All i can say is crab rice. My goodness sakes. That is one of the best dishes I have ever eaten. It i owned a key, I would fly there just for that. Endings in our party enjoyed the meals. We even celebrated a birthday while there. The service was excellent also!!! read more

See all

Visited this place from out of town after seeing pics of crab rice and WOW it did not disappoint! So flavorful (just wish there was more of it!) We also ordered the fried flounder meal with mac & cheese and collared greens which was delicious (love that they give you the whole fish). Also shout out to our server with the green jacket! Wish I got his name but he was extremely friendly and accommodating. Great food, great service, 100% will come back! read more

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

See all

Hannibal's Kitchen took me back to Grandma's country cooking. Eating the food was not just a culinary experience but emotional. First, the staff is so friendly and accommodating. I remember our waitress looking out for us and brought the last slices of cornbread. You will be satisfied if you just eat the cornbread and go home. The red rice was the star. I ate that rice and just wanted to cry happy memories from sitting at Grandma's table. Most people want cabbage with a little crunch and seasoned with meat. Listen, order the cabbage! The no meat but layers of flavor and more than over cooked just works. I know one thing Mama and Grandma is in that kitchen cooking because who else can make that old fashion lemon cake. Now the bread pudding and the fried fish was not good but everyone has a bad day! The fish was not edible because I believe it was pre-fried and placed in a microwave to heat up. So, unless that fish is freshly fried and not old -pass! Shout out to the staff at the African Museum that recommended Hannibal's. I can't wait to go back! read more

See all

Hannibal's felt like home, my childhood family reunions, and my Granny's house all rolled into one. I was overwhelmed by the nostalgia of the restaurant. Every tune from my youth was playing. The service was wonderful and the food was scrumptious. read more

Got the shrimp and crab fried rice and it was pretty good! Decent amount of shrimp, just wish it had more crab. I liked the flavor of it. We asked for some hot sauce too to give it some heat and I am glad we did because it was a nice addition. read more

Hannibal's Kitchen - Shrimp and crab fried rice - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Wanted to get some real Charleston soul food while in town. This was an amazing meal! We got the Crab Rice, added shrimp, and subbed white rice for red rice. We also got a small bowl of okra soup (versus the side - the bowl comes with smoked ham neck and tailbones. You can pull the bones out and strip them of meat and add the meat back in the soup). The rice and soup both were absolutely delicious! The mac and cheese was ok. We also got cornbread right out of the oven and it was the best we've ever head. A huge serving and was basically our dessert. I'll be dreaming of that crab + shrimp red rice and okra soup, so good. read more

The ladies were very nice. There was one waitress that ran around doing everything. They really need more help and someone to organize the flow. After waiting to be seated for 30 minutes, they sat us at the bar with menus. Thirty minutes later we decided to ordered our food to go. They sent us a text 45 minutes later to pick up as we waited in the car. Then my husband had to wait another 10 minutes as it wasn't quite ready when he went in to pick it up. Oh then they forgot to add silverware and the side of collard greens. He was not going to wait more time for the side. So we let that go. However, the cornbread tasted sweet and amazing. We were visiting family and from out of town. Would not recommend this place unless you're a local and know how to order so you don't have to wait so long for your food. read more

Friendly service and good food, we had nothing we would not go back and have again. The mac n' cheese and yams are a must have to try. Update the crab and shrimp rice is to die for and full of seafood great balance with the rice. read more

Hannibal's Kitchen - Crab and shrimp rice. Lots of seafood - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

When because of all the great reviews and they were not lying. Service was amazing and quick checked on us and very friendly. Environment makes you feel at home. The food was very flavorful and will be going back next time I'm in Charleston. read more

Hannibal's Kitchen - Turkey, wings, rice, cabbage, yams, mac & cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

