Holy mouth-watering deliciousness! This BBQ joint is heavenly. I'd been craving some barbecue since I've come to Charleston, and passed Bessinger the day before. I didn't make that mistake again when I was coming down the road. I wanted barbecue ribs but also brisket, so I decided to get the rib platter and a half pound of brisket. And my sides were fried okra and Carolina coleslaw. The ribs and brisket for both boys, smoky, and full of flavor. Although they didn't need any flavor at all, I still tried all three of the sauces. Usually I have a sweet Hickory/spicy barbecue sauce person, however, I absolutely died when I tried the original golden sauce. I continued to eat the BBQ with that sauce. I even bought a bottle of the original recipe. I was impressed with this place. I would recommend everyone and anyone to come here if they are ever in Charleston, or even nearby. Try the original sauce, even if you're a sweet sauce person--it's drinkable!! read more

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

See all

I really, really, really, really, REALLY wanted to LOVE this place. I really did! What can I say? I've become a BBQ snob, apparently...the only things rocking a star at this place are the people who work here (friendly and helpful as heck) and the BBQ sauce itself. I could put the BBQ sauce on a smoked shoe and eat it for crying out loud. Too bad about the actual meats, though. read more

Party of two. Ordered in and ate it outside at one of the tables with an umbrella. We each had a meat plate (one pork, one brisket) along with Cole slaw and potato salad. The brisket and pork were best eaten as is, because the sauces weren't to our liking. The coleslaw was too sweet and not at all to our liking but the potato salad was pretty good though a little sweet. Both meals came with jalapeño cornbread which had an interesting appeal because it is so different from what I make at home. We shared a peanut butter pie slice which neither one of us was too excited about - again due to the sweetness but that's just our preference. These guys have been around since 1939, I believe, and the drive up window was kept pretty busy. More of a southern thing, I believe. I'll stay with my Midwest BBQ. read more

Bessinger's BBQ some of the best barbecue I've ever had the onion rings are fantastic the service was great and everything was just right.

So overpriced it's laughable, and I live in Asheville NC - so that gives you a good idea of just how bad this was. Decided to break-up a long drive down to FL by staying in Charleston. I enjoy pitting southern BBQ places against each other when I am cruising around NC, SC, GA and FL. Being a huge fan of SC BBQ, but unfamiliar with restaurants in Charleston, I asked the front desk at my hotel for a recommendation. All three of them said "Bessinger's is hands down the best BBQ in Charleston." There is a BBQ place in Asheville NC called Bear BBQ. If you ask anyone from anywhere around Asheville they will tell you that Bear is by far the best BBQ you will get in the major surrounding area. And that is not an exaggeration, it is fantastic. In a crowd of 200 people, no one will have a different suggestion. I assumed Bessinger's would be a similar experience. It is not. The food is mediocre at best. Nothing stands out. It tastes like any side of the road BBQ place you come across anywhere. If you don't drench it in sauce, it's just bland. Yeah, it's kinda smokey I guess, but nothing like you would expect from a place that multiple people say is the best in the area. Just how bad are the other BBQ places around here? Whatever, so they lean on the expectation you are saturating the meat with so much sauce it doesn't matter what it tastes like on its own. I can deal with that...the sauce is typical SC mustard base. No, the real tragic let down of Bessinger's is the ridiculously tiny amount of food you get for the price. Their pricing is along the lines of "good" BBQ restaurants I've been to in multiple states, so I was expecting comparable flavors and portion sizes. Disappointed in both. There is an $8 up charge for brisket (yeah, you read that right, $8) and that is for a single - as in one - slice that is one third gristle/fat. Brisket starts with one of the cheapest cuts of meat restaurants buy in bulk and requires the least amount of involvement from the pit boss to cook. Why there is that steep of an up charge is beyond my understanding anyway, but to then be presented with a single slice that is a third fat is a joke at that price point. And the tiny amount of pulled pork is put on the tray instead of in a cup or basket because A. it's pretty dry, so no juice to contain B. they spread it around a little to make it a bit harder to tell how small the portion is until you take your first scoop and push it together. And really, it's the fault of the people who live in the area who go to restaurants in Charleston and allow them to serve undersized portions of mediocre food at premium experience prices. Why would anyone accept paying $34+ for this? This is a BBQ place, not a French Bistro. I didn't demand my money back or yell at the staff or anything like that, I am only here for one night, why would they care? If I ever come through Charleston again, I absolutely won't come back. I honestly thought Asheville was bad, but it's a thousand times better than this. You would never come across something like this in an Asheville BBQ place, regardless of which one it was. Moe's BBQ knows they suck, so they only charge you $13 and they give you a decent amount to make up for how crappy it is. read more

