Big Jim's BBQ, Burgers & Pizza in Summerville: Smoked Meat and Hand-Formed Patties

What Big Jim's serves and where to find it

Big Jim's BBQ, Burgers & Pizza is a casual counter-service spot in Summerville that builds its menu around three things: slow-smoked barbecue, hand-formed burgers, and wood-fired pizza. The restaurant sits on Main Street in the heart of downtown Summerville, within walking distance of the town square and local shops. You order at the counter, find a seat in the dining room or on the patio, and the kitchen brings food to your table.

The burger menu is the draw for most visitors. Big Jim's forms patties fresh daily and cooks them on a flat-top griddle, which creates a crust while keeping the inside tender. Toppings run from classic—cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion—to house specials that change seasonally. The restaurant also smokes brisket, pulled pork, and ribs in-house, and offers those as sandwiches or plates with sides like coleslaw, beans, and cornbread.

Key Takeaways

• Big Jim's hand-forms burger patties daily and cooks them on a griddle to build a crust while keeping the meat tender inside.
• The restaurant smokes its own barbecue—brisket, pulled pork, and ribs—and serves them as sandwiches or full plates with traditional sides.
• Wood-fired pizza rounds out the menu, offering a third option if your group splits between barbecue and burgers.
• Summerville's downtown location puts Big Jim's within walking distance of the town square, making it easy to combine a meal with browsing nearby shops and galleries.

The burger options and how they're made

Every burger starts with meat ground in-house or sourced fresh from a local supplier, then formed by hand into a patty that's thicker than fast-food versions but not as thick as a steakhouse burger. The griddle sear creates what cooks call the Maillard reaction—a brown crust that locks in flavor. Big Jim's keeps the inside pink and juicy because the patty spends only a few minutes on each side.

The signature burger comes topped with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and house sauce. Seasonal specials have included versions with bacon and cheddar, fried egg and pepper jack, or caramelized onions and Swiss. The restaurant also builds custom burgers if you want to swap toppings or add extras like grilled mushrooms or jalapeños. Burgers come with your choice of fries, onion rings, or a side salad.

Barbecue smoked on-site

Big Jim's operates a smoker in the back, visible from parts of the dining room. The restaurant smokes brisket for 12 to 14 hours, pulled pork for 8 to 10 hours, and ribs for 5 to 6 hours, using oak and hickory wood. The meat comes out tender enough to pull apart with a fork, with a smoke ring—the pink layer just under the surface—that shows the smoke has penetrated the meat.

You can order smoked meat as a sandwich on a soft bun with coleslaw, or as a plate with two or three sides. The sides rotate but typically include baked beans, mac and cheese, collard greens, cornbread, and a vinegar-based or mustard-based slaw depending on the day. Portions are generous; most people finish a sandwich and half their sides.

Pizza from the wood-fired oven

The wood-fired oven sits near the front of the restaurant and reaches temperatures around 800 degrees Fahrenheit. At that heat, a pizza cooks in two to three minutes, creating a crust that's charred on the outside and soft inside. Big Jim's makes dough fresh daily and stretches it by hand rather than using a roller.

The menu includes classic combinations—margherita, pepperoni, sausage and peppers—and house specials that often feature smoked meat from the back. A popular option combines pulled pork, caramelized onions, and a drizzle of barbecue sauce. You can also build your own pizza by choosing a sauce, cheese, and up to five toppings.

Atmosphere and seating

The dining room has a casual, neighborhood feel with exposed brick, wood tables, and local art on the walls. The patio overlooks Main Street and fills up quickly on warm weekends. Service is friendly but not fussy—you order at the counter, grab a number, and staff brings food when it's ready. The noise level is moderate during lunch and can get louder during dinner and on weekends when families and groups come in.

Big Jim's does not take reservations, so arriving before 6 p.m. on weekdays usually means a short wait or no wait at all. Weekend evenings and Saturday lunch can have a 20- to 30-minute wait, especially in warm months when the patio draws crowds.

Hours, pricing, and what to know before you go

Big Jim's is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Burgers range from about $12 to $16 depending on toppings. Barbecue sandwiches run $13 to $15, and plates with two sides cost $18 to $22. Pizza prices depend on size and toppings but typically fall between $14 and $24 for a whole pie. The restaurant accepts cash and card.

Parking is street parking along Main Street or in the public lot one block away. The restaurant has a full bar with beer, wine, and cocktails. If you have dietary restrictions, the staff can tell you which items are vegetarian or gluten-free, though the menu is meat-forward and options are limited for strict diets.

Why Summerville diners choose Big Jim's

Big Jim's fills a gap between fast-casual chains and fine dining. The food is made from scratch, the portions are real, and the prices reflect that without being expensive. Families come for the variety—one person orders a burger, another gets barbecue, a third picks pizza—and everyone leaves satisfied. The downtown location also matters; you can park, eat, and walk to galleries, antique shops, or the town square without getting back in the car.

The restaurant has become a regular stop for people driving through Summerville on their way to or from the coast, and for locals who want a meal that tastes like someone spent time on it. The smoked meat and hand-formed burgers are the reasons to go, but the wood-fired pizza and casual atmosphere keep people coming back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order Big Jim's for a large group or party?

The restaurant does not take reservations, but you can call ahead to give them a heads-up if you're bringing a group of 10 or more. They can sometimes hold a table or prepare food in advance so your group is not waiting as long. Catering options may also be available; call to ask about pricing and menu choices.

Are there vegetarian options?

Yes, though the menu is meat-focused. You can order a veggie burger, a cheese pizza with vegetables, or a salad. The staff can suggest combinations if you ask. Sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread are also vegetarian.

How long does it usually take to get food?

Burgers and pizza typically come out in 10 to 15 minutes. Barbecue plates may take a few minutes longer because the meat is smoked ahead of time and plated to order. During busy periods, add 5 to 10 minutes to those times.

Is Big Jim's good for kids?

Yes. The menu has items most kids enjoy—burgers, pizza, mac and cheese—and portions are large enough to share. The casual atmosphere means children do not need to sit still for hours. High chairs are available, and the staff is used to families.

What's the best time to visit if I want to avoid a wait?

Weekday lunches between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. are usually quick. Weekday dinners after 7 p.m. are also quieter. Saturday and Sunday mornings and early afternoons tend to be busier. Avoid peak dinner hours (6 to 8 p.m.) on weekends if you're in a hurry.