I grew up in Charleston SC, lived almost 20 yrs in Kansas City and recently moved from Austin TX, which means my BBQ knowledge is fairly extensive. I inevitably get the question "who has the best BBQ?" to which my response is always any state can have great or poor BBQ these days. That leads me to writing a review of Melvin's BBQ in Mount Pleasant. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Located in a fairly easy location to access in Mt Pleasant but depending on the time of day traffic can be horrible, Melvin's has an extremely modest exterior.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I'll admin I never went inside, but through the drive-thru. The service was fast and the people were nice. I'll start off with the sides. First up, I've been craving REAL onion rings for some time. I've had it with the prefrozen, fast food garbage and wanted the real deal. Melvin's rings are a step above but I admit, they had way too much breading to onion ratio. A lot of mustard Q sauce made me forget that indiscretion. Another item I've been craving for years is hash. Well again I believe it was an average effort. I didn't detect much meat, rather a lot more filler veggies than an assortment of meats. This affects the flavor as texture tricks the mind; an example is spaghetti & macaroni noodles, same ingredients but hits the mouth different. Back to the point, the hash left me craving - hash. That said the rice was really good and if the meat volume was increased this would have been a "winner winner hash dinner." I got the spare ribs and it was above average as I was expecting less resistance when biting down and pulling away. The smoke was on point but if I'm splitting hairs could have used a wee bit more, but I'm being overly lustful. Part of my disappointment is I literally just had BBQ twice in Texas within the last two months and the ribs; spare and babyback. Sorry, Texas rules in BBQ, in this case technique as SC is the Pig Capital. As for the pulled pork sandwich - pure bliss. The pork was moist and flavorful while having the perfect amount of meat piled high on a soft bun. That and I love the Golden BBQ sauce. This sandwich is worth its weight in gold! In summary, I went to another Melvins growing up. Once a month my dad and I would stop in and get a BBQ sandwich and onion rings on the way to the lake. These memories have stuck with me and while the onion rings are a tad off, the sandwich is exactly what I remember which brought a smile to my face. I have a feeling my nitpicking might have caught them on an off day so I'll be hitting the restaurant again. The sandwich and sauce is good enough for the sins of the masses! read more

Was in town for work and exhausted. Ordered delivery and loved it. Fried okra was the star - tons of it and really perfectly breaded and fried. Enjoyed the bbq sauce too (tho spicy was way too spicy for me). Cole slaw was traditional and perfect. Mac and cheese on point. Brisket sandwich came with a ton of brisket. The brisket wasn't the best I've had but it worked. read more

Melvin's BBQ - Mount Pleasant - Barbeque Near Me - Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

The food and service is always good but on last take out piece of Styrofoam in the hash and a bone in the BBQ sandwich.

10/10 - we are down for a MUSC appointment and came up on Melvin's. As someone who has very high standards this surpasses the test! Food was delicious. The staff were so welcoming and helpful. Drive thru was packed and so was the inside. If you haven't already give them a try!! read more

Melvin's BBQ - Mount Pleasant - 2 Meat Plate 1/2 Rack Rib Plate - Barbeque Near Me - Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

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Over the years, I have tried several BBQ joints in the Charleston area and still have many more to try. The other ones I have tried such as Lewis and Swig and Swine have a new comrade that belongs in the leg-end-ary tier. I knew I was going with pulled pork and I would have went with the 2 meat if I hadn't had a reception to attend later in the afternoon. Ooooo....gosh that pulled pork was so tender and looks like it had a tinge of mustard to it. I have eaten a lot of BBQ and that pulled pork would be somewhere at the top! Being in South Carolina meant I had to have hash and slaw. The hash was close to a fine BBQ stew and I couldn't get enough of it. The slaw was the way I liked...diced, sweet, and fine! I had to order potato salad as an extra since that is usually my favorite side at BBQ joints. The potato salad was made with red potatoes and very creamy. I love the sauce bar and wish more BBQ joints would have one. Here is a rundown of them: Gold Sauce - tangy mustard base Spicy Gold - spicy Gold sauce Gold Special - tastes like Honey is mixed in for a Honey Mustard taste Southern Red - mild tomato base Sweet Red - sweet tomato base possibly with molasses There is an Alabama (Roll Tide) White Sauce but on this day, they were out. Sweet tea was refreshingly sweet! Melvin's was leg-end-ary all right and I would rank it as my best BBQ meal of the year in 2025. read more

