Being from out of town, I wanted to try some local barbecue with a little history behind it on our way to see the Angel Oak Tree on our first day in South Carolina. I stumbled across Bessinger's online and was intrigued by its history with Carolina barbecue, particularly the mustard-based "gold" sauce the Bessinger family has been making since the 1930s. When we pulled up, we had to sit in the car and wait for the rain to let up. There's a large parking lot, and I was honestly surprised to see both a drive-through and a pretty sizable restaurant! Once we made it in out of the rain, we ordered a Little Joe basket with fries and one massive onion ring, along with wings and a side of mac & cheese. I was also pleasantly surprised to see they had beer, so naturally I ordered one while we waited out the storm. The pulled pork sandwich was tender and soft, and we made our way through all the different sauces. None were overly spicy, but they all had great flavor. I ended up settling on the Original Gold, which had more of that tangy, mustard-forward flavor I was hoping to try while in South Carolina. The wings were shockingly good! I genuinely don't think I've had wings quite like them anywhere up north. Even the parts I expected to be gristly or overly crispy were soft, and the meat practically fell off the bone. The mac & cheese was decent with a nice layer of browned, crispy cheese on top. And the massive onion ring? It almost tasted like a savory doughnut! Overall, a solid stop with a cozy interior, friendly and fast service, and easy parking. It ended up being the perfect place to shelter from the storm and a tasty first stop on our South Carolina trip. read more

Bessinger's BBQ - Little Joe basket, Chicken Wings, and a side of Mac n Cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Bessinger's BBQ is one of my favorite places in town. This family owned restaurant has been a staple for decades, and it's easy to see why - it's a perfect combination of rich history, delicious food, and warm hospitality! Their signature mustard based BBQ sauce is a true classic and the star of the show. Their smoked brisket is outstanding, with a deep smoky flavor that's mouthwatering. Their sides of sweet cornbread, and golden, crispy onion rings are legendary. Excellent customer service! Excited to come back again. read more

Bessinger's BBQ - BBQ plate - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

If you don't know the history of Bessinger's BBQ be sure to read up on them. It's an awesome family story that dates back over 85 years. Being able to support local here always makes me feel fantastic. And their BBQ is delicious too. I think I've had everyone of their sides too. The hash is definitely on my top three hash list for the CHS area. The wooden cabin restaurant here in West Ashley is the perfect setting for a popular BBQ spot. Drive down Savannah HWY at lunch time and the parking lots will be packed. I look forward to my next visit. read more

Bessinger's BBQ - No food pics bc I forgot. A pic of the drive that looks like it has a chimney but it's actually on the building! - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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We only tried the pork Sammy and the basket. (Combined $16 before tax!) The pork was kind of dry and very little cheese, though the mustard sauce was nice. The bun was just an ordinary burger bun. I assumed that the sandwich would come with one side, but the basket that comes with fries and an onion ring is separate and costs $6! (The onion ring is like a donut with only a small piece of onion.) The place was busy with both inside and carry out orders, so there must be something good there that we didn't know to try. Thought it was awfully pricey for lunch at a self serve eatery, but perhaps we just haven't adjusted to the sticker shock of today's prices. read more

This spot wasn't quite what I expected--it's a full restaurant, but with a self-service twist. You order at the counter, bus your own table, and refill your own drinks. It felt more like a sports bar, but with a family-friendly vibe that made it comfortable and relaxed. I ordered the one meat, two sides plate--but judging by my serving, it looked more like double sides! Everything was extremely tasty and satisfying. If you're looking for a laid-back place with good food and don't mind a hands-on dining experience, this is worth checking out. read more

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Best Cheeseburger on Planet Earth !! I know the BBQ is good but sometimes one has to order something outside the box. Get the Cheeseburger ! read more

Came in on a recommendation. It was late and they were unfortunately out of brisket, turkey and mac & cheese. Opted for a teo meat plate - pulled pork,pulled chicken with potato salad and collards. Chicken was moist and the sauce really made it special. Pulled pork was just ok, didn't get any of that Smokey flavor one expects from Que. Potato Salad was creamy with hints of pickle and some dry mustard heat. The collards were tender and full of flavor, no need for any pepper vinegar! read more

