Maybe you’re new to Mount Pleasant, or maybe you’ve been savoring its flavors since before the boom. Come spring, locals and visitors alike start craving that perfect smoky bite. While you could spend days exploring, these 11 barbecue spots—freshly updated for 2026—will anchor your culinary journey through the Lowcountry.
Melvin’s Legendary Barbecue
$ | (843) 795-6794 | WEBSITE
We’re not huge fans of the barbecue at Melvin’s—we’d suggest Rodney Scott’s or Lewis Barbecue first for upscale Southern plates—but we can’t deny that the self-service style here is one of the best in the whole Low Country. It’s set in a very clean, casual spot in Mount Pleasant with generous portions and traditional South Carolina flavors, so you’ll have an idea of what you’re getting yourself into before you walk in.
Grab some fall-off-the-bone ribs and fried okra, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
Lewis Barbecue Charleston
$$ | (843) 805-9500 | WEBSITE
Lewis Barbecue now has multiple locations across the South, and if you want to experience the authentic original, you’ll need to head to their Mount Pleasant spot that feels like a proper backyard cookout. Lewis is one of the pioneers of Texas-style barbecue done right—this is where you’ll find tender, salt-based seasoned brisket that’s not too fatty next to refreshing pink onion and aromatic coleslaw. You’ve had barbecue before, but not like this.
Hannibal’s Kitchen
$ | (843) 722-2256 | WEBSITE
Hannibal’s Kitchen serves up some of the best soul food in Mount Pleasant, and when you’re craving grandma-style cooking, this is absolutely where you want to be. Unfortunately, we’re not the only ones who think so. Show up early if you can, then get the Crab Shrimp Rice Plate and an Obama drink while soaking in the good vibes and music.
LongHorn Steakhouse
$$ | (843) 881-7231 | WEBSITE
A meal at LongHorn Steakhouse is often straightforward—expect perfectly cooked steaks, hearty burgers, and comforting soups that are described as the best ever had—but you come here to celebrate family gatherings and special occasions. It’s basically a classic American steakhouse imagined through the lens of a clean, quiet neighborhood restaurant. The kitchen consistently produces good food, and almost everything is cooked perfectly every time.
It’s also one of the only places you’re going to find a reliably great overall experience with friendly, knowledgeable staff in a wheelchair-accessible setting.
Swig & Swine Mount Pleasant
$ | (843) 416-7368 | WEBSITE
How to get in: Reservations here aren’t too difficult to snag, but if you want to secure a prime spot during peak barbecue season, you should probably grab something now.
Rodney Scott’s BBQ
$ | (843) 990-9535 | WEBSITE
Rodney Scott’s BBQ is one of the highest-rated barbecue spots on our list, and it’s Mount Pleasant’s premier pit-to-plate destination. There’s a distinct Southern soul to everything about Rodney Scott’s, which helps to separate it from the dozens of other barbecue joints that have popped up across the Lowcountry in recent years. And the flavors remain consistently excellent, so every visit delivers that same wood-smoked satisfaction.
Saltwater Cowboys
$$ | (843) 856-0700 | WEBSITE
How to get in: Reservations open up about a month in advance and tend to fill quickly, especially for prime dinner slots by the water. Reservations also don’t guarantee a creek-side table, but you can request one when booking, and they’ll do their best to accommodate. We’ve also had good luck just walking in and snagging a spot at the bar without too much of a wait.
Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
$ | (843) 790-0838 | WEBSITE
How to get in: There’s no need for reservations here—just show up and order at the counter. If you want to snag a prime spot on the outdoor patio, especially on a Saturday when the live music kicks in, plan to arrive a bit early. The plus side to grabbing an early dinner is you’ll beat the crowd and have plenty of space to enjoy your meal with your dog.
The bar area with TVs and music offers a great local vibe, making it a popular spot for parties, but seating there fills up fast during peak hours. Overall, it’s a welcoming, lively atmosphere where you can just walk in, order some standout BBQ, and find a seat in the dining room, bar, or patio.
Home Team BBQ
$$ | (843) 225-7427 | WEBSITE
Somewhere at the crossroads of a beach shack and a backyard cookout, you’ll find Home Team BBQ. Basically a coastal barbecue joint—with a lively dining room full of friendly crowds, and a laid-back patio that channels that beach vibe—it’s authentic enough that you’ll forget you’re at a restaurant in Mount Pleasant.
And with a pretty solid menu of barbecue classics like fried pork ribs, pulled pork platters with baked beans and mac and cheese, and delicious pulled pork sandwiches, you can easily make this a one-stop shop for dinner and drinks.
Poogan’s Smokehouse
$$ | (843) 577-5665 | WEBSITE
How to get in: Finding a booth during a quiet Tuesday dinner at Poogan’s Smokehouse is straightforward. Finding a booth during peak barbecue hours on a Friday or Saturday night requires some combination of patience, an empty stomach, and checking their waitlist app early. The best tables in the upholstered booths tend to fill up fast. And unless you want to be eating your pulled pork sampler closer to 9pm, we’d recommend putting your name down as soon as you can.
Melvin’s BBQ – James Island
$ | (843) 795-6794 | WEBSITE
Melvin’s only offers seating on a first-come, first-served basis, and while the indoor dining area has a cool, welcoming vibe, it’s not the whole reason you visit. Fortunately, the outdoor patio is spacious and perfect for walk-ins. Just arrive a bit early or put your name on the list and take a stroll around James Island for twenty minutes while you wait for a table to open up.