Little Howie's Burgers & Chic — A South Carolina Burger Institution

What to expect at Little Howie's

Little Howie's Burgers & Chic is a casual counter-service spot where you order at the window and eat at picnic tables or take your food with you. The menu centers on hand-formed burgers cooked to order, fried chicken, and sides like fries and onion rings. The atmosphere is unpretentious—this is a place where locals have been eating for decades, not a destination for Instagram moments or table service.

The burgers come in a few sizes, and you can build them with standard toppings or ask for variations. The fried chicken is available by the piece or in combination plates. Prices are modest, and portions are generous. Most people spend $8 to $15 per person before tax and tip.

Little Howie's operates seasonally in many locations and has limited hours, so calling ahead or checking their current schedule online before you go is worth the minute it takes. The restaurant does not take reservations—you arrive, order, and find a seat.

Key Takeaways

• Little Howie's serves hand-formed burgers and fried chicken at a counter window, with seating at outdoor picnic tables.
• The menu is simple and focused: burgers in multiple sizes, fried chicken by the piece or in plates, and classic sides like fries and onion rings.
• Prices typically run $8 to $15 per person, making it an affordable casual meal.
• Hours and seasonal operation vary by location, so confirm the schedule before visiting.
• This is a walk-up, order-at-the-counter restaurant with no table service or reservations.

The burger and chicken menu

The signature item is the burger—cooked fresh to order and hand-formed rather than pre-made. You can order single or double patties, and the kitchen will add cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mustard, ketchup, or mayo according to what you ask for. Some regulars order the same way every time; others experiment with combinations. The burger is straightforward, not loaded with house-made sauces or trendy toppings.

Fried chicken rounds out the core menu. Pieces are available individually, or you can order a plate that includes chicken, a side, and sometimes a roll. The chicken is seasoned and fried in-house, with a crisp exterior and tender meat inside. It pairs well with fries or onion rings, and many people order both burger and chicken to share or to have leftovers.

Sides include hand-cut fries, onion rings, coleslaw, and sometimes hushpuppies depending on the location. Sweet tea is the standard drink, though most locations also stock soft drinks and bottled water.

Where Little Howie's locations are found

Little Howie's has operated in South Carolina for many years, with locations that have come and gone over time. The restaurant is known for its seasonal operation—some locations close during winter months or operate only on weekends during the off-season. This is typical for casual burger stands in the state, especially those in beach towns or rural areas where summer traffic drives business.

Before planning a trip, search online for the current location nearest you and confirm their hours. A quick phone call to the restaurant itself is the most reliable way to check whether they are open on the day you want to visit. Social media pages, if the location maintains them, often post updates about seasonal closures or special hours.

What to bring and how to order

Little Howie's is cash-friendly, though many locations now accept cards as well. Bring cash if you want to be certain, or ask when you arrive. There is no table service—you walk up to the window, tell the person taking orders what you want, pay, and then find a seat while your food is prepared.

During busy times, especially on weekends or summer afternoons, there can be a wait. The kitchen works steadily, but hand-forming burgers and frying chicken takes time. If you are in a hurry, calling ahead to place an order can sometimes speed things up, though not all locations offer this option.

Seating is outdoors at picnic tables, so dress for the weather. In summer, arrive early or later in the day to avoid the heat. In cooler months, a jacket makes the meal more comfortable. Many people take their food to go, which is perfectly normal at this type of restaurant.

Why Little Howie's matters to South Carolina food culture

Little Howie's represents a particular kind of South Carolina eating place—the casual, no-frills burger stand that has fed families and workers for generations. These restaurants are not trying to be trendy or win awards. They are built on consistency, reasonable prices, and the idea that good food does not require a lot of ceremony.

The hand-formed burger and fried chicken are techniques that connect to older American diner culture, but Little Howie's does not market itself that way. It simply makes the food the way it has always made it, and people keep coming back. That continuity is part of what makes these local spots worth seeking out, especially if you are traveling through South Carolina and want to eat where locals eat.

Best times to visit

Lunch and early dinner, roughly 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., are the busiest times. If you prefer a shorter wait, go mid-afternoon on a weekday. Weekends draw crowds, particularly on summer Saturdays and Sundays when families and tourists are out.

Seasonal timing matters too. If the location is open year-round, winter weekdays are typically quieter. If it closes seasonally, plan your visit during the open months—usually late spring through early fall, though this varies. Check ahead to confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize my burger?

Yes. Tell the person at the window what toppings you want, and they will build it to order. You can ask for extra cheese, no pickles, or any combination of the standard toppings. The kitchen is used to special requests.

Do they take credit cards?

Many locations do now, but cash is still the safest bet. Call ahead or ask when you arrive if you are unsure. Bringing cash means you will not have any surprises at the window.

Is there indoor seating?

Most Little Howie's locations have outdoor picnic table seating only. Some may have a small covered area. If weather is a concern, call the specific location to ask about shelter or consider taking your order to go.

How long does it take to get food?

During slow times, 10 to 15 minutes is typical. During busy periods, it can stretch to 20 or 30 minutes. The kitchen makes everything fresh, so there is no way around the wait. Calling ahead to order can sometimes help.

Are there vegetarian options?

The menu is meat-focused, but you can order sides like fries, onion rings, or coleslaw. Some locations may make a cheese sandwich if you ask. Call ahead if you have specific dietary needs to confirm what the kitchen can do.