Nashville’s Joyland has officially landed in Charleston, serving up smash burgers, fried chicken biscuits, and hand-spun milkshakes from morning till night. Founded by James Beard Award-winning chef Sean Brock, Joyland takes fast food classics and elevates them with high-quality ingredients and serious technique. Whether you’re grabbing breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this spot delivers serious flavor and incredible textures in every bite.
The Vibe
Joyland is fun, fast, and full of nostalgic charm. With retro diner vibes, bright branding, and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s an easy place to stop in whether you’re fueling up for the day, grabbing a quick lunch, or ending the night with a burger and shake.
When to Go?
They’re open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but lunch is my favorite time to visit—the perfect time to get your hands on a crispy, juicy smash burger or a fried chicken skewer.
What to Drink
🥤 Chocolate Joy Shake – Thick, creamy, and loaded with real-deal chocolate
☕ Iced Coffee – A slightly sweet cold brew that pairs surprisingly well with a burger
What to Order
Breakfast 🍳
🍗 Fried Chicken Biscuit – Buttery, flaky biscuit stuffed with crispy, juicy fried chicken. Get it plain or with hot honey/pimento cheese for extra indulgence.
🌯 Breakfast Burrito – A hearty, satisfying burrito loaded with eggs, cheese, and your choice of protein, wrapped up in a soft tortilla.
Lunch & Dinner 🍔🍗
🔥 Crust Burger – This is next-level smash burger perfection. The patties are ultra-thin and crispy, and even the buns are smashed and toasted for extra crunch. Super rich, with an unreal texture—this is unlike any burger you’ve ever had.
🍔 Joyburger – A classic double-stack smash burger with cheese, pickles, lettuce, and Joy Sauce on a soft, squishy bun.
🍢 Joystick (Chicken Skewer) – A crispy fried chicken skewer, inspired by Japanese kushikatsu and Mississippi’s tradition of fried chicken-on-a-stick. Get it with sauce, and it’s called a Dipstick.
🍟 Crinkle Cut Fries – Golden, crispy perfection, served with Joy Sauce for dipping.
🥤 Seasonal Hand Pie – A rotating sweet treat that’s perfect with a milkshake.
Why Visit?
Joyland is fast food done right—with crispy smash burgers, buttery biscuits, and insanely good fried chicken-on-a-stick. Open morning, noon, and night, it’s affordable, delicious, and downright fun. Whether you’re in the mood for breakfast, lunch, or a late-night burger, Joyland always hits the spot. 🍔🔥