Nice joint not far off the beaten path and their Address number on the roadside Mailbox on the Curb....of course there's a line, what did you think? Good Meat and Mac n' cheese - Fried Chicken and Baked chicken were excellent, same with the Mac n' cheese. Lima Beans w/chicken were the special last time but I couldn't wait for them as 9 out of 10 were ordering them. Corn and Green beans were you're standard canned variety in the springtime, not sure if they do fresh in the Summer months. I'll be back again the next time I'm down this way.... And for a whole meal price for 2 was $9 !!!!!! read more

Well I have to tell you that I last time I eat at Bertha's was before the virus and there is no doubt in my mind that the fried chicken is the best in the world, plus the sides are authentic to the South. Keep up the good work!!! read more

Well flavored Chicken, Cornbread ,Yams and Super Cheap Prices! This is a true southern kitchen and stays packed! read more

Bertha's Kitchen - Cheap good food! - Southern Near Me - North Charleston, South Carolina

Shocked that people would consider this great southern cooking. This was obviously a hole in the wall type place when arriving to the establishment but that did not deter me because these are the places that usually turn out to be hidden gems but not berthas. The inside seemed dark, gloomy. The dining area reminded me of the 80's cafeteria. The food was not buffet but layed out in a manner that allowed one to view all the options. I was not impressed with the look of the food but because of such high ratings figured I'd focus on the flavor and not presentation. I was unsatisfied with the service immediately due to the cashier having no type of professionalism. She was on a personal call as she took my order. I don't want to pay my own electric bill, nevermind listen to you speak on how you plan to muster up some cash to pay your own. I ordered macaroni and cheese, fried chicken, corn bread, and iced tea. I was so unhappy with the service i went home to eat. My mouth was watering at the thought of eating the great food i read about in the reviews and was heavily disappointed. The macaroni and cheese was really macaroni with a sprinkle of cheese and oil. The fried chicken had no flavor. The corn bread was fine. It almost tasted like cake. Best part of the meal was the ice tea. Great southern cooking?!? I disagree. This was Crap! With a capital C. The people who wrote these reviews either had Bertha herself there cooking or imagined a great meal. The food i ate came extremely short of being a good meal. I would like to add i visited twice because the hours of operations depends on if they feel like working i assume. On my first trip there at 1p.m. on a weekday the establishment was closed. read more

As good as it gets, bar none! The place looks as if it has been there for a century, but you cannot mistake Bertha's blue block building situated near the bypass on an out of the way corridor between the older downtown Charleston district and Charleston's North side. Bertha's is famous for it's soul food fare. The day we stopped, we tried the notorious fried chicken, rice with lima beans, and fresh cornbread. The takeout food tray was fresh and piping hot. We thought we got a great deal at $7.00 for very generous portions of food and our beverage, all inclusive. The parking lot was abuzz with regulars that stop by during the lunch hour. Easy in-easy out. A Charleston soul food staple! read more

This place is amazing. I wish my waistline would allow me to go there all the time, because it is incredible, true soul food. The ladies there that serve you off of the line (Bertha's daughters and granddaughters) are very nice, and as fast as they can be. Pricing is great, too. Very reasonable. I recommend the fried pork chop, the fried chicken, the mac and cheese--pretty much everything there. A special shout-out to their okra stew and cornbread though. BE ADVISED this is a cash only establishment! read more

