I can't believe I didn't review them the first time I came here. I ate here back during the pandemic when they were only doing carry out and it was the best deal for good food ever. Now their prices have risen slightly but still that same great quality and good portion sizes. I'm glad I got to have them when I rode back through Charleston. Very friendly service, too. read more

We came here because of the great reviews. Unfortunately, our experience did not match the reputation. We were told there would be a 20 to 25 minute wait. The hostess told us we could sit at the bar, but said we couldn't order food or drinks, only water. A short time later, we watched other guests being served drinks. When we asked the bartender about the policy, she seemed confused and gladly took our order. That lack of communication was frustrating from the start. What really stood out was being overlooked. We watched four parties get seated before us while we sat in plain sight at the bar waiting to be called. When we finally asked about our table, the hostess asked for our name and said, "Y'all didn't hear me calling your name." We were sitting only a few steps away from the hostess stand, so it would have been very difficult to miss. After we were seated, she did apologize, but by then the experience had already gotten off to a frustrating start. The restaurant was uncomfortably hot. There was an air conditioned dining area with available seating, yet we were seated in the hot section. We were literally sweating while trying to eat. A restaurant should be a place where you can enjoy your meal, not rush through it because you're overheating. I even forgot the slice of cake I purchased because I just wanted to get outside. The cleanliness also raised concerns. The tables were sticky, the condiment containers were sticky, and my drink had debris floating in it more than once. The bartender replaced it immediately, and I appreciated that, but after seeing debris again along with the condition of the dining area, it made me question the overall cleanliness. The food was okay, but it wasn't memorable enough to make up for everything else. I expected a much better experience based on the reviews. I don't enjoy leaving negative reviews, but this experience fell far below what the reviews led me to expect. I hope management addresses the communication between staff, the cleanliness of the dining area, and the seating process because this restaurant has the potential to provide a much better experience than the one we had. I chose Hannibal's because I wanted to support a well-known local, Black-owned business with an outstanding reputation. That's exactly why this experience was so disappointing. I truly hope management addresses these issues because this restaurant clearly means a lot to the community, and I'd love the opportunity to have the experience so many others have described. read more

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First thing to be aware of: parking is a challenge. There's only 3 spots in front of the entrance otherwise you'll have to park on a side street. However, all of the side streets have signs that say residential permit parking. We called the restaurant to ask for help with parking and the nice young lady told us where to park (which was on the side of the restaurant but where there were yellow lines). She insisted we'd be ok so we took a chance. It was a Saturday and she said they are lax with enforcement on the weekends. The service is a slow. We placed our drink order and waited for 15-20 minutes for our server to return to take our orders. We had to ask another server to take our order. Our initial server was apologetic however. It still took a very long time for our food to come out. We ordered the crab and shrimp rice, 5 honey bbq drummettes with sides of mac and cheese, cabbage and yams. Hubby ordered the fried fish fillet sandwich with fries. The food was amazing!! Seasoned well and hot. I will say that the crab rice was just ok. I don't agree with the hype. Between the parking challenges and the slow service, I'm not sure if the good food would cause me to return. read more

The pork chop and wings were seasoned and fried good. The sides were seasoned very well also. Our waitress was very nice and knew the menu well. Overall the place was very nice with the music playing while you eat was like you was at home. read more

I give it 4 stars. But maaaan, when you've been around as long as they've been, that's @ least worth a star of itself. This place been around since I was a child. Most of you folks have never heard of Ernies, Wali's supreme etc and theres so many more places that have come and gone but not this place. And there low key better. Sadly to say this was my first time here. I had the whiting, crab rice (of course) and turkey wing. BUSSING!!!! Place was packed man. But I ordered ahead so I walked in and out. Everything was excellent. I love the music pumping outside. Great customer service. I will be back. When I fine something good i dont stop til I conquer the whole menu. Lol. read more

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What can I say about this staple that hasn't already been said? Of course the food was phenomenal and the parking was complicated. The portion size was abundant and the Charleston mix was perfect for this hot steaming South Carolina weather. I got the fried chicken livers to start. Soooooooo good! I asked for a cup of gravy after they had been served. Gravy came, but most of the liver was gone by then. They weren't slow, we just ate them fast. I also got the turkey wing with a side of red rice and greens. I also ordered a side of the Lima beans. If I had any criticism it would have been a little salt meat, whether turkey or pork would have really enhanced the Lima beans. All in all an amazing meal. Beyond glad we stopped in. read more

