South Carolina Soul Food Spots Serving Comfort All Week

When you crave food that warms your heart and fills your belly, South Carolina soul food restaurants deliver exactly what you need. From crispy fried chicken to creamy mac and cheese, these spots serve up dishes that feel like a hug from grandma.

I’ve gathered the best places across the state where you can enjoy authentic comfort food any day of the week.

1. Bertha’s Kitchen in North Charleston

Since 1989, this beloved spot has been feeding hungry folks who appreciate real home cooking. The line often stretches out the door, but trust me, the wait is absolutely worth it.

Lima beans cooked with ham hocks create a rich, savory flavor you won’t forget. Oxtails fall right off the bone after hours of slow cooking. The restaurant operates Monday through Saturday, giving you plenty of chances to grab a plate of whatever special they’re running that day.

2. Doc’s Barbeque and Southern Buffet in Summerville

Buffet-style service means you can sample everything without making tough decisions. I love places where you can try multiple dishes in one visit, and this restaurant delivers that experience perfectly.

Mac and cheese bubbles with real cheddar, creating that golden crust on top everyone fights over. Fried okra stays crunchy without being greasy. The buffet runs daily for lunch and dinner, so you can stop by whenever hunger strikes and load up your plate.

3. Gullah Grub in St. Helena Island

Gullah culture comes alive through food at this authentic restaurant that honors the traditions of coastal South Carolina. The menu features dishes you won’t find at typical soul food spots, making each visit an adventure.

Okra soup thick with vegetables and seafood represents centuries of Gullah cooking wisdom. Deviled crab cakes burst with flavor from fresh local catches. Operating Tuesday through Saturday, the restaurant shares stories and recipes that connect you to this unique cultural heritage.

4. Jackie Hite’s Bar-B-Q in Batesburg-Leesville

Barbecue and soul food blend beautifully at this family-run establishment that’s been serving since 1966. Generations of customers keep coming back because the quality never wavers.

Hash over rice provides that distinctive South Carolina barbecue side you can’t get anywhere else. Pulled pork arrives tender and smoky after slow cooking over hardwood. The restaurant welcomes guests Wednesday through Saturday, maintaining traditions that have satisfied appetites for over five decades.

5. Martha Lou’s Kitchen in Charleston

You can’t miss the bright yellow building that houses this Charleston treasure. Martha Lou herself greets customers with warmth that matches the delicious food coming from her kitchen.

Lima beans and rice make a simple but satisfying combination when cooked with love and proper seasoning. Baked chicken offers a healthier option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch, this spot serves meals that taste exactly like your grandmother made them years ago.

6. Dave’s Carry Out in Charleston

Sometimes you want amazing food without the sit-down experience, and this place understands that perfectly. Quick service doesn’t mean compromising on taste or portion size here.

Red rice cooked with tomatoes and spices brings color and flavor to every plate. Fried whiting fish comes out crispy and golden, perfect for a quick lunch. The carry-out operates Monday through Saturday, making it easy to grab soul food whenever you’re on the go around Charleston.

7. Nana’s Seafood and Soul in Durham

Seafood and soul food combine in ways that highlight South Carolina’s coastal location. Fresh catches from local waters get the soul food treatment, creating unique dishes you’ll crave again.

Fried catfish seasoned to perfection pairs wonderfully with traditional sides like candied yams. Shrimp burgers offer something different from the usual menu options. Serving customers every day of the week, this restaurant ensures you never have to go without your soul food fix, even on Sundays.

8. Shuler’s BBQ in Latta

Rural South Carolina knows how to do comfort food right, and this spot proves it every single day. The no-frills atmosphere lets the food do all the talking, and boy, does it have a lot to say.

Pork skins fried crispy make an addictive appetizer or side dish. Butter beans cooked until tender provide that creamy texture soul food lovers appreciate. Open daily for lunch, the restaurant keeps things simple but delicious, focusing on quality over fancy presentation.

9. Josephine’s Southern Cooking in Anderson

Meatloaf might not sound fancy, but when it’s made with soul food expertise, it becomes something special. This restaurant treats every dish with the same care and attention to detail.

Mashed potatoes whipped smooth and creamy complement any main course you choose. Turnip greens cooked with ham hock provide that bitter-sweet balance that makes them irresistible. The restaurant serves lunch Monday through Friday, perfect for workers seeking a satisfying midday meal that powers them through the afternoon.

10. Sweatman’s Bar-B-Que in Holly Hill

Friday and Saturday only operation makes this spot even more special because you have to plan your visit. The limited schedule ensures everything stays fresh and the quality remains consistently excellent.

Mustard-based barbecue sauce represents authentic South Carolina style that sets the state apart from other regions. Hash served over rice accompanies the barbecue perfectly. Since 1977, families have been making weekend pilgrimages here, creating memories around plates piled high with delicious food.

11. Melvin’s Barbecue in Charleston

Multiple locations across Charleston mean you’re never far from amazing barbecue and soul food. Consistency across all restaurants shows the dedication to maintaining quality standards everywhere.

Ribs fall-off-the-bone tender after slow smoking create that perfect barbecue experience. Banana pudding for dessert provides a sweet ending to your meal. Open seven days a week, the restaurants understand that cravings don’t follow a schedule, so they’re ready whenever you need them most.