Looking to experience a true soul food experience during our weekend in Charleston I read the reviews and perused the pictures from fellow yelpers who had been at Bertha's Kitchen. Needless to say both I and my girlfriend Kristine M. were pleasantly satisfied by the food and value that this small restaurant had to offer. Some particulars first before delving into the food review. Bertha's Kitchen has a small parking lot next to its restaurant and by small I mean I had to eek out a 12 point turn because of how small the lot was just to leave. Also, if you're on the right street you can't miss the sapphire blue home like building with purple trim which covers the outside of the business. Upon entering Bertha's Kitchen it has a small dining area downstairs for about close to 20 people and there's also an upstairs area that has additional seating. The artwork when you come in displays family portraits of those who work in the kitchen or who have probably worked there in the past on either framed artwork or the stained glass mural immediately seen when we entered. Timing is of the essence when picking a time to get here as we came around noon and were able to order our food before a line formed behind us of common blue collar folks (construction workers, policemen, aunts and uncles). To me that only solidified our choice as it appears to be a restaurant the community frequents time and time again. As for the food, they have a menu displayed that's handwritten on a whiteboard. You'll find finger lickin' fried soul food staples like fried chicken, fried fish, and fried pork chops along side delicious sides like red rice, cabbage, collard greens, baked mac and cheese (browned on top, homestyle), and cornbread along with a few others. On this day I decided to get the fried chicken (dark meat) with collard greens and cornbread with an Arnold Palmer while my girlfriend got the fried pork chop with baked mac and cheese and cornbread with sweet tea. The chicken is served up old school so if you order dark meat be prepared, the leg and thigh are connected as one piece. Still you can taste the care and love that went in to it. Juicy on the inside and just the right amount of crunch on the outside. The collards were good as well with a touch of hot sauce and the cornbread was delicious. It crumbled like cornbread should (unlike some places where it's more like a cake i.e. Boston Market) and it wasn't overtly sweet. As for the Arnold Palmer, it too had the right balance you expect from an Arnold Palmer south of Virginia (Luzianne Tea with Lemonade that some may consider flat because of the lack of acidity but for me it rounded out the drink and made it easier to gulp down lol). I had a piece of my girlfriend's pork chop and it was well seasoned and delicious. A great plate of food for both of us before our trip back to Virginia and each was only a little over $6! (with drink). If you don't wanna deal with the hassle of finding a similar spot in downtown Charleston along with trying to find parking and having to pay a few bucks more because of the location then head here. They'll get ya right, get ya good, and have ya comin' back for more. I know we will the next time we comeback around here! read more

Been coming to Berthas for years, food is good but the service is real slow, but u endure it for the food. Just drove 30 mins in the rain, traffic and construction because I wanted some home cooking. Got here at 6 to find Berthas closed, there supposed to stay open until 7pm. Where's the loyalty to your loyal customers? read more

All I wanted was some Okra Soup for lunch but when I saw what they were serving I ended up getting Okra Soup, Cabbage, Hopin' John, and Corn Bread!! Then I had to get some Fried Fish, Red Rice, and Mac 'n Cheese plate to go for Dinner!! And I love the fact that every meal comes with Corn Bread!!! Oh well, there goes my diet but it's worth every pound that I gain and have to work it off later because Berth's Kitchen is absolute DELICIOUSNESS!!! read more

Classic soul food served cafeteria-style in a spare setting. I went for lunch and had their special: fried chicken thigh and leg, cornbread, rice and lima beans. It was delicious, plentiful, and cheap -- just over $5. James Beard was right, an American classic. read more

Great food. The place looks a little sketchy but don't let that stop you. Very friendly and the food was great. $13 lunch for two. Fried chicken is worth the trip to Charleston. Return visit - I feel as if I cheated on my husband...lol I tried Martha Lou's Kitchen, Justines, and I am so sorry, BERTHA I WILL NEVER EVER STRAY AGAIN! YOU ARE THE BEST ...PLEASE TAKE ME BACK! read more

We stumbled across this place during our road trip from NYC to SC, this did not disappoint! The food was EXACTLY how I imagined Southern Soul Food to be -- crispy fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread, corn, sweet tea... Their okra soup was definitely the best thing ever, never tried anything like it. The people working there were also extremely friendly. I would probably come every week if I lived around here!! read more

I had no idea fried pork chops could be like this. I would eat the okra soup by the quart, if it wasn't for my inability to focus on just one desire at a time. The dishes rotate on a daily schedule, and they can provide a printed copy to you for future visits. It is absolutely worth finding your way here if you like low country food, and you are anywhere near Charleston. read more

Very good! Sometimes it gets really busy so try to be patient and get amazing home cooked soul food.

This place doesn't mess around. Martha Lou's with more space, less tourists and more culture.

