I mean I don't even like crab... so the prospect of eating crab rice? Let's just say I wasn't very enthusiastic about having this dish. And actually, from the outside I was thinking there was a 50/50 chance this would be a bust. But NOPE... I'd say overall this was one of our better dining experiences in the low country of South Carolina. As it turns out their signature crab rice... it's absolutely delicious. And so are their other sides, the fried pork chop, red rice, you name it... Doesn't hurt that the people in this area are also super friendly. So glad we didn't miss this one... read more

Hannibal's Kitchen - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Small, unassuming place on the outside, but when you walk in, you're hit with vibrant, colorful artwork and a staff that is friendly and welcoming. I had the crab rice, and I added shrimp ($6 extra) as this is what Hannibal's is known for. I'm from Ohio and have never ever heard of crab rice, so I figured why not. My mom ordered a single pork chop. We did have to wait quite a while for our food, but our waitress brought us some bread pudding for our wait. It was okay, but it was good to hold us over while we waited. Once it arrived, the crab rice was good, but I wish that the rice under the crab would've had some kind of sauce or something to give it some flavor as well. That's just a personal preference of mine with rice. But, the crab and shrimp were flavorful. My mom's porkchop was also good. However, several parts of it were mostly bread, almost like a potato chip. The meaty portions she enjoyed very much. I had an Obama (sweet tea and lemonade) as my drink and it was VERY good. I've had that drink several times (called different things) in several places, but this one had a sweetness to it that I've never tasted. It was quite delicious. I'm glad I got to try Hannibal's during my visit to Charleston. read more

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The food was delicious. The portion size could've been better for the price, but I loved the food. Everything was seasoned to perfection. The service was great. They were all nice. However, prepare to wait a while for your food, but it's worth it. read more

Wow!!! Flavor's in every bite. Great and friendly service Food is worth the wait. That cornbread is addictive Indoor and outdoor seating available casual atmosphere read more

Hannibal's Kitchen - Drummetts - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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I honestly don't need to add a lengthy review - the food, as you can all see, speaks for itself. Super popular for locals and visitors alike, and if you don't know why, just taste it and you will see why for yourself. I came probably 30 minutes after opening and it was busy with orders coming and going and people ready to eat. That's how you know it's good - the orders don't stop! Everyone is super kind, first of all. I love the warm, bubbly personalities and the urgency to get your food ordered and cooked (fresh!!!), so you can be happy! Super authentic, and some real comforting food. Fried gizzards - amazing!! great coating, great flavor. fresh. cooked to perfection. delicious. must try. smothered turkey wings - fall off the bone. juicy. flavorful. and smothered like a mofo. ultimate comfort food for me. so good! mac and cheese - good, but not my favorite thing (it's nothing against them, i'm just not the biggest mac n' cheese fan). cooked well, good bite to it - I wish it had a little more seasoning, but it was one of the better mac n cheese's I've ever had. I miss this place lol. you must try it!! I heard the seafood is good here, but I've never tried it. You will NOT regret coming here! read more

Hannibal's Kitchen - Smothered turkey and Mac and cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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This place was great. Loved the food and great price. The place is not fancy. You can tell that they try to keep it nice though. It's a true mom and pop restaurant. I recommend the crab rice. Amazing! We ordered crab rice with a side of collard greens, salmon, and sausage, rice, cornbread, and a side of okra soup. We also had two beers and a sweet tea. The bill was $51 not including tip. Definitely worth a visit for excellent soul food. read more

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The food here is outstanding! The wait time takes a little to get your food out, but good food takes time. This little place is obviously a favorite frequented by locals and is family owned. Service was friendly and attentive. If you want good, home style southern/soul food, this is the place! read more

Excellent food and friendly service. You may have to wait for a table but the wait is worth it.

I do not like dry food (my food have to be most or a wet dish). I tried the famous crab rice dish however, I substitute the white rice with the red rice. When I tell you that was the best substitution I've made. My food was delicious. The red rice made it even more delicious. I added the shrimp but I would suggest to just add more crab meat. The shrimp didn't do much for the texture but the crabmeat did it. My friends food was also good. They left no food on their plates . The prices were reasonable. That sweet tea, it is truly a Southern sweet tea. Sweeeeet By the way. My friend ordered chicken gizzards to go and she paid less than six dollars I believe for a to go order. Look how much she got!! Hit like if this helped you!! read more

