12 Cheap Eats In South Carolina That Have A Loyal Local Following

South Carolina’s food scene isn’t just about fancy restaurants. Locals know the real treasures are often hidden in humble spots serving mouthwatering meals that won’t empty your wallet.

From soulful kitchens dishing up generations-old recipes to quirky diners with lines out the door, these affordable eateries have earned die-hard fans who return week after week.

1. Bertha’s Kitchen – North Charleston

Lines form early at this blue cinderblock building where the James Beard Award sits modestly near the register. Cafeteria-style service moves quickly as regulars point to steam trays of okra soup and red rice.

The fried chicken, crispy outside and juicy inside, draws devoted followers from all walks of life. Three sisters continue their mother’s legacy, cooking soul food that tastes like Sunday at grandma’s house.

2. Hannibal’s Kitchen – Charleston

Family-owned since 1985, this East Side institution serves Gullah-inspired cuisine on paper plates without pretension. The crab rice alone has sustained its reputation through decades of Charleston’s changing landscape.

Regulars squeeze into the no-frills dining room, greeting staff by name. First-timers become converts after tasting the shark steak sandwich; a local specialty that exemplifies how humble ingredients transform into something extraordinary.

3. Early Bird Diner – Charleston

Retro vibes and comfort food create magic in this West Ashley landmark. Their chicken and waffles, drizzled with maple syrup and hot sauce, gained national fame when Guy Fieri featured them on television.

Morning crowds gather for fluffy biscuits smothered in gravy. Late-night revelers stumble in for restorative shrimp and grits.

4. Shealy’s Bar-B-Que – Batesburg-Leesville

Country roads lead to this barbecue institution where the all-you-can-eat buffet has satisfied hungry South Carolinians since 1969. Yellow mustard-based sauce; a Carolina hallmark, glistens on perfectly pulled pork.

Regulars strategize their plate-loading techniques, saving room for banana pudding.

5. Sweatman’s BBQ – Holly Hill

Smoke signals rise from this converted farmhouse every Friday and Saturday, drawing barbecue pilgrims to the middle of nowhere. Whole hogs spend hours over smoldering hickory, tended by pitmaster’s practiced hands.

The buffet features two types of pulled pork; “regular” and “outside cut” with extra bark. Families gather at long tables covered in checkered cloths, passing hash and rice while debating which homemade sauce deserves devotion.

6. Delisheeyo – Hilton Head

Health-conscious island dwellers flock to this colorful shack for guilt-free indulgence. Surfboards decorate walls while blenders whir, creating nutrient-packed smoothies that fuel beach days.

The veggie-packed Buddha Bowl has reached legendary status among locals who crave something light yet satisfying. Even skeptical meat-lovers find themselves converted by wraps bursting with fresh ingredients.

7. Pulaski Deli – Myrtle Beach

Polish comfort meets Southern hospitality in this unassuming market where handmade pierogies steam behind glass. Homesick Midwesterners and curious locals form unlikely friendships while waiting for cabbage rolls wrapped with grandmother’s precision.

The kielbasa sandwich, served on fresh rye with spicy mustard, costs less than most fast food meals. Shelves stocked with imported groceries tempt customers to recreate flavors at home, though regulars insist nothing matches eating at the small tables surrounded by European nostalgia.

8. Abraham’s Gyros – Myrtle Beach

Tucked between beachwear shops and tourist traps, this Mediterranean haven offers authentic flavors at prices that keep locals coming back. The gyro meat, sliced from vertical spits, lands on warm pita with tzatziki made fresh daily.

Families appreciate the generous portions that satisfy hungry teenagers without breaking vacation budgets. The surprise twist? Homemade ice cream serves as the perfect finale to a salty, savory meal.

9. AJ’s Pizza – Myrtle Beach

College students spread the gospel of AJ’s oversized slices that somehow maintain the perfect balance between chewy and crisp. The massive pies emerge from deck ovens with bubbling cheese and toppings that extend to the very edge.

Fresh salads provide surprising quality for a pizza joint, topped with dressings made in-house.

10. Java Burrito Company – Hilton Head

Morning coffee rituals blend seamlessly into lunch breaks at this island favorite where locally-sourced ingredients fill both mugs and tortillas. The breakfast burrito; stuffed with farm eggs and house-made chorizo, creates devoted regulars who claim it cures any ailment.

Sustainable practices attract environmentally-conscious diners, while budget-friendly prices keep students and service workers coming back. The outdoor patio welcomes sandy feet and salty hair, embodying the laid-back culture that defines this community gathering spot.

11. Brown Dog Deli – Charleston

Creative sandwich artistry happens behind this downtown counter where classic combinations receive unexpected twists. The Southern Gentleman – featuring fried green tomatoes and pimento cheese – exemplifies their approach to elevating lunch without elevating prices.

Historic buildings house both locations, blending Charleston’s past with its present. Vegetarians celebrate the rare find of multiple meatless options that don’t feel like afterthoughts. Lines move quickly as efficient staff assemble made-to-order masterpieces worth every minute’s wait.

12. The Golden Egg – Surfside Beach

Sunrise brings fishermen, surfers, and families to this breakfast institution where portions defy the modest prices. Pancakes wider than plates arrive alongside omelets stuffed with local shrimp caught hours earlier.

Waitresses call regulars “honey” and remember how they like their eggs without asking. Coffee cups never reach empty before refills appear. Weekend waits become social events where strangers swap recommendations and beach reports.