5 of the Best BBQ Restaurants in Charleston

The south is known for great BBQ and Charleston definitely has its share of mouth-watering Q. Here is our list of the 5 best barbeque restaurants in Charleston - from locals!

Where's the Best BBQ in Charleston, SC?

Best BBQ in Charleston - Downtown

Rodney Scott's BBQ

To start, make a trip to Rodney Scott’s BBQ on upper King Street in north-central downtown Charleston. After a tragic fire at his original location in Hemingway, SC Rodney brought his award-winning whole hog, pit fired recipe to the Holy City.

His vinegar and pepper sauce is his signature and gives the delectable slow and low-cooked meat its distinctive flavor. He began cooking at age 11. It didn’t take long for folks to make Rodney Scott’s BBQ one of the 5 great BBQ restaurants in Charleston.

Now, he has a James Beard award under his belt! So, you know he has got it going on here! Dine-in or to go and catering available as well. Don't miss out on one of the best bbq places in Charleston SC.

Lewis Barbecue

If you are a fan of Texas style BBQ head over to the east central area of downtown to Lewis Barbecue on Nassau St. Cut to order, this beef brisket is the real deal. Crispy with just the right amount of char, John Lewis serves up the most authentic brisket in town.

Really hungry? Try the El Sancho sandwich piled high with BBQ, brisket and house made sausage. Be sure to top it off with the pickled onions. Great outdoor patio and indoor dining as well at this local barbecue restaurant.

James Island Barbecue Restaurants

Martin's BBQ Joint

For West Tennessee style whole hog BBQ we love Martin's BBQ on James Island. The ribs and pulled pork are top notch here! Smoked over hickory for over 20 hours, native Memphians know Martin’s BBQ is the closest thing in Charleston to home BBQ.

In addition to their variety of wonderful smoked meats and bbq sauce, they offer a great atmosphere with an indoor, music-themed dining room. Check out their outdoor bar with TVs and lots of seating. Or make it a picnic with the pup at the outside picnic tables.

West Ashley BBQ Joints

Home Team BBQ

Next, we recommend heading over to West Ashley for some Home Team BBQ wings! Their flagship location on Ashley River Road serves up the best dry rub wings in Charleston. Home Team BBQ is the hometown choice for many Charleston area residents. The ribs are delicious and so are all the sides.

The dining room feels like a blues club with great music playing. If you want to bring your dog there is a great outdoor patio with picnic table seating. Have a party coming up? Home Team caters too.

Hugh-baby's BBQ and Burger Shop

Coming to West Ashley in late 2022 on St. Andrews Blvd. Pat Martin, owner of Martins BBQ on James Island, brings another scrumptious eatery to Charleston called Hugh-baby's. Memphis-style BBQ, home-style burgers, hot dogs, fries, and milkshakes are on the menu. Martin takes inspiration from small-town eateries of his youth.

Kiawah Island BBQ Restaurants

Cherrywood BBQ & Ale House

Finally, if you are vacationing out on Seabrook or Kiawah Island and looking for some tasty Q head over to Cherrywood BBQ and Ale House on Kiawah Island. These guys bring it to the beach with their award-winning pulled pork, and mac and cheese.

Craft beers are also a star at Cherrywood BBQ. They feature over 60 local, craft, draft, and imported beverages to pair with their perfectly seasoned meats and sides. Consider this off the beaten path spot for a weekend brunch spot on Kiawah. During the beach season, this place serves a lot of diners so call for reservations.