Best Sports Bar Near Me
In South Carolina

Sports Bars and Game Day Culture in South Carolina

South Carolina’s sports culture is steeped in college pride, Southern hospitality, and a true love for game day. Whether you’re a die-hard Gamecocks fan in Columbia, a Clemson Tiger through and through, or just looking for a solid spot to catch NFL, NBA, or NASCAR, the Palmetto State delivers. From coastal towns like Charleston and Myrtle Beach to the Upstate energy of Greenville and Spartanburg, you’ll find a wide range of sports bars near me and game day bars that offer passion, personality, and plenty of screens. This is SEC country, and on Saturdays in the fall, everything revolves around football.

2025 Sports Bar Trends in South Carolina

In 2025, sports bars in South Carolina are blending rustic charm with modern tech. Expect more rooftop setups in Charleston, outdoor TVs with misting fans and heaters for year-round comfort, and digital menus that rotate based on game schedules. Some bars are going hyper-local with beer taps that only feature South Carolina breweries, while others are installing massive projection walls for immersive viewing. On the food side, coastal influences are merging with tailgate staples—think shrimp po’boys with pimento aioli or smoked pulled pork nachos with housemade pickles.

The Vibe and Fans

College football reigns supreme in South Carolina, and the energy is electric during Clemson and South Carolina games. Rivalries run deep, but the vibe is more celebratory than combative. Fans pack bars hours before kickoff in team colors, with chants, fight songs, and cheers filling the air. NFL Sundays also have strong turnouts—especially for Panthers, Falcons, and Cowboys fans. South Carolina sports bars tend to be lively but laid-back, filled with friendly locals, students, and tourists alike.

Food and Drink Favorites

Bar menus in South Carolina focus on flavor and comfort. You’ll find fried green tomatoes, wings with Carolina gold sauce, smoked brisket sliders, and she-crab soup alongside traditional pub fare. Local craft beer is everywhere, with standouts like Westbrook, Holy City Brewing, and Steel Hands offering IPAs, sours, and lagers made for sipping over four quarters. Many bars also run game-day happy hour specials with discounted apps, buckets, and bourbon-forward cocktails.

Where to Watch in South Carolina

Columbia and Clemson are the obvious college hotbeds, but cities like Charleston, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach have vibrant sports bar scenes that attract both locals and visitors. Coastal towns mix surfside chill with serious sports setups, while Upstate cities bring a slightly more urban, brewery-forward feel. Wherever you land, South Carolina gives you options that mix Southern charm with high-stakes excitement.

Top 10 Sports Bars in South Carolina

King Street Grille (Charleston)

A local favorite with multiple locations, including a bustling King Street spot in downtown Charleston. Huge screens, great food, and rooftop seating.
Website |
Yelp |
Google

Hickory Tavern (Columbia)

One of Columbia’s best sports viewing spots with a massive beer list, hearty American fare, and college football madness on Saturdays.
Website |
Yelp |
Google

The Alley (Charleston)

Bowling meets sports bar with old-school arcade games, massive projectors, and killer cocktails. A social, energetic vibe on King Street.
Website |
Yelp |
Google

Backstreets Pub & Deli (Clemson)

A true Clemson institution for watching Tigers games. Cold beer, affordable eats, and an unbeatable college crowd.
Website |
Yelp |
Google

Jack n’ Diane’s (Greenville)

Live dueling piano bar that transforms into a sports and event hotspot on game nights. Expect rowdy crowds and great drinks.
Website |
Yelp |
Google

Sharkey’s Pub (Myrtle Beach)

Laid-back beach bar with outdoor TVs, drink specials, and loyal fans of both the SEC and NFL. Great during tourist season.
Website |
Yelp |
Google

Carolina Ale House (Multiple Locations)

Popular chain in SC with strong sports bar credentials: great wings, huge TVs, and reliable food across locations.
Website |
Yelp |
Google

The Brass Tap (Greenville)

Craft beer lovers’ sports bar with tons of screens, great food pairings, and a modern pub vibe perfect for any game.
Website |
Yelp |
Google

Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux (Myrtle Beach)

Newer sports bar chain with Louisiana roots, great Cajun-inspired food, and screens at every angle. Ideal for group outings.
Website |
Yelp |
Google

Flying Saucer Draught Emporium (Columbia)

Extensive beer list and a chill sports vibe in the heart of downtown. Trivia, watch parties, and big weekend energy.
Website |
Yelp |
Google