See all

Listen man... This review isn't going to be about the food. The food is good. I'll give them that. If that's all you care about, don't read the rest. But wow. We're going to get this out of the way. I'm from New Orleans. I eat at restaurants all the time. I love soul food. I was excited about this experience. That excitement waned very, very quickly. Let's start here. The place is half empty. I walk in and sit at the bar (like I said - I'm from New Orleans). Thinking "maybe I'll order a drink with my crab rice." Nope. Waitress #1 snaps at me. "You gotta wait at the sign. You gotta go wait at the sign, I have to seat you." I go to the sign - 3 feet away. All she does is lead me to the bar seat that I was at. She acts like this was very necessary. A couple behind me looks at me like "That was weird." Yes. It is. Realizing how completely useless that was, she said "This is how we do things now." Uh, ok. Whatever. A momentary setback to an otherwise great meal right? Wrong. She asks me for my order. There is not a hint of a smile in her face. She's yelling at me. Why? Because there is a fan that is so loud that it is drowning out all the sound in the room. I have to say: "I'm so sorry - I can't hear you because of the fan." I already feel like I did something wrong, when like - bro, you are YELLING at me and I STILL cannot hear you. Do you not see how this might be a problem. In the only half-kind moment in this godforsaken place, she says "Yeah, it is loud." Then she goes to lower it. I try to offer some levity. "I get it though, it's hot." She comes back. I order the crab rice with a side of mac and cheese. I love soul food. I'm in Charleston! Southern hospitality! This meal is going to be great! Waitress #2 is just in the corner by the cake taking orders. The food comes out. Okay, cool. Out of nowhere - Waitress #3 comes out. YELLING. Does everyone yell here? Whatever. I've been to Jamaican restaurants where being rude is almost part of the charm. DID YOU ALREADY ORDER YET? Fam. You have eyes. My food is RIGHT HERE. Do you think I went back and stole it from the kitchen? She then turns her attention to everyone ordering to go. DID YOU ALREADY ORDER? DID YOU ALREADY ORDER? I swear to God every waitress here acts like they want you to leave this place rather than stay. Waitress 1 is going around. I notice I'm almost finished my crab rice. No mac and cheese has come. "Hey, the mac and cheese?" She goes back to the kitchen like I insulted her, comes back, drops off the mac and cheese, mutters "Sorry" without even looking in my eye. Here's where it gets comical. I'm about to wrap things up, and a young man who has been sitting at the bar finally catches Waitress 2 - "Hey can I order a-" "No. I don't do that. I'm not a bartender." "You guys do serve drinks right?" "Yeah but you gotta ask her" - points to Waitress 1. When Waitress 1 eventually comes around, "Hey can I get a-" I'm not kidding, Waitress 1 goes "Oh, I don't do that. Talk to her" and points to Waitress 2. The guy and I look at each other and immediately start cracking up. He gets up. "Forget it, man." Forget it indeed, brother. Waitress 1 notices I'm cracking up, and I'm done here. "Give me my check." Waitress 1, instead of getting my check, begins arguing with Waitress 2, in front of all the customers. "If someone asks for a drink, you have to get it for them..." as if they've never worked together in their life. All the customers are confused and uncomfortable now (understandably). Waitress 1 then interrogates me - "What did he want to drink?" as if it's MY responsibility. He's all the way across the restaurant. Why don't YOU go and ask him? "I think it was a jack and coke. Can I have my check now?" Being from New Orleans, our service economy is essential. I tip 20-25% at all times. For the first time in at least 15 years, I tapped No Tip - and I'm GLAD she saw me do it. Listen. Maybe Charleston has some Southern hospitality - I intend to find out, but it skipped over this place. I know the restaurant industry is hard. Maybe all the waitresses are going through something. But I swear to God - if you patronize this place (let me be clear, you absolutely should not) get something to go. You couldn't pay me $100 to walk inside this place again and eat for free. Whatever "family-owned" vibe they got going on - think the most dysfunctional family you ever met. Keep in mind within 15 minutes, I saw a restaurant with a bar basically get mad at one person sitting there and another for trying to order a drink. I go out of my way to support Black-owned businesses, and I will continue to do so. But as someone who has eaten at thousands of restaurants, this is in the top 5 worst dining experiences of my life. If you want to have a bad day, go here. I will never understand why people work at a restaurant if they acts like they would rather have no customers. 0/10, and may God have mercy on your soul. read more

It doesn't look like much from the outside, but the food was excellent, and people were friendly. It took a while to get our food because there was a large table ahead of us, but it was well worth the wait. Our food was hot and delicious. read more

