Wow wow. Such a hidden gem on the island. When the reviews say a one woman show, that's what you see it's amazing! The food was absolutely delicious, I will definitely be back. I got the pork chop, mac and cheese, and Lima beans. Everything was spectacular, and seasoned VERY well. She knows what she's doing! Such a sweet woman, wishing her the best and will be back soon to try the other things on the menu!! read more

Workmen's Cafe - Lima Beans - Soul Food Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Visiting from CA. Based on the reviews my girlfriends and I decided to try this place. It did not disappoint! Angie is hardworking and an incredible cook!!! I was hoping for food just like my mom's southern cooking. That's exactly what I received. Brought back fond memories of my mom's home cooked meals. I'm grateful for the opportunity to meet Angie and her service. The ambiance is quaint and simple allowing us to feel right at home. If I make my way back someday I'll be sure to visit again. May God bless you Angie as you continue to receive new customers and make new friends. read more

We couldn't wait to try Workmen's, but we wondered: why. was it called that? Why were the hours so short? We found the answers, and more today!! Workmen's is the quintessential diner: the changing daily menu is clearly printed behind the short, but well-organized steam table. We joined a small group of regulars who were waiting for the opening and the owner, Ms. Angie Bellinger, opened a few minutes after 11;30, and we let them get in line first, so we could figure out the what to order! She was so apologetic for being a few minutes late, so it was clear that she had to do everything from prepping, cooking, getting everything ready, serving, answering questions, and cashiering! But she did it all! Ms. Bellinger is so generous with portion options, that it was hard to decide whether to get the "large," the :"small," or the snack size. But never mind, I got the large lima beans with a pile of smoked neckbones and pig tails, a first for me, served over rice. I could tell the stock for the meats was going to be great, so I asked her for a small cup of it, and was it tasty! Everything was perfect, the tails had the succulence of oxtail (of course they were smaller and longer!). I hated lima beans as a kid, but cooked so lovingly, I could eat them every week. The biscuit was heavenly too. My traveling partner had the meatloaf, a football sized portion, with rich gravy, over creamy whipped potatoes; both reminded me of my mom's cooking, when I was a kid. She had a cornbread, also fluffy and delicious. Tea was complimentary! We split a bowl of berry cobbler which was warm and fruity and a perfect ending. You could see that there were first timers like us, who had to ask all the questions. And there were regular workers, who knew just what they wanted; Ms. Bellinger greeted them like a loving auntie, checking in on what they've been up to. The place was clean and tidy, and a model for any lunch service. that seeks to serve the community of workers! When we left, we saw a small monument down the street, Grimball St, where Workmen's is located. It identified Grimball, as "settled by freedmen during Reconstruction." That led me to search for more of the Sea Islands' history, especially regarding the freedmen. Thanks to a thesis written by A.E. Bethlenfalvy ("Our Brother's Keepers"), I learned that in fact, in November 1861, federal troops seized the Sea Islands from the Confederacy and freed the enslaved, who were considered "property," under the Confiscation Act of 1861! As out of towners, we knew so little about the historical context of a place we were visiting for the first time. For those visiting Workmen's, I encourage you to learn more about the unique setting, the Sea Islands, where the diner serves the community!!! It's an amazing piece of American history! It just goes to show you, finding a new restaurant, and learning about the context,can be two sides of any exciting food adventure!!! read more

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Great homestyle food prepared in the Southern tradition with unassuming ambience and friendly staff. The menu depends upon the day of the week and your choices are only limited by your arrival time. Best get there early, because when it's gone - it's HONE read more

Workmen's Cafe - Heaven on a plate? Perhaps so... - Soul Food Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Off the beaten path, local as local you can get, good honest well prepared food served by the chef Miss Angie herself. We had Whiting fish/shrimp fried, meatloaf, fried chicken and pork chops. Bunch of sides, collard greens, lima beans, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, broc with cheese casessol and that lovely corn bread. All were very good. When I travel, I search for authentic places like this. The whole table were happy with the food. read more

