Kenny's Bar B Que in Charleston: Low Country Barbecue and Sides

What Kenny's Bar B Que serves and where to find it

Kenny's Bar B Que is a casual barbecue restaurant in Charleston that focuses on smoked meats and traditional sides. The restaurant operates as a counter-service spot where you order at the front and find a seat in the dining room or take your food to go. The menu centers on pulled pork, ribs, brisket, and chicken smoked over wood, paired with sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread, and beans.

The space itself is unpretentious—the kind of place where the focus stays on the food rather than the decor. Kenny's draws a mix of locals and visitors looking for straightforward barbecue without the upscale price tag or wait times of Charleston's more famous restaurants. The portions are generous, and the prices reflect the casual, no-frills approach.

Key Takeaways

• Kenny's serves smoked meats and traditional barbecue sides at counter-service pricing, with options to eat in or take out.
• The menu includes pulled pork, ribs, brisket, and chicken, each available as a sandwich, plate, or as part of a combo.
• Sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread come with most plates and reflect Low Country barbecue tradition.
• The restaurant is located in Charleston and operates during standard lunch and dinner hours, though hours vary by day.

Smoked meats and how they're prepared

Kenny's smokes its meats over wood, which gives the barbecue its flavor and texture. The pulled pork is tender enough to fall apart with a fork, and the ribs have a smoke ring—the pink layer just under the surface that forms when meat is smoked low and slow. Brisket comes sliced thick, and the chicken is moist rather than dried out, which requires careful temperature control during smoking.

The restaurant does not publish exact smoking times or wood types, but the results suggest a traditional approach: long hours at low temperature rather than quick high-heat cooking. You can taste the difference between this and fast barbecue. The meat does not need sauce to be good, though Kenny's offers sauce on the side for those who want it.

Ordering options and what to expect

You can order sandwiches (meat on a bun), plates (meat with two sides and cornbread), or combos (multiple meats with sides). Sandwiches are the most affordable option and work well if you want to try several meats without committing to full plates. Plates give you more food and let you pair your meat choice with sides that complement it—pulled pork with collard greens, for example, or ribs with mac and cheese.

The counter staff will ask how much meat you want and which sides you prefer. Portions are large enough that many people split a plate or take half home. Drinks are self-serve, and dessert options are limited—the focus is on the barbecue itself.

Sides and what makes them matter

The sides at Kenny's are not afterthoughts. Collard greens are cooked with enough seasoning and fat to taste like something, not like boiled vegetables. Mac and cheese has a creamy sauce and enough cheese to coat every noodle. Beans are slow-cooked and have depth rather than tasting like they came from a can. Cornbread is slightly sweet and crumbly, the way it should be.

These sides matter because they are part of Low Country barbecue tradition—the food that developed in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina and Georgia. Barbecue in this tradition is not just the meat; it is the meat plus the sides that balance and complete it. At Kenny's, the sides reflect that understanding.

When to go and what the crowd is like

Lunch is busier than dinner, especially on weekdays when office workers and construction crews come through. Weekends draw families and tourists. The wait at the counter is usually short—you order and pay quickly—but finding a seat during peak lunch hours can take a few minutes. If you want to eat in without waiting, go early (around 11 a.m.) or later (after 1 p.m.).

The crowd is mixed and casual. You will see people in work clothes next to families with kids, and nobody is dressed up. The noise level is moderate—people talk and eat, but it is not loud enough to make conversation difficult. The atmosphere is relaxed, which fits the food and the price point.

Parking and accessibility

Kenny's has parking available on-site or on nearby streets, depending on the time of day and how busy the restaurant is. The entrance is at street level, and the dining room is accessible. Restrooms are inside.

If you are planning to go during lunch rush, arriving a few minutes early or waiting until the crowd thins out will make parking easier. The restaurant's location in Charleston puts it within reach of downtown attractions, so you can combine a meal at Kenny's with other things to do in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order Kenny's for a party or event?

Kenny's does take catering orders for groups. Call ahead to discuss the size of your party, the meats and sides you want, and the date. They can usually accommodate orders a few days in advance, though larger events may need more notice.

Do they have vegetarian options?

The menu is meat-focused, but sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, beans, and cornbread can be ordered separately. These make a meal on their own, though the restaurant is designed around barbecue rather than vegetarian dining.

What is the price range for a meal?

Sandwiches typically cost less than plates. Plates with meat and two sides run moderate for Charleston dining. Exact prices vary by meat choice and current costs, so calling ahead or checking their menu online will give you the most current information.

Is Kenny's a good option if I am short on time?

Yes. Counter-service ordering and quick seating make Kenny's faster than sit-down restaurants. If you order a sandwich and eat at the counter, you can be in and out in 15 to 20 minutes during slower periods.

Do they offer takeout?

Yes. You can order at the counter and take your food with you. Containers are designed to keep food warm during a short drive, though the quality is best if you eat within 30 minutes of leaving the restaurant.