While in the area, I had the opportunity to try some bbq. Visiting from the North, I can confidently say that bbq in the South is unrivaled. That being said, this was the best BBQ I've had in my life! The pulled pork was tender and flavorful, the ribs were amazingly flavored, came apart easily(but not too easily), the fried okra wasnt overcooked and made using fresh okra which left the interior crispy and fresh tasting, and the hash on rice was a just wow! And to end the feast, each meal came with an "onion ring" which was basically a large hush puppy with an onion in its interior. It was like a sweet delicious cake! read more

Bessinger's BBQ - Ribs, okra and hash on rice - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Just because it's been around since the 1930's doesn't automatically mean it's good. I just wasn't impressed. The counter staff was very nice but it took way too long to get our food given the setup. We ordered 'meals' but the counter person wasn't really listening and what we got were just sandwiches and an order of onion rings. I guess someone loves these so called onion rings but if you've not been to Bessinger's be warned - they are really fried donuts with a ring of onion inside. They are sweet, huge, all bread and pretty greasy. The pulled pork was good. Not great, but good and tender. I couldn't really taste it because it came pre-soaked in a traditional mustard sauce. I guess if I went back I could skip the rings and know to order no sauce on the meat. I will say the quantities were huge although the price did reflect the size. read more

BEST barbecue in town! Great cheeseburgers, onion rings, fries and all the rest. Theyhave been around forever for a reason!

Definitely a five star spot. Great local spot to eat or if you're visiting Charleston.

This is my first ever review and it's necessary The food was cold. And the place is extremely unsanitary, I over heard workers talking about how they haven't had hot water for weeks, their drains are clogged and they have a rat problem??!! Um excuse me? how are you supposed to clean stuff! Without hot water how do you wash your hands after handing food correctly? How is this place still in business, I'm surprised the health inspectors haven't shut this down! I'm extremely unsatisfied with this restaurant and will not be recommending it to anyone! Ever. read more

Great bbq atmosphere and food! Ordered the two meat plate with pork and brisket. All was good tasting alone and with the different sauces. This place made me feel welcome and at home! Very relaxing and enjoyable experience! read more

That Carolina BBQ is different than any other- that's for sure! Mustard based- even the pulled pork naked with no sauce had that hint of mustard. I was pleasantly surprised by the flavor. Half and half sweet tea was perfect. I opted for mac-n-cheese and baked beans as my two sides and both were very good.John ordered pulled pork as well with fries and baked beans. The only thing I had to laugh about is the menu says the platter comes with bread and in my heart of hearts I was hoping cornbread??? Maybe texas toast garlic bread??? Nope. A bun. So instead of ordering a pulled pork sandwich meal- you order the platter and make the sandwich yourself (insert huge laughing emoji here). Neither of us ate the bun. I almost forgot about the HUGE sweet onion ring that comes with the meal! Very delish! Compliments the plate. Bessingers is over 75 years in business and we definitely could see why. read more

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Food is still excellent after all these years. The pulled pork sandwich is the BEST. This place is very busy. I wish when I walked in that I was greeted kindly but I wasn't. I said "hi" and the guy didn't say anything to me. Just stood waiting for my order and didn't really explain anything about the menu to the people I brought with me who have never been there before. read more

A friend had traveled to Charleston and had recommended this place. Since then they lost their passion. The fries and rice were the best part. The ribs were an up charge and not even baby back. The brisket was not tender and half fat. When I noticed, I asked for a trade or an another slice but was told they refuse to correct food problems if I had been to the table. A family member kindly picked up my tray so I was out of luck. We decided that we should have paid attention to the mostly vacant lot at supper ti....Hint! I hope they find their passion and standards again. Oh and a sticky floor is so unpleasant. read more

We're visiting from Fla & Local friends recommended this place it was Fantastic!! Audrey on the front counter ran the register plus filling/calling orders she was pleasant, seemed impartial and i was impressed she remembered my name Food came within reasonable time frame they were very busy with drive thru and walk-in customers One customer reported running out of straws and shortly after it was fixed I hope same when reporting they ran out of soap in womens restroom. Food was DELICIOUS we shared pulled chicken plate w/collard greens& steak fries& jalapeno cornbread. Added an onion ring and banana pudding. Everything was fantastic!! I wiah i had one back home Thanks to the cooks and management for training everyone for efficient business also Audrey ROCKS! Thanks! read more

