12 Budget-Friendly South Carolina Restaurants That Locals Refuse To Give Up

Sure, South Carolina is known for fancy seafood spreads, but the real magic happens in its no-frills, wallet-friendly eateries.

Think smoky BBQ shacks and soul food joints with recipes straight from grandma’s kitchen. These spots prove that great flavor doesn’t have to come with a big price tag.

1. Bertha’s Kitchen — North Charleston

Blue-painted and humble, Bertha’s serves soul food that’s earned a James Beard Award without fancy frills or high prices.

The cafeteria-style setup keeps things moving as hungry patrons line up for plates heaped with fried chicken so crispy it speaks for itself.

The lima beans simmer with ham hocks until velvety, while red rice carries just enough tomato tang to complement any meat choice.

My grandmother swears their mac and cheese recipe hasn’t changed since she first visited in the 1980s.

2. Hannibal’s Kitchen — Charleston (East Side)

Family-owned since 1985, Hannibal’s delivers Gullah-influenced soul food that keeps locals returning despite the no-frills interior. The crab rice alone justifies the visit – loaded with sweet local blue crab meat and perfectly seasoned.

Turkey wings fall off the bone after slow-cooking in savory gravy. The restaurant sits in a weathered building that’s withstood hurricanes and gentrification, stubbornly maintaining both its character and its remarkably affordable prices in an increasingly expensive Charleston.

3. Early Bird Diner — Charleston (West Ashley)

Vintage booths and local art create the perfect backdrop for comfort food that won’t empty your wallet at this West Ashley institution.

Their chicken and waffles achieved legendary status after Guy Fieri featured them – crispy chicken perched atop golden waffles drizzled with maple syrup and hot sauce.

Shrimp and grits come loaded with plump local shrimp in a rich gravy. I remember stopping here after college parties, amazed that food this good could be so affordable, even on a student budget.

4. Shealy’s Bar-B-Que — Batesburg-Leesville

Shealy’s all-you-can-eat buffet stands as a monument to value, stretching longer than you’d believe with steam tables of Southern classics. Their mustard-based pulled pork represents authentic South Carolina barbecue tradition, tender and tangy.

The fried chicken rivals any grandma’s recipe – crispy outside, juicy inside. Leave room for the dessert bar, where banana pudding and cobblers tempt even the fullest diners.

For around $17, you’ll eat better than folks paying triple at fancy spots in Charleston.

5. Sweatman’s BBQ — Holly Hill

Housed in a converted farmhouse, Sweatman’s smokes whole hogs over hickory for 12+ hours, creating barbecue worth planning your weekend around. The chopped pork comes with bark (the flavorful outer crust) mixed throughout, a sign of proper pit-cooking.

Hash and rice – that uniquely South Carolina side dish – provides the perfect savory complement. My dad drove two hours every other Friday just to bring home their banana pudding, claiming the vanilla wafers soaked in just right to create the perfect texture.

6. Scott’s Bar-B-Que — Hemingway

Rodney Scott began pitmastering here before becoming famous, and the roadside spot maintains its rustic authenticity.

Whole hogs cook slowly over wood coals visible from the ordering window, filling the air with hickory-scented smoke that announces itself miles away.

The pulled pork sandwich costs less than a fancy coffee but delivers flavor that’s launched an empire. Don’t miss the pork skins – crackling, still warm from the pit, dusted with Scott’s secret spice blend that balances heat with sweetness.

7. Dukes Bar-B-Que (Chestnut St) — Orangeburg

Thursday through Saturday, locals queue up for Dukes’ buffet featuring the mustard-based sauce that defines Midlands barbecue.

The plain cinder block building hides a treasure trove of smoked meats and country sides at prices that seem stuck in the 1990s.

The hash – that distinctive South Carolina specialty somewhere between stew and gravy – has converted countless visitors.

Weekend-only operations create a community gathering that’s part meal, part social event, with tables full of families who’ve been coming for generations.

8. The Beacon Drive-In — Spartanburg

Since 1946, The Beacon has been serving portions so massive they’ve earned their own designation: “A-Plenty” means your sandwich comes buried under a mountain of onion rings and fries. Counter service keeps prices low while the controlled chaos of ordering adds to the charm.

The chili cheeseburger remains the signature item, topped with their special chili recipe. I watched in awe as my tiny grandmother somehow finished an entire Plenty on my first visit, then casually ordered peach cobbler “for the road.”

9. Ike’s Korner Grille — Spartanburg

Occupying a tiny corner building since 1960, Ike’s grills burgers the old-fashioned way – on a flattop that’s never seen a cleaning brush, building up decades of flavor.

The cheeseburgers arrive wrapped in paper that quickly becomes transparent from the juicy goodness inside.

Crispy, hand-cut onion rings make the perfect side. Limited hours haven’t deterred the loyal following who know that some things – like perfectly griddled burgers – don’t need updating or fancy prices.

10. Henry’s Smokehouse — Greenville

Hickory smoke announces Henry’s long before you see the building, where pork shoulders cook low and slow until fork-tender.

The chopped pork plate comes with generous portions that could easily feed two, alongside two country sides and fresh-baked rolls.

Hash and rice – that quintessential South Carolina BBQ companion – remains a standout, simmered until the flavors meld perfectly.

The Greenville location sits unassumingly in a converted house, proving great barbecue needs no fancy setting to attract devoted fans who appreciate value.

11. Big Mike’s Soul Food — Myrtle Beach

Tourists rush to seafood buffets while locals head to Big Mike’s, where soul food comes in portions that defy the reasonable prices.

Fried chicken emerges from the kitchen with a crackling crust that somehow stays crispy even as steam rises from the juicy meat inside.

Collard greens simmer with smoked turkey instead of traditional pork, creating a healthier yet equally flavorful version of the classic.

The cornbread arrives hot, crumbly, and sweet – perfect for sopping up pot likker from those amazing greens.

12. Peaches Corner — Myrtle Beach (Boardwalk)

Standing firm on Ocean Boulevard since 1937, Peaches Corner has fed generations of beach-goers without inflating prices with the tourist seasons.

The chili dogs remain the signature item – snappy hot dogs smothered in beefy chili that’s neither too spicy nor too mild, just perfect.

Hand-formed burgers sizzle on the flattop, visible from the counter seating. Soft-serve ice cream makes the ideal beach day dessert, especially when temperatures climb and the boardwalk simmers under summer sun.

Somehow, they’ve maintained quality while keeping everything affordable.