Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Charleston, South Carolina area by diners
Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Charleston, South Carolina area by diners
Barbecue stands as one of America's most cherished culinary traditions, weaving together a rich tapestry of history, regional diversity, and evolving flavors that resonate with diners from coast to coast. A July 2022 YouGov survey revealed that nearly all Americans (96%) who consume meat enjoy barbecue, underscoring its widespread enduring appeal and cross-cultural significance. Among the 1,000 survey respondents, Texas dominated as the place most often associated with barbecue, but the cuisine's roots expand far beyond the Lone Star State.
American barbecue can be traced back to Indigenous cooking techniques and was further enriched by the influences of enslaved Africans. In the centuries since, it's evolved into a multifaceted culinary art with distinct regional styles: the tangy, vinegar-based sauces and slow-cooked pork of the Carolinas; the tender brisket of Texas with sauce served on the side; the robust, sweet-forward flavors characteristic of Kansas City; and Alabama's signature mayo-based white sauce drizzled over some juicy chicken.
Alongside these classic offerings, innovative interpretations have surged in popularity in recent decades, as multicultural variants such as Korean BBQ, with its marinated cuts and sizzling grill presentations, and Mexican barbacoa, known for its richly spiced, slow-cooked succulence, have carved out their own niche in the competitive barbecue landscape.
Over the years, barbecue has not only mirrored America's evolving palate but has also fostered a spirit of community, as festivals, backyard cookouts, and friendly competitions celebrate the art of smoking and grilling—traditions lovingly passed down from generation to generation.
Nationwide, barbecue restaurants today greet families and friends with the intoxicating aroma of slow-smoked meats served on sturdy metal trays, often covered in rustic butcher paper. And what meal would be complete without those hearty sides? Whether you opt for gooey mac and cheese and smoky collard greens or crumbly cornbread and creamy coleslaw, you can't go wrong.
If you're craving some good 'cue in your neck of the woods, Stacker has you covered with the highest-rated barbecue restaurants in Charleston based on diners' reviews on Yelp as of February 2025. Restaurants with at least 20 reviews tagged as "barbecue" within a 10-kilometer radius of Charleston were included. As a result, some restaurants featured may serve other food items.
Keep reading to see where to go when the hunger for all things low-and-slow strikes you!
#25. Bessinger's BBQ
- Rating: 3.4/5 (359 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1602 Savannah Hwy Charleston, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern, Burgers
- Read more on Yelp
#24. Saltwater Cowboys
- Rating: 3.5/5 (900 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 130 Mill St. Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
- Categories: Seafood, American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#23. Southern Roots Smokehouse
- Rating: 3.7/5 (185 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2544 Savannah Hwy Charleston, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Smokehouse, Southern
- Read more on Yelp
#22. Melvin's BBQ - Mount Pleasant
- Rating: 3.8/5 (425 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 925 Houston Northcutt Blvd. Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern
- Read more on Yelp
#21. The Crab Shack
- Rating: 3.8/5 (838 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 26 Center St. Folly Beach, South Carolina
- Categories: Seafood, Southern, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#20. Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q
- Rating: 3.8/5 (761 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4964 Centre Pointe Drive North Charleston, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#19. Melvin's BBQ - James Island
- Rating: 3.8/5 (173 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 538 Folly Road Charleston, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Burgers, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#18. Dukes BBQ
- Rating: 3.9/5 (103 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 331 Folly Road Charleston, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern
- Read more on Yelp
#17. Sticky Fingers Rib House
- Rating: 3.9/5 (37 reviews)
- Address: 5060 Dorchester Road North Charleston, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#16. 843 Korean BBQ & Sushi House
- Rating: 4.0/5 (389 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 6601 Rivers Ave. North Charleston, South Carolina
- Categories: Korean, Sushi Bars, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#15. Poogan's Smokehouse
- Rating: 4.0/5 (991 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 188 East Bay St. Charleston, South Carolina
- Categories: Southern, Barbecue, Smokehouse
- Read more on Yelp
#14. Home Team BBQ
- Rating: 4.1/5 (607 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1205 Ashley River Road Charleston, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#13. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
- Rating: 4.1/5 (47 reviews)
- Address: 4950 Centre Pointe Drive Ste 144 North Charleston, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Hawaiian
- Read more on Yelp
#12. Home Team BBQ
- Rating: 4.1/5 (371 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 126 Williman St. Charleston, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Bars, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#11. Rodney Scott's BBQ
- Rating: 4.1/5 (1354 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1011 King St. Charleston, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#10. Palmira Barbecue
- Rating: 4.2/5 (114 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2366 Ashley River Road Bldg 1 Charleston, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Puerto Rican
- Read more on Yelp
#9. Hannibal's Kitchen
- Rating: 4.2/5 (396 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 16 Blake St. Charleston, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, American, Soul Food
- Read more on Yelp
#8. Home Team BBQ
- Rating: 4.3/5 (510 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2209 Middle St. Sullivan's Island, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Music Venues
- Read more on Yelp
#7. Commonhouse Aleworks
- Rating: 4.3/5 (165 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4831 O'Hear Ave. North Charleston, South Carolina
- Categories: Breweries, Barbecue, Burgers
- Read more on Yelp
#6. Hugh-Baby's
- Rating: 4.3/5 (96 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1028 St. Andrews Blvd. Charleston, South Carolina
- Categories: Burgers, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#5. King BBQ
- Rating: 4.4/5 (74 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2029 Carver Ave. North Charleston, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Salad, Beer, Wine & Spirits
- Read more on Yelp
#4. Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint
- Rating: 4.4/5 (216 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1622 Highland Ave. Charleston, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#3. King BBQ
- Rating: 4.4/5 (28 reviews)
- Address: 1505 King St. Edmund's Oast Brewing Charleston, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Pop-Up Restaurants
- Read more on Yelp
#2. Swig & Swine
- Rating: 4.5/5 (1734 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1217 Savannah Hwy Charleston, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Cocktail Bars
- Read more on Yelp
#1. Lewis Barbecue
- Rating: 4.7/5 (2189 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 464 North Nassau St. Charleston, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Caterers, Venues & Event Spaces
- Read more on Yelp
This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Cynthia Rebolledo, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 281 metros.