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

I got a regular hamburger yesterday and it was so grease I could mash it and the grease was just running out of it the service was great.but the burger I could not eat read more

In the last 2 months, this is the third time that we have gotten NASTY onion rings. The time before, we were in the restaurant, returned them & girl apologized for giving us burned onion rings again. This is the location on Savannah Hwy. They use to have the best onion rings. After the owner saw a picture of the onion rings, he told my husband that he hoped he gave him previous good reviews in the past from being a good client, NOT let me make this right. If you want good food, go to Melvin's in Mt Pleasant or James Island. read more

Bessinger's BBQ - Burned, saturated in oil, parts just skin of onion. - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

We ordered hamburger baskets to go last week. Incredible. I had forgotten how wonderful they are.

Family owned and operated for generations Charleston staple with the best BBQ and onion rings around. Great food , atmosphere and friendly ,you won't be disappointed ! Love that the family is keeping the tradition going. Dara read more

Drove past Bessinger's while looking for a quick lunch. The line was long, so obviously we took that as a good sign and stopped. The wait was short and the food was awesome! Impressive for a drive thru bbq joint. read more

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

See all

Very crowded and long line. One employee per cashier did not show up. Waited over 30 minutes for food. inquired about food and employee discovered order failed to be made. Waited another 20 minutes and food provided, but no French files or onion ring in basket. Told would be called when ready. Finished food, but still no basket. Cashier was so busy, it was not worth getting a refund for the fund not made. They are a great place to eat and this is the first time that this has ever occurred. However, it will be awhile before we come back to eat there. read more

I was really wanting to try some authentic South Carolina barbecue while visiting Charleston. Bessinger's came highly recommended, so we stopped in. I got the one meat plate with pulled pork, greens, and coleslaw. The pork was dry and had absolutely not flavor from being cooked over a wood fire! Tasted like it came from a slow cooker. My buddy got the turkey breast. It was cut about an inch thick with the grain, and was as dry as shoe leather. Maybe we caught them on a bad night, but not the experience I was looking for. read more

Very bad service. Mediocre brisket, undercooked onion ring.Discovered this when I got home as I ordered to go. Waited 30 minutes and watched people, who came in after me, get their food. I asked about this and the cashier said, "your wait is long because your food isn't out yet." I said, "obviously. I want to know why people who have just arrived got their food and I don't have mine." She responded, " your food is not ready and that's why it's not out." I won't make this mistake again when far more superior choices abound. read more

My meal was underwhelming and disappointing. My hamburger was dry, my fries were slightly soggy, and the Oreo cheesecake, if you can call it that, looked like it was half eaten. The "cheesecake" was not worth the $5 and the other food I bought for my family was not worth the $80 I spent. Will not be returning, ever. read more

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

My problem is not with the food, it was delicious. My problem is that my order was wrong, they added about $15 worth of chicken we didn't order. We alerted the manager and they said the charge for that would be refunded to my card, and now that a few days has passed it's clear that didn't happen. We were passing through Charleston and are no longer in the area, so we are very disappointed. So if you go expect to get awesome bbq, but be aware of this possibility. read more

Food was delicious but the prices were way higher than Melvin's on JI. The woman who helped us was way less than personable. The service was slow! We will not return. I now see why the brothers split ways. read more

