Are you thinking of spending a day bar hopping in Shem Creek? Then this guide is for you!
For those unfamiliar, Shem Creek is one of Charleston’s hidden gems. It is hard not to love—with delicious waterfront restaurants and bars offering stunning views of Charleston Harbor and the surrounding marsh.
Don’t get us wrong, drinking with all of the tourists on King Street is great. But Shem Creek bars offer a more laid-back scene full of young locals, seafood lovers, and seafaring souls. It is a great way to spend a day if you’re at a Charleston bachelorette party or bachelor party. It is also the perfect destination for your next Charleston party bus adventure!
In this guide, we’ll cover what Shem Creek is, where to drink and dine, how to get there, when to visit, and share a bonus bar-hopping itinerary to help you make the most of your day. Let’s begin!
What is Shem Creek?
To clear things up, when people talk about “Shem Creek,” they usually mean the lively waterfront district in Mount Pleasant, not just the creek itself. This area includes a collection of popular bars and restaurants, a long scenic boardwalk, and a public park—making it one of the best places to enjoy both food and nature in Charleston.
The boardwalk runs 2,200 feet from Coleman Boulevard to the mouth of the creek, where you can catch views of shrimp and crab boats, dolphins, and even Fort Sumter on a clear day. It’s the perfect pairing for a day of bar hopping and sightseeing.
Bars on Shem Creek (That Are Also Great Restaurants)
One thing to know: the most popular Shem Creek bars double as casual, waterfront restaurants. That’s part of the charm—you can sip a frozen cocktail while digging into a plate of fresh seafood.
Saltwater Cowboys – With delicious BBQ, local seafood, and unbeatable waterfront views, Saltwater Cowboys has it all. It’s one of the busiest Shem Creek bars, so arrive right at 11:00 am to snag a table. Their frozen drinks are a hit, and the upstairs deck stays lively all afternoon.
Red’s Ice House – With delicious BBQ, local seafood, and unbeatable waterfront views, Saltwater Cowboys has it all. It’s one of the busiest Shem Creek bars, so arrive right at 11:00 am to snag a table. Their frozen drinks are a hit, and the upstairs deck stays lively all afternoon.
Vickery’s Bar & Grill – Located on the other side of Shem Creek, this place is a little more relaxed. It also offers great Southern dishes and reasonably priced drinks!
Coleman Public House – Though not directly on the creek, Coleman Public House is worth mentioning for its extensive local beer selection and creative pub food. It’s a great final stop if you’re heading inland from Shem Creek.
Shem Creek Restaurants Worth Visiting
If you’re here for more than just drinks, Shem Creek also boasts some excellent dining options beyond the bar scene:
- Tavern & Table – Trendy spot with craft cocktails, a large wine list, and upscale takes on Lowcountry cuisine.
- Water’s Edge – A classic Shem Creek seafood restaurant perfect for dinner with a view.
- The Wreck of the Richard & Charlene – A hidden gem with fried seafood plates and rustic vibes, tucked just off the main drag.
Adding one or two of these restaurants to your itinerary can give your Shem Creek experience a more elevated culinary twist.
How to get to Shem Creek
We don’t recommend driving to Shem Creek unless you have a designated driver. Also, there are only 35 parking spots in the lot near Shem Creek Park so it can be a pain even with a DD.
Instead, we recommend Ubering or better yet, taking a Charleston party bus. A party bus is the most fun way to see Shem Creek and also allows you to keep your belongings safe.
Here at Double Black, we offer 10% off daytime discounts. Perfect for your next daytime bar crawl!
When to go to Shem Creek
The best time to visit Shem Creek is on a sunny Saturday between March and October. The waterfront patios come alive with energy, live music, and day drinkers enjoying the breeze.
We recommend going during the daytime hours so you can take in the full views of Charleston Harbor, see dolphins if you’re lucky, and enjoy the boardwalk before it gets too dark.
It’s also a great place for a Charleston Sunday Funday!
The Perfect Bar Hopping Itinerary in Shem Creek
10:00/10:30 am – Get picked up by a Charleston party bus at your Airbnb or hotel.
11:00 am – Arrive at Saltwater Cowboys for brunch drinks and appetizers. Get a table on the deck and relax for a couple of hours.
2:00 pm – Head to Red’s Ice House and have beers on their upstairs patio.
5:00 pm – Hop in the party bus and head to the other side of the creek for an early sunset dinner at Vickery’s.
7:00 pm – Head home to shower and change before a night out on King St.
Conclusion: Bars in Shem Creek
Whether you’re looking for fresh seafood, casual cocktails, or the perfect waterfront view, Shem Creek bars and restaurants deliver a one-of-a-kind Charleston experience. The boardwalk, boats, and laid-back energy make it a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
If you’re wondering where to go out in Charleston, Shem Creek offers one of the best daytime drinking scenes in the city. Grab a few friends, book a Charleston party bus, and make a day of it!