Courtney's BBQ in Charleston: Low Country Smoke and Sides

What to expect at Courtney's BBQ

Courtney's BBQ is a casual counter-service spot in Charleston that specializes in smoked meats and traditional sides. You order at the counter, pick your protein and sides, and eat at picnic tables or take your meal to go. The restaurant focuses on whole hog and brisket smoked over wood, with a menu that changes based on what's available that day—some proteins sell out by evening.

The space itself is no-frills: concrete floors, simple wooden tables, and a view into the kitchen where the smoking happens. This is the kind of place where the food matters more than the décor. Most people come for the pulled pork, ribs, or brisket, paired with sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, or cornbread. The sauce is vinegar-based and tangy, typical of the Lowcountry style.

Courtney's sits in a working neighborhood rather than the tourist corridor, which means you'll find locals at lunch and dinner. Parking is street parking or a small lot; it fills up during peak hours (noon to 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.). The restaurant does not take reservations, so expect to wait 15 to 30 minutes on weekends.

Key Takeaways

• Courtney's serves smoked whole hog and brisket at a counter, with sides like collard greens and mac and cheese that reflect Lowcountry cooking.
• The menu changes daily based on what's smoked and available, so popular items can sell out by evening.
• The restaurant is cash-friendly but also takes cards; call ahead if you want to confirm what proteins are available that day.
• Seating is at picnic tables indoors or you can take your meal to go; no reservations are taken.

Hours, location, and how to order

Courtney's BBQ is located on King Street in Charleston's upper peninsula, a few blocks north of downtown. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner most days, though hours vary by season—call ahead to confirm. Parking is street parking or a small adjacent lot; arrive early if you're coming during lunch rush.

You order at the counter by pointing to what you want. A typical order is a half-pound or pound of meat, two sides, and cornbread or a roll. Prices run between $12 and $18 for a full plate, depending on the protein and portion. The restaurant accepts both cash and card, though cash moves faster at the counter.

If you want to know whether a specific protein is available before you go, call the restaurant directly. Brisket and pulled pork are usually available, but ribs and other smoked meats depend on the day's smoke schedule. Taking your order to go is common and works well; the food stays warm in a to-go container for 20 to 30 minutes.

What to order and Lowcountry barbecue style

Courtney's smokes whole hog and brisket over wood, which gives the meat a deep smoke ring and tender pull. The pulled pork is the most consistent item—it shreds easily and absorbs the tangy vinegar sauce without falling apart. The brisket, when available, is sliced thick and has a bark (the crispy exterior) that contrasts with the soft interior.

The sides are where Lowcountry tradition shows. Collard greens are cooked with smoked meat stock, giving them depth. Mac and cheese is creamy and mild, a balance to the smoke and acid of the meat. Cornbread is slightly sweet and crumbly. Order at least two sides; they're meant to round out the plate and cool your palate between bites of meat.

The sauce is thin and vinegar-forward, not thick or sweet. It's meant to be spooned over the meat, not dipped. If you're used to thick tomato-based sauces from other regions, this will taste sharp and bright by comparison—that's intentional and reflects how barbecue is done in the Lowcountry.

When to go and what the crowd is like

Lunch (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) draws a mix of office workers, construction crews, and locals who know the spot. Dinner (5 p.m. to 8 p.m.) is quieter on weekdays but busier on Fridays and Saturdays. Weekday lunch is the fastest service; you'll wait 10 to 15 minutes in line. Weekend dinner can stretch to 30 minutes or more.

The crowd is casual and mixed—families with kids, groups of friends, solo diners. Nobody is dressed up. Conversations are loud and friendly. If you're looking for a quiet meal, come on a Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon. If you want the full experience of how locals eat barbecue, come on a Friday at noon.

The restaurant does not have a bar or alcohol, so this is a daytime or early-evening destination. Many people grab food and eat in nearby parks or take it back to their office or hotel.

Dietary needs and what's available

Courtney's is primarily a meat restaurant, so vegetarian options are limited. Sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread can be ordered without meat, but they're cooked with meat stock or lard, so they're not vegetarian in the strict sense. Call ahead if you have specific dietary restrictions and want to know what's possible.

The restaurant does not publish a full nutritional breakdown, and cross-contamination is likely in a small kitchen where everything is smoked together. If you have severe allergies, ask the staff what's in each side before ordering.

Gluten is present in the cornbread and rolls. Some sides may contain gluten depending on preparation. Again, ask the staff directly about what you can safely eat.

How Courtney's fits into Charleston's barbecue scene

Charleston has several barbecue restaurants, each with a different style and history. Courtney's is known for staying close to whole-hog tradition—smoking the entire animal rather than just the shoulder or ribs. This approach is common in the Lowcountry and reflects how barbecue was cooked generations ago, when nothing went to waste.

The restaurant is smaller and less polished than some other barbecue spots in the city, which appeals to people who prioritize taste and tradition over atmosphere. It's the kind of place where regulars have their order memorized and the staff knows them by name. If you're visiting Charleston and want to eat where locals eat, not where tourists are directed, Courtney's is a solid choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

No. Courtney's is counter-service only and does not take reservations. You order at the counter and find a seat. Expect to wait 10 to 30 minutes depending on the time of day and day of the week. Weekday lunch is fastest; weekend dinner is slowest.

What if my favorite protein is sold out?

The menu changes daily based on what's smoked. If brisket or ribs are gone, you can order pulled pork or ask what else is available. Call ahead if you have your heart set on a specific meat, and the staff can tell you whether it's been smoked that day.

Can I bring my own drinks?

The restaurant does not serve alcohol. Many people bring their own drinks or grab a beverage from a nearby store. Ask the staff what's allowed before you bring anything in.

Is there outdoor seating?

Seating is mostly indoors at picnic tables. There may be a small outdoor area depending on the season and weather. Taking your order to go is a popular option if you want to eat elsewhere.

How far in advance should I call to check what's available?

Call the same day, ideally an hour or two before you plan to go. The staff can tell you what proteins are smoked and how much is left. Calling the day before is less reliable because the menu can change overnight.