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I reallllyyyyyy enjoyed this place and can understand why the reviewers are so high. Do you have to wait for your food? Yes, BUT that food is cooked to order and absolutely delicious. The staff is so nice too- true example of southern hospitality. Special shoutout to Grant, he made my mother and I feel so special. We ordered the turkey wings, red rice, and Mac and cheese. I've never had turkey wings that tender, EVER. We also ordered the fried gizzards and famous crab rice. I literally have NO NOTES. If you want an authentic, LOCAL, black owned.c Gullah. Soul food experience, this is it. read more

Yes, this is a must when you visit Charleston! Greeted by a beautiful Queen.... Welcome to Hannibal's.... Cozy, warm, and welcoming. Decor is filled with beautiful art and many celebrities with staff. From previous President Biden to movie stars... let's get into it... the food... I ordered: fried pork chop (seasoned to perfection), mac n cheese (mymymymy) , and (good faithful) collard greens including the table blessings of Sweet Tea (Charleston Mix)...yall know I am not eating alone... Hubby ordered: Hannibal's Crab Rice with added shrimp and okra soup!!! Everything was delicious ... Thank you Hannibal for satisfying my inner core... This is what Soul Food is all about... it's made with pure love to touching your inner core! Now, I need to go walking because I know the calories are off the chart!!!!! read more

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Had another great meal at Hannibal's in Charleston, South Carolina... this has definitely been my goto place when I want a good ole home cook meal. The ambiance is always great, customer service is genuine and the food is always exactly what you expect. read more

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A plus plus! This place made us so happy. Talk about southern hospitality...our tour guide Mr. Miller of Sites and Insights told us all at the end of the tour that if anyone was hungry they might think about Hannibal's Kitchen and we were like hey! Because that's exactly where we were headed! And guess what? He said well I'll drop you off. Then we walk in the door and were immediately greeted by this sugar-sweet silky voice (ma'am, we are wondering do you sang, Miss K???). That friendly melodic voice coupled with the savory aroma of some unmistakenly good lowcountry cooking was all the welcome we needed. We knew we couldn't go wrong. We got the crab rice and they had yellow rice today so we subbed that, with a side of collards. We also ordered the smothered porkchop with cabbage corn and lima beans, plus cornbread. We smashed. Nuff said. Really though...best food and friendliest service we've had in the 3 days we've been here in Charleston. I felt like I was with family. read more

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Came here during a port visit. The walk was about 20 minutes from the cruise terminal. We entered and were greeted by a pleasant young lady and escorted to a booth. The ambiance was homey, with African art and photos of various African-American celebrities who have visited (Angela Bassett and Pharrell to name a few). Hannibal's Kitchen specializes in soul food. The menu was extensive with a variety of items we wanted to try, but we didn't have a bunch of time to indulge so we settled on the fried chicken, Mac and cheese, Lima beans with pigtails over rice and a couple of drinks: the Charleston (sweet tea/pink lemonade) and a sweet tea. Our food arrived n a decent amount of time. The fried chicken was fresh, with a nice crispy coating and great seasoning. The Mac and cheese was nice and cheesy, but the macaroni was over cooked a bit and lacked salt and pepper, but was edible once we added the additional seasoning. The Lima beans and pigtails were good, but the beans were a bit pasty with not a bunch of liquid. The pigtails were cooked well and enhanced the Lima beans. The white rice was a welcomed addition, but I didn't eat that much of them as I like my beans with the meat and nothing else. The Charleston drink was a bit sweet but good, just another variation of Baltimore's half and half, but substituted with pink lemonade instead of regular lemonade. The sweet tea was good as well. All in all, if you're in the Charleston area, especially if you have a cruise port stop here, it is a great place to stop by for some good soul food. read more

Hannibal's Kitchen - Close up of my pig tail! - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The staff was very friendly and welcomed us as if we were a part of the family. You're welcomed to decor of black culture. Black and African American art work adorns each wall. Filled with the History of the family that owns the restaurant. All the food was fresh hot and seasoned to perfection! The chicken was fried crispy yet juicy. The red rice was flavorful. Definitely coming back anytime I'm in Charleston. read more

