The best bars & nightlife in Darlington

Since 1952, Joe's Grill has been the spot for legit comfort food cooked the way you remember. Think hand-pattied burgers, fried chicken and country-cookin' plates that hit the spot. When your week needs a dependable, tasty reset, this is it.

From the Darlington newsletter, October 15, 2026

Tropical Bar & Grill is serving fresh, bold Latin/American plates that punch above their weight, from special de pollo and special de chuleta to crisp pollo frito, empanadas, and chicharron. Perfect for an easy weeknight takeout or a laid-back hang with big flavor, no road trip required.

From the Darlington newsletter, September 30, 2026

Palmetto Ballroom Dance Club is the Pee Dee's best kept secret for friendly, low-pressure ballroom fun, with quick pre-dance instruction, DJ-curated classics, and bring-a-dish vibes that feel like a neighborhood party. Round up a partner or fly solo, meet your Florence people, and start practicing this week.

From the Florence newsletter, October 21, 2026

Overlooking downtown Florence, The Dispensary serves 3,500 square feet of rooftop bliss with creative craft cocktails, local brews, and Southern-rooted, elevated bar fare. Treat yourself this week to a Tangy Twilight and the Short Rib Grilled Cheese or those deviled eggs with fried oysters, then soak in the breeze.

From the Florence newsletter, October 7, 2026

Downtown Florence’s first wine bar and bottle shop, Cru Wine & Tap, pours curated glasses, bottles, and flights, backs it up with local craft beer, zero-proof and THC/CBD cocktails, and craveable thin-crust and pinsa pizzas. Easy spot to linger with friends or slide in this week for a quick sip.

From the Florence newsletter, October 3, 2026

Whether you lean sweet, dry, or fruit-forward, Cartersville Country Winery pours handcrafted muscadine wines grown right at their vineyard plus standouts like Pomegranate and Peach. Swing by this week for a relaxed tasting and a peek behind the scenes, then watch your porch nights level up.

From the Sumter newsletter, August 20, 2026

Craving something crafted close to home? Straw Hat Distillery, LLC ferments and distills every small batch in-house using premium South Carolina grains, serving up whiskey, bourbon and moonshine, plus playful spins like apple pie or coffee...

From the Darlington newsletter, October 18, 2026