You know Charleston for its history, gorgeous views of the Atlantic, and most importantly, the fantastic foods. The South is known for its barbecue, but Charleston brings its own signature twang that personalizes any hearty dining experience. Here are some of the best spots in Charleston for mouth-watering, tender barbecue that will leave you coming back for more.
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James Island
538 Folly Road Charleston, SC 29412
Melvin’s Barbecue truly tells the story of barbecue. The restaurant traces its roots to 1939, when Joseph “Big Joe” Bessinger opened his first cafe in South Carolina, introducing his unseen mustard-based barbecue sauce that brought a new, powerful and addictive punch of flavor. After World War II, his son, Melvin, decided to bring the magic back to life, debuting a revamped eatery called “Eat at Joe’s.”
Eventually, Melvin moved to the Lowcountry and rebranded the company by naming it “Melvin’s Barbecue” and opened its first location in Mount Pleasant, following its James Island location. Today, Melvin’s son, David Bessinger owns the joint and continues the tasty legacy tracing back to his grandfather. As they’ve gotten into their groove, they now offer a wide range of different barbecue styles and even have their very own secret Golden Secret sauce so fans can bring a little taste of Melvin’s home.
Pop into Melvin’s Barbecue and taste some real flavor with a Big Joe or a Little Joe pulled pork or chicken sandwich. For a little bit of everything, consider the Pit-Master Plate, offering a platter of pork, turkey, ribs, brisket, and more perfectly smoked meats. Step up with your dish with appetizers like honey butter hushpuppies, BBQ nachos, or pimento cheese dip to really taste the flavor of the Lowcountry. Signature sides include collard greens or country BBQ hash & white Rice. Oh – and you won’t want to skip out on dessert. Try out their signature banana pudding, coming in a half or full pan that’s enough for everyone in the family to enjoy.
James Island
1622 Highland Ave, Charleston, SC 29412
Martin’s Bar-B-Que was founded by Pat Martin back in 2006 in Nolensville, Tennessee, built on the tradition of western-Tennessee-style, whole hog barbecue. Pat was inspired by slow cooking methods that he learned from watching pit masters during his college years. He built his restaurant around the slow-but-steady process of smoking whole hogs for over 24 hours. Started as a single location, Pat has since opened several locations throughout the South. Building upon the success of Martin’s Bar-B-Que, Pat eventually opened Hugh-Baby’s BBQ & Burger in 2017 as a tribute to the small town BBQ and burger spots.
When you visit, you’ll be stunned to see the menu is packed with classic BBQ choices, specializing in whole-hog barbecue that’s smoked low and slow until it has been cooked to perfection. Enjoy smoked meats, including brisket, pulled pork, smoked wings and ribs, all served with personalized, house-made sauces. If you’re looking to dive deeper beyond BBQ, perhaps you’ll enjoy a hearty sandwich or burger, paired with a southern-style side like mac and cheese, baked beans, or sweet cornbread. If you’re looking to feed a hungry crowd, feast in style with a barbecue platter, offering generous portions that will leave everyone potbellied.
Mount Pleasant
2379 Highway 41 Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466
Swig & Swine was founded on the belief that great barbecue is made from cooking low and slow so guests can savor all the natural juices that locki in that iconic smoked flavor. Owner Anthony DiBernardo, originally from New Jersey, is a pit master who discovered his passion for cooking while in the U.S. Navy as a cook aboard the USS Batfish submarine. Eventually he settled in and fell in love with the Lowcountry. He built an impressive culinary career for himself, serving as an executive chef at 2 renowned restaurants in the area before turning his focus over to barbecue. His love for the art of smoked meats led him to start a barbecue catering business, which eventually turned into Swig & Swine. By 2019, DiBernardo became the sole owner and grew Swig & Swine into a well-loved eatery known for its’ slow smoked meats, southern sides, and a large craft beer selection.
Mount Pleasant
3563 HWY 17 Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
Home Team BBQ all began when chef Aaron Siegel had the itch to transform a beat-up old gas station into a lively neighborhood barbecue joint for the community to enjoy. Though he had little money and experience in fine dining, his passion and help of his village allowed him build the shack of his dreams, Home Team BBQ, where his culinary expertise would meet flavor and community. Since its grand opening, the company has spread all over the Lowcountry and even has a location in Aspen, Colorado, with a successful catering business at each. At the core of their mission, Home Team is about more than great food, but about bringing together neighborhoods to enjoy a meal cooked with love.
