There’s something to be said for a cool, refreshing cocktail at a downtown bar on a hot spring day. Whether you’re popping in for a refreshment before a Spoleto show, headed to happy hour after a long day’s work or simply taking a break from a King Street shopping spree, these downtown bars offer an oasis, if you will, among the chaos of a bustling city.
This list is far from exhaustive — consider it a jumping off point for an afternoon or weekend of bar hopping. And be sure to check out our neighborhood guides (charlestoncitypaper.com/category/insiders-guide) for a list of fun spots all over the area.
Little Palm/The Backyard
Open daily with varying hours.
littlepalmbar.com.
The Ryder Hotel’s poolside bar, Little Palm, is as Instagram-worthy as it sounds. Belly up to the bar for a drink or reserve a set of sun loungers or a poolside table to take advantage of the pool. Poolside reservations start daily and can be made on Resy.
Little Palm’s coastal-inspired menu features light and bright share-able plates, like salt potatoes, chicken croquettes and jerk wings. Fill up on larger dishes like the Cuban sandwich and double cheeseburger, too. And don’t sleep on the inventive cocktail list (that’s why we’re here, right?), with fun beverages like the Late Checkout, made with Lunazul Blanco, vanilla, smoked peach and strawberry soda and the Fresh Sheets, made with Pisco, chamomile, pineapple, lemon, green tea and toasted rice.
The Ryder expanded its outdoor space at the end of last year, introducing The Backyard, which is an extension of Little Palm and can be reserved for special events. Every Saturday now through June the space hosts Sunset Sessions starting at 4 p.m. The event features rotating DJ lineups and reservations are encouraged.
Mills House Terrace bar
Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
millshouse.com.
The second hotel bar to make our list, the Mills House’s Terrace bar seems to check all the boxes when it comes to oasis requirements (pro tip: check out our past coverage of the glory of hotel bars to learn more about why they’re so damn inviting).
The Terrace offers a variety of seating options, from bar seats to a lounge area to cabanas (available to rent if you want to dip in the pool, too). Large patio umbrellas offer some shade and things really start to cool off when you dive into the cocktail menu, which includes a variety of both frozen drinks and signature cocktails.
Pair your bevs with small, seasonal dishes like jumbo shrimp cocktail, watermelon salad and barbecue shrimp tacos.
Satellite Bar
Hours vary.
starsrestaurant.com
Renovated last summer, Satellite Bar, formerly known as Stars Rooftop Bar, offers a place for folks looking to, quite literally, rise above hectic Upper King Street. In an interview with Charleston City Paper last fall, Stars Restaurant’s director of operations, Heather Greene, said that the reno-ed space was a “level up” from the previous rooftop bar.
Featuring Brazilian hardwood, fruit trees and colorful awnings, Satellite Bar feels a bit like an escape from downtown. The fun, though, is that the panoramic views allow visitors to still sightsee (and people watch).
With a curated wine selection, refreshing frozen selections (pairing Campari with lime and pineapple? genius!) and a solid selection of mocktails, Satellite Bar has something for every kind of drinker. The spot doesn’t take itself too seriously, though — you can still get a shooter if you’re looking for a little extra umph.
Be sure to follow the spot on Instagram,@satellitebarchs, for updates on live music and other events.
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