South Carolina- SC takes its barbecue seriously. While the state boasts many excellent barbecue joints, each region has its definition of classic southern cuisine. Here are a few must-visit barbecue spots across the state. They feature everything from Carolina-style ribs to brisket, sausage, and chicken.
1. Rodney Scott’s BBQ In Charleston
If you're craving a little Lowcountry slow-smoked barbecue in Charleston, Rodney Scott's is the place to go. This counter-service restaurant is filled with ribs and chicken. The sauce is tangy, and the meat is tender. The staff is friendly, and the food comes out quickly. The food is fresh and well-cooked, and the flavors are authentic and tasty. The decor is hip, but the food is down-to-earth. You can't help but be impressed by the attention to detail and the staff's respect for the cuisine.
Rodney Scott is an award-winning South Carolina chef and pitmaster. He started cooking whole hog barbecue at age 11 at his family's restaurant in Hemingway, South Carolina. In 2017, he teamed up with Pihakis Restaurant Group to open Rodney Scott's BBQ in Charleston, South Carolina.
2. Sweatman’s Barbeque In Holly Hill
If you love to barbecue, you should make a point to try Sweatman's Barbeque in Holly Hill, SC. This barbecue joint is family-friendly and serves barbecue side dishes. Guests can dine in or order carry-out. The restaurant is open Friday and Saturday from 11:30 am to 8 pm. There is ample parking available. Sweatman's also provides bike racks for patrons. The prices are very reasonable, and the quality of the food is excellent.
Sweatman's Barbeque is famous for its authentic whole hog barbecue. The meat is smoked for twelve to fourteen hours, and basted with Carolina Gold barbecue sauce, a sauce with a twang but does not overpower the pork's natural flavor. The menu also includes a variety of house-made sauces, including its signature barbecue hash.
3. Lewis Barbecue in Charleston
Lewis Barbecue specializes in barbecued meats and traditional Southern side dishes in Charleston, South Carolina. It uses fresh ingredients to create its classic recipes. The restaurant serves takeout and offers catering for events. Its menu features a variety of dishes, including prime beef brisket, pulled pork, turkey breast, pork spare ribs, potato salad, and cowboy pinto beans. It also serves sausage sandwiches.
Lewis Barbecue is owned and operated by John Lewis, who grew up in El Paso, Texas. At age 18, Lewis moved to Austin to pursue his dream of cooking Central Texas barbecue. After a few years of competing on the barbecue circuit, he started his pop-up. 2016 he opened Lewis Barbecue in Charleston in June 2016. Lewis is known for his brisket, but his menu also features pork spare ribs, pulled pork, and smoked chicken. He also offers mac and cheese, green chile corn pudding, and a full bar.
4. Shuler's Bar-B-Que in Latta
Shuler's Bar-B-Qué is a South Carolina barbecue restaurant on the waterfront with a cabin-like ambiance. The menu features traditional pulled pork served in a rustic setting on the waterside deck. The restaurant's unique design makes it an ideal spot for family meals.
The restaurant opened in 1996 and quickly became a popular destination. Customers from as far as 100 miles away would drive to Latta to sample the famous BBQ. The restaurant was named for Norton Hughes' father and adopted son, whose father had developed his barbecue sauce decades ago. It's a Dillon Herald Best of the Best winner since 2008 and has been designated as a "100 Mile Barbeque" by the South Carolina Barbeque Association. Shuler Hughes developed the restaurant's sauce in 1956, and his son Norton shared it with the world.
5. The Spotted Pig BBQ in Fair Play
The Spotted Pig BBQ is located near Lake Hartwell in Fair Play, South Carolina. The restaurant is known for its southern-style ribs, pulled pork, and brisket, which you can order in any of the sauces you prefer. The Spotted Pig is a great place for family outings. The staff is friendly and helpful. It is recommended to call ahead to see if you can get a table during the week. The restaurant also offers delivery service. The restaurant also has a large parking lot.