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We went on a Saturday night an hour before closing. I had a craving for crab rice and wanted it from an authentic restaurant. The only positive comment I can make is that the servers were extremely nice. Unfortunately, the rice was overcooked with very dry pieces of crab meat. Hubby's collards were full of cut up stems and my string beans were straight out of the can... My ah-hah moment was when one of the servers indicated that she had already cleaned the microwave. So, warmed-up old food was what our dinner tased like and what it most likely was. The fried chicken wings were the exception. They cam;e out hot and fresh but not very seasoned. Lastly, please clean up. The floor was literally full of trash. The sweet servers are the only reason for the two stars versus one. read more

We heard that you had to withhold judging the place until you tasted the food. And it's true. To be honest, the restaurant is clean and well-kept up. Nothing fancy, but I had thought it would be worse than it was. The food delivered. An appetizer of fried chicken livers was superb. They were moist and flavorful And the crust wasn't too much but just the light coating it should be. The crab rice was well-seasoned. It was not just served on bland white rice but also flavorful white rice. The okra entree with pork was also well-filling and delivered. The side of Lima beans were the best Lima beans ever. Baby Limas, but they also aren't in season. FYI - Hot sauce is Texas Pete... The portions were generous and the food was good. Thanks. read more

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Hannibal's was very,very good! I got the crab rice and added shrimp, collard greens and sweet tea. The serving size was huge which I appreciated. Everything tasted freshly prepared and arrived to the table after about 20mins. I can't wait to visit Charleston again to eat there! read more

Hannibal's Kitchen - Crab rice with added shrimp, collard greens and sweet tea - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The food and service were excellent and the ambiance was cozy. If I'm in Charleston again, I'll definitely stop by.

I've heard about this spot for the longest time and finally got a chance to try it. I brought my mom here for her birthday and was really hoping the food was as good as all of the reviews. This restaurant lives up to the hype. The food was reminiscent of the meals I had growing up on Johns Island. Authentic Charleston cuisine at its finest. I will definitely be back to try more of the offerings. read more

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Very pleasant and friendly atmosphere. Food is the best I ve ever had. I had crab rice and shrimp It was seasoned to perfection. My date had wings and Mac and cheese also perfectly cooked. Good greens sides. Awesome Strawberry cake.Don't put off eating there. Truly the best in South Cat. Worth the money. read more

Stopped in on a Monday at around 12:15, when I found this spot in the Downtown-ish area and they were one of the only spots I could find that serves crab rice. It is a no frills place (restaurant looks a bit run down), and the food is served to you in a styrofoam container, even if you're eating in. The crab rice reminded me of salted fish with rice. My Chinese taste buds didn't mind it but I can see this not being a lot of people's cup of tea, as it is pretty fishy. The three of us shared one plate (since we had already just eaten some barbecue) and it was the perfect amount to just get a flavor of Gullah cuisine. read more

Hannibal's Kitchen - Crab rice - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

One of the best fried chicken I've had since being in Charleston. Price was great. Service was great my favorite soul food spot in Charleston read more

Hannibal's Kitchen - Fried chicken, collard greens and rice smothered in gravy - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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The food was just ok. The collards were cooked too long. Soft with no flavor. The cornbread was jiffy. I saw the boxes when i parked next to the trash. The crab rice was average to me. Nothing special. The shrimp didn't make it better either. My daughter had the fried chicken quarter. Freshly fried. Seasoned well. The Mac and cheese was good and the yams sweet. Her meal was definitely better than mine. read more

Hannibal's Kitchen - Crab rice and shrimp. - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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This is absolutely not restaurant worthy cooking! My husband tried to surprise me with a lima bean dinner from here. He had fried pork chops with his & I had fried chicken with mine. The food is all dried up! The neck bones aren't tender, either! I tried to pick through it and eat what I could, but this is garbage! $40 something for 2 nasty dinners! I have never been so disappointed in soul food. (He threw his in the trash before I could take a picture of his rubbery pork chops! The rice & beans looked the same as mine.) read more

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Not all southern (Soul food) restaurants are created equal they all have a secret ingredient or technique. Not sure which one applies here but the food was very good. I suggest you call ahead and place your order for take out because during my visit it appears they are struggling with staff issues but who isn't now a days. Friend Chicken was crisp, moist and spiced just right. Sides were good to go as well. Extremely friendly staff and worth the wait if you must. Eat in or take out. read more

Hannibal's Kitchen - Future Chef delivering the goods - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

I got chicken liver and crab rice and both were delicious. I loved it so much that I visited 3 times in my two week visit. read more

