This is Real Deal soul food at an outstanding price. Limited hours and out of the way but worth going out of your way. I ordered the special which was a chicken leg quarter that I got fried and lima beans and rice. I could sit down to a meal of just the lima beans and rice it was that good. My lovely wife ordered pork chops and she got two nice pork chops, mac and cheese and cabbage and both her sides were absolutely delicious. If I am ever in Charleston again I will definitely be hitting this place up again and trying some of their other Foods. While standing online a waitress came by and gave us little cups of what seemed like frozen Kool-Aid which was very cool. All of this food for about $25. What a great deal. Probably the best meal we had in Charleston. read more

Bertha's Kitchen - Outstanding Fried Chicken and wonderful lima beans and rice - Southern Near Me - North Charleston, South Carolina

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I wanted to try this place since we moved here, and when I finally made it I wasn't disappointed! The star of my meal was actually the corn bread - although the fried chicken wasn't far behind. I had the special: lima beans and rice with the aforementioned cornbread and fried chicken, and mannnnnn I cannot WAIT to go back. I didn't even know I liked lima beans! read more

Bertha's Kitchen - Fried chicken, cornbread, and lima beans with rice - Southern Near Me - North Charleston, South Carolina

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As always great soul food at reasonable prices. I eat here at least twice a month and when I have the opportunity I bring along coworkers and many times reward a work crew by dropping in for lunch read more

Anyone who's been to Charleston before knows that it's an awesome place with tons history, beautiful scenery and most importantly amazing food. Charleston is prototypically southern and despite growing up in South Carolina I'm a relative rookie to soul food. That's why when we were last in Charleston I was excited to go to Bertha's Kitchen a @beardfoundation winning meat and 3 shop. Founded by black women and still run almost exclusively by black women you can take solace in knowing this place is the real deal. Let's talk about some of my fav dishes from the experience: 1. Fried chicken: from what I can tell online, the fried chicken won this place the James beard award. Extra crispy and flavorful skin, juicy chicken - this fried chicken hit different 2. Okra soup: this soup was hearty and delicious, I don't even like okra but this was a highlight 3. Fried shrimp: extremely crispy, not overly chewy and totally delicious this was amazing and I loved every bite of it Honorable mentions: candied yams, corn bread, crab balls, and seafood rice I'll be back here next time in Charleston - and if you're in town be sure to check it out!! read more

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Great food & friendly service! The fried chicken was amazing! I also loved the red rice.

Going to Bertha's now is a bittersweet thing. Don't get me wrong, it is amazing food. On the one a hand, there is the food. I grew up with soul food--and long have thought "our Bess" (also a SC-lady) made the best, period, end of story. Bertha's is right up there, better in many ways, which pains me to say. The okra soup was--I am beyond words. The flavors lit up your mouth--silk and tangy. Yet it had none of the okra slime. The lima beans were more subtle, with the smoke of meat as depth. The pork chop was wonderful. The fried chicken crisp, tasty and great. As we were heading out, one of the daughters gave us some S&P but cautioned to taste everything first because, "We season stuff about right." No, the food wasn't seasoned about right, it was perfect. That said, add some hot sauce on the pork chop and it goes from great to epic. The sad aspect, because of COVID-19, much is changed. You have to basically take out. Everyone is in masks, separated by plexiglass shielding. The sense of community and the love within the walls past reviews have described hasn't vanished, but it is greatly diminished. You can feel it still there, waiting for a easier time to shine again. And, being there now, with the masks, the distancing--which you don't see out and about in other parts of town--it is a painful reminder of how different communities have been impacted by this pandemic. All that said, I can't wait to go back soon, hopefully the glass and masks and distances between us are no longer needed. Then I'll not only taste the love in the food, but feel it in this place. read more

Bertha's Kitchen - The heritage that makes this place so special. - Southern Near Me - North Charleston, South Carolina

