10 South Carolina Restaurants With BBQ Worth The Trip

South Carolina takes its barbecue seriously, and the state has developed its own unique style that sets it apart from neighboring regions. From mustard-based sauces to vinegar-pepper blends, the Palmetto State offers flavors you won’t find anywhere else.

I’ve gathered some of the best spots where smoky meats and secret family recipes create unforgettable meals that make any drive worthwhile.

1. Sweatman’s Bar-B-Que

Operating since 1977, this family-run spot only opens on Fridays and Saturdays, making it feel like a special event every time you visit. The all-you-can-eat buffet features whole hog cooked over wood coals for twelve hours straight.

Their vinegar-mustard sauce recipe has remained unchanged for decades. Cash-only policy adds to the authentic, no-frills experience that keeps people coming back generation after generation.

2. Shuler’s BBQ

Tucked away in tiny Latta, this unassuming spot has earned a massive following despite its remote location. Pork is king here, prepared with a signature vinegar-based sauce that highlights the meat rather than overpowering it.

The fried chicken also deserves your attention if you’re not strictly sticking to barbecue. Many customers drive over an hour just to grab takeout boxes filled with tender pulled pork and homemade sides.

3. Bessinger’s BBQ

Golden mustard sauce flows freely at this Charleston-area favorite where three generations have perfected their craft. The buffet spreads out like a Southern feast with multiple meat options, classic sides, and desserts that’ll tempt you even when you’re stuffed.

Their sauce is bottled and sold throughout the region for good reason. Kids eat free on certain nights, making it a budget-friendly choice for families craving authentic low country barbecue.

4. Hite’s Bar-B-Que & Seafood

Not related to Jackie Hite’s despite the similar name, this West Columbia spot has carved out its own loyal following since opening decades ago. The seafood additions give you options beyond pork when dining with picky eaters or seafood lovers.

Their buffet changes daily but always includes several barbecue options alongside fried fish and shrimp. The banana pudding here has achieved almost legendary status among regulars who save room specifically for dessert.

5. Henry’s Smokehouse

Greenville’s barbecue scene wouldn’t be complete without this upstate favorite that’s been smoking meats since 1932. Their tomato-based sauce represents the upper part of the state where Georgia influences creep into South Carolina traditions.

Smoked turkey and chicken provide lighter alternatives to pork without sacrificing flavor. The Brunswick stew here is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, packed with vegetables and tender meat chunks.

6. Melvin’s BBQ

Mustard sauce might sound unusual to outsiders, but one taste at this Charleston institution will make you a believer. The ribs here practically fall off the bone, and the hash over rice is a local tradition you can’t miss.

I recommend arriving early on weekends because the line forms quickly. Their buffet lets you sample multiple meats and sides without committing to just one dish.

7. Dukes Bar-B-Que

With multiple locations across the state, this mini-chain maintains consistency while honoring traditional methods that made the original spot famous. Yellow mustard sauce is their calling card, coating ribs and pulled pork with tangy goodness.

The drive-through option makes it convenient for road trippers who want authentic barbecue without sitting down. Their sweet tea is properly sweetened the Southern way, making it the ideal beverage pairing for smoky meats.

8. Little Pigs Barbecue

A Greenville staple since 1968, this spot serves upstate-style barbecue with a tomato-vinegar sauce that bridges the gap between regional styles. The chopped pork sandwich comes piled high with meat and topped with creamy coleslaw for textural contrast.

Prices remain remarkably reasonable despite the restaurant’s popularity and prime location. Their iced tea is brewed fresh daily, and the hushpuppies arrive hot and crispy at every table as a complimentary starter.

9. Piggie Park

Maurice Bessinger made this chain famous for its bright yellow mustard sauce that has become synonymous with South Carolina barbecue for many people. The sauce is so popular that bottles fly off shelves in grocery stores throughout the Southeast region.

Multiple locations mean you can satisfy cravings without driving to remote areas. The onion rings here are hand-battered and fried to golden perfection, creating an addictive side dish that competes with the main attraction.

10. Doc’s Barbecue & Southern Buffet

The all-you-can-eat format here lets you explore different sauces and meat preparations without committing to a single plate. Fried chicken, catfish, and traditional Southern vegetables round out the buffet alongside multiple barbecue options that change throughout the week.

Sunday lunch crowds can be intense, so weekday visits offer shorter waits. Their peach cobbler, served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, provides the sweet ending your barbecue feast deserves.