Rollin Smoke BBQ is located on Crede Drive along Route 119 between Mink Shoals and Big Chimney. The trailer has a wooden lattice built up around it and the smokers and truly looks like a shabby BBQ joint. Hand-painted signs with "pork ribs" or "hog roast" written across the front pair with quirky pig decorations.
Walking around back, I discovered a window with a large menu situated underneath. Pulled pork sandwiches, Texas smoked brisket sandwiches, smokey spicy link sausage, pulled chicken BBQ, smoked ribs, wings, smoked cornish hens, and sides of BBQ baked beans, cole slaw, red potato salad, macaroni salad, cheesy hashbrown casserole and green bean casserole. They also have a selection of desserts and offer catering.
I ordered a pulled pork sandwich with a side of macaroni and cheese and potato salad at the window. After a few minutes, my order was called from the other window, I picked it up ... and then realized there's no seating here. There are some seating areas, but it's not for eating. It's for waiting. Carry out only. So, good friend and #gradschoolproblems buddy Matt Murphy and I went back to his place to chow down.
I understand why Rollin Smoke BBQ has such a great ratings (and here). The applewood-smoked pork has a smokey sweet flavor with a tangy tomato-based sauce. This heaping BBQ sandwich was filled with tender pork with a perfect flavor.
The sides were just as good. The macaroni and cheese had a thick sauce and didn't get mushy, which often happens. The potato salad was fresh, not too muddle with mayo flavor. The herbs and skin from the potatoes gave it a ton of flavor. One of my favorite places in Charleston in recent memory. Now that the temperatures are warming up, what's better than a little roadtrip and BBQ? Not much.
Rollin Smoke is open Monday through Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. They accept cash and credit cards. Rollin Smoke BBQ also has a mobile pit in downtown Charleston at the corner of Quarrier and Laidley, but they encourage folks to check out their Facebook for specifics.
Grade: A