If you’ve spent any amount of time in the state of South Carolina, it’s pretty obvious that they take barbecue seriously. But oddly enough, each area has a different idea of what this delicious southern staple is supposed to look and taste like. With such variety, it makes it hard to pick who does it best since this classic dish is so diverse. Which means you’ll just have to decide for yourself when you check out these 10 best barbecue joints in South Carolina.
This eatery is serving up the most delicious barbecued pork, hash, and ribs you’ll find anywhere in the state. The only downside? They’re only open on the weekends. Which means you need to stock up for the week before you leave—you’ll be so glad you did.
If the tiny town of Pendleton is known for anything, it’s the tasty barbeque that has people lined out the door at The Smokin’ Pig. Locals know that those long lines are well worth the wait, because once you get your plate of chicken, pork or brisket, you’ll never want to go anywhere else for barbeque. Thank goodness they let you buy in bulk!
You have to be looking hard for this one, because it’s easy to miss this little barbecue food truck off the side of Wells Highway. Heavenly flavors of pulled pork and ribs are served alongside options like chicken strips and burgers to satisfy any palate. They also have special offerings like low country boil and crab legs on occasion.
You’ll have to travel out in the middle of nowhere for this one, but it’s well worth the drive. This hidden gem has mastered the culinary art of brisket, Brunswick stew, and barbecue pork. You might have to wait a little, but rest assured it’s because these folks aren’t sacrificing quality and freshness.
Aside from their awesome tagline, “The Leanest Butt in Town,” Henry’s Smokehouse knows the importance of doing barbeque the old-fashioned way. They roast their meats over a hickory-log-fueled fire until they’re nothing short of perfect. They still pull the meat off the bone by hand, further emphasizing their resistance to cut corners. You’ll be in hog heaven here.
The only thing better than this barbecue is the fact that they have three locations in the area to sate your barbecue fix. They have cultivated an eclectic menu, offering fresh slow-smoked pork and ribs, freshly made-from-scratch sandwiches, wraps and tacos, and all the tasty salads and sides you could want. It’s Southern comfort food done extremely right.
With a name like Swig & Swine, you already know you’re about to get the best of two epic worlds. This creative barbecue house is serving up tasty wood-smoked barbecue pork, beef brisket, turkey, ribs, wings, and sausages, and all the tasty side treats to go along with them. You can also find a whopping craft beer selection—over 60 labels to choose from!
Some of the best things in life start with B: Beach, beer, Bar-B-Que House. With three locations (the other two are in North Myrtle Beach and Oak Island) not very far from the sand and surf, you can fill your appetite with a hefty selection of barbequed meats, Brunswick stew, wings, sandwiches, and beer.
If there is there such a thing as an upscale barbeque place, Smoke on the Water is it. They combine eclectic ambiance with fine flavors and “saucy” sauces that enhance their “fresh from the smoker” meats. Their other non-barbecue dishes, like burgers, salmon and filet mignon, are also worth the trip.
A true favorite of locals and travelers alike, Carolina Barbecue Shack has been deemed the best barbecue in the Greenwood area. People swear by their coveted beef brisket, but you can also indulge in pulled pork, hash, chicken and ribs—all smoked in their on-site pit.