This place is amazing. So authentic and the staff there are so kind helpful and warm. Give it a try. I had the fried chicken, the greens, the yams, the okra. Next time we visit Charleston we will go again. read more

We've stumbled upon this gem leaving a distillery near by and was looking for something quick to eat. It's not a fancy place, it could use some real cleaning and renovation but it was good! We must have walked in right on time because not even minutes later the line was out the door. It seems like a very local go to. It was inexpensive however the prices on the menu are slightly different than what they ring up. No real big deal but people like to know what to expect when paying money for something . Just update the menus. I ordered the fish sandwich with the seafood rice. I was a little disappointed I didn't get the fresh batch of rice like my friends but at that point I was already eating . It was good . I will go back . read more

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This place is the gem of low county soul food! Food was absolutely amazing!! The service was nice but there can be a line, but the keep it moving! The prices are right!! read more

Amazing fried catfish, Mac & cheese, and cornbread.... We devoured our food. So glad we came. Lovely staff too! Quick and smooth. read more

Bertha's Kitchen - Fried fish, corn, Mac and cheese, white rice, corn bread - Southern Near Me - North Charleston, South Carolina

Delicious soul food served up by some very warm folks. Came here after looking up some Gullah food joints and saw this place earned a James Beard. Had okra soup, butter beans, cabbage and fried chicken and a piece of cornbread they threw in. Favorite would have to be the butter beans with the slight smoky flavor which is something I've never tasted before. So so good. Loved the cornbread immensely and the chicken was sinfully juicy. Cabbage was a great stand in for collards because they ran out. I'd come back again for sure. read more

Bertha's Kitchen - Okra soup, butter beans, cornbread, cabbage, fried chicken and red rice. All delicious! - Southern Near Me - North Charleston, South Carolina

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GREAT food. We had friend chicken and barbecue chicken and both were amazing. Very affordable and you get a LOT of food with great service. Would absolutely recommend stopping in for good southern food read more

It's hard to say whether the experience, the people we met during our wait, or the food, made this our most memorable stop on this trip! A must if you are open to the experience! read more

Bertha's Kitchen - Fried pork chop, sweet potatoes, green beans & potatoes, fried chicken, Hoppin John, red rice, cornbread, sweet and unsweet tea - Southern Near Me - North Charleston, South Carolina

Don't question yourself. GO HERE! I would have never guessed this was a James beard winning soul food restaurant. Don't let the outside deter you, this has to be the absolute most amazing soul food of SIMPLE and delicious 1) fried chicken 2) fried fish 3) dirty rice and beans and 4) gravy I recommend going with friends, portions are big. Order a variety and share. read more

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This was excellent. We got a bunch of different things -- fried chicken, okra stew (with shrimp, because it was "Seafood Saturday"), red rice, shrimp and grits, lima beans, and cornbread. The chicken was excellent, although (in my opinion) not on the same level as the one at Willie Mae's in New Orleans. The cornbread was outstanding, and the okra stew was incredible -- probably worth the visit on its own. We got there before it opened and were first in line, but it was pretty backed up by the time we left. It's a little far out, but definitely worth the visit if you're in Charleston. read more

Bertha's Kitchen - Seafood Saturday menu (10/27/2018) - Southern Near Me - North Charleston, South Carolina

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Line wrapped around the building for good reason! It is like the fried chicken gods bestowed the good city of Charleston with flavor grace of Bertha's! And by gods- that fried chicken! Juicy, plump & full of flavor! Usually I'm all about the crispy crunchy breading- not in this case- I was full on shedding into thechicken breast, even as the hot meat was trying to burn my tongue. Hubby and I ate in silence. We are staying a few blocks from this local gem & all orders are to go. I should mention the green beans with chunks of ham or the creamy mac n cheese with a touch of crisp from cooking in the oven... Or the cornbread! Oh goodness the cornbread! Every mouthful was sent from heaven- enjoy it. The locals know exactly where to go! read more

