Business & Tech

Melvin's Smokes Competition

Patch readers declare the Houston Northcutt restaurant best for barbecue.

We asked and the readers answered resoundingly: is the best spot to enjoy barbecue in Mount Pleasant.

With nearly 80 percent of the vote, chain-restaurant competitors had little chance at beating this Charleston favorite that's been around since 1939.

The Bessinger family operates two locations of the popular BBQ joint. One at Houston Northcutt and Johnnie Dodds boulevards in Mount Pleasant and another on James Island.

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The secret to popular St. Louis style barbecue is its sauce, said owner David Bessinger in a video posted on the restaurant's website. It's a family recipe passed downed for nearly 80 years. The sauce is sold in the restaurants.

Next week, Patch is asking readers to select the best florist in Mount Pleasant. Send us your recommendations and join in the voting Monday morning.

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