Hannibal's Kitchen - Chicken livers 5/5 - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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I should have read some reviews before going! Might have given 3 stars, but not right now. I want my money back!! I thought I was gonna have a good experience based on my chat with my server. (Didnt catch her name) Basically, i waited a good hour for ok food. I watched several people come and go. After about 30 mins of waiting, the server brought complimentary cornbread. I should walked out but I hungry and wanted to see what the hype was about... It wasnt worth the wait. My crab rice with shrimp taste like burnt crab and dried shrimp on top of Uncle Ben's rice. I had better shrimp at Toast!!! The greens were good at first, but the more i ate, the more burnt flavor i tasted in them too. The mac was ok. It was a bit watery and more like mac and cheese (two separate items) than mac & cheese. Feelin like maybe I shoulda got a pork chop or turkey wings. That was a waste of time AND money. $1 per shrimp.. smh. Irritated! read more

Hannibal's Kitchen - Crab rice w/shrimp, collards, mac & cheese, and cornbread. - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The staff was kind and helpful and I felt like I was talking to my big cousin the whole time. The food tastes like I was at my grandma's kitchen table and the Obama drink was my summer childhood in a cup! We ate family style so was able to try the Flounder (it was huge!), the Shrimp and Crab Rice (must have), sweet yams, collard greens, and bread pudding. All of it was totally worth the prices. Go eat here! Oh, and my 12 year old loved the food and art work too! read more

Hannibal's Kitchen - Art work near our booth. Which was a beautifully, darkbrown finished booth. - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

A homegrown favorite If you're looking for a good neighborhood joint, Hannibal's is definitely a good place to start. The seafood rice meals are extremely delicious. Like fresh crab and shrimp mixed together with seasonings that fill up the box with aroma. Don't sleep on the entrees, they punch above their weight and the sides complement well. I would personally advise the smothered pork chop. It's deep fried and then covered in gravy that pleases the heart and soul. Pair it with red rice and you get a smoky compliment that shows it is nearly as good as the coveted crab rice itself. If there's anything kind drawbacks that I have, the food portions are a bit on the small side. Don't worry, you won't starve, but you're not going to be bursting at the seams and taking home everything. It might be a sigh of relief for visitors who have had enough of eating heavy. Overall, it's a classically good joint with a friendly staff. The locals keep coming back and supporting locals with rewarding flavors is worth it! read more

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Hannibal's Kitchen in Charleston kept it simple, and I loved it. Tried a few staples: the fried fish sandwich, fried chicken plate, and lima beans. The fried fish had a nice crunch without being oily, and the fried chicken was just like home - crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. Lima beans were good, not mushy, just right. The menu doesn't overcomplicate things. The place has a down-to-earth vibe, and the staff was friendly. The fish, fried chicken, and lima beans hit the mark. A solid choice for a straightforward, tasty meal. read more

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Definitely the best soul food in the area. Everything on the menu is worth trying - fish, chicken, turkey necks, pork chops - it's all so good. Their side dishes may be better than their proteins - the Mac n cheese is baked and tasty, the red rice is delicious. Lima beans maybe were a touch too salty, but it didn't stop me from finishing them off. read more

It hurts me to write this review because I really like to see family owned community minded business do well. And their exposure in the New York Times could go a long way to help people know more about traditional low country cooking. We were actually referred to them by the pitmaster of a local restaurant. We had already eaten and were heading out of Charleston and she told us we did not want to miss this place. When we pulled up you could see they were doing a lot of remodeling. There was new seating outside and there were tarps behind the counter. There was only one person ordering when we arrived and the woman taking the order was working like she was swamped. We ordered Crab Rice ($12.50) with two sides, Collard Greens ($3.49) and Mac and Cheese ($3.49). The Crab Rice was a good size portion for the price with lots of Crab, but we could barely find any Peppers or Onions and it needed seasoning. The side were just okay and pretty price for the size of the portion. I just think the new exposure might have them a little bit overwhelmed. I've ready nothing but amazing reviews and really wanted to love them. Hopefully we get back to Charleston soon to give them another try as there were lots of things on the menu we still want to try. Hopefully they just need a little time. read more

Hannibal's Kitchen - Crab Rice, Collard Greens and Mac and Cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Man...when I tell you, nothing was a disappointment when my family and I ventured from the Midwest, to Charleston and went to Hannibal's. The new updates fit the down home feeling that the food gives as well. The service was quick and the wait on the food was realistic, to what was offered, perfection takes time! The restaurant was clean, well organized and put together but the STAR of the entire show was definitely the food! read more

Hannibal's Kitchen - Cabbage Plate - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

This place has awesome food. The experience starts when you walk in and everything smells so good. Tons of art and pictures of famous people that visited in. There is indoor and outdoor seating availble. I was really excited to try the chicken liver meal. I love chicken liver but it was not available that day but I will certainly be back to try it. I tried the crab rice and my husband Brad got the ribs. It all tasted so yummy. Feels so good just having it. I certainly wanted to try the whole menu after that. Parking is kinda a hassle there but if you go early(I went on Saturday) there is no need to worry read more

