Poogan's Smokehouse

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#69 of 756 Restaurants in Charleston₹₹ - ₹₹₹, American, Bar, Gluten free options

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Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Ratings and reviews

4.5

1,289 reviews

#69 of 756 Restaurants in Charleston

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Food and ambience

Local cuisine, American, Bar, Barbecue, Gluten free options

“Good Southern BBQ”

“We started with the Pimento Cheese & Kettle Chips ( you'll need more chips )...”

“Potato salad, macaroni and cheese, sweet potato fries and the banana pudding...”

“We had pulled pork sandwiches with pimento cheese appetizer and the appetizer...”

Location and contact

188 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401-2123

French Quarter

+1 843-577-5665

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Is this a fast food place?

Yes

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About

Charming without pretension, playful yet proven; a seat at Poogan’s Smokehouse is a bite into the American South. A rustic, refined interior welcomes guests to enjoy a meal in a cushioned booth or sip a handcrafted cocktail at the bar. Classically and casually Southern, Poogan’s Smokehouse brings all that is tried and true to the supper table, creating bold authentic flavors sourced from local farmers and purveyors.

CUISINES

American, Bar, Barbecue

Special Diets

Gluten free options

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Drinks

FEATURES

Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Gift Cards Available

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4.5

1,289 reviews

Excellent

791

Very good

322

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Terrible

Rick E

Calistoga149 contributions

MEAT!

Mar 2020 • none

We were in search of BBQ after our ferry expedition to Ft. Sumter and found Poogan's on Trip Advisor which was rated at 4.5. The restaurant is nicely laid out with a very large bar and has a sport's bar vibe (with all the TV's tuned in to sports) and cabin mix with all the wood and high ceiling. Our server was very personable and efficient. We decided on the Meat Sweats meal which was HUGE and consisted of smoked wings, pulled pork, pork ribs, link sausage and pork belly. Along with 2 sides, cornbread, Hawaiian rolls and house-made pickles (which were excellent too!). It was just us two so some eyes were raised, but, we wanted the leftovers and at $60, it is a great deal compared to many BBQ joints we have visited (we'd get half the meat at Rudy's for this price). We enjoyed for 3 days!

Written 5 March 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Michael P

Washington DC61 contributions

Great bbq

Nov 2020 • couples

We had a late dinner on arrival and loved the flavours. The pulled pork and ribs were perfectly cooked, and the mac and cheese was fantastic with the addition of bacon. The waitstaff was friendly and helpful - even spending a good 5 min helping us adjust the table to correct a wobble. Great time!

Written 29 November 2020

Poogan’s Hospitality

As we aim to provide only the very best for all of our guests, we're so glad to hear that's exactly what you received! We hope to have the pleasure of seeing and serving you again soon!

Written 3 December 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

catalina

66 contributions

Interesting food, good service

Feb 2020 • none

We sat at the bar and enjoyed a local brew while waiting for food. Large portion of pulled pork sandwich which came with a side of Barbecue baked Peanuts! Never heard of them, but nice twist on baked beans. Also got skillet corn bread, tasted good, but slightly burnt on the edges and bottom. Would definitely return.

Written 19 February 2020

Jeff

Bradenton2 contributions

Food Overpriced and Inedible

May 2020 • none

My wife and I were recently in Charleston, and we wanted to have BBQ ribs for dinner. We ordered one slab of ribs, with cole slaw and potato chips from Poogan's Smokehouse on East Bay Street as carryout. They charged us $35 for this meal, which is an astromical price, but we thought maybe we were getting something special. Imagine our disappointed surprise when we got back to our hotel and opened the bag. The ribs were overcooked the way you'd expect food to be when it's been cooked and then left out for hours. We wound up having to throw out the ribs uneaten. How does a restaurant stay in business serving this up to its customers at any price, much less the price they charged us?

