If there is one thing the South is known for, it’s delicious barbecue. And Charleston is no exception! In addition to the amazing beaches and coastal vacation spots, Charleston, SC is home to some of the South’s best BBQ restaurants.
I’ll explore the best BBQ restaurants in the holy city so you can save time looking and get to enjoying that perfect pulled pork sandwich and those authentic Southern flavors!
🍗 Best BBQ in Charleston: Our Pick
Our pick is Home Team BBQ because its consistent, excellent quality, amazing BBQ selection, and pulled pork nachos!
⭐Rating: 4.6 out of 5 Stars — with more than 2,400 reviews!
Table of Best BBQ in Charleston
| Restaurant Name | Description | Menu | Location | Google Reviews |
| Lewis Barbecue | A Texas-style BBQ restaurant with mouthwatering smoked meats, homemade sides, and a welcoming atmosphere. | Click Here | 464 North Nassau Street, Charleston, SC |  5,840+ Reviews |
| Home Team BBQ | A laid-back BBQ joint known for its flavorful smoked wings, pulled pork nachos, and an extensive selection of craft cocktails and beers. | Click Here | 126 Williman Street, Charleston, SC |  2,400+ Reviews |
| Rodney Scott’s BBQ | An iconic establishment preserving the art of whole-hog BBQ, offering tender pulled pork and a friendly, authentic Southern atmosphere. | Click Here | 1011 King Street, Charleston, SC | 5,740+ Reviews |
| Southern Roots Smokehouse | A family-owned BBQ restaurant that combines Southern charm with locally sourced ingredients, smoked meats and classic sides. | Click Here | 2544 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29414 | 880+ Reviews |
| Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint | A Tennessee-inspired BBQ hotspot offering slow-smoked meats, a variety of sauces, and a relaxed atmosphere. | Click Here | 1622 Highland Ave, Charleston, SC 29412 | 780+ Reviews |
Top 5 Barbecue Restaurants in Charleston, SC
There are many BBQ restaurants in the Charleston area that provide amazing food and experiences for you and your group. Below are 5 restaurants that locals and visitors alike have named as some of the best barbecue joints in the city.
1. Home Team BBQ
Home Team BBQ is a local favorite that brings Southern comfort food to a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere. They have multiple locations in the Charleston area, including Downtown, Mount Pleasant, Sullivan’s Island, and West Ashley.
Home Team BBQ offers a diverse menu with both traditional BBQ dishes and twists on the classics. Here are some of the unique dishes you’ll find on their menu:
- BBQ pork nachos
- Smoked Wings with the choice of a dry rub or their Alabama white sauce
- Chopped brisket tacos
- Smoked turkey wrap
They offer sides like Brunswick stew, baked beans, and potato salad. And, you can’t go to Home Team without trying their famous “game changer” cocktail. The game changer is a frozen drink made with a blend of rum, coconut cream, orange juice, and pineapple juice.
Along with the great food, you can enjoy fun events, trivia, and live music at Home Team BBQ. This a great place to enjoy Southern barbecue with friends and family!
2. Lewis Barbecue
In the heart of downtown Charleston is Lewis Barbecue. This is a popular destination for BBQ enthusiasts!
Founded by pitmaster John Lewis, this restaurant offers a blend of traditional Texas-style barbecue with a touch of Southern hospitality.
The moment you step inside Lewis Barbecue, you’ll smell the savory, slow-smoked meats. There’s even an open kitchen, so you can see the pit masters at work.
The menu has everything from perfectly smoked brisket to mouthwatering ribs and sausages. Some of the most popular menu items include the USDA prime beef brisket and the pulled pork. The meats are served with housemade sauces like their tangy barbecue sauce.
And, you can’t forget to try their homemade southern sides. You can choose from sides like green chile corn pudding, collard greens, mac n cheese, and more. End off your BBQ meal with homemade banana pudding or a chocolate pudding pie.
Pro tip: After a filling meal, we recommend checking out one of these Charleston walking tours to stretch your legs and see the sites around town!
Address: 464 North Nassau Street, Charleston, SC
Address: 126 Williman Street, Charleston, SC
3. Rodney Scott’s BBQ
Rodney Scott’s BBQ is a Charleston classic, known for its authentic whole hog barbecue and its dedication to Southern BBQ traditions.
Whole hog BBQ is a traditional cooking method where the entire pig is slow-cooked over hardwood coals, which results in tender and flavorful meat. This is part of what makes Rodney Scott’s BBQ special!
The menu at Rodney Scott’s BBQ revolves around their famous pulled pork. The pork is slow-cooked, hand-pulled, and has a juicy and smoky flavor.
The spare ribs and smoked chicken are other favorites on the menu. And, you can choose from four different sauces or rubs to go along with your meat. For BBQ and Southern-inspired dishes that will leave your taste buds bursting with flavor, you have to check out Rodney Scott’s!
Address: 1011 King Street, Charleston, SC
4. Southern Roots Smokehouse
Southern Roots Smokehouse is a family-owned barbecue restaurant with two locations in Charleston. The owners take pride in their quality smoked meats and dishes made with ingredients from local sources.
When it comes to the menu, Southern Roots Smokehouse offers a mouthwatering selection of smoked meats and traditional Southern sides. Here are some of the most popular menu items:
- Loaded pork rinds
- Smoked chicken wings with 10 sauce options
- Pork, chicken, or brisket sliders
- Baby back rib bites, deep fried and tossed in their rib rub
The sauces at Southern Roots Smokehouse are made in-house, and pair wonderfully with the smoked meats. From tangy and sweet to spicy and smoky, there’s a sauce for every taste preference.
Southern Roots Smokehouse also has nightly happy hour specials, so you can grab a tasty bite and cold drink at a discount.
Pro tip: If you’re local to the Charleston area, they even offer catering and tailgate packages!
Address: 2544 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29414
5. Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
With its roots in Tennessee, Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint brings a taste of authentic Southern BBQ to the heart of Charleston.
Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint prides itself on its slow-smoked meats and traditional pit barbecue techniques. They use a combination of hickory and charcoal to infuse their meats with rich and smoky flavors.
Some popular menu items include the pulled pork shoulder sandwich, the BBQ tray, and the brisket burger.
One of the highlights of dining at Martin’s is their selection of mouthwatering BBQ sauces. A favorite is their West Tennessee vinegar-based sauce, which adds a tangy and zesty layer to the smoked meats.
Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint also offers many classic Southern sides and homemade desserts. Grab a side like macaroni and cheese, baked beans, coleslaw, or cornbread to complete your BBQ feast.
Address: 1622 Highland Ave, Charleston, SC 29412
Conclusion to Best Barbecue Restaurants in Charleston, SC
In short, Charleston is home to some of the best bbq restaurants in South Carolina. Give one of these restaurants a try next time you’re in the holy city!
Hungry for more in Charleston? Check out these blog posts for more delicious restaurants in Charleston and the surrounding area!
- Best Brunch Spots in Charleston
- Amazing Spots in Charleston for Sushi
- Historic District Restaurants of Charleston
And if you want to try making your own BBQ ribs at home without a smoker, check out this tutorial:
