Bertha's Kitchen Lands Coveted Culinary Nod

North Charleston’s accolades seem few and far in between when compared to her sister Charleston. Yet one beloved restaurant is placing North Charleston’s food scene on the map.

Bertha’s Kitchen of North Charleston was selected as a 2017 America's Classic’s Award winner by the James Beard Foundation, a designation which came as a complete surprise to its owners.

The restaurant owners will join those from Gioia's Deli in St. Louis, La Taqueria in San Francisco, Sahadi's in Brooklyn, and Schultz's Crab House in Essex, MD in being honored at the James Beard Awards Gala at Lyric Opera in Chicago on Monday, May 1.

Hidden on Meeting Street Road en route to downtown Charleston, Bertha’s location makes it easy for tourists to miss. But for those who find it, the cuisine is legendary.

The signature blue restaurant began in 1980 when Albertha Grant opened its doors. Today her daughters Julia Grant, Linda Pinckney, and Sharon Coakley continue serving the Lowcountry traditional soul food dishes including fried pork chops, chicken neck with gizzards, and lima beans. Painted murals highlight the family connection which strengthens the owners’ drive to serve customers new and old.

To watch it, check the Beard Foundation's website for a live stream of the event on May 1.