Written 29 May 2020

adamgS2346ZI

I want to express my gratitude to you for submitting your feedback about your recent visit to our restaurant. At Poogan's Smokehouse, we pride ourselves on exemplifying Southern Hospitality, and I am personally disheartened to hear that your experience was blemished by anything other than excellence. We are continually expressing the importance of a warm and welcoming environment for our guests with our staff. If you would be so kind as to reach out directly to me via email adamgraves@pooganshospitality.com so that I may get a little more information on your previous visit. I would like to have the opportunity for us to make up for this lacking visit to you.

Written 1 June 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Ari

New York City21 contributions

Go to Swig and Swine instead

Dec 2020 • family

After a lovely dinner there in October, we went back in late December. Ordered the same 5 meat combo platter. I was appalled with what we got (see pic). This is currently their 5 meat combo platter that should supposedly feed 3-4 people. This place definitely went downhill and fast. The same combo at Swig and Swine is priced the same but is SO MUCH bigger and better (the four of us could not finish all the food).

Written 4 January 2021

Poogan’s Hospitality

Hi and thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. Because we use only the finest ingredients in our food preparation, we are at times challenged to provide the large servings while keeping prices low. We do appreciate your feedback and hope that you will visit us again soon.

Written 7 January 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

USALouise

Illinois809 contributions

Disappointing

Apr 2021 • none

We made a reservation for Poogan's Smokehouse on a Saturday evening at 5:00 when we were unable to make reservations anywhere else nearby. The place has the typical ultra-casual BBQ décor, but prices that seemed a bit high. Sarah provided friendly service...she seemed a bit inexperienced but another male waiter came to assist her, which was commendable. Our food was disappointing. My husband had the full rack of ribs, which did not seem generous, and was very dry. No BBQ sauce was provided. My Brisket Reuben was fatty and the French fries were barely warm. As it is a BBQ place, I feel there should be extra napkins or paper towels on every table, along with BBQ sauce. The kids at the neighboring table did enjoy their skillet cornbread and macaroni. The collard greens were also good. There are few booths and there was no way to social-distance from the table next to ours. I realize in these COVID times that restaurants are struggling to staff their restaurants and keep up with demand. Still, I would expect that at 5:00 we would not be served dried-out ribs and lukewarm French fries.

Written 27 April 2021

Poogan’s Hospitality

Hi, thank you for taking a minute to provide us with your feedback. We always want to see that our guests enjoyed great food and service during their visit, and hearing that you experienced anything less is disheartening. We encourage all guests to bring any concerns to the attention of management while still dining in. We hope that you visit us again in the future so that you can see this is not the norm for our establishment.

Written 6 May 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Bound2Go

30 contributions

Spotty food and service

Feb 2020 • none

We really wanted to like Poogan's. We love BBQ and were excited to try it in Charleston. The brisket was extremely fatty, however, and the ribs were very salty. Our service varied tremendously. We started with a lovely waitress, but when another person delivered our food, he said someone else would bring plates. No-one did, and when we tried to catch his eye, he turned away - twice! So, we finally got our own plates! (Our lovely waitress eventually returned and was very apologetic.) I know lots of people who head down to Charleston and this will not be on my list of recommendations.

Written 27 February 2020

Emily J

81 contributions

First Visit, disappointing.

May 2021 • friends

We were meeting friends for dinner before a concert and chose to sit at the bar so we could watch a game on TV. The staff was extremely accommodating and helpful in getting us seated and our items for the concert stored. The staff was very friendly but after our first round of drinks we got no more service unless we flagged someone down. After we were finally able to order the food came out very quickly and was good. The pulled pork and chicken sandwiches were a little light on meat but the flavor was excellent, the Mac and Cheese and charred broccoli were delicious. One person tried to order fries but they were sold out. The brisket rueben was delicious. I can’t complain about the food or the friendly atmosphere but the service was definitely a disappointment, especially since I am big fan of Poogan’s Porch and the quality that restaurant always delivers. I would give it a second chance because of the brand but if the service doesn’t drastically improve I would avoid in the future.

