Bertha's Kitchen - Charleston

One of the best home cooking places I've ever eaten at. Been coming to this place for a good while. Please please please visit this place. You may not be impressed by the restaurant or the atmosphere but it's some of the best home cooking meal you'll ever put in your mouth. This place has been family owned for a long time all I would like to say is just stop by here and get you some fried chicken and some of that cornbread which is some of the best I've ever put in my mouth.

You have to try it. Really great soul food. Lots of locals eat here. Ribs and collard greens were great. Whitefish very good.

Visiting Charleston and wanted to try more local small business eats this time instead of eating downtown battery area. I?m well versed in soul food. I google searched for best fried chicken in Charleston and Bertha?s popped up first in an article for some of Charlestons best. Basically you go up to the counter and there is food resting in hot pans you choose what you want and food is scooped from pans and placed in to go containers. Staff kind of treat everyone like they are regulars so they don?t ask any questions or give suggestions or anything for instance I ordered fried chicken, Lima beans, rice and cabbage, I wasn?t given an option if I wanted white or dark meat so I assumed I would get mixed chicken. (The chicken was not out in the hot pans). I also love seafood so I tried a side cup of a seafood trio which included Tilapia, shrimp and scallops. The chicken was not mixed but a leg quarter that was very poorly cooked and greasy, Lima beans seasoned well but definitely not a fan of the pig tails that was mixed with the beans. Would have definitely preferred smoked ham hocks or smoked turkey has an option, the tails super soggy, very unappetizing to even look at, the cabbage was good and the seafood trio which was seasoned very well however it was over cooked scallops so dry. Unfortunately I tossed my 25.00 dollar meal and headed to Popeyes something I can get any day of the week. I was let down by Charleston thinking this is the best fried chicken in town.

Here are some of my favorite dishes from the experience: 1. **Fried Chicken**: From what I’ve gathered online, this is what earned them a James Beard Award. The skin was extra crispy and flavorful, while the chicken itself was juicy and delicious—truly exceptional. 2. **Okra Soup**: Even as someone who typically doesn't enjoy okra, I found this soup to be hearty and delightful; it was a true highlight. 3. **Fried Shrimp**: Perfectly crispy and not overly chewy, these shrimp were absolutely delicious—I savored every bite. Honorable mentions go to the candied yams, cornbread, crab balls, and seafood rice. I can't wait to return on my next visit to Charleston, and if you're in the area, be sure to check it out!

One of my top picks in Charleston! The service is excellent, and the food is outstanding. Every dish is incredibly tasty. The authentic soul food is a highlight, especially the fried chicken, which is among the best I've ever tasted. A must-try for sure!