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Honestly, this is still one of my favorite BBQ places in town. Yes, the atmosphere feels "lived in" (in the best way) because they have been around just that long... But it makes you feel at home.. It's an icon. A beacon. A Charleston OG! And it has stability for a reason. The staff are friendly, the food is solid, portion sizes are on point and the prices though they have gone up have kept in line with inflation and the times. read more

Bessinger's BBQ - All of the foods - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

First-time customer, and as soon as I walked in, I was greeted by Monica, the counter person, who had a pleasant bubbly personality. She provided some recommendations. I ordered the BBQ wet hickory wings, and they were fantastic. Thank you for the best meal so far while staying in South Carolina. read more

The best bbq in Charleston and I've tried them all! Not too sweet; not too spicy... perfect balance. Not much as far as atmosphere, but their turkey sandwich is amazing! Stacked full of smoked turkey and melt in your mouth tender. read more

Stopped at Bessinger's BBQ for the first time yesterday. When you walk in you place your order at the counter, then you seat yourself. They call your name when your foods ready. Our food was ready in about 10 minutes. My wife and I ordered the Big Joe Pork sandwhich basket. The basket came with a large pulled pork sandwich, stake fries and a large battered onion ring. They offer severaI different bbq sauces at the self-service counter. I would have to say it was some of the best bbq that I have had here in Charleston. As far as the atmosphere this is a laid back, casual, family friendly restaurant. Note, they do not serve liquor but they do serve beer. I would recommend that you give Bessinger's a try. read more

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I was introduced to Bessinger's in 1992. Still as fabulous today as it was the day I first tried.

Newly relocated to Charleston area. Location looks very enticing and maybe as an excellent BBQ mica. Wife had Brisket and I had turkey. Portions are great. Had collard greens as sides. Greens nothing to write home about. Saw no sign or aroma of true smoke pit of prepared meats. O.k., but not a high rating of southern BBQ. read more

Wouldn't know what the food tasted like here because they were out of literally everything-went here as a Hispanic and with my sister who is Asian but also with 3 people who are white, some lady with grown out roots and blonde hair at the tips was being nothing but rude to my sister and I but when it came to the white people she was all sunshine and rainbows. That's interesting isn't it? Anyway glad I have a story to tell about this mediocre restaurant and I hope that lady checks herself‍ read more

Listen , when you spend 130.00 for take out, at least you guys can do is back check the orders with what you give your customers. Ordered 2 quart beans , 2 quarts Mac and cheese, 1 large tea , 1 chicken sandwich, 3 big pork sandwiches, and 1 onion ring. Simple order, they charged me for 4 big pork sandwiches , and didn't give me my chicken sandwich. I live 30 minutes away, no I'm not going back. BE NICE TO YOUR CUSTOMERS, CHECK THEIR ORDERS. read more

Food, awesome. Service, quick. We decided to sit inside and it wasn't that busy. But the drive-through was booked and busy honey! This was my first time here and everything was delicious. I went with the brisket, pulled chicken with a side of fried okra and greens. Cooked to perfection even though I like my okra fried a little harder than what they had, it was still good. Will definitely be going back when I'm on that side of town again. Oh and the bbq sauces were top tier. read more

Bessinger's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Bessinger's Barbecue on Savannah Highway is a must-visit destination for authentic Southern barbecue in South Carolina. This family-owned establishment has been a staple for decades, and it's easy to see why--it's the perfect combination of rich history, delicious food, and warm hospitality. The star of the show is their signature mustard-based barbecue sauce, a true South Carolina classic that perfectly complements their tender, slow-cooked meats. Their smoked brisket is outstanding, with a deep, smoky flavor that keeps you coming back for more. The sides at Bessinger's are just as memorable--the golden, crispy onion rings are legendary. We were too full for dessert sadly because we heard we needed to save room for their banana pudding which is said to be the perfect sweet finish to a hearty meal. Next time for sure! The casual, welcoming atmosphere makes it a great spot for families, friends, and travelers looking to enjoy a relaxed meal. The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring every visit feels like a special occasion. If you're in the Charleston area, Bessinger's Barbecue is a must-try. It's not just a meal; it's a true taste of South Carolina's barbecue tradition! Quick in and out fill you up meal that's affordable, flavor filled with ample parking. Located on a busy multi lane highway so just take precaution pulling in and out. read more