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Stopped here for lunch for the first time with a large group after hearing great things about it. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Even with our big party, we had no trouble getting seated - the restaurant is spacious, clean, and even has a side area for private dining.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I ordered the patty melt with potato salad. The burger was fantastic, loaded with caramelized onions and mustard, and the potato salad was solid - though after tasting my girlfriend's mac n cheese, I definitely had some envy. My girlfriend, who's eaten here many times, went with her usual: a half rack of ribs with mac n cheese and fries. She loves these ribs. Any time we're not here, she's talking about them (and craving that golden BBQ sauce). Pro tip: don't skip the mac - it's unbelievably good. We also shared some onion rings, which were huge, lightly battered, and perfectly crispy. The golden BBQ sauce is a tangy vinegar-based sauce that's perfect for drenching your BBQ. The Alabama white sauce was another hit, great for dipping fries and onion rings. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They have a self-serve sauce bar that was clean and well stocked, so you can help yourself.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] All in all, this will absolutely be a guaranteed stop any time we're in town. read more

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I am a typical tourist who has never been to SC before. I asked a few locals when I was getting my hair done where I should have BBQ and this is where they steered me. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The vibe is very casual, order at a counter.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]They had a big lunch rush when I was there![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Every single thing I ate was amazing. I had the brisket meat plate that came with 2 sides. I have Mac and Cheese and Sweet Potato Soufflé. No regrets on my choices, everything was amazing. The portion was huge, I ate it for 2 meals. They also don't sauce anything so I got to sample like 3 of their million sauces, which I thought gave me the best experience. I loved all of them, my by favorite was the white, Alabama Sauce. They sell sauces by the bottle so I am trying to have my friend mail me one of them! If I wasn't flying home, I would have purchased it! read more

We love Melvin's and always try to stop when in the area. We ordered take out last night. It was delicious and well prepared. The meats are not dry like some places. They gave us plenty of sauces. More food than we could eat at once. Staff at Melvin's is always friendly and courteous. We will definitely be back! read more

My family and I went to Melvin's BBQ for dinner and we thoroughly enjoyed our meal. I had their chopped brisket with toast, okra, onions, and hushpuppies. It was mouth-watering delicious! I love their mustard based BBQ sauces! Coming here is always a treat and the staff provided excellent customer service! read more

Melvin's BBQ - Mount Pleasant - BBQ Brisket dinner - Barbeque Near Me - Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Food was good, had great collard greens, not a fan of the way they cook their BBQ, but the sauce was delicious! Had really great service. Cashier and server were very nice, will go again! read more

This was my last stop on our adventures in Charleston. I could not say no to having barbecue because all we ate during our trip with southern food which I didn't mind at all. Now, my stomach on the other hand, maybe couldn't handle it, by my mouth loved all of the flavors. We were staying at the sleep Inn in Mount Pleasant and we really wanted some barbecue so this was the closest location, it had some great reviews. The minute we drove into the parking lot we noticed that they had a barbecue pit and when you see that you know the barbecue is going to be delicious. This is not your normal sitdown restaurant with a server you go ahead and order your food at the counter. By the way they also have a drive-through which is extremely smart and if you live there go through the drive-through and eat at home; if not eat at the restaurant because either way it's going to be delicious Each day they have a different happy hour or special and we went on Tuesday, which the specials were 50% off of the hamburgers and during lunchtime, they had a special which was the pork pan with one side. As we all know, barbecue can be really expensive, so definitely look out for these great deals. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The minute you walk into the restaurant you were overwhelmed by the smells of the different meats and the barbecue sauces all around you.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] You're welcomed to the counter and there is a list of different types of dishes you can order from. We ordered the brisket hamburger chopped instead of sliced, and we ordered the pork slider, which were both delicious. Now when they ask you what side you want there's like 15 different choices so be prepared to know what you want. As someone from California our side usually include potato potato potato potato, so at this point, I wanted to have their collard greens. The collard greens were delicious. They had the right texture. They were the perfect saltines to it, and the tidbits of meat were great. The other side that we got with our main dish was the fried okra and oh my God is all I have to say. Get ready to have some really delicious food because in the middle of the restaurant you get all these different sides like pickled onion pickled tomato pickled peppers all that make the flavors of the barbecue really come out. I have never had Southern sweet tea before and oh wow was that a lot of flavor! My partner who is from the south said makes half-and-half go with the unsweetened and put some sweetened tea in it and that was a perfect combination. When I come back to Charleston and if I do, I'll definitely hit this place up because Melville's barbecue is definitely on my list of places to visit! read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Ambiance: 5 nice rustic feel, like a high end barn.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service: minimal service as you order at the window and they bring you the food. Self service drinks, utensils, clearing table. The ordering process was fine though. Food: -- the hamburger was above average but nothing wow. 3.5. -- the pulled pork plate was really good. You can only get it covered in the mustard sauce though. Beware if you don't like that sauce, you need to order something else. The baked beans were good. The steak fries were great. Overall I'd give it a 3.75 -- there is a buffet of sauces, pickles, and peppers. Very nice. 5.0 read more

