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Had a wonderful experience at Palmira + really enjoyed the food. Everything was so tender and had a Smokey flavor to it. My favorite side by far was the beans! They had almost a Puerto Rician twist to them, and I went back for more! This was my first time trying beef cheeks and they were amazing but pretty fatty for my liking. In terms of meat, I enjoyed the ribs or the barbacoa the most, with the bbq sauce. I would not do the Cole slaw again, but the Mac and cheese was great! It was a more thick consistency and I love Mac that way! I really enjoyed the restaurant itself, however, it wasn't too crowded and I could see how there may be a line issue since the bar is so close to the front door. The staff was very friendly + helpful with any questions we had!
Absolutely recommend adding Palmira to one of your stops whenever in Charleston. This place is no frills on decor but ALL FLAVOR when it comes to BBQ. The beef cheeks are an absolute must. PERIOD. When ordering, you go down the line cafeteria-style, picking the types of meat you'd like and sides. During our visit, we went with the beef cheeks, roasted chicken (personally, I'd skip it), beef empanada, cole slaw, and mac and cheese. They offer coca cola cans and sweet tea for drink options, as well as a water tank. There are to-go containers and bbq sauce fountain for the taking. So much flavor, we couldn't stop oohing and aaahing throughout our meal.
What went well? Everything!! The cheeks were cheekin', the ribs ribbin', and the sides almost stole the show! One of the best spots in the Lowcountry for some juicy barbecue with ample seating throughout the restaurant. I liked snap of the fresh slaw and creaminess of the mac n cheese. The relish and pickles complemented the meats too. Staff worked hard to churn out orders with a smile and good attitude! A few staff members constantly bussed tables and swept to keep the area clean and ready for the next guest.
We drove to Charleston for Labor Day weekend with such high hopes after watching videos about this place, but the disappointment was real. The ribs tasted like they were boiled, slathered in seasoning, and baked until bone-dry and soggy all at once. The mac & cheese was stiff from far too much flour and stingy on the cheese--the crust and color were completely deceptive. As for the barbacoa, it had the texture of unflavored glue melting in your mouth. To top it off, almost everything tasted like it was drenched in smoked paprika. The last time I was lied to about food like this was when we were deceptively lured to "Smokehouse Destination" for pure smoke and mirrors. Here, I was waiting for the hype man to burst out at any moment and declare "tendernism!" on this tray. Sure, it was tender--tender and flavorless. I honestly feel like I've been "Punk'd." I guess Terry Black's and Goldie's in Texas have ruined barbecue aspirations for everywhere else, because this experience was one where literally everything on the plate was awful... except for the pickled onions and the barbecue sauce.
Easily has taken the crown as best bbq in Charleston. I used to place Lewis there, but Palmira'a beef cheek and barbacoa are unreal. The sides are killer too. Longer lines for one service counter, but two rooms of seating, both high tops and low tops. I enjoy having to-go containers already out for easy use. A must visit.
Hands down- the absolute best bbq we've ever had!! THE BEEF CHEEK!!!! Holy cow! We also got the Dino bone, delicious however about $50/bone. All the sides were perfection. Ordering is done thru a line walking along the window, so no servers, however that tip screen still pops up when paying. Family of 4 ate for a little over $100 but the beef cheek was well worth the trip! Definitely will be back when visiting Charleston!
We finally made it to Palmira and it was delicious! I had the barbacoa bowl, mac and cheese and Puerto Rican beans. Everything was really good. I like the set up of the restaurant and it's very clean. The service was excellent. I highly recommend!
Yes, Palmira is expensive and aiming for quality. We get it. Really enjoyed all the unique BBQ flavors. Specifically, the barbacoa and cilantro went well together. Staff was busy, friendly, and kept the lunch rush moving. Our main (constructive) feedback would be to 1) add weights and/or amounts to the (big board) pricing menu and 2) present customers with a heads up on the "fixins" that cost extra (e.g., cilantro and fried shell). Our (pictured) tray was $52 without a drink. Had we known that 2 ribs cost $15, we would have quickly pivoted to another meat.