Hannibal's Kitchen took me back to Grandma's country cooking. Eating the food was not just a culinary experience but emotional. First, the staff is so friendly and accommodating. I remember our waitress looking out for us and brought the last slices of cornbread. You will be satisfied if you just eat the cornbread and go home. The red rice was the star. I ate that rice and just wanted to cry happy memories from sitting at Grandma's table. Most people want cabbage with a little crunch and seasoned with meat. Listen, order the cabbage! The no meat but layers of flavor and more than over cooked just works. I know one thing Mama and Grandma is in that kitchen cooking because who else can make that old fashion lemon cake. Now the bread pudding and the fried fish was not good but everyone has a bad day! The fish was not edible because I believe it was pre-fried and placed in a microwave to heat up. So, unless that fish is freshly fried and not old -pass! Shout out to the staff at the African Museum that recommended Hannibal's. I can't wait to go back! read more

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Hannibal's felt like home, my childhood family reunions, and my Granny's house all rolled into one. I was overwhelmed by the nostalgia of the restaurant. Every tune from my youth was playing. The service was wonderful and the food was scrumptious. read more

We stopped with a group of 7 for a lunch. It had a great reviews which of course set our expectations high.... Food was slow to get out, served in styrofoam containers. That could have been easily overlooked, but the food was only meh. They had Liver and Onions on the menu, and I may be one of the few that actually likes that (from my childhood). I know it is not the healthiest and I seldom have it, but I was on vacation and calories do not count then, so I ordered it. I was Very disappointed. It was tough and not very flavorful even though it was smothered in onions. Others in our party said their meals were OK, but no one was excited. Maybe just a bad day for the cook, but we would not go back next time we were in the area. read more

The staff was really nice. We got our food to go and it was ready in the right amount of time and hot, but it lacked flavor and uniqueness that we were expecting. When we went to Gillis, we got what we were seeking and it was the bomb diggity dot com. read more

The ladies were very nice. There was one waitress that ran around doing everything. They really need more help and someone to organize the flow. After waiting to be seated for 30 minutes, they sat us at the bar with menus. Thirty minutes later we decided to ordered our food to go. They sent us a text 45 minutes later to pick up as we waited in the car. Then my husband had to wait another 10 minutes as it wasn't quite ready when he went in to pick it up. Oh then they forgot to add silverware and the side of collard greens. He was not going to wait more time for the side. So we let that go. However, the cornbread tasted sweet and amazing. We were visiting family and from out of town. Would not recommend this place unless you're a local and know how to order so you don't have to wait so long for your food. read more