Written 31 May 2021

Poogan’s Hospitality

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review, Emily! We're glad to hear that you enjoyed your food, and would like to apologize for the inconsistencies in the service you experienced. We appreciate you taking the time to share this honest feedback as we are always working to improve, and hope we can leave an even better impression on you next time!

Written 10 June 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

AlexisBas

Sao Paulo294 contributions

Well, smells really BAD

Dec 2021 • none

When: Weekend, lunch Waiting time: No waiting time, make reservation Ambience: Floors slippery, tables a little greasy, but the worst was the sewer smell in the air, I don’t know if it was because of sun outside, but a lot of people complaining Food: Ordered the 3-meat combo, tasteless, no smoky flavor at all, and a Salad, just OK For dessert: Nothing. Drink: The beer glass was dirty with soap, I drunk directly from the can instead. Service: Medium speed, good for the type of restaurant Parking: Public parking half a block from restaurant Average expense: around $60 (with tip) for a couple.

Written 29 December 2021

Poogan’s Hospitality

We are sorry that you did not enjoy your visit. Thank you for your review, as every little bit of feedback helps us improve. We hope you decide to give us another try in the future, for an experience much more indicative of our true potential!

Written 14 January 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

italianlady67

77 contributions

Good bbq

Jul 2020 • none

We stopped in for a late lunch. We started with the pimento cheese puppies with bacon jam. Oh my!!! Delicious!!! Portion was a little small for the price. My husband and son had the ribs and I had the chicken. Our meats were delicious; however, our sides were just okay. The potato salad had entirely too much mustard in it. I didn't care for the cole-slaw and did not eat mine; however, my husband and son thought it was okay. My son had a side of mac & cheese and it was very good. I thought the prices were a little high for BBQ, but we found prices at all the restaurants in the historic district were a little on the higher end.

Written 4 July 2020

RoloMunch

London66 contributions

Good food but bad smell in dining area and ripped seating

Dec 2021 • none

Arrived for our 2.30pm late lunch booking and the first thing to hit me was the awful smell in the place. Couldn't work out what it was and the waiting staff didn't mention it or seem fazed by it. The place was not busy at all and there were loads of tables and booths available but we were seated in a booth with a large rip in the seat and the plastic from the fake leather rubbed off. The seats next to us had no rips so no idea why they didn't seat us there. Weird! Obviously not something one wants with one's dining experience but there's nothing we could do about it and we were hungry. Which is a good thing as the portions are MASSIVE. We had the ribs - full and half racks, respectively. Also ordered corn bread which was a waste as we barely touched it but, being corn bread virgins, we felt we needed to try it. Food was great. Potato salad different to the standard fare which is a good thing. Mixed feelings about this place due to smell and decor but the food is great so it's a shame the other stuff lets the whole experience down. Our server was great too - forget her name but she had fab, multi-coloured hair and was very attentive and friendly. I would recommend the place and can even overlook the ripped seating but please sort out the smell! And maybe also think about offering espresso coffee instead of the huge American Coffee in mugs which is too much after a large meal.

Written 30 December 2021

Poogan’s Hospitality

Hi there. Thank you for taking time to leave us a detailed review and rating. We do apologize for the smell that you encountered while dining with us. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We do hope that you will give us another chance in the future!

Written 14 January 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Ashlyn P

Milwaukee18 contributions

Good barbecue, service felt rushed

Sept 2020 • none

Stopped in right at open for an early lunch and drinks after a morning walking around Charleston. My husband ordered a beer and I got the spicy margarita, both of which were good. My husband wasn't hungry but I wanted to ty some of their food. The server came back several times asking if we were ready before we were done looking at the menu which was a little obnoxious. We decided to split the pulled pork sandwich. The pork was delicious and so were the various sauces. I especially liked the Hawaiian roll it came on. We wanted to order another round of drinks but the server brought the check immediately after we were done. Overall good food, wish the server was a little more patient as it was not busy when we were there.

