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The Best of Charleston, SC: 3 Top Barbecue Restaurants in Charleston, SC

Writer's picture: NataliaNatalia

Updated: Aug 1, 2023


Charleston, SC Best restaurants, best hotels in Charleston, SC
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One can say that the cuisine in Charleston, South Carolina is as diverse as its culture. From horse drawn-carriages, art galleries, to sunny beaches, Charleston is also known as a food mecca. Aside from its Lowcountry staples, such as fried chicken and fried shrimp, Charleston’s flavors and techniques make for an incredible barbecue experience. In this blog post, we highlight the three top barbecue restaurants in Charleston, SC that are in itself, local barbeque landmarks. Prepare yourself to indulge in and experience of mouth-watering meats, flavorful sauces, and savory sides that will make you extend your trip a little longer!


Lewis Barbecue


Lewis Barbecue is one of Charleston's most popular barbecue spots for its infamous “Texas hot guts” sausage and its meticulously prepared beef brisket. The founder and pitmaster, John Lewis, began perfecting his barbecue techniques at the age of 18 in Austin, Texas, and has since brought his expertise to Charleston.


The restaurant is known for its succulent brisket, slow-cooked pork shoulder, and charred sausages all of which are carefully smoked to reach optimum flavor. The sides are full of flavor, with offerings such as cowboy pinto beans and green chile corn pudding.


During catering events, the highlight of Lewis Barbecue is the smokehouse where you can watch John Lewis and his team smoke meats to perfection. We highly encourage you to visit Lewis Barbeque at 464 North Nassau Street in Charleston.


Rodney Scott's BBQ


Rodney Scott is a legend in the barbecue world, and his family-friendly restaurant, Rodney Scott's BBQ, has become a must-visit spot in Charleston. It was at the age of 11, and under his father’s supervision, that Rodney proudly cooked his first hog.


This experience further forged his passion for roasting and barbecue cooking. Rodney’s early start in his culinary career allowed him to develop a method that locks in the juices, tenderizing the meat making it exceptionally flavorful.


The restaurant is primarily known for its whole hog barbecue, a process in which the entire hog is slow-cooked and basted with a mustard-based sauce. This results in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork that is rich in flavor and texture. In addition to the whole hog, the menu also offers ribs, whole or pulled chicken, and home cooked sausage. The sides are made from scratch, including the crinkle cut fries, hushpuppies and Rodney’s iconic cornbread. Rodney Scott’s BBQ is in the East Central part of Charleston at 1011 King Street.


Home Team BBQ


In 2006, Aaron Siegel, the founder of Home Team BBQ, turned a 1900’s gas station into a family neighborhood restaurant known back then as “Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ”. After a few more years of long work hours, and much success, the “Home Team” developed a menu that is best described as a fusion of flavors. From slow-cooked meats to childhood comfort foods, the Home Team BBQ offers many choices, suitable even for the pickiest of eaters. The restaurant has a surf and turf theme, meaning they offer both multi-regional barbecue and seafood. On one hand the menu features classic barbecue dishes like pulled pork and brisket, and on the other, creative options like tacos, smoked chicken and the famous Mi Amigo sandwich. The sides are unique at Home Team BBQ, with options like white bean chili, cheese grits, and cucumber and tomato salad. The relaxed environment, a full bar and delicious food makes this restaurant your home away from home!


Best restaurants in Charleston, SC
Beautiful Charleston, SC

Charleston, SC has an abundance of barbecue restaurants to choose from, but these three restaurants stand out most prominently. Whether it's John Lewis's expertise in his meticulously crafted, Texas-style barbecue, Rodney Scott's legendary whole hog experience, or Home Team BBQ's creative menu options, each restaurant offers a unique and authentic dining experience. Be sure to add these restaurants to your list of places to visit while in Charleston.



 

Blogger Natalia Fiedler of West Palm Beach, FL

About Natalia Fiedler

Natalia is a writer, an explorer, and researcher. She writes and speaks about taking risks, exploring cultural and generational diversities and how they affect our society today. She has been writing content for over sixteen years. Natalia is also an enthusiastic animal lover, and has provided a loving home for two rescued pups - Griffin and Ava. Beyond writing, she finds fulfilment in spending time with nature; from nurturing blossoming gardens to delving deep into the wilderness on her hikes. For her, nothing is more spiritually nourishing than exploring the great outdoors."Our evolution continues despite our resistance to it – and resistance is exactly what continues to drive me forward" - Natalia Fiedler. Read more


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