Here are the seven best burger spots in South Carolina to add to your dining bucket list.
1. Little Jack's Tavern (Charleston)
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The Vibe: An old-fashioned, Upper King neighborhood tavern with green-and-white checkered tablecloths and timeless appeal.
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Why It’s Essential: Widely celebrated as the gold standard of the Charleston burger scene, Little Jack's Tavern has earned national praise—including winning top honors at major national burger competitions. They don't rely on gimmicks; instead, they focus on absolute perfection with seasoned beef, American cheese, garlic-herb mayo, and a buttery potato bun.
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What to Order: The Tavern Burger (order the double patty for the full experience) served alongside a pile of seasoned fries.
2. Poe's Tavern (Sullivan's Island)
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The Vibe: Lively, Edgar Allan Poe-themed beachside burger bar just steps from the ocean.
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Why It’s Essential: A legendary fixture on Sullivan's Island, Poe's Tavern pairs literary charm with some of the most inventive gourmet burgers on the coast. They use fresh, in-house ground beef to build hearty half-pound burgers that have made this spot a mandatory stop for beachgoers and locals alike.
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What to Order: The Annabel Lee—a half-pound patty topped with Charleston-style pimento cheese and thick-cut applewood-smoked bacon.
3. Pawleys Front Porch (Columbia)
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The Vibe: Vibrant Southern-style Five Points gastropub featuring a massive, bustling outdoor porch.
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Why It’s Essential: Famous for being spotlighted on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Pawleys Front Porch is a landmark of the Columbia dining scene. Known for their massive half-pound burgers named after South Carolina islands and coastal towns, they combine bold Southern ingredients with generous portions.
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What to Order: The Fripp Island Burger—loaded with Southern Boursin cheese and a crispy fried green tomato.
4. River City Cafe (Myrtle Beach & Statewide)
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The Vibe: Fun, rustic beach dive with peanut shells on the floor and unpretentious coastal energy.
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Why It’s Essential: Voted the Grand Strand's favorite burger year after year, River City Cafe is a staple of Myrtle Beach dining with multiple locations across the coast. They are famous for huge, juicy, unapologetically messy burgers served in a relaxed, family-friendly beach atmosphere.
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What to Order: The Palmetto Cheeseburger—topped with homemade pimento cheese and fried jalapeños—or The Peanut Butter Banana Burger if you want to try a legendary sweet-and-savory combo.
5. The Beacon Drive-In (Spartanburg)
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The Vibe: Historic 1946 roadside drive-in famous for fast-talking counter callers and bustling energy.
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Why It’s Essential: A historic South Carolina landmark since 1946, The Beacon Drive-In in Spartanburg is the second-largest drive-in restaurant in the United States. Famous for its over-the-top Southern hospitality and classic curb service, their traditional flat-top cheeseburgers are an essential piece of state food history.
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What to Order: The Chili Cheeseburger "A-Plenty"—a classic cheeseburger served buried under a massive mountain of French fries and sweet onion rings.
6. Grill Marks (Greenville)
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The Vibe: Upbeat, sophisticated downtown burger and craft shake bar.
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Why It’s Essential: A powerhouse in the Upstate culinary scene, Grill Marks in downtown Greenville specializes in chef-driven craft burgers. They grind a custom beef blend in-house, serve their burgers on toasted brioche buns, and pair them with over-the-top gourmet "freakshakes" and local South Carolina craft beer.
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What to Order: The Coffee-Crusted Burger—rubbed with signature coffee spices and topped with Gorgonzola cheese and sweet bacon jam.
7. Tattooed Moose (Charleston & Johns Island)
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The Vibe: Fun, laid-back Lowcountry dive bar featuring live music and a sprawling outdoor yard.
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Why It’s Essential: With beloved locations in Park Circle and on Johns Island, Tattooed Moose is a cult favorite for Charleston comfort food. While nationally famous for their duck fat fries, their pub burgers are exceptionally juicy, unpretentious, and packed with savory Lowcountry flavor.
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What to Order: The Moose Burger—topped with bacon, pimento cheese, and fried onions—paired with a mandatory side of duck fat fries.
Quick South Carolina Burger Tips:
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The Pimento Cheese Upgrade: In South Carolina, pimento cheese isn't just a dip—it is the state's signature burger topping. If it is offered as an option at spots like Poe's Tavern or Pawleys Front Porch, always make the upgrade!
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Beat the Beach Crowds: Coastal favorites like Little Jack's Tavern in Charleston and Poe's Tavern on Sullivan's Island fill up fast during peak dining hours. Try visiting for an early lunch or late afternoon meal to skip the longest waits.
