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    Smoky Yolk Cafe

    4.0 (128 reviews)

    Smoky Yolk Cafe Photos

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    SMOKY YOLK CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Smoky Yolk Cafe

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    Deep fried Cinnamon roll
    Lindsey B.

    Hidden inside of a neighborhood on James Island, this is a great spot for lunch/brunch if you're not looking to go out downtown. They had a decent brunch menu with great options like biscuits and gravy. I went with the lunch menu and got the southern burger. Topped with pimento cheese and bacon, the burger was a little on the dry side but the onions and pepper jelly helped. The fried okra was delicious! You can pick that over french fries as your side. Our server was so nice and gave her honest recommendations as to what her and her wife like on the menu. I guess the southern burger was her wife's favorite thing and I'm really glad I ordered it! Mimosa flights for $20 but no carafes. They even offer a couple of coffee non-alcoholic options. We started off the table with a deep-fried cinnamon roll, which was so warm and sweet and had molten icing in the center. Definitely need to get a spoonful with the whipped cream it comes with. It is far too big for just one person but great for a table appetizer.

    Chicken and Waffles
    Jeff R.

    I was excited to go based on the recent reviews. It's in the Pisanos parking lot which we've been to many times and always want to try it. It's a bit pricey for a neighborhood breakfast store but I figured if it was good, it would be worth it. Unfortunately, it was a bit disappointing. Good coffee is important and they didnt disappoint there. It was the chicken and waffles that was a bit of a let down. The chicken was excellent, cooked perfect and juicy but the waffle was over cooked. A bit burnt and crunchy. I asked for an egg over easy, it too was over cooked and crispy. I hate crispy eggs. (See pic) The overall decor is that of a dive diner. Not terrible but worn. The outside eating area looks nice but we sat inside. The service was hit or miss. Our server was over to our table several times but when it came time to check out, she was busy chatting with the whole staff at the end of the counter. Overall, for the price, it wasn't worth it. I can say I've tried it, but probably won't be back.

    Cajun Fried Chicken Livers
    Heather A.

    Probably my favorite place for a classic breakfast on James island. I absolutely love their Cajun Fried Chicken Livers with grits. The service is always friendly and the wait usually isn't long. A cozy spot for a home style breakfast.

    Gabby S.

    We really enjoyed our meal here! The French toast and avocado toast were both really good! We sat outside and it was nice, and they do allow dogs outside on the patio. The only downside was the service. We didn't get greeted or served water for the first 20 minutes of being seated and it was not busy at all. The food came out at a fairly reasonable time but the server was just quite slow.

    Overload
    Paige D.

    This place was so good we went back TWICE in three days. This second time my boyfriend ordered the French toast with sides. The French toast was not as sweet as one would expect so it was just ok. The Cajun Benny (which I ordered) was full of yummy flavors! This is very greasy (it has so chorizo so that shouldn't be a surprise but just in case this is for you folks). All in all this was NOT as good as our first meal and has dropped this down to four stars. That being said our service was great as it was the first time.

    Brisket Nachos
    Tony J.

    Staff friendly, super quick service and very clean. We had the Overload plate. Which everyone seemed to like, my wife the Veggie Omelet and I had the brisket nachos. Everything was good, prices were a bit high and the food just wasn't anything special. The brisket was cooked perfectly just lacked flavor. The guac was just mashed avocado which is fine just not what I expected. Overall I'd like to give it another shot with a different item.

    Jacqueline T.

    Smoky Yolk Cafe is a no-frills, local hangout on James Island that excels in serving hearty, flavorful dishes for breakfast, brunch and lunch. The warm, laid-back atmosphere makes it a favorite among Charlestonians. Signature offerings like the smoked turkey smokehouse sandwich paired with dirty rice and the classic smash burger cheeseburger with fries are both satisfying and fairly priced. For an even better deal, visit on a Tuesday for a half-priced burger. With fresh ingredients and generous portions, Smoky Yolk delivers an unpretentious dining experience that's hard to beat. The staff is happy, loud and friendly, which brings a smile to your face. Mine at least.

    Prime Brisket Philly fried okra
    Zamaria W.

    You can't go wrong with anything on the menu this brisket sandwich is my go to lunch or dinner....Ooohhh my those pancakes yes best of the best if you like a buttery pancakes I hi highly recommend I always ask for crispy edges. Must experience if you're ever on James Island leaving Foley early in the morning. The staff is all very welcoming. You can be yourself good people friendly.

    Shrimp and Grits, with an over easy egg. Delicious!!
    Adam L.

    Fantastic!!! Great place for breakfast. My daughters and I stopped in for breakfast in a visit, and we loved it!! One ordered pancakes and was very pleased. Pancakes were light and fluffy. And delicious. Daughter 2 ordered a Traditional breakfast with eggs over medium, and had them add cheese to the grits. I'm always impressed when the eggs actually come over medium because of the small difference in time between easy, medium, and hard. These eggs were perfectly over medium, and the grits were good. I ordered the shrimp and grits and they were so good! The depth of flavor was incredible. Deep, rich brown sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp. The sauce was right on the border of spicy: enough to make me tell it was, but not enough to inhibit me from devouring this delicious meal. Service was spot on. If you're looking for breakfast in the greater Charleston area, this place is worth the drive!! You've gotta check it out. You can thank me later!!! :)

    biscuit benny's
    Karen R.

    NAME CHANGE. NOW SMOKY YOLK all items our group ordered were delicious. great friendly service. same owners. breakfast all day. full bar

    Tequila with breakfast food!  Yes please
    Ryan H.

    Have to update. Went back this morning for a fantastic breakfast. I had the breakfast burger and it was delicious with perfect bacon, sausage, and runny egg. The drippings went well with the perfectly seasoned home fries. The place was busy but amazingly good service by all the high school kids. My wife loved her traditional breakfast and added gravy!!! Good call. Nothing to complain about. I think they have figured it out. We will be back!!!

    Chicken and waffles

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    1 year ago

    The service was OK, but was the worst food that we experienced in an area that has some of the best in America. We won't be returning.

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    1 year ago

    Been here many times. Food is really good but the restaurant is a bit dirty, better management would have this place at a five star quickly.

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    1 year ago

    It was a nice breakfast! The home fries were delicious. We were the only people here, but would come back!

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    Ask the Community - Smoky Yolk Cafe

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    5/5 Stars - Absolutely Incredible!…read more This spot is a total gem. We ordered a vanilla cinnamon iced latte, a cappuccino, a smoothie, a breakfast sandwich on an everything bagel, and a strawberry pop-tart, and every single item was outstanding- gluten free options too!!! The breakfast sandwich was perfect--flavorful, fresh, and served on a perfectly toasted everything bagel. The strawberry pop-tart was unreal, an elevated treat, and the drinks hit the spot. The iced latte had just the right balance of vanilla and cinnamon without being overly sweet, the cappuccino was expertly crafted, and the smoothie was incredibly refreshing. Beyond the food, the vibe here is immaculate. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, the background music is great, and the workers are exceptionally friendly. It's the perfect place to kickstart your morning. We will definitely be back!

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    Smoky Yolk Cafe - breakfast_brunch - Updated September 2026

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