Melvin's BBQ - Mount Pleasant - Pulled pork plate with steak fries and bbq baked beans - Barbeque Near Me - Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

No brisket and no meatloaf which was the special. Very disappointed. Got the pulled pork and the chicken which were mediocre at best. Good thing you have sauce. The hash and rice was nasty. The service is nothing but a bunch of confused kids with no direction. Did I mention no brisket. Oh, but here is a free banana pudding. read more

Just posting pics of what we recently enjoyed. The double cheeseburger was mouth-watering delicious, with American cheese, mayo, lettuce, tomato and onion. Little Joe pork also delish with mustard-based sauce. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Cozy dining room with tables also outside on patio.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Order at register, and they bring you your food. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Clean bathrooms.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Melvin's BBQ - Mount Pleasant - Little Joe pork - Barbeque Near Me - Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

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Good barbecue ribs and lots of choose of sauces Needs to serve beer to go with your bar be que read more

I get the 4 sides meal. Mac & cheese, bbq hash, sweet potato soufflé, and fried okra for $13 Awesome food The Mac cheese is the best in town Love their sweet tea too! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Love the wooden benches and paper roll[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Melvin's BBQ - Mount Pleasant - Barbeque Near Me - Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

I've been going here since I was a kid with my family. Best pulled pork sandwiches I've ever had. My family likes the beer battered onion rings as well. I go here every time I'm in town read more

Melvin's was great! They have a large menu with lots of options. My daughter went with the BBQ nachos and loved them. The meat had a nice smoke flavor and the beans & greens were both perfectly cooked. We didn't have to wait too long for our meal to be served to us after ordering at the counter. The large picnic style tables in the middle of the dining room make for a friendly atmosphere - we enjoyed chatting with the folks who sat at the table near us. We're glad we stopped in while visiting the area. read more

Melvin's BBQ - Mount Pleasant - Barbeque Near Me - Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

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Really really good S Carolina BBQ. Mustard based but not too mustardy. Perfect balance of sweet and mustard. The pork is delicious and their side are fantastic. I love their collard greens and Mac n cheese. The fried okra is good too. The service is friendly and quick. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Nice place to eat and get out if the heat.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Order at the counter and they'll bring it to you. read more

We heard about this place, and people raved. Barbecue to me sometimes can be just barbecue. This barbecue definitely stands out the portions are huge. I had the ribs, they were not only fall off the bone delicious but the half slab was seven bones and they were full of meat. You order at the counter and they call your name out and bring it to your seat. They have lots of selections of Carolina barbecue sauce, and I would safely say that the meat is so tasty that it really doesn't need sauce, but who can resist. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The dining room was clean and well kept, it always seemed like they had a staff member out cleaning up and freshening the condiment table.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Food was delicious, staff was friendly, food was served fast, and [[HIGHLIGHT]]the restaurant atmosphere was nice.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

I wasn't too hungry, so I shared a meal with my husband. We ordered for pick-up via online through their website for a pickup ASAP. It was ready when we got there (about 20ish minutes later). We did the two meat plate (pulled pork and 1 smoked jalapeño sausage link). It came with two sides and cornbread. We chose fries (not pictured) and mac & cheese for the sides. Honestly, the fries were probably the best part. Whatever seasoning they put on it was so good, so I definitely recommend choosing that as a side. Everything else was decent. The meat definitely needed BBQ sauce (which they provide on the side). read more

Melvin's BBQ - Mount Pleasant - 2 meat plate (pulled pork and smoked jalapeño cheddar sausage link) with 2 sides and cornbread - Barbeque Near Me - Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Passing through Mt. Pleasant. My husband and I stopped, not knowing anything about this restaurant. It was a real find. We had the Wednesday special. My chicken, onion rings, greens, and sweet potato souffle were news worthy. My husband had the pork, slaw, baked beans . Marika took our order and was Pleasant and patient as we made our selection. We also enjoyed the lemon cake. Whenever we travel through the Charlston area we will definitely stop at Melvins! read more