This is a small town with a lot of BBQ, so knocking off our first experience was exciting! We selected this restaurant as we've driven passed it several times and they always have a busy drive-thru and a couple of smokers out front. The dry rubbed wings, front counter staff, and dining room attendant were phenomenal!!! The next time, I'm in need of wings, I'll gladly come back! The rest was quite another story. We don't eat pork due to the way they are treated, raised, and that they are more intelligent than dogs. So, we had the pulled chicken sandwiches, which were generous in portion but tasteless. We had to put BBQ sauce on it which is like putting A-1on a good steak. Seriously, if you're in the BBQ business, how it comes out is how it should be eaten; this not Burger King where you should have it your way by putting the sauce of your choice on it. The rolls it was on were good; nice and steamy! Sides, should be like at Thanksgiving; just as good as the main course. Not here. Not sure if they ran out of dry mustard on the Mac&Cheese recipe or was it the uninteresting cheap, no flavor cheddar? Maybe use the Nestle recipe with some fresh diced jalapeños for excitement? Coleslaw should be a no brainer, especially if you offer your sandwiches Memphis style and they do. It was very bitter without any character; is it homemade? Maybe break out of the shell and use red cabbage with the Chick Fil A recipe online. French fries were not hand-cut but frozen steak fries from their distributor with some seasoning salt sprinkled on it. The pie was very tasty but not many pecans; charge $8 and give me a real piece of pie. Great service but no one is supporting the prep kitchen and kitchen staff, you can taste the sadness. Whomp, whomp read more

See all

We have eaten here for years. Tonight was very disappointing!! We got to go meals. My Big Joe was excellent and my husband got a cheeseburger it was okay. Now we ordered a basket with fries and onion ring. They are the reason for two stars. We asked for extra crispy/well done fries...they were still white and limp! The onion rings were literally dripping with grease. Very disappointing as we threw all except out sandwiches away. read more

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

Easy parking, ez atmosphere. Long drive through line. Line indoors. However staff was super efficient and all moved smoothly and quickly. Had the Little Joe's. Yep it came with the signature large onion rings and free drink refills. Love it all. read more

Great BBQ! Brisket is full of Flavor and melts in your mouth. Colossal Joe Sammy was amazing. read more

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

In the past few months Bessinger's has fallen off a cliff. We have had long waits, been forgotten, received cold food, over fried food, or no food at all. The customer service there leaves a lot to be desired. What happened???!!!?? Cold fries Refried hard fries Higher prices with less food 30 to 40 minute waiting on a slow day Flat sandwiches with hardly any meat No flexibility on choices- we have to get cheese on the special even tho we don't want it!! We have to or pay $4 more! And if you want to buy a gift card it's only sold online. Who does that?? Not everyone is online! Bessinger's used to be a family go to for us. Not any more. It saddens us how things have changed. And until things improve you won't see us or our friends there. So sad. read more

The drive through service is not great. The food is delicious!! Twice we weren't given the dessert we asked fork. We asked for the $8 brisket. She said there are no dollar menu items. She said they need to update the menu. We'll update please. read more

This is a nice sandwich shop but we came with thirteen people and they set up tables for us by pushing together four shorter tables that was so nice of them and on top of that a young lady picked up all of our food and served us read more

Bessinger's BBQ - Half chicken,Single Onion Ring,one slice bread,Hash Over Rice,Collards,sweet peppers,pickle,and pork rinds - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Food was absolutely delicious! Portions were abundant! I could not eat one of my sides. The pulled chicken was nice and tender. My husband had the pulled pork, brisket and half chicken plate. He loved his meal!! read more

Bessinger's has two parts to the restaurant: one is the buffet side that personally I have never been to - but if you drive past on a Sunday during buffet hours, the parking lot is packed. The other side to Bessinger's is the "sandwich shop," as I call it. You order from the counter and take a seat, then they call you a couple of minutes later when it's ready. The last time I went a couple of months ago they gave us a buzzer instead of calling out our name. I always get the Little Joe basket that comes with a good portion of steak fries and one onion ring. The sandwich is saucy with that wonderful mustard sauce mixed in with the pulled pork. Nothing else. It is perfect as-is! The onion rings are enormous, super thick and coated with a pancake-like batter. They are crisp and hot and even better when dipped in the mustard BBQ sauce. My mom swears by their cheeseburgers (yes in a BBQ restaurant, but that's what she likes.) My dad has had their platters before with ribs, brisket, etc. but I haven't tried those. There aren't servers, just counter folk, and they come out and clean up the dining area. The drive through is very fast, faster than ordering at the table usually. Just make sure to ask for a cup of BBQ sauce if you want some. read more

Bessinger's BBQ - Little Joe basket. Mmm! - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

