Charleston is known for a lot of things, including its historical buildings, plantations, and downtown; its beautiful beaches; and its foodie culture and world-class restaurants. When people think of dining in the city and events like Charleston Restaurant Week and Charleston Wine + Food Festival, a lot of attention is paid to staples, such as she-crab soup and shrimp and grits, and a variety of restaurants, but not as much to one of Charleston’s prevalent culinary traditions – BBQ. 

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Lewis BBQ

The BBQ cuisine in the area has rapidly expanded in recent years, with the addition of Lewis BBQ, Smoke, and Rodney Scott’s Bar-B-Que, and shows that Charleston is fast becoming a smoked meat mecca. With the hometown staples and favorites like Swig & Swine, Bessinger’s, and Home Team, the city boasts a number of top tier BBQ for discerning connoisseurs.

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Swig & Swine BBQ

Looking for Texas-style? Look no further than John Lewis’ location in the North Meeting Street area, just a short walk from another recent addition to the scene – Revelry Brewing. Are you looking for a casual hometown institution? Check out one of Home Team BBQ’s 3 area locations. How about whole hog BBQ that has drawn attention for years elsewhere in South Carolina but now is in the North King Street district on the peninsula? Rodney Scott’s is sure to please! Looking for some BBQ while enjoying a fun night out downtown? Right in the heart of the club and bar district of King Street you will find Smoke. Want locally-sourced food? Try Poogan’s Smokehouse on East Bay Street.

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Home Team BBQ

Of course, there are many more options outside of downtown – West Ashley and Mount Pleasant both have their share of classic BBQ joints, including local favorites Bessinger’s, Melvin’s, and Smoky Oak Taproom. What are your favorite places to get pulled pork, smoked brisket, and ribs? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below, and please share this article!

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