My teen and I went to check out what some foodie boards referred to one of the best non smash burgers. Wow, now I understand some laughing emojis on the fb post when someone said melvins. It was not good - very greasy - my son left almost all of it. The fries were steak fries that also were bad. We didn't try the BBQ but big fat no on burgers. The staff was super nice and that place got hopping around 630pm but to each their own. I think the non smash burgers at Edmunds oast, Coleman public house, poes are the best we've had so far. Little jack was good but not $$$ for a mini burger good to go back. So for now we're sticking to the ones we like so far or making our own with the mix at ny butcher shop. read more

Melvin's BBQ - Mount Pleasant - Inaide - Barbeque Near Me - Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

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Great Carolina style BBQ! Very convenient drive thru, although it can be a bit slow. They have some nice deals on different days so you don't break the bank. Food was very tasty, especially the barbecue sauce. The macaroni and cheese was a bit bland but still good. I wish there were more hushpuppies but one can dream. Will likely be back here! read more

Melvin's BBQ - Mount Pleasant - Pulled Pork plate with Mac & Cheese and Hushpuppies - Barbeque Near Me - Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

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It was so good we went back a second time and brought five friends with us. I highly recommend the sliced brisket and the fried okra! Yum, yum!!! read more

I've been coming to Melvin's regularly for the past two years, and recently was incredibly disappointing. At the checkout window, I was bluntly told that the owner is raising prices and that there's nothing customers can do about it. The attitude was dismissive and came across as complete indifference toward loyal patrons. Prices were raised across the board by about $.50 - 1.50 per item, which is excessive and feels like outright price gouging--especially with no improvement in service or quality to justify it. Being told "too bad" as a response to legitimate customer concern is unacceptable. I left feeling disrespected and frankly disgusted by the way this was handled. Loyal customers should not be treated this way. I would strongly advise people in Charleston and Mount Pleasant to think twice about supporting businesses that raise prices without transparency and show no respect for the customers who've kept them in business. read more

Melvin's is so good. The pulled pork platter with collard greens and beans is my favorite. Service is always pleasant when going through the drive thru, never sat inside. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Neat little place in Mount Pleasant with the food being cooked outside and fresh.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

We were looking for a good carry out close to the Inn at I'on. Melvin's said no pickup orders or doordash after 8:30 so I thought I would just go to the restaurant and place a togo order. They were very pleasant and accommodating. The food was outstanding. The pulled pork and brisket were tasty and plentiful. We had sides of fries and onion rings. Service was fast. and the pick- up was easy. Good bbq. Pulled pork, onion rings, carry out service was fast and better than doordash. Next time we are in Charleston we are going back for restaurant service. read more

I'm going to start off by saying that I rate bbq really hard. I've had amazing BBQ all over the country. I came to Melvin's BBQ as it was near my hotel and after flying across the country, I was too tired to go far for food. However, I saw several reviews for Melvin's and they all seemed good. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Walking in, I couldn't help but notice the nice rustic feel.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]There was a fairly big line, which is always a good sign.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The service at the counter was friendly. Note: If you sit down at a BBQ place and order BBQ, you're at the wrong place. I went with the two meat plate with a 1/2 rack of the spare ribs and the pulled pork. I almost did the brisket, but BBQ isn't cheap. Unfortunately they were out of wings. Ohh well! I was pleasantly surprised by the number of sides they had. I went with the country BBQ hash with rice and the hush puppies. Overall the ribs were smoked really well. They weren't over cooked, but still easy enough to get the meat off the bone. They were a little fatty, but that can happen with spare ribs. They were tasty ribs. They had a nice rub and a nice smoke. I really enjoyed the pulled pork. It tasted like the South Carolina Vinegar Sauce was mixed in with it. That really made it taste great. The surprise was the BBQ hash. It really had a great flavor and nice chunks of meat. I could eat this every day. The hush puppies were a little overdone, but still tasted great. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Overall, I liked the ambiance.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The service was basic, but everyone was friendly. The two meats I ordered, I would have them again. I would like to try the brisket and wings. Like I said earlier the hash was amazing. I would just try a different side. If you're looking for some decent BBQ, I don't think you'll be disappointed with Melvin's. read more

Melvin's BBQ - Mount Pleasant - Spare Ribs, Pulled Pork, Country BBQ Hash w/ Rice, and Hush Puppies. - Barbeque Near Me - Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

The overall experience was nothing short of awful. I ordered on line for pickup. The food was already cold at pick up. The fries, hush puppies, and food tasted burnt and lacked any flavor. The staff didn't offer any condiments. I won't return and will share this with my friends read more

Was really delicious and enjoyed all of the food! Ribs were amazing and [[HIGHLIGHT]]the atmosphere was very cute[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]].