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Whether you are from Charleston or just visiting, you must visit this place. Why? There is just something special about visiting local restaurants that have so much history. Yes the new age fancy "wine and dine" restaurants are great to visit but there is NOTHING like a home cooked meal made just like grandma did. Speaking of....Ms. Bertha was someone's Mom and grandmother but she has passed and her family continues to run the restaurant just like she did. Please do not let the outside area be a deterrent. This, again, adds to the history and greatness of this restaurant. Be prepared for a line, but the wait isn't that long. There are some tables available to eat inside. What I love is that there is someone who walks down the line and asks you what you want to order and she writes it on a styrofoam box. This makes the ordering process go much quicker. The food is great. There are lots of southern choices from chicken to liver, to beef and pork. The portions are good and the prices are fair. The staff are very friendly and they really seem to appreciate each customer and take pride in making great food. Southern hospitality. Great food. Large portions. Fair prices. What else could you ask for?? Give Bertha's a try and you will be happy that you did. read more

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I love the fact that it's a long time, family-oriented restaurant. Like some places, the food may be different depending on who the cook is. Mostly affordable but wish they were open later. read more

Family owned and some of the best soul food here in Charleston. It seems like Bertha's has been open forever. A real cornerstone. In terms of food, you can get just about whatever you'd like in terms of "soul". Combinations of protein mains and veggie sides with bread, rice, grits... everything that comes from Bertha's kitchen is good eating. It feels like it is made with love and it really is fairly priced allowing all people access to delicious "home-cooked" style meals. Bertha's is casual. It's about the food anyways and the folks you interact with while there. I once went there after a funeral and was dressed up but still felt comfortable. Expect clamshell plates, cornbread, and some d*mn good fish and grits. Mmm now I'm thinking about lima beans... read more

This is a must stop while in Charleston. Skip the fancy restaurants and give this place a try. The fried crab was delicious along with the red rice and Lima beans. The sweet tea is definitely sweet but goes well with the food. The employees were very nice. On my next visit, I will be back!!! read more

Best fried chicken anywhere!!! We're from Oakland, California with scores of great fried chicken places, some quite good. Bertha's tops them all. read more

We are out of towner, who stopped by on a whim. A steady stream of patrons let us know that we were in the right place. Food was genuinely good but portions were small. Hours of operation are 10-5 but at 2 pm they were out of certain main soul food cuisine , for example, greens. Can't go wrong by patronizing but just know that menu item availablity may fall short. However, I have no problem going back, when hungry. read more

Delicious! I'm visiting Charleston and I will forever have to come back here every time I visit. Some of the best soul food I have ever had. Soul food at its finest. So glad we stopped here! read more

Bertha's Kitchen - Signage - Southern Near Me - North Charleston, South Carolina

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Best food in the Charleston area.. If I lived in Charleston, I would eat here every day.. I love the delicious collards, the fried chicken is perfect, and the cabbage is like dessert, only better.. They are not trying to overcharged you, the price is more than reasonable.. If you are looking for scrumptious vittles, food that makes your mouth water, then this is it.. If you want Mediocre overpriced food, then keep on going.. Nothing Mediocre here... read more

I went back twice during my short trip because I loved the fried chicken so much. The crunchy skin was not super salty and the meat was moist on the inside. The fried pork chop was the same, moist with a thin breading on the outside. You could also have as many sides as you want with the meal. My favorite were the okra, collard greens, sweet yam, cabbage and Cajun rice. It came with a delicious corn bread. Be warned that this place does not have a menu or I didn't see one. Both times, I had to chat with the ladies taking orders to find out what I could order on weekdays versus weekends. I also went to this place at odd hours and not during the lunch rush hour, but those customers keep pouring in so there was quite a wait. Partly, I think it's because they have limited businesS hours so make sure you check before you plan on visiting. They have a parking lot shared with a church next door. The service was courteous and nice, but sometimes their orders can get messed up. They make it right though. This is the best valued James Beard winner restaurant I have ever been with no big egos and no fuss with wait list, just some good down to earth Southern grub that satisfies the soul. read more