My favorite lunch in Charleston, hands down. This is my favorite type of food, served hot and ready to go. Miss Angie runs the whole place herself, and does an amazing job. Oxtails, mashed potatoes, red rice, cornbread, lima beans, and sweet tea is the stuff I dream about. Try to arrive early so that your favorite dishes don't sell out! Plenty of places to sit, and doesn't take long at all to get your food. 1000x better than Hannibals Kitchen or other soul food joints. Can't wait for my next chance to go! read more

This tiny little place is a hidden gem! Initially I was not impressed at the set-up and the place was empty. I asked to taste the gumbo and once it hit my lips I couldn't focus on anything else. IT WAS DELICIOUS! I've had gumbo in multiple famous restaurants in New Orleans and nothing compares to the Workmen's Cafe gumbo. At that moment I knew I was in for a special treat. I ordered an entire plate of ribs, baked chicken and collard greens in the attempt to satisfy my hungry soul. I SMASHED THAT ENTIRE PLATE AND ORDERED AN ENTIRE SECOND PLATE IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS. Every bit of meat fell Off of the bone. The greens were cooked to Perfection. I am absolutely satisfied. If you want the real deal when it comes to soul food come down here and bring your friends. The sweet tea is fresh, the price is reasonable and the food is... OUT OF BOUNDS! read more

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Unfortunately we really wanted to try this place. We read all about it and watched old YouTube videos about the owner and her restaurant. We arrived before the establishment opened as another gentleman. Even after the restaurant hours were past opening time, the Dir remained locked and no one opened it. There were two vehicles parked in the rear so we assumed the chef and her assistant were inside. After roughly an hour and several customers coming and going we left and ended up eating at the Publix food bar, which is located in the plaza directly behind Workmen's Cafe. To say this was a disappointment works be an under statement as we intentionally came to James island out of the way to try this spot, wasted time and never got to. They were closed the next day, so we never had the opportunity to try them out. I just hope she was okay in there and wish she has success with her business in the future. read more

I love this place and hate that I haven't been more often over the years. The owner is super sweet and loves her patrons. I always feel at home when I visit. Can't wait to go again soon! Broccoli casserole is on point! read more

Best meal we've had in Charleston, and we haven't had a bad meal. Fried chicken is perfect. They had braised ox tail today and it was tender and flavorful. Smoky bacon rice was amazing. The biscuits are out of this world. read more

This was the best place we ate at in Charleston. I will spend future travel savings trying to get back here just for this food. No pictures because we ate it all in our car before we left the parking lot. It was everything I wanted to experience in a southern restaurant: really good soul food and genuine southern kindness. What we got for $11 fed 3 of us sufficiently. The Mac and cheese was the best I ever had. The chicken fell off the bone. The cornbread was perfect. I wish I could have eaten there every day. This restaurant will be what I miss most when I return to the north. read more

We love Workman's and we love Angie. She is a one woman show, cooking, serving, and ringing the register in this "home cooking" lovers dream. On our most recent visit, my husband had bbq ribs, Lima beans and Mac n cheese, while had the "veggie" plate of red rice, collards, fried okra and Mac n cheese. So good!! And the corn bread?!? Save it for desert, it's so sweet and yummy!! read more

Workmen's Cafe - Red rice, Mac n cheese, fried okra and corn bread - Soul Food Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Hands down the best fried chicken I've ever tasted in my life (and I'm born and raised in Charleston). If you haven't tried it, you're missing out. Do it. It's phenominal. read more

BEST FRIED PORK CHOP IN THE WORLD!!! I got the fried pork chop. It is by far the best pork chop I've had....EVER!!!! The sides were good. Broccoli casserole was excellent. Lima beans needed salt, but were tasty nonetheless. The biscuit was delicious. read more

