High Fives Bar & Grill in Charleston: Sports, Burgers, and Local Brews

What High Fives Bar & Grill Offers

High Fives Bar & Grill is a casual sports bar in Charleston's Upper King Street neighborhood that centers on burgers, wings, and a rotating selection of craft beers. The space is built around multiple television screens showing live games, making it a natural gathering spot for fans during football season and year-round sports events. The menu leans toward American comfort food—thick burgers, fried appetizers, and sandwiches—with prices that reflect the casual, neighborhood feel rather than fine dining.

The bar stocks local and regional craft beers alongside national brands, with the selection changing based on what's available from South Carolina breweries and distributors. The atmosphere is deliberately unpretentious: you'll find groups watching games, families grabbing dinner before events, and regulars who know the bartenders by name. The restaurant occupies a converted historic building on King Street, so the bones of the space carry Charleston character even as the vibe stays firmly modern and casual.

Key Takeaways

• High Fives specializes in burgers and wings with a full bar featuring craft beers from South Carolina and beyond.
• The space is designed around sports viewing, with multiple screens throughout and a focus on live game events.
• Located on Upper King Street, it sits within walking distance of other restaurants, shops, and the Charleston City Market area.
• The restaurant operates as a casual neighborhood spot rather than a destination venue, with pricing and atmosphere to match.
• Parking on King Street can be tight; nearby lots and street parking are available but may require a short walk.

The Beer Selection and Local Brewery Connections

High Fives rotates its beer list regularly, which means what's on tap changes with the seasons and availability. South Carolina breweries like Westbrook Brewing, Palmetto Brewing, and Revelry Brewing have all had their beers featured there, though the exact lineup depends on current stock. The bar also carries mainstream options for people who prefer familiar names, so you're not locked into craft beer if that's not your preference.

The bartenders can usually tell you what's new or what's running low, and they'll make recommendations if you ask. This isn't a beer hall with a 60-tap wall or a place where the beer list is the main event—it's a bar that takes beer seriously enough to stock local options but keeps the focus on the overall experience of watching games and eating food with friends.

Food and Menu Highlights

The burger is the signature item: thick patties, fresh toppings, and a range of add-ons that let you build what you want. Wings come in multiple sauces, and the fried appetizers (nachos, fried pickles, loaded fries) are designed for sharing while you watch the game. Sandwiches and salads round out the menu for people looking for something lighter, though High Fives doesn't pretend to be a health-focused restaurant.

Prices run moderate for Charleston—burgers and sandwiches typically fall in the $12 to $16 range, with appetizers and wings priced for groups. The kitchen is set up for volume during game days, so expect slightly longer waits during major sporting events, especially on Sundays during football season and during March Madness.

Location and Parking on Upper King Street

High Fives sits on Upper King Street, the neighborhood that has transformed over the past 15 years into a mix of restaurants, bars, galleries, and shops. It's walkable from the historic district and close to the Citadel, College of Charleston, and downtown attractions. If you're planning to visit other restaurants or bars in the area, you can park once and explore on foot.

Street parking along King Street fills up, especially on weekends and during events. Several paid lots are within a block, and the restaurant itself may have limited parking. Arriving early or using a rideshare service during busy times can save frustration. The location is accessible by CARTA bus routes if you're coming from elsewhere in Charleston.

Game Day Atmosphere and Group Dining

High Fives is built for groups watching games together. The multiple screens mean you can see the action from most seats, and the noise level rises and falls with what's happening on the field or court. During major events—playoff games, championship matches, big college football rivalries—the place fills up quickly and the energy becomes genuinely electric.

If you're bringing a group, calling ahead during game days can help you understand wait times. The bar can accommodate standing room for overflow crowds, and the layout allows groups to claim tables and gather around a screen. It's not a quiet place to have a conversation during games, but that's the point: you're there for the event and the shared experience.

Hours, Reservations, and What to Expect

High Fives operates as a walk-in casual restaurant and bar, not a reservation-based venue. Hours typically run from late morning through late evening, with extended hours on weekends and game days. Calling ahead during peak times (Friday and Saturday nights, Sunday football) can give you a sense of how busy it is, even if you can't reserve a specific table.

The restaurant closes for major holidays and occasionally for private events, so checking their social media or calling before a special occasion visit is worth the effort. The staff is used to handling large groups and can often accommodate parties if you give them a heads-up, though you may need to wait or stand at the bar during the busiest times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch a specific game at High Fives?

Yes—the bar has multiple screens and will put on most major sports events. Call ahead if you're looking for a specific game that might not be on national television, and they can usually find it or point you to another bar that's showing it. During football season and March Madness, they're set up specifically for this.

Is High Fives good for a family dinner?

Yes, especially earlier in the evening. It's a casual restaurant with burgers and wings that kids typically enjoy, and the atmosphere is friendly rather than rowdy during non-game hours. During major sporting events, it becomes more of a bar scene, so timing matters if you're bringing children.

Do they have vegetarian or dietary options?

The menu is meat-heavy, but salads and some sandwiches can be modified. Call ahead if you have specific dietary needs so the kitchen can plan accordingly. It's not a restaurant built around accommodating restricted diets, but they'll work with you.

What's the parking situation really like?

Street parking is available but competitive, especially on weekends. Nearby paid lots are within a short walk. During major events, arriving early or using a rideshare service is often easier than hunting for a spot on King Street.

Can I bring a large group?

Yes, but call ahead during busy times so they know you're coming. They can usually accommodate groups, though you may need to split across tables or stand at the bar during peak hours. The layout works well for groups watching games together.