In the heart of North Charleston, there’s a small blue-painted restaurant called Bertha’s Kitchen that has won the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Known for its delicious soul food, especially its golden fried chicken, this humble eatery was recently ranked the best “hole in the wall” fried chicken spot in South Carolina by cheapism.com.
The charm of Bertha’s doesn’t come from fancy decor or a big menu — it comes from rich tradition, heartwarming recipes, and a strong family story.
A Family Tradition Since 1979
Bertha’s Kitchen was started in 1979 by Albertha Grant. Today, her three daughters carry on the legacy, serving up tasty dishes that have become a part of the local culture. The restaurant began in a small motel and soon became a neighborhood favorite. Over the years, it grew not just in popularity but also in its role as a local landmark.
People from all walks of life line up outside this modest blue building, waiting to get a plate of the famous fried chicken, along with red rice, sweet cornbread, and creamy lima beans over rice.
National Recognition for Timeless Soul Food
In 2017, Bertha’s Kitchen received the James Beard Award for America’s Classics, an honor given to small, local restaurants that have timeless charm and serve food with deep cultural roots.
Food magazine Bon Appétit also praised Bertha’s in a 2018 article, describing it as a restaurant built on “unconditional love and plenty of fry oil.” This love can be tasted in every bite of okra soup, pork chops, collard greens, mac and cheese, and of course, the legendary fried chicken.
More Than Just Food – A Piece of the Community
The success of Bertha’s Kitchen isn’t just about good food — it’s also about love, hard work, and tradition. After Albertha Grant passed away in 2007, her daughters Julia Grant and Linda Pinckney took over. They often speak about how their mother’s spirit continues to inspire them every single day.
Even though they once thought about selling the restaurant, they chose not to — partly because their loyal customers couldn’t imagine life without Bertha’s comforting meals.
As Linda Pinckney told Bon Appétit, “Our mother’s spirit is what gets us up in the morning.” Julia added that it’s the respect and familiar faces of regular customers that keep them going.
What Makes Bertha’s Chicken So Special?
The beauty of Bertha’s fried chicken lies in its simplicity. It’s crispy, golden brown, full of flavor, and cooked with love. According to cheapism.com, “Great food can come from almost any kitchen, whether the restaurant is fancy or not… It’s the unassuming spots that often prepare some of the best fried chicken.”
And Bertha’s proves that perfectly. It’s not about luxury — it’s about food that warms your heart and fills your belly without burning your pocket.
Bertha’s Kitchen is more than just a restaurant — it’s a living piece of South Carolina’s soul food history. With simple yet mouth-watering dishes, friendly service, and a powerful family legacy, Bertha’s continues to draw crowds.
Whether you’re a tourist or a local, it’s a must-visit place for anyone who loves authentic Southern food. And with honors like the James Beard Award and top mentions on websites like Cheapism, it’s clear that this little restaurant’s big heart has made a lasting impression.
