Sun-up Sports Pub and Grill in Charleston: Where to Eat, Watch the Game, and What to Order

What Sun-up Sports Pub and Grill offers

Sun-up Sports Pub and Grill is a casual dining spot in Charleston that combines burgers, sandwiches, and pub fare with a full sports viewing setup. The restaurant caters to people who want to watch games on multiple screens while eating comfort food—think wings, nachos, and entrees that don't require much fussing. The atmosphere is built around sports, with TVs positioned throughout the space so you can catch whatever game is on, whether it's football, basketball, or baseball.

The menu leans into New American pub standards: hand-pressed burgers, fried appetizers, salads with protein options, and seafood dishes that reflect Charleston's coastal location. Portions tend to be generous, and prices sit in the moderate range for a casual dining establishment. The bar stocks beer, cocktails, and soft drinks, making it a place where groups can split time between eating and drinking without pressure to order a full meal.

Key Takeaways

• Sun-up serves burgers, wings, nachos, and sandwiches in a sports-bar setting with multiple televisions throughout the dining room.
• The restaurant works well for watching games with a group, since the layout and screen placement accommodate people seated at different tables.
• Menu prices are moderate for casual dining, and portions are large enough that sharing appetizers is common practice.
• The bar offers beer on tap, bottled selections, and cocktails, so you can order a drink without ordering food if you prefer.

The menu and what to order

The burger is the signature item—most versions come with lettuce, tomato, onion, and your choice of cheese, and you can add bacon, fried egg, or mushrooms. The kitchen presses the patty thin rather than thick, which means it cooks fast and picks up a good crust. Order it with fries or substitute a salad or coleslaw if you want something lighter.

Wings are another draw, usually available in a handful of sauces ranging from mild to hot. The nachos come loaded with cheese, jalapeños, and your choice of pulled pork, ground beef, or chicken, and they arrive hot enough that you'll want to let them cool for a minute before eating. Sandwiches—pulled pork, fried fish, chicken—round out the main menu, and most come with the same side options as the burger.

The appetizer list includes fried pickles, mozzarella sticks, and fried calamari, all designed to be shared and eaten while watching. Salads with grilled chicken or shrimp are available if you want something that doesn't feel like bar food, though they're not the focus of the kitchen.

When to go and what to expect

Sun-up fills up during major sporting events—NFL Sundays, March Madness, playoff games—so if you want a table without waiting, arrive early or go on a weeknight when games aren't happening. The noise level is high on game days, which is part of the appeal if you're there to watch, but it can make conversation difficult if you're trying to have a quiet meal.

The restaurant is family-friendly during daytime and early evening hours, though it skews more toward adults once the sun goes down and the bar gets busier. Seating is a mix of booths, tables, and bar stools, so you can choose how close you want to be to the action and the screens.

Parking and location in Charleston

Sun-up is located on King Street in downtown Charleston, which means street parking is available but can be tight during peak hours. A parking garage is nearby if street spots are full. The restaurant is walkable from other downtown attractions, so if you're spending the day exploring Charleston's historic district, you can easily work in a meal here without needing to drive.

The King Street location puts you near shops, galleries, and other restaurants, so you can make it part of a larger outing rather than a standalone trip.

The bar and drink options

The bar stocks a rotating selection of local and regional beers on tap, plus bottled options from national breweries. If beer isn't your preference, the bartender can make standard cocktails—margaritas, Old Fashioneds, daiquiris—and the bar also serves wine and soft drinks. Happy hour pricing on drinks and appetizers runs during specific hours, so check ahead if you're planning to come for that.

The bar itself is a good spot to sit if you're alone or if your group wants to split between the bar and tables. You can order food from the bar, and the bartenders keep an eye on the games, so you won't miss anything important.

Private events and group dining

Sun-up can accommodate groups for private events or large parties, though you'll want to call ahead to discuss space, menu options, and timing. The restaurant has hosted birthday parties, work outings, and watch parties for major games. The staff can usually work with you on pricing and menu selections if you're bringing a group of 15 or more.

If you're planning a group outing around a specific game, let the restaurant know in advance so they can reserve seating and make sure the kitchen is prepared for the volume.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

Reservations are not required for regular dining, but they're a good idea if you're coming with a large group or during a major sporting event. Walk-ins are welcome on slower nights, but you may wait 20 to 30 minutes during peak game times.

Is there a kids menu?

Yes, Sun-up offers a kids menu with smaller portions of burgers, sandwiches, and chicken tenders, plus sides like fries and fruit. The restaurant is family-friendly during daytime hours, though it becomes more adult-oriented in the evening.

Can I watch a specific game if I call ahead?

The restaurant has multiple TVs and can usually accommodate requests to put a particular game on one of them, especially if you're coming with a group. Call ahead to let them know what you want to watch, and they'll do their best to make sure it's on.

What are the hours?

Hours vary by day and season, with extended hours on game days and weekends. Check the restaurant's website or call to confirm opening and closing times before you go, since hours can shift based on sporting schedules.

Is there outdoor seating?

Sun-up has limited outdoor seating, weather permitting. Most of the dining room is indoors where the TVs and bar are located, so outdoor seating is best for warm months and works better if you're not focused on watching the game.