Smokin’ Gringo’s BBQ

Summerville Smokehouse with Tex-Mex Twist

Smokin’ Gringo’s stakes its claim just off Jedburg Road in Summerville, where pit master Mike Bastin—known simply as “The Gringo”—blends Southern smokehouse tradition with bold Tex-Mex flavors.

What began as backyard experiments on a homemade garbage-can smoker in Mexico now fuels a bustling restaurant built from repurposed shipping containers. The result is a relaxed spot where competition-worthy barbecue meets vibrant burritos, tacos and bowls.

Family at the Pit

Mike sharpened his craft on the competition circuit, amassing more than 250 first-place and grand-champion trophies. In recent years his daughters Bella and Courtney—proudly dubbed the GRINGoETTES—have followed in his footsteps, earning back-to-back Kids Que State Championships in 2017 and 2018. Those contest-tested flavors and techniques laid the groundwork for Smokin’ Gringo’s menu, where award-winning smoked meats meet bold Tex-Mex twists.

Open-Air Vibes and Friendly Service

Dining at Smokin’ Gringo’s is as much about the setting as the smoke. The dining area—crafted from brightly painted shipping containers—opens onto a gravel courtyard strewn with upcycled spool tables and mismatched stools. Overhead, strands of light bulbs crisscross between live oaks, casting a warm glow as evening falls. A gentle breeze carries the scent of hickory smoke past picnic benches shaded by market umbrellas, while ceiling fans hum under the covered patio.

Inside, the counter is framed by floor-to-ceiling windows, giving diners a front-row seat to the pitmasters at work. The team greets every guest by name whenever possible, guiding newcomers through the menu and sharing tasting tips for sauces and sides.

Reviewers note that even when the weekend crowd fills every table, the pace remains unhurried and the service unfailingly friendly—so you can drop in for a quick two-taco lunch or settle in for a long, leisurely evening with friends. Ample parking just off Jedburg Road means easy access, and with a dedicated “to-go” window, you can be on your way with a feast in hand before you know it.

Menu Highlights

Smokin’ Gringo’s menu blends Tex-Mex formats with classic Southern smoked meats, offering:

• Burritos & Bowls: From the 10″ Bambino (pork or chicken, spicy rice, Gringo beans and BBQ sauce) to the Brisket Parfait (layers of rice, mac & cheese, beans, brisket relish and house pickles)
• Nachos & Loaded Tots: Choose corn chips or tater-tots piled high with queso, Gringo beans, sour cream, pickled peppers and your choice of meat
• Tacos: Build your own two-taco plate with chicken, pork or Angus prime brisket (served with one side), or go big with the Godzilla hard taco and other oversized creations
• Sandwiches: From the 1-lb Monster Sandwich (pulled pork, slaw, mango pickles) to the Texas Lonestar (prime brisket, bacon, pickles, provolone and house relish)
• Party-Sized Platters: The El Jefe Fiesta Plater pairs a hard-shell taco and Grande Burrito with fresh chips, queso, pico de gallo and fries for two to three people

Extras such as mac & cheese, coleslaw, straight fries and “Gringo beans” round out every plate, with extra house sauce available by the ounce.

Cantina & Catering for Any Gathering

Beyond counter service, Smokin’ Gringo’s Cantina space hosts private events under covered patios and festoon lighting. Their catering team delivers award-winning barbecue trays and party packs right to your door, making office lunches, backyard barbecues and milestone celebrations a hassle-free affair.

What Folks Are Saying

Google Review

Among the many Google Reviews, Local Guide Ronnie Hutchins loved the food and service at Smokin’ Gringos:

If you’re anywhere near Charleston and love great barbecue, Smoking Gringos is a must-visit. Their ribs are absolutely outstanding—tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. The quality and taste alone make this spot worth the trip.

Beyond the food, the service was exceptional. The staff went above and beyond, even allowing me to park my bike on the patio so I wouldn’t have to leave it on the rocks. That level of consideration speaks volumes about their hospitality and biker-friendly atmosphere.

Great food, great service, and a welcoming vibe—Smoking Gringos delivers on all fronts. Highly recommended! 💯

Yelp Review

Over on Yelp, Summerville-area local Timothy A recalls the amazing flavors of Smokin’ Gringo’s:

Had Smokin Gringo’s tonight! Wow, fantastic brisket. Had the porkTaco Cone and the brisket tacos … Best BBQ I’ve ever had! My brother got mega burrito 3lb ! Super monster; all the flavors were unique and fabulous.

Location, Hours, Contact Info, and More

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Hours of Operation

Monday	Closed
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday	11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday	11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday	12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Sunday	Closed