Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Legendary Mustard-Based BBQ Since 1939
Founded in 1939, Melvin's BBQ has been serving authentic South Carolina mustard-based barbecue for over eight decades. Our legacy began with Joseph Bessinger's secret sauce recipe, passed down through generations and perfected by Melvin and his son David. We specialize in slow-smoked meats prepared using traditional wood-fired pits, complemented by a range of house-made sauces and seasonings. With two Charleston-area locations and nationwide sauce distribution, we combine family tradition with modern culinary innovation.Our catering services bring legendary Lowcountry flavors to events of all sizes, while our retail store offers branded merchandise and award-winning condiments. Committed to maintaining the integrity of our original recipe, we continue to honor our roots while expanding our reach across the United States.
Services
Mustard-Based BBQ
Catering Services
Retail Sauce Sales
Brisket & Burnt Ends
Online Ordering
Delivery Services
Gift Cards
Apparel Sales
Event Catering
Wood-Smoked Meats
Details
- Year established: 1939
Highlights and features
- We offer authentic mustard-based BBQ recipes perfected over 80 years
- Our wood-fired smoking process preserves traditional Lowcountry barbecue techniques
- Award-winning sauces available for retail purchase nationwide
- Full-service catering handles events from family gatherings to weddings
- Third-generation ownership maintains original recipe integrity
What people say
Top 50 Best BBQ Restaurants
Best Burger
Best Ribs
Best Cheap Lunch
Legendary flavors
Services
Mustard-Based BBQ
Our signature South Carolina-style mustard-based barbecue features slow-smoked pork prepared in traditional wood-fired pits. This generations-old recipe combines tangy yellow mustard with secret spices for a distinctive flavor profile. Available in various meat options including whole hog, ribs, and pulled pork, this authentic Lowcountry dish has been satisfying customers since 1939.
Catering Services
Full-service catering handles events from intimate family gatherings to large weddings and corporate functions. Our professional team provides setup, service, and cleanup with customizable menus featuring our award-winning barbecue and sides. Available throughout the Charleston area with advance booking, this service brings our legendary flavors directly to your event location.
Retail Sauce Sales
House-made sauces available for retail purchase include our Original Golden Secret, Southern Red, Sweet Red, and Vinegar varieties. Packaged in individual bottles or 4-packs, these products allow customers nationwide to enjoy our flavors. The sauce formula remains unchanged since 1939, preserving the authentic taste that earned recognition from Southern Living and Charleston Living magazines.
Brisket & Burnt Ends
Texas-style brisket and burnt ends complement our traditional Carolina offerings. These items use oak-smoked preparation with custom dry rubs developed by third-generation owner David Bessinger. The return to all-wood smoking techniques maintains authenticity while appealing to diverse barbecue preferences across regional styles.
Online Ordering
Convenient online ordering available for pickup at both Mount Pleasant and James Island locations. The system handles bulk orders and deliveries with 48-hour notice requirements. While DoorDash and Uber Eats provide delivery options, direct online orders ensure full menu access including exclusive lunch and dinner specials not available through third-party platforms.
Questions
What makes Melvin's BBQ sauce unique?
Our signature mustard-based sauce recipe originated in 1939 and remains unchanged. It combines yellow mustard with secret spices for South Carolina's authentic Lowcountry flavor.
Are catering services available for private events?
Yes, our professional catering team handles events of all sizes with customizable menus featuring our award-winning barbecue and traditional sides throughout the Charleston area.
Can I purchase Melvin's sauces online?
Yes, our Original Golden Secret Sauce and other varieties are available for online purchase in individual bottles or 4-packs with nationwide shipping options.
What are the restaurant hours?
We operate Monday through Saturday from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM. Both locations are closed on Sundays.
How can I order Melvin's BBQ?
Order through our website for pickup, use DoorDash/Uber Eats for delivery, or visit either physical location in Mount Pleasant or James Island for dine-in service.
What awards has Melvin's BBQ received?