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I got there a few minutes before they opened and waited outside for them to open the doors. I was 2nd or 3rd in line and after placing my order it took a long time before it was ready. The bbq was cold and the onion rings are just horrible, like doughnuts with a little ring of an onion inside. The catfish stew , which was not the same as I'm used too, was actually pretty good. The bbq sauce was ok, they have excellent ice and the sweet tea was good. I have heard about this place all my life and finally got the chance to try it and was not impressed at all. I really hope I just caught them on a bad day but somehow I get the feeling that it's like this all the time. Sad because the restaurant is famous so it had to be great at some point. I will try it again and if my experience is better I will definitely rewrite my review. read more

I had just finished attending the 9/11 remembrance ceremony at Patriots Point with family and friends, and we needed some good Southern comfort food. Bessinger's BBQ did not disappoint! They have a convenient drive-through, and it was very busy when we were there at lunchtime. Lots of parking. When you go to the front entrance, you can smell smoked meat. Oh my gosh... it was amazing!!! You could see all the wood stacked for smoking. The menu offers meat platters with beef brisket, chicken, pork and turkey. Lots of yummy sides like fried okra, fries, collard greens, mac and cheese, and Cole slaw. The serving size is very generous and the food was very high quality. We were served one onion ring with our meal. It was HUGE! It was coated in a sweet corn bread batter. Talk about heaven...wow! I had the Little Joe basket. This was a pulled pork sandwich with a special Bessinger's Golden BBQ sauce that was so good. The basket came with seasoned fries and the onion ring I mentioned earlier. The staff was very friendly and the food came out quickly. Lots of cute BBQ signs and Southern vibe inside. Very cute, clean, and nice. The parking lot and drive through is always busy, and now I know why. The food is amazing! I will be back to enjoy more of the menu. Highly recommend you try Bessinger's for dine in or carry out. read more

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Food and service is excellent. Inside is ok, country style. However it is a little pricey and they have been out of Brisket FOUR times in the evening the last 45 days. Right now, they are out of basket, half chick and ribs. No excuse for this. read more

The platinum standard of barbeque! The pulled pork is juicy and delicious, add any of sauce and make the angels smile! Mac n cheese, done right. Hash over rice, first time I've had it, not bad, I'd have it again. That cornbread...let the church say amen. The jalapeños aren't over powering but let you know they up in derre. Soft n sweet, so good, put it in my casket. Definitely worth cheating on your diet for. You'll burn the calories off walking around the beautiful city of Charleston anyway. read more

Bessinger's BBQ - Pulled pork plate with jalapeño cornbread, hash over rice and man n cheese. - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

THE BURGER IS SO GOOD!!!! If I could, I'd return every single night. Not only was it massive, but it was cooked to perfection--juicy, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. I loved the nostalgic touch of ordering at the table and hearing my name called out, reminiscent of simpler times. The drive-thru adds a fun twist, too. I can't wait to come back and indulge again! read more

Bessinger's BBQ - Burger - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Memorial Day Weekend Excellent sandwich, best french fries in Lowcountry and the jewel on top is that epic onion ring! I always get a scoop of coleslaw on my sandwich! Best BBQ for over 55 years here!!! read more

Bessinger's BBQ - Little Joe Brisket Basket Excellent as always!! - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

We all know I am a BBQ snob but I enjoyed the pulled pork. The basket comes with fries and an onion ring and a drink. The pulled pork had a nice taste. The hickory sauce was delicious. The onion ring was spectacular. The fries were steak fries. All was good and the tea was delicious. This was working lunch. Order at the counter and they bring it out to you. Folks were friendly. Typical BBQ joint. Good visit and food. read more

We've been wanting to try this for a while and did today for lunch. They have easy online ordering which is nice and the pick up process was easy. We each got a one meat plate. Everything was fine but not great. The half chicken was pretty dry and my husband didn't love the coleslaw. The baked beans were pretty good as were the green beans. Mac and cheese wasn't very cheesy and the pulled pork wasn't flavorful. One of our meals was missing the cornbread and the sauce cups were half full. Overall, probably will choose other bbq places in the area next time we want this type of meal. read more

I absolutely love this place. The pork barbecue is amazing but what gets me coming back in is the cheese burger and the French fries with the big onion ring. It is amazing. The low country mustard base barbecue sause is amazing but I just can't get past that cheeseburger and the onion ring. read more

Food was good. Ribs were meaty and the brisket tender. Mac n cheese yummy and coleslaw a bit tangy, just the way I like it. So what's the downside you ask? Food was not hot. When you go, get your drink, straws, sauce etc. before your food! It was our first time so a ($5 add on) $16 one meat dish became a $22 dish because we ordered brisket. Same with the ribs. Although food was good I didn't see the value at that price and I like my food hot. read more

Blessings in Folly is the best just like Piggy Park in Cayce is the best. We always come for the onion rings No One has Bessingers beat on onion rings. read more

I love that Bessinger's BBQ always hires and trains staff members to exhibit stellar customer service. Unlike most fast food restaurants the staff members at Bessinger's are always extremely friendly, kind, efficient and make the customer feel that they are appreciated. Drive-thru orders are always packaged securely and contain all needed condiments for your order. Food is cooked fresh upon ordering and is always hot and tasty. I'm impressed with the quality of their cheeseburgers, from the meat to the bun, with fresh lettuce and ample slices of good quality tomatoes. The BBQ is equally as delicious. I appreciate that both the interior and exterior are always clean, spotless and attractive with the exterior landscaping always filled with seasonal flowers. It definitely makes the property an asset to the west Ashley community. I highly recommend this family owned and operated local restaurant that has been a Charleston tradition for generations. read more

Delicious food! There are a lot of bbq places around and some are fine, but if you like bbq you should definitely go to this place. You go in and place your order at the counter(they have the usual meat plates and sides, along with sandwiches). My husband and I both got the 3 meat plates...I got the 1/2 chicken, pork belly, and pulled pork and my husband got pulled pork, brisket, and pork belly. It all tasted amazing, and I loved the cornbread. Prices are good and they give large portions. read more

Bessinger's BBQ - 3 meat plate - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Ribs , baked beans , Mac n cheese and corn bread. Everything was delicious except the Mac n cheese was very dry. The baked beans made up for it. read more

Bessinger's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

First thing, I get it, we're living in a new age with this pandemic. The majority of the restaurants during my recent travels is take-out or drive-thru only. Well, lucky me, Bessinger's BBQ allowed for dine-in, which beats eating in the parking lot or hauling twenty minutes back to my hotel only to end up with cold food. Next, masks are required until you chow down, and social distancing is controlled by having tables as go and no-go. Plus, they have plenty of signage reminding folks to be mindful of washing their hands, don't enter if you have a cough or other symptoms. Most importantly, they have staff in gloves, masks, and behind plexiglass. They're out sanitizing tables as soon as someone leaves the restaurants. The food was delicious BBQ, not that broiled garbage like some of those chain restaurants. The sides were fantastic too, especially their collard greens. Not from some canned GFS brand. Plus, you have several options, one meat plate, two meat plate, or three meat plate with two sides. I'll stop with the write-up and just ask that you see my photos. read more

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The Best of the Best in SC Barbecue, cheeseburger baskets are Delicious and Fries are always cooked to Perfection. A Not to Be missed when in Town. Nana Pudding Game Strong. You Won't leave Hungry. read more

I went there when the staff was light. Someone was missing and it was hard for these people to pick up the slack. That's not a ding just an observation. I ordered a full rack of beef ribs, half of a chicken, their coleslaw and collards. Their ribs are meaty but could have used an hour or so more in the smoker. Chicken was a bit dry. The coleslaw was the best I've had. Truly amazing! As were their collards. I loved them! The following day I fired up my own smoker to do some lemon pepper wings. I decided to take the remaining ribs and reheat them in my smoker. This is where Bessingers ribs really shined. They came off the smoker perfectly tender and the rub they used was just incredible! I'd get the ribs again and do the same thing throw them back on the smoker. And buy double the amount of coleslaw and collards. My god they were good!! read more

Specially asked how many wings before ordering. Answer was 5 or 6. Got 3. A bit salty too but seems to be the norm down here in SC. read more

Bessinger's BBQ - $35 w/o tax - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Bessinger's BBQ has a great reputation and no question the pork BBQ is excellent. But we stopped for lunch and sadly, the sides were awful. The green beans were so salty and over cooked. It was like they serve us the bottom of a pot of beans that had been cooking for days. Oh, and the steak fries were cold. And they were out of .Mac and Cheese. Had the price been less we might have overlooked the shortcomings. The sauces were excellent. Very disappointing lunch. read more

Bessinger's BBQ - One meat plate with pork BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

