Speakeasies in Charleston, South Carolina

19 hidden bars found

Charleston's cocktail culture thrives in the shadows, where unmarked doors and whispered passwords guard some of the city's most inventive bars. Behind the historic facades of the Holy City, a network of hidden establishments serves meticulously crafted drinks in intimate spaces that range from dimly lit basements to secret rooftop retreats. Here are 19 speakeasies and concealed bars where Charleston's bartenders perfect their craft away from the crowds.

5.0 (209)

Grand 10 BR Charleston Home with Speakeasy Bar offers guests a unique accommodation experience in Charleston, South Carolina, featuring a private speakeasy-style bar within the property. This highly-rated rental has earned perfect 5.0-star reviews from 209 guests who have enjoyed the combination of spacious lodging and intimate bar atmosphere. The property provides an opportunity to experience Charleston's renowned hospitality culture with the added charm of having your own private drinking establishment.

5.0 (75)

Secret Charleston is a highly-regarded hidden bar in Charleston, South Carolina that has earned an impressive perfect rating from its guests. This speakeasy-style establishment has garnered praise from 75 reviewers, suggesting it offers a memorable experience in the historic city. With its mysterious name and stellar reputation, Secret Charleston appears to be a coveted destination for those seeking an elevated drinking experience.

Haberdash

87 S Market St Suite #B, Charleston, SC 29401

5.0 (64)

Haberdash is a highly-regarded hidden bar located in Charleston, South Carolina, earning perfect 5-star ratings from guests. This speakeasy-style establishment has garnered an impressive reputation among locals and visitors alike. With its evocative name and secretive nature, Haberdash offers an intimate drinking experience in Charleston's vibrant hospitality scene.

speakeasy themed vintage charm modern edge intimate +1 more
classic prohibition Reservations required

The Ashley Speakeasy King Suite offers a unique overnight speakeasy experience in Charleston, South Carolina, complete with breakfast included in the stay. This highly-rated accommodation has earned perfect 5-star reviews from guests. The venue combines the allure of speakeasy culture with hospitality lodging in the historic Charleston setting.

Vintage Silver

164 Market St, Charleston, SC 29401

5.0 (1)

Vintage Silver is a highly-rated hidden bar located in Charleston, South Carolina, earning a perfect 5.0-star rating from visitors. This speakeasy operates discreetly in the historic city, offering guests an intimate drinking experience away from the typical bar scene. With its evocative name suggesting classic elegance, Vintage Silver adds to Charleston's growing collection of secretive cocktail destinations.

Last Saint

472 Meeting St B, Charleston, SC 29403

4.8 (174)

Last Saint is a highly-rated craft cocktail bar in Charleston, South Carolina that delivers a moody, sleek atmosphere focused on artisanal drinks. With an impressive 4.8/5 rating from 174 reviews, this sophisticated establishment emphasizes cocktail artistry in an elegantly designed space. The bar's combination of skilled mixology and atmospheric ambiance has made it a standout destination in Charleston's craft cocktail scene.

eastside cocktail bar craft
$$$ craft Reservations required
Elliotborough Mini Bar

18 Percy St, Charleston, SC 29403

4.8 (147)

Elliotborough Mini Bar is a highly-rated intimate cocktail destination located in Charleston, South Carolina's trendy Elliotborough neighborhood. With an impressive 4.8-star rating from nearly 150 reviews, this compact bar has clearly made a strong impression on visitors. The establishment offers a refined drinking experience in one of Charleston's most vibrant districts.

The Bar at The Spectator

67 State St, Charleston, SC 29401

4.7 (90)

The Bar at The Spectator offers an intimate drinking experience in Charleston, South Carolina. This well-regarded establishment has earned a strong reputation among locals and visitors, maintaining a 4.7-star rating from guests who appreciate its refined atmosphere. The bar provides a sophisticated alternative to Charleston's more traditional watering holes.

1920s speakeasy jazz age Southern charm craft cocktails +1 more
classic prohibition
Bar Vauté

1 Broad St Floor B, Charleston, SC 29401

4.6 (109)

Bar Vauté offers an intimate underground experience beneath Charleston's Brasserie La Banque restaurant, accessible via the historic building's original staircase. This dimly-lit, sophisticated speakeasy serves craft cocktails in an atmospheric below-street-level setting that honors the building's heritage. With a 4.6/5 rating from over 100 reviews, it's become a celebrated hidden gem in Charleston's cocktail scene.