We've earned recognition including Southern Living's Top 50 Best BBQ Restaurants (2025), Charleston Living's Best Burger (2025), and Mount Pleasant Magazine's Best Ribs (2025).
Reviews (7)
Alex H.
Jun 27, 2022
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Melvins is a great BBQ when you need it fast. I recommend the Big Joe and the secret sauce. The basket of fries and onion rings are good as well. Overall if you want a fast dinner or lunch this is a good spot.
Herbert P.
Jun 18, 2022
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O.M.G. Melvin's BBQ is a must stop shop for everyone. My family and I were in town for a vacation and the staff recommended a few options for sining. We choice Melvin's and boy did that decision pay off. I ordered a d2 meat combo with double ribs and 2 sides of collard greens and an extra side of max n cheese. I, also, ordered a 1/2 chicken meal (all dark meat) with sweet potato casserole and french fries.
My family ordered a 2 meat combo meal (ribs and chicken wings) with sweet potato casserole, mac n cheese and 2 extra sides (fried okra and mac n cheese. All of the food was absolutely delicious. So good, in fact, that we will be returning another night while we are in town. This place truly deserves 7 outta 5 stars. Its that good.
My family ordered a 2 meat combo meal (ribs and chicken wings) with sweet potato casserole, mac n cheese and 2 extra sides (fried okra and mac n cheese. All of the food was absolutely delicious. So good, in fact, that we will be returning another night while we are in town. This place truly deserves 7 outta 5 stars. Its that good.
Krisila F.
Jun 09, 2022
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We love Bar B Q, so a visit to the low country must involve a search for good BBQ. We were tired from our trip and decided to look for a place with delivery, drive through, or sit down. Melvin's checked all the boxes. It did not disappoint! I wanted brisket, but they were out, so I had the pulled pork. It was delicious! There is a long list of sides & I tried the sweet potato souffle & it was full of nuts, which I LOVED!
The hush puppies were a little over cooked. My husband had the chili cheeseburger with slaw and also said it was good. He had a huge onion ring on it and said the batter on it was just so so. There are 2 locations and we tried the one in Mt. Pleasant.
The hush puppies were a little over cooked. My husband had the chili cheeseburger with slaw and also said it was good. He had a huge onion ring on it and said the batter on it was just so so. There are 2 locations and we tried the one in Mt. Pleasant.
C. Hall
May 27, 2022
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This place is deliciously amazing! 3 meat combo brisket pulled pork and turkey! Everything was seasoned and cooked perfectly! The meat was tender and moist. I will definitely be back
Helen T.
May 21, 2022
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Got the 3 Meat Plate with brisket, ribs and pulled pork. Sides were fries and sweet potato souffle. The total plus tax was $41. I shared this with a friend and it lasted 2 meals for both of us. Fries were good, and I think I would have liked the sweet potato if there wasn't a load of added sugar in it. Brisket was very dry and all the meats were room temperature when the platter was brought out.
There were a few barbecue sauces but they tasted the same to me. I think one of them was premixed into the pulled pork. Cornbread was pretty good. Overall, the platter was either dry or very sweet. It's good for a try but would not come back again.
There were a few barbecue sauces but they tasted the same to me. I think one of them was premixed into the pulled pork. Cornbread was pretty good. Overall, the platter was either dry or very sweet. It's good for a try but would not come back again.
Bobby M.
May 20, 2022
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The food is very good, especially the onion rings. They need to work on their drive through. I went at 11:29 today and it took 28 minutes to get a burger and onion ring. Cmon guys.
Brandy D.
May 15, 2022
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AMAZING! The staff were fast and extremely friendly. The food was some of the best bbq I have ever had. Our group ordered the 3 meat platter ( chicken, turkey and pulled pork), the brisket sandwich and 6 smoked wings. Everything was delicious. We devoured it. The French green beans were delicious and had so much flavor. The Mac and cheese was tender and cheesy. Would DEFINITELY a recommend to anyone and would try again.
