Speakeasy Charleston SC Scene : Secret Bars Of Charleston
Charleston is nicknamed Holy City, and it’s my personal favorite destination in South Carolina with a rich history, beautiful antebellum architecture and beautiful weather. The speakeasy Charleston SC scene is an added bonus, with hidden bars to find and many cocktails to be sipped.
As someone who travels and works remote solo, a hidden bar is something I love to do when the work day is done. It feels novel and fun enough to do alone without being bored, and as an added bonus you can talk to the bartender about the city for a few minutes.
This is your guide to the secret bars of Charleston. Cheers! 🍸
Best Speakeasy Charleston SC Experiences
First, to see a few speakeasies in one trip, try this Prohibition-Era Speakeasy Sagas Pub Crawl in Charleston
Speakeasy Sagas Pub Crawl by Revelry Tours is a great tour for groups visiting Charleston who would like to see multiple spots in the speakeasy Charleston SC scene in one trip, and who are also interested in the history of the city.
I think this particular adventure is best for people who either haven’t visited Charleston before or who haven’t explored much of the cocktail bar scene. It’s only $35 per person, so a great deal too!
On the tour you’ll learn about the history of prohibition while visiting historic landmarks and vintage-style restaurants and bars.
OR Take Charleston’s Secret Speakeasy Cocktail Class
Another excursion-style option is the Secret Speakeasy Cocktail Class by Alchemix where you can sip history. You can expect “1 Part learning, 2 Parts snacking, and 3 Parts Drinking” in this dynamic cocktail class where you’ll also learn the history of alcohol in Charleston.
Tons of five-star reviews show that people love this one, and it’s perfect for a special occasion or group coming to Charleston looking for things to do together like making prohibition-era classic cocktails. It’s on my list to try next time I visit Charleston.
Best Hidden Speakeasy Charleston SC Bars
Scotty Doesn’t Know : #1 Speakeasy Charleston SC
Scott Doesn’t Know speakeasy is hands down the best hidden bar in Charleston. You’ll find the sneaky door inside the Charleston Custard and Candy Company on E Bay St near Church and Union.
The inside is very cool. Think candles, vintage-style furniture and a overall cozy atmosphere. Best of all, the cocktails are to die for.
Make sure to make a reservation at Scotty Doesn’t Know, especially if you have a group larger than 2, because it’s not very big and they only have so much space inside. When my husband and I visited we got sat in the cutest spot behind a curtain.
They even have vintage-style switches for when you need service to call the bartenders over to you. Overall, Scotty Doesn’t Know is a must-visit for cocktail lovers and anyone who loves novelty like I do.
The Annex at Last Saint : #2 Speakeasy Charleston SC
The Annex at Last Saint is the second best speakeasy Charleston SC. It’s hidden behind a red glowing door inside the Last Saint, which is also a great stop. Two cocktail bars in one!
The best part about this dark speakeasy is that the bartenders make custom cocktails here based on your preferences. The Annex is another one you definitely want to make a reservation for. We tried to walk up during our last trip to Charleston and were turned away on a relatively quiet day.
After making a reservation and being welcomed in, my husband and I both enjoyed the drinks that the bartender made for us. Expect a little bit longer of a wait between rounds since the bartender is handcrafting your cocktails.
The atmosphere at Last Saint is also great, and a little different. They play a little bit louder music compared to your average cocktail bar. Don’t miss this one!
Bar Vauté
Bar Vaute is a must stop in Charleston for cocktail lovers. It’s located underground beneath the Brasserie la Banque French restaurant and a true hidden gem. You can expect a dimly lit atmosphere with art deco decor, excellent service and a hip atmosphere.
The late night menu includes food items like crepes and crab cakes. Overall, Bar Vauté is one of the best Charleston SC nightlife spots.
The Den at Frannie & the Fox
Although the Den at Frannie & the Fox isn’t necessarily your average speakeasy-style bar, I’m including it in the list of hidden bars because it’s tucked in the Frannie and the Fox courtyard without a sign.
I for sure missed this spot while I was dining at Frannie & the Fox. Next time!
It’s an added bonus that you can either finish or start your outing with a fabulous meal at Frannie & the Fox, just make sure to get a reservation here. Then stop in for cocktails at the secret Den cocktail bar for a night cap.
Speakeasy-Style Bars In Charleston SC
The Spectator Bar
The Spectator Bar is the bar at the Spectator hotel, offering a speakeasy-style space with 1920’s style and cozy antique furniture. It’s out of sight as it’s inside the hotel, and definitely a hidden gem in Charleston with top-of-class cocktails and excellent service.
The Spectator Hotel is also my choice for a speakeasy-style hotel, if you really want a themed trip to Charleston.
Blind Tiger Pub : Speakeasy Charleston SC Dating Back to 1893
The Blind Tiger Pub is a bar that dates all the way back to 1893, honoring the legacy of “Blind Tigers” which were drinking and gambling establishments opening during temperance.
This is why I’ve included the Blind Tiger Pub on my list of the speakeasy Charleston SC scene, although it’s not exactly hidden and does get very crowded with both college students and tourists, and it’s a great nightlife spot for solo travelers or groups of backpackers.
Along with being a great cocktail bar and nightlife spot, they also have mouthwatering food options like shrimp and grits and oysters, and my favorite – a gorgeous patio that sometimes offers live music. Not so typical for a speakeasy, but soooo worth the visit.
The Cocktail Club
The Cocktail Club offers a very speakeasy like atmosphere and beautiful space for sipping cocktails in Holy City.
The Cocktail Club even offers live music occasionally, and it’s a big bar that can accommodate larger groups. P.S. if you’re looking for the best spots for live music Charleston SC, read my guide.
Gin Joint
Gin Joint is a classic Charleston cocktail bar with a speakeasy style atmosphere. It can get crowded, so either expect a bit of a wait and crowds, or come during an unbusy time.
My favorite thing about Gin Joint is their Bartender’s Choice cocktail, where you pick two adjectives and the bartenders create a mystery drink that fits your adjectives. The coolest spin on custom cocktails!
Prohibition
Prohibition is a very popular bar in Downtown Charleston, and a nod to the classic 1920’s speakeasy with vintage-style furnishings and an overall vintage themed space.
Prohibition gets really crowded between the college and tourist crowd, so if you want a speakeasy atmosphere, maybe go on a week day during off season or unbusy times outside of summer.
They have live music most nights, and there’s a back patio and an excellent food menu offering favorites like shrimp and grits, Brussel sprouts and deviled eggs.
Heading to Charleston? Don’t miss my top Charleston blog posts below to find the best places to stay, the best Charleston SC nightlife AND the best things to do in the city.
Where to Stay In Charleston SC
Lauren Kessel
Lauren Kessel is the author of this blog post and the creator of the Inspired Backpacker travel blog. She is a passionate digital nomad, with the mission to make slow travel a more accessible way of life for everyone. Lauren believes travel is an important means of education and more importantly, a way for people of different cultures to come together and understand each other better. She has a BS in Tourism and has planned countless domestic and international trips for herself, her family and friends, having visited over 12 countries and 30 states so far.
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