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The food was good wish I got more beans with the Lima beans and rice dinner and less soup. I love the cornbread and the tea to go with my meal as well. Get in early they usually open at 11 read more

Bertha's Kitchen - Standing in line for lunch - Southern Near Me - North Charleston, South Carolina

One of my favorite restaurants in Charleston. Great service and phenomenal food. Everything is absolutely delicious. Authentic soul food and some of the best fried chicken I've ever had. Must try. read more

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Amazing home cooked food. Authentic flavors. Southern friendliness hospitality. Definitely a place to visit if you are in the area. read more

Bertha's Kitchen - Fried chicken, red rice, corn bread, beef stew, collard greens, okra soup, candied yams - Southern Near Me - North Charleston, South Carolina

FIRST!!!!! The pricing on the dinners are lower than the avg soul food place you will receive an entree and two sides for around $8. The fish, chicken, and other fried fare are made to order, but no worries the wait isn't that long. I went on a Friday during the dinner rush the line was out the door, but the wait was worth it 10 times over. I had the chicken, mac and cheese, rice and chicken gravy(GET IT AND GET A TO GO SIDE), cornbread. My fellow co-worker who has been living in my city didn't know about this place he got chicken, lima beans, mac and cheese, cabbage, yams and cornbread. All dishes were seasoned well and piping hot!! The tea and lemonade were tasty as well! Parking is a little bit tight so watch your turns in the parking lot or you will hit or get hit by another vehicle. Staff is nice and will come up to you while you are waiting, you will feel the family atmosphere upon entering. read more

Bertha's Kitchen - Fried chicken, cabbage, and mac and cheese. - Southern Near Me - North Charleston, South Carolina

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This is a great place for that homemade seasoned soul food experience. No frills, good pricing, and delicious food. This is the place for you. read more

Fast, inexpensive, easy soul food. Fried chicken is seasoned good and comes piping hot, as does the fried whiting and pork chops. You can get them with a myriad of standard sides, including, cabbage, yams, mac and cheese, along with either white and red rice. All of the sides are barely edible, including the scorched lima beans with neckbone (pot meat) pieces, the waterlogged, non-cheesy mac and cheese, the dry-edged cornbread and passable, hint of tomato red rice. The Arnold Palmer is okay and does not have you hemorrhaging on diabetes the way most southern teas and lemonades do. The meat and hospitality salvaged this visit to a three-star rating, otherwise, it would have been a two. I do understand it being a nostalgic place but a thorough cleansing and cosmetic renovations would serve it well. ***Mrs. Bertha passed in 2007 but her family serves and honors her legacy. read more

I found this place while driving from the airport to the hotel. A great way to welcome us to Charleston! No pics, it was gone too fast. I had the shrimp and okra, with a piece of cornbread, which was fantastic! The fried fish and seafood rice also got a good review from my picky husband. This place is not fancy; it's a pick-your-food and go eat it upstairs or outside, or take it with you kindof place. But it's friendly, delicious, and very reasonably priced. I think I'm going to like this city! read more

Even if you don't personally love something on the plate, the pure value and home cooking feel of Bertha's is a straight 5 stars. We tried all the top spots in Charleston. Bertha's is queen amongst them. The ox tails and fried chicken are delicious. All chicken will forever be compared to the excellence of Bertha's. That crispy skin! *chef's kiss* Cornbread dipped in the yam sauce and the red rice were also must have. I wish they had packets of hot sauce to go with the food, but that's my only suggestion (and well, if you take it home, you probably have some anyways). The staff is really friendly and have this amazing cohesive groove. It's almost like they read each other's minds. Don't skip Bertha's, no matter how short your trip. Food like this simply can't be found elsewhere. It's home cooking that's being lost and should be cherished. read more

