Charleston, SCDive Bars

Dollar bills cover nearly every inch of the walls at this downtown pub, a look that has helped earn it a spot among Southern Living's top dive bars in the South. The Post and Courier covered the ranking, noting the bar as one of three South Carolina spots to make that regional list.

Owner Jason Stalker calls this Avondale bar Charleston's original dive, built around a deep list of canned beer rather than a rotating tap wall. Charleston City Paper's dive bar guide covers the spot, and it won Best Bottled Beer in the 2026 Best of Charleston readers' poll, an address match confirmed exactly by the winners list.

This St. Philip Street bar frequently hosts local food pop-ups, including Weems Ramen and Nixtate, giving it a rotating menu that changes with whoever is cooking that week. Charleston City Paper's dive bar guide points to it as a good option for diners looking to eat off the main King Street drag.

One of Charleston's oldest and most notable dive bars, filled with pool tables and a regular crowd from the local food-and-beverage industry. Charleston City Paper's dive bar guide covers the spot, and it placed runner-up for both Best Bottled Beer and Best Cheap Beer Deal in the 2026 Best of Charleston readers' poll.

Known for pouring Pabst Blue Ribbon in volume and for its tater tachos, this King Street tavern is one of the most popular places downtown to grab a drink. It won Best Cheap Beer Deal in Charleston City Paper's 2026 Best of Charleston readers' poll, with an address confirmed exactly by that winners list.