Great tasting soul food. Appearance wise this place is a dive, but the food is outstanding. Saw some reviews showing excellent looking fried shrimp and crab cakes so came here during lunch. Unfortunately, "Fish" day is only on Friday's. Served cafeteria style, you select your items and are charged per item. That day, for meats, there were fried chicken, fried pork chops and Country Fried steak. I asked the owner/chef if she preferred the chops or the steak and she said she doesn't eat either and country fried steak only ruins a good steak. She also said her pork chops were her number one selling meat, but she had just put the steak on the menu. I went with the country fried steak (with gravy) and OMG. Crispy, tender and well flavored. I also really loved the lima beans with ham hocks. I will definitely come again, next time on a Friday. read more

Workmen's Cafe - Country Fried steak, greens, Lima beans, corn bread - Soul Food Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Another great soul food find in the outskirts of Charleston on the way to Folly Beach. This is real locals food, which is lima beans with ham hocks, fried chicken, fried pork chops etc. Very inexpensive what you get. Mac and Cheese is out of the world. Green beans weren't as great, but it's a real solid, local place on the way to Folly Beach. read more

Workmen's Cafe - Soul Food Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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If you are looking for a place with good old soul cooking in the vein of Bertha's or Martha Lou's, look no further than Workman's Cafe on James Island. Open Monday through Friday for Lunch only and offering daily specials, this one-woman show makes the kind of stick to the ribs food your Momma always wanted you to eat. Lima beans and green beans cooked with fat and love. Mac and cheese firm and cheesy. Fried Chicken, fish, or meatloaf, cornbread and a drink for a small price. Get there early (11:00 am) before all the good stuff is sold cause when it's gone, it's gone till the next day. Miss Angie has recently added her homemade peach cobbler to the menu. Man-o-man is it good!! Only thing missing is the vanilla ice cream. read more

This place is awesome! Might be easy to miss but you'll be glad you went. Was looking for some Southern food before I left Charleston and ended up here. The two ladies who were working were super sweet. The fried chicken was hot, crispy, and juicy on the inside. The ribs were sweet and fall off the bone tender. The Mac & cheese was great--cheesey and not mushy roux. I loved the Broccoli casserole and the sweet potato biscuit too. Yeah, this place is simple; don't let the looks deceive you. You can't beat the prices either. Check it out!! read more

Workmen's Cafe - Fried chicken plate and ribs plate! - Soul Food Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Delicious food, cooked fresh, large portions, reasonable prices. I went during the shutdown the first time and they struggled to keep up, but kept in until everyone was served. They work hard to bring food that is fresh, well prepared and delicious to the local community at great prices. read more

Heard of this place from the staff at Terrace Oaks Antique Mall. (Another 5 star) The food was absolutely fantastic. I am not given to hyperbole but this place has fried chicken that could bring on world peace. Mashed potatoes, broccoli casserole, cornbread and fresh lemonade were all more than worthy. The young lady who owns the place has a passion for food and family that comes out when you talk to her. Go in when they are slow, she is equally as much of a treasure as the food. Go early, go often, tip heavily. This kind of food and passion needs to survive, to grow and to pass on to another generation. In a word, Perfect. read more

Fantastic soul food. Lima beans, red rice, Mac n cheese, fried fish, shrimp, chicken, and pork chop, bbq tips, okra/veggie gumbo, corn bread, salads and dessert. This is not a buffet but rumors have it a Th night buffet is being planned. Can't wait!! Ms. Angie is one of the friendliest and genuinely nicest people I've met in Charleston. She told me that 'if you don't love it, it won't be good'. Ms. Angie loves her food... no doubt!! read more

Workmen's Cafe is a gem! The food here is flavorful, hearty, and made with care. The owner (who is also the cook!) is very welcoming. We've eaten here twice, and everything we've ordered has been delicious - we particularly enjoyed the meatloaf, the heavenly whipped potatoes and the collard greens. We're thrilled to have discovered this place, and plan to come back often! read more

We are visiting the city and was in the area. Thanks to Yelp app and posted recommendations we stop in for lunch. We had a great lunch. This is home cooking for sure and this little place did not disappoint us. It is well worth the effort and a good price for a very good lunch. read more

