The Back Porch in Charleston: Casual Burgers and Low Country Sides

What The Back Porch serves and where to find it

The Back Porch is a casual burger spot in Charleston's Upper King Street neighborhood, known for straightforward beef burgers, hand-cut fries, and a relaxed atmosphere that feels more neighborhood hangout than polished restaurant. The menu centers on customizable burgers built to order, with a focus on quality beef and fresh toppings rather than gimmicks or oversized portions.

The restaurant occupies a modest storefront with limited seating inside and a few tables outside—the "back porch" feel is more about the vibe than an actual outdoor space. It's the kind of place where you order at the counter, find a seat, and eat without ceremony. The crowd skews local and casual, from families grabbing lunch to groups stopping by after work.

Key Takeaways

• The Back Porch builds burgers to order with quality beef, fresh toppings, and hand-cut fries as the standard side.
• The restaurant is located on Upper King Street in Charleston and operates as a counter-service spot with minimal seating.
• Prices are moderate for Charleston, with most burgers in the mid-range for the area and no table service fees.
• The atmosphere is casual and neighborhood-focused, making it a practical choice for a quick lunch or casual dinner rather than a destination meal.

Burger options and customization

The Back Porch offers a short menu of named burgers—typically including a classic cheeseburger, a bacon burger, and a few variations—but the real draw is building your own. You choose your patty size, cheese, and toppings from a straightforward list: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, jalapeños, mushrooms, and standard condiments. This approach keeps the kitchen moving and lets you eat what you actually want rather than what the menu designer decided you should have.

The beef itself is the foundation. The restaurant sources fresh ground beef rather than frozen patties, which shows in the texture and flavor. Burgers are cooked to order, so you can request your preferred doneness. Hand-cut fries come standard and are thick-cut, crispy outside, and soft inside—the kind that taste like actual potatoes rather than frozen product.

Sides and extras

Beyond fries, The Back Porch keeps the sides simple. Coleslaw is usually available as an alternative or addition, and milkshakes round out the menu. The focus is on doing a few things well rather than offering a sprawling menu of appetizers and desserts. Drinks are standard fountain sodas and sweet tea, which fits the casual neighborhood vibe.

The simplicity is intentional—it means the kitchen isn't stretched thin trying to execute twenty different items, and your burger arrives hot and properly cooked. If you're looking for loaded fries, fried pickles, or other burger-adjacent sides, you'll need to look elsewhere, but if you want a solid burger and fries, The Back Porch delivers.

Atmosphere and seating

The Back Porch is not a destination for ambiance. It's a small space with a handful of tables, counter seating if available, and a no-frills approach to service. The walls are plain, the lighting is bright, and the focus is on getting food out quickly and letting people eat. This works perfectly if you're in the neighborhood and hungry, less so if you're planning a leisurely meal or looking for a special-occasion setting.

Upper King Street itself has evolved into a mixed neighborhood of shops, restaurants, and offices, so The Back Porch fits into a broader pattern of casual dining in the area. Parking can be tight depending on the time of day, so plan accordingly if you're driving.

Price and value

Burgers at The Back Porch fall in the moderate range for Charleston—more expensive than a chain fast-food burger, less expensive than a high-end burger at a gastropub. You're paying for fresh beef and hand-cut fries, not for table service or a full-service restaurant experience. Most people spend between $12 and $18 for a burger, fries, and a drink, depending on what you order and whether you add extras.

The value proposition is straightforward: you get a well-made burger without paying for atmosphere or service you don't need. If you're comparing it to other burger spots in Charleston, The Back Porch sits solidly in the middle—better quality than a chain, less expensive and less formal than a sit-down burger restaurant.

When to go and what to expect

Lunch and early dinner are the busiest times, particularly on weekdays when the neighborhood crowd stops by. Expect a short wait during peak hours, though the counter-service model keeps lines moving. Weekday mornings and mid-afternoon tend to be quieter. The restaurant is closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly if that's your preferred day.

Go to The Back Porch if you want a quick, reliable burger without ceremony. Don't go if you're looking for table service, a full bar, or a special-occasion setting. It's a neighborhood spot that does one thing—casual burgers—and does it well enough that locals keep coming back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize my burger with toppings not on the standard list?

The Back Porch works from a set list of toppings to keep the kitchen efficient, so special requests outside that list are unlikely. Stick with what's offered: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, jalapeños, mushrooms, and standard condiments. If you have a dietary restriction, ask when you order—the staff can usually work around it.

Do they have vegetarian burger options?

The Back Porch is beef-focused, and vegetarian options are limited or not available. If you're vegetarian, call ahead or check their current menu before visiting. The coleslaw and fries are likely vegetarian-friendly, but the restaurant's strength is in beef burgers.

Is there parking nearby?

Upper King Street has street parking and nearby lots, but availability varies by time of day. Lunch and early dinner can be tight. If parking is a concern, consider visiting during off-peak hours or using a ride service to avoid the hunt.

Can I order ahead or do I have to order in person?

Most counter-service burger spots don't take phone orders, and The Back Porch likely operates the same way. You order when you arrive. Call ahead if you want to confirm their current hours or ask about a large group, but expect to order at the counter.

What's the difference between The Back Porch and other burger places on King Street?

The Back Porch is casual and counter-service, focused on fresh beef and hand-cut fries without frills. Other burger spots in the area may offer table service, fancier toppings, or full bar service. The Back Porch is the straightforward choice if you want a good burger quickly and cheaply.