Palmira BBQ is definitely a must try here in Charleston. Their southern BBQ with a twist of puerto rican culture hit in every different way possible. Known for their beef cheeks I had to order a LB and it didn't disappoint. The seasoning to the tenderness was done right and that was the highlight of this place. I also really enjoyed the caramel bread pudding they had for the special of the day. Sausage and Mac n cheese were also great compliments. I wasn't a fan of the collard greens. Service is outgoing and friendly. Ordering is easy to navigate as well as there's plenty of seating as well as outside if you prefer. Ambiance is kept neat and clean.
OMG, deliciousness! Found the gem on Instagram and had to check it out for myself...they did not disappoint! Ordered the chopped beef to go with crispy tostadas and the fixings and a side of mac n cheese. Everything paired nicely together from crunch, to depth of flavor with a nice sauce. Mac and cheese was large and tasty, well done. Definitely a place to check out if ever in the area! I'd go back for sure.
Came here for lunch during the week. There were a good amount of people there but no issue finding a table. The menu is posted on the wall and you order at the counter, like Texas style barbecue. All of the sides sounded great. My dad got the beef cheek and said it was great. The rest of our table got the special barbacoa bowl and would love to order that again. Great place for some unique barbecue!
I ordered their special for the day ( barbacoa bowl with Spanish rice, pickled onions, and an empanada on the side. The bowl was simple but really flavorful.. meat was tender, flavorful the rice was really good. The empanada was crispy on the outside and was chefs choice and i think the filling was barbacoa so it paired well with the meal. The staff was patient as it was my first time and attentive, which made the experience even better. Overall, a satisfying and straightforward meal with great service.
What can I say about Palmira barbecue that everyone else is not already said? I will bury the lead and say it was excellent. Upon arriving, there is a sizable lot to park in. Once you walk in, there is a menu on the wall as well as specials posted on the glass. My husband ordered ribs, mustard, slaw, beans, and a few tostadas. I had a brisket bowl that was a special. Both of us thought our meals were exceptional. I especially loved the beans. I could eat those of a rice every single day. Our friends ordered some mac & cheese that was delicious. There is indoor seating, outdoor seating under a porch, and then outdoor seating underneath some umbrellas. The six of us sat under the umbrellas and it was quite peaceful with no bugs. Keep in mind this was in the summer around 4 PM. We really enjoyed the food and would definitely go back! I've had beef cheek before, but would like to try it from here.
4 days ago
LORD HAVE MERCY. Those beef cheeks are one of the best things I've ever eaten. The texture and flavor is very impressive. You can tell the food here is something special. My husband and I got the following to share: brisket, beef cheeks, beans, coleslaw and mac & cheese. The meat just melted in your mouth; you didn't even need teeth to eat it! And the sides are not an after-thought here; they made them just as good as the meats! The coleslaw had good flavor/consistency and the mac & cheese was creamy & dreamy. The beans had a Mexican-food-flavor to them and I really enjoyed them. I'm definitely coming back to get more of those beef cheeks and you should too! I would absolutely recommend checking this place out ;) read more
6 days ago
First time here, and my son-in-law knew to get us there when they opened. I've eaten a lot of barbecue across this country, but nothing--and I mean nothing--compares to the beef cheeks. They're flawless hot, and even better reheated as leftovers. The meat melts on your tongue with a tenderness I've never encountered elsewhere. If you've been to Charleston and haven't eaten here, you've missed one of the great culinary experiences of your life. This is barbecue perfection, full stop. read more
Beef cheeks were out of this world. Pork ribs were delicious but half-pound got you exactly two ribs. The Miami vice sauce is flavorful and paying for one tiny condiment cup was plenty to go with one pound of meat. One medium sized collard greens, NO BEVERAGES, 1/2 pound of beef cheeks, and 1/2 pound of ribs ended up a hair over $50. You stand in line and they add to your tray as you scoot down (kind of like at Lewis BBQ downtown or Chipotle), pay, then take your tray to a table to sit. Water is self-served out of a Yeti cooler. Free surface lot parking. Food-wise, my favorite BBQ in Charleston. read more
