Rodney Scott's BBQ — Restaurant in Charleston

We took a day trip to Charleston on the Friday in April before the Cooper River Bridge Run. While we visited several other places, having lunch at Rodney Scott's Whole Hog BBQ was why I initiated this trip with my family. James Beard award winner, Southern Living's Best BBQ in SC and numerous TV food shows couldn't be wrong, right? We arrived around 12 and were able to use the shopping center parking lot across the street. As soon as I stepped out of the vehicle I could smell the aroma of the burning Hickory which started my mouth watering. The building itself has about 20 tables inside and a number of tables outside as well. On the day we visited the weather was absolutely taylor made for eating outside, sunny and cool with just enough breeze.

Being that it was lunchtime, a line had formed which stretched back to the entrance. Menus were available to us when we entered, so we were able to decide on our course before we arrived at the register to order. They do accept credit cards. After a short wait of about 15 minutes, we placed our order and found a table inside.

The menu included 2 options for their BBQ pulled pork, a Rodney's Original Whole Hog Plate or a Pulled Pork Shoulder (only) Plate. Well of course being that the name of the restaurant is Rodney Scott's Whole Hog BBQ, I had to try the Whole Hog Plate. Our family also tried the Pork Shoulder Plate, the Spare Ribs 1/2 rack plate, and the Smoked Chicken Wings.

In my experience very seldom do high expectations result in great delivery. Most things pale in comparison to the bar of reality because they could never attain my level of satisfaction. This causes me to set the bar lower to prevent disappointment. However, sometimes I still set that bar high and hope for the best.... I went to Rodney Scott's with extremely high hopes. Thankfully my experience did not disappoint.

The Whole Hog Plate came with my order of crinkle cut fries and cole slaw as well as a piece of cornbread. While the portion appeared small on the tray, it was the perfect sized amount. The BBQ was THE BEST I have ever had. The flavor was awesome and it was all inside the pork. There was no need for sauce on it, but I added some to try them. It appears on the dry side from the outside but when I put it in my mouth all of that flavor from the mopping with the vinegar and spices, laid on my taste buds and they screamed for more. They told me I was enjoying a work of art.

The sauces were also very good, my favorite selection was Other Sauce, which was a great take on the vinegar & pepper Carolina style. The fries look and taste like they are seasoned with Rodney Scott's secret rub and they were fantastic. The Cole Slaw was not as flavorful as some but the large cuts of bell pepper sprinkled in gave it a delightful taste, different from most. I was also allowed to try one of the hush puppies off my son's plate and they too were unbelievable. They are a must try.

The sweet tea was very sweet and the rest of my family preferred to cut it with a little unsweetened tea and they found their mix to be perfect.

The other thing I loved about Rodney Scott's Whole Hog BBQ was the atmosphere. The staff was very polite and hospitable. The dining room has that feeling of "we're all sharing in this meal together" and we talked with folks at other tables during our meal there, which is not always normal at restaurants in this day in age.

If you haven't been, I highly recommend you go, quickly! All the accolades they've received are right on target... Your taste buds can't repel flavor of...

I've eaten a lot of BBQ in my life. We often drive 10hours round trip in a day to get Saint Louis BBQ. We'd just left the IAAM who recommended that we visit Rodney Scott's. Lemme tell you, this is THE BEST BBQ I've had in decades!!!!!

The best part is that you can taste the smoke, the charcoal/wood in the meat. Not only that, you can see the time, attention, and experience in every slice of meat. As first timers, we got the platter for a little bit of everything. Ribs, pulled pork, whole hog, brisket, chicken, and turkey, plus potato salad, hush puppies, corn bread, greens, and mac and cheese. The sides did not last long because everything was so delicious. I loved the mustardy kick of the potato salad. I meant to get another macaroni to go, but we were in a happy delirium by the time we boxed up our leftovers and staggered to the door. I peeked into the smokehouse, in awe of the process, and thanked the grillmasters. Just WOW.

The brisket has a succulent bark that literally dissolves. The meat is so soft from the slow cooking that you barely need to chew. And the color! Deep caramelized red seeps into the flesh to create a textbook perfect smoke ring. I don't usually reach for poultry when purchasing BBQ, but Rodney Scott's changed my mind. I have NEVER had a better smoked turkey. Even the chicken was juicy and tender, with all the deliciousness of the smoke and seasonings. The ribs weren't my favorite. I would have liked mine cooked longer for more of a fall-off-the-bone experience, but my partner thought they were perfect. The flavor was spot on. Consistent with everything else on the plate: juicy, smokey, woodsy, oh so flavorful. I just prefer the connective tissues on mine rendered down more.

There was simply an abundance of goodness on our plates. The cornbread was so dense and tender, drizzled with a beautiful honey butter. The greens were dark and tender with a wonderful chew. The hush puppies were like sweet corn fritters. Such a treat!

Nothing we had needed sauce. The house seasonings and cooking style combined for a stellar bite. It's too far to add to our foody day trips, but...

Everybody listen up...I hear a lot about this place and I see his James Beard on the wall..I know I'm gonna get told off..but here God's honest truth

I had the pitmaster today. BLUF: I'm saying you don't get what you pay for..you get hype and a good flavor profile..you get to say you went somewhere folks talk about

I got no problem with Rodney's flavor profile or smoke or sauce (even though what's good is subjective). The meat is tender for all selections. Juicy may not be the first thing I was thinking.

But I walked out sulking over a 70$ bill ..had kids burger and pitmaster with a drink add 20% for staff wife and I were gonna share the plate..I wish I had looked at the photos y'all in other comments..we had planned on this being a big deal meal..reward meal..'cause things are tight...right..when I don't make dinner I expect to eat..be full..and have a reminder of why I spent that $$ at midnight when I got some munchies

I can't say that today..it's alright and by alright if I had to drive downtown or go to swig n swine by the house..which I don't because of the same reason im railing here..it would have been the same experience..I mean it was Dreamland plus..if I have to put this to a benchmark in Charleston..Home Team is gonna get my vote every time..cuz Lewis's line ain't worth much either..the flavor and sauce and profile are better..and the price while not much difference is gonna come home and make me happy for a couple more meals..if I'm still n Atlanta daddy d's joynt on memorial.. historically flavored traditional BBQ...like hole in the wall ga/bama like what this is supposed to be..if I spend 70$ there I pay for Sunday lunch for two families WITH dessert.

I cook a decent grill and pit..my cooks ..while not scaled for the masses have been at least on par if not (bias yes but have others say I should do their events) better flavor more smoke..bones slip out the rack..shoulder is still juicy after I shred fridge and reheat ( only saying it stays juicy for a minute) cuz Rodney it ain't off the pit sauced and put on the table.

I'm strong mean muggin..you own me a drink before...