If you have the opportunity to call this beautiful city your home or have walked down King Street as a tourist, you understand why Charleston, South Carolina has been ranked the #1 U.S. city by Travel & Leisure for years. Not only is Charleston filled with rich history, beautiful old mansions, and unique shops, it is also filled with delicious eateries, and my favorite, rooftop bars. Charleston is like a good girl that doesn’t know her limits. Once the sun begins to set over the Battery, peninsula restaurants’ happy hours become increasingly popular. Rooftops can be seen with local bands performing, amazing appetizers, and those raising their glasses to the sun as it sets. Rooftops alone should rank Charleston as the #1 city in the U.S. Below is a list of 4 rooftop bars and restaurants to try on your next girls’ night out in downtown Charleston, SC!
- The Watch Rooftop Bar & Spirits
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75 Wentworth St.
Located on the top of The Restoration, one of the most chic hotels in Charleston, The Watch Rooftop can be enjoyed by anyone. The restaurant, which also offers indoor seating filled with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, is best known for its wrap-around balcony with heaters. While sitting amongst Charleston’s many church steeples, The Watch has an amazing view of lower King St, the Ravenel Bridge, and Charleston’s marina. Make sure to order their truffle fries and Pink Starburst Party Pouch!
- Eleve Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge
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55 Wentworth St.
Seen as a more playful rooftop, Eleve gives off a lot of Alice in Wonderland vibes. The inside bar illuminates green, and grand chandeliers hang from the ceiling. The outside, everyone’s favorite, consists of dramatic over-the-top chairs, communal couches and fireplaces, and large circular couches which could fit four people. The playful outdoor scene, which sits on a turf ground, has large flowerpots which also glow pink. The mysterious rooftop is located on top of the Grand Bohemian Hotel, tucked away in the heart of Charleston. If visiting, I would recommend ordering the charcuterie board to share, the Bohemian Sunset, and make sure to post a photo on the circular couches!
- Stars Rooftop & Grill Room
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495 King St.
One of the better-known rooftops in downtown Charleston, Stars can give off major mid-1900s feel. Imagine a typical middle-aged male drinking scotch at a wooden bar. This is what you should expect to see on the inside downstairs. However, after climbing a flight of stairs, you’ll enter a whole new atmosphere. The rooftop is filled with a wooden rustic yet modern feel, with minimalistic hanging lights, umbrellas, and flower barriers. The cube-shaped bar is located in the middle of the rooftop, which has metal high-top seats. Along all edges of the bar are comfy chairs for groups of all sizes. Located on upper King amongst other vibrant nightlife bars, Stars has an amazing view above all other shops on King. Note that happy hour is Monday – Friday 4 pm – 7 pm at Stars!
- Fuji Sushi Upper King
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585 King St.
Fuji offers authentic and delicious Japanese food while being tucked away and hugged between two buildings on King St. Just think about it, how often are you able to eat fresh sushi on a beautiful rooftop? Of course, it’s possible in Charleston. The rooftop, which consists of exposed brick and wooden rails with an Asian influence, is often filled with the noise of live music. Is sushi not your thing? They also serve noodles, rice and poke bowls, and delicious cocktails. Check out their Instagram @fujiupperking for information on local performances and happy hour specials!