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

I live 2 hour away but was on this side of town and came across this restaurant. The vibes inside were so relaxed and chill. The staff were very friendly and welcoming. And the food was amazing!! Even after waiting in the car for 2 hours.. the turkey neck was so soft the meat fell off the bone. Definitely the best soul food I've had in Carolina in the 3 years I've lived here.. definitely will keep this place saved for future visits! read more

Absolutely delicious and friendly. I moved out of the South and to be able to come back and have the best collard greens ever was a treat. I ordered the crab rice and they were so friendly and accommodating to my allergy. They also suggested to add shrimp to the crab rice and It made a delicious dish even better. I had to try the yams and cornbread and those were also amazing. Son't miss this place. Its small but filled with locals, so you know its good read more

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

Would recommend! If we could give it more than 5 stars we would! From the costumer service, Selena, was amazing to the amazing food, as a local (born and raised) we will be back! It was so affordable and the best food and service we've had in Charleston in so long! This is the souls food and service are amazing! P.s. get the fried leg quarters, collards, Mac and cheese and cornbread! read more

Their shrimp/lobster fried rice was really good and different. Their collard greens and mac & cheese were good too. Unfortunately the restaurant isn't located in the best part of town so I definitely recommend only visiting them during the daytime. The inside of the restaurant is also fairly tired looking and could use some updating. read more

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

I ordered a pan of crab rice and macaroni and cheese online 24 hours in advance . Paid $290. Came the next day to pick it up at the scheduled time. My food wasn't ready nor did they know what happened to my order. After sitting down in waiting are for more than an hour, they finally brought out my crab rice. They didn't have anymore Mac. The rice was absolutely dry and hard, and i feel like they just threw it together to get me out of their store. I won't ever go back nor would i even suggest it. As i sat there in frustration for more than hour, not one glass of water was offered nor did anyone remotely try to help me through an issue that they caused. No relief was given. No discount . Nothing. Absolute TRASH. I've already instructed more than 50 people to never eat there. In mg opinion, they're only still in business because of nostalgia. read more

the best meal I've ever had! Well seasoned- not salty and an amazing balance of flavors. Crab so fresh read more

We took a free tourist bus 211 from our resort and walked about 7 blocks to this restaurant. We read good reviews and this restaurant was highly recommended by the locals. I'm glad we went out of our way to eat at this restaurant. Server was very friendly. My husband ordered the famous fried chicken with mac and fries. I ordered grilled whiting with mac and red rice. The fried chicken takes about 35 minutes to cook. It was good but it was pretty standard fried chicken. However, my grilled whiting was a new experience for me. I never had whiting before. It is kind of a long and skinny fish. They said it was grilled but it was very moist and tasty. It tastes like pan fried. It was so good and not greasy or fishy. Just beware that there are lots of small fine bones throughout the fish. The red rice was so unusual. This was the first true soul food I had. The rice was red and slight sweet and tomato taste. I love it. The next time we visit SC again, we will definitely go there again. The price read more

See all

A little off the beaten path, this soul food local hangout offers great value in a city not known for affordable dining. Located about 1/2 mile northeast of the yuppie King Street area, you get authentic soul food for only about $10/meal. The environs, the exterior, and the eating area are dicey but you come here for the good food and the great value. We had grilled Whiting (fish), and fried chicken with sides of red rice and mac 'n cheese. Fish was delish, sides were tasty, but chicken was smallish and a tad dry. Service was friendly though most folks tend to order takeout. Cuz' of location, you have to be a bit adventurous but it's well worth the trip to get a taste of what real locals probably eat. read more

Hannibal's Kitchen - Yummy mac plus smaller fried thigh and drumstick. - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

See all

The best meal of my trip! Go here for flavorful down home food. The inside needs care and they didn't have enough staff for good service, but I highly recommend the food. read more