I was really looking forward to trying Bessinger's, being new to the area. I sat by the ordering board for a couple of minutes, no contact. I thought it might be a menu board, so I drove around to the next window where the girl is expecting payment. I explain what happened, she tells me to circle the building and start over. She refused to take my order. As I was leaving, she yells "not my fault"!! I went to Swig and Swine down the road, it was terrific. read more

Bessinger's, Melvin's, and Maurice's are all basically the same family. This location offered a buffet but that is now closed. This downsizing was factored into my 3 star review. Everything that was on the buffet is on the menu except for their fried catfish. The golden mustard and vinegar based bbq sauce is 5 star fantastic. Best bets here are Pulled Pork, Hash Over Rice, Brisket Baked Beans, Onion Rings, and Cornbread. Order at the counter and pick up when they call your number. No table service and no bar. read more

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

Love it! I have always loved BBQ and this place ranks pretty high for me. The ribs were excellent and the pulled pork with Spicy Mustard Sauce was awesome. Now when I drive into town for a vacation I always stop for a bite and for a pound of pork to eat the first few days. On my way out of town I grab 2 lbs to share with my friends. Even warmed in the microwave it is good, but eat it in the restaurant for the best experience. The pulled pork is pulled to small pieces, and some prefer larger, but still awesome. The ribs are excellent, pink hickory smoked on the inside, pull off the bone just right, don't fall off like over cooked ribs. I am sure the sides are good, buy why waste your time when you can eat more pork! read more

I love their barbeque, fries, mac and cheese, and OMG that onion ring that's really more of an onion donut. Their mustard BBQ sauce is one of my faves in Charleston. I have friends from out of town who always want to go here when they're visiting. I'm not a huge fan of the buffet, though, so I wouldn't recommend doing that. One thing that really makes me mad is that they REFUSE to do a burger topped with pulled pork. I mean, how is that not one of their specialty items?? I've asked numerous times and they won't do it. What happened to the customer is always right?? read more

Discovered this place by accident while going through North Charleston to downtown. I had no clue this place was featured on Man vs Food show. I ordered the Big Joe consisting of a pulled pork sandwich, fries, and a giant onion ring. I was given an electronic beeper but what was very hospitable was an employee who heard the buzzer, ran over to my table, and told me she would return with my meal. She even asked if she could fetch condiments which I gladly thanked her for bringing these to me. The giant onion ring was fantastic, the best I have had and the fries were very crunchy while the pulled pork was food until I poured a Texas pepper sauce on it, then it became awesome. If you want barbeque and are near Charleston, visit this place and at least try the onion ring. read more

See all

To express a little bias ahead of my review, I just have not found a place where I really enjoy the BBQ in Charleston. From Bluffton to Spartanburg, Clemson to Columbia there have been spots I've hit and really enjoyed, just not yet for Charlestown. I'm somewhat aware of the mustard, vinegar, tomato based argument and find the passion of opinions quite fascinating yet I've only experienced the mustard option and the vinegar option out of state. (Correction, Middleton Place had a stellar mustard based pulled pork sandwich.) I've eaten barbeque fare in many states, but what makes SC barbecue so unique is that every Charlestonian swears by it as the gold standard, I thought that was St. Louis? Not surprisingly, these are the same folks that tell me they never left SC, proudly expressing no intention nor desire to ever consider leaving, if only for a quick little get away, the legal kind. Alrighty then, moving on. The location does quite well, the family has a long history which does make me glad as all of the workers and friends that I know really love it, friends that would most certainly make Bessingers their last meal on earth, I just don't get the fascination. read more

Mediocre and overpriced... There's 20+ BBQ in the Charleston, SC area and I would rank this about 18 and that's for the 2 I have not tried yet... I figured I'd give him that much of a benefit of the doubt. Food is average, I heard they use liquid smoke in the recipe shows and the flavor which is average at best and it is overpriced dated there is no service to speak of it's all counter service. 20 bucks a person lots of throw away on a bad bet. Try one or the other places in town. read more

Best hash in the area. If you can keep from ordering anything bbq, which is a challenge for me, they have a fantastic burger. Pair it with slaw and onion rings and you'll be able to dip see doodle on back to whatever you were a doing before you stopped in with great big ole smile on your face. Service with a smile and they try to keep it as clean as they can. I can't think of single person who wouldn't come around to your way of thinking we're you to hand em a Lil Joe sammich read more

