Went in expecting the grouchy old lady the other comments reference, but was pleasantly surprised by the friendly (not older) lady at the front counter. The soups we had were so good and full of flavor! We also ordered a salad and a chicken salad sandwich that were delicious. They are open till 8 which is perfect for a night where you don't have dinner planned and need a good last minute meal that's not fast food. 10/10 all around- we'll absolutely be back. read more

The older woman that works there is the OWNER and she is ABSOLUTELY HATEFUL!! Every single time!!! Especially over the phone!!!! I have ordered MANY times from there and the chef is amazing and the other staff seem nice, but she is HORRIBLE to deal with. I quit going for a while ( like a year) and started back last Friday, then again today and that will be it! I ordered today over the phone and she gave me a long sigh and then paused. I had to say hello.... She was so rude and when I picked up my order I let her know. She said... well that's not nice!! LADY!!!! You are F*+%ing RUDE... for no reason!!! There is a location downtown Charleston and the15 minute drive will be absolutely worth it and they use door dash! She is absolutely doing herself a disservice just by being present! I hope she doesn't treat the staff the same way. And she gave me 4oz of chicken salad instead of 8oz, but I guess as long as it's served in an 8 oz container, you get what you get!! Never again... read more

I visited Ladles in James Island for the first time and the LAST time. I was uncertain if you placed tour order at the counter or ordered from a seat in the dining area. We were the only ones in the restaurant and the waitress totally ignored us. She was cleaning, etc. She was an older woman. I asked if I ordered up from or if I should take a seat. She said up front. I walked up front and she took her sweet time to meet me there. I said Hello, and she said....nothing. I told her I wanted an 8 oz She crab soup an 8 oz garden veg soup and 2 waters. She picked up the 8 oz plastic container and said this is the 8 oz size. I said yes. She rolled her eyes and threw it back on the stack. Like it was too small of a portion to buy. When I went to pay she grabbed my credit card out of my hand and put it in the reader that was in front of me. I did not like that and found that extremely rude. The soup was pretty good. The roll served with the soup was very stale. I could hardly break or cut it apart so I didn't eat that. There is no customer service number to call to complain about this woman or I would. This ruined my lunch and I Will NOT return to this location. read more

See all

Visited Ladels on James Island for the first time. My wife and I had the She Crab Soup and the Garden Vegetable soup. The soups were really flavorful and seasoned just right. We enjoyed the food but the atmosphere was not very friendly. We were not greeted when we entered nor were other customers that came in behind us. The older lady at the checkout acted like she didn't want to be there. She rolled her eyes when my wife chose the 8 ounce soups instead of the 16 ounce soups. While checking out, instead of asking, she grabbed my wifes credit card out of her hand when it didn't scan the first time. There was no follow up after the sale to see if we like the soup or if we needed anything else. A few words of advice....work on your customer interaction, greeting customers, follow up after the sale and by all means be courteous to the customer. read more

See all

I have celiac disease and have always found this place a reliable go to. However, I went there a few days ago after a long absence, and the woman at the counter seemed unaware of what gluten free meant and seemed reluctant to ask . I won't be going back read more

The soups are great! All of the comments about the service are accurate-- not the front staff, but the kitchen. Super sweet guy at the register, but the two girls in the kitchen seemed like they had no idea what was going on I felt bad for him because he had to keep going back to help them. read more

I'm not one to leave a review often but reading others I realized I wasn't the only one who dealt with this. The lady at the front counter acts like she hates her job, everyone, and everything. I understand a bad day but to be rude like that is unacceptable in a work environment. If you are having a bad day.. it is not the customers fault so do not take it out on them. The older lady was very rude with me. I asked about a soup and she said what was in it and then said "people usually know what's in our soups by the way" like okay? I don't. I have never been here before. Also, behind the counter does not seem very sanitary. Filling up bowls of soup with a finger in the bowl with NO gloves. I'm sorry but if I wasn't picking up food for work I would cancel my order and walk out. This woman rolled her eyes at every sentence and ask. Absolutely unacceptable. I hope the owner is doing something about this because there are so many reviews on this woman and obviously she's still here and acting the same. Will NOT be returning. read more

