Charleston’s Favorite Dives

Looking for a place to unwind? There are bountiful amount of upscale restaurants and bars for a dressed up night on the town with friends or loved ones. What if you want to sit and relax after your day of walking around downtown with locals at their favorite colorful watering holes. Here are a few of the locals’ dive favorites.

Big Gun Burger Shop

As you can tell by the name, Big Gun is known for their burgers. This is a small bar located on Calhoun street right across from Marion Square, only a few blocks from the hotel. They have some of the best burgers in town!. Everything from a classic burger to the Towering Inferno which includes beef, pulled pork, BBQ sauce, queso fresco, and habanero slaw. On top of some yummy grub, every Monday night from 9:30 until close Big Gun hosts Karaoke. Even if you don’t sing, come on in and have some fun.

The Tattooed Moose

The Tattooed Moose has a location in downtown Charleston, Johns Island and now in the Citadel Mall in West Ashley. The downtown location is the original and it is where the dive-bar got its reputation. Unlike Big Gun, this restaurant has more than just burgers. Enjoy some tasty sandwiches, soups and salads. Most importantly, don’t forget to order some their famous duck fat fries. All locations hosts live music and other events!  Check out their website to see if they’ll have anything happening during your visit!

The Griffon Pub

The Griffon Pub is probably the start of the “dive-bars” of Charleston. With dollars stapled to the wall and stickers advertising local restaurants, bars and bands, they have a well known reputation. Unlike most other bars, The Griffon Pub opens at 11am Monday through Friday and 12 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. This is a great place to come for brunch or lunch. You’ll want to try their famous fish and chips. Most notable, the pub carries the largest variety of local brews of any downtown bar. You can find The Griffin Pub right down the street from our sister property The Quarters on Vendue!

The Recovery Room

Last but not least, The Recovery Room. If you want to shy away from the crowd this may be a place to check out. The owner, Boston, has a no-nonsense attitude. This bar is more laid back with town locals enjoying a beer after work during happy hour. The only time you’ll see a big crowd or loud music is Friday or Saturday nights or during events. Boston hosts trivia night every Thursday. The Recovery Room is known as the #1 seller of PBR in the US since 2014.  The local favorite “totchos” (tater-tot nachos) pairs perfectly with a cold Blue Ribbon. Check out their website to learn about other shows and events. Don’t be shy, come unwind and meet some great people at The Recovery Room!