This BBQ spot is a beast with 2 heads, so I am going to cook this review twice over. A decent bbq buffet and a good restaurant spot. There is better BBQ out here in Charleston but when you are going to a buffet setting you aren't going for the best BBQ. The buffet side is decent and convenient. Are there better buffets in Charleston? Yea JB Smoke Shack has a smaller variety but way better food. That does not mean you skip Bessinger's BBQ. A large central location that is decent will win out more than a small out of the way great location. The restaurant side is good, large space and but maybe has a little too eager of service. read more

I was hoping for better. I read the other Yelp reviews and some good and some bad. Barbecue is like wine, if you like it, it's ok. Doesn't matter if it comes in a bottle or a box. I like to eat BBQ everywhere I travel and am always eager to try a new place. You order at the counter and go sit down until your beeper goes off for you to come back to the counter and pickup your food. The girl at the register was friendly and helpful. Styrofoam cups and plates and plastic forks. For $28 and zero table service. $28 for a rib/brisket combo. Wow. Now it was a lot of meat. But I would think $18 would be fair. The ribs were pretty tender but weren't cut apart, so I had to do something else to eat. For $28. The brisket was tender and with some sauce was very good. Onion ring was very good. Mac and cheese seemed old - not fresh. The cheese on top was like a helmet. Barbecue beans were good. Sweeter than I like but still very good. Corn bread was so so. Was not hot, just luke warm for $28. So I was here in Saturday night around 7pm and you would think it might be busy! But no. 3 tables occupied the entire time I was here. When the locals don't come in it really tells you something. The place was pretty clean and I didn't notice any issues until I wanted to wash the ribs off my hands and couldn't find the bathroom. No signs anywhere. When I found it the men's room the floor was so sticky I wasn't sure I had the strength to escape the black hole of the floor. I hate nasty bathrooms. Then I noticed the trash can I needed to put MY trash In since there was no dining room service for a $28 meal. So I paid $28 for dinner stuck to the floor and threw my styrofoam plate and cup away and went home stuffed. It's a good day. But I won't be back. read more

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

See all

Wow! Saw this place on man v food and had to stop. They have a drive through but we decided to go in. Great atmosphere and friendly/helpful staff. Clean restrooms and delicious food. Got the colossal joe and it was fantastic. Their sauce is available for retail sale and you bet we got some to stock up on. Will be back next time we are in Charleston. read more

See all

You only get one shot at a first impression...we'll it's 6:30pm and you're out of brisket. Well, nope!! Poor planning is definitely how businesses fail. Ok, only in town for a few days, and this was my first stop, but a BBQ place without BBQ isn't my kind of BBQ place. Guess I'll have to wait till next week when I'm back in Texas for some real BBQ. Seafood sounds like plan B!! read more

I went here for lunch because (a) I could walk to it from my hotel and (b) the yelp reviews. Was a little surprised to see that this is actually two restaurants - the "sandwich" side and the "buffet" side that is only open weekend nights. Counter person was very kind in explaining the menu options which include platters and sandwiches. I ordered the pulled pork platter with macaroni & cheese, steak fries and cornbread. Included with the meal is one battered onion ring and a jalapeno pepper. BBQ pork was very good (just not as good as Eastern NC BBQ) Tried both of the sauces, but I liked it better without any sauce. Could have used some vinegar though! Homemade Macaroni & Cheese was great, and the steak fries were good too. Large hunk of cornbread was a great addition to the meal. I don't like onions, so I can't offer an opinion on the onion ring. Though the meal was a little pricey for a self serve meal. Overall positive experience. read more

Hyped up! Tourist attraction. But once you get over all that, you find out that it's just an OK place. Ribs are OK, not great. Sauces are not that great. What happened to the good old plain BBQ sauce, where the ribs were drenched in it? Food is OK, not great. I can think of so many other places that do BBQ better. Go, get over the hype, then go find a better place to get Ribs. There are many. Oh yea, price is a little high for what you get, plus no service, all self! Frank G read more

Great Brisket sandwich. Awesome South Carolina mustard sauces. The onion rings were very dough-y but overall a solid BBQ spot!