoun St. Unit 301, Charleston
Monday-Wednesday, 4 p.m. – midnight; Thursday 4 p.m. – 2 p.m.; Friday, noon – 2 a.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. – midnight.
Bursting with boho greenery in the spirit of Tulum, Mexico, Ritual is nestled high above King and Calhoun Street overlooking Marion Square. Enjoy lunch, dinner and weekend brunch on the astro-turf grassy expansive rooftop courtyard under an umbrella or on the covered rooftop patio (reservations required for rooftop patio). Ritual offers an elevated experience in a truly stunning jungle setting.