Barbecue Roundup: Let local pitmasters handle the feast this Fourth of July with delicious take-out options

Brave the lines to load up a tray from Lewis Barbecue with smoked brisket and hot guts sausage, plus a scattering of sides.

Lewis Barbecue Charleston
This counter service-only restaurant stays packed year-round with a long line of carnivores eagerly awaiting their fill of owner John Lewis’s almighty hot guts sausage, smoked brisket, and sides such as the killer green-chile corn pudding. Avoid the wait for takeout by ordering online. 464 N. Nassau St., (843) 805-9500, lewisbarbecue.com

Melvin’s BBQ
Both Melvin’s Mount Pleasant and James Island locations make perfect stopovers for wood-fired ’cue on your way toward fun in the sun and fireworks. Order the chopped ribs or brisket, and throw in sides such as fried okra, barbecue hash, coleslaw, and fried onion rings. 538 Folly Rd., James Island; (843) 762-0511 & 925 Houston Northcutt Blvd., Mount Pleasant; (843) 881-0549; melvinsbbq.com

Rodney Scott’s offers mouthwatering meats and sides for dining and takeaway. 

Rodney Scott’s BBQ
Venture into all things porcine with pulled pork or the succulent ribs that earned pitmaster Rodney Scott a far-reaching reputation as a barbecue virtuoso. Collard greens, corn bread, crispy pig skins—there are no bad choices here for sides. Don’t forget an order of creamy, dreamy banana pudding for dessert. 1011 King St., (843) 990-9535, rodneyscottsbbq.com

Nosh on smoked turkey, broccoli salad, and mac and cheese, or build your own tray at Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint on James Island.

Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
This local satellite of the West Tennessee barbecue emporium offers pit standards such as pulled pork, as well as more unique offerings, like the Big Ole Smoked Bologna sandwich. For to-go orders big and small, try the fork-tender smoked turkey, broccoli salad, and hickory baked beans. 1622 Highland Ave., James Island; (843) 790-0838; martinsbbqjoint.com/charleston

Head down Ashley River Road to find a taste of Puerto Rico from pitmaster Hector Garate at Palmira Barbecue.

Palmira Barbecue
Pitmaster Hector Garate pulls the best bits of flavors and techniques from Texas and his native Puerto Rico to create a menu of juicy beef cheeks, smoky pulled pork, and barbacoa at this West Ashley eatery. Savory sides like Puerto Rican beans and mustard slaw stay on the menu and make for tasty takeaway, but check back for rotating offerings like fried plantains and mollejas (crispy sweetbreads). 2366 Ashley River Rd., (843) 225-0436, palmirabbq.com

Home Team BBQ
With locations across the Lowcountry, it’s easy for sun-kissed Independence Day revelers to find a nearby Home Team. Check out special summer catering menus for celebrations, as well as menu standards such as the savory smoked wings for pickup. Make Home Team’s Gamechanger at home with “Away Game” mix, available by the half or full gallon (just add rum!). 126 Williman St.; 1205 Ashley River Rd.; 3563 Hwy. 17, Mount Pleasant; & 2209 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island; (843) 225-7427; hometeambbq.com

Swig & Swine
Chef Anthony DiBernardo helms this beloved barbecue joint that sells pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and sausage by the pound. Those looking for portability should check out the barbecue sandwich offerings, including brisket grilled with pimiento cheese. Don’t miss the the Brunswick stew or the decadent pies. 1217 Savannah Hwy., (843) 225-3805; ​​2379 Hwy. 41, Mount Pleasant, (843) 416-7368; & 1990 Old Trolley Rd., Summerville, (843) 974-8688; swigandswinebbq.com

King BBQ takes influence from the flavors of Chinatown, exemplified by the bright red cha shao spare ribs and hot pot noodle soup.

King BBQ
Billed as “Chinatown barbecue with Southern smoke,” this spot from the couple behind Jackrabbit Filly offers new ’cue flavors. Go online to order crispy pork belly, fries topped with hash and cheddar curds, and a variety of meats available by the piece and pound. 2029 Carver Ave., North Charleston; (843) 952-9993; eatkingbbq.com