Serving Up Everyday Comfort Foods at Two Charleston Area Locations, Try Them Again For the First Time

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer / Food & Beverage Review

The beauty of the United States is there are a wealth of pocketed areas known for everyday comfort food. If you're in Chicago than it's deep dish pizza. Travelling to Philadelphia, you damn well better enjoy a cheesesteak. Up in Boston, maybe consider having some clam chowder. Truth is, different parts of the country specialize in specific foods.

However, when it comes to barbecue aka BBQ, there are three regions in America that thrive serving up smoked meats prepared over a live fire. Included in the trio are the state of Texas, Tennessee (primarily Memphis & Nashville), and the Carolinas, with North and South Carolina each having their own style in relation to the type of meat and the sauce.

Without question, most barbecue lovers in the state of South Carolina would agree, the Bessinger name is synonymous with exceptional barbecue. What began with Joseph Bessinger (1892-1949) back in 1939 has evolved into several offshoots under the Bessinger name, creating a number of barbecue joints throughout the midlands and low country of South Carolina. 

As far as greater Charleston goes, there are four eateries tied to the family name, with perhaps none more prominent than Melvin's BBQ. One of several sons of Joseph, Melvin Bessinger (1923-2012) and his younger brother Thomas ran Bessinger's in West Ashley for two decades before parting ways amicably, with Melvin opening his namesake Mount Pleasant location in 1982, throwing open the doors to a second Melvin's BBQ on James Island in 1984.

While renowned chefs and chain restaurants have popped up in Charleston over the past two decades, none compare to homestyle backyard barbecue you get at Melvin's. Simply put, Melvin's has barbecue down to perfect science. If you're a carnivore lover (sorry vegans) Melvin's serves up the most preferred slow-cooked, pit smoked meats your taste buds have ever tasted.

We're talking about moist pulled pork crafted in Melvin’s trademarked Golden Secret Sauce, or pulled chicken in either the golden sauce or in Melvin’s signature Southern Red Sauce. That's just the tip of 'meat iceberg'. At Melvin's it doesn't need to be Thanksgiving to enjoy thick slabs of Pit Smoked Turkey Breast. 

Want more? Wrap your teeth and gums around some of the best USDA chopped or sliced prime brisket (lean & fatty choices), as well as extra plump (I mean super meaty) chicken wings. Hell yes the wings are pit smoked! Bottom line, if you crave mouth watering beef, pork, and poultry than Melvin's should be high on your barbecue list. Have you tried their pulled pork sandwich topped with mac n' cheese? Simply put, it's a barbecue meal on a bun. Awesome!

No doubt when your barbecue radar goes off at lunch or dinner, and you and your group decide 'let's go to Melvin's', most in your party are already thinking pulled pork or brisket, along with their extraordinary sides. But did you know, Melvin's serves up a dozen signature burgers.

You read that right, Melvin's has 12 (count 'em), 12 unique burgers on their menu. And trust me, their burgers do not disappoint. Their Carolina Cheeseburger layered under coleslaw with a slather or mustard comes on slightly thicker toast. You can order a traditional patty melt or have your burger oozing with pimento cheese. 

Melvin's Brisket Cheeseburger is all the rage, topped with a 1/3 pound of sliced brisket and grilled onions in their famous red sauce. Maybe you're coming in with a ravenous appetite and you have burger on the mind, than I recommend the Big D's Triple Bacon Cheeseburger. We're talking a full pound of beef patties layered under six (yes six) slices of crispy bacon. Hungry types need apply!

Let's not forget about the sides. While the run of the mill barbecue places offer up four or five choices, at Melvin's you have 15 (that's right), 15 home-made sides to choose from. Sure they have go to standards such as BBQ baked beans, home-made mac n' cheese, SC creamy coleslaw, and seasoned green beans.

If you want to dive deeper into Carolina cuisine perhaps try fresh collard greens, baby butter beans, or southern potato salad. Melvin's signature country hash over white rice complement a pulled pork plate, as do their Carolina hushpuppies and golden onion rings. Their standard meat plates come with two sides, but there's law against ordering one or two more!

