RightOnQue: A Barbecue Restaurant in Charleston with Live Music and Southern Comfort Food

What RightOnQue Offers

RightOnQue is a barbecue restaurant in Charleston that combines smoked meats, live music, and a casual dining atmosphere. The restaurant serves traditional barbecue plates alongside sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread—the kind of food that defines Charleston's approach to Southern comfort cooking. Most nights you'll find live music on stage, which sets it apart from the typical barbecue joint and makes it as much a music venue as a restaurant.

The space itself reflects Charleston's character: exposed brick, dim lighting, and a bar that runs the length of one wall. The menu centers on smoked meats—brisket, pulled pork, ribs—sold by the pound or as part of a plate with two sides and cornbread. Prices run moderate for Charleston, and the portions are substantial. The crowd tends to be a mix of locals and visitors, particularly on nights when there's a band scheduled.

Key Takeaways

• RightOnQue serves smoked barbecue plates with traditional Southern sides like collard greens and mac and cheese in a casual, brick-lined dining room.
• Live music performs most nights, making it a destination for both eating and entertainment rather than a quick barbecue stop.
• The restaurant is located in Charleston's downtown area, within walking distance of other dining and entertainment venues.
• Meats are sold by the pound or as part of a plate, and the menu includes vegetarian sides if you're not eating meat.

The Barbecue and Sides

The barbecue at RightOnQue follows a straightforward approach: slow-smoked meats without heavy sauces that mask the smoke flavor. Brisket comes sliced thick, pulled pork shreds easily, and ribs have a good bark on the outside. The restaurant offers sauce on the side, which lets you control how much you want. Most people order a plate, which gives you a choice of two sides from a rotating list that includes collard greens, mac and cheese, baked beans, cornbread, and coleslaw.

The sides matter as much as the meat in Southern barbecue culture, and RightOnQue treats them that way. The collard greens have the depth that comes from a long simmer, the mac and cheese is creamy without being heavy, and the cornbread is slightly sweet and crumbly. If you're dining with someone who doesn't eat meat, the sides are substantial enough to make a meal on their own. The restaurant also serves sandwiches—pulled pork and brisket sandwiches on soft rolls—if you want something less formal than a plate.

Live Music Schedule and Atmosphere

Live music is the reason many people choose RightOnQue over other barbecue spots in Charleston. The restaurant books local and regional bands most nights of the week, with genres ranging from blues and soul to country and rock. The stage is small and close to the dining area, so you're never far from the performers. There's no separate cover charge for most shows—you pay for your food and drinks, and the music is part of the experience.

The atmosphere shifts depending on who's playing and what time you arrive. Early evening tends to be quieter, with families and older diners. Later in the night, especially on weekends, the crowd gets younger and the energy builds. The bar stays open late, and people often linger after eating to hear the full set. If you're planning to go for the music, it's worth checking the schedule ahead of time, because some nights draw bigger crowds than others.

Location and Parking

RightOnQue sits in downtown Charleston, on a block with other restaurants and bars within a short walk. The exact address and current hours are best confirmed by searching for the restaurant online, as restaurant locations and hours can change. Street parking is available in the area, though it can be tight during peak dinner hours and on nights with popular bands. There is also paid parking in nearby lots and garages if street parking is full.

The downtown location makes it easy to combine a meal at RightOnQue with other activities—you can walk to galleries, shops, or other restaurants before or after eating. If you're visiting Charleston and staying in the historic district, the restaurant is accessible by foot or a short ride.

What to Expect When You Visit

RightOnQue operates on a casual order-at-the-counter or order-at-your-table model, depending on how busy it is. You'll typically wait in line to order and pay, then find a seat while your food is prepared. During busy times—Friday and Saturday nights, especially when there's a well-known band—expect a wait of 20 to 45 minutes. Weeknight visits are usually faster.

The restaurant doesn't take reservations for regular dining, though large groups should call ahead to give the kitchen a heads-up. If you're coming for the music, arriving earlier in the evening gives you a better chance at a table with a good view of the stage. The bar area is first-come, first-served, and standing room only on crowded nights. Bring cash or a card—the restaurant takes both, though it's worth confirming payment methods when you call.

Menu Pricing and Value

Barbecue plates typically run between $15 and $25 depending on the meat you choose and the size of the portion. A half-pound of brisket or pulled pork with two sides and cornbread falls in the middle of that range. Sandwiches are slightly less, usually $12 to $18. Sides ordered separately are a few dollars each, and drinks run standard restaurant prices. For Charleston, these prices are reasonable—you're paying for the smoked meat quality and the live music atmosphere, not a high-end dining experience.

The portions are generous, so most people leave full. If you're on a tight budget, ordering one plate and splitting it, or ordering a sandwich and a couple of sides, keeps the cost down. The restaurant also runs occasional specials, so it's worth asking your server or checking their social media for current deals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make a reservation?

RightOnQue does not take reservations for regular dining—it's first-come, first-served. Large groups should call ahead to let the kitchen know you're coming. If you're visiting on a night with a popular band, arriving early gives you a better chance at a table.

What time does the live music start?

Music typically starts in the evening, though the exact time varies by night. It's best to check the restaurant's website or social media for the current week's schedule before you go. Some nights have earlier sets, others later, depending on the band.

Can I bring kids?

Yes, RightOnQue is family-friendly during early evening hours. The atmosphere becomes more adult-oriented as the night goes on, especially on weekends when the bar fills up and the music gets louder. Families with children should plan to arrive earlier in the evening.

What if I don't eat meat?

The sides at RightOnQue are substantial and flavorful enough to make a full meal. You can order a plate with your choice of two sides and cornbread, or order sides individually. The collard greens, mac and cheese, baked beans, and coleslaw are all vegetarian options.

Is there parking nearby?

Street parking is available in the downtown area, though it can be limited during peak hours. Paid parking lots and garages are within a short walk if street parking is full. The restaurant's location is also accessible by ride-share services if you prefer not to drive.