Charleston's hidden gem. My wife and I had the fried chicken and fresh fried fish which were cooked the southern way and delicious. All the sides were great and especially the mac & cheese and the white rice & chicken gravy. I didn't have them but the okra stew and the lima beans are the most popular sides. Next time. We met Julia and Linda who were the owners who spent their time telling us the family history of the restaurant that their mother started. They could not have been nicer. Finally, we discovered that they had just won the most prestigious James Beard 2017 America's Classic Award. Well deserved. read more

Wonderful southern food! Saw the great reviews on Yelp! and decided to give it a shot. Really glad that we did. Great food at affordable prices. read more

This food was amazing. Fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread and macaroni. It's genuine soul food, southern style. Reminds me of Sunday dinners at home from childhood. The atmosphere is laid back and welcoming. If you want authentic southern American food, visit this little gem. You won't regret it. read more

So I've decided to try Bertha's since I was told that this was the place for fried chicken. And people are right. Definitely worth a trip here if you are in Charleston. The hours here are not firm. I arrived at the restaurant at 10:45am hoping to avoid the line at 11am but the place remained closed at 11:15am. So I left and came back at noon. The line was not too long. Bertha's now take credit cards. Fried chicken (10/10) Perfectly seasoned with a delicious breaded crust. I don't know how they make their breading but it is mouth watering. I wish I had some right now. Corn bread (8/10) Not too sweet, soft, and moist. It's not the best that I have had but it's pretty darn good. Lima beans with rice (6/10) I had high expectations for this, but it fell short. It was good, but I felt that it lacked a little more seasoning. Maybe the white rice took away from the Lima beans but I didn't taste what everyone was raving about. Mac and cheese (8/10) I love that every scoop that is served comes with top layer. I mean, the cheesy top the best part. Definitely a side that you should get with your meal. Overall, you won't be disappointed with Bertha's. read more

Returned to Bertha's on 6/18/18 so our daughter& grandsons could find out what all of our ravings about the food were about!! All 5 of us had the fried chicken & loved it. The sides ordered were mac n cheese, Lima beans, turkey rice,green beans, corn bread,& okra soup! All were excellent . The grandsons swooned over the corn bread & my daughter loved the okra soup & took another cup to go. Great introduction for the family. The owners & employees are outstanding!! Price for 5 people including drinks--$59.00!!! Their James Beard award is richly deserved. Husband & I will be back in October from California. BTW I was told collards were available on Thursdays only. Minor disappointment but I managed.. read more

If you're looking for soul food, you'll kick yourself if you don't come here! I tried Martha Lou's kitchen about 5-10 minutes away... If only I could go back in time, I would have eaten at Bertha's twice. The charming, quaint atmosphere is thriving here just like at Martha Lou's (the community-motivated murals, the friendly southern attitudes). So what's the difference between the two? The service here is actually good (you order in a fast moving line as opposed to being waited on with super slow service), and the price is a bargain (for the same food!). If you're deciding between the two highly-rated soul food places, Bertha's has my strongest vote. If you're looking for amazing soul food for an awesome price, Bertha's. If you want tasty food that won't disappoint, Bertha's. read more

Bertha's Kitchen - Corn bread, lima bean (center), okra soup (left), collard greens, sweet potato, red rice, Mac and cheese. Delicious! - Southern Near Me - North Charleston, South Carolina

We were looking for fried chicken and came across Bertha's. Took us a while to find but in the end we came across this little house in an interesting area. Walking we thought we heard the music stop but after a few minutes we felt at home. We got there about 11:00 and there was already a long line inside and it kept getting longer as we waited 30 minutes. However, it was worth the wait. Best fried chicken and the sides were real soul food. read more

I Love this restaurant. I make it a point to visit almost everytime I'm in Charleston. The Lima Beans and rice are the best I've ever had. When I used to eat meat. The Chicken was so good! The line is always out the door. Not only for the Food, the Prices are so low for what you get. The Owner explained to me that her Mother's motto was to keep it affordable so everyone could eat good quality food. They have definitely kept the promise!! You can't go wrong eating here!! read more