Try this one on for size or in this case super-sized. The Pit Master Plate, and when I say plate I mean huge metal serving tray is a barbecue lovers delight. We're not talking a big meal for one hungry person, rather we're talking a pit-fired smoked meat BBQ enhanced charcuterie board, crafted to easily feed four robust or six regular appetites. 

Imagine if you will, a succulent meat tray teeming with pulled pork & chicken, pit-smoked turkey breast, a half dozen plump smoked wings, 1/2 rack spare ribs, & USDA prime brisket. And it comes complete with three pint sides of your choice, 6 Slices of white Bread, Pickle Chips & Pickled Onions. No one in your group will leave hungry. I guarantee it!

Do you love their signature name brand sauces? Of course you do, because they are an ideal companion to their savory fall of the bone meats. But you don't have to come in to Melvin's to enjoy their sauces, because they've sold their namesake Original Golden Secret (family recipe) and Southern Red BBQ Sauces for years at Melvin's and online.

The Golden Secret Sauce dates back 90 years, when Melvin's father 'Big Joe' himself created this much sought after tangy mustard based sensation, and it's been passed down to generations ever since. The Southern Red is a masterful blend of tomato and vinegar allowing for both just the right amount of sweetness and tartness.

You can get two of these 12oz bottles for just $14, and of course you can mix and match. If you like to keep a lot on hand, than you can always opt for the half or whole gallon versions. Live a little. Melvin's sauces go great on meats and burgers cooked at home, and double as great dipping sauces. 

We're not done here. Want to make your family gathering or neighborhood social epic? Consider Melvin's All-Purpose Dry Rub. As Barney would say 'wait for it... it's legendary'. A perfect mixture of salt, sugar, paprika, garlic & other spices that enhance the flavor of meats, soups, salads, and that corn on the cob roasting on the grill. The rub will excite the palate!

Have a diehard meat lover or backyard barbecue chef in your family, than the sauces and rubs in Melvin's Pitmaster Secret Six Pack make an ideal gift for the holidays, a birthday party, or any festive occasion. Just $55. Find them all along with a whole lot of cool stuff (hats, shirts, koozies).

If you're a baby boomer, born and raised in the greater Charleston, or you've lived in the area for quite some time, than you're no doubt familiar with Melvin's. If you live or work in Mount Pleasant or on James Island, maybe you drop in Melvin's once a week, or at best a couple times a month. More importantly, hopefully you've introduced your kids and grandkids to some of the best barbecue in the Carolinas.

One final note. You've heard it said 'eat & repeat'. Melvin's loves repeat customers, and they appreciate your business. However, are you familiar with 'online & dine'. You're darn tootin Melvin's offers catering. Everyone at the office loves Melvin's, so why not celebrate your company's success or a special occasion by serving everyone's favorite. It will make your event, wait for it... legendary! They'll even help you plan it. 

The Bessinger family barbecue heritage has been around for nearly 90 years with Melvin's celebrating almost half that number. Melvin's BBQ has become a Charleston institution, and with his son David at the helm continuing the family tradition, Melvin's will continue to serve up legendary barbecue for decades to come. 

Still have a little room for something sweet? Here's a Melvin's BBQ extra. I would be remiss if I didn't offer up kudos when it comes to Betty Bessinger's Banana Pudding. Her famous creamy dessert completes an awesome visit to either Melvin's location. Of course the Sweet Potato Souffle' topped with a medley of brown sugar & crushed pecans off the sides menu, doubles as a dessert as well. 

Melvin's BBQ has taken everyday comfort foods to the next level and has been voted 'best barbecue' in Charleston numerous times. They are open for lunch and dinner 10:30 - 8:30pm Monday thru Saturday offering daily specials throughout the week. Closed on Sundays to honor the Lord's Day.

You'll find them at 925 Houston Northcutt Blvd. in Mount Pleasant near Johnnie Dodds, and at 538 Folly Road near Harbor View Rd. on James Island. 

For more incredible culinary experiences in Charleston, check out our guide to the city's best dining destinations. From fresh seafood to Southern classics, there’s something for every palate! View more Charleston dining options here.