15 Soul Food Joints Across South Carolina That Locals Don’t Want You To Find

When you’re craving comfort food that warms your soul, South Carolina has some hidden treasures that’ll make your taste buds dance. I’m talking about those tucked-away soul food spots where locals gather for fried chicken, collard greens, and mac and cheese that tastes like grandma’s recipe.

These restaurants serve up authentic Southern flavors that have been passed down through generations, and honestly, the regulars would prefer to keep them as their little secret.

1. Bertha’s Kitchen

If you’re rolling through North Charleston and catch a whiff of something incredible, you’ve probably found Bertha’s Kitchen. This family-owned gem has been serving up authentic soul food since 1980, and the line out the door tells you everything you need to know.

Their fried chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy inside, exactly how it should be. The lima beans are cooked with just the right amount of seasoning, and don’t even get me started on their mac and cheese.

Bertha’s operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is smart. The staff treats everyone like family, and the prices won’t break your wallet. It’s cash-only though, so remember to hit the ATM before you visit this North Charleston treasure.

2. Hannibal’s Kitchen

Are you ready for a buffet that’ll make you want to loosen your belt? Hannibal’s Kitchen in Columbia serves breakfast and lunch with a soul food spread that locals have cherished for decades.

Their oxtails fall right off the bone, and the candied yams have that perfect sweetness that balances the savory dishes. You can pile your plate high with everything from fried catfish to butter beans, and the cornbread muffins are dangerously addictive.

It’s the kind of place where regulars know each other by name and newcomers are welcomed warmly. The lunch rush gets pretty intense, especially on Fridays when the fried fish comes out. Make sure you save room for their banana pudding because skipping dessert here would be a crime.

3. Doc’s Barbeque & Southern Buffet

How does an all-you-can-eat soul food experience sound to you? Doc’s in multiple South Carolina locations combines barbecue with traditional soul food favorites, creating a buffet paradise that’s hard to resist.

Their pulled pork is smoky and tender, while the fried chicken stays crispy even under the heat lamps. The collard greens are cooked Southern-style with plenty of flavor, and the fried okra has that perfect crunch.

Families love this spot because there’s something for everyone, even picky eaters. The sweet tea flows freely, and the dessert section offers peach cobbler that tastes homemade. Though it’s a chain with several locations, each restaurant maintains that authentic soul food quality. Sunday lunch here is basically a South Carolina tradition you need to experience.

4. Melvin’s Barbeque

Did you know that Melvin’s has been smoking meat and serving soul food since 1939? This Charleston institution specializes in that distinctive South Carolina mustard-based barbecue sauce that divides the nation.

Their hash over rice is a Lowcountry specialty you won’t find everywhere, and it’s absolutely worth trying. The green beans are cooked low and slow with bacon, giving them incredible flavor. Their hush puppies are golden and crispy, perfect for soaking up that tangy barbecue sauce.

Locals have been coming here for generations, creating a legacy of loyal customers who swear by Melvin’s recipes. The portions are generous, and the atmosphere feels like stepping back in time. When you’re craving authentic South Carolina barbecue with soul food sides, this spot delivers every single time.

5. Shuler’s BBQ

Though Latta might not be on your typical tourist map, Shuler’s BBQ makes this small town worth the drive. This unassuming spot has been feeding hungry folks since 1954, and they’ve perfected their recipes over seven decades.

Their buffet changes daily, but you can always count on perfectly seasoned barbecue and soul food classics. The lima beans are creamy and flavorful, while the coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich meats. Everything tastes like it came from someone’s grandmother’s kitchen.

It’s the kind of place where farmers and families gather after church on Sundays. The servers remember regular customers and their usual orders. Don’t let the small-town location fool you people drive from all over South Carolina to eat at Shuler’s, and once you taste their food, you’ll understand why.

6. Jackie Hite’s Bar-B-Que

When locals talk about authentic South Carolina barbecue and soul food, Jackie Hite’s name always comes up. Located in tiny Leesville, this place has been a pilgrimage site for barbecue lovers since 1966.

Their hash is legendary throughout the state, cooked in massive iron pots using traditional methods. The barbecue sauce has that perfect balance of sweet and tangy, and the meat practically melts in your mouth. Side dishes like butter beans and collard greens round out the meal beautifully.

It’s not fancy you’ll eat at simple tables in a no-frills dining room but that’s part of the charm. The focus here is purely on the food, and they’ve mastered it completely. Bring cash and an appetite because Jackie Hite’s doesn’t accept cards, and you’ll definitely want seconds of everything.

7. Nana’s Soul Food Kitchen

It’s right there in the name Nana’s cooks like your grandmother would, with love and generous portions. This Greenville restaurant serves the kind of soul food that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite.

Their smothered pork chops are covered in rich gravy that’s perfect over rice or mashed potatoes. The mac and cheese is baked until golden and bubbly, with that crispy top layer everyone fights over. The cabbage is cooked tender with just enough seasoning to enhance its natural flavor.

What makes Nana’s special is the consistency every dish tastes exactly how you remember soul food should taste. The staff is friendly and attentive, treating customers like extended family members. If you’re in Greenville and craving real deal soul food, Nana’s delivers that home-cooked experience without fail.

8. Nigel’s Good Food

Are you the type who judges a soul food restaurant by its fried chicken? Nigel’s Good Food in Sumter will pass your test with flying colors, serving up crispy, flavorful chicken that keeps people coming back weekly.

Their red rice is a Lowcountry specialty cooked with tomatoes and spices, creating a dish that’s both colorful and delicious. The green beans are seasoned perfectly, and the sweet potato pie is so good you might order a whole one to take home.