Bessinger's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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This should be a zero star review. I was never able to try the food bc after I ordered online they let me know they were out of the majority of items I ordered. I asked them to cancel the order and refund me. It took them over a week and one follow up for the refund to come through. Then I was randomly charged $5 with no explanation or receipt. I have called the restaurant twice to try to get a refund and each time I'm told the manager will call but they have not. So in my experience they were not able to deliver food and charged anyway... read more

Bessinger's is a West Ashley icon! I was craving a great Burger today and Bessinger's was on my radar! I know they do a great job with their BBQ but the CheeseBurger Plate is Phenomenal! Burger was sooo juicy and yummy delicious!! I am so glad I got it today. The crown Jewel of this basket was the Single Onion Ring on top of the fries. Oh my that Onion Ring Batter is like Fried Cake Batter out of this world!!! Great experience today so Bessinger's deserves solid 5 Stars !! read more

Bessinger's BBQ - Bessingers Cheeseburger Basket!! - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Bessinger's is not the worse BBQ I've ever had but I don't think I'll be back. The flavor profile for everything is just sweet on sweet with absolutely nothing else going on. The onion rings are especially egregious as they're more like donuts or funnel cake filled with onion than a classic onion ring. Again, very sweet and very cakey. Also the $5 portion of banana pudding was pretty slight. Not worth the money and you can get better barbecue elsewhere. e: my body legit feels terrible after eating here, bumping down a star read more

Listen. It's hard to screw up pulled pork sandwiches. Every bbq place in town does a good job of not screwing it up. It's fine. Scratches the itch when you want that tangy bbq sandwich. Steak fries are good. But the service and speed? Man, someone needs to inject some leadership at this restaurant. I waited 35 minutes for a kids barbecue sandwich and fries. Sandwiches and fries should fly out of the kitchen at a place like this. I inquired after 30 minutes, and the reply was basically a shrug of the shoulders. I was ready to jump behind the counter and just put some cue on a bun, grab some fries and go. Oh and did I mention the place wasn't really very busy. Hope you're reading these, Bessinger. read more

Up For Southern Barbecue? Always a good sign when a parking lot is packed, especially on a late afternoon. We stopped, parked and were surprised to see a long line at the drive-through take-out window. Inside is as described in other posts - order at the counter and take a seat. I ordered a smoked turkey platter, my wife , a pulled pork sandwich. When my order came , I was confused: five slices of turkey on a paper-lined tray. I got up to look for some barbecue sauce and quickly found three huge vats of their sauces. I got a variety and returned to our table. With the first bite - Heaven! Incredibly moist, super tasty and lots of it. My wife's sandwich was reportedly excellent as well. And the cornbread, potato salad and coleslaw - all wonderful in accompaniment. VERY glad we stopped. read more

Love that they have a drive through but the drive-through menu was outdated with one seasonal item not in stock listed. My husband HATED their onion rings (said it was more like a doughnut than onion rings; way too much batter). He didn't complain about the sandwich though! Would get drive-through again. read more

Working during the COVID-19 situation is not fun for anyone. Having some good southern food was a great part of the day. They allowed phone orders and pickup inside. Jordan the cashier/order taker was very professional, friendly, and thorough. She ensured everything was in the bags for to go. read more

Bessinger's BBQ - Pulled Hickory Chicken Bbq - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

I had pork and wings with potato salad and collard greens. All were terrific. You order at front then sit at table and wait for order. Drinks are self serve. Old rustic look inside and out. We will dine here again next rime we are in town. read more

While on a business trip I pulled up to this spot after someone suggested it. The ambiance is old, outdated and needs new signage and a up-to-date drive through presentation. The service was nothing that stood out. I ordered the 1 meat plate (pull chicken) with 2 sides. The sides were potato salad and onion ring. I was shocked to see there was only one onion ring! Disappointing ... because the onion ring was really tasty. The meat was hot. The potato salad was only diced potatoes and mayo. I've had better potato salad. Overall I would rate this place a 3.5 stars. It you're in Charleston, in the mood for BBQ and want to try some South Carolina bbq sauce. This place will do. read more

