With summer on the horizon bringing warm weather and lazy days to Charleston, it would be a shame to waste a perfectly good afternoon eating (or drinking!) inside. Charleston recognizes this, which is exactly why we’ve got a slew of places that celebrate enjoying a few libations under the Lowcountry sun (and on the roof). And while every rooftop in Charleston can give you those summertime vibes, these are 5 of our favorites.

 Image Credit: Vendue

The Vendue Rooftop

In addition to Vendue’s gorgeous views of Waterfront Park, the French Quarter, and Charleston Harbor, they also offer great happy hour deals on food and drink. Known as “Charleston’s Art Hotel,” everything from the lobby to the elevators to the rooftop decor are impeccably decorated. They also feature live music on Sundays, and are open for lunch daily to give you a break from office monotony. Be warned: they do not take reservations, so you’ll want to get there early if you hope to score a seat with an umbrella!

Élevé

Located atop The Grand Bohemian Hotel, Élevé is a trendy, whimsical art-deco rooftop that has both an indoor and outdoor section so you can enjoy the views of the city without sacrificing the A/C in the summer. The rooftop offers herb-infused cocktails, craft beers, and a healthy wine list to quench whatever you’re thirsty for. The restaurant is described as “French dishes with a gypsy twist,” and is open daily for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch.

Citrus Club

One of Charleston’s newest rooftop offerings is the Citrus Club, located on the top of the Dewberry Hotel next to Marion Square. The upscale lounge offers a limited menu selection of food and cocktails and is open Wednesday - Sunday from 2 - 10 pm. The rooftop offers 360º views of Marion Square, Downtown Charleston, and the Cooper River Bridge, so don’t forget to charge your phone to take some photos. Note: they limit the number of people allowed upstairs, so for non-hotel guests, you should plan to book your reservation as they become available, 14-days in advance.

Image Credit: cookinwithbooze.com 

Revelry Brewing Co.

The rooftop at Revelry is pretty popular all year round for its great local beer (and wine for non-beer drinkers), gorgeous views of the city and the Cooper River Bridge, and because it’s dog friendly! They also offer a diverse menu of delicious food, feature live music on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and… did we mention that it’s dog-friendly? Grab your pooch and head up to the roof!

Image Credit: Queen of the Food Age

Balao

The seafood-centric sister restaurant to Burwell’s Stone Fire Grill, Balao is a must-try for foodies. The views are not as breathtaking as some of the other locations on this list, but with the plethora of colorful flowers, vibrant blue umbrellas, and natural wood tables and accents, the atmosphere is welcoming and picturesque. Balao also saves its breathtaking moments for the real stars of the show: the food. While the menu rotates regularly, the food and drinks come out looking like works of art--and tasting even better.

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