Had a wonderful experience at Palmira + really enjoyed the food. Everything was so tender and had a Smokey flavor to it. My favorite side by far was the beans! They had almost a Puerto Rician twist to them, and I went back for more! This was my first time trying beef cheeks and they were amazing but pretty fatty for my liking. In terms of meat, I enjoyed the ribs or the barbacoa the most, with the bbq sauce. I would not do the Cole slaw again, but the Mac and cheese was great! It was a more thick consistency and I love Mac that way! I really enjoyed the restaurant itself, however, it wasn't too crowded and I could see how there may be a line issue since the bar is so close to the front door. The staff was very friendly + helpful with any questions we had! read more
1 month ago
Absolutely recommend adding Palmira to one of your stops whenever in Charleston. This place is no frills on decor but ALL FLAVOR when it comes to BBQ. The beef cheeks are an absolute must. PERIOD. When ordering, you go down the line cafeteria-style, picking the types of meat you'd like and sides. During our visit, we went with the beef cheeks, roasted chicken (personally, I'd skip it), beef empanada, cole slaw, and mac and cheese. They offer coca cola cans and sweet tea for drink options, as well as a water tank. There are to-go containers and bbq sauce fountain for the taking. So much flavor, we couldn't stop oohing and aaahing throughout our meal. read more
29 days ago
What went well? Everything!! The cheeks were cheekin', the ribs ribbin', and the sides almost stole the show! One of the best spots in the Lowcountry for some juicy barbecue with ample seating throughout the restaurant. I liked snap of the fresh slaw and creaminess of the mac n cheese. The relish and pickles complemented the meats too. Staff worked hard to churn out orders with a smile and good attitude! A few staff members constantly bussed tables and swept to keep the area clean and ready for the next guest. read more
22 days ago
We drove to Charleston for Labor Day weekend with such high hopes after watching videos about this place, but the disappointment was real. The ribs tasted like they were boiled, slathered in seasoning, and baked until bone-dry and soggy all at once. The mac & cheese was stiff from far too much flour and stingy on the cheese--the crust and color were completely deceptive. As for the barbacoa, it had the texture of unflavored glue melting in your mouth. To top it off, almost everything tasted like it was drenched in smoked paprika. The last time I was lied to about food like this was when we were deceptively lured to "Smokehouse Destination" for pure smoke and mirrors. Here, I was waiting for the hype man to burst out at any moment and declare "tendernism!" on this tray. Sure, it was tender--tender and flavorless. I honestly feel like I've been "Punk'd." I guess Terry Black's and Goldie's in Texas have ruined barbecue aspirations for everywhere else, because this experience was one where literally everything on the plate was awful... except for the pickled onions and the barbecue sauce. read more
3 months ago
Easily has taken the crown as best bbq in Charleston. I used to place Lewis there, but Palmira'a beef cheek and barbacoa are unreal. The sides are killer too. Longer lines for one service counter, but two rooms of seating, both high tops and low tops. I enjoy having to-go containers already out for easy use. A must visit. read more
1 month ago
Hands down- the absolute best bbq we've ever had!! THE BEEF CHEEK!!!! Holy cow! We also got the Dino bone, delicious however about $50/bone. All the sides were perfection. Ordering is done thru a line walking along the window, so no servers, however that tip screen still pops up when paying. Family of 4 ate for a little over $100 but the beef cheek was well worth the trip! Definitely will be back when visiting Charleston! read more
We finally made it to Palmira and it was delicious! I had the barbacoa bowl, mac and cheese and Puerto Rican beans. Everything was really good. I like the set up of the restaurant and it's very clean. The service was excellent. I highly recommend! read more
