Looking for a place to enjoy a crisp cocktail? Dress up and slip into a seat for a classy beverage at the five-star Sanctuary Hotel or head straight from the beach in flip flops for live music and laid back island vibes on the waterfront â" you can have it all while vacationing on Kiawah Island!Â
Kiawah Island has no shortage of scenic spots to sip a cocktail, craft beer, or ice cold chardonnay â" all boasting pristine coastal views, salty ocean breezes, and the warm southern charm and hospitality of the South Carolina sea islands. Whether youâre looking for a romantic setting to grab a cocktail before dinner or biking and bar hopping on the island, check out our favorite scenic spots to sip a cocktail on Kiawah Island. Â
Live Music: Live Piano on Friday & Saturday from 7 PM to 10 PM
Surrounded by southern elegance and Lowcountry charm, youâll be sipping specialty cocktails in style at the intimate Lobby Bar, located in Kiawah Islandâs award-winning Sanctuary Hotel. Despite being drenched in southern elegance, The Sanctuary Lobby Bar is anything but snobby and offers a romantic and relaxing âœresort casualâ� environment with indoor and outdoor seating to share a cocktail, or two! The food menu is light with a choice of charcuterie and cheese plates, shrimp cocktail, Pimento Cheese Dip, and a small selection of desserts â" because here at The Lobby Bar, the focus is on signature cocktails and South Carolina craft beers.
The Lobby Bar is known for its signature âœWalk & Talkâ� and âœSit & Sipâ� cocktails with classic combos of top-shelf spirits and flavorful fruit or coconut fat-washed infusions. They also offer a selection of wines by the glass and bottle, craft beers from local SC breweries, spirits & mixers, and mocktails or âœnearly beerâ� (less than 0.5% alcohol) for non-drinkers. Friday and Saturday evenings come with a side of soothing piano music from 7 PM to 10 PM.
Local Tip: Round off your cocktail with casual dining at the Sanctuaryâs Lowcountry Jasmine Porch or fine dining at the Ocean Room, Kiawah Islandâs Forbes Five-Star rated signature steakhouse with gorgeous ocean views if you reserve before sunset! Dinner reservations may be made by contacting the concierge at (877) 683-1234. And, you can always return to the Lobby Bar for a nightcap!
Whether youâre celebrating a round of golf, or simply soaking up the view, a 19th Hole Cocktail is a must! Or perhaps you started your golf round with an Ocean Course Bloody Mary? The cocktail selection is interesting with options like spicy Gator Bites with green chili vodka, and Sweet Tea Mojitos, or choose from a selection of wines by the glass and bottle, domestic and international beers, or an American Pale Ale brewed locally at Low Tide Brewing on Johns Island. The Ryder Cup Bar operates on a first come first serve basis and does not require reservations.
Local Tip: The Ryder Cup Bar boasts the BEST sunset views on Kiawah Island from the classic Lowcountry verandah. Enjoy front row seats to a spectacular sunset and follow it up with ocean to table fine dining at the Atlantic Room, Kiawah Islandâs signature seafood restaurant. Call (843) 266-4085 for reservations.
The Porch Bar at Freshfields Village is perfect for date night or a gathering of friends. The interiors are elegant and inviting with plush lounge seating and accent chairs surrounding a soaring stone fireplace, elegant chandeliers draping from the ceilings, long tables for large groups, intimate spaces that allow for romance, and a vibrant atmosphere that attracts a bevy of locals and visitors to Kiawah and Seabrook Island. The outdoor porch seating offers the perfect perch for sunset cocktails with views over Freshfields Village Andell Lake.
The Porch Bar only offers light fare with a small choice of cheeses, chicken sliders, and gourmet flatbreads to pair with upscale handcrafted cocktails like the Charleston Nippitaty (local organic gin, cucumber, and crackled black pepper), the Kiawah Sparkler (Bombay Sapphire, Chambord, prosecco, and lemon) or the Seabrook Manhattan (rye whiskey, black walnut, and brandied cherries). Classic Lowcountry cocktails that may have you returning for a second serving, with some light jazz!
Local Tip: Looking for live music on Kiawah Island? Every Thursday night, The Porch Bar entertains patrons with the soul-stirring sounds of live jazz from 6 PM to 8 PM.
Hours: Open Daily for Lunch & Dinner Sunday to Thursday - 12 PM to 9 PM Friday & Saturday - 12 PM to 10 PM
For mouthwatering hand-crafted margaritas and imaginative Mexican-inspired cuisine in a casual setting, head to Cantina 76 situated next to The Porch Bar in Freshfields Village. In fact, from here on you can even do a little happy hour hopping! This family-owned taqueria and bar is casual and upbeat with a vibey indoor dining area and an outdoor patio overlooking Andell Lake to gather with friends, family, or your four-legged fur babies!
Whether youâre after a quick cocktail or a night out on the town, Cantina 76 hits the spot! The Mexican-inspired menu includes a selection of starters, share plates, and entrees made in house daily, and all types of tequila for handcrafted and made-to-order margaritas â" you can even order a skinny margarita without the calories! If youâre starting early, check out their selection of brunch drinks including mimosas and bloody marys.
Local Tip: From September through March, Cantina 76 has weekday happy hour specials from 4 PM to 7 PM â" half price off house margaritas, $2 for Tecate & PBR cans, $2.50 for domestic and imported beers, $3 for craft beers, sangria, and house liquors, and $4 for house wines!
Hours: Open Daily for Lunch & Dinner - 11 AM to 10 PM
Voted âœBest Sports Barâ� for 7 years running, the award-winning King Street Grille in Freshfields Village is an upscale neighborhood sports bar with âœgreat food, great beer, great atmosphereâ� and an epic daily happy hour (4 PM to 7 PM) if youâre 21+ and seated at the bar! Itâs located across from Cantina 76 so you can even pick your vibe for a lakeside cocktail!
The King Street Grille has a classic indoor sports bar area with multiple big screen TVs and a pet-friendly patio overlooking Andell Lake for alfresco cocktail vibes. Snack on scratch-made menu items or indulge in a hearty homestyle meal while savoring King Street Grilleâs selection of creative and colorful cocktails thatâll savor your sweet tooth, or deliver a kick.
Hours: Open Daily for Lunch & Dinner Monday to Saturday â" 11 AM to 9:30 PM Sunday â" 12 PM to 9:30 PM
While sipping your way through Freshfields Village, wine lovers must make a stop for a unique sommelier experience at FortyEight Wine Bar + Kitchen. Why FortyEight? Here youâll find 48 wines available by the glass, 48 local craft beers, 48 fabulous food options, and a seasonal cocktail list of old-school classics and innovative specialties.
The Wine Bar operates on an innovative smartcard system, that you can reload as you taste! Choose from 48 wines from around the world with three tasting sizes (1 oz, 3 oz, or 6 oz), and an expert sommelier team on hand to guide you. All wines are available to purchase by the bottle to take home. Kitchen classics to pair range from share plates, soups, salads, sandwiches, and mix-and-match charcuterie boards to flatbreads and entrees, including their famous Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes and Filet Mignon!
Local Tip: Take your local wine tasting experience to the next level by reserving a spot at one of FortyEightâs exclusive wine pairing dinners featuring award-winning wineries and exceptional cuisine.
You can serve it shaken or stirred when you stay with Kiawah Exclusives! Sip cocktails oceanfront at Beachwalker Park or perhaps poolside overlooking the lush fairways, tranquil lagoons, ancient maritime forests, and natural seclusion Kiawah Island is known for.
