When you crave smoky, slow-cooked perfection but don’t want to debate sauce preferences or explain your brisket obsession again, it’s time to find a barbecue joint that truly delivers. We’ve tracked down the spots that go beyond basic pulled pork—because every strip mall has at least one of those. Gather your hungriest friends and head to these places where the meat falls off the bone and the sides steal the show.
Kees Kitchen
$$ | (843) 906-4990 | WEBSITE
Folks from all over North Charleston and barbecue enthusiasts from across the Lowcountry come together at Kees Kitchen, a casual spot perfect for a laid-back evening out. The dining area has plenty of tables for groups to settle in and enjoy dishes like the flavorful Spicy Arizona Brats or the hearty Kee’s Chili Brats.
And for those who aren’t in the mood for brats, they also have tasty lemon pepper wings that deliver on flavor, though some items like the chicken tacos can miss the mark, coming out bland and underwhelming. With friendly service and a mix of hits and misses, it’s a decent option when you’re craving barbecue without any fuss.
Willie Jewells Old School BBQ
$ | (843) 789-3636 | WEBSITE
Willie Jewells Old School BBQ is a welcoming Ladson spot where you can enjoy fantastic southern BBQ with family or “build community” with large groups. There are delicious meats to choose from, like tender brisket, great smoked turkey, and mouth-watering pulled pork, and all come with tasty sides like fries, baked beans, or potato salad. Willie Jewells is perfect for fueling up before a day of errands in the area, or post-game celebration after catching a local team.
And if you’re a little indecisive after sampling all the BBQ sauces (understandable), the generous portions and military discount at Willie Jewells are satisfying for the wallet.
Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q
$ | (843) 747-3800 | WEBSITE
During the colder months, Jim ‘N Nick’s keeps the barbecue pit smoking, which would be enough to land it a place on this list—but when summer hits, they keep the flavors going and put out patio seating. Just make sure you eat before diving into a whole spread of pulled pork, a brisket platter, and cheese biscuits—otherwise you’ll need a forklift to roll you out the door.
Roberts Bar B Que
$ | (843) 552-1305 | WEBSITE
As a kid, the most exciting barbecue you could eat was from a roadside stand, even if that just meant a picnic table under an awning with a smoky grill and a handwritten menu. Roberts Bar B Que is a restaurant in a friendly spot in North Charleston, and its food is much tastier than the greasy ones of our memories. There’s delicious burgers and hash and rice, chicken sandwiches and pulled pork, not to mention excellent barbeque like the BBQ chicken basket or double cheeseburger.
Sticky Fingers Rib House
$$ | (843) 853-7427 | WEBSITE
There are barbecue joints with just a few picnic tables out back, and then there’s Sticky Fingers Ribhouse in North Charleston. Decked out with plenty of TVs and often buzzing with families coloring on the provided paper, it’s pretty clear this spacious spot takes comfort seriously. But it’s a cool and inviting place even if you don’t walk around town carrying a bottle of hot sauce and just want a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner with the kids.
Plus, they have some solid BBQ options like ribs and brisket philly if you need to fuel up before or after hitting Planet Fitness next door.
843 Korean BBQ & Sushi House
$$ | (843) 764-9578 | WEBSITE
843 Korean BBQ & Sushi House is one of our favorite stops in North Charleston’s barbecue scene, offering that unique Korean twist on the Southern staple. They have an all-you-can-eat menu with premium options, a nightclub-like atmosphere that adds unexpected energy, and regularly available happy hour deals on sushi.
And if you’re hoping to maximize your dining dollar while you savor the quality, check their schedule for the recently added lunch AYCE option, featuring a pared-down menu at an even sweeter price.
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue Charleston, SC
$ | (843) 771-8000 | WEBSITE
We pretty much come to L&L Hawaiian Barbecue exclusively for their killer short ribs, because a few bites of that tender, flavorful meat is one of the best ways to spend a hungry afternoon. The restaurant is styled after a casual island eatery, decorated with simple wooden tables and bright, welcoming lighting, along with friendly staff and a kind owner inside. The best part is there’s no need to wait long for that addictive, freshly prepared food that delivers true Hawaiian-style barbecue.
Whiskey Run Sports Bar & Grill
$ | (843) 793-1782 | WEBSITE
There are plenty of barbecue spots in North Charleston, but if you’re after a lively atmosphere with great drinks, Whiskey Run Sports Bar & Grill is your top choice. They have a DJ, outdoor seating, friendly bartenders, and head chef Justin’s solid food. The only downside here is that the bar tends to get rowdy on weekends.
It might seem like a fun dive bar at first, until you’re heading to the restroom and notice it could use a good cleaning, or you spot security checking for guns outside, which makes you wish you could just relax with a whiskey in a more mature setting. Still, for those 35 and over looking to meet friends, it’s got a loyal following for a reason.
King BBQ
$$ | (843) 952-9993 | WEBSITE
King BBQ is perfect for all types of barbecue enthusiasts—whether you’re a former backyard grill master wanting to relive your glory days or you just like digging into ribs with one hand and a side of mac and cheese in the other (a.k.a. multi-tasking). The sleek, modern space has a fun and lively vibe that makes it a great spot for any occasion, and though the place gets busy, you should be able to walk in and snag a table if you arrive early.
Their menu features standout items like the juicy brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and spicy Korean BBQ tacos, and though dishes like the homemade sausage and Shrimp Sliders won’t blow your mind, they’re good enough for a satisfying meal. The friendly, knowledgeable staff and generous portions round out an outstanding dining experience.
Southern Roots Smokehouse
$ | (843) 974-4953 | WEBSITE
Technically, Southern Roots Smokehouse is more of a barbecue joint with entertainment, but the food here is closely woven into the casual DNA of the place. You can come here to eat and play pool as a pregame for other North Charleston spots, but just know that you’ll probably have a Pavlovian reaction to the smell of smoked pork and sight of arcade machines and get lured into staying longer.
If there’s one thing we know about barbecue enthusiasts, it’s that they can’t keep themselves away from the moist pulled pork and flavorful baked beans.
BURNIN99 KOREAN BBQ & HOTPOT
$$ | (843) 212-3583 | WEBSITE
We’d come to Burnin99 for the authentic hotpot that reminds you of hometown flavors alone. But it’s also got a self-cooking concept with fresh, tasty ingredients, which makes for a nice change of pace from the more traditional restaurants in this part of North Charleston. When you grill a prime grade brisket with a custom dipping sauce from the sauce bar in your hand, you’ll feel like the ultimate food enthusiast—now all you need is a group of friends and an appetite for kimchi and spring rolls.
Smokey Bones N. Charleston
$$ | (843) 572-3420 | WEBSITE
A lot of the barbecue joints in this guide focus on massive portions that are basically an excuse for competitive eaters to show off their appetites. But what about the rest of us, whose stomach capacity has been clinically diagnosed as “moderate at best”? That’s where the leftovers at Smokey Bones come in.
They have everything here from brisket to smoked wings, and with their exceptional service, you can stake out a comfortable booth in the corner, enjoy your meal at a leisurely pace, and plan your next day’s lunch with the generous take-home portions.