Out of all the restaurants we tried in Charleston, we keep talking about this place weeks after we have been home. This was a recommendation of out concierge at our hotel and he couldn't have been more spot on. For under $10 we had 2 amazing pieces of fried chicken (thigh/leg), 2 pieces of cornbread, lime beans, rice and 2 refillable sweet teas. The food here is unbelievably good. You can just taste the love that goes into the food. The fried chicken and cornbread are possibly the best we have ever had. The lima beans on rice was an amazing side that I just ordered on a whim. There was more food to try on the menu that we just didn't have room for. When we walked around 11:45am there were about 6 people eating here. When we walked out there were over 20 people on line out the door in the rain waiting for food. Do not be deterred on the location, it is definitely worth the trip. read more

The food is awesome!!!!!!!!!! The best soul food in town my husband and I love it. The flavors are always right on time and the quantity is right for the money. read more

hole in the wall goodness! Meat & two veg place. Fish, okra soup over rice, Mac n cheese all yum! The tea was perfect. The staff was really nice. If I lived in the area Bertha's would be a weekly spot! read more

This place is incredible. One of my favorite soul food places in Charleston for sure!

Everything I expected and more...almost very soul food dish was slamming....and s end said the p,ace closer to town is better? We shall see

A Charleston native told me, a visitor from Florida, about Bertha's Kitchen. I looked at the online menu, read some reviews (one of which mentioned poor customer service), and read about the restaurant's history. I couldn't wait to try the food. Boy, was I disappointed!!! First, the woman that took my order was borderline rude, then there were no prices listed on the menu. The woman said she'd give me the cost after I ordered. I went along with this, and the cost was nominal. My takeout order was screwed up and the food is AVERAGE! The soul food restaurants in Jacksonville put BK to shame! (My husband was so ticked by the pre-order experience that he decided not to order anything)! Try Gillie's Seafood & Soul on Folly St., we really enjoyed the food, service & atmosphere. read more

The best fried chicken I've had that wasn't my grandma's. Don't skip the mac n cheese or the lima beans. I could eat those lima beans all day everyday. We came from Indy and went straight there, will be back everytime we visit. Thanks ladies! read more

The lines are always long but that's because the food is just that good! You like hole in the wall? You like southern food? You like home cooking? You like giant fried pork chops? This is the place to go! read more

If you want beautiful ambiance, table cloths, china and silver, don't go to Bertha's. BUT if you want the best soul food EVER - go to Bertha's! You have never tasted better fried chicken and the cornbread is absolutely delicious. Definitely 5 stars! read more

Really good for the soul. Good prices, excellent sweet tea. A 10 minute line getting to the food, and well worth the wait. Go, but try to keep it secret... read more

The best soul food I have ever had! The sweet tea in my opinion is liquid gold! I wish there was a way for me to get it back home with me. The collar greens and corn bread where my absolute favorite. Super nice team too! They explained everything to me and welcomed me to South Carolina. GO CHECK THEM OUT, NOW!!!! read more

Any length of line is worth the wait for the most flavorful fried chicken in the south. and so ridiculously affordable.

This is one of the best home cooking restaurants! I don't live in Charleston, but go there often on business. It's hard to find real people and real food while on the road, but Bertha's has both. Mentioned it was my first time there, and the Owner/Chef graciously explained the food being served, and let me sample a special dish. Highly recommend the whiting fish and bread pudding (family recipe). For those sensitive to pork, just ask which items omit sausage. The taste of the food here is heavenly, the prices are very reasonable, and the people are very friendly. read more

Bertha's Kitchen serves fried chicken to order. Don't sleep on the fried fish either. The sides are also plentiful and tasty. We will definitely be back. Thanks ladies for great service. read more

Tender, moist fried chicken. Cake-like, sweet cornbread. Had green beans (w/ham & potatoes) and red rice. All delicious! Tuesday lunch 12:15, no wait. read more

By far the best fried chicken I have ever had! I ordered the fried chicken, rice with Lima beans and cornbread. Never mind the location. This is real deal food that is well worth the drive anytime. Don't expect fancy, expect great southern food. read more

As a local this is a great place because the transplants haven't caught on yet...the fried whiting and red rice is to me the taste of home. Everything I've had has been delicious..it deserves the same hype as Martha Lou's, but selfishly I'm glad it hasn't. Though a little more expensive than some of their other offerings, the oxtail soup is great! read more