Spontaneous wanderings often lead me to places I might not have discovered through the best-laid plans. Finding the Pavilion Bar & Cafe atop the Market Pavilion Hotel was one of these happy occasions. Fortunately, it was sitting along my walk between Magnolias Restaurant and the Charleston Place hotel. If you are looking for an outdoor bar with views of Charleston's skyline and harbor, this place fits the bill perfectly.
The Pavilion Bar & Cafe's greatest selling point is the atmosphere that only a lofty rooftop bar can provide. The space is entirely enclosed within a tall Plexiglas barrier to diminish the chilly ocean breeze. And, for really cool evenings, propane heat lamps are spread throughout the area to match the hotness of the attractive crowd.
The large space has plenty of standing room, as well as a variety of seating options, from bar stools to chaise lounges. A cute girl stretched out on one of the lounge chairs presented me with the opportunity to approach her and ask "Should I apply some lotion so you don't get a moonburn?" One of my female friends challenged me to use that line, and I was game enough to try it. I personally found it amusing and so did the young lady... it got me an invitation to join her for karaoke at another bar (which I declined). Feel free to steal it if fate provides you with a similar opportunity.
The Pavilion Bar & Cafe is located on the corner of Market and East Bay Streets, and it's open daily from 11:30am to closing (food served until midnight). It could easily be transplanted into the New York City social scene and find instant success. While I was in Charleston, it didn't have the buzz of other hot spots (like it should have), but I enjoyed it much more than the over-hyped Club Habana. The only thing that freaked me out was walking across and standing on the clear plastic covering over the dimly lit pool.
If you are going to spend a few days in the lovely city of Charleston, give the Pavilion Bar & Cafe a visit. I'm certain you won't be disappointed. Also, from what I've read and seen of the Market Pavilion Hotel, you may want to consider it as accommodations for your stay.