Wow...just as good as I remembered, would frequent 24 years ago while going to College in Charleston. Brought the whole family while on vacation and man did it bring back so many good memories. The server at the counter was so friendly and even offered suggestions while my wife and I told Our kids all about the history. The young lady was so helpful and enjoyed hearing about how my wife and I use to Frequent...No doubt still my favorite! The cheeseburgers are legit, Big ol' onion rings...get out of here! FANTASTIC. Loved it and as always hoping our return trip to Charleston is sooner rather than later. The three sauces they have are fantastic as well, they keep plenty in large Tea like dispensers near the condiment/beverage bar. Carolina gold(mustard base), spicy Carolina gold and a traditional sweet red bbq sauce. Order at the counter, seat yourself and they call your name when food is ready so super casual! Offered online ordering and drive thru. read more

Just not a fan of Carolina bbq I wasn't really amazed by anything. The only stand out for me was onion ring and the breading was more like a donut which was oddly good. My boyfriend actually was extremely pleased with his meal which consisted of brisket. read more

Bessinger's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

We went there for dinner, and over ordered. 2 person had two plates, one with pulled pork and brisket plate and other one with half chicken plate, it come with huge baking pan. I was astonishing. But at the end, we finished all the food except one piece of bread. The brisket is yummy, tender and juicy. Great! The pulled pork is nice too, a little sweet, but still nice. The chicken seems a little mashed, not much of texture any more. My collard green is pretty good, baked beans is sweet like all the other BBQ joints. Husband said their Mac cheese is good too. I had their fries, which is really good! I didn't eat my onion ring, so he had two onion rings.. i think this BBQ joint is a solid 4! read more

Bessinger's BBQ - Pulled pork and brisket plate - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Walking in, it smells amazing. Walking to the counter you can tell that the customers don't understand that bbq takes time. Either way, the food is incredible. The service was great as well. Ambiance of an old school bbq pit. Love it! read more

No resemblance to Bessinger's Facebook photo promoting their Bacon Cheeseburger. My son's was prepared the same way, therefore I believe this was not an "oversight". I attempted to reach out to Bessinger's, however, I have not received a response. read more

Bessinger's BBQ - Bacon Cheeseburger - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Visited Charleston for the first time in my adult life this weekend. Found ourselves without lunch/dinner plans and, rather than go downtown, we stopped at this place on Savannah Hwy. So glad we did! I'm picky about bbq but ordered the bbq pork with beans and fries. Everything was delicious! Good portion sizes and the price was right too. Husband got the half chicken and couldn't pick it up in one piece bc the meat kept falling off the bones. We plan to visit Charleston again in the next few months and will definitely be back to Bessingers! read more

First time here ... don't come starving because a long wait is the norm here apparently. The food was a decent temperature. The portions per plate varied so did the bread. I had potato and my husband had Texas toast. The sides were your average sides. Nothing special about potatoes salad or Mac and cheese. The brisket baked beans were cold but decent. The meat portions were in alignment with the prices. They ran out of chicken wings as we were ordering. The lady didn't tell us directly but we over heard. So we ordered the other pork less opinions. The onion ring was tasty ... equivalent to a "Onion doughnut " I wouldn't want a full order of them ! I'm not sure we will return but it was a decent lunch at about $50.00 ‼ read more

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After driving by many times telling myself I want to check it out my husband and I finally did. It was not very busy at all in the dining room but i do think there were take out orders being prepared because the cashier was very distracted and not on the friendly side when we were trying to place our order. I was disappointed to find out that all the food except ribs and brisket are already mixed with a bar-b-que sauce. I don't prefer this since I like minimal sauce just to dip. But like I said this is just a preference. So I ordered the brisket basket with my normal crispy fries and my husband orders the pulled pork with potato salad and Mac and cheese. Unfortunately, the steak fries did not come crispy as requested but they made more that were perfect. The potato salad was made with a lot of mayonnaise but my husband said it was decent and the Mac and cheese was good. I did taste the pulled pork and it wasn't too saucy so that was nice but was fatty and the same with the brisket sandwich. I didn't end up eating half of it because it was just fat. So, because of this and the fact the prices are quite much it is fair to say we will not be returning anytime soon to try again. Price Example: 2 meat plate that comes with 2 sides is $18 if you would like ribs as one of the meats add $6 to that and if you want brisket as one of the meats you need to add $8. read more