Omg! Thank you, thank you, thank you! By far, the BEST food in Charleston. Period, hands down. Food coma experience! Thank you. I wanted to hug her! read more

Workmen's Cafe - Pork chops, Mac n cheese, cabbage and cornbread. - Soul Food Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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This place is absolutely wondrous! We had fried chicken, Mac and cheese, cabbage, and green lima beans. All the food was fresh, well-seasoned, and exactly what Southern Soul Food should be. Miss Angie does a terrific job running this "one woman show," caring for each of her customers like family, while delivering the best and most reasonably priced soul food in Charleston. Her love and attention for her food knows no bounds and it shows in every dish. read more

I'd you're in the area, go here for a true southern meal experience. The food was absolutely delicious and Miss Angie is the nicest person we've met on the trip. The food is served with a meat and 2 sides. I ordered the meatloaf, which was the best meatloaf I have ever had. my friends ordered the fried chicken and fried pork chop, both also very delicious. Worth the stop here. read more

A little relatively unknown soul food restaurant that really hits the comfort food spot! It is ran completely by a super helpful woman, she cooks everything even. Their meat portions are huge and worth every penny! read more

A small one woman show! Only open for lunch Mon-Fri. Cafeteria style with no table service. We grabbed carryout fried chicken dinners. The chicken was gone by the time we got there but she made us a fresh batch since we could wait. Delicious! We got mac n cheese and rice for a side and both were very good. They were out of cornbread so she sent along a dessert for free instead. Peach cobbler was very good. I definitely want to get some cornbread next time! Very reasonably priced with big portions. Check their facebook page for daily menu and hours. As this is a one woman show, there are weeks that they are shut down for vacation so check before you go! read more

Workman's has a slightly different menu on different days, so check. Today, we had the smothered pork chop and the fried fish. I've always like a good smothered pork job and Workman's has a gravy that tastes great. I even finished the gravy by crumbling my corn bread in it. The fish was light and flaky and there was plenty. The highlight was the desserts. A caramel glazed apple dumpling and some of the best banana pudding anywhere. Wow! Workman's hours are posted differently in different places but they are M-Th 11-4, Fri 11-6, closed Sat/Sun. read more

Great hole in the wall meat and two soul food spot. Went for the first time yesterday. I had the fried chicken with Lima brand and collards. He chicken was delicious as good or better than berthas or justines. Lukas and collards both err seasoned perfectly as plenty of flavor. Corn bread was great and sweet tea was perfect. No complaints will definitely be going back and told my friends read more

The food reminded me of what my grandma made when I was a kid. I loved the atmosphere no false pretenses just great food. Highly recommend, don't judge a book by its cover. The food is excellent. read more

Can't go wrong here, good home cooking country style. Plenty to choose from and a most pleasant lady behind it all. The kind of place that defines James Island read more

You will never walk away hungry from this place. Miss Angie cooks her heart out and makes you feel right at home. Don't let the outside scare you away because she will welcome you in like part of the family. This is not low cal food, but it is tasty and plentiful. I never finish it all, but it is comfort food. read more

Just went to worrkmans WOW! Cant say enough good, about it. lima beans awesome, ribs . never have had better, the corn bread, can't get enough. i live 1 mile from there it,s been sitting right under my nose. i will be there a lot . if you don't like the food ,you do not know what good food is. thank you for being there. read more

if you haven't tried this please go check out miss Angie's food. It never fails for fantastic southern comfort food. the menu may change day today but it doesn't matter it's still fantastic. I usually go when I make sure I can have a little nap afterwards. Keep this business alive and go see her for lunch. local supporting locals read more

I love the food here. Amazing chicken, fish, pork and meatloaf. I've never had a bad meal here. The okra stew is phenomenal

best country cooking / soul food on the island, generous portions, low prices, variable menu, and it's a 1 woman show so always consistent great food, catering is also available read more