BBQ in Charleston - Make Sure You're Hungry!

It's all about the 'Que!

Charleston dining isn’t all Shrimp & Grits. The area is teeming with some of the best barbecue the country has to offer. Everyone has their favorites; no one is wrong. But let’s figure out the best anyway! My personal top three follow. Let’s get our ‘Cue on, shall we?

Lewis Barbecue             
464 N. Nassau St.
Charleston

Texan John Lewis started his culinary career in Austin as a teenager. After a time on the competitive barbecue circuit, he and partner Aaron Franklin opened Franklin Barbecue in Austin in 2010. Not long after, he opened what became the award-winning La Barbecue with partner LeAnn Mueller, also in Austin. Fortunately for us here in the Holy City, in 2016, he opened Lewis Barbecue and brought the Texas flavor to Charleston.

With a full menu including Pulled Pork, Turkey Breast, Pork Spare Ribs, and his homemade Texas Hot Guts Sausage, my personal favorite is his Prime Rib Brisket. While I am no food critic, let me say it’s the best brisket I ever had! I would recommend the lean cut, sliced. The rest of the country is catching on too with locations in Birmingham and soon in Atlanta.

Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog Barbecue
1011 King St.
Charleston

Rodney Scott is another pitmaster who got an early start, cooking whole hog barbecue in his middle school days. In 2017 he partnered with Nick Pihalkis to open Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog Barbecue in Charleston and was almost immediately recognized with awards from Bon Appetit Magazine as well as the James Beard Foundation award for Outstanding Chef Southeast in 2018.

I find the Pulled Pork is the draw here. Got to have the hushpuppies as well! The atmosphere is fun and friendly. Great music and a real communal atmosphere. As the quote on the wall reads, “Every Day is a Good Day!”

Swig & Swine
1217 Savannah Hwy.
Charleston

You wouldn’t think a NewJersey born and bred boy would be one of Charleston’s leading pitmasters, but Anthony DiBernardo has been cooking since the age of 14! After a Naval career that brought him to the Lowcountry, he began a career working at various establishments in the area, usually adding barbecue in each opportunity. He opened Swig & Swine BBQ in 2013, becoming the sole owner in 2019.

With multiple locations around the area, I consider the Savannah Highway location my home away from home! The smoked brisket, the smoked pork are the strong suits. My wife always goes for the Mixed Green Salad with Brisket and ends up taking most of it home. They also sport a great selection of whiskeys and scotches, including a fantastic bourbon sampler!

These are three of over a dozen wonderful barbecue joints in the Charleston area. Please share your recommendations and support our great local businesses!