4 months ago
Yes, Palmira is expensive and aiming for quality. We get it. Really enjoyed all the unique BBQ flavors. Specifically, the barbacoa and cilantro went well together. Staff was busy, friendly, and kept the lunch rush moving. Our main (constructive) feedback would be to 1) add weights and/or amounts to the (big board) pricing menu and 2) present customers with a heads up on the "fixins" that cost extra (e.g., cilantro and fried shell). Our (pictured) tray was $52 without a drink. Had we known that 2 ribs cost $15, we would have quickly pivoted to another meat. read more
Palmira BBQ is definitely a must try here in Charleston. Their southern BBQ with a twist of puerto rican culture hit in every different way possible. Known for their beef cheeks I had to order a LB and it didn't disappoint. The seasoning to the tenderness was done right and that was the highlight of this place. I also really enjoyed the caramel bread pudding they had for the special of the day. Sausage and Mac n cheese were also great compliments. I wasn't a fan of the collard greens. Service is outgoing and friendly. Ordering is easy to navigate as well as there's plenty of seating as well as outside if you prefer. Ambiance is kept neat and clean. read more
OMG, deliciousness! Found the gem on Instagram and had to check it out for myself...they did not disappoint! Ordered the chopped beef to go with crispy tostadas and the fixings and a side of mac n cheese. Everything paired nicely together from crunch, to depth of flavor with a nice sauce. Mac and cheese was large and tasty, well done. Definitely a place to check out if ever in the area! I'd go back for sure. read more
3 months ago
Came here for lunch during the week. There were a good amount of people there but no issue finding a table. The menu is posted on the wall and you order at the counter, like Texas style barbecue. All of the sides sounded great. My dad got the beef cheek and said it was great. The rest of our table got the special barbacoa bowl and would love to order that again. Great place for some unique barbecue! read more
6 months ago
I ordered their special for the day ( barbacoa bowl with Spanish rice, pickled onions, and an empanada on the side. The bowl was simple but really flavorful.. meat was tender, flavorful the rice was really good. The empanada was crispy on the outside and was chefs choice and i think the filling was barbacoa so it paired well with the meal. The staff was patient as it was my first time and attentive, which made the experience even better. Overall, a satisfying and straightforward meal with great service. read more
What can I say about Palmira barbecue that everyone else is not already said? I will bury the lead and say it was excellent. Upon arriving, there is a sizable lot to park in. Once you walk in, there is a menu on the wall as well as specials posted on the glass. My husband ordered ribs, mustard, slaw, beans, and a few tostadas. I had a brisket bowl that was a special. Both of us thought our meals were exceptional. I especially loved the beans. I could eat those of a rice every single day. Our friends ordered some mac & cheese that was delicious. There is indoor seating, outdoor seating under a porch, and then outdoor seating underneath some umbrellas. The six of us sat under the umbrellas and it was quite peaceful with no bugs. Keep in mind this was in the summer around 4 PM. We really enjoyed the food and would definitely go back! I've had beef cheek before, but would like to try it from here. read more
I was so excited to try Palmira Barbecue when I was planning my trip to Charleston. I knew that I had to go here no matter what and it was absolutely worth it. There was a line when I went but it was moving rather quickly. Love the decoration and the vibe of the restaurant. I got the beef cheeks, barbacoa, beef rib, and the sausage and I must say the barbacoa was my favorite. If you are into the super soft and tender BBQ meat then Barbacoa and the beef cheeks are the way to go. The beef rib was a little bit tougher than I thought. I still liked it but would prefer if it were "falling off the bone" tender. Some people may prefer this texture though. Everyone was seasoned perfectly, I didn't really need the BBQ sauce. Got a few sides as well and my favorites were the collard greens and the Puerto Rican beans. The coleslaw was surprisingly refreshing. This BBQ joint was definitely worth the visit! I would recommend it to all my friends coming to Charleston. read more
2 months ago
In town with friends for the weekend and had been seeing this place pop up for awhile so we decided to go for a late lunch. The line was not super long when we got there just right at the door but they really do have a smooth running operation. The inside is pretty nicely decorated and kinda feels like a dining hall vibe. They pull the meat or and slice,cut, or chop it right it front of you which makes it hard to pick because everything honestly looks so good. It was 4 of us and we ended up getting a mix of everything between us all. I personally got the Brisket, barbacoa and Sausage. I'll say everything here is cooked well very well in fact. I just think I expected a little more flavor on the Brisket, my friend got the beef ribs while both good just felt a tad lacking on flavor. Beef cheeks and the Barbacoa were the best items per the table review. The rice and beans were also excellent. All in all a great place and would come back again. I just have a few favorite items based off first experience! read more
2 months ago
The service is here is outstanding. Everyone is so friendly and makes you feel welcome even if you aren't a BBQ expert. I love that there is a Hispanic twist on everything they serve here. Honestly the Puerto Rican beans were some of the best I've ever had! I definitely recommend trying the Barbacoa sandwich; it was my favorite. Next time I will be trying the beef cheek I regretted not ordering it.... read more
6 days ago
1st time here and wanted to try their beef ribs which are sold by the pound. I am not a bbq aficionado, but I was surprised their process is to weigh the cooked ribs on their huge bone! So naturally, you hit a pound quick, even if there's a lil bit of meat on the bone. When they selected a rib for me it didn't have much meat which I commented on, and so they took a piece off the bone from another rib and added it to the scale, which was appreciated. Just didn't expect to spend $50 for literally 2 ribs (sides not included). Meat was quality and extremely fork tender, flavor was ok. Bbq sauce was similar to a thin gravy and the mac was also just ok. Unfortunately not really worth a return visit for me. read more
1 year ago
We went for lunch with my son. If I could give Palmira Barbecue more than five stars, I would. I have eaten barbecue all over this country including Texas, Memphis, Kansas City, North Carolina, Virginia, Alabama, and South Carolina, and this place tops them all. It is hands down the best barbecue I have ever had. We ordered the beef cheeks, ribs, barbacoa, collards, beans, slaw, and the nacho special. Every single dish was outstanding. The beef cheeks were rich, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth perfect. The ribs were smoky and flavorful without being over sauced. The barbacoa was deeply seasoned, tender, and just beautifully executed. And let's talk about the sides because at Palmira they are not an afterthought. The collards were perfectly cooked with that savory depth you only get when someone knows what they are doing. The beans were smoky and a little sweet, exactly how they should be. The slaw was bright, crisp, and balanced, the kind of slaw you actually want seconds of. Even the nacho special was over the top good, loaded, balanced, and addictive. This is not just good barbecue. It is barbecue done with respect for the meat, the smoke, the craft, and the people eating it. If you are anywhere near Charleston, skip the usual spots and get yourself to Palmira. You will walk out ruined for every other BBQ read more
Did I try everything I wanted to try here ? Well absolutely not I wanted more of everything they had here. Beef cheeks are superb absolute perfection. Barbacoa was really tasty as was Mac and cheese and pernil beans. I will return soon ! read more
Palmira BBQ is hands-down one of the best barbecue spots in Charleston -- but you'll want to get there early because they do sell out, and now I understand why. I tried the beef cheek (melts in your mouth!), the beef rib special, house-made sausage, mac & cheese, and hash & rice. Every single bite was full of flavor and cooked with obvious care. The beef cheek alone is worth the trip, but the sides are equally strong -- creamy, cheesy, and just the right amount of comfort. The staff was also incredible -- even though it's cut-to-order at the counter, they came around to check on us, making sure everything was perfect. That little touch of hospitality made the experience feel warm and welcoming. If you're in Charleston and love barbecue, Palmira BBQ is a must. read more
3 months ago
4 months ago
8 months ago
We ordered takeout from Palmira Barbecue and while the food was pretty good overall, I honestly thought it was very expensive for what you get. We ended up placing two separate orders because certain items can't be ordered ahead online--you have to get in line and order them in person, which kind of defeats the purpose of ordering ahead in the first place. Online takeout order included: 1 lb beef cheek - $40 Medium macaroni & cheese - $9.75 1 lb pork ribs - $30 Hash & rice - $10 Small Puerto Rican beans - $5 Small potato salad - $5 1/2 lb barbacoa - $18 Subtotal: $117.75 Plus credit card surcharge (3%) and tax Total: $134.64 Second in-person order included: 0.59 lb brisket - $21.24 1.51 beef ribs - $52.85 3 tostadas - $1.50 Subtotal: $75.59 Plus credit card surcharge (3%) and tax Total: $86.37 Grand total between both orders: $221+ The food itself was good--solid barbecue--but for the price point, it felt hard to justify. That said, one positive moment was that a staff member kindly helped me carry all the food out to my car, which was very appreciated and thoughtful. They are pet-friendly, which is always a plus, although this visit was takeout only. Overall, decent food and nice staff, but the ordering setup and pricing make this a spot we'd really have to think twice about returning to. read more
I thought the sandwich was pretty good. I would have liked more bbq sauce options. The mac and cheese was OK. Started out with a lot of flavor which i liked at first but couldn't finish toward the end. A little too rich for me. The price of the meal was pretty pricey. Plenty of places to sit. Service was quick. read more
4 months ago
Some of the best BBQ I've ever had. With Puerto Rican roots, this restaurant will definitely be my new favorite place for some good beef. Super soft and supple meat that falls right off the bone. Not too sweet and not too salty, definitely would recommend anyone looking for some good quality BBQ to come here. The line is long. Go earlier and maybe take out to avoid waiting for tables! Beef cheeks (5/5) - super juicy meat (the seasoning crust was a little thick for my liking but still delicious. ) Barbacoa (5/5) - super soft and lightly sweet meat on top of tostadas with some onions and cheese. Delicious - they'll pack it separately for you if you take out. I loved this it was probably my favorite. Not heavy which I love but super juicy as well. Beef rib (5/5) - This meat just fell off the bone like butter, delicious as well. Chicken wings (4/5) - This meat was a bit hard or dry for me but still seasoned well. I also love the sides - the Puerto Rican Arroz Con Grandules rice is my absolute favorite, I can eat a whole tub of this alone. Seasoned amazingly and goes so well paired with the meat. read more
5 months ago
I cannot say enough good things about this establishment. The owner and staff are so personable. The food is amazing! The beef cheeks, brisket, sausage, baked beans, Mac and cheese, greens, pickles - it's all so delicious! My boyfriend and I come here when we visit Charleston and never regret not trying a new place. read more
10 months ago
Whoa knock your socks off kind of smoked meat!!!! Absolutely the most tender and juicy Barbacoa , brisket and half of chicken. The bbq sauce is a perfect match to these seasoned meat. I will be back! read more
Palmira BBQ in West Ashley absolutely delivered. The beef cheeks were the star of the show and some of the most tender and flavorful bites I have had in Charleston. The rest of the plate was solid, but those cheeks alone are worth the trip. Service was friendly, the vibe was laid back, and everything came out hot and fresh. If you are craving great barbecue and want something a little special, this spot should be on your list. read more
1 month ago
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More info about Palmira Barbecue
Ask the Community - Palmira Barbecue
Is it possible to eat dinner here on Saturday? I notice they're only open until 7pm.
Yes, they just aren't open late. The first time I ate here was on a Saturday around 5 or so.
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