Charleston's Historic Pubs, Taverns, and Taprooms Tour

Recommended by 91% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Charleston, USA

3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

If you’re looking for a unique night out that doesn’t involve a messy-drunk pub crawl, this Charleston pub tour is for you. This small-group outing mixes drinks with historical stories of the city. Follow a guide to local pubs, taverns, and taprooms as they tell you tales of pirates, politics, and more. Plus, enjoy an included drink and shared appetizer at each stop, with other drinks available for purchase.

Explore local pubs in Charleston’s French Quarter with a guide
Perfect for history buffs and alcohol enthusiasts
One drink and shared appetizer at each stop is included
Meeting location has convenient bathrooms before you head out

What's Included

City-certified guide
Alcoholic Beverages

Three drinks (one at each stop)
Snacks

Shared appetizer at one stop

Guide gratuity

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

184 E Bay St suite 103, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Find *Charleston Culinary Tours* in the back of the courtyard behind the iron gate.

End point

French Quarter, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Routes rotate daily. All tours finish within a few blocks of the meeting location.

Itinerary

Charleston

3 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not wheelchair accessible
Minimum age is 21 years

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Near public transportation
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.6

based on 33 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Dissapointed

Les_S, Nov 2024

Was told it was canceled due to not meeting the minimum number of participants??? I would like a refund!

Response from Host, Nov 2024

Hey Les, We are a bit surprised and disappointed to read this based on our conversation. As stated in the booking details we need a minimum of at least 4 guests to operate the tour and you were the only two booked. While informing you of the cancellation we offered alternate times or a refund. You said you wanted to wait until Tuesday 11/26 to see if there would be another evening tour become available. I apologize that we clearly misunderstood your request to mean you wanted a refund at that time, since this was posted two days before the alternative tour time you expressed interest in. We provided a refund as soon as we knew we would not have an alternate tour. I sincerely apologize for the misunderstanding and I hope you enjoyed your time in Charleston and please let us know if there is any issue with Viator completing the refund process.

This is it

Stacy_h, Sep 2024

Cody spun and weaved very interesting and fun tales in between sips of great tasting beer and local pubs. We ducked into small alley ways, nooks and crannies to get to the pubs. Never a dull moment for several hours. The best entertainment in town. Wirth the money....with Cody.

Response from Host, Jun 2025

What a fantastic way to describe your time on the Historic Pubs, Taverns, and Taprooms Tour—thank you! Coby has a true gift for turning history into theater, and we're thrilled you enjoyed the combination of storytelling, hidden corners, and great local beer. It means a lot to hear this was “the best entertainment in town!” Hope to see you on another adventure soon—cheers! 🍻

Awesome tour.

James_A, Jul 2024

This tour was a really good time. The tour guide was knowledgeable, interesting and a pleasure to be with. The pubs were awesome and the adult beverages mighty tasty.

Response from Host, Jul 2024

We're thrilled you had a fantastic time on your tour! Our guides strive to create a fun and informative experience, and it sounds like you enjoyed every minute. Thanks for the 5-star review!

Don’t schedule this tour

KarenG_M, Jul 2024

We were notified the day before that tour might be canceled- that we would be notified the day of at 1:00 if it was. Not receiving notification we were getting ready and i sent an email to be sure and was told - “Sorry forgot to let you know it’s canceled. Vacation spoiler!! No way to run a business and you have to wait 7 days to get your money back.

Response from Host, Jul 2024

Karen, we are terribly disappointed that we were unable to run the tour. We strive to offer reliable and enjoyable experiences, and cancellations are always the last resort. We reached out the day before about your tour’s pending status since you were the only guests and we needed two more to operate. At this time we offered alternative tours and shared how long we could wait the following day for additional bookings before we needed to call it. We sincerely apologize for the delayed notice about the final status. A last-minute group reached out with interest in booking, which would have allowed your tour to run. Regrettably, while waiting to hear back from the interested party, the alert to update you was mistakenly turned off instead of snoozed. Ultimately, there's no excuse for our lapse in communication, and we're taking steps to ensure this doesn't happen again. We hate that a 90-minute delay so thoroughly spoiled your vacation. We immediately submitted a cancellation and refund request to Viator. We recommend reaching out to Viator if you haven't received it within their policy’s stated timeframe.

Extremely enjoyable tour or Pubs and History

Helen_L, May 2024

Ours was a small group of 6 that was led through a few alleys and streets on short journeys between 3 pubs. At this pubs, historian and beer expert Coby gave previously unknown stories highlighting Charleston history. It was a peaceful, enlightening, and highly enjoyable 3 hours. I’ve been on other pub tours where you were essentially chugging beers rapidly to go to the next pub. NOT THIS! The drinks were sipped leisurely each over 45 minutes or so while llistening to Coby calmly laying out the pertinent history, with food at the 1st and last pubs. I simply do not know how this could have been any better.

Response from Host, Jun 2024

Coby's pub tour sounds like the perfect blend of history and relaxation! We love that you enjoyed the leisurely pace and focus on local stories paired with delicious food. It's definitely not your typical pub crawl! Thanks for highlighting the unique experience.

Excellent Perspective - maybe the 6th "P"??!! :)

Kate_P, Apr 2024

Had a great time with Coby, he's a wealth of knowledge and makes it fun! It's an interesting perspective he's put together to teach you about the history of "Pubs, Pirates, Politics, Pints and Prostitutes" Enjoy - Cheers!

Response from Host, Jun 2024

Coby's unique perspective on Charleston's history through 'Pubs, Pirates, Politics, Pints, and Prostitutes' is definitely a highlight of our tours! We're thrilled you had a fun and informative time learning about Charleston's colorful past. We strive to foster a sense of community among our guests, and Charleston Culinary Tours offers a unique way to connect with the city's rich tapestry.

