Best Bars in Charleston for 30-Somethings

Charleston may be a historic city with family-friendly features, but it’s so perfect for the 30-somethings out there who want to have some fun! Charleston is a drinking town with outdoor bars, rooftop bars, clubs, dog bars, and more. Here are some of the best bars in Charleston to enjoy with your friends with great vibes and (mostly) away from the college kids.

Bin 152 

Nestled within Charleston’s French Quarter is Charleston’s oldest and most respected bar, Bin 152. A favorite among locals and visitors alike, you’ll find this low-lit decorated wine bar to be the best place for pre and post-dinner drinks in downtown Charleston.    

The Bin offers over 40 wines by the glass and over 200 wines by the bottle with a larger group. With so many options, it’s easy to forget that you aren’t in a neighborhood bar in the European countryside. If you are craving a food pairing, then you don’t need to look farther than the charcuterie menu. There is no shortage of cheeses and charcuterie at Bin, with over 40 kinds of cheese to choose from that won’t be complete without the Bin’s freshly baked bread. Talk about a wine and cheese dream! 

Avondale Wine & Cheese

Located in the heart of the Avondale, in West Ashley, and only a few minutes from Downtown Charleston, Avondale Wine & Cheese is your local neighborhood wine bar that will make the perfect date night, girls’ night, Wednesday wind down spot, or anything in-between! 

Offering the best selection of artisan cheeses, you can’t go without ordering a charcuterie board! You can add on local favorites to make it a true Charleston experience. The wine list is extensive and offers a great selection of fine wines for even better prices. Pro tip: you won’t get much better than $5 for a glass of their delicious house wine.

Shelter

If you are looking for a perfect Saturday it’s-a-marathon-not-a-sprint kind of place, then it’s time to head to Mount Pleasant for Shelter Kitchen & Bar! Kick back with a craft beer on tap and some fried flounder, shrimp or a burger.

Located next to Shem Creek, a casual version of the classic Charleston dining experience awaits you. The name Shelter directly relates to your experience; you can view it as a home away from home. No matter what day of the week or hour, you will feel welcomed by all! 

Shelter boasts one of the best brunches in Charleston, thanks to the locally sourced ingredients found in all the dishes! If you come back in the evening (or make it a day-long event), you will find delicious evening cocktails paired with live music to enjoy. 

Citrus Club 

If you are looking for a bar that makes you feel like you are in a resort in the middle of downtown Charleston, then Citrus Club should be at the top of your list! Citrus Club is located at the top of The Dewberry hotel and one of the best bars in Charleston for 30-somethings.

You’ll love the bougie feeling of requesting a pass to the Club, which opens the elevator. Once on the rooftop, you’ll enjoy a perfect mid-mod design with the uninterrupted sea breeze and a stunning 360° view of Charleston. Their specialty cocktails are crafted with the utmost details in mind. They offer a lite bite menu, including everything from chicken lollipops to a delicious six-layer luau pie, though the real draw of this spot is the Gram-worthy pics you can take.

Tippling Wine House 

When it comes to dining and drinking in Charleston, you can’t help but want to experience it all as a true Charlestonian would! A visit to The Tippling House is quick to satisfy that want, as it is located in a former Charleston Single Home from the 19th Century building.

This building was completely restored to its former glory while creating a great spot for a glass of wine! Created and run by a New York sommelier who fell in love with the charm of Charleson, you will find nothing but the best here. Don’t forget to request “Matthew’s Stash”, a selection of rare and aged wines that are only available upon request.

Tippling Wine House was designed to be your local neighborhood wine bar, where you stop in before or after dinner with an elevated casual atmosphere. You can find a small snack menu perfectly paired to go with the delicious wine, but the real local secret is that there is a to-go burrito spot (just next door) in their detached kitchen that is amazing!

Paddock and Whiskey 

A James Island Saturday is an evening spent at the Pour house, but where do you go when you want to keep the party going? Enter Paddock and Whiskey. 

This bourbon bar was built with the mindset of being your local neighborhood watering hole, where the people become as established as the location. You can sit back and relax while learning and enjoying bourbons from the most knowledgeable people in the business. If a bourbon neat isn’t your preferred drink, then you can choose from the extensive cocktail list curated to complete the ingredients already on hand. With just a simple bar and outdoor patio, it’s easy to see how it’s become the chosen place for a nightcap on James Island. 

Where’s your favorite 30-something bar in Charleston? Let us know in the comments!