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Pitmaster Hector Garate smokes whole hog and beef cheeks through a Puerto Rican lens, and the result is a barbecue joint that feels like its own category. The beef cheek tacos landed on a New York Times list of the year's best dishes across the country, and the Chuleta Kan-Kan, a tomahawk pork chop, makes a strong case for its own recognition. Bring friends, bring an appetite, and don't plan anything strenuous afterward.
Four honors, in evidence:
The record strongest first
- The New York Times Beef Cheeks · The Best Restaurant Dishes We Ate Across the U.S.
- The Infatuation The Best Restaurants In Charleston
- Condé Nast Traveler 40 Best Restaurants in Charleston
- James Beard Awards 2026 · Semifinalist · Emerging Chef · Hector Garate
One number, weighted & current 85
How we scoreThe dishes from the writeups
- Beef cheek tacos Condé Nast Traveler
- Chuleta Kan-Kan Condé Nast Traveler
- Whole hog barbecue Condé Nast Traveler
- Puerto Rican beans Condé Nast Traveler
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