Any kind of long review for Hannibal's is just a waste of words because when food is this good, it speaks for itself! This is the type of place you hope never changes because it's doing everything right. While I sat in my car eating, (because who has the self-control to drive all the way home before devouring food that smells so good??) I saw at least 6 folks from the neighborhood walk in and get some food. I can't even imagine the level of broke I'd be if I lived within walking distance of this place! But I have yet to find a great joint loved by neighborhood folks that isn't worth a visit (or 2 or 20...). And this rings true for Hannibal's. Their crab rice did not skimp on the authentic crab meat and their seasonings literally had me looking around to make sure no one could judge me if they saw me licking the container! Frying food is an art that Hannibal's mastered long ago; beautifully golden and crisp shrimp, cooked to perfection. Not to knock dining places that cater to tourists or places with real fancy meals you're hesitant to pronounce, but during Covid I find myself avoiding all dine-in experiences, so I want take-away that feels like comfort food cooked by someone who loves me and who takes pride in what they do. Hannibal's crab rice and shrimp left a dopey smile on my face long after I ate my last bite of this delicious meal and in doing so, checked off all my requirements for places I want to make sure know how appreciated & what a gem they are. read more

Food was awesome! The atmosphere nice! Great meet up place and wait staff were very attentive.

Yum! My partner, visiting cousin, and I decided to try this place out after hearing good things about it! Parking is a challenge, but that's typical for downtown. Just something to keep in mind. You will get towed or get a ticket if you are parked where you aren't supposed to be. My cousin and I ordered the same meal lol. Fried leg quarters. Collards (the only veggie side item without pork) and the Mac and cheese. My partner ordered the fried whiting with red rice, Mac and cheese, and an additional side of green beans. We all really enjoyed our food! We didn't love the cornbread but this was truly based on a personal bias. Would go again and hoping to try the Turkey wings next time. read more

We stopped here while visiting Mt. Pleasant and wanted soul food. My husband and I ordered the turkey wings, which came with two sides. The food was delicious. The wait was expected with the crowd, and parking was hard to find. However, I would return. read more

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

Good soul food. We ordered the crab rice and fried chicken. The crab rice had a decent portion crab. Although it was a bit too oniony and crisp. I missed the lumpy fresh juicy texture of fresh steamed crab there. The savour of this dish slightly overpowered the crab. The "fried chicken" is under a bit of a misnomer. These are actually chicken wings. While they were good, they were nothing extraordinary. Just a simple southern fried chicken wing. read more

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

See all

This was one of those meals that makes you thankful to be alive. The shrimp and crab rice is out of this world. I literally moaned out loud when I took my first bite. Everyone looked at me, but in an understanding way. The okra soup (it's thick like a stew) is so good it'll make your tongue want to slap your brains out. I was in town for a work trip and came in to Hannibal's. It was so good I woke up dreaming about it the next day. When my family arrived to celebrate a birthday, I brought them back here. Tay was my server both nights and he'll take good care of you. read more

See all

Found this place through Eater and wanted to try out some Charleston soul food. It was nice out, so we walked to the restaurant and avoided the whole parking situation. We were immediately seated and ordered some of the popular items like the collard greens, crab rice, and mac and cheese. The crab rice has some shells in it and the fried whole whiting also had some bones in it, so you gotta be careful. The crab rice was interesting, but felt kinda dry. Also, I wish the fried fish came with some sauce options. We ended up using a lot of the hot sauce to turn the flavor up. Overall, the food tastes homemade and the prices are great! read more

See all

This is my first visit & first restaurant on a visit to Charleston. I was very pleased with my cabbage (which was prepared just like I cook mine). The crab & rice was definitely a Charleston thing. It was very tasty with an ample amount of crab over the rice. I would definitely visit this restaurant again. read more

See all

Smothered pork chop with gravy was literally finger great and amazing! And the deep fried chicken leg was totally consumed by my wife and she absolutely loved the collard greens..... Indeed a rare find! See you when we come back to Charleston! read more

Crab fried rice!! substitute white rice with the red rice. You will not be sorry. Also the corn bread is amazing.Very nice and attentive staff. Highly recommend if you're looking for really good soul food. read more

This place was GOODT! I came here for lunch after taking a city tour. The sweet potatoes, lima beans and chicken were so damn good. However, I have 8 words for you: Get The Crab Rice ON Their Red Rice Don't ask questions, just do it and thank me later. read more

Wow! Wow! We ordered the crab rice, the 2 pc fried chicken lunch, gizzards, cake and 2 teas for less than $30! What?! Did I mention the lunch came with Mac and cheese, Red rice and collards?! The fried was the best I've ever had! Sorry grandma! The sides are outstanding.. The crab rice is a masterpiece! All of the food we ordered was absolutely delicious! Come here! Don't miss out.. read more

See all

Shrimp and crab was spiced perfectly and delicious. Collards and Cabbage just how my Grandmother use to make them... Food that checked the boxes and fit this southern souls cravings. read more

Hannibal's Kitchen - Collards and smothered liver and onions - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

See all

Great food and service had Okra soup and flounder the app has me unable to leave pictures.

