Mr C's BIG Grill: Lowcountry Barbecue and Seafood in Charleston

What Mr C's BIG Grill serves and where to find it

Mr C's BIG Grill is a casual barbecue and seafood restaurant in Charleston's Upper King Street neighborhood, known for slow-smoked meats, fried seafood, and Lowcountry sides. The restaurant operates as a counter-service spot where you order at the front and eat at picnic tables or take food to go—no table service, no reservations needed. The space has the feel of a neighborhood barbecue shack, with a focus on straightforward food rather than atmosphere.

The menu centers on smoked brisket, pulled pork, and ribs, alongside fried shrimp, oysters, and fish. Sides include collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread, and coleslaw. Prices run moderate for Charleston—a plate with meat and two sides typically costs between $12 and $18. The restaurant draws a mix of locals, construction workers, and tourists looking for casual, filling food without the wait times of more famous barbecue spots.

Key Takeaways

• Mr C's BIG Grill operates as a counter-service restaurant with no reservations, so you order and pay at the front before finding a seat.
• The menu combines smoked meats—brisket, pulled pork, ribs—with fried seafood and traditional Lowcountry sides like collard greens and cornbread.
• Plates are moderately priced and come with your choice of meat plus two sides, making it an affordable option for a full meal.
• The restaurant sits on Upper King Street in a casual, no-frills setting designed for quick dining rather than lingering.

What to order and how the menu is organized

The meat selection rotates slightly based on what's been smoked that day, but brisket, pulled pork, and ribs are consistent offerings. Brisket comes sliced and tender, pulled pork shreds easily, and ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender. You can order a single meat or combine two or three on one plate. The restaurant also offers smoked turkey and chicken when available. Sauce is served on the side—a vinegar-based sauce that complements the smoke without overpowering it.

Fried seafood includes shrimp, oysters, and fish, typically available as a plate or as part of a combo. The fried items are crispy and come with tartar sauce and lemon. Sides are the same whether you order meat or seafood: collard greens cooked with bacon, creamy mac and cheese, cornbread, coleslaw, and sometimes beans or rice. You choose two sides with any plate. Cornbread is made fresh and worth ordering even if you're full—it's a standout item.

Drinks are limited to canned sodas, sweet tea, and water. There is no alcohol served. Dessert is not offered in-house, though the neighborhood has ice cream shops and bakeries within walking distance if you want something sweet after.

When to go and what to expect in terms of wait and crowd

Lunch (11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.) is the busiest time, especially on weekdays when nearby office workers and construction crews stop in. Expect a line during peak lunch hours, though it typically moves quickly since ordering is straightforward. Dinner (5 p.m. to 9 p.m.) is slower and more relaxed, with shorter waits and more available seating. Weekends draw a steady crowd but rarely reach the lunch rush intensity.

The restaurant is closed Sundays and Mondays. Tuesday through Saturday hours are consistent, making it reliable for planning a visit. If you want to avoid crowds, aim for late afternoon (3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or early evening (5 p.m. to 6 p.m.). The picnic table seating is first-come, first-served, so during busy times you may eat standing up or take your food elsewhere.

How Mr C's BIG Grill fits into Charleston's barbecue scene

Charleston has several established barbecue restaurants, each with a different style and price point. Mr C's BIG Grill occupies the casual, affordable end of that spectrum—less formal than sit-down barbecue restaurants, faster than places that require reservations, and cheaper than upscale spots that serve barbecue as part of a broader menu. The food quality is solid without being destination-level; locals come here regularly for a quick, satisfying meal rather than for a special occasion.

The Lowcountry seafood component sets it apart from pure barbecue joints. Many Charleston barbecue restaurants focus exclusively on smoked meats, but Mr C's adds fried shrimp and oysters, reflecting the region's coastal food culture. This combination appeals to visitors who want to sample both barbecue and seafood in one stop, and to locals who want flexibility depending on what they're craving that day.

Parking and neighborhood context

Upper King Street has street parking and several nearby lots, though spaces can be tight during lunch hours. The restaurant itself does not have a dedicated parking lot. Street parking is free but limited; paid lots are within a short walk. The neighborhood is walkable if you're staying downtown or nearby, and the restaurant is accessible by car from most parts of Charleston within 10 to 15 minutes.

The area around Mr C's is mixed commercial and residential, with other restaurants, shops, and offices nearby. It's not a tourist-heavy zone like the Historic District, so the vibe is more local and less crowded than some other Charleston dining spots. If you're exploring Upper King Street, you'll find other casual restaurants and bars within a few blocks.

Dietary considerations and menu limitations

The menu is meat-heavy and seafood-focused, with limited options for vegetarians. Sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread, and coleslaw can be ordered as a plate, but the restaurant is not designed around plant-based eating. If you have dietary restrictions, call ahead to ask what's available that day—the staff can tell you what's been smoked and what sides are on hand.

Gluten-free options are limited; cornbread and some sides contain gluten, and cross-contamination is possible in a small kitchen. Seafood is fried in shared oil, so if you have a shellfish allergy, the fried items may not be safe. The restaurant does not have detailed allergen information posted, so calling with specific concerns is the safest approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

No. Mr C's BIG Grill is counter-service only—you walk in, order at the front, and pay before eating. Reservations are not taken. During busy lunch hours, expect a short wait in line, but the line moves quickly.

Can I get food to go?

Yes. You can order at the counter and take your food with you. Many people grab lunch to eat elsewhere, especially during the busy midday rush. Containers are provided, and food travels well.

What are the hours?

Mr C's BIG Grill is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. The restaurant is closed Sundays and Mondays. Hours may vary seasonally, so calling ahead during holiday weeks is a good idea.

Is there alcohol?

No. The restaurant serves only canned sodas, sweet tea, and water. If you want a beer or cocktail with your meal, you'll need to bring it from elsewhere or visit a nearby bar before or after eating.

What's the best thing to order?

The brisket and pulled pork are both excellent, and the cornbread is a standout side. If you're undecided, a combo plate with two meats and two sides lets you sample more. The fried oysters are also worth trying if you like seafood.