Their menu blends slow smoked meats with bold flavors, complemented by a top-tier whiskey selection, frozen cocktails, and craft beer. Guests can enjoy a feast of pulled pork, ribs, smoked turkey, and more meats that are cooked slow for maximum flavor. Their famous smoked wings, served with Alabama white sauce, are extremely popular and an absolute must-try. They also serve hearty sandwiches with smokey meats and slaw, which you can pair with a side like smoked gouda grits, tomato cucumber salad, or steak fries. Regardless of what you choose to eat, you’ll be certain to feel loved while doing so, as large picnic tables await you and all your family and friends!
Mix and match flavors by taking a look at their impressive list of sauces, including red, sweet or hot, pepper vinegar, a classic Carolina mustard, Home Team hot sauce, or their famous Alabama white. If you’re looking to cater, make sure you check out their catering menu, as it does differ a bit from their typical in-house menu.
West Ashley
2544 Savannah Highway Charleston, SC 29414
What started as an eatery called Barbeque Joint, Southern Roots Smokehouse made its’ big debut in 2017 in Park Circle. Owners Doug Allison, Travis Glenn, and Jason Marques have since made it their mission to serve only the juiciest selection of brisket, pulled pork, turkey, and chicken. To leave the whole family happy with full bellies, we recommend trying out the smokehouse platter, offering all of that in addition to ribs, sausage, 4 country sides, rolls, pickles, and a pint of classic banana pudding. They have you covered on the sides, with choices such as slaw, potato salad, and hash and rice. They also offer a catering menu for those trying to really wow a group of people with delicious food.
In addition to having some of West Ashley’s tastiest dishes, you’ll want to catch them on a day of an event. You might get the chance to experience live music, Local’s Night, music bingo, and more! Be sure to constantly check their events page so you won’t miss a fun night down at Southern Roots Smokehouse!
West Ashley
1602 Savannah Highway Charleston, SC 29407
Bessinger’s BBQ history is a family based joint that has roots dating way back to the 1930s. Owned by the same family that operate’s Melvin’s, they aim to keep the same Lowcountry values in their establishment. Throughout the decades, the Bessinger family has perfected their craft of slow-cooked meats and mastered the art of Southern hospitality. Bessinger’s BBQ stays committed to these core values and uses them to cook tender and delicious barbecue while providing stellar service.
Bessinger’s is known for their famous Golden Secret sauce, which is a tangy, mustard-based sauce that fits the mold of Southern-styled barbecue, but add its own flair. Blendingmustard, vinegar, and spices, they bring a serious punch of flavor to the table that can’t be found at any old BBQ joint.
On the Bessinger’s menu, you’ll find there is a focus on their signature hickory-smoked meats paired with their special Golden Sauce. Try out some slow cooked pulled pork, juicy brisket, and ribs that fall easily off the bone. All barbecue plates comes with traditional Southern sides like hush puppies, sweet potato casserole, or slaw. They also offer family-sized platters, similar to Melvin’s, that will leave the whole family happy and full. In addition to banana pudding, you might want to save room for some peach cobbler!
Downtown
188 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401
Poogan’s Smokehouse is fully dedicated to bringing the sweet, mustardy, classic Southern barbecue traditions to Charleston, aiming to make you feel like royalty while savoring the flavor of the region. The story began in 1976 when Poogan’s Porch opened their doors. Named after a stray dog that wandered to the restaurant, Poogan became the spots mascot. It quickly became a local favorite for quick dining with friends and family.
As Poogan’s Porch grew exponentially in popularity, the owners decided in 2015 to expand offerings to include a Southern barbecue joint. While Poogan’s Smokehouse menu differs, they continue to provide the same stellar service, top-notch eats, and sense of community as Poogan’s Porch.
But Poogan’s Smokehouse is more than just another barbecue joint in Charleston – it’s a chance to enjoy slow-cooked meats in the heart of the city! Located in the French Quarter of the peninsula downtown, many of the city’s most notable and worthwhile attractions are just a short walk away. The dining area is cozy and elegant, while keeping the down-to-Earth feel of a barbecue joint. Enjoy two stories of deliciousness and fun! The company also offers catering and take-home options, in case you have a crowd to feed or prefer to dine at home.
Share a starter like pimento cheese and kettle chips, pulled pork tacos, or smokehouse nachos before digging into a meaty chicken or pork sandwich, topped with Poogan’s signature sauce. Roasted brussel sprouts or maybe potato salad will compliment any meal perfectly. Oh – and be sure to save some room for dessert! Try banana pudding, butterscotch bread pudding, or chocolate daydream.
Experience the Twang of Charleston
Between whole-hog barbecue, slow-cooked meaty perfection, and barbecue drowned in signature sauces, Charleston has a lot to offer for BBQ lovers. Many offer a chance to bond with the community, as well as events and catering options to share the love and bring the flavor to your loved ones. Visit today and experience ultimate Southern barbecue with a touch of signature Southern mustard sauces.
