Charleston’s craft beer scene is on the rise, and honestly, it’s hard not to get swept up in the excitement. With so many breweries popping up—each with their own spin on styles and flavors—it’s become a bit of a playground for beer nerds and casual sippers alike.
The best breweries in Charleston blend quality beer, creative brewing, and a vibe that makes you want to stay awhile. Most spots toss in food and outdoor seating too, which just makes the whole experience that much better.
1) Palmetto Brewing Co.
Palmetto Brewing Co. is South Carolina’s first brewery, which is pretty cool if you ask me. They’ve got a warehouse taproom and a speakeasy taproom tucked away in downtown’s historic district, so you get a bit of old Charleston charm with your pint.
The courtyard stays lively with live music and events. Grab a beer, play a few games—maybe even catch a band you’ve never heard of before.
If you’re curious about how it all started, tours are a thing here. The staff actually seem to enjoy sharing the brewery’s backstory and the details behind their beers. It’s not just for tourists, either—locals seem to keep coming back.
Hours shift a bit depending on the day, but weekends run later. The place manages to feel both cozy and social, which isn’t always easy to pull off.
Location: 289 Huger St, Charleston, SC 29403
2) Revelry Brewing Co
Revelry Brewing Co is one of those places that just feels like it belongs in Charleston. They brew everything on site, and the beer selection is honestly pretty impressive.
The rooftop is where you’ll want to be when the weather’s nice—views, breeze, and a pint in hand. Food’s available, too, so you’re not stuck drinking on an empty stomach. Locals and visitors both seem to have a soft spot for this spot.
It’s usually buzzing, which says a lot. The beer’s good, the staff’s friendly, and the vibe is just… easy.
Location: 10 Conroy St, Charleston, SC 29403
3) Over The Horizon Brewing
Over The Horizon Brewing is a bit of a hidden gem in Charleston. They’re serious about their craft beers—lots of attention to detail, and you can actually taste it.
The space is low-key and works for groups or events if you’re planning something. People rave about the flavors here, and honestly, it’s hard to pick a favorite. They throw parties and gatherings, so there’s usually something happening.
It’s easy enough to find, and the staff genuinely seem to care if you’re having a good time. Worth checking out if you’re after something a little different from the usual.
Location: 2200 Heriot St, Charleston, SC 29403
4) Munkle Brewing co.
Munkle Brewing co. sits in downtown Charleston and leans hard into Belgian and Old World beers. They opened in 2016 after a long hunt for the right spot, and you can feel a mix of classic and modern in the space.
It’s got a chill vibe—indoor and outdoor seating, a bar for chatting, and a patio that’s basically a plant lover’s dream. Feels like the kind of place you’d meet up with friends or just hang out for a while.
They’re not shy about hosting events, either. Whether it’s a graduation, a work thing, or just a reason to celebrate, the space is pretty flexible.
Location: 1513 Meeting Street Rd, Charleston, SC
5) Holy City Brewing
Holy City Brewing has a bit of a garage feel, but in the best way. The tasting room is casual, there’s a pool table, and live music pops up pretty often.
They brew a bunch of stuff on site, and if you’re curious, tours are free—which is a nice touch. It draws a mix of regulars and out-of-towners, and there’s always something going on.
It’s relaxed, not fussy, and you can grab food if you want to linger. Kind of feels like a bar and a restaurant rolled into one.
Location: 1021 Aragon Ave, Charleston, SC 29405
6) Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co.
Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co. goes for a more modern, creative approach to beer. If you like trying something off the beaten path, their range of avant-garde brews is worth a look.
The place itself is big and a little trendy, but not in a way that feels forced. There’s a wood-fired pizza oven, so you don’t have to choose between good beer and good food.
Their menu’s a bit high-concept for bar food, but somehow it works. Locals and visitors both seem to treat it as a go-to for a night out.
Location: 1505 King St #115, Charleston, SC 29405
7) Edmund’s Oast
Edmund’s Oast is a brewpub with a strong New American food game and house-brewed beers you can only get there. Cocktails are on the menu, too, and the Bower—an outdoor dining area—makes a great spot to eat when the weather’s decent.
They’re dog-friendly (leash up), and they do a lot of private events. There’s even a cozy private dining room for smaller groups. Checking social media for event closures isn’t a bad idea before you go.
You can reserve a table indoors, and the hours shift a bit between weekdays and weekends. The menu’s got everything from filet to a surprisingly good Thai salt chicken. If you’re stuck on what to order, the staff actually has opinions and will help you out.
Just a heads up: gratuity gets tacked onto open tabs at the end of the night. They’re open most holidays, except Christmas Day.
Location: 1081 Morrison Dr, Charleston, SC 29403
8) Low Tide Brewing
Low Tide Brewing sits out on Johns Island and really leans into its local vibe. Their beers are inspired by the coast—tides, waves, all that Lowcountry stuff—which gives them a little extra personality.
They’re big on community and keeping things healthy and sustainable, which is refreshing. The taproom feels friendly and open, a good place to just unwind and try something new.
Low Tide’s all about balancing flavor with a sense of place. You’ll find locals and out-of-towners here, all looking for a taste of what makes Johns Island special.
Location: 2863 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, SC 29455
9) Frothy Beard Brewing Company
Frothy Beard Brewing Company kicked off in North Charleston back in 2013 and made a name for itself pretty fast with its big-flavored ales. In 2017, they moved to West Ashley and opened a taproom and restaurant that’s always hopping.
