Leon’s

Leon’s is a popular fried chicken joint in Charleston. We popped in there for a taste of their chicken, as well as their broiled oysters, for which they are equally famous.

We ate a shitload of oysters while we were down in SC. These were nice, but not our favorite of the trip. I think we tend to lean more toward raw than cooked though. These, however, were still good.

The chicken was the real star here. The skin was super crisp on the outside, with nice, tender and juicy meat beneath. The spice on the skin was just right. A little heat – red pepper type – creeps up on you at the end. Awesome.

They also do a nice frozen gin and tonic.

LEON’S
698 King St
Charleston, SC 29403

Home Team BBQ

Our third BBQ stop in Charleston was Home Team BBQ, just around the corner from Lewis BBQ

Everyone I spoke to about BBQ in Charleston mentioned this place for their dry rub wings, so we saved some room after Lewis and gave them a shot.

The wings were indeed excellent, and far superior to Rodney Scott’s wings. The dry rub had a bit of spice and a bit of sweet. Very nice. We also tried the smoked meatloaf that was on special. It was okay, but not worth getting again in my opinion.

The best sauce was probably the mustard or the HT hot on the far left (not including the Alabama white, which was great on the wings).

HOME TEAM BBQ
126 Williman St
Charleston, SC 29403

Lewis BBQ

Lewis BBQ is a fine example of Texas style ‘que nestled in the heart of whole hog heaven in Charleston.

Here, we tried the brisket, the pork spare ribs, the hot guts and chili cheddar sausages, and come green chili corn pudding.

The brisket was the best here. Smokey, flavorful, juicy and tender.

The links were nice, but they had a bit too thick of a casing around them. Too chewy.

The corn pudding was interesting and unique. I liked it.

From what I tried in Charleston for BBQ, this was the best spot.

LEWIS BBQ
464 N Nassau St
Charleston, SC 29403

Rodney Scott’s BBQ

Our first BBQ stop in Charleston was local legend Rodney Scott’s BBQ. Rodney is known as a master of whole hog Carolina style BBQ.

We tried the pulled pork, pork shoulder, pimento and cheese links, smoked wings, coleslaw, collard greens and banana pudding.

My favorite items were the links and the pudding, but I’m a sucker for links.

Between the two pork items, the shoulder took the W.

The wings were great, but we later had some better wings elsewhere, so it’s tough to rant and rave about these ones. The Alabama white sauce was excellent though.

I could pass on both the slaw and collards.

Both my wife and I preferred “Kathy’s Sauce” from all the available bottles.

That about does it! Some good Que!

RODNEY SCOTT’S BBQ
1011 King St
Charleston, SC 29403

Oak Steakhouse

Oak Steakhouse overall score: 83

My wife and I visited Charleston for the new year, and I was determined to try another steakhouse in the wonderful city. This time I hit Oak. Read below!

Flavor: 8

We had the dry aged rib eye as well as the filet mignon steak frites. Both were juicy, well seasoned and flavorful, but the age didn’t really come through too strongly on the rib eye. That said, both were cooked to medium rare perfection. 8/10.

Choice of Cuts & Quality Available: 8

There’s a good selection of cuts here, and most claiming to be dry-aged for around 60 days. The selections are prime Certified Angus Beef brand, so they are generally going to be high quality.

Portion Size & Plating: 8

Portion sizes are good here, with most individual steak entrees ranging from 14-22oz. The plating is standard, minimalist elegance; common for steakhouses.

Price: 7

The prices here are a bit high for a non-NYC steakhouse. Charleston is an expensive city too, but I felt like $115 for my steak was a bit hefty.

Bar: 9

The bar here is very nice. I was almost hoping we would have to wait for our table when we checked in, because I kinda wanted to sit there with a martini for a few minutes.

Specials and Other Meats: 8

There was a special 30oz dry aged porterhouse offered, which wasn’t on the menu. As for other meats, I did see some lamb, chicken and pork. A nice spread!

Apps, Sides & Desserts: 8

We started with three appetizers: a pair of oysters Rockefeller, a pork belly dish, and beef carpaccio. All were good, but I feel like the carpaccio could have been larger.

We took down some crispy fried Brussels sprouts with bacon as a side. These were great.

The sticky toffee pudding a la mode was a nice dessert option.

Seafood Selection: 8

There was a curry red fish on the menu for the night, which sounded delicious, but I had my mind on other things. If the oysters were any indication of how the seafood is prepared here, I’m sure it would be good.

Service: 10

Service was great here. They even took note that it was my wife’s birthday, and they were kind enough to comp the dessert. They even included a little happy birthday chocolate and a candle.

Ambiance: 9

This joint is inside an old downtown townhouse, so it is really nice inside. The only downer is the middle floor which, if seated there, I imagine it can get both hot and annoying due to the proximity of bathrooms.

OAK STEAKHOUSE
17 Broad St
Charleston, SC 29401