It's a no for me.... The Scene - located on Savannah Hwy this cozy restaurant has ample parking and a drive thru. The inside looks like most BBQ restaurants looked like when I was a kid in the 80s. You order at the counter then wait for your number to be yelled into the dining room and you grab a buddy to get your trays. The Service - *sigh* I know, I know. We're dealing with a full on pandemic here and very location is understaffed. So I didn't show my displeasure or take it out on her. I phoned in my order as to help out with the wait time and avoid the ChowNow upcharge, delivery fee and/or service fees. I gave her the two dinner plates and she asked when I wanted it...ummm tonight for dinner... she said "no in like 5 minutes and hour?" I inquired how long it would take to get those orders together and I'd be there. She asked again "when you want me to make it" *grabs rosary* According to Maps I live 10 minutes away, will it be ready when I get there? Yea, we will fix it. I get there and wait 25 minutes. Just shoot me now. The Eats - I wish I'd just cooked. I was so looking forward to the brisket! It was no doubt in the top 5 worst tasting things I've ever had and definitely under raccoon. There was no smoke ring - just burnt beyond belief bark. Parting Thoughts - Never again. read more

Bessinger's BBQ - Brisket bark - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Just not a fan of Carolina bbq I wasn't really amazed by anything. The only stand out for me was onion ring and the breading was more like a donut which was oddly good. My boyfriend actually was extremely pleased with his meal which consisted of brisket. read more

Bessinger's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

We were headed into Charleston as part of a three-city Southern Road Trip when we saw Bessingers Barbeque stuck in amongst a bunch of car dealerships. We have a weakness for great BBQ and decided to give them a try- and we're happy we stopped. A relatively fast-moving takeout drive-through is always a good sign, and the parking lot was pretty crowded for an early weekday lunch. Inside, you place your order at the counter, grab your drinks and sauces and find a table. They'll call you when your food comes up. We got two fountain Sodas ($2.50 each). My husband went for the One Meat Plate with the Pulled Pork, Mac, and Cheese and Collard Greens ($13.00). It was a good-sized portion of lighting smoked, super moist Pulled Pork in their signature "Original Golden Recipe" Mustard-based Sauce and bigger than we expected portion of creamy Mac and Cheese and the best Collard Greens we had on our whole trip. I got the Big Joe Basket ($12.00) and got a giant Kaiser Roll filled with the same amazing Mustard BBQ-covered Pulled Pork. It came with a side of Steak Fries and one of the BIGGEST batter-dipped Onion Rings I've ever seen. It was crunch, a touch on the dark brown side but really good. If we hadn't lined up a crazy Charleston weekend of eating, we would have gone back and gotten a whole side of the Onion Rings! We were raised on red Tomato-based BBQ Sauces but fell in love with the Mustard-based Sauce, especially on Pulled Pork. We're glad we stopped, and Bessingers is a don't miss in Charleston. They've been around for 80 years, so they must be doing something right! read more

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So, I'm reading an article in Southern Living "The South's Top 50 Barbecue Joints Of 2023" and it lists Bessinger's BBQ as #39. I have already tried another establishment on this list, and I am of the opinion that the writer and I have VERY different taste buds. The setting was void of anyone in the place. The employee was nice enough. I ordered the three-meat plate that comes with two sides. I got hash and rice and slaw. My wife ordered the little Joe with onion rings. I then spoke up to get an order of skins and was told that they didn't have any. I said no problem, we'd be back by this way tomorrow and we'd get some then. Employee then stated that they hadn't had skins in weeks and didn't expect them either. Oh well, that was the only reason we came to Bessinger's over Melvin's to begin with. My food was served on a tray with a paper lining and the wife's came in a paper basket. I took the serving tray to the table and sat down to eat. The three meats I ordered were rib, pulled pork and half chicken. ALL were cold. DON'T SERVE ME COLD FOOD. I don't care how good you think your food is, I don't eat cold food. Returned tray to front employee and she did refund my money. I am sorry but there is no way to get anything but a POOR rating when served cold food. My wife finished her BBQ sandwich and was picking at her onion rings (She loves onion rings) so I knew something was wrong. She will never complain. She said they were OK. I tried a bite of one and I have eaten donuts that were not that sweet. They were way too sweet and mostly batter on top of that. This is the second BBQ joint we have tried on this "The South's Top 50 Barbecue Joints Of 2023" and I am now very concerned with going off this writer's opinion. I don't recommend this BBQ joint and we won't be visiting again. read more