Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in South Carolina

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in South Carolina? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Ruby Lee's

4.8

4.8 (359)

$31 to $50

Southern

Hilton Head Island

About the restaurant

The new Ruby Lee’s on Wild Horse!
The new Ruby Lee’s offers more of what patrons of Hilton Head Island have come to love and expect in the past: delicious southern cooking and a comfortable yet stimulating atmosphere that offers the perfect way to enjoy sports or outstanding blues, jazz and soul from local and regional artists. If you’re not familiar with Ruby Lee’s, it’s a locally owned restaurant, started by Tim Singleton (known to Low-country residents as an athlete and head coach). The restaurant is named for Singleton’s late grandmother who is the inspiration for the Southern-style menu. The new and revamped version of the original; yet it still captures the Southern feel-good themes that have an uncanny way of making you hungry for fried chicken, shrimp and grits, corn bread, and sweet tea the moment you walk in the door. If, for some reason, you’re not quite ready to eat after walking in the door of Ruby Lee’s, you’ll notice a pang of hunger once you look at the menu.

Top review

Monroe

Dined on Dec 18, 2024

Great food. It was a slow Wednesday night so we got special attention from the owner.

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - Columbiana Station

4.7

4.7 (230)

$30 and under

American

Columbia

About the restaurant

Time counts at BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse. Since our humble beginnings back in 1978, we've continued to refine our brewhouse experience to make BJ's a place where you can make the most of any meal. We want BJ's to be a place where the moment you leave is the moment you plan on coming back. We pride ourselves in our craft and attention to detail. Our guests come here for our award-winning handcrafted beer. They come here for the Southern California twist we've put on the Chicago-style deep dish pizza. And they come here for our Pizookies®, our world-renowned dessert. But above all we know people come here to make their good times better. So in many ways we haven't just crafted a brand, but a mindset. And our guests are the reason for this. And it's because of them we're continually striving to make sure every moment they choose to spend with us counts. Welcome to BJ's, a restaurant with a Brewhouse soul.

Top review

Kristen

Dined 5 days ago

Excellent bar food. Husband, 13yr daughter and myself. Great and family friendly atmosphere. We had the parm crusted chicken and while good it was really not as described-would have loved more flavor in the almost non-existent lemon sauce and the tomatoes were not sun-dried. Nicely cooked thin chicken breast slices though. The honey roasted Brussel sprouts were excellent!!. The prime rib sub was really good with the highlight being the creamy horseradish sauce and slaw…We will order the Bbq wings again, no question. The spaghetti and meatballs were a hit, although note that the serving size was HUGE (leftovers ✔️). All in all we loved the place and our waitress was wonderful.

Mesu

4.7

4.7 (709)

$30 and under

Contemporary Mexican

Downtown Charleston

About the restaurant

Mesu is a vibrant Charleston hotspot on Upper King Street, where urban street art meets the flavors of Mexico and Japan. Our menu features a diverse selection of tacos and sushi, crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Complement your meal with an extensive list of premium tequilas and sakes, or explore our creative cocktail menu. Whether you make a reservation or walk in, Mesu offers a unique dining experience in the heart of the city with a lively atmosphere.

Top review

OpenTable DinerVIP

Dined 2 days ago

So yummy! Bao buns were such a treat

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Strong Waters Craft Cocktails & Kitchen

4.6

4.6 (302)

$30 and under

Farm-to-table

Myrtle Beach

About the restaurant

Located on the corner of Ocean and 21, across from The Breakers Resort, is the newest restaurant and bar to open in Myrtle Beach. Here at Strong Waters we strive to support all things local including businesses, the community, local farmers and artisans. We shop at local farmers markets in the area for herbs, cheeses, produce and sustainable fish found on our menu as well as the produce we utilize behind the bar.

At Strong Waters, we take the meaning of craft to the next level by sourcing only the freshest and highest quality ingredients for our cocktails and cuisine. We utilize the “Farm to Shaker” method for our cocktails, meaning we create unique drinks from local ingredients that transport you to another time and place. Our craft beer list is constantly changing and we only select beer from breweries around the state to give you a true taste of the Carolinas. Speaking of taste, we believe you’ll love our take on the flavors of the Lowcountry in the dishes on our main menu!

Top review

Stephanie

Dined on Dec 8, 2024

Booked a table for a friends birthday and so glad we did. Had a great waitress who took care of our party and was wonderful w helping those that had dietary restrictions. The food selection was perfect with options. The drinks were very well made. Everyone enjoyed the selections they had for dinner as well. Definitely would come back

Roca Roja Cantina

4.6

4.6 (522)

$30 and under

Contemporary Mexican

North Myrtle Beach

About the restaurant

Roca Roja is situated on the beautiful marsh front in Cherry Grove at 806 Sea Mountain Hwy in North Myrtle Beach, SC.
With two unique floors, First floor- upscale Mexican restaurant and Second floor- casual open air Cantina, there is something for all!