Hannibal's Kitchen - Red rice, fried chicken wings, and macaroni and cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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This is the kind of place that reminds you why local spots always beat the tourist traps. Hannibal's Kitchen feels real--no gimmicks, no flash--just authentic, soulful cooking that speaks for itself. The food was exactly what I hoped for from this type of cuisine: rich, seasoned, and made with heart. Every dish tasted like it came straight from someone's home kitchen. It's easy to see why this is a local favorite--the kind of spot people grow up eating at and keep coming back for read more

Hannibal's Kitchen - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

We had an outstanding experience at Hannibal's. We came for lunch and we were seated right away. We ordered drinks to start. I saw the pink lemonade and knew that I would enjoy that combined with a little vodka-why not on a Saturday afternoon?! As for food...first, the prices are so reasonable! I had the grilled shrimp, peppers and onions with Lima beans and mac and cheese. My friends had fish and the turkey wing. Everything was cooked perfectly. We loved being able to have good food along with good drinks. I will definitely return soon! read more

Hannibal's Kitchen - Shrimp, limas and mac and cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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We had the turkey wings and gravy with Mac & coz and red rice. Grilled whiting with onion and peppers yams and green beans. Our food was amazing and service was good. Music was nice just a little loud. read more

Hannibal's Kitchen - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

AMAZING PLACE!! I came with a group of friends and not only was the food AMAZING but our server Gabe as well. She was super charismatic and attentive!! I ordered the crab rice meal and let me tell y'all IS ON ANOTHER LEVEL! I couldn't stop eating it. I would also recommend the fried okra, side of sweet yams, mac n cheese and the corn bread. Corn bread was soo good, I felt back at Texas! We all loved the food and everything was amazing, even the founder Robert Hannibal came out to serve our appetizers and introduced himself, he was very sweet. Will definitely be coming back, such a a good place, meal and experience!! :) read more

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The food was great!! And the portions were large! We wanted authentic Gullah food and this was the spot that was recommended. We arrived before they opened and waited (best thing we could have did, since we were told the wait after you order could be an hour). Our food came within 20 mins which was awesome! read more

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Very easy to order some lunch to go, and staff are friendly. Inside looks pretty cozy as well so maybe worth another visit sitting in. We got the crab rice, red beans and rice, and the grilled whitefish. All of it was tasty though maybe a bit unexpected. I wrongly assumed the crab rice was going to be over fried rice so it seemed more plain than I thought, though there was plenty of flavor in the crab itself. The fish were cooked well but portions seemed a little small. Still tasty though. Overall a good spot and I'd be back to try again. read more

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This black-owned, family-owned & operated restaurant has been feeding the soul of the city for 40 years--Hannibal Kitchen. Hannibal's Kitchen, named after the family patriarch Robert Lawrence Huger--fondly known as "Hannibal" after the legendary African general--offers a dining experience steeped in history and cultural significance. The nickname is a nod to the famed general's triumphant spirit, mirroring the restaurant's enduring presence and impact on the community. Initially, I planned to dine at Hannibal's with my mother-in-law upon her arrival. However, a delayed flight shifted our schedule, and we found ourselves eagerly waiting for the restaurant to open, ready to savor its celebrated dishes. I ordered: - Fried chicken - Crab Rice with Shrimp, accompanied by collard greens as a side. - The Obama - blending pink lemonade and sweet tea. Each bite of this first meal was a celebration of Charleston's culinary heritage, rich with the flavors of fresh blue crab and seasoned rice. The Obama was the perfect way to quench my thirst with this meal. As we continue to honor the Gullah Geechee culture this month, let Hannibal's Kitchen be a reminder of the vibrant history and delicious traditions that shape Charleston. read more

It's important to try things for yourself. I didn't experience slow service like the reviews I read. I loved the food and the service was great. I wish the smothered pork chop was a bit more tender. The flavor was good but I had to use a knife and a firm grip. The red rice reminds me of jambalaya and the cornbread taste like cake. I recommend this place and I would definitely come back. read more

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I have eaten at this resturant some 3 times and loved everything I ordered. Their red rice, collard greens, and fried chicken are phenomenal. I will be trying their chicken liver next time. read more

Visited this restaurant today we arrived around 1120 , the restaurant opens at 1100 am we waited approximately 15 min on the waiter to take our beverage order mind you there was No one seated at the dining tables when we arrived only two people were at the bar talking. We gave the waiter our drink order and she went to get those she came back after 10 minutes. We placed our order and it was a relatively simple order. While waiting we observed other patrons coming in after us. Approximately four other different groups came in. We were patiently waiting and observed other patrons being served a started receiving thier food while we still we were still waited. We asked the waiter about the status of our order. She said that she put our order in, but she doesn't know what happened. The dumbfounded look on her face made it obvious to us that our order was not put in. After coming from the hospital and expecting to receive a good home cooked meal and not to mention again we were the first ones seated at the tables to order we politely just gathered our items and left the restaurant, this was ridiculous. read more