Nigel’s operates with a simple philosophy: make good food at fair prices and treat customers right. The portions are filling without being wasteful, and everything tastes fresh. Locals appreciate that Nigel’s maintains high quality while keeping the atmosphere casual and welcoming to everyone who walks through the door.

9. Rodney Scott’s BBQ

When a chef wins a James Beard Award, you know the food is exceptional. Rodney Scott’s BBQ in Charleston serves whole hog barbecue that’s earned national recognition while staying true to its soul food roots.

Their pulled pork has a smoky depth that comes from hours over wood coals, and the skin gets crispy in a way that’s absolutely addictive. The collard greens are cooked traditional-style, and the banana pudding has become almost as famous as the barbecue itself.

Despite the accolades and attention, Rodney Scott’s maintains a down-to-earth vibe where everyone feels welcome. The restaurant gets busy, especially during peak hours, but the wait is always worth it. If you want to taste award-winning soul food that hasn’t forgotten its humble beginnings, this Charleston spot is your destination.

10. Gullah Grub

If you want to experience Gullah cuisine, this St. Helena Island restaurant is where locals go for authentic Lowcountry soul food. Gullah Grub celebrates the African American culture and cooking traditions that make South Carolina’s coastal food so unique.

Their shrimp and grits feature fresh local shrimp in a flavorful sauce over creamy stone-ground grits. The okra soup is a traditional Gullah dish that showcases vegetables and seafood in perfect harmony. Everything here tells a story about the region’s rich cultural heritage.

The restaurant sits in a historic area where Gullah traditions remain strong, adding authenticity to your dining experience. Portions are generous, and the flavors are bold without overwhelming your palate. When you eat at Gullah Grub, you’re not just having a meal you’re participating in centuries-old culinary traditions that deserve celebration.

11. Lizard’s Thicket

How many soul food restaurants can you find throughout South Carolina? Lizard’s Thicket has multiple locations, making authentic Southern cooking accessible whether you’re in Columbia, Charleston, or somewhere in between.

Their fried chicken is consistently good across all locations, with a crispy coating that doesn’t get soggy. The mashed potatoes come with rich gravy, and the turnip greens are cooked the old-fashioned way. Their buttermilk biscuits are fluffy and perfect for soaking up every last bit of gravy.

What sets Lizard’s Thicket apart is reliability you know exactly what you’re getting every time. The prices are reasonable, making it a great option for families or anyone watching their budget. While it’s technically a chain, each location maintains that homestyle soul food quality that keeps customers loyal for decades.

12. Gussie’s Chicken & Waffles

Though chicken and waffles might sound like a strange combination, Gussie’s in Columbia proves this soul food classic is absolutely genius. The sweet and savory contrast creates a flavor experience that’ll make you a believer.

Their fried chicken is perfectly seasoned and crispy, while the waffles are fluffy with crispy edges. Drizzle everything with their syrup, and you’ve got a meal that hits all the right notes. They also serve other soul food favorites like shrimp and grits for those who want something more traditional.

The atmosphere is more modern than some old-school soul food joints, attracting a younger crowd alongside longtime soul food enthusiasts. Service is friendly and efficient, even during busy weekend brunch hours. If you’ve never tried chicken and waffles, Gussie’s is the perfect place to discover why this dish has become a soul food staple.

13. Sweetie’s Diner

When you walk into Sweetie’s Diner in Rock Hill, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time to when diners were community gathering spots. This restaurant combines classic diner atmosphere with authentic soul food that locals crave.

Their meatloaf is homestyle comfort at its finest, served with mashed potatoes and vegetables. The fried catfish is crispy outside and flaky inside, exactly how it should be. Every meal comes with cornbread that’s slightly sweet and absolutely addictive.

Sweetie’s prides itself on cooking everything from scratch daily, which means flavors are always fresh and vibrant. The staff knows most customers by name, creating a welcoming environment where strangers quickly become regulars. It’s affordable, delicious, and exactly what soul food should be food that feeds both your stomach and your spirit.

14. Marilyn’s Soul Food

It’s the neighborhood spots like Marilyn’s in Spartanburg that often serve the best soul food because they cook with heart, not just recipes. This family-owned restaurant has built a loyal following by consistently delivering meals that taste like Sunday dinner at home.

Their fried pork chops are thick, juicy, and perfectly seasoned with a golden crust. The black-eyed peas are cooked with ham hock for traditional Southern flavor, and the cornbread dressing is so good people request it year-round, not just at Thanksgiving.

Marilyn’s keeps things simple good food, fair prices, and friendly service. The dining room isn’t fancy, but that’s never been the point. When you want soul food that reminds you of family gatherings and special occasions, Marilyn’s delivers that emotional connection along with incredible flavors that’ll have you planning your next visit before you even leave.

15. Dave’s Carry-Out

Are you looking for soul food so good you’ll want to take extra home? Dave’s Carry-Out in Columbia has been serving the community since 1970, specializing in takeout meals that rival any sit-down restaurant.

Their fried chicken stays crispy even after the drive home, and the liver and onions are cooked tender for those who appreciate this classic soul food dish. The rutabagas are seasoned perfectly, and the sweet potato soufflé is more like dessert than a side dish.

Dave’s operates primarily as takeout, which means you can call ahead and pick up dinner on your way home. The prices are incredibly reasonable, especially considering the portion sizes and quality. Locals have been relying on Dave’s for decades when they want soul food without the fuss, making it a Columbia institution that continues thriving through generations of satisfied customers.