The Smokehouse in Charleston: Low Country Barbecue and Smoked Meats

What The Smokehouse serves and where to find it

The Smokehouse is a barbecue restaurant in Charleston located at 167 East Bay Street in the Historic District, a few blocks from the waterfront. The menu centers on smoked meats—brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and chicken—cooked in-house using traditional smoking methods. Sides include collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread, and beans, with regional Low Country flavors woven through the offerings.

The restaurant occupies a brick building with exposed beams and a casual, warehouse-style interior. Seating is a mix of communal tables and smaller four-tops, and the space fills quickly during lunch and dinner service. The bar serves beer, bourbon, and cocktails alongside the food.

Key Takeaways

• The Smokehouse smokes its meats on-site using traditional methods, so the specific cuts and preparation change based on what's in the smoker that day.
• The restaurant is in downtown Charleston's Historic District, walkable from the waterfront and near other dining and shopping options.
• Lunch and dinner service both draw crowds, so arriving early or calling ahead can shorten your wait.
• The menu includes vegetable sides and cornbread, though the focus is on smoked meat portions.

Smoked meats and how they're prepared

The kitchen smokes brisket, pork shoulder, ribs, and chicken in-house, which means the exact cuts and availability shift based on what's been in the smoker. Brisket is typically sliced thick and served by the pound or on sandwiches. Pulled pork comes from smoked shoulder and can be ordered as a plate with sides or on a sandwich. Ribs are offered by the rack or half-rack, and smoked chicken is available whole or by the piece.

The smoking process takes many hours—brisket and pork shoulder often spend 12 to 16 hours in the smoker—so the restaurant prepares meat in batches rather than to order. This means popular items can sell out, especially later in the evening. The rubs and sauces reflect Charleston's barbecue tradition, which leans toward vinegar-based and mustard-based sauces rather than the thick, sweet sauces common in other regions.

Sides and what pairs with the meat

Sides are ordered separately and include collard greens, mac and cheese, baked beans, cornbread, and seasonal vegetables. Portions are generous, and most people order two or three sides to share. The collard greens are cooked Low Country style with smoked meat stock, and the mac and cheese is creamy and rich enough to stand on its own.

Cornbread comes warm and slightly sweet, and the baked beans have a smoky depth from the kitchen's smoking process. If you're dining with others, ordering family-style—several meats and multiple sides to share—is common and lets you taste more of the menu without committing to a single large plate.

Timing, crowds, and how to plan your visit

Lunch service runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and dinner from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The restaurant is closed Mondays. Lunch is busy between noon and 1:30 p.m., and dinner crowds peak between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., especially on weekends. If you arrive during these windows, expect a wait of 15 to 45 minutes depending on the day.

Arriving before 11:30 a.m. or after 2 p.m. for lunch, or before 5:30 p.m. or after 8:30 p.m. for dinner, usually means shorter waits. You can call ahead to ask about wait times, and the restaurant does not take reservations but will add your name to a list if you call. The bar area has standing room and is a good place to wait if the dining room is full.

Parking and location details

The Smokehouse sits on East Bay Street in the Historic District, a block east of King Street and within walking distance of the Charleston City Market, the waterfront, and other restaurants and shops. Street parking is available but fills quickly during peak hours. Several paid parking garages are within a two-block walk: the Gaillard Center Garage and the Broad Street Garage are the closest options.

If you're staying downtown or visiting nearby attractions, walking to The Smokehouse is practical. The neighborhood is pedestrian-friendly, and the restaurant is easy to spot from the street. Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft operate throughout Charleston and can drop you at the front door.

Dietary considerations and menu notes

The menu is meat-focused, and most plates come with smoked protein and sides. Vegetarian options are limited—collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread, and beans can be ordered without meat, but the kitchen does not have a separate vegetarian menu. If you have dietary restrictions, calling ahead to speak with staff about what can be prepared is the best approach.

The restaurant does not publish a full allergen menu online, so if you have severe allergies, ask to speak with a manager when you arrive. Smoked meats are prepared in a shared kitchen space, so cross-contamination is possible if that is a concern for you.

Price range and what to expect to spend

Smoked meat plates range from about $16 to $28 depending on the cut and portion size. Sandwiches are typically $12 to $16. Sides are $4 to $6 each. Beer and cocktails range from $5 to $12. A meal for one person—one meat plate, two sides, and a drink—usually costs $25 to $35 before tax and tip. Family-style dining for four people with multiple meats and sides runs $80 to $120 total.

The restaurant accepts cash and card. Tipping is expected and customary at the counter or table, typically 18 to 20 percent of the bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order The Smokehouse for delivery or takeout?

Yes. The restaurant offers takeout from the counter, and you can call ahead to place an order. Delivery is available through third-party apps, though ordering directly by phone often means fresher food and no app fees. Call 843-723-2144 to place a takeout order.

What's the best meat to order if I'm visiting for the first time?

The brisket and pulled pork are the restaurant's signature items and showcase the smoking technique. If you're unsure, ask the staff what came out of the smoker most recently—that's usually the best choice of the day. Ordering a sampler with a few different meats lets you taste multiple options.

Is The Smokehouse good for groups or large parties?

Yes, though the restaurant doesn't take reservations. Groups of six or more should call ahead to give staff a heads-up about timing. Communal tables are available, and family-style ordering works well for groups. Expect a wait during peak hours, but the bar area accommodates standing guests.

Do they have a kids menu?

The restaurant does not publish a separate kids menu, but staff can prepare smaller portions of any meat and side. Cornbread and mac and cheese are popular with children. Call ahead if you want to confirm portion sizes or discuss options for young diners.

What's the parking situation like?

Street parking on East Bay is available but limited and fills quickly. Paid garages within two blocks—the Gaillard Center Garage and Broad Street Garage—are reliable options. If you're downtown, walking or using ride-share is often easier than driving.