There are dozens of awesome breweries in Charleston, making it the perfect place to go on a pub crawl with friends and family. In this guide we’ll cover everything you need to know, including transportation options, the best time to visit breweries and of course, the best breweries in Charleston. Each one of the breweries on our list offers a unique x-factor that separates itself from the pack, but that doesn’t mean each one is for everyone. We recommend picking 3 – 5 stops, depending on how much time you have and your drinking capabilities!
What is a Charleston Pub Crawl?
Let’s first start with what exactly turns an outing into a pub crawl. We believe that you must hit at least three stops to qualify your drinking adventure as a pub crawl. And while we don’t believe there is a minimum amount of people, the more that are involved the better! However, this can lead to transportation issues. The best transportation option for a pub crawl is to get a Charleston party bus. However if you’re on a budget, you can also pick stops that are all in one area and walk to your destinations!
When should you go to breweries in Charleston?
While Saturdays are the most popular day for pub crawls in Charleston, we believe that you can find breweries are less crowded on Thursdays and Sundays. This makes it a lot easier to get a drink at the bar! Also, Double Black Transportation offers great weekday discounts on their Charleston party bus, so you can save money and time!
What are the best breweries in Charleston?
Pretty much all of Charleston’s breweries are guaranteed to be a good time, making it difficult to create a list of our favorites. These 6 all offer something unique while also all offering great beer:
1. Bay Street Biergarten
This place truly makes you feel as if you teleported to a Munich bier hall with their vaulted ceilings, long tables and German food offerings. Although, the combination of their 15 flatscreen TV’s and southern hospitality are authentically American. They also have some of the best live music of any brewery in the area. Make sure to check out their event schedule here!
2. Edmund’s Oast
The two owners of Edmund’s Oast started out with a couple beer stores (The Charleston Beer Exchange and Greenville Beer Exchange) that really pushed the state’s limit on what beers you could buy. They opened Edmund’s Oast in 2017 through natural progression and are now distributing beer across 8 states. While the beer is great, their food is what really sets them apart from all of the other breweries in the area. We recommend the BBQ escargot for a uniquely Charleston bite as well as their famous fried chicken!
3. Estuary Beans & Barley
Estuary is a veteran-owned brewery that makes their own coffee and beer. You heard that right. Coffee and beer. They are an artisan beverage company that uses the highest quality ingredients to create memorable beverages. They’ve got 7 beers on tap and over a dozen coffee options, along with cocktails and wine. Trust us, there’s something for everyone!
4. Holy City
With a taproom that can hold more than 300 guests and several private dining areas, Holy City is the best brewery for large groups. They even have a 450-capacity creekside event space called the Porter Room if you’re looking to hold a corporate event or a wedding. But enough about the space, let’s not forget the beer! With over 30 beers on tap they’ve got a beer for everyone but some of their flagship brews include the Pluff Mud Porter and Overly Friendly IPA.
5. Palmetto Brewing
Originally opened in 1888 by John Doscher, Palmetto Brewery was eventually closed during the Prohibition era and beer wasn’t brewed in Charleston for almost 80 years. Then, after various legal battles with the state of South Carolina, two Charleston natives were able to open the first brewery in the state. While ownership has changed a couple of times, it is still family-owned and creates great Charleston beer.
6. Revelry Brewing
The only Charleston brewery that has a rooftop, Revelry is a great place to grab a beer with a view. They also have $2 tacos and $20 beer buckets for Tuesday night trivia! Revelry also has a very diverse beer list including a sake-tinged beer that goes great with their crab wontons and tempura chicken fingers.
Conclusion: Best Breweries in Charleston
We hope this guide helped you plan your next Charleston pub crawl. Please let us know if you think we missed any of Charleston’s best breweries. Also, don’t hesitate to reach out if you need a party bus in Charleston for your next bar crawl. Get a quote today!