13 South Carolina Roadside Grills Known For Classic Southern Cooking

When hunger hits while driving through the Palmetto State, nothing beats pulling over at a roadside grill where the smell of smoked meat fills the air.

South Carolina has perfected the art of barbecue and classic Southern cooking, with family-run spots that have been serving locals and travelers for generations.

These roadside grills offer more than just a meal they’re a window into authentic Southern culture and hospitality.

I’m sharing some of the best places where you can taste real Southern cooking at its finest.

1. Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ

Every bite here tells a story of tradition and dedication to the craft of barbecue.

You’ll find this award-winning spot at 1011 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403.

The whole hog gets slow-smoked over hardwood charcoal, creating tender meat with a crispy exterior that falls apart at the touch of a fork.

A spicy vinegar sauce adds the perfect tangy kick that makes your taste buds dance.

Beyond the famous pork, the menu features fried catfish that’s golden and flaky, rib-eye steak sandwiches piled high, and fall-off-the-bone spare ribs.

Don’t leave without trying the banana pudding, which provides a sweet ending to your savory meal.

The casual atmosphere makes everyone feel welcome, whether you’re a first-timer or a regular customer.

2. Midway BBQ

Family recipes passed down through generations make this place a true gem in Buffalo.

Located at 3796 Charleston Highway, Buffalo, SC 29321, this establishment has been serving since 1969.

The buffet-style service lets you pile your plate with all your favorite Southern sides, from creamy macaroni and cheese to sweet potatoes that melt in your mouth.

Pit-cooked pork shoulder is the star, served with two different sauces so you can choose your favorite or mix them both.

Golden hush puppies provide the perfect crunchy accompaniment to tender meat.

The coleslaw offers a refreshing crunch, while potato salad brings comfort with every spoonful.

Baked beans round out the meal with their rich, smoky flavor that complements the barbecue perfectly.

3. Duke’s Tavern

Mustard-based sauce lovers will find their happy place at this Orangeburg institution.

The restaurant sits at 949 Old Number Six Highway, Orangeburg, SC 29115.

An all-you-can-eat buffet greets hungry diners with mountains of chopped pork bathed in that distinctive golden mustard sauce that South Carolina is famous for.

Hash and rice is a local specialty that you absolutely must try, combining savory flavors in a way that’s uniquely Southern.

Sweet pickles add a surprising burst of flavor that cuts through the richness of the meat.

Crispy hushpuppies are fried to perfection with a slightly sweet interior.

The banana pudding has earned legendary status among locals who drive from miles away just for dessert.

Generous portions mean you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.

4. Sweatman’s Barbeque

Hickory coals work their magic on whole hogs at this Holly Hill treasure that’s been around for decades.

The address is 1427 Eutaw Road, Holly Hill, SC 29059.

Low and slow cooking over hickory creates a depth of flavor that makes people return year after year.

The tangy mustard-based sauce is a South Carolina classic that perfectly complements the smoky pork.

A buffet setup allows you to sample everything, from the tender pulled chicken to the rich hash and rice.

Sweet hushpuppies offer a hint of sugar that balances the savory barbecue.

The family atmosphere makes you feel like you’re eating at a relative’s house rather than a restaurant.

Generous portions ensure nobody leaves hungry, and many folks take home leftovers for the next day.

5. Hite’s Bar-B-Que

Limited hours make this spot even more special, with barbecue available only on Fridays and Saturdays.

Find them at 1031 Highway 302, West Columbia, SC 29170.

Wood-burning pits create that authentic flavor that barbecue purists crave and appreciate.

The take-out only service means you can enjoy this delicious food at home, at a park, or wherever your travels take you.

Traditional whole hog preparation follows methods that have been used in South Carolina for generations.

The meat is incredibly tender after hours of slow cooking over carefully tended fires.

Many customers call ahead to place their orders because this place sells out quickly once word spreads that they’re open.

The dedication to quality over quantity shows in every bite of perfectly smoked pork.

6. City Limits Barbeque

Starting as a humble food truck in 2016, this operation has grown into a beloved barbecue destination.

The restaurant is located at 1011 D Avenue, West Columbia, SC 29169.

Both South Carolina-style and Texas-style barbecue appear on the menu, giving you the best of two different regional traditions.

Brisket smoked Texas-style offers rich, peppery bark and tender, juicy meat that’s worth the drive. Beef ribs are massive and meaty, providing a hearty meal for serious appetites.

Pulled pork prepared Carolina-style brings local flavor to the table alongside the Texas specialties.

The dessert selection rounds out the menu with sweet treats that provide the perfect finish.

A casual, friendly environment welcomes families, friends, and solo diners looking for great food.

7. King BBQ

Creativity meets tradition at this unique spot where Carolina smoke blends with Chinese flavors.

You’ll find this innovative grill at 1531 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29407.

The fusion concept honors both cuisines without compromising the integrity of either cooking style.