Their soup is great, but the woman who works there is absolutely MISERABLE. You cannot ask a single question without getting attitude in return. I refuse to give anyone my business who is rude, so I will definitely not return. You would think that it would be eye opening to this business after countless reviews saying the same. read more

I've been wanting to go here for a few months, we live close and always want to support the local businesses. Unfortunately, it was a bit disappointing. Went in on a Friday at 5pm. In my mind, Friday at that time is prime time for restaurants. They were out of 4 of the 9 soups. Out of Buffalo Chicken soup, She Crab soup, Turkey Chili, and Chicken Noodle?!?! Seems a bit unorganized. 1 soup, ok, 2 soups, not great planning but it happens, 4 soups?? On Friday dinner time? Let's get to the rest. The atmosphere was nice, I was expecting more diner style, but it was cozier. Prices are fair. They offer 1/2 sandwiches and 1/2 salads, which is great if you want a soup and salad combo. I had the Grilled Fruit Salad. Very good. The warm apple in the salad was delicious. For soup, I had the tomato basil. It was just ok. It had a bit of an off flavor, not for me. I wouldn't have it again. In the future, if I go back, I'll call ahead and make sure they have soups. read more

This location is still really good and consistent with their service and quality. They had changed a few items (from Corporate) such as the bread and type of lettuce used in the tomato mozzarella salad about a year or so ago, but things seemed to have straightened out now. They still have the majority of items that you have become accustomed to, so I don't mean to scare you off if you are experienced with this chain. When I come here, I usually sit inside, but I would bet three quarters of their business is for take-out. They have a drive-up window, so order ahead and it'll be ready when you arrive. Many people just walk in and place large orders...obviously feeding a family or friends elsewhere. If you choose to hang out, they have on tunes for your listening pleasure, as well as a tv, and it's a nice open yet inviting dining area with lots of natural light. As the name would imply, this is mainly a soup and sandwich/salad type place. They specialize in quite a variety and will let you taste samples, or you can get three soups as a meal. You can also get the half and half of your choice. No matter what you choose, it will definitely fill you up and you will have had a fresh wholesome meal. read more

Ladles - Half pimento cheese and half tomato/mozzarella salad - Soup Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

You can't go wrong with a good lunch at Ladle's. I stopped in here with six other co-workers today, and that would usually be enough to freak out most employees, but they did a great job. We also made it easy by paying for it all on one ticket, as opposed to seven. Today I ordered the Dagwood sandwich. I can't remember all that was on it, but it was awesome. I'd order it again. Came with chips and a drink. Thank you! I can't wait to come back. read more

We always like the soup here...but the older lady is as mean as a snake. Just get in line, know what you want, don't waste time, pay quickly and shut up. It's a comical experience. 1 star if you like good service but a solid 3 for the food. read more

Great soup selections and super nice people. I would say the lobster bisque is possibly the best I've had.

Great find...we had the game and cheese and tomato basil soup...very tasty!!!! will definitely visit again! read more

Ladles - Hot Ham & Cheese and Tomato Bisque! - Soup Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

I had a delicious dinner from Ladles tonight! Ladles grilled cheese and Greek lemon soup. Both were out of this world good. The employees were very friendly and welcoming. My only complaint with Ladles is that the rolls just don't taste very good. (Not that I needed one with my grilled cheese:)) I would love to see them upgrade the rolls! Otherwise, the place is great! read more

Ladles of James Island is conveniently located off Folly Road in the same shopping plaza as Kickin' Chicken. While the parking lot is small and can get rather crowded this Ladles store has a drive-thru to avoid having to worry about a parking spot; just pull through, grab a bowl, and go. Staff at this Ladles is pretty nice; some a little young and inexperienced at customer service. But overall everyone here is nice. They keep the restaurant clean and the food fresh and hot. This store carries all the soups and sandwiches as the other stores. One of the local favorites is the she crab soup, but I'm not much a fan of it. I really like the loaded baked potato soup topped with all the fixings such as cheese, bacon, and chives. read more