Pirates, Politics, Prostitutes, Pints & Pubs

Alexandra_R, Jan 2024

Our tour guide, Coby was entertaining, informative and interesting. We enjoyed it immensely! The beer, the stories and the food were all great.

Response from Host, Jul 2024

Coby's ability to blend history, humor, and great local drinks is what makes our pub tours a hit! We're glad you enjoyed the experience. Thanks for choosing Charleston Culinary Tours!

From tour guides to friends

Suzanne_K, Jan 2024

We were scheduled for a tour the night a big storm blew in. Coby was kind enough to reschedule for the following evening. Alex was our tour guide and he regaled us with tons of great stories and facts. The biggest thing was how patient and accommodating he was with my hip issues/pain and not being able to keep a fast pace. He was knowledgeable and entertaining. Coby met us at the last stop and added to the fun. We ended up having so much fun together I now consider us friends, not just customers.

Response from Host, Jul 2024

That's wonderful! We're truly touched by your experience. Alex and Coby's dedication to ensuring a memorable experience for all guests, especially those with special needs, is a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional service. Your kind words about forming a connection with your fellow tour-goers is heartwarming. We're so glad you had such a fantastic time!

Lots of fun and cool snippets of facts in Charleston history

Ellen_M, Jan 2024

Very knowledgeable and learned about off beaten path sites and great stories behind Charleston History. The pubs had a meaningful history to our stops as well as the drinks and apps. Would recommend this tour and ask for Alex as your tour guide very fun!

Response from Host, Jul 2024

Alex’s passion for Charleston history is evident in his tour! We're thrilled you enjoyed the off-the-beaten-path sites and the unique stories behind each pub. Thank you for choosing Charleston Culinary Tours!

Enjoy a pint!

Lauren_K, Jan 2024

We had a great time on this tour. The tour guide Coby is very knowledgeable about historical Charleston and the local beers. Made some friends with the other couples.

Response from Host, Jul 2024

Coby's passion for Charleston's history and beer scene is infectious! It sounds like you had a fantastic time exploring the city's pubs and making new friends. Thanks for choosing Charleston Culinary Tours!

Great time with good people

Christine_L, Dec 2023

The tour guide was very knowledgeable and his delivery was excellent and humorous. His interaction with us was personal and attentive.

Response from Host, Jul 2024

We're thrilled you had such a fantastic time! Our guides strive to create a fun and engaging atmosphere, and it sounds like our team delivered. Thank you for choosing Charleston Culinary Tours!

Coby was awesome! So much fun!

Deborah_L, Dec 2023

So much fun and so much education about the history of Charleston (Charlestown). Coby was so knowledgeable about all things Charleston and had us mesmerized with all of the stories. Lots of history about pirates and politics and prostitutes (oh my). Lol. The time just flew by with his stories and great drinks at each stop. It was nice to have tables and spaces set aside for us even on a busy Saturday night. It was a great bonus that he’s also a beer conneseur (certified cicerone) so we learned quite alot about beer too! Would highly recommend Coby and the Historic Bar Tour!

Response from Host, Jul 2025

Now that’s the kind of review that makes us want to raise a glass! 🍻 We’re thrilled you had such a memorable night with Coby—he’s a master at spinning Charleston’s wild history into something unforgettable (pirates, politics, and prostitutes included). Thanks for joining us and sharing your enthusiasm—we’d love to welcome you back for another round!

Alex paused throughout...

Valerie_R, Nov 2023

Alex paused throughout our time together to point out places and faces of architectural and historical interest, providing great anecdotal references to place all this information in context. Conversation over beers and bites, or while walking along was easy and fun as well as informative. Alex brought us to three great pubs where we were greeted warmly and treated well. This was a great afternoon!

Response from Host, Jul 2025

Thanks so much for sharing this thoughtful review! We're delighted to hear that Alex struck that perfect balance between insightful storytelling and relaxed conversation—it's what we aim for on every Historic Pubs tour. We’re proud to partner with such warm and welcoming spots, and we’re so glad you enjoyed both the beer and the backstories. Hope to see you again on your next Charleston adventure!

A nice change from the typical walking tour.

Heather_L, Oct 2023

Our tour guide developed this specific tour and was also very knowledge about the history and events that led up to modern day Charleston. While a couple of the bars on the tour were not of historical significance, the food and beer really enhanced the experience. There was a little walking, some standing at sites of interest and quite a bit of sitting while you drank your beer (the guys’ favorite part) and interacted with the guide. I would suggest a group of not much larger than six people so everyone can sit at one table and listen/ask questions. My husband and our friends took a night walking tour, carriage ride and this pub tour. This was our favorite. Definitely recommend, especially if you are tired of walking!

Response from Host, Jul 2025

Thanks so much for sharing your experience! Coby’s passion for Charleston’s history really shines through, and it’s great to hear the balance of tasty food, local brews, and storytelling made the tour a standout—especially with some well-earned time to sit and relax. Your tip about group size is spot on for keeping that cozy vibe. We’d love to welcome you back anytime for more Charleston discoveries!

Our Anniversary Trip

Christine_G, Sep 2023

Wish we had done this tour first.. very informative, very interesting. We enjoyed Colby our guide…He gave us a lot of history of Charleston and some “dirt” on Southern Charm!

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Christine, what a fun way to celebrate your anniversary! Coby has a gift for mixing history with just the right amount of juicy Charleston gossip—and Southern Charm tea is always a crowd-pleaser 🍑😉 We're thrilled you enjoyed the tour and hope the rest of your trip was just as memorable!