Char siu techniques bring sweet and savory notes that complement traditional Southern smoking methods beautifully.

The result is meat that’s familiar yet excitingly different, offering something new even to barbecue veterans. Bold flavors come from a careful balance of spices and sauces from two rich culinary traditions.

Each dish tells a story of cultural connection and culinary experimentation.

The menu changes based on what’s fresh and what the kitchen team feels inspired to create, keeping regular customers excited.

8. Joe Bessinger’s Barbeque

Golden mustard sauce flows freely at this beloved spot that has defined South Carolina barbecue for generations.

Operating since the 1930s, this family legacy continues with locations including 1602 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29407.

The buffet-style service lets you load up on all your favorites without having to choose just one or two dishes.

Pulled pork gets bathed in that signature yellow sauce that’s tangy, slightly sweet, and unmistakably South Carolina.

Red rice provides a flavorful base that soaks up all the delicious juices from the meat.

Green beans cooked Southern-style are tender and well-seasoned, never crunchy or bland.

The casual dining room fills up quickly during lunch and dinner rushes with locals who’ve been coming here for years.

9. Little Pigs Barbecue

Smoke billows from the pits at this no-nonsense barbecue joint that focuses on doing one thing exceptionally well.

Multiple locations serve the Upstate, including 3601 Boiling Springs Road, Boiling Springs, SC 29316.

Pork shoulder gets the royal treatment with hours of slow smoking that breaks down the meat into tender, juicy perfection.

A vinegar-based sauce offers a lighter alternative to the mustard sauces found elsewhere in the state.

The simplicity of the menu means everything is executed perfectly without trying to do too much.

Crispy onion rings provide a crunchy side that pairs wonderfully with tender meat.

Sweet tea flows freely, served ice-cold in large cups that keep you refreshed.

The family-friendly atmosphere welcomes everyone from construction workers on lunch break to families celebrating special occasions.

10. Shealy’s Bar-B-Que

Since 1969, this Batesburg-Leesville institution has been feeding hungry folks from near and far.

The restaurant sits at 340 East Columbia Avenue, Batesburg-Leesville, SC 29006.

An extensive buffet offers more variety than you can fit on one plate, forcing you to make tough decisions about what to try first.

Whole hog barbecue is cooked the traditional way, resulting in meat that’s smoky, tender, and full of flavor.

Hash over rice is a South Carolina specialty that combines various meats in a savory gravy-like mixture.

Fried chicken provides an alternative for anyone not in the mood for barbecue, though most people get both.

Lima beans, collard greens, and candied yams round out the vegetable options with authentic Southern preparation methods.

The banana pudding here rivals any grandmother’s recipe.

11. Hite’s Bar-B-Que

Wood smoke and tradition define this Batesburg spot that has been serving authentic barbecue since 1957.

Located at 12901 Highway 178, Batesburg, SC 29006, this restaurant operates only on weekends.

The weekend-only schedule creates anticipation and ensures that every batch of meat is fresh and perfectly prepared.

Whole hog cooking over wood pits takes time and attention, but the results speak for themselves.

The meat is incredibly tender with a smoky flavor that penetrates deep into every bite.

A simple sauce lets the quality of the meat shine through without covering up the natural pork flavor.

Sides are classic Southern comfort foods prepared the way they’ve been made for decades.

The rustic setting adds to the authentic experience, making you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

12. Melvin’s Legendary Bar-B-Que

Multiple sauce options let you customize your barbecue experience at this popular Charleston area chain.

Several locations serve the Lowcountry, including 1335 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412.

Four different sauces range from vinegar-based to mustard-based to tomato-based, covering all the regional styles of South Carolina barbecue.

Ribs fall off the bone with minimal effort, revealing meat that’s been smoked to perfection.

Pulled pork is tender and juicy, ready to soak up whichever sauce you prefer. Smoked chicken provides a lighter option that’s still packed with flavor from the smoking process.

The sides menu is extensive, featuring everything from mac and cheese to collard greens to sweet potato casserole.

Casual dining rooms with friendly service make this a great stop for families traveling through the area.

13. DOC’s Smokehouse Dyer

A massive buffet greets you with more options than you can count at this Myrtle Beach area favorite.

The restaurant is located at 1310 Third Avenue, Conway, SC 29526.

Barbecue shares space with other Southern classics like fried catfish, fried shrimp, and country-fried steak.

The variety means everyone in your group can find something they love, even if they’re not barbecue fans.

Fried okra is crispy and seasoned just right, providing a vegetable option that doesn’t taste healthy.

Cornbread is slightly sweet and crumbly, perfect for soaking up pot liquor from the collard greens.

Lima beans, green beans, mashed potatoes, and squash casserole give you plenty of side dish choices.

The dessert bar features pies, cobblers, and puddings that provide sweet endings to your meal.

Value is excellent with the all-you-can-eat format.