The 20 Best Barbecue Restaurants in South Carolina

Slabs Wood Fired BBQ Restaurant specializes in slow-cooked barbecue, with tender brisket, homemade sides, and classic desserts such as banana pudding. Guests can dine outdoors overlooking a pond with local wildlife or indoors surrounded by colorful artwork. Welcoming staff contribute to a relaxed, down-to-earth experience.

Brasstown Creek Gathering Place BBQ specializes in slow-smoked meats, with pulled pork, brisket, and ribs noted for their moist texture and rich flavor. A range of sauces allows guests to tailor each bite, while classic sides like crinkle-cut fries add a comforting touch. The clean, welcoming dining room and attentive staff create an inviting spot for barbecue fans of all ages.

Lewis Barbecue Charleston serves Texas-style barbecue with a strong emphasis on tender, flavorful brisket, complemented by classic sides such as coleslaw, fries, and corn soufflé. Guests order at the counter in a cafeteria-style setup before choosing seats in the lively dining room or outdoor courtyard. Attentive staff, country music, and occasional brisket samples contribute to a relaxed, engaging experience.

Moe’s Original BBQ is a casual neighborhood spot known for smoked meats like tender ribs, pulled pork, and wings, paired with a variety of rotating Southern-style sides. House-made sauces, including an Alabama white option, complement the barbecue. Friendly, attentive service and homestyle desserts complete the experience.

Home Team BBQ specializes in classic Southern-style barbecue, with tender pulled pork, crisp pork rinds, and other smoked meats complemented by a range of house sauces. Fresh salads and tacos offer appealing options beyond the traditional platters. A busy dining room and bar, often hosting trivia nights, create an energetic, social atmosphere.

Smokin' Pig BBQ of Anderson (Hwy 81) serves generous portions of slow-smoked meats, including brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, with a choice of house barbecue sauces. The smoky aroma and traditional Southern sides—such as fried corn on the cob, sweet potato fries, banana pudding, and cobbler—create a satisfying, down-home meal. Guests note friendly counter service and a comfortable, casual setting.

Swig & Swine serves classic Southern barbecue with tender pork, chicken, ribs, and wings complemented by hearty sides like mac and cheese, slaw, collard greens, and hash with rice. Portions are generous and well-suited for sharing, including family-style platters. Friendly, attentive service and a laid-back atmosphere make it a comfortable spot for relaxed group dining.

Smoky Dreams Barbecue and Catering specializes in slow-smoked meats, with pulled pork, brisket, and chopped chicken praised for their tenderness and rich, smoky flavor. The barbecue is served with a light hand on sauce, allowing the quality of the meat to stand out. Classic Southern sides, such as macaroni and cheese, beans, and slaw, round out hearty plates. The team is noted for helpful, reliable service both in the restaurant and for catered events.

Baker's BBQ of Summerville serves Southern smoked barbecue with Texas-style brisket featured on Fridays. Set in a converted house, it offers a welcoming, down-home setting popular with locals. Slow-cooked meats are paired with hearty Southern sides, including tomato pie and mac and cheese, plus house-made desserts like pecan pie and banana pudding.

The Smokin' Pig of Pendleton serves hearty Southern-style barbecue, with guests praising its tender ribs, brisket, and pulled pork alongside traditional sides like fried okra, baked beans, and banana pudding. Attentive, personable service contributes to the welcoming feel, while outdoor games such as putt-putt, bocce, and cornhole provide entertainment during busy periods.

Mike and Jeff's BBQ Restaurant & Catering specializes in hearty Southern-style barbecue, highlighted by juicy pulled pork and classic sides like hushpuppies, coleslaw, and sweet potato soufflé. Portions are notably generous and prepared with bold, satisfying flavors. A small indoor area and outdoor picnic tables create a casual, unfussy setting. The catering team is described as dependable and accommodating for a variety of events.

Choo Choo BBQ Xpress serves classic Southern barbecue from an old train car filled with the aroma of smoked meats. Guests highlight tender pulled pork, brisket, and ribs, complemented by sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and sweet cornbread. The casual space and welcoming, efficient service create an inviting stop for hearty, smoke-filled flavors.

MISSION BBQ serves classic American barbecue with slow-cooked meats such as brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, complemented by homestyle sides and cornbread. Guests describe the food as flavorful and consistent across visits. Courteous, attentive staff help guide newcomers, and the clean, welcoming dining room reflects the brand’s tribute to military members, veterans, and first responders.

Fat Daddy's BBQ & Hash House serves classic Southern barbecue and home-style cooking in an unassuming country setting. Guests choose from a generous selection of smoked meats, including ribs, pulled pork, chicken, and hash, accompanied by traditional sides and desserts. Counter service and welcoming staff create an informal, down-home atmosphere, with hearty portions that highlight comforting, familiar flavors.

Rabbit's BBQ serves classic South Carolina barbecue and home-style cooking in a casual, welcoming setting. Diners highlight tender pulled pork with vinegar-pepper sauce, crisp fried chicken, and comforting sides like macaroni and cheese. Friendly staff and a clean, straightforward space create a laid-back, come-as-you-are atmosphere.

Lester's Country Bar-B-Que serves classic Southern barbecue and home-style cooking, featuring a buffet of regional favorites along with options like fried chicken, wings, and catfish. A salad and dessert bar round out the meal, and the house lemonade is frequently praised. The spacious dining room and welcoming, down-home atmosphere make it a popular spot for groups and local gatherings.

Smokehouse BBQ offers classic Southern barbecue alongside popular fried seafood platters in a laid-back, casual setting with both indoor and outdoor seating. Guests highlight tender ribs with a well-balanced dry rub, flavorful pulled pork, and a choice of house sauces, including a mustard-based option. Friendly counter service and generous portions contribute to its easygoing appeal.

Pistol Jo's Cherry Point BBQ serves in-house hardwood-smoked barbecue in a casual, converted diner setting. Guests highlight pulled pork, pulled chicken with Carolina vinegar sauce, and classic sides like fried okra and coleslaw. A covered outdoor area with a large screen TV offers additional seating, and friendly staff support both dine-in and brisk takeout service.