King BBQ in Charleston: Slow-Smoked Meat and Lowcountry Sides

What King BBQ serves and where to find it

King BBQ is a barbecue restaurant in Charleston that smokes brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and chicken over wood fire and serves them with traditional sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread. The restaurant is located on King Street in downtown Charleston, in the heart of the city's dining district where you can walk to galleries, shops, and other restaurants within a few blocks.

The menu centers on meat by the pound or on sandwiches, with platters that let you mix proteins and sides. Sauces are available on the side, and the kitchen can adjust spice levels if you ask. The space itself is casual—order at a counter, find a seat indoors or on the patio, and eat with your hands or utensils depending on what you order.

Key Takeaways

• King BBQ smokes its own meat daily and serves it with Lowcountry sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread.
• The restaurant is located on King Street in downtown Charleston, within walking distance of other shops, galleries, and dining options.
• You order at the counter and can choose individual meats by the pound or pre-built platters that combine proteins and sides.
• The casual patio seating makes it a good stop if you are exploring downtown on foot or want to eat outdoors.

Smoked meats and how they are prepared

King BBQ smokes brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and chicken using wood fire, which gives each meat a distinct smoke ring and texture. The brisket is trimmed and seasoned before smoking, and the pulled pork comes from the shoulder and shreds easily off the bone. Ribs are smoked until the meat pulls cleanly from the bone, and chicken is smoked whole or in pieces depending on the day's prep.

The smoking process takes many hours—brisket and pork shoulder typically smoke overnight or for most of a day—so the restaurant prepares meat in batches and sells what is ready each day. If you arrive late in the afternoon, some cuts may be sold out, so arriving earlier in the day increases your chances of getting your first choice.

Sides and what pairs with each meat

Sides at King BBQ include mac and cheese, collard greens, baked beans, cornbread, and coleslaw. These are Lowcountry staples that reflect Charleston's food culture and pair with smoked meat in traditional ways. The mac and cheese is creamy and rich, the collard greens are slow-cooked with seasoning, and the coleslaw provides a cool, tangy contrast to hot meat.

If you order a platter, you typically choose one or two sides to go with your meat. A half-pound of brisket with mac and cheese and collard greens is a common combination, as is pulled pork with beans and cornbread. The portions are generous, so one platter often feeds two people or leaves you with leftovers.

Ordering options and pricing

King BBQ offers two main ways to order: by the pound of meat, or as a platter that bundles meat with sides and cornbread. Meat by the pound lets you buy exactly what you want and mix it however you like. Platters come in sizes that range from a quarter-pound to a half-pound of meat, and you choose your sides when you order.

Prices vary depending on the meat and portion size. Brisket and ribs typically cost more per pound than pulled pork or chicken. The restaurant accepts cash and card, and there is no table service—you order at the counter, pay, and pick up your food when it is ready, usually within a few minutes.

Dining on the patio and downtown location

King BBQ has indoor seating and a patio that faces King Street, one of Charleston's main thoroughfares. The patio is a good spot to eat if the weather is mild, and it puts you in the middle of downtown activity. From there, you can walk to the City Market, historic homes, and other restaurants within a few blocks.

The casual atmosphere and counter service make it easy to stop in without a reservation, though the restaurant can get busy during lunch and dinner hours. If you are exploring downtown on foot, King BBQ is a natural stop for a quick meal that does not require advance planning.

What to expect on a typical visit

When you arrive, you will see the counter with a menu board listing the day's meats and sides. Look at what is available, decide whether you want meat by the pound or a platter, and choose your sides. Tell the person at the counter what you want, pay, and then find a seat while your order is prepared.

Most orders are ready within five to ten minutes. Bring napkins—smoked meat is messy to eat, and the restaurant provides them, but you will go through several. If you are eating on the patio, watch for birds; they are common in downtown Charleston and will investigate your plate if you look away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

No. King BBQ is counter service with first-come, first-served seating. You can walk in any time during business hours, though lunch and dinner hours can have a wait of ten to twenty minutes during peak times.

What time should I arrive to get the best selection?

Arriving between 11 a.m. and noon or between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. usually gives you the widest choice of meats. Later in the evening, some cuts may be sold out, especially on weekends when the restaurant is busier.

Can I order meat to take home?

Yes. You can order meat by the pound and take it with you in a container. This works well if you want to bring barbecue to a gathering or eat it later at your hotel or rental home.

Are there vegetarian options?

The menu is meat-focused, but the sides—mac and cheese, collard greens, baked beans, and cornbread—are substantial enough to make a meal on their own if you do not eat meat.

Is the patio heated or covered?

The patio is open-air, so it is best on mild days. In cold or rainy weather, indoor seating is available, though it can fill up quickly during busy hours.