I love when a place looks like it is someone house and the food matches it. The fried chicken was cooked to perfection and the sweet potatoes taste like it was made by angels. I don't know when I'll be back to Charleston but now I have a reason. read more

The service here was amazing. Everyone was super nice and understanding of me being an out-of-towner who didn't know how the process worked. For those of you in similar situations, here's what you do: -Approach the counter -Order the special of the day or ask what they have on that day. -Everything else is in front of you - you may have to wait for some items (like the chicken breast) because they're fresh AF. -Pay at the end of the counter. They have some drinks, but canned beverages are in the cooler in the back. You'll get them after you pay. -Take your food, or wait for them to bring your order to you. I really, really liked the fried chicken. It was perfect. I disliked the macaroni and cheese. But like I said, the service was amazing. Thanks for showing me some southern hospitality. read more

No reviews of Bertha's Kitchen?? I find this VERY hard to believe. Bertha's has been in existence since the 1970's and still going strong, but besides that, this place is noted as John T. Edge's(director of Southern Foodways Alliance) 'favorite soul food hangout.' Now, that classifies this place as a historical landmark in my opinion, not that my opinion counts for anything, but I'm just saying! Perhaps the patrons are just too comatose after their meal to write a review? Yep, I can buy that, because I too have been a victim........in a very good way:-) Now, Bertha's is not on the end of Meeting St where all the downtown restaurants are, it's on the other end tucked away in North Charleston where real soul food resides. So if you're looking for an authentic soul food experience and you're in the Charleston area, I suggest you steer your car toward Bertha's.......you'll thank me later. Just to give you an idea of what's usually on the menu: ribs fried chicken turkey wings mac n cheese collards lima beans over rice okra soup fried fish stew beef cornbread corn red rice yams green beans baked chicken pork chops I've visited this place many times over the years and I've never been to a soul food restaurant and everything on the menu was good....this place is exceptional because everything on the menu is 5 star wonderful........... read more

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Omgoodness!!! I've never heard of or tried butter beans in my life! They were absolutely delicious at Berthas!!!!! I had the shrimp and okra, butter beans, and red rice which were all great. Wish I lived in Charleston, I would go there often for sure !! read more

Bertha's Kitchen - Butter beans, red rice, shrimp and okra - Southern Near Me - North Charleston, South Carolina

Here you can- grab to go or dine in for lunch or dinner at this humble Geechee Southern Soul food luncheonette, with friends, family or solo. My ratings are based on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is tragic and 5 is Owwww terrific! Overall ratings- 5 stars ( for a luncheonette) Food taste- 5 stars! That okra soup reminds me of something someone's Ghanaian grandmother made! Savory and no slime! Excellent! Lima beans- excellent! Oven chicken- moist and on point! Red beans and rice- Dominican girl approved yo! Food portions- 5 stars! Generous portions! Worth the money- 5 stars! $45 for 3 large extra sides platters! Decor- 3 humble Ambiance- VERY busy when I walked in during Friday lunchtime! Line was to the door for a ready luncheonette platter spot! BUT they move very quick! read more

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I've given Bertha's chance after chance but I've come to the conclusion that their highest reviews are from people who were not raised on soul food. There's no way! The fried chicken is great..actually this is the only thing I like from them. Rice, macaroni, greens, and yams are subpar! And I'm pretty sure if you are going crazy about these your grandma was NOT slamming down on the pots! read more

Bertha's Kitchen - Southern Near Me - North Charleston, South Carolina

The restaurant was small and the menu was a little confusing but I followed the person in front of me that ordered. I simply got white rice, turkey wing, and cabbage. Was it the worst I've ever had, no was it the best...no. The turkey wasn't seasoned, the"gravy " was a scoop of oil and the cabbage tasted like it had a cup of sugar in it. It just wasn't for my palate. Perhaps I should've just tried the chicken ‍ read more