Enter Brasserie La Banque restaurant, ask to be directed to historic building's original staircase, descend below street level
dimly-lit intimate historic sophisticated
$$$ craft
The Hidden House - Charleston

21 Burns Ln, Charleston, SC 29401

4.6 (73)

The Hidden House in Charleston lives up to its mysterious name as a well-regarded speakeasy in South Carolina's historic coastal city. With an impressive 4.6-star rating from 73 reviews, this establishment has clearly won over visitors seeking a more secretive drinking experience. Located in Charleston's vibrant nightlife scene, The Hidden House offers guests an intimate alternative to the city's traditional bar offerings.

unmarked door/hidden location (off King Street behind Yeti Store)
cozy elevated yet easy intimate wine bar peaceful escape +1 more
wine-focused Reservations required
Scotty Doesn't Know Speakeasy

251 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401

4.5 (119)

Scotty Doesn't Know Speakeasy offers a sophisticated prohibition-era experience in Charleston, hidden behind a custard shop next to Big John's Tavern where guests ask the clerk near the freezer door for entry. This intimate vintage hideaway specializes in classic prohibition-style cocktails in an atmospheric setting that transports visitors back to the 1920s. With a 4.5-star rating from over 100 reviews, it's become a beloved destination for those seeking an authentic speakeasy experience.

Enter custard shop next to Big John's Tavern, ask clerk near freezer door for entry
sophisticated intimate vintage prohibition-era
classic prohibition Reservations required
Blind Tiger Pub

36-38 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29403

4.4 (3078)

Blind Tiger Pub operates as a popular speakeasy-style establishment in Charleston, South Carolina. With an impressive 4.4/5 rating from over 3,000 reviews, this hidden bar has clearly struck a chord with locals and visitors alike. The venue draws its name from the Prohibition-era term for illegal drinking establishments, suggesting a nod to speakeasy tradition and atmosphere.

historic pub outdoor patio local spirits eclectic clientele +1 more
craft
Prohibition

547 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

4.4 (2783)

Prohibition is a highly-rated speakeasy-style bar located in Charleston, South Carolina. With an impressive 4.4/5 rating from nearly 3,000 reviews, this establishment has clearly made a strong impression on visitors. The bar's name pays homage to the era that inspired the speakeasy concept, offering patrons a taste of Charleston's nightlife scene.

1920s speakeasy vintage-inspired sophisticated festive +1 more
classic prohibition
Faculty Lounge

391 Huger St, Charleston, SC 29403

4.4 (202)

Faculty Lounge is a highly-rated hidden bar located in Charleston, South Carolina, earning an impressive 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 200 reviews. This speakeasy-style establishment offers guests an intimate drinking experience in the historic charm of Charleston. The bar's academic-themed name suggests a scholarly atmosphere perfect for craft cocktails and conversation.

Frontier Lounge

135 Calhoun St, Charleston, SC 29401

3.8 (48)

Frontier Lounge operates as a speakeasy-style establishment in Charleston, South Carolina. With a 3.8-star rating from 48 reviews, this hidden bar offers patrons a more intimate drinking experience away from the bustling Charleston nightlife scene. The venue maintains the secretive atmosphere characteristic of speakeasy culture in the historic Southern city.

The Annex

Meeting Street (inside Last Saint), Charleston, SC

The Annex is Charleston's ultra-intimate hidden bar, accessed through a secret passage within Last Saint. This bespoke cocktail destination offers craft drinks in an exceptionally private setting, creating an exclusive tasting experience for those in the know.

secret passage within Last Saint
ultra-intimate hidden bespoke private-tasting
$$$ craft Reservations required
Annex at Last Saint

472 Meeting Street

Hidden behind a bright yellow door at the back of Last Saint bar in Charleston, Annex at Last Saint offers an intimate escape through a velvet curtain after ringing the bell. This dimly-lit speakeasy creates a laid-back atmosphere perfect for savoring expertly crafted cocktails in a cozy, secretive setting.

Bright yellow door at back of Last Saint bar, ring bell, pass through velvet curtain
dimly-lit intimate craft-cocktails laid-back
craft
Scotty Doesn't Know

East Bay Street (behind candy shop), Charleston, SC

Scotty Doesn't Know operates as a hidden speakeasy in Charleston, accessible through a concealed door behind a candy shop. This vintage-inspired establishment specializes in craft cocktails and cultivates an intimate, cozy atmosphere perfect for date nights. The bar's secretive entrance and carefully curated ambiance make it a sought-after destination for those seeking a more discreet drinking experience in Charleston's nightlife scene.

hidden door behind candy shop
hidden cozy date-night vintage-inspired
$$ craft
Bar Vaute

Broad Street (beneath Brasserie la Banque), Charleston, SC

Bar Vaute brings prohibition-era charm to Charleston through its underground staircase entrance, leading guests into a candlelit subterranean space with distinct Parisian flair. The intimate venue specializes in classic prohibition-style cocktails, served in an atmospheric setting that combines vintage charm with underground mystique. This hidden gem offers an authentic speakeasy experience beneath Charleston's historic streets.

underground staircase entrance
underground Parisian candlelit vintage-charm
$$$ classic prohibition Reservations required