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The 10 Best Burger Joints in Charleston (2026)
Our list ranks the ten best burger joints in Charleston based on Google reviews, using a Bayesian-style score that balances average rating with review volume. Updated for 2026, the ranking favors places that combine high star ratings with meaningful numbers of reviews, so steady local favorites stand alongside buzzy spots. Charleston’s dining scene mixes Lowcountry character with casual, neighborhood-driven kitchens, and burgers show up across waterfronts, main streets, and late-night corners. This guide highlights highly rated local options to help you decide where to grab a burger next in town.
This ranking is computed from Google reviews (our method). Listings marked Partner are paid advertising spots: they sit alongside the ranking without changing its order.
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Iron Rose
Iron Rose tops our list because it pairs one of the highest reported average ratings (4.8) with a large review base of 2,640 entries on Google. That combination gives it strong weight in a review-based ranking and suggests broad, consistent appreciation from reviewers. Its Google category is listed as American and its downtown Meeting Street address keeps it well within Charleston’s core.
The full ranking
Smashley’s Burger Bar
Smashley’s Burger Bar carries a 4.8 Google rating based on 572 reviews and is listed under the Hamburger category in North Charleston.
572 reviews
AZUR
AZUR shows a 4.8 rating with 381 Google reviews, categorized as French and located on Market Street in Charleston.
381 reviews
Heavy’s Barburger
Heavy’s Barburger posts a 4.7 average from 1,336 reviews on Google and is classified simply as a Restaurant in Charleston.
1336 reviews
Moe’s Crosstown Tavern
Moe’s Crosstown Tavern holds a 4.7 rating with 1,190 reviews and is listed as a Grill in Charleston’s Crosstown area along Rutledge Avenue.
1190 reviews
Lowland
Lowland is rated 4.7 on Google from 439 reviews and appears as a Restaurant at its George Street location in Charleston.
439 reviews
Smash City Burgers Downtown
Smash City Burgers Downtown records a 4.7 average across 307 Google reviews and is categorized as Hamburger on Cooper Street in Charleston.
307 reviews
Fleet Landing Restaurant & Raw Bar
Fleet Landing Restaurant & Raw Bar has a 4.6 rating backed by 12,152 Google reviews and is listed as Seafood on Concord Street in Charleston’s waterfront area.
12152 reviews
Sesame Burgers & Beer
Sesame Burgers & Beer shows a 4.6 Google rating with 2,814 reviews and is categorized as Hamburger in North Charleston.
2814 reviews
Basic Kitchen
Basic Kitchen holds a 4.6 rating from 1,515 Google reviews, is listed as American, and is located on Wentworth Street in Charleston.
1515 reviews
Frequently asked questions
How should I choose a burger joint in Charleston?
Consider what matters most to you: overall Google rating, number of reviews, location, and whether you want counter service or a sit-down meal. Look at recent reviews and photos to gauge consistency and the current menu offerings before you go.
What should I expect to pay for a burger in this city?
Prices vary by neighborhood, portion size, and whether sides or specialty toppings are included. Expect a range from casual, budget-friendly options to higher-priced chef-driven burgers at sit-down restaurants; menus online can give a quick sense of cost.
How is this ranking built?
The list is based on Google reviews using a balanced, Bayesian-style score that weights a business’s average rating by the number of reviews it has. That method helps highlight places with both high stars and meaningful review counts rather than those with a high score based on very few ratings.
Should I call ahead or make a reservation?
For small counter-service burger spots you typically don’t need a reservation, but calling ahead can help if you have a large group or are visiting during peak hours. For restaurants that accept reservations, booking in advance reduces wait time on busy evenings.