We were looking for a new bbq place to try and stumbled across Melvin's. The reviews were all over the place but we figured we would give it a try since my husband is a huge fan of smoked turkey breast. We are so glad we didn't listen to the negative reviews. This place took me back to my childhood (raised on a farm and the butter beans are the closest to my grandmas I have found so far). We started with the onion rings / so good, sweet, doughy and HUGE!!! Wow. For our meal we did a 3-meat plate and upgraded to Brisket. Love that they give an option of lean, fatty or mixed. It was tender and flavorful. The pulled pork was great. My husband loved the turkey. We had the macaroni and cheese and beaked beans and also added on an order of the butter beans and potato salad to bring home for a bbq later in the weekend. The spicy gold sauce I could put on EVERYTHING. My goodness was it good. My husband loved the OG Red and took home a bottle of that. Overall we loved our experience and will be back in the future! Also we arrived Saturday morning (Memorial Day weekend ) and were one of the first people at 1045! Perfect timing!! read more

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My first job was at a BBQ restaurant and this experience was trash! I ordered BBQ Chicken with BBQ sauce on top with a side of sauce. The chicken came barely warm with NO sauce and was dry. Lima beans and green beans were mid. Maybe it's better inside the restaurant but I would NOT recommend ordering to deliver. And maybe it's just this location. It's even more embarrassing cuz it was for a date inside. We ended up ordering a pizza, which was actually good. read more

OMG! The brisket and okra are some of the best I have ever had. The bar-b-que sauce is very different. It mustard based. I liked it. read more

Melvin's BBQ - James Island - The restaurant is super cute. And the staff is wonderful! - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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I've been a patron at Melvins for 20 years. last nite I ordered half rack of ribs with 2 sides. cost about $40! anyway the ribs were inedible and I went back with remaining ribs (2 couldn't be eaten and thrown out)! and with the receipt. after waiting awhile an employee came out with a gift card for half the amount. Disgusted and won't be back! They lost a good customer!!! read more

The best Turkey Club I've had in CHS so far. They are very generous on the turkey & bacon. Just order up front and they bring your meal to the table. Also, don't forget about the pickle/pepper bar with all the sauces! You can load up on your favorite toppings before the food even gets to you! Bowl of pickles as an appetizer..yes please. read more

Melvin's BBQ - James Island - Turkey Club - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

very good food! staff was nice and food came very quickly. it was also a good price too, nothing was too expensive.

The staff is entirely incompetent. Then when they messed my order up they said I had to call the corporate office to get a refund. Do not order from here. read more

The food here is amazingly tasty! I grew up here on James Island and I promise EVERY TIME I go back I get the barbecue at least once before I leave to return to OKC. The service is always excellent, they bring your order out to you/offer refills for what you drink and are super friendly. The ambiance and atmosphere is great because it seems like you're at an old home sitting on a bench in the porch at grandma's house! read more

Doesn't look like much from the outside, but this is a definite must go to you like barbecue. This place is beyond words from the sandwiches, which are really good cooked to perfection. Hamburgers are out of this world. I can't even describe the onion rings, except for Four mouthwatering and fantastic. The only issue I had was the fries needed to be seasoned a little bit more or maybe cooked a little bit more, but the banana pudding made up for it and is a definite you have to get truly our first time there we will be looking for a Melvins everywhere we go Barbecue heaven quick to get the food out so that you are not sitting long at all read more

I absolutely love this place. Without a doubt the best barbecue in town. I am very sorry Besiegers and Maurice's but your brother Melvin has a leg up on you. You both are excellent as well. Both five stars but if I could give Melvin a sixth I would. Live the big onion ring. read more

Friday lunch deal is bomb when I came here with my 3 buddies. Last time I was with one of these buddies, we went to go eat chicken. Instead of getting chicken at the chicken place he got red snapper and ate the eye and had cold sweats that night. This place doesn't do that, but he did order the brisket. The onion rings are crazy here there is nothing like it it is a perfect dessert. Except it is rich, in a good way. Rich enough to bring home to your girl. One buddy said "I loved the variety of sauces". My buddies girl who isn't yet his wife likes the pickles there. That's kind of funny. read more

Pulled Chicken Sandwich-Steak Fries Smoked Turkey Sandwich-Onion Rings 6 Wings Nanna pudding SPECTACULAR!!! Tiffany waited on us and she helped us with our selections. WOW!!! She so ROCKS!!! She was so sweet and made us feel right at home! I'm pretty picky about my BBQ because I grew up in Memphis but Melvins is a solid Que Place!! I would be proud to take any of my friends or family here when they come to visit. We'll be back Fo'Sho' Both sandwiches were huge and tasted AWESOME! The steak fries were fried and seasoned perfectly! The onion rings were the BEST!!! They have the batter goodness that you get at the fair...but better; I didn't think that was possible. We were so full that we took one bite of the pudding. YAY!!! Happy Southern Pudding vibes here and can't wait to eat it tonight with our other leftovers for dinner. $50 for 4 meals is a deal at any price. Kudos Melvin's read more

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Food and service was great! Love their banana pudding also it just their bbq! Be sure and try their doughnut covered fried onion rings!

