Charleston’s neighborhood smash burger joint brings classic rock vibes and seriously good burgers to Morrison Drive, where owners transformed the former Tattooed Moose space into a laid-back burger haven named after the owner’s grandfather.
From the same team behind Martin’s Barbecue and Hue Babies, this spot proves the family knows how to create winning concepts. The proprietary beef blend of Angus short rib, brisket, and chuck roll gets smashed on the flat-top until crispy edges form—creating that signature crust burger enthusiasts crave. 🍔
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Now operating two locations—the original downtown spot and a newer Daniel Island outpost—Heavy’s has become the go-to for locals seeking quality burgers without downtown tourist crowds. The free parking lot feels like a miracle in Charleston, though it’s admittedly bumpy.
Open 11 AM to 10 PM daily, they serve burgers alongside $5 margaritas that keep happy hour crowds coming back.
The Bar Burger: Smash Burger Perfection
This signature creation features double patties, American cheese, red onions, sliced tomato, lettuce, pickles, and Heavy’s sauce on a sesame seed bun that holds up beautifully. Reviewers consistently call it “textbook” smash burger execution, with perfectly crispy edges and juicy centers.
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The proprietary short rib, brisket, and chuck blend creates depth that standard ground beef can’t match. Multiple customers rate it in their top 5 best smash burgers, praising how the patties get smashed with crispy edges and finished perfectly with melted American cheese. That Heavy’s sauce—the restaurant’s signature condiment—brings tang without overpowering the quality beef.
At around $12 for a double, it delivers serious value for premium ingredients. One reviewer devoured theirs in 2 minutes, which speaks volumes.
Uncle Gene’s Ranchero: Flavor Bomb with a Kick
The legendary creation piles thick-cut bacon, pepper jack cheese, grilled onions, pickled jalapeños, sweet & sassy BBQ sauce, and fried onion straws onto that perfect smash patty. Customers consistently name this their favorite, with one calling it a “flavor explosion.”
The thick-cut bacon provides smokiness that anchors everything, while pepper jack adds creamy heat. Those sweet grilled onions balance the pickled jalapeños’ acidity beautifully, and the BBQ sauce brings sweetness that ties it together. Topping it with fried onion straws adds textural contrast that makes each bite interesting. Priced at $15.49, it’s worth every penny for this loaded masterpiece. The combination of flavors and textures proves why some burgers transcend basic meat-and-cheese combinations. 🌶️
Onion Rings: Hand-Cut Sweet Perfection
These hand-cut sweet onion rings consistently earn praise as “some of the best in the city” and “top-notch…some of the best in the Low Country”. Served with Heavy’s sauce and sweet & sassy BBQ sauce for dipping, they come out golden and perfectly crispy.
Multiple reviewers specifically call them “excellent” and “some of the best I’ve ever had”, noting the thick-cut sweet onions get fried beautifully with wonderful batter flavor. Both dipping sauces earn raves, making it hard to pick favorites.
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The onions themselves come thick rather than thin, providing substance rather than just breading. These aren’t afterthought appetizers—they’re destination-worthy items that bring people back repeatedly.
Atmosphere
The classic rock soundtrack pumps through the dining room, getting customers “amped up to eat burgers” according to regulars. Neat burger characters sit on top of burgers throughout the restaurant, adding playful touches to the laid-back bar vibe.
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The outdoor seating area provides perfect spots for sunny day burgers, while inside maintains that neighborhood sports bar feel with TVs and full bar service. Staff consistently earns praise for being “super friendly” and making sure drinks stay full.
The Daniel Island location seats fewer inside with mostly bar-top tables, while the original Morrison Drive spot offers booths and more traditional seating. Both locations maintain that welcoming neighborhood joint energy where regulars and first-timers feel equally at home. 🎸
Bottom Line
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Proprietary beef blend of short rib, brisket, and chuck creating premium smash burgers
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Free parking lot at Morrison Drive location rare for Charleston restaurants
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Hand-cut sweet onion rings ranked among best in Low Country
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Lemon lime icebox pie made in-house with fresh lemons, limes, and graham cracker almond crust
Address: 1137 Morrison Drive, Charleston, SC 29403
📞 (843) 212-3302
🕔 Daily: 11 AM–10 PM