Not all rooftops are equal. Some are high-energy party scenes, others are quiet, ultra-luxe lounges. Here are the best in and around King Street, ranked for your King Street bar crawl, whether it's a classy start, a ladies night out or a wild night.
The Rooftop Rundown: Our Top 7 Picks
1
The Classic, Can't-Miss ViewLower King · East Bay
The Vendue (The Rooftop Bar)
Consistently voted a top rooftop by locals, The Vendue sits just off East Bay, a quick walk from Lower King. It has the best panoramic view in Charleston: the harbor, the Ravenel Bridge, Waterfront Park and the whole historic skyline. It's a big two-level space with multiple bars and a mix of tourists and locals. Packed, but upscale-social rather than wild.
Best forFirst-timers, dates, bachelorette kick-offs
Drink thisFrozen cocktails or rosé
Pro tipGet there before sunset. Seating is first-come and fills fast, and evenings may be 21+.
2
The 360° View & Classic FeelMid-King
Stars Rooftop & Grill Room
A Charleston classic on Mid-King. The Grill Room downstairs is a nice restaurant, but the prize is the 360-degree rooftop, one of the few spots where you can see all of King Street from above. Wood-paneled and more grown-up, it's a great pre-dinner sunset drink or a calmer alternative to Upper King.
Best forSunset drinks, starting a classy night
Drink thisLocal craft beer or an Old Fashioned
Pro tipThe rooftop menu is limited, so eat downstairs. Check the evening age policy.
3
The See-and-Be-Seen Club SceneUpper King · Moxy hotel
Ritual Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge
If The Vendue is classy, Ritual is a party. Up top at the Moxy on Upper King, it's a big, Tulum-inspired space with DJs, a dance floor, VIP sections and a club atmosphere. You're here for the scene, the music and the energy.
Best forLate-night dancing, large groups, bottle service
Drink thisSignature cocktails or bottle service
Pro tipExpect a line and a dress code on weekends. It gets going after 10 PM.
4
The College Party RooftopUpper King
Uptown Social
Known as a massive sports bar and party spot, Uptown's rooftop is one of the biggest on Upper King. It's not a sit-and-sip spot. It's an open-air extension of the party downstairs, packed with the 21+ college crowd. Big group, high energy, house-party-on-a-roof: this is it.
Best forThe college crowd, game days, big groups
Drink thisA frozen drink or a bucket of beers
Pro tipOne of the most casual rooftops. No need to dress up.
5
The Ultra-Luxe EscapeMarion Square
Fiat Lux at Hotel Bennett
The most luxurious rooftop on the list, in the Hotel Bennett overlooking Marion Square. It's a quiet, chic (and pricey) cocktail bar with a gorgeous central bar and fireplace seating. You're not partying here. You're sipping a craft cocktail and feeling like royalty.
Best forSpecial occasions, a romantic drink
Drink thisA classic Martini or real champagne
Pro tipDress the part, and reserve ahead.
6
The Artsy Garden PartyLower King · Market & King
Élevé at the Grand Bohemian
Atop the Grand Bohemian Hotel near Market and King, Élevé is a whimsical, art-filled space that feels like a hidden garden. More restaurant than bar, the terrace is perfect for a glass of wine and a long conversation, and an easy Lower King starting point.
Best forA creative date, a bachelorette brunch
Drink thisSparkling wine or a floral cocktail
Pro tipBest for brunch or an early-evening drink.
7
The Mid-Century HotspotMarion Square
Citrus Club at The Dewberry
Up top at The Dewberry, Citrus Club has some of the highest views in the city, looking over Marion Square. Mid-century modern decor and bright, citrus-themed cocktails give it a private-club feel, and it's notoriously hard to get into.
Best forA trendy crowd, cocktail lovers
Drink thisThe signature citrus cocktails
Pro tipReserve well ahead. Hotel guests get priority.
