Best of the Charleston bar scene

November 4, 8:25 PMCharleston Travel ExaminerCaroline Eubanks

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Mad River

Charleston City Paper

While Charleston is known for it's great restaurant scene, travel experts rarely mention the nightlife. There is literally something for everyone and a bar for every type. Here are my picks for best bars:

• Best Bar to Get "Coyote Ugly:" Market Street Saloon (32 D N. Market St.) is tucked away upstairs in an old church (the downstairs is Mad River, see below) where the girls don't just sing for their tips, they dance for them. It is an ideal bachelor/bachelorette/21st birthday spot.
• Best Bar to Meet a Ravanel: Rooftop (19 Vendue Range) is located on the roof of Vendue Inn at Waterfront Park. It is a great spot to check out sunset views while sipping on specialty cocktails and flirting with Charleston socialites. Try the Carolina Peach made with Charleston's own Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka.
• Best Bar to Meet a Citadel Cadet: Big John's Tavern (251 East Bay St.) is "Charleston's Best Dive since 1955." Opened by former NFL linebacker "Big John" Canady, this bar is the ultimate college stomping grounds with some of the cheapest drinks in the city.
• Best Bar to Feel Underdressed: Henry's House (54 N. Market St.) is a hip bar that brings in the best dressed in Charleston. Henry's has refurbished its menu and recently opened the vintage rooftop deck.
• Best Bar to Embrace Your Inner Wino: Social (188 East Bay St.) may be a wine bar, but don't expect it to be stuffy. Name a type of wine and they are sure to have it if not on tap, in their huge wine cellar.
• Best Bar to Meet Coeds: Burn's Alley (354 1/2 King St.) is in the alley between the college bookstore and Five Guys on King. You can also access it through the back of La Hacienda. Check out the collection of confiscated IDs above the bar.
• Best Bar to Dress in Drag: Club Pantheon (28 Ann St.) is the top gay bar in town. The drag show on Friday nights get pretty crazy and it becomes easier to get a drink if you are of the male persuasion. If it's too crowded, head down the street to the quieter sister bar Dudley's.
• Best Bar for a One Drink Night: Wet Willie's (209 East Bay St.) is a daquiri bar chain that has the most dangerous drinks around. Order a Call-A-Cab and call it a night.
• Best Bar to Take Home a Bartender: Chai's (462 King St.) is a hip tapas spot with the hottest bartenders around. Grab a Cambodian Sex Drive and strike up a conversation.
• Best Bar to Get in a Fight: AC's (467 King St.) has a crowd of college students and the young, hip, and grunge-y. No matter what the night, some drunk frat boy will spill his drink on a tough biker chick and calamity will ensue.
• Best Bar to Catch a Game: Charleston Beerworks (468 King St.) has lots of big screen televisions, bar food, and of course, beer selection.
• Best Bar to Jam to Journey: Mad River (32 N. Market) is also a bar chain, but has a unique location in a former church. The large sports bar has overpriced drinks, but the atmosphere can't be beat. They play lots of classic rock and pop tunes. Come on Thursday nights and get in on someone's VIP party.
• Best Bar for Those in the Know: Upper Deck (353 King St.) is the definition of a dive. Enter through the smelly walkway next to Gilroy's and up the stairs to find a Narnia-like experience. The drinks are dirt cheap and are best experienced during Sunday night karaoke or Wednesday night trivia.
• Best Bar for Drunken Frat Boys: O'Malley's (549 King St.) bears no resemblance to a real Irish pub, but it fares pretty well with the college crowd.
• Best Bar for Pretentious Drinks: Shine (58 Line St.) is the newest addition to the Upper King Design District. They have a full listing of sake, wine, champagne, and specialty beers from around the world.