I have to meet them in the middle on this one. The food is prepared well and the portion was good for me. BUUUUTTTTT.....Where is the flavor??????? I ate the whole plate with added salt & pepper. The food is prepared well enough to enjoy. It's just missing that southern flavor pizazz or flavor at all for that matter. The lima beans taste of smoked meat and the seasoning is actually ok. The rest of my meal was very bland! read more

Hannibal's Kitchen - Smothered liver and onions over white rice - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

This place is definitely a local spot. But, if you are not a local, you should go. The servers are very welcoming and attentive, the food is fabulous, the sweet tea is over the top. You will find home-cooked Southern comfort food here. For lunch you will eati out of Styrofoam containers, but you will lick your container clean. My husband had the smothered pork chop, With okra soup, and lima beans. The pork chop was tender, the gravy was lick your lips smacking good. I had the shrimp and rice, which did not disappoint. We went hungry, we left stuffed. We will definitely visit again. read more

Small family restaurant in Charleston, SC. We were greeted and welcomed like we were family. Our servant took good care of us. The food tasted as home cooked and very tasty. The portions are huge so definitely come hungry or be ready to take home some leftovers. We started with the cornbread and honestly it is the best cornbread I've ever eaten. I had to take some home. This is definitely a must if you enjoy and like soul food. read more

Hannibal's Kitchen - Smothered Turkey Wings, Red Rice and Mac and Cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

A visit to the low country isn't complete without a southern meal and Hannibal's kitchen is definitely that. So first the reason why this is a 4 star review and not 5; and more importantly not 3. Literally, half of the restaurant was dark and unused. The portion we sat in in was cramped and the effects of the air conditioning was imperceivable. They seemed understaffed with food and drinks taking a while to come out. The biggest disapointment was that the food was served in styrofoam take out containers and we had to use plastic knives and forks- but no one wore masks. It begs the question Covid or convienence? With that out of the way, the food at Hannibal's is AHHHHMAAAAZZZZINNNGGGGG!. I had a smothered porkchop with gravy and onions just like my mama's. The portion was generous and I cleaned my take out plate! The candied yams were soft and sweet leaving me satisfied with not having desert. Finally, the macaroni and cheese, made Just the way black folks make it. The perfect ratio of noodle and cheese, baked not too hard and not too soft. A portion size that makes you think of Thanksgiving or Easter leftovers. My companions enjoyed the specialty rice: crab and shrimp fried rice, the whiting sandwhiches and platters. We couldn't help but giggle at the deep southern fair, like pig tails, but we knew if we tried them we would have been in heaven, marveling at the ingenuity of the African American to take scraps and make a maserpiece. I wish there was a Hannibal's here in New Jersey, so I could feel the warmth of my family home through it's masterful and loving culinary prowress. Not fancy, but truthful, do not miss this restaurtant when you are in Charleston. read more

Hannibal's Kitchen - Sign above the door but you can notice restaurant by the colorful awnings on it's side - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

One of the most authentic feeling spots in Charleston. Filled with locals and crab rice lovers, the server made you feel like a local even if you are not. Parking is tough but if you make it you will be treated to real low country cooking and not the knock off on King Street. Crab rice is what you're here for. Sides are good too. This places isn't fancy or fussy and that's what makes it great. read more

I wanted old fashioned excellent soul food. Boy did I get it. The service was hospitable and top notch by my waitress, Shalita. The ambiance was cozy. It was not warm enough to sit outside but the interior was fine. The music of Frankie Beverly and Maze played throughout my meal that added to the atmosphere. I ordered a whole sautéd flounder, okra soup, collard greens and cornbread. I was not disappointed. read more