Great bbq. I love the sweet bbq sauce on the pulled pork. The green beans with huge hunks of ham are perfectly cooked. The Mac and cheese is perfect. Overall, not too super fancy, just a great bbq place. read more

This place was very delicious! Staffs were amazing. Place was cleaned very well, veryy organized and this place would be a place for lunch with a friend or dinner with family! Will recommend this place. We did not have to wait so long before the food arrived so definitely a 10/10 for me. Will come back here. Thank you for having me. read more

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Food is amazing, the staff is friendly, it is rustic and busy. Best burger in town! I'd have given it a 5 star rating except for the prices. It's expensive but excellent!! My family loves it!! read more

Recently I visited Melvin's BBQ for the 1st time. And I must say the food portions are quite grande for the price and this area well we all know can be rather pricy but not here. . And the young lady at the drive threw Tiffany was absolutely amazing. Because she offered the best customer service I've ever seen I will definitely be coming back. And I'm not sure if I'm allowed to say this or not but she deserves a raise. I'll be coming back for sure. read more

Melvin's BBQ - James Island - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

This Melvin's must do something about the drive thru. 1) It is slow moving, like 1 car every 10 minutes 2) It can only handle about 4 cars in the actual lane. Other cars fall back Into the parking lot and block traffic. I have never in my life seem something so ineffective. I love their food (though unhealthy), but it's not worth this kind of wait and hassle! read more

Really good BBQ. You order at the counter and they bring it to your table. Staff was very friendly and are happy to answer any questions about the food. My dining companion got onion rings and they were very different from what we expected. Almost like a donut with an onion in it. Very sweet with a lot of breading. He didn't like it but I liked a few bites. They have a nice condiment bar with various pickles and peppers. read more

Melvin's BBQ - James Island - Brisket, Cole slaw, Mac and cheese, cornbread (sweet) - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Was hoping for the best when we stopped. Sorely disappointed. BBQ sauce was beyond bad.

This place is our go to for burgers. Best cheeseburgers in Charleston. Monday lunch special is 2 Cheeseburgers, 2 sides, and 2 drinks for $18. Very cool nostalgic atmosphere. Place is fantastic! read more

This particular Melvins is my favorite! It is always busy, not too long, but worth it. Super friendly staff and radical customer service to boot. I ordered the big pulled pork sandwich with collard greens. And let me tell ya, their mustard sauce is some of the best compliment to pour over that sweet, smoky and moist pulled pork sandwich. I've been there numerous times when on Johns or James Islands, and am pleasantly plump every time. read more

Melvin's BBQ - James Island - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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First time at this location and flavors are good and I like everything, the big Joe with fries and the junior Joe with fries but there was something that didn't like me and I didn't quite make it home, had to stop along the way to use a bathroom. Could've been the ice machine, the BBQ sauce that is not kept refrigerated up front, who knows and I understand it could just be a different kind of bacteria than the one I am used, having said that I only take two stars for getting sick, wife was ok Plenty of parking in the adjacent shopping if you are willing to walk a little Wont be coming back, will make the trip to Mt. Pleasant next time read more

This is just good Carolina barbecue. My family have gone to Melvins and the sibling restaurant Bessingers (very similar food, some unknown family disagreement led to the formation of two separate restaurants I think). I've had their barbecue many times and it's awesome with a good Carolina mustard sauce. The baskets come with fries and an onion ring which I usually get and love. This most recent visit I got a bacon cheeseburger on a whim and was super glad I did, it was delicious and hit the spot! I gave only 4 stars maybe in a selfish way in that it all still tastes like a restaurant and I can reach that 5th star with barbecue if I make it at home. But for those lazy days or when company is in town and you can't cook, Melvins is a great place to go! I recommend it to lots of friends who come in from out of town and need restaurant ideas. read more

Hands down one of THEEEE BEST bbq spots in town. We had a group of five of us so we got the family platter which was actually waaayyy too much for us, but of course we took the leftovers home! Got the ribs, chicken wings, pulled pork, pulled chicken, and brisket. Mac n cheese, collard greens, cornbread, fried okra, and fries as the sides! I can't decide if my favorite sauce was their signature golden one or the Alabama white sauce! read more

Delicious food, great service and a clean dining room. You must try this place! Brisket - Onion Rings- Mac & Cheese read more

Mmm. Mmm. Mmm. Melvins. Love me BBQ and y'all know that. Always heard of Melvin's since a lad but never went until a year to two ago. I go somewhat often now and enjoy my pulled pork from there. It's a cool environment inside and it's usually packed for a reason. Food is pretty good, I love my pulled pork sandwich with a Mac and cheese side, and their other items such as the burgers are great too! Have had some subpar experiences with drive thru orders and communication but it's never something to worry about. Good food and good times, a great blend between quick food and fine dining. Gonna keep going to Melvy Melvins, keep it up y'all! read more

just very very poor barbecue. had to send it back. still paid for it but left it all.