Top review

Marilyn

Dined on Oct 18, 2024

The food was really good. The manager was our server and he made the moment even more fun. He was friendly and really polite.

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Popular dish

Lobster Enchiladas

Prohibition

4.5

4.5 (2498)

$30 and under

American

Downtown Charleston

About the restaurant

It's true that Prohibition is a nod to the classic 1920's Speakeasy, but our elevated cuisine and progressive cocktail program are anything but old-fashioned. At Prohibition you can expect the culinary delights of Executive Chef Greg Garrison to leave you completely Jazzed, from savory local seafood to the finest cuts of meat, each dish is prepared with perfection. Kick back in our relaxing surroundings and sample the Mixology Expertise of our award winning Bar Team, led by Jim Mc Court. Our professional and passionate team are constantly striving to push the boundaries of excellence with cocktails like the 547 Manhattan and our signature Bacon Maple Old Fashioned to name but a few. Our extensive and imaginative beer, wine and liquor selection insures we can cater to all tastes.

Top review

Jean Anne

Dined 7 days ago

So much fun to experience Prohibition’s pop-up Christmas bar. Festive, with good food and tasty Christmas drinks

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Clearwater Oyster Bar & Grill

4.2

4.2 (68)

$30 and under

Seafood

Myrtle Beach

About the restaurant

At Clearwater Oyster Bar & Grill we believe that exceptional seafood should be savored amidst extraordinary surroundings. Come join us for a culinary journey where the flavors of the sea are complemented by the best views in town. It's not just a meal; it's a feast for the senses. Whether you're a seafood connoisseur or a casual diner seeking an exceptional meal, we invite you to savor the ocean's bounty in every bite. Let's embark on a journey of taste with our carefully curated selection of oysters sourced from pristine waters, in a maritime-inspired ambiance that seamlessly blends coastal elegance with a relaxed, inviting atmosphere.

Top review

Jeffrey

Dined on Dec 4, 2024

Oyster’s were fresh and great. Other seafood items were not as fresh.

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Experience

Happy hour

Coterie- Charleston

4.2

4.2 (401)

$31 to $50

Contemporary French / American

Downtown Charleston

About the restaurant

Discover Coterie Restaurant at 17 Warren Street in Downtown Charleston, where Modern Coastal French cuisine meets creative craft cocktails. Indulge in a menu highlighting fresh, local ingredients served in a cozy dining room or our lush outdoor courtyard. Perfect for intimate dinners or lively gatherings, Coterie offers a unique blend of vibrant flavors and warm hospitality, creating an unforgettable culinary experience in Charleston

Top review

LizVIP

Dined 3 days ago

We had a fantastic time at Coterie - delicious food, amazing cocktails, service was awesome (thanks, Noah!) - our group of ten, with vegetarians, allergies and gluten free folks all had an incredible experience. Thank you so much.

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Experience

NYE Tasting Menu NV

Experience

Vegetarian NYE Tasting Menu NV

Black Drum Brewing

4.1

4.1 (341)

$30 and under

Unspecified

North Myrtle Beach

About the restaurant

The newest restaurant at Kingston Resorts showcases the best local fare in a comfortable setting. All 40 beers on tap come from the states of North and South Carolina and the entire menu is Carolina born and brewed. Share small plates and appetizers, try fresh seafood, and house-smoked meats while enjoying ocean views. Order a craft beer at the outdoor beer garden and play favorite yard games such as cornhole in the new event space.

Above the restaurant, find a new event space with high ceilings, exposed wood beams, and floor to ceiling retractable windows with ocean views and an upper balcony for outdoor weddings, receptions, and events overlooking the new pool.

Walk-in guests are always welcome!

Top review

matthew

Dined 1 day ago

Absolutely amazing Christmas experience. The food was terrific and the after dinner dessert reception upstairs overlooking the ocean was phenomenal. Just started a yearly Christmas tradition!

Stars Restaurant - Rooftop & Grill Room

4.0

4 (2398)

$31 to $50

American

Downtown Charleston

About the restaurant

Stars Rooftop & Grill Room is located on Upper King Street, Charleston’s iconic downtown dining and entertainment district. Housed in a restored historic Arts and Crafts building, Stars upscale bar and grill serves signature Carolina Cuisine in a stunning 1930’s style Grill Room with a gorgeous Walnut Bar. Make a reservation with us today to experience the best fine dining in Charleston, SC!
Join us before of after dinner at our rooftop bar with a 360-degree view of downtown Charleston.

Top review

Phoebe

Dined on Dec 9, 2024

My group and I had the BEST time at Stars! It was my first time in Charleston and this dinner as the last - really did save the best for last! Miguel the head Chef came over to share some insights of the menu/offerings and we were not disappointed by any of the dish. Each one was thoughtfully done, perfectly cooked and seasoned uniquely with seasonal + locally sourced ingredients. Our server Dakota was outstanding as well and Anna was awesome too. Truly was an amazing experience and I will definitely be back next time I visit! :)

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