Listen man... This review isn't going to be about the food. The food is good. I'll give them that. If that's all you care about, don't read the rest. But wow. We're going to get this out of the way. I'm from New Orleans. I eat at restaurants all the time. I love soul food. I was excited about this experience. That excitement waned very, very quickly. Let's start here. The place is half empty. I walk in and sit at the bar (like I said - I'm from New Orleans). Thinking "maybe I'll order a drink with my crab rice." Nope. Waitress #1 snaps at me. "You gotta wait at the sign. You gotta go wait at the sign, I have to seat you." I go to the sign - 3 feet away. All she does is lead me to the bar seat that I was at. She acts like this was very necessary. A couple behind me looks at me like "That was weird." Yes. It is. Realizing how completely useless that was, she said "This is how we do things now." Uh, ok. Whatever. A momentary setback to an otherwise great meal right? Wrong. She asks me for my order. There is not a hint of a smile in her face. She's yelling at me. Why? Because there is a fan that is so loud that it is drowning out all the sound in the room. I have to say: "I'm so sorry - I can't hear you because of the fan." I already feel like I did something wrong, when like - bro, you are YELLING at me and I STILL cannot hear you. Do you not see how this might be a problem. In the only half-kind moment in this godforsaken place, she says "Yeah, it is loud." Then she goes to lower it. I try to offer some levity. "I get it though, it's hot." She comes back. I order the crab rice with a side of mac and cheese. I love soul food. I'm in Charleston! Southern hospitality! This meal is going to be great! Waitress #2 is just in the corner by the cake taking orders. The food comes out. Okay, cool. Out of nowhere - Waitress #3 comes out. YELLING. Does everyone yell here? Whatever. I've been to Jamaican restaurants where being rude is almost part of the charm. DID YOU ALREADY ORDER YET? Fam. You have eyes. My food is RIGHT HERE. Do you think I went back and stole it from the kitchen? She then turns her attention to everyone ordering to go. DID YOU ALREADY ORDER? DID YOU ALREADY ORDER? I swear to God every waitress here acts like they want you to leave this place rather than stay. Waitress 1 is going around. I notice I'm almost finished my crab rice. No mac and cheese has come. "Hey, the mac and cheese?" She goes back to the kitchen like I insulted her, comes back, drops off the mac and cheese, mutters "Sorry" without even looking in my eye. Here's where it gets comical. I'm about to wrap things up, and a young man who has been sitting at the bar finally catches Waitress 2 - "Hey can I order a-" "No. I don't do that. I'm not a bartender." "You guys do serve drinks right?" "Yeah but you gotta ask her" - points to Waitress 1. When Waitress 1 eventually comes around, "Hey can I get a-" I'm not kidding, Waitress 1 goes "Oh, I don't do that. Talk to her" and points to Waitress 2. The guy and I look at each other and immediately start cracking up. He gets up. "Forget it, man." Forget it indeed, brother. Waitress 1 notices I'm cracking up, and I'm done here. "Give me my check." Waitress 1, instead of getting my check, begins arguing with Waitress 2, in front of all the customers. "If someone asks for a drink, you have to get it for them..." as if they've never worked together in their life. All the customers are confused and uncomfortable now (understandably). Waitress 1 then interrogates me - "What did he want to drink?" as if it's MY responsibility. He's all the way across the restaurant. Why don't YOU go and ask him? "I think it was a jack and coke. Can I have my check now?" Being from New Orleans, our service economy is essential. I tip 20-25% at all times. For the first time in at least 15 years, I tapped No Tip - and I'm GLAD she saw me do it. Listen. Maybe Charleston has some Southern hospitality - I intend to find out, but it skipped over this place. I know the restaurant industry is hard. Maybe all the waitresses are going through something. But I swear to God - if you patronize this place (let me be clear, you absolutely should not) get something to go. You couldn't pay me $100 to walk inside this place again and eat for free. Whatever "family-owned" vibe they got going on - think the most dysfunctional family you ever met. Keep in mind within 15 minutes, I saw a restaurant with a bar basically get mad at one person sitting there and another for trying to order a drink. I go out of my way to support Black-owned businesses, and I will continue to do so. But as someone who has eaten at thousands of restaurants, this is in the top 5 worst dining experiences of my life. If you want to have a bad day, go here. I will never understand why people work at a restaurant if they acts like they would rather have no customers. 0/10, and may God have mercy on your soul. read more

All i can say is crab rice. My goodness sakes. That is one of the best dishes I have ever eaten. It i owned a key, I would fly there just for that. Endings in our party enjoyed the meals. We even celebrated a birthday while there. The service was excellent also!!! read more

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Went to support a local black-owned restaurant and I was not disappointed. It was a nice space with beautiful artwork all around so I decided to dine-in. I ordered the Fried Chicken dinner with Yams and Mac n Cheese for lunch and a Pork Chop sandwich later for dinner. Everything ordered was delicious and the yams were some of the best I've had awhile. They were a little busy with takeout orders so there was a little wait and the original side I wanted to order (hoppin' john) was out, but that's just motivation to return in the future. read more

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I live 2 hour away but was on this side of town and came across this restaurant. The vibes inside were so relaxed and chill. The staff were very friendly and welcoming. And the food was amazing!! Even after waiting in the car for 2 hours.. the turkey neck was so soft the meat fell off the bone. Definitely the best soul food I've had in Carolina in the 3 years I've lived here.. definitely will keep this place saved for future visits! read more

Wanted to get some real Charleston soul food while in town. This was an amazing meal! We got the Crab Rice, added shrimp, and subbed white rice for red rice. We also got a small bowl of okra soup (versus the side - the bowl comes with smoked ham neck and tailbones. You can pull the bones out and strip them of meat and add the meat back in the soup). The rice and soup both were absolutely delicious! The mac and cheese was ok. We also got cornbread right out of the oven and it was the best we've ever head. A huge serving and was basically our dessert. I'll be dreaming of that crab + shrimp red rice and okra soup, so good. read more

Visited this place from out of town after seeing pics of crab rice and WOW it did not disappoint! So flavorful (just wish there was more of it!) We also ordered the fried flounder meal with mac & cheese and collared greens which was delicious (love that they give you the whole fish). Also shout out to our server with the green jacket! Wish I got his name but he was extremely friendly and accommodating. Great food, great service, 100% will come back! read more

Hannibal's Kitchen - Fried flounder meal - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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