Excellent BBQ The wife & I split a 3 Meat Plate combo. We ordered 2 briskets & one ribs, which caused the cashier some consternation as she seemed new and didn't know how to input that order. Also got the Donut Onion Rings and Carolina BBQ Hash. Here's how I'd rate everything on a scale of 1 - 10 (10 being best): Brisket (9): Almost as good as Central Texas brisket. Tender, moist, and flavorful. Wife & I both loved it. Ribs (9): Great smoke flavor. Donut Onion Ring (10): Wow! How have I gone this long in life without experiencing donut onion rings. Fantastic! Definitely the best onion rings I've ever had. Carolina BBQ Hash (5): Looks like baby vomit, and had a bit of a baby food texture to it that was unappealing. Would not order again. We've also eaten at Peninsula Grill, 82 Queen, and Rodney Scott's Whole Hog BBQ on this trip to Charleston, but Melvin's was the best meal we had. read more

Melvin's BBQ - Mount Pleasant - 3 Meat Plate combo with 2 portions of brisket & one portion of ribs, donut onion rings, & carolina BBQ hash. - Barbeque Near Me - Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

I ordered a single order of rib and a few sides. Thought I was getting one rib but the blessed me with two smoky and tender pieces. I was able to eat lunch and save the other for later. My sides were Lima beans and rice. This dish was okay. Honestly...o.k. It needed seasoning or something. The rating is really for the ribs. Good job. read more

We went for my brothers birthday as it is his favorite restaurant for BBQ. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It was great! A Monday night so the restaurant was super chill and the staff were extremely helpful.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] For food I got chicken fingers, and onion rings. The onion rings were amazing, the best I've had in a while. I also tried the Mac and cheese and loved it. Extra points for the sauce and pickle bar! Loved this place and will surely be going back. read more

Ordered BBQ and a side salad to go this evening. Disappointed when I got back home to eat and the salad and all the toppings were all frozen. I imagine these must have been premade and no one checked before bagging it to go. The BBQ was delicious! read more

Had the brisket, onion rings (so thick I thought they were donuts) and Mac and cheese. The brisket was delicious, Mac and cheese was solid, and the onion rings while not very crispy, were very good. They have complimentary jalapeño and other peppers which were a nice addition to include a with my Mac and cheese. I'll be back to try the pulled pork and other bbq offerings. read more

Melvin's BBQ - Mount Pleasant - Brisket, Mac and cheese and onion rings - Barbeque Near Me - Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Excellent food especially the pulled pork sandwich. Their steak fries are cooked to perfection. The onion ring is excellent. Service is good with orders filled correctly. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Inside eating is dinning in a clean well organized dinning room.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Covid/Inflation suck! This is close to a 2 star review but I think there is potential here. After a long day at the beach, we thought oh perfect a bbq drive thru!!! Unfortunately we had looked at a menu just two years old online, and saw some great value we thought, so we ordered at the window without thinking twice. Sticker shock! Everything was $5-$10 more. Not blaming the business at all, but let's make sure we make that increase worthwhile. Brisket plate $28- definitely not worth it to me. Flavour and smoke was really, REALLY good actually, however quite dry. Looking back after, I see you can choose fatty/lean. (Point/Flat of a brisket). Was never offered a choice, which again goes down to that extra level of customer service which was just not there. My little one loved the fries and Jr Joe sandwich (pulled pork), wife enjoyed the brisket sandwich (no sauce), and giant onion rings. It was cool to see butter beans (Lima beans) on a menu! I usually get made fun of for eating these, I love them! Slaw was tasty, more of a vinegar than creamy but great flavour too. Lastly- no sauces to be seen or offered at drive thru. "Good brisket doesn't need a sauce" I kept telling myself. Wife agreed it would have been nice to have just something extra on her sandwich to perk it up. Show some care in customer service, and potentially improving both locals and tourists' experience and the star ratings improve from me. read more

Melvin's BBQ - Mount Pleasant - The smoke shack - Barbeque Near Me - Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

ITS FIREEEEE. I am a new major fan. Unlimited sauces. Juicy chicken. GAS fries. Must try. Bad rep for what???? Will DEF be coming back. Love love love read more