Bessinger's Barbecue Charleston, South Carolina: A Review

I am a frequent traveler to the Charleston, South Carolina area every spring where I enjoy taking a must needed vacation amongst golf courses, coastal beaches, and the charm of the city of Charleston. When in Charleston, it is only natural to get amped up for some great seafood and good old Carolina barbecue. There is a large quantity of barbecue joints located throughout the South, but one that really stands out for delivering a top notch pulled pork sandwich would be Bessinger's Barbecue located on the Savannah Highway in Charleston, South Carolina.

The Menu

Bessinger's barbecue creates a pulled pork sandwich made with a mustard based sauce that is not too smoky and has just the right amount of tanginess. My first experience with tasting this sauce was a real "eye opener" as I was accustomed to other sweet Carolina and Memphis sauces on my pulled pork and ribs. The incredible menu just doesn't end with the pulled pork. One can also order ribs, pulled chicken, burgers, and a variety of other delectable items. Many of the sandwiches such as the pulled pork come in different sizes such as a "Big Joe" or "little Joe" depending on the age and size of the customers.

The sandwiches are offered up ala carte or as a "basket" option of which you get steak fries and a delicious onion ring which is basically a thick onion slice dipped into a sweet donut batter and fried golden brown. These "Joe" themed baskets are evidently very popular as I spy many of them being enjoyed in just about every corner of the restaurant. Some patrons such as my wife opt for the baked macaroni and cheese which comes across with a creamy custardy finish. She would love to get her hands on that recipe if only the owner was willing to surrender it. I usually compliment my meal with some brewed iced tea or a bottle of grape nehi which sits in an icy trough at the entrance to the counter.

The Restaurant

The restaurant boasts several deep booths adoring extra sauces and the usual roll of paper towels for the sticky factor one may encounter with a barbecue meal. The restaurant can be a little dark as the furniture and walls cast deep tones. There are numerous tables in the restaurant that can apparently handle large groups and even a buffet section which is open on Thursday through Sundays (as I remember). I usually pass on the buffet since I prefer a freshly prepared "Big Joe" basket".

When observing the décor of the restaurant, it was very easy to observe the true American patriotism of the proprietors. There are American themed documents and objects placed throughout the establishment. Even the kid's paper dinner mats feature American themed word games and trivia. I was impressed by the wholesome décor throughout the restaurant and refreshed to see a successful merchant show love for his or her country.

The Customer Service

Every visit to Bessinger's Barbecue seems to yield different results when it comes to the quality of customer service. I have every kind of reception from pleasant hello's to angry frowns and mistaken orders (i.e. incomplete orders). Despite the criticism of the occasional bad server, I must admit the restaurateur has me sold on his marquee sandwich since I have to travel nine hundred miles every year to get me pulled pork fix. Even the most insulting employee will have a tough time keeping this Yankee from getting his annual "big Joe" sandwich.