These South Carolina Burger Spots Are So Popular, The Lines Never Seem To End

I’ll never forget the first time I waited forty-five minutes for a burger in South Carolina — standing in line, stomach growling, wondering if any meal could possibly be worth this.

Spoiler alert: it absolutely was.

Across the Palmetto State, certain burger joints have earned legendary status, drawing crowds that stretch out the door and down the sidewalk no matter the day or time.

Smashley’s Burger Bar – North Charleston

Winning awards in 2025 doesn’t happen by accident, especially in a city as food-obsessed as Charleston. Smashley’s earned its spot among the best by delivering consistently incredible burgers that keep people coming back for more. Those griddles never get a moment’s rest, and honestly, they shouldn’t.

Walking in, you’ll immediately notice the energy — staff moving quickly, burgers sizzling, customers chatting excitedly about their orders. The smell alone is worth the trip. Each burger gets the attention it deserves, cooked to perfection with toppings that complement rather than overwhelm.

First-timers often become regulars after just one visit, which explains why the line forms so quickly every single day.

Jack Brown’s & Burger Joint – Columbia

Craft drink enthusiasts and burger lovers unite at this downtown Columbia hotspot where both passions collide beautifully. Jack Brown’s has mastered the art of pairing creative, mouthwatering burgers with an impressive drink selection that changes regularly. Regulars know to arrive early or prepare for a wait.

The atmosphere buzzes with conversation and laughter as friends gather over burgers with names as creative as their flavor combinations. From classic builds to adventurous options that push boundaries, there’s something for every palate. The staff knows their menu inside and out, offering recommendations that rarely disappoint.

When a place stays packed night after night, you know they’re doing something special beyond just serving food.

River City Cafe – Myrtle Beach

Beach vacations demand certain rituals, and for countless visitors, stopping at River City Cafe ranks right up there with building sandcastles and watching sunsets. This beachside legend serves burgers so towering they require serious strategy to eat without making a complete mess. Ocean views make every bite taste even better somehow.

Families return year after year, creating traditions around these incredible burgers that become part of their Myrtle Beach memories. The portions are generous, the flavors are bold, and the location can’t be beaten. Kids love the casual atmosphere while parents appreciate the quality.

Missing River City on a coastal trip feels like skipping the beach itself — technically possible but absolutely wrong.

Heavy’s Barburger – Charleston

Charleston locals don’t mess around when it comes to their burger preferences, and Heavy’s has captured their hearts with smashburgers that hit differently. The secret lies in the perfectly crispy edges that form when the patty meets a scorching-hot griddle, creating that irresistible caramelized crust everyone craves.

What started as a backyard dream has grown into one of Charleston’s most beloved burger destinations. The casual, laid-back vibe makes you feel like you’re at a friend’s cookout rather than a restaurant. People gladly wait in long lines because they know what’s coming: juicy, flavorful burgers that taste like summer.

Heavy’s proves that sometimes the simplest approach yields the most delicious results, and the crowds agree wholeheartedly.

Hamburger Joe’s – North Myrtle Beach & Surfside Beach

Since 1989, Hamburger Joe’s has refused to complicate what doesn’t need fixing: juicy burgers served on paper plates in an atmosphere that screams classic Americana. The old-school vibes transport you back to simpler times when a great burger didn’t need fancy toppings or pretentious descriptions.

Both locations stay consistently packed because people crave authenticity, and Joe’s delivers it with every order. The burgers taste like they should — beefy, seasoned perfectly, and satisfying in that fundamental way that makes you understand why burgers became an American staple. No gimmicks, no trends, just solid food done right.

Sometimes the best restaurants are the ones that never tried to reinvent the wheel, just perfected it instead.

Windy City Burgers – Greenville

Hand-ground beef makes all the difference, and Windy City Burgers proves this truth with every single order they send out. Greenville residents know quality when they taste it, which explains the perpetual lines that form outside this beloved spot. Those toasted buns provide the perfect foundation for burgers that genuinely melt in your mouth.

Watching the team work feels like observing artists at their craft, treating each burger with care and precision. The flavors speak for themselves without needing elaborate descriptions or marketing hype. First-time visitors often express surprise at how much better these burgers taste compared to chain restaurants.

Every minute spent waiting becomes worthwhile the moment you take that first incredible bite.

The Beacon Drive-In – Spartanburg

Operating since 1946 means The Beacon has served burgers to multiple generations of families who return faithfully decade after decade. This Southern institution represents more than just food — it’s living history, cultural touchstone, and community gathering place all rolled into one delicious package. The chili cheese fries deserve their own fan club.

Walking through the doors feels like stepping into a time capsule where things still work the way they should. The ordering system, the menu, the atmosphere — everything stays wonderfully consistent while the world changes around it. Tourists and locals alike wait patiently because rushing greatness would be disrespectful.

Some restaurants chase trends; others create traditions that last three-quarters of a century and counting.

Peaches Corner – Myrtle Beach

Flipping burgers since 1937 gives Peaches Corner serious bragging rights as one of South Carolina’s oldest continuously operating burger joints. Generations of beachgoers have created memories here, from first dates to family reunions, all centered around burgers that taste exactly like they did decades ago. Expect lines stretching down the block during peak season.

The beachfront location adds magic to every meal, with salt air and sunshine enhancing flavors that already stand strong on their own merits. Old photographs on the walls show how much has changed while Peaches Corner stayed wonderfully consistent. Regulars bring their grandchildren, sharing stories about eating these same burgers as kids themselves.

Nearly ninety years in business speaks louder than any review ever could.