I know that the price of food has gone up tremendously but the portion side of barbecue that we received I honestly thought they had mistakenly given us a child's plate. It was ridiculous and we will not be back. $15 and coke (nor anything else for that matter) was included. Total Rip-Off. read more

Bessinger's BBQ - a plate of food on a counter - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Bessinger's is it convenient stop if you're headed out of Charleston for Savannah. I have enjoyed their barbecue for over 20 years, and have not visited the restaurant in about 10 years. I was pleased to see that it hasn't changed much, although the area around it has become very built up with auto dealerships. The food was up to expectations, and the service was fairly fast for a Friday night. They always give you an enormous portion, more than I can eat in one sitting, and I have a pretty strong appetite. The turkey was moist and large, the fries crispy, the tea sweet. My wife tried something new, the meat sauce over rice. I tried a bite, it was pretty tasty. Their barbecue sauces are homemade, and different from any that we get in Florida. I look forward to my next visit. read more

This is the BEST barbecue in the Charleston area HANDS DOWN. Bessinger's BBQ is set up similar to a "fast food" restaurant with a drive thru outside and a counter to order at inside, but the food is far from ordinary. Sadly, they were out of brisket the day we went, but the pulled pork and turkey were fantastic. Additionally, they have their own sauces : a Spicy, original, and a hickory (something to please everyone). The staff was nice and patient, and our food was out quickly. I can't wait to go back! read more

Bessinger's BBQ - two meat plate: pulled pork & turkey with coleslaw and Mac n cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Holy mouth-watering deliciousness! This BBQ joint is heavenly. I'd been craving some barbecue since I've come to Charleston, and passed Bessinger the day before. I didn't make that mistake again when I was coming down the road. I wanted barbecue ribs but also brisket, so I decided to get the rib platter and a half pound of brisket. And my sides were fried okra and Carolina coleslaw. The ribs and brisket for both boys, smoky, and full of flavor. Although they didn't need any flavor at all, I still tried all three of the sauces. Usually I have a sweet Hickory/spicy barbecue sauce person, however, I absolutely died when I tried the original golden sauce. I continued to eat the BBQ with that sauce. I even bought a bottle of the original recipe. I was impressed with this place. I would recommend everyone and anyone to come here if they are ever in Charleston, or even nearby. Try the original sauce, even if you're a sweet sauce person--it's drinkable!! read more

Bessinger's BBQ - Menu - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Where to start? OK: DON'T MISS THIS LOCAL GEM! I would, literally, throw myself in front of a speeding freight train for another order of those greens. The brisket is to die for, defatted and charred to perfection. Do NOT order the onion rings unless you want to stop there EVERY TIME YOU GO BY. You're welcome... LOL read more

Bessinger's BBQ some of the best barbecue I've ever had the onion rings are fantastic the service was great and everything was just right.

So overpriced it's laughable, and I live in Asheville NC - so that gives you a good idea of just how bad this was. Decided to break-up a long drive down to FL by staying in Charleston. I enjoy pitting southern BBQ places against each other when I am cruising around NC, SC, GA and FL. Being a huge fan of SC BBQ, but unfamiliar with restaurants in Charleston, I asked the front desk at my hotel for a recommendation. All three of them said "Bessinger's is hands down the best BBQ in Charleston." There is a BBQ place in Asheville NC called Bear BBQ. If you ask anyone from anywhere around Asheville they will tell you that Bear is by far the best BBQ you will get in the major surrounding area. And that is not an exaggeration, it is fantastic. In a crowd of 200 people, no one will have a different suggestion. I assumed Bessinger's would be a similar experience. It is not. The food is mediocre at best. Nothing stands out. It tastes like any side of the road BBQ place you come across anywhere. If you don't drench it in sauce, it's just bland. Yeah, it's kinda smokey I guess, but nothing like you would expect from a place that multiple people say is the best in the area. Just how bad are the other BBQ places around here? Whatever, so they lean on the expectation you are saturating the meat with so much sauce it doesn't matter what it tastes like on its own. I can deal with that...the sauce is typical SC mustard base. No, the real tragic let down of Bessinger's is the ridiculously tiny amount of food you get for the price. Their pricing is along the lines of "good" BBQ restaurants I've been to in multiple states, so I was expecting comparable flavors and portion sizes. Disappointed in both. There is an $8 up charge for brisket (yeah, you read that right, $8) and that is for a single - as in one - slice that is one third gristle/fat. Brisket starts with one of the cheapest cuts of meat restaurants buy in bulk and requires the least amount of involvement from the pit boss to cook. Why there is that steep of an up charge is beyond my understanding anyway, but to then be presented with a single slice that is a third fat is a joke at that price point. And the tiny amount of pulled pork is put on the tray instead of in a cup or basket because A. it's pretty dry, so no juice to contain B. they spread it around a little to make it a bit harder to tell how small the portion is until you take your first scoop and push it together. And really, it's the fault of the people who live in the area who go to restaurants in Charleston and allow them to serve undersized portions of mediocre food at premium experience prices. Why would anyone accept paying $34+ for this? This is a BBQ place, not a French Bistro. I didn't demand my money back or yell at the staff or anything like that, I am only here for one night, why would they care? If I ever come through Charleston again, I absolutely won't come back. I honestly thought Asheville was bad, but it's a thousand times better than this. You would never come across something like this in an Asheville BBQ place, regardless of which one it was. Moe's BBQ knows they suck, so they only charge you $13 and they give you a decent amount to make up for how crappy it is. read more