Wow- this is the best BBQ !! The brisket is so tender that it melts in your mouth and this is not to take away from the fantastic rubs - great smoke (just right)! We have been to many bbq joints including the well known ones and this is way better!! Sorry to those guys but 5 stars to this bbq. read more

We were impressed with the food at Melvin's BBQ. The good... -Brisket sandwich was very good -Fries were good -Italian beans were good -Pork bbq sandwich was pretty good -The kid liked the kids cheeseburger -Sauces were good Needs improvement... -The bbq pork on the sandwich was too mushy. I like it a little more dry and bark. -The bathroom was not very clean read more

I am editing my previous review due to the prompt response I received about my review. The manager is sending our family some rubs and sauces from Melvins (because we are from out of town and not able to try the food again). This is greatly appreciated and it is clear they appreciate their customers! Next time we are on Folly we will give Melvins another try! read more

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This was exactly what I hoped for. The food was quite tasty, service was relatively quick, and the prices were reasonable. On a Saturday evening, there were a decent number of people there, with most tables utilized, but it was not too loud which was nice. read more

Melvin's BBQ - James Island - Bbq Pork sandwich, Homemade Macaroni & Cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Found a hidden gem in this one. The pulled pork was tender and just the right amount of sweetness. The staff is friendly and helpful with side suggestions and the service was very good as the wait time from ordering to being served was prompt. Very casual atmosphere so feel free to come in your sweats as your belly will be full and happy read more

Food was amazing. Had small Pork BBQ and Onion Rings for lunch. Awesome food. Will definitely be back. read more

This is truly some of the finest BBQ in the USA. Now if I could make a career out of going to every BBQ establishment in the country, I would, and could verify that Melvin's is among the very finest. But since that ain't likely to happen maybe I could put it this way. I have a strict no-repeat rule about restaurants in the Charleston area. The Holy City boasts the highest concentration of fine culinary experiences than most if not all US cities. So for that reason I won't visit the same restaurant twice. The exception is Melvin's. I'm sitting in my Arlington VA apartment scrolling through pictures of menu items from Melvin's. Is there something wrong with me? I'm moving to Charleston on September 1st. I want to make multiple visits to Melvin's and experience the many beautiful things on their menu. See you soon Melvin's. read more

The Nachos are BACK! The fact that Melvins is one of the oldest BBQ restaurants in SC shines through with all of their meats and dishes. The staff is almost always exceptionally friendly. I so missed when they dropped nachos from the menu a number of months back, partially do to staffing issues. Brisket is back too. My wife got her usual original burger (yes with the slaw on it) , and it was great as expected. read more

Melvin's BBQ - James Island - Pulled Pork Nachos - recommend getting the slaw on the side (it causes the chips to go soggy) and with the spicy bbq sauce - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

We ordered almost $150 worth of food tonight. Including brisket, ribs, and pulled chicken. With signature sides. The food looked amazing, but the brisket and pulled chicken had a terrible aftertaste. Like gasoline or fuel got into the meat. My fiancée spit out the food. We ate the pieces that didn't taste like fuel, and they were ok but tonight sucked. I was recommended to come here over Hometeam BBQ, but our first impression of Melvin's is that no quality control on the food was performed tonight. I thought about asking for a refund, but at this point we know we're never eating here again. The picture is from the remaining food that didn't taste like gasoline or lighter fluid. read more

Melvin's BBQ - James Island - BBQ ribs, French fries, and cornbread - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

This place is ALWAYS a good idea! I always get the brisket sandwich and paired it with Mac 'n Cheese and have no regrets. read more

Melvin's BBQ - James Island - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Local fast food BBQ joint right off the highway. Came here in a group of five girls who were ravenous after a red eye flight to Charleston. This place was right across the street from our Airbnb so we decided to give it a shot. It was pretty busy on a Friday at noon but the line moved quickly. You order at the counter and give your name, and then they'll bring your food out to you. I asked the cashier what her choice would be between the burnt ends sandwich and the brisket cheeseburger, and the burnt ends only came with the meat while the cheeseburger had accoutrements. You can make it items a combo for $3.50 more which includes a drink and one side. I got the mac and cheese which was really rich and creamy - I couldn't finish it and I usually pride myself on finishing my food, so it may be best to share among people. I also got the brisket cheeseburger which also had the hamburger patty to my surprise. It was such a filling meal and I was stuffed. Miscellaneous - there's a big parking lot since it's right by a Publix. There are restrooms available and they do take credit cards. There's a condiment bar where they have three different BBQ sauces (the original one was my favorite) and jalapeños and napkins. The sweet tea was good and there's a soda fountain if you get a drink. You clean up after yourself and no table service is available. Overall it was a good spot for us given our location and hunger, and I liked that it's off the beaten path. read more

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ok ok, so i'm trying to be vegan and i was STARVING. i've driven past Melvins many times on Folly Road. i used the drive-thru to order. definitely zero vegan options HOWEVER I BROKE IT and just dove straight into the chicken bbq sandwhich and mac and cheese. very happy with my decision. ok yes, i was starving but the whole meal was great. i would say the chick was just a smidge on the dry side. there was extra bbq sauce on the side which was perfect of dunking my sammie AND mac n cheese. i sat in my car savoring every moment. read more

Melvin's BBQ - James Island - Smoker - Barbeque Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina