S & S Cafeterias - Charleston has been a local favorite for over 6 decades and a family tradition for Charlestonians for generations with their original downtown Charleston location on St Philip St in the 1950's. In 1978, the Sam Rittenberg Blvd (SC Hwy 7) location opened west of the Ashley and has consistently proven to be one of the most popular eateries in Charleston. It's NOT a buffet and patrons do NOT self serve. You simply walk down an expansive serving line filled with every sort of fresh salad, homemade desserts, a wide variety of entrees including meat, chicken and fish options, a huge selection of vegetables/sides, delicious rolls and breads and a large variety of beverages. As you walk down the line with your tray perusing the offerings, a member of the S & S culinary team prepares your meal of choice with ample, heaping portions and hands it to you. Once you get to the end of the line you simply take your tray and choose a booth or table in the expansive dining room. Dining room attendants are attentive, proactive and offer exemplary customer service, making certain that your needs are met and drinks refilled in a timely manner. The value for what you receive and the quality of the food speaks for itself. The menu options are endless and the prices very reasonable. A great place for lunch or dinner. No wonder they just celebrated their 90th anniversary! Try it out. You'll be pleasantly surprised! read more

Love this place! Delicious food at affordable prices. Tremendous selection. Friendly staff. Great ambiance. When you're tired of the overpriced and overrated restaurants in the Charleston area...the cafeteria hits the spot! read more

S & S Cafeterias - Hamburger steaks and salad - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

See all

This place looks like it probably did when it was originally built. I could smell the food from the parking lot. It's definitely a good place for the older crowd. It's spacious, but the booth to table ratio was a bit too close for me. There were soooo many options to choose from. You just asked the servers for what you wanted as you moved through the line. Each item is in its own bowl or plate. They give you a ticket at the end and you pay on your way out. There's only one cashier as you exit so keep that in mind if you need to leave quick. The waitstaff was very friendly and cleared the plates right away to keep the area clean. I enjoyed my food and would go again. It's reminds me of the places people go after church on Sundays back in the day. I'd take my mom & aunties here. I spent about $24 on my meal. read more

See all

Good food and a good value. Nostalgia is a draw, too. And who wouldn't like to see their food before they order it?

Rarely busy. Good food. Fair pricing. However, it's a far cry from a fine dining experience.

Good food cafeteria style, service is good in the location is nice. Definitely will be returning

The food isn't good. The mashed potatoes are instant. The green beans are canned. Which I don't mind canned green beans but the flavor wasn't good at all The turkey tasted like Vienna sausages. The waitress wasn't very good. She speaks broken English. She didn't listen or couldn't understand when I spoke to her. Just not a good place..Go somewhere else read more

It's old school, but darned if the food isn't delicious. It's not luxury, it's not high end cuisine. It's home cooking, cafeteria style, at a really good price. Charleston doesn't have many "meat and 3" places remaining, I guess rents are too expensive to support that kind of place. But S&S is the closest to that experience. It's clean, food is well seasoned and plentiful, and staff will refill your drinks at request. Kind of a throwback, but exactly what we need. read more

I would like to share my personal thoughts on the level of professionalism exhibited by the CEO of S&S cafeterias. I posted a review several months ago about an experience at the Charleston location and received an immediate response from Mr Pogue. He offered a guest pass to remedy the situation which I never received. I called the corporate office hoping to speak to someone about the unrecieved pass and the directory had an option to the CEO. To my surprise, Mr Pogue answered! Informed him of the situation, and he apologized, and offered an immediate remedy to the situation. I could not have been more impressed! If every CEO of every business conducted themselves like Mr. Pogue their businesses would be in a much better position. Could not have handled it any better! Very impressive! read more

Food is American favorites, with a wide choice of selection. The line moves quickly but the dining area wait staff need training and guidance. They think hollering loudly across the dining room to one another is okay but it's not. I'd give it four stars if not for the dining room experience. Management, please fix that issue. read more

Food and service are amazing. Highly recommend the sweet potatoes. That's what's kept us going back for decades!

Went to S & S based on other reviews and to get away from the high priced peninsula restaurants. Though we'd try a good old fashioned cafeteria. Not very many people in there on a Thursday at lunch time....no one in line! Lot of choices, none looked that great. Wife got veggie plate, was satisfied. I got country style steak, gravy, was pretty disappointed. Was a rectangular block of some kinda rubbery meat. Tried to eat it but kept wondering if it was horse meat or something worse! Mashed potatoes were ok...cabbage was salty as heck and cooked to death. Topped off with a block of their jalapeño cornbread. It was small, hard, cooked to death as well and only had jalapeño "flavoring"! Servers were totally unfriendly! So much for our cafeteria experience, shoulda went to a fast food joint....... read more

There is a reason Man vs Food came to this specific location! By far the best darn cafeteria in the SC Low Country!! If you are looking for that experience from years ago with Grandpa and Grandma, this is your nostalgic place to be. The decor brings me way back, and the food is spot on with classic cafeteria foods and LC favs like collards and okra. You will not be disappointed and neither will the kiddos. read more

This is definitely a throwback to back in the day when men would call grown women girls. They had the staples: roast beef, Salisbury steak, fried Chicken most of which were part of the GAF menu. I was thinking someone of this generation would say must stand for Good As F*$& but nah. It stood for Great American Favorite. Which includes a bread with a pat of butter and 2 vegetables. Drinks are not included. When we left we went to pay and of course the guy behind said, put an extra dollar on there for the "little girl" that helped us. Bad thing I was not even surprised considering the "little girls" were nature women. Not a bad experience but not one I want to relive but once every 6-7 years if that. read more

See all

S & S Cafeteria is an awesome place to get a full meal with all of your favorite dishes all in one place for a really good value. I have been coming to this location from ever since I could remember and it has remained consistently great throughout the years and that is an accomplishment. This is a place that everyone can agree on and there is something and usually multiple items for everyone. You get a really good value for all the food you get here and everything is well prepared and tastes home cooked. The staff here is perpetually delightful and friendly and they will cheer you up if you are having a tough day. There is also plenty of room in the dining area for larger groups or meetings if you need the space. read more

See all

If you are looking for a great salad bar, in a clean environment, you just found it here. The prices are reasonable and the staff is very friendly! read more

S & S Cafeterias - Charleston has been around forever since they were originally located on St. Philip St. downtown before opening the Sam Rittenberg Blvd location in 1978. The selection and variety is outstanding and the portions are great for the prices. Delicious southern recipes and consistently good service and good food are why this cafeteria chain just celebrated its 85th anniversary. It's a Charleston family tradition in the heart of west of the Ashley. read more

See all

The customer service was great. Ordered online had my order ready upon arrival. The food tasted alright however, I did contract food poisoning after eating here. read more

My parents came to visit here in Charleston and wanted to go out to eat at S&S Cafeteria for lunch. Now, my parents are in their 60s and happen to like the cafeteria style dining places- of course as a twentysomething, I'm really not a fan. But, if grandma or mom is coming to town, this isn't a bad place for them. It definitely caters (no pun intended) to the 60+ crowd. First, the portions are fairly small. It's enough food for lunch, but you won't leave super stuffed. It's meat + 2 vegetables + bread, but I got the 4 vegetable plate. Even as a vegetarian, I found quite a few options and the vegetables weren't drowning in meat- which was good! My food reminded me of church food, pretty comforting. I had macaroni and cheese, squash (delicious!), green beans, and carrots. My mom had the lasagna, and my dad had the beef liver (eww! But it's the only place you can find it in CHS). He had peach cobbler for dessert and that was the only food that was a bit disappointing- it wasn't sweet at all. But, as I said, this place is mostly older people, so maybe they don't want it too sweet to spike their "sugar". You go through a line and pick out your food. If you're mobility impaired, don't despair. There are staff to assist and set you up at a table, or get you whatever you need. Very accommodating for walkers and wheelchairs. So, it wasn't where I really wanted to go, and my husband and I probably wouldn't just choose to go back there- it's not our style. But, the food was good, the prices were cheap (all three of us ate for under $25), and there's to-go, without having to walk through the line. If you want elaborate, expensive, good quality food, Charleston has tons of options. But if this is grandpa's request, go ahead and take him to S&S, spend time with him, and you'll get a pretty decent meal. read more

the food is bland and the green beans taste like dish soap, the workers don't wear gloves which is a health hazard and the corn is not cooked all the way there are no clean dishes read more

S & S Cafeterias - this is just .... - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The worst beef was not tender at all. Chicken ok but would not go as far as saying it was good. Vegetables had to much sugar in them.dressing and mashed potatoes terrible. Old tasting oil in vegetables. Biscuits hard and did not taste good. Don't waste your time or money. read more

soul food. when ever you want home cooking, S&S should be at the top of your list. Chicken fried with gravy will bring you to your knees.

Scored on a curve it's a cafeteria!!!! Let's remember that this is not sit down and someone will prepare your order it's here is what we got you pick. Service was good kept my drink filed food was not bad roast was good Mac and cheese was a little dry for me beers were fine read more

S & S Cafeterias - Roast Beef, Mac and cheese, Green Beans and a Tossed Salad - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Always hot and delicious and huge variety. Service is excellent and prices are very reasonable for the huge portions you receive. S & S Cafeterias never disappoints which is why we eat here often. I highly recommend it! read more

Excellent meal. Lunch today. Hot. Fresh. Delish!! The building though. Could use a21 century decor update. Felt like I was back in the 80's. However. Food is the reason to go. Outstanding!! read more

Went on Friday 10/6/23 the service was great. I had the country style steak with mashed potatoes and gravy, mac n cheese, green beans and cracklin cornbread, all was great except the macaroni noodles in the mac n cheese were just mush, way overcooked. read more

When you don't care, you don't care. Hate to say this but it's crappy, but the old timey recipes are nice.

Don't eat there between the lunch and dinner hours 2:00pm - 4:00pm is left over cold hard watered down food. The dressing was cold and soggy, yellow rice was hard and cold, fried chicken was hard etc. I got tired of sending food back. read more

OMG, Blast from the past! My wife and I both grew up going to S&S in Columbia. The ones in Columbia have long since closed. We were so excited to find this. I think I may have eaten here back in the 80's. I actually surprised my wife, and she was elated. She even was tempted to eat the hamburger steak, even though she's a vegetarian. She didn't do it, but she did enjoy it vicariously through me. If you've never been, it's a cafeteria style place, you get in a line, and pick items as you move down the row. It's the kind of place where you get a meat and three, and a desert, or whatever combo you want. I cannot recommend the egg custard pie enough. I was a little disappointed that they no longer seem to carry chili sauce for the hamburger steak. Do yourself a favor and check this place out. Also the service was great. read more

the food was horrible and i mean horrible. the service was ok the sever was really nice. over all it was just bad reallh bad read more

S & S Cafeterias - This Apple Pie was very nasty I tried to eat it but I could not - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Confession - I love S&S! I grew up going to the location in Augusta, GA with my grandparents, so anytime I go, it's full on nostalgia of the good days. The staff here is so lovely. Everyone goes above and beyond, but my last visit Wanda and Otis were working the line and they were incredibly welcoming and conversational which was extremely nice. As far as food goes, it's cafeteria style.The food is very good for what it is, and the price can't be beaten. Kids eat for $0.99 each day. They also have a takeout shoppe which is convenient. They're also quick to help you to your table, unload your tray, and refill your beverages. Be sure to leave a tip on the table! When I went as a kid, I had two favorite sides - the sweet potato balls (made with Ritz on the outside, it was basically a dessert it was so sweet and good!) and eggplant casserole. I haven't seen either of these options at this location, and when I once asked, the employees had never heard of either. I would love it if these 2 things could be added or available upon request in advance, etc. PS - if you sign up for their emails, they send $1 coupon every so often. read more

See all

Ummmm... why has this spot been in business so long. Crap food on a confusing buffet with a bunch of staff who looked annoyed they was there and even more annoyed we was there. Skip it. Charmeston has way better. read more

Food: 3.5 Ambience: 4 Service: 4 Date/Time: 10/31/2016 5:30pm Order: Turkey/dressing, green beans, broccoli/rice, choc meringue pie Crowd: 1/4 full I don't typically eat in cafeterias as you just don't know what you'll get even when it looks good, but after a long day, and in a town I wasn't familiar with, and starving, I just wanted food :-) This is just your typical cafeteria but the food was pretty good and the service much better than a couple I've tried. The server was very attentive with the drink and taking empty plates. Everything was tasty, but the "hot" roll was just a roll and seemed to have been sitting out a bit. If you're undecided on a place to eat, try this place.... you may be pleasantly surprised :-) read more

This is a perfect example of Old America cafeteria. It's budget friendly. With plenty of Southern Flavor. Great for a quick hot and delicious lunch. read more

As one who appreciates History, loves antiques and revels in nostalgia S & S is a fun trip down memory lane. S & S reminds me of a cafeteria my Dad took me to when I was a kid. It also reminds me of the Navy cafeterias of yesteryear's - when they had good food. It was my lunch buddies week to choose where to eat and I am glad he picked S & S. The set up is simple and depending on the line size you can go from entering to eating in just minutes. They vary the menu but for lunch you get to choose 1 meat item, 2 veggies and a bread choice for $7.99. You can get salads, desserts etc for an additional charge. They also have a to go section to make things easy. Now to be hones the crowd here is on the older side but don't let they keep you away. I got the pot pie, green beans, shelly beans and jalapeno cornbread. The pot pie was creamy and delicious. It was truly homemade and was a real treat. Both of the beans were very good but I will admit they were lightly spiced. I also added a slice of Coconut Pie and it was so good. S & S is like going to you Grandmothers house for dinner. The inside is large and clean but nothing fancy. The service was very good with the staff roving around to make sure you had refills and ask if you need anything. I looked forward to sharing this cute little gem with my girls as I know they will enjoy and appreciate the atmosphere and food. read more

S & S Cafeterias - Chicken Pot Pie with two side and jalapeño corn bread - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

See all

ss is great always fresh food ive been here 58 yrs and no it has been too been a customer that long,service first class, now the restaurant is old still very nice and clean , waitresses very nice ladies been there long time, id highly recomend it if u like cafeteria style restaurant , there affordable too read more

First and last time here. The food is awful, tasteless, cold, canned, and frozen. Your better off staying home and cooking yourself. I had fried chicken with jalapeño gravy that was okay not delicious along with mashed potatoes that taste like the instant mash you get at the groceries and canned green beans. read more

Haven't been here in about 3 decades ...I now about fit in with the golden oldies that eat here..ha...I used to eat there with co-workers when I worked W. Ashley. We'd alternate between the now gone Morrison's cafeteria that used to be at Citadel Mall. My girlfriend and I decided to stop in before beginning our antiquing rounds at the local french boutiques "Le Goodweel" (Goodwill) Nice clean place with pleasant decor and friendly staff. Great country-like homestyle cooking with a variety of everthing..salads, desserts, vegetables, meat entrees, breads. I had the chicken tampico special with 2 veggies for 6.99..can't beat that. I had never had chicken tampico...it was like a big breaded piece of chicken fillet with jalepeno slices for a pleasant kick, topped with a creamy based soup gravy with a few veggies in the gravy. I chose a mayonaise mixed salad and eggplant casserole. Portions are just right ..filling, but u won't overdo it. Our table attendant was excellent and found us a slice of egg custard pie. She couldn't locate a homemade brownie for me..but no brownie on me lips equals no brownie on de hips. My girlfriend and I split the egg custard pie..not as soothing as chocolate but hit the spot! The only thing worse than doing drunk shopping is hungry shopping. Thanks to S&S we were full up and didn't overspend today. We decided we definitely have to resume going back here to eat more than once in a few decades! Your parents and grandparents will love this place. read more

Good ole home cookin for real. Yes like any restaurant it has it's ups and down. You can't beat it for the price. There are real home made cakes and pie! It's a cafeteria so it's not cozy folks! You can sit down and have some good food and nice conversation. You want real southern cookin here ya go! read more

My father in law insist on eating here. I probably wouldn't go there any other time. Today the food was pretty good. Not too bad.