Bessinger's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

I got a regular hamburger yesterday and it was so grease I could mash it and the grease was just running out of it the service was great.but the burger I could not eat read more

Party of two. Ordered in and ate it outside at one of the tables with an umbrella. We each had a meat plate (one pork, one brisket) along with Cole slaw and potato salad. The brisket and pork were best eaten as is, because the sauces weren't to our liking. The coleslaw was too sweet and not at all to our liking but the potato salad was pretty good though a little sweet. Both meals came with jalapeño cornbread which had an interesting appeal because it is so different from what I make at home. We shared a peanut butter pie slice which neither one of us was too excited about - again due to the sweetness but that's just our preference. These guys have been around since 1939, I believe, and the drive up window was kept pretty busy. More of a southern thing, I believe. I'll stay with my Midwest BBQ. read more

I really, really, really, really, REALLY wanted to LOVE this place. I really did! What can I say? I've become a BBQ snob, apparently...the only things rocking a star at this place are the people who work here (friendly and helpful as heck) and the BBQ sauce itself. I could put the BBQ sauce on a smoked shoe and eat it for crying out loud. Too bad about the actual meats, though. read more

We went here on a Saturday because it's pretty hyped up, we heard a lot about it before visiting. It's been on TV, and on the walls, there are pictures of celebrities and political figures who have eaten at Bessinger's. Seeing the menu, I kinda figured out Bessinger's wasn't my usual type of cuisine. I don't eat meat, but I do eat seafood, and planned to order the vegetable plate. Turns out, even all the vegetables (collards, green beans, baked beans) contain meat! I had to ask the cashier about various ones, and she had to ask the rest of the staff. Also, the cinnamon apples are no longer on the menu, but the website listed that they were. I ended up ordering a kids grilled cheese with added tomatoes on wheat bread. It came on white bread but I didn't really want to send it back. I just ate it, and it was definitely a kid's grilled cheese. My fried okra was more bread than okra, too. My husband got a bacon cheeseburger and fries and an onion ring, we also got an order of rings to share. The onion rings are more like huge pieces of cornbread, they are almost all bread and very deep fried. There's a reason why ordering ONE onion ring is an option- because if you're just one person eating there, you will not want more than 1-2. He ate one and I ate 2, we threw the others away. He said his burger was okay, but nothing too special. It's a popular place and tourists and visitors ask about it, so now we can comment. I do think they could improve by having vegetables that do not contain meat, and maybe adding a veggie burger option to the menu. I probably won't ever return to Bessinger's. I liked the onion ring, but I can always just go through the drive-thru and order one. read more

Bessinger's BBQ - Grilled cheese and fried okra... kids portion. - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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We ordered hamburger baskets to go last week. Incredible. I had forgotten how wonderful they are.

Family owned and operated for generations Charleston staple with the best BBQ and onion rings around. Great food , atmosphere and friendly ,you won't be disappointed ! Love that the family is keeping the tradition going. Dara read more