Riff Raff Bar and Grill in Charleston: Live Music, Low Country Fare, and Late Nights
What Riff Raff Bar and Grill offers
Riff Raff Bar and Grill is a casual spot in downtown Charleston known for live music most nights, a full bar, and Southern comfort food. The venue sits on King Street and draws a mix of locals and visitors looking for an unpretentious place to eat, drink, and catch performances—usually blues, rock, or cover bands. The space has the feel of a neighborhood bar that happens to book real talent, not a polished music hall.
The menu leans toward burgers, sandwiches, wings, and fried seafood—the kind of food that pairs well with beer and doesn't demand much attention while a band plays. Prices are moderate, and portions are generous. The bar stocks standard spirits, beer on tap, and cocktails, though the focus is more on cold beer and whiskey than craft mixing.
Key Takeaways
- Riff Raff books live music most nights of the week, with genres ranging from blues and rock to cover bands and occasional touring acts.
- The kitchen serves Southern comfort food—burgers, wings, fried shrimp, and sandwiches—designed to be eaten while standing or sitting at a bar.
- There is no cover charge most nights, though the venue may charge for special events or touring bands.
- The bar stays open late, making it a reliable option for a late dinner or drinks after other venues close.
Live music schedule and what to expect
Riff Raff typically has live music Thursday through Saturday, with occasional performances on weeknights. The lineup changes regularly and includes local blues bands, rock cover groups, and regional acts passing through Charleston. The stage is small and close to the crowd, so even from the bar you hear the band clearly.
Most performances start in the evening and run until closing. There is usually no cover charge for local or regular acts, though special events or touring bands may have a door fee—call ahead if you want to know before you arrive. The crowd is mixed: some people come specifically for the music, others are eating dinner and the band is a bonus.
Food and drink
The menu is straightforward bar food. Burgers come with fries, wings are fried and sauced, and the fried shrimp and fish sandwiches are the kind of thing you order when you want something hot and filling without overthinking it. Appetizers include nachos, fried pickles, and cheese dip. Prices run from about $10 to $20 for entrees.
The bar stocks Bud Light, Miller High Life, and rotating local beers on tap. Whiskey, vodka, and gin are available, and the bartenders make standard cocktails. Soft drinks and coffee are also on the menu. The focus is on cold beer and simple drinks rather than elaborate cocktails.
Location and parking
Riff Raff sits on King Street in downtown Charleston, in the heart of the restaurant and bar district. Street parking is available but can be tight on weekend nights, especially when there is live music. A parking garage is nearby on King Street, and several surface lots are within a short walk.
The venue is walkable from most downtown hotels and from the Historic District. If you are coming from outside downtown, plan for parking before you arrive, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights.
Atmosphere and crowd
The interior is casual and worn in the way bars that have been around for a while tend to be—wood, neon signs, and walls covered with photos and memorabilia. The lighting is dim, the noise level is high when the band is playing, and the crowd is relaxed. You will see groups of friends, couples, and solo drinkers at the bar. The dress code is casual; jeans and a shirt are fine.
The space fills up on weekend nights, especially when a popular local band is playing. If you want a seat, arrive early or be prepared to stand at the bar. The bartenders and servers move quickly and are used to handling a crowd.
Hours and contact
Riff Raff is open late most nights, typically until 2 a.m. or later on weekends. Weeknight hours are usually 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. to midnight or 1 a.m., though this varies. The venue is closed on some Sundays and Mondays—call or check their social media to confirm hours before you go.
You can reach Riff Raff by phone to ask about the night's band, confirm hours, or learn about there is a cover charge. They also post the week's schedule on social media, which is the fastest way to see who is playing and when.
When to go and what to plan for
If you want to hear live music, Thursday through Saturday are your best bets. Friday and Saturday nights draw the biggest crowds and the most established bands. Weeknight performances tend to be quieter and a better option if you want to eat and talk without shouting over the music.
Arrive early if you want a table or a seat at the bar, especially on weekends. If you are coming for a specific band, confirm they are playing that night before you make the trip. Bring cash or a card—the bar takes both—and plan to tip the bartender and server.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cover charge?
Most nights there is no cover charge for local or regular bands. Special events or touring acts may have a door fee, which is usually between $5 and $15. Call ahead if you want to know before you arrive.
Can I bring a group?
Yes, but on busy nights you may not get a table. Groups often stand at the bar or split between a few high-top tables. Call ahead if you have a large group and want to reserve space.
What time does the band start?
Most performances start between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., depending on the night and the band. Call or check social media for the specific start time on the night you plan to go.
Is the food good for vegetarians?
The menu is meat-heavy, but the kitchen can make a burger without meat, a cheese sandwich, or nachos with vegetables. Ask your server what options are available on the night you visit.
Can I watch sports on the TVs?
Yes, there are televisions around the bar that show sports, though the focus shifts to the live band when music is playing. If a game is on and the band is not performing, you can watch and eat without distraction.