Ladles has quickly become one of my favorite places to grab a quick, delicious lunch. They have a variety of soups to choose from and a great lunch deal- a grilled cheese, 8oz. soup, and a drink fro $6.95! *They even offer frozen quarts from time to time. On this visit I ordered the grilled cheese and opted for a larger, 16 oz. soup. The grilled cheese is good ol' American cheese melted between two perfectly buttered pieces of thick white bread. It is melty, buttery, and perfect for soup dipping! For the soup, I picked the Greek Lemon Chicken- it is my absolute favorite! It is a chicken broth based soup with small pearls of pasta, fresh green onion, shredded chicken, and feta chunks. To add to all of that- there is a lemon-y goodness of the broth that sounds odd but is simply refreshing! This soup saved my day when I was sick last. My boyfriend was feeling more adventurous than I was that day and ordered the Insanity Burger. This sandwich includes 2 hamburger patties (with cheese in between), sandwiched between 2 grilled cheese sandwiches. Insanity! Please see my picture to see the size of this monster. My boyfriend said the cheeseburger itself was one of the best he's had on James Island. The patties had that grilled on a flat top, good grease taste. Come hungry if you want to try this one! read more

See all

Let me just start by saying... I love Ladles and it really is delicious. However, after my experience today I'm not sure that I'll be back to this location. The older lady working was extremely rude for no reason. For example, she got obviously angry at ME for there being a line behind me even though I was waiting for my food like she told me to. I don't know it was just strange honestly. read more

Best soups and sandwiches!! Atmosphere is comforting and staff are hospitable Salads are unique and delicious!! read more

Big fan of the convenient soup concept.. because honestly, soups don't get the love they deserve. Super creative little spot with soup choices you've probably never even heard of. Even with a plethora of choices though, I'd probably choose the chicken noodle every time. Great all around!! read more

I'm giving this place 2 stars because I do like their food, however the older lady that works there is extremely rude. It looks like every bad review on here is because of this lady...but she obviously still works here. Maybe she's family and they don't want to fire her? I don't know but she's making their business lose a lot of customers. We will definitely not return after the way she spoke to us. Possible solution to owner: put her on the grill and don't allow her to talk to customers if you don't want to fire her, but you'll continue to keep receiving bad reviews if you don't do something. read more

Not a local.... So we went searching for a club sandwich and ended up here. I got those meal deal with soup a grilled cheese and drink. My husband got that club and a bag of chips. Food was GREAT!!! I sucked down my soup while dipping my sandwich in it. Only issue I had was the sweet tea, not the best out there... But we even took a menu back to our hotel room and expect to come back A+ they has paper straws read more

Ladles - Club sandwich - Soup Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

See all

$5 frozen soup quarts daily. Great deal and of course, Ladles soups are delish. Interested in trying their sandwiches. Menu looks promising. read more

When one needs warm soup and doesn't want to cook this is the place to go. Whether I was sick or healthy these soops brought joy to my belly and my soul. read more

I also experienced an older woman with a scowl like another review mentioned. I waited for an extremely long time without being greeted. All I received was annoyed looks from the woman who huffed and puffed every time a new customer came in. I've never seen staff move so slow. I walked out after 20 minutes not being greeted or acknowledged. Unreal. There were maybe 8 customers total. Please retire or if you need the job act like it. read more

i cannot begin to fathom how disgusted i am with the poor customer service i received today. I don't understand how people could be so UGLY, how hard is it to just be pleasant. & what hurts the most is i watched there interactions with other customers & it was nothing like the way i was treated. I could understand not having a good day, we are human it happens but what makes you treat someone else less of the next person. It wasn't as if my order was complicated, all i got was ham & cheese! Ohh & let me not forget to add i payed for extra ham, didn't get that & specifically asked for my sandwich to be lightly toasted & that was ignored. I can't believe this ! read more

I love ladles and I have been eating here for years. I went away to college and every time I come home to Charleston, Ladles on JI is on my list of restaurants I must eat at. Their Greek Lemon Chicken soup is to die for. The reason I rate Ladles a 3 star is because of the service. There is one younger girl who works in there who remembers my order every time, even to not add the scallions on my soup! She is amazing. But, there is another older woman who is just rotten. She scowls at me every time I ask for no scallions on my soup and basically throws the food at us when bringing it to our table. Her customer service is absolutely awful and I hate going to Ladles when she is working. I love Ladles and it will continue to be my favorite spot on James Island, but I just want people to be aware of this one employee. read more

I noticed they don't wear gloves. The rolls are not wrapped and they are put on top of the soup containers and unsealed utensils. The older lady at the counter had an annoying cough and she never covered her mouth. She opened up my bag that contained the rolls and coughed over it. That was a wrap for me. Don't think I will eat there again. read more