All the hype is TRUE! It's definitely worth driving around the block several times for a parking space! We had several entrees, my daughter had the fried chicken which she inhaled, along with cabbage and Mac and Cheese - all perfectly cooked and seasoned. We tried the Crab and Rice my daughter and I throughly enjoyed it with the Hot sauce. The husband not so much. My entree was grilled shrimp, collard, and Mac and Cheese. This is the first time in over 30 years I eat green peppers without them repeating on me! The entrees was fantastic! My husband had red rice (I think he was expecting something else, the dish wasn't his favorite). However he loved the Yams! Thank you for Great food and Service!!! read more

Food was delicious! Get the Carolina mix (Arnold Palmer)- so good. The staff were friendly, and the portions generous. Southern hospitality at its finest. They did get busy (understandably), so don't go if you're in a rush. read more

What an awesome place. We went big in one place in Charleston and were happy it was here. You feel the love when you get served. I love their fish. Their fried liver is to die for. Great home vibe, excellent service, I'd love to go back. read more

Look no further for a taste of local flavors. The fried crab rice and the gumbo stew side were delectable. The crispiness and seasoning of the crab mixed with the warm rice was wonderful. The ribs according to my family were nice and tender with good sauce. The green string beans were just okay -- tasted the same as the kind from the can. I was more of a fan of this spot than the rest of the family, maybe because they felt the portions were a bit on the smaller side. I think they were balanced and filled with flavor. Loved it. read more

Hannibal's Kitchen - Gumbo side - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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I was dying to try this place since everyone says how amazing the food is - it's a small, simple restaurant that's seems to be a neighborhood favorite. There was only 1 waitress for the entire place when we walked in - she was very polite - handed us menus and asked us to be patient and she would seat us shortly. It was about a 15 minute wait - then someone came from the back and sat us down. We ordered the lemon pepper wings, the barbecue wings, collard greens, green beans, Mac and Cheese, yams, and pork chops The good: wings, yams, collard greens, pork chops The bad: Mac and Cheese (dry and unseasoned) green beans (tasted like they came from a can) What I will say is - the customer service was amazing - the 2 young ladies ran around the dining room taking care of all the tables - they were super attentive and really nice Also they have beautiful black art on the walls read more

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Let me start by saying I've loved Hannibal's for over 30 years!!! Charleston born and raised and hate to see the demise of what used to be one of the best representations of great SOUL FOOD and an excellent breakfast choice as well (my entire office used to order to go breakfast)!! It used to be a Lowcountry staple, but times have changed. I thought the last two times were just flukes, but this 3rd try in 3 months was not a charm and it saddened me to my gut literally!! The "jumbo" wings are far from jumbo. Wings used to be the best wings, especially with the honey mustard sauce, that you have to ask for. The seasoning is overpowering with salt and pepper. It used to be a lightly fried flavorful seasoning back in my Vision's (locals know what I mean, as we would STAY IN LINE)!! Today's wings were disappointing to say the least. The okra soup tasted like pepper with old, overcooked okra. It lacked any other hint of flavor except pepper! I'm not sure who is doing the cooking now, but I sure miss the days when it was truly good old southern soul food. Praying the family finds a true cook that knows that your food is the flavor, not all the salt and pepper being used to cover up the flavor or "lack their of". I miss the old Hannibal's, Huger's and Visions!! Please get it back together, as I hate to see such a local legendary place crumbling!! read more

Hannibal's Kitchen - Okra soup over white rice. - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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My wife and I were seeking a local "down-home" restaurant for lunch. We had just finished our tour of the International African American Museum. We parked a few blocks away and walked to the restaurant. Upon entering we were warmly greeted by a staff member, and seated by a blight window booth. The wonderful waitress presented us with a menu, then returned several minutes later to take our orders. In about 20 minutes our food was delivered to our table piping hot and delicious. We enjoyed the classic "Low country" cuisine, the warm hospitality, and the reasonable costs. However, one should be aware that parking is very limited and mainly on the streets. The streets are busy and narrow. The interior of the restaurant needs a "facelift', and the restrooms could use more attention. The exterior of the business would benefit from a bit of landscape gardening, too! I share these comments in a most laudatory manner in the hope that taking them into account shall make your establishment enough more legendary. read more

