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The Holy City isn't exactly known for its seedy clubs and gritty bars, but there are a few places to get reasonably priced beers that haven't gone all Prohibition-era chic with the decor and drinks menu. Those over the whole craft cocktail movement or just want a no-frills break from $15 libations should take a look at one of these dives. A few might be hidden, the staffs might be surly, but the drinks are cheap.
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Top 10 Charleston Dive Bars for a Shot and a Beer
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Tattooed Moose
The Tattooed Moose makes for a good choice of dives because the food is phenomenal — and reasonably priced. Share a basket of corn dogs with a friend for just $5 and wash it all down with a couple of PBR tall boys. Splurge on the duck club with duck fat fries if there's change to spare.
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The Royal American
The Royal American could have easily opened as the Disney World of dive bars, as many were wary of its declarations of being a dive before day one, but the owners did a good job of making the space feel worn in and comfortable. The Royal American is now the place to go for giant cups of bourbon punch and exciting music acts.
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Moe's Crosstown Tavern
Moe's Crosstown Tavern is an institution in Charleston. Most of the staff have worked at the joint for over a decade, and they always remember a friendly face. Moe's a great selection of local draft beers, mountainous burgers, and a hangover-killing brunch.
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Tin Roof
Tin Roof is a magical kingdom of tattooed ladies, music geeks, and food and beverage aficionados. The bartenders can make you a classic cocktail, a frozen libation, or pop the top on a can of beer. Tin Roof brings in some of the best rock/rap/indie shows in the Lowcountry. The kitchen cooks up some pretty mean hot dogs as well.
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Recovery Room
Recovery Room (Rec Room) is the grown-up's dive bar, thanks to its location away from the Upper King crowds and owner Chris "Boston" DiMattia's no nonsense attitude. Rec Room is also the largest seller of PBR in the country. Go for the cheap beer, and stay for the tater tot nachos.
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A.C.'s Bar & Grill
A.C.'s slogan is "up all night," and they mean it — well, until the mandated 2 a.m. closing, but it does have a kitchen that stays open long past others on King. Many beers are less than $3, and the Champagne menu consists of Miller High Life. The staff might look surly, but they're actually a lovable bunch (unless you're acting like a jerk).
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Cutty's
Bagard Street bar Cutty's is right across from pizza parlor D'allesandro's and seems right at home on that corner. It's dingy, windowless, and covered in cat memorabilia (the owner is a big fan of felines). Cutty's claims to be the largest seller of Fernet in South Carolina. Shots, anyone?
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Burns Alley
"If you can find us, you'll never forget us" is the slogan for Burns Alley, and it's correct. Nestled off of King Street, this dive isn't the easiest to locate, but listen for live music, bustling crowds, and the pouring of cold beer, and it should lead down the side street (next to Five Guys) to Burns.
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The Bangkok Lounge
While Bangkok Lounge looks like the former Upper Deck Tavern, it now offers a seven-nights-a-week karaoke bar with tiki drinks. Though owner Chris “Boston” DiMattia previously said, “I don’t want to call it a tiki bar, but we will have four frozen drink machines and hope to have a signature punch on tap.”
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The Griffon Pub
The Griffon is a welcome respite from the tourist traffic on East Bay Street. The little dive bar near Waterfront Park started in 1996, which was also when the practice of stapling dollar bills to the wall began. Order the fish and chips to soak up all the local beers.
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