You’ll find over 20 beers on tap, and the food menu’s got everything from pizza to burgers and wings. It’s a family-friendly spot, and there’s always something going on—trivia, a Killer Queen league, you name it.
Dogs are welcome on the patio, especially during Yappy Hour on Fridays. They do daily lunch specials, happy hours, and football Sundays. If you’re up for more, there’s another location in Summerville with even more events and beers.
Location: 1401 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407
10) Ghost Monkey Brewery
Ghost Monkey Brewery sits up in North Charleston, and honestly, it’s got a pretty relaxed vibe. The place was started by a bunch of friends who just loved brewing together, and you get the sense they’re still doing it for the fun of it. Their main thing? Local craft beers—always something fresh and close to home.
They’ve got a taproom where you can grab a pint, catch some live music, maybe even stumble onto a yoga class or a food truck night. It’s not just about the beer, though—the social atmosphere is a huge draw. You’ll see folks hanging out, laughing, maybe getting a little too competitive at trivia.
You can grab their beer in kegs if you’re planning something big. Styles rotate, but everything’s brewed right there. They’re usually open afternoons and evenings, but don’t bother swinging by on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Sundays—they’re closed. There’s a real sense of community here, and the focus on local flavors is obvious.
Location: 2225 Old School Drive, North Charleston, S
Charleston’s Craft Beer Culture
Charleston’s craft beer scene is, well, a bit of a patchwork—part history, part innovation. Brewers here seem to love mixing old-school tradition with whatever fresh ideas they’ve got brewing (pun intended). There’s a real effort to keep things local, too, whether that’s in the ingredients or the recipes.
Historical Roots of Brewing in Charleston
Brewing here goes way back—think colonial taverns and sailors swapping stories over pints. Charleston’s port brought in European styles and all kinds of ingredients, so it’s always been a bit of a melting pot.
Lately, the craft beer movement has given those old traditions a second wind. Some local breweries still use recipes or techniques that feel downright historic, which is kind of cool if you’re into that sort of thing. It’s not just nostalgia—it gives the beers a bit of character you don’t always find elsewhere, and honestly, it keeps the brewing heritage alive.
Local Ingredients and Unique Flavors
If you’re after something that tastes like Charleston, the breweries here don’t disappoint. They’ll throw in local peaches, honey, even sea salt—whatever’s in season or just feels right.
You might come across a peach wheat one week and a salty gose the next. Breweries like Cooper River Brewing are all about that local twist, so every beer kind of tells its own story. You won’t find the same flavors anywhere else, and that’s half the fun.
Planning Your Charleston Brewery Experience
So, thinking about a brewery crawl? A little planning goes a long way in Charleston. The breweries are kind of scattered, so you’ll want to figure out your transport and maybe peek at what events are on.
Transportation Tips for Brewery Tours
Honestly, unless you’re sticking to just one spot, you’ll probably need a car. Uber and Lyft are lifesavers if you want to sample a few places without worrying about driving. Some breweries even run their own shuttles or offer guided tours with transport—worth checking out if you don’t want to deal with parking or directions.
Biking works in certain parts of downtown, but don’t expect great bike lanes everywhere. Parking can be a pain near the busy breweries, so showing up early or using public transit (when it’s even an option) is smart. Always double-check the brewery’s website for parking info before you head out. Saves a lot of hassle.
Seasonal Events and Beer Festivals
Charleston doesn’t mess around with beer events. There’s the Lowcountry Craft Beer Festival in spring, which draws a crowd and loads of local brewers.
Come fall, you’ll find Oktoberfest parties and harvest-themed tastings popping up all over the place. It’s a great way to try limited releases and maybe chat with the brewers themselves.
A lot of breweries throw their own seasonal parties or tap takeovers—watch their social media for updates, because these things sell out fast. If you see something cool, grab a ticket early or you’ll probably miss out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Charleston’s got a handful of breweries that stand out, each with their own spin. Some are all about the beer, others lean into food pairings or unique locations.
What are the top-rated breweries to visit in Charleston, SC?
If you’re looking for the big names, Palmetto Brewing Co., Revelry Brewing Co., and Holy City Brewing are all solid bets. Over The Horizon Brewing and Munkle Brewing Co. get a lot of love, too.
Which Charleston breweries offer the best food pairings?
Revelry Brewing Co. is a favorite for folks who want good food with their beer. Edmund’s Oast is another one—there’s a full restaurant right there, so you won’t go hungry.
Can you list the breweries located in Charleston’s brewery district?
The brewery district covers places like Holy City Brewing and Palmetto Brewing Co. If you want to hit a few spots without driving all over town, this area’s your best bet.
Where can I find a map of breweries in Charleston?
Local tourism sites usually have brewery maps, and most breweries post guides on their websites. Handy if you’re trying to plan a crawl.
Are there any craft breweries in downtown Charleston that offer tours?
Yep—several downtown breweries do tours. Revelry Brewing Co. is one where you can actually see how the beer’s made, which is always fun if you’re curious about the process.
How many craft breweries currently operate in Charleston, SC?
Charleston’s got over a dozen craft breweries up and running—maybe even more, depending on who you ask. Honestly, it feels like there’s always a new spot popping up, so the number keeps shifting. Some of these places have been pouring for years, while others are just getting started.
