Charleston, South Carolina Foodie Bucket List: 20 Must-Try Meat Dishes for Carnivores

By Mark A Leon

Charleston’s restaurant scene is rich and diverse gaining international recognition with each passing year. For many, the Charleston foodie scene is the core agenda item for any trip to our charming coastal home.

The choices can be daunting, so we took some time to compile 20 incredible selections for our meat lovers and no bucket list is complete without some of these local favorites (Disclaimer: This is only a small segment of the truly wonderful restaurants and menu items that will make your visit to Charleston complete, but this will help you along in your food journey):

Barbecue & Smokehouse Classics

• Whole Hog BBQ Plate at Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ — Iconic, pit-cooked pork with classic sides and Rodney’s signature sauce.

• Brisket, Pulled Pork, and Ribs at Lewis Barbecue — Texas-style, smoky perfection.

• Wings at Home Team BBQ — Smoked, dry-rubbed, and deeply flavorful. You can find Home Team in Downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant, West Ashley or Sullivan’s Island.

Steakhouse Standouts

• Filet Mignon at Halls Chophouse — Charleston’s legendary steak.

• NY Strip Au Poivre at Brasserie La Banque — French-inspired steak with peppercorn sauce.

• Ribeye at Oak Steakhouse located on historic Broad Street — Classic, upscale, and expertly cooked.

Mediterranean & Global Inspirations

• Lamb Porterhouse at Taverna Philosophia — Juicy, perfectly cooked, and finished with mint gremolata for a bright, herbal touch. Located in Mount Pleasant, SC, this spot has quickly become one of our Lowcountry favorites. (Related: Taverna Restaurant Review)

• Lamb Ravioli at Taverna Philosophia — Braised lamb, marinated goat cheese, wild mushrooms, and skordalia soubise.

• Pastitsio – Baked layers of aromatic ground beef, pasta, bechamel, whipped ricotta at Philosophia (sister restaurant to Taverna located in Mount Pleasant with a second location coming to Clements Ferry Road, Charleston) – Mouthwatering, authentic, and packed with flavor (Related: Restaurant Review).

• Braised Lamb Shank at Stella’s — Greek comfort food at its best. Stella’s is located slightly off of King Street at 114 St Philip St A, Charleston, SC.

• Lamb Bolognese at FIG (Meeting Street, Charleston) — Rich, meaty, and deeply satisfying.

Southern Comforts

• Fried Chicken at Leon’s Oyster Shop — Crispy, juicy, and beloved by locals. You will find Leon’s along with some other wonderful spots in the trendy upper King Street area of the peninsula (698 King St, Charleston, SC 29403).

• Pork Chop Plate at Herd Provisions — Farm-to-table, butcher-driven excellence. Just a stone throw away, stop in to see our friends at Park & Grove. (Related: Herd Provisions Restaurant Review).

Burgers & Sandwiches

• Little Jack’s Award Winning Tavern Burger — Smash-style, juicy, and classic. Little Jack’s is at 710 King Street as part of a district of restaurants including Leon’s, Park & Grove, Herd Provisions, Renzo, Berkeley’s and more.

• Annabelle Lee Burger at Poe’s Tavern — Creative toppings and island vibes. Make sure this is a beach day because this is located in the heart of Sullivan’s Island. Make sure you walk around and enjoy the Ode to Poe including the amazing bathrooms.

Elevated & Unique

• Steak at Sorelle — Italian-inspired, perfect for special occasions. One of the newest additions to the Broad Street family of restaurants, this spot is a true escape to traditional European decor and culture.

• Beef Carpaccio at SNOB — Elegant, thin-sliced, and flavorful. This East Bay gem holds a rich and deep tradition in Charleston for excellence and quality.

• Steak Tartare at Husk — Dry-aged, wood-fired, and unforgettable. Husk is a traditional Charleston favorite located on Queen Street between King and Meeting across from the Historic Mills House Hotel (Pink Hotel).

Don’t Miss

• Pork Belly at Edmund’s Oast — Creative pork dishes in a lively brewpub setting.

• Smoked Sausage at Lewis Barbecue — House-made and deeply smoky.

This list promises a true carnivore’s adventure across Charleston’s best.

What are your favorite “meaty” dishes in Charleston? 

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Photo Credit: Lewis Barbecue, Home Team BBQ, Taverna and Poe’s Tavern