Get Happy On the Water

Who doesn’t love a great happy hour? Reasonable—if not downright insane—prices on our favorite cocktails and bites, socially acceptable hours for every adult to be out, and the chance to gather with friends. Yep, happy hour is where it’s at. Only way to make it better? Add a beautiful view. No, add a STUNNING, waterfront view. Now we’re talking. Lucky for us, here in the coastal Holy City, there’s no shortage of these booze-and-view places to (safely) enjoy a couple cocktails before heading home for the day. From oceanfront to marshfront, and every inlet in between, if there’s a ripple of brackish water and half priced drinks in sight, consider us there. Here are some of our favorite Happy Hours on the water around Charleston...

Red’s Ice House
M-F, 4-7 PM
Another iconic Shem Creek establishment is Red’s Ice House, named after the late Lewis Hughes “Red” Simmons, who was a fishing and ice and packing entrepreneur his whole life from Mount Pleasant. Now the Red’s Ice House as we know it is one of the top locations for sunset happy hours and celebrations. And of course, incredibly fresh, local seafood.

Fleet Landing Restaurant and Bar
M-F, 4-6 PM
If an upfront view of the Charleston harbor is what you had in mind for a little happy hour fun, then look no further than Fleet Landing. With boats passing frequently, occasional dolphins, and plenty of outdoor seating—at the bar or tables—we guarantee a good time for friends, couples, and families alike.

The Boathouse at Breach Inlet
M-F, 4-6 PM
An Isle of Palms staple, you can dock your boat right at one of their two slips just in time to grab a cold drink during the week. Since their opening more than 24 years ago, The Boathouse continues to serve fresh local seafood, including oyster roasts that end just before the sun officially sets. Currently specials include $3 domestic beers and $4 house liquors—just what you need to get the party started.

Charleston Crab House
M-F, 3-6 PM (Shem Creek)
M-F, 4-7 (James Island) With three locations to choose from—and two to appease your water-lovin’ soul—Charleston Crab House is a great place to celebrate happy hour. Their two waterfront locations are on Shem Creek and in James Island. You can expect to find deals such as $1 off wine, hour liquor, and domestic beers.

Charleston Harbor Fish House
Tu-F, 4-6 PM
Set inside Patriot’s Point, you can stop into Charleston Harbor Fish House for views of the downtown Charleston skyline directly across the impressive marina or the USS Yorktown. With 3 bars total—the Bridge Bar, Reel Bar, and poolside Tiki Bar—there’s not a bad seat in the house to enjoy the outdoor seating, gorgeous Charleston weather, and specials.

Snapper Jacks
M-F, 4-7 PM Don’t leave Folly Beach without a trip to the third story of Snapper Jack’s for $5 Titos, $5 Jack Daniels, $5 Sauza, $2 Bud Light, and $2 Oysters Shooters. A great place to bring the family, their menu offers something for everyone—seafood aficionados, chicken finger experts, and even sushi lovers. With a perfect view of the Atlantic Ocean lapping against the sand from their rooftop, look West to catch the sunset.

Tavern and Table
M-F, 4-7 PM Now this is our kind of place. Unlike most other restaurants, their website proudly shares their happy hour specials without making you dig for it. And they mean business: $1 off well drinks, $5 “Bartender’s Toast”, $1 off all domestic beers, and $4 and $5 other select beers and wines. But that’s not all, they’ve got happy hour food—like Kitchen Sink Fries and Crab & Artichoke Toast—to fi ll our bellies while enjoying our beverages of choice on Shem Creek.

Ellis Creek Fish Camp
M-F, 4-7 PM Located off of Harbor View Road in James Island, Ellis Creek Fish Camp serves up $3 house liquors, $2 off frozen drinks, $1 off draft beers, and $5 house wines during the weekdays. Nestled under large LIVE Oaks with string lights and a comfortable outdoor seating area, you can easily find yourself fl owing right from happy hour into late-night shenanigans.

Vickery’s Bar and Grill
M-F | 4-7 PM Opened in 1999 as the third installment of Vickery’s locations, Vickery’s sits on the beloved Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant. According to their website, “with water on three sides, all tables are good tables at Vickery’s.” We tend to agree. Ideal for sunset views and known for a great place to dock your boat for a quick bite, there’s something magical about happy hour on Shem Creek. Check out Muddy’s on the lower level for a great time.