5 stars if you're looking for a quick, delish bite. We had excellent service (and treats for our dog!). Great selection of small eats. I noticed a drive through option! We sat outside in the shade. Easy parking in that shopping area. It hit the spot! read more

Helpful friendly staff is happy to give you free samples! . I know it sounds Seinfeldish: a soup shop, but don't be fooled. This place has great hearty soups and sandwiches that are fresh and delicious. read more

Ladles - Half and half X2 - Soup Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

We came to Ladles during a bad storm. We were excited that there was a drive through before we waited 25+ minutes with no movement. We decided to go in. They were out of the turkey chili :(. As we waited on our to go order we watched the cook touch the cash register, his face, his phone, and then wipe his hands on his shirt, and then our food without washing his hands. The person waiting in the drive through came in to check on her order when the cashier proceeded to drop her sandwich on the floor and then add it to the bag. At that point we canceled our order and won't be back :( read more

The Ladles in James Island is a great place to get some tasty soup and sandwiches when you are in a rush. They have a drive through that helps too. Their chicken noodle soups has healing powers than I can attest to first hand. Their staff is cool and makes sure that you get everything that you need and are on your way with the right order and some good food. read more

See all

The food and concept is great but everytime it is incredibly slow. A grilled cheese should not take 25 minutes to make but it seems to here. I love all the soup options! All the food is good and i want this to be a good option for lunch but it is so slow. If they could make this a 10-15 min stop I would come more often. Everyone is always friendly, I just cant spend my entire break waiting on a sandwich. read more

Ladles - Soup Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

See all

A terrific lunch spot I highly recommend. The menu is filled with delicious soups, salads and sandwiches. The chicken salad is delicious. Not too much mayo, and thankfully,not much salt. The flavor of the sandwich speaks for itself. The lemon chicken soup is as good as the world renown lemon chicken soups I've tasted in Manhattan. The pear walnut salad is tasty, and not too heavy on the blue cheese, nor skimpy on the pears. Lately, my new fave sandwich is the Turkey Rueben, a toasted mouth-watering delight. read more

Tried calling during business hours to place an order and there was no answer and no voicemail. Tried to place an order online and their page linked to GrubHub and said that they are not currently taking orders. read more

The food is always really good but the lady at this location is so rude I never want to come back. She seems to be a very miserable person and her customer service shows it. They should really consider getting a new face in there that's not so rude... read more

Cashier lady was very unfriendly. Rolled her eyes when I asked if I could have no tomato on my sandwich, then made a snarky comment about why you would order a sandwich with no tomato. Maybe because I have an allergy? read more

Ladles is a local chain and our go-to place for a chilly day soup fix. There's a rotating menu of daily soup and sandwich specials with a long list of ever-present favorites as well. My recommendation is the Greek Lemon Chicken! I've also enjoyed the Turkey Chili, Chicken Noodle, and Cream of Broccoli. They do some really nice sandwiches that go well with the soups too, my personal favorite being the Turkey Bacon Griller. I haven't tried the salads but, you know, the place is called "Ladles," not "Salad Forks" or something so soup is their forte. They look pretty good from what I've seen. The James Island location has a drive-thru as well for convenient call-in/take-out pickup! read more

I love Ladles!! For many years, I was addicted to their Buffalo Chicken soup. Hot, spicy, creamy... oh golly. Then, I found their Greek Lemon chicken... sigh. Nirvana in a soup! Everything they make at Ladles is fresh, the sandwiches are amazing, soups out of this world. read more

Big fan of Ladles - Great sandwiches, soups, and salads. Also great service and overall pleasant experience. It's quickly becoming my favorite takeout option during this pandemic. The only thing I wish they would change is their containers. I ordered lunch for two today, and it arrived in 3 one-time-use plastic clamshell containers. Switching to paper or biodegradeable containers is a small change that can have a huge impact on the environment. Especially during this time, when people then ever are ordering takeout. The type of takeout packaging that a restaurant uses is becoming a larger issue for many as we learn more about the severity of our climate change crisis. It will start to affect my decisions on who to order from. I'm hoping Ladles changes their packaging soon, so that their sustainability practices are as good as their food! read more