Authentic southern soul food. Portions are smaller than most places (way too much) these are all fair and healthy portions. I had liver and onions, liver cooked appropriately, could use a bit more onions. read more

I entered Hannibal's and was instantly greeted with a smile. It was like walking into your aunty's kitchen. The nice and cozy feel was welcoming. I started off with the "Obama" which is sweet tea and lemonade mixed together BOMB! For my entrée I ordered their famous crab fried rice with a side of mac n cheese. I also ordered the cornbread and it was some of the best cornbread I have ever tasted!! The food was so good I ordered a plate to go. Hannibal's if you are hiring? I would love to be the food tester! read more

Hannibal's Kitchen - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Never had okra soup with so many small bones before. Landmines for the teeth! There were a. a few large pieces of fat which could be removed. I am a Charleston native and had many years of having okra soup, but this was definitely different. read more

The food - chicken gizzards with gravy, pork and chicken neck bones with Lima beans , Okra soup and Mac and cheeses Just delicious. Dont get it everyday. Quite a find in Savannah. Sweet kids working. Very relaxing. In Savannah ,try Hannibal's. read more

For the first 30 minutes, I was the Non Black Customer, so I knew I was in for an epic soul food meal! Staff was friendly around. I loved the clean and artistic interior...the African inspired art and celebrity photos are great! $16.50 Hannibal's Crab Rice Meal...a crab entree for less than $20!?!?! AMAZING! Also amazing...the food! The sauteed crab meat with onions, green peppers and seasonings is perfection! The sweet tender crab meat still shines brightly, while the extras subtly enhance the flavor. I paid an extra $10 for an extra portion of the crab meat, which is a great decision for you too! So good! Okra Soup side...my first time! The Okra was soft in the rich, fragrant and savory tomato broth, so good! $2 "Obama" beverage...half sweet tea and half pink lemonade, refreshing! read more

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Amazing soul food. I got the crab rice with shrimp plus collards on the side. My husband got the whiting fried fish with collards and yams. We shared a huge piece of corn bread. You could tell that everything was made fresh and with love. We came in around 1 on a Friday and got seated right away. We were finished around 2 and they started to get busy. Our server was super kind and personable. Their parking lot fits about three cars. We parked on a side street. Make sure you read the signs as there is resident permit parking only. Definitely stop in. read more

Hannibal's Kitchen - Crab rice with shrimp - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Kelli's was our server was awesome! She handled the heat and heavy with a smile. Not to mention the food was great. It is worth the wait. I recommend trying this restaurant and supporting local owned! read more

Food was good, service was lacking substantially. Took almost 2 hours to get our food, during which the waitress stopped by all of 2 times to refill waters. As for ambiance, the place was painfully hot. Completely lacking AC, and eating a hot meal inside such an uncomfortable space boardered on miserable. read more

Service was as great. Maybe the chef was having a bad day, but I ordered the crab rice with shrimp. There was about 2 cups of under cooked rice on my plate and a 1/2 oz of crab meat in the rice, somewhere. The shrimp was also under cooked. The cabbage was not freshly cooked. Very underwhelmed with the food. The price of the food was too much for the quality and portions. read more

Hannibal's Kitchen - Crab rice with shrimp and a side of cabbage. - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Ordered wings - both fried and flavored honey BBQ ... Mac n cheese... and of course their famous crab meat rice ... The rice was unique and very flavorful... not spicy just savory and perfectly cooked! The Mac n cheese is loaded with flavor and cheese ... totally a winner. The wings - I ordered flats and fries for myself... the coating is wonderful ... not too much just enough crunch to remind you of family fried chicken events... hubby loved the wings... flavorful and finger lickin yumm. A total win at this home owned off beaten path place. Loved the welcoming smiles and service xoxo read more

Came to Charleston from Detroit MI for the AAHGS Conference. While at the International Afro American Museum one of the staff recommended Hannibal's Soul Kitchen. I wish I had better words to describe how fantastic this food was! The red rice and crab was heavenly. The Mac n cheese was some of the best I've ever had. The greens were tender and bursting with flavor. Loved this clean colorful spot with friendly and family-like service. Haven't had Gullah food before. It was amazing. Will come here every time I'm in the area. We Bin Ya! read more

Hannibal's Kitchen - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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