Written 18 September 2020

Hoosier1960

180 contributions

Best mac n' cheese we've ever had

Oct 2020 • none

My wife, teen daughter and I ate here for lunch on Thursday, 10/1. The wife and daughter had the pulled pork sandwich with mac n' cheese and I had the Brisket Reuben sandwich with coleslaw. My daughter, who rarely is able to eat half a meal ate the whole thing. I had to try their mac 'n cheese after they raved about it, and they weren't wrong...it was the best I've had. The sandwiches were also really good, with the beef brisket on mine very moist. BBQ comes with 3 sauces on the side (Midwest tomato based, Carolina-style mustard based, and a vinegar-based) and all were good. Prices were also very reasonable. I'd highly recommend.

Written 6 October 2020

mlpbjm

Mukilteo1099 contributions

Delicious Birthday Dinner

Nov 2020 • none

Enjoyed a very good meal here to celebrate birthday. Quiet night with just a couple of other tables filled. Staff taking all the right covid precautions. Nice diverse menu of bbq/smoked meat options. Bar makes a tasty peach bellini with a real peach garnish. Chose to start with some skillet cornbread. Though a bit overdone, it had a lovely texture and was greatly enhanced by the large quantity of honey butter. Having learned a bit from our earlier bbq stops this trip, we chose the less is better option and ordered the three meat plate to share. Sausage, wings, and spare ribs were the choices with sides of house made chips and potato salad. Everything is made here including the sauces. The chips were nicely cooked but were covered in just too much spice which I'm pretty sure was the same as the rub used on the ribs. The flavor of the potato salad was delicious with a nice tang. Pieces of potato were quite large though. The ribs themselves were very smoky and flavorful but suffered from being a tad overcooked. Not tough but just a little chewy. The sausage was delicious, juicy and just the right spice level for us. Portion was generous also. The sauces were a sweet tomato base, a vinegar chili, and a Carolina mustard. The tomato based was a nice compliment to the sausage. The others were a bit too strong for us. Chicken wings were the star of the show. Huge, smoky, and tender I think they may have been the freshest of the meats. We were given a small cup of Alabama white sauce to add to the wings but they didn't need it plus it was unremarkable in flavor. We took some home with us so no room for dessert. Poogan's knows what they are doing and for smoked meats it's a great choice. Recommended.

Written 21 November 2020

PoogansHospitality

Hi there! We really appreciate you taking the time to provide us with feedback! We are so happy that you enjoyed your visit with us so thoroughly! We hope that your next visit with us will be in the very near future!

Written 25 November 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Janet A

Westlake24 contributions

Go Somewhere Else

Mar 2022 • couples

My husband and I tried this place for dinner. That night, they did not have a hostess as the bartender came over to seat us. I asked him about the beer selection and he made several recommendations. When the waitress asked what we’d like to drink, I ordered a local lager and asked for a small. She brought over a canned beer. Then she stated they have no taps. Luckily, she didn’t charge me for it as I didn’t want it. We decided to order a full slab rib dinner and split it saving us $8 if we had ordered 2-1/2slabs. It was served on a metal tray with out 2 sides and 2 rolls. We were expected to eat off the metal tray until I asked for plates. I had to also ask for butter. The ribs were not cut for us and the fact that they were difficult to cut should have alerted me that they were over cooked and dried out. 3 sauces were served with the ribs, none of which were outstanding. Our sides were fries and charred broccoli. The fries were good but the broccoli was limp and tasteless. Not once during the dinner did the waitress check on us. With tip, we spent $40. I would have gladly spent more for a better meal.

Written 9 March 2022

Poogan’s Hospitality

Janet - we are really sorry that this was the experience that you had - it is truly completely out of the norm for our service that we typically provide. Can you please contact pshmgr@pooganshospitality.com with the date and time of your visit so we can further look into why there may have been complications. I can assure you, this is not a reflection of how our business normally operates and would like to make sure we can find out all we can to make sure it is a completely isolated incident. We hope you will give us another chance in the future.

Written 18 March 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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