2018 Best of the Best NIGHTLIFE
Appetizers
DIG at the Park
dighospitality.com
843-225-5201
With locations in Park Circle and Daniel Island, this laid-back, mostly outdoor retreat is the perfect setting for cold beer and fresh apps. You can even bring the pup along for company. Need a quick snack, or simply not ready to order a main dish? The starter menu will satisfy you. Spoon up some creamy spinach dip, share a plate of loaded nachos or better yet, “totchos” (tater tots). For a healthier plate, opt for the hummus.
Bar
Barsa
barsacharleston.com
843-577-5393
Come on down to Upper King Street and feast on authentic Spanish tapas with a Southern twist in a relaxing bar setting. Every day is happy hour (4-7 p.m.). There’s no other place you’ll want to sit and sip; the bar is stocked with locally-sourced wine labels that change seasonally, imported and domestic beer and a lengthy list of house cocktails—like “the bee’s knees” with honeysuckle vodka and “Spanish coffee” with Avion espresso tequila.
Club
Recovery Room Tavern
recoveryroomtavern.com
843-727-0999
There’s no better place to unwind with the crew after a long week than at this friendly dive bar where there’s more than drinks and grub. Live music and games (bocce ball, pinball and pool) keep this downtown locale lively into the wee morning hours. You can also cheer on your top NFL team, indulge in WWE, show off your trivia knowledge and move your hips on the dance floor during the monthly “Final Friday” night DJ party.
Cocktail
Felix
felixchs.com
843-203-6297
No matter what day you pop in, the nightlife bar scene is always engaging at Felix. The cocktails are a hit and you can order up as many as you need from 5 p.m. until late. How about a strawberry-infused “Polite Parisian” or four other French classic blends for a $10 price tag? For a few extra dollars, try any number of house or draft cocktails—the tastes are as exquisite as the drinks’ presentations.
Craft Brewer
Westbrook Brewing Company
westbrookbrewing.com
843-654-9114
’Round up the guys or plan a ladies’ hangout with a refreshing tasting and tour of this Mount Pleasant brewery—no booking required. It offers both year-round and rotating craft beers—not to mention a handful of barrel-aged flavors like “Grumpy old time,” “Funky old time” and “Apple brandy barrel-aged triple”. “Mexican cake,” the newest beer product, is coming soon! For just $4-$7 apiece, order up an 8- or 16-ounce draft of any of the 20 beers on tap.
Happy Hour
Bushido
bushidojapaneserestaurant.com
843-573-2440
Make it a date and pop over to West Ashley for discounted drinks and fare during happy hour, happening 4-7 p.m. daily. The specials include $2.50 house liquors and brews, along with $3 wine and a 50-percent off price tag for sake and appetizers—honey salmon and tuna tartar, anyone? Shake off some stress after work, or plan a weekend outing for some international cuisine that won’t dig too deep into the wallet.
Late Night Menu
Tattooed Moose
tattooedmoose.com
843-277-2990
When most other eateries are closing up shop, don’t give in and go to bed or forget to fill your belly with more than happy juice. With its three locations, you’re surely not far from a chance to feast on the moose’s famous duck fat fries—coated in garlic and blue cheese if you want. The kitchen is open until 1 a.m. And feel free to bring the pup to chill with you on the outdoor patio.
Pub/Tavern
Madra Rua Irish Pub
madraruapub.com
As the Lowcountry’s favorite place to feel close to the Motherland, dine on pub fare and authentic Irish eats like shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, corned beef and cabbage. Pop into locations in Summerville or Park Circle for a perfect place to watch Euro soccer matchups and rugby while chugging on a 20-ounce Irish pint—Guinness, Harp, Murphy’s Stout—or a layered draught. The bar also offers wine and 20 different domestic and imported beers.
Specialty Drink
South Seas Tiki Lounge
southseasoasis.com
843-306-0101
This Polynesian-inspired hangout is meant to feel like a vacation destination—especially if you sip on one of the tiki lounge’s “exotic” mixed drinks. How about a $10 “scorpion” (white rum, brandy with orange, lemon and orgeat); a mai tai with 12-year aged rum; or “mermaid’s milk,” made with gold rum, 151 Proof rum, along with lime, lemon, vanilla and coconut cream. Don’t forget to sample one of three “tiki-tinis,” like the “zombie apocalypse.”
Wine List
Grill 225
marketpavilion.com/grill225.cfm
843-723-0500
Housed within the Market Pavilion Hotel on East Bay Street, this Trip Advisor favorite is popular for its steak entrees, seafood and chilled cocktails. Its exquisite wine list has more than 350 bottles to complement every dish—even dessert! Sip champagne to celebrate a happy occasion, or toast to life with an old or new world red, a merlot, zinfandel, pinot or white varietal. The options are seemingly endless and representative of tastes from around the globe.
