PAVILION BAR
Market Pavilion Hotel
It’s all about the views and the breezes at this rooftop bar lined with tables overlooking historic streets and Charleston Harbor, crowned by the Ravenel Bridge. Don’t go expecting a creative (or seasonal) cocktail list, but do plan to sample one of their tasty pizzas. 225 E. Bay St., www.marketpavilion.com
ZERO CAFÉ + BAR
Zero George
Snag the most romantic seat in the house—an upholstered outdoor lounger on the intimate second-story porch—and select from an array of chef Vinson Petrillo’s elegant, seasonal dishes. And if the food and ambiance aren’t enough to win your heart, a drink list starring boutique distilleries (Bulleit, High Wire) is sure to do the trick. 0 George St., www.zerogeorge.com
CHARLESTON GRILL
Belmond Charleston place
Plenty posh but far from stuffy, this bar is tucked away from Charleston Grill’s dining room but still within earshot of the live jazz tunes played nightly. Talented bartenders craft first-class cocktails and navigate the some-1,300-bottle wine list with ease. Don’t miss chef Michelle Weaver’s bites, which burst with seasonal flavors. 224 King St., www.charlestongrill.com
PENINSULA GRILL CHAMPAGNE BAR
Planter’s Inn
This is perhaps the most stately of all the spots we visited: white tablecloths and a wall-length mural depicting a rice-harvest scene foster a mood that’s distinctly Old Charleston. A silver vessel filled with freshly popped bottles of bubbly, all available by the glass, is parked front-and-center on the bar. Indulge in a flute of Veuve Clicquot and steak tartare scooped onto grilled bread. 112 N. Market St., www.peninsulagrill.com
THOROUGHBRED CLUB
Belmond Charleston Place
With its tufted leather sofas, framed equestrian portraits, and wood-paneled walls, this bar in Charleston Place lobby looks like it takes style cues from Billy Reid. Go for the strong cocktails and uber-attentive service. Hungry? Nosh on the complimentary snack mix or give into temptations like briny fried oysters served over goat cheese and spinach. 205 Meeting St., find more on Facebook.
THE ROOFTOP
The Vendue
Recently rebranded as an art hotel (area galleries provide a selection of works inside), this spot features two levels of rooftop seating with harbor views as pretty as anything on canvas. A casual crowd digs the fresh eats (think ceviche of local seafood) and sips like The Skinny, a spiked pomegranate purée. 19 Vendue Range, thevendue.com
