14 South Carolina Hole-In-The-Wall BBQ Joints Locals Wouldn’t Trade
South Carolina is full of hole-in-the-wall BBQ joints that locals swear by, and each one offers a unique taste of the state’s smoky traditions.
From tucked-away town spots to small diners on quiet streets, these restaurants at addresses across South Carolina serve tender, flavorful meats and perfectly seasoned sides.
The aroma of slow-cooked barbecue fills the air, and the friendly, welcoming atmosphere keeps customers coming back, proving some hidden gems are too good to trade.
1. Scott’s Bar-B-Que – Hemingway, South Carolina
Whole hog barbecue cooked over burning wood is what makes this legendary spot so special.
Rodney Scott learned the family craft here before opening his own place, and his father still runs this original location on Highway 521.
The building looks like it might blow over in a strong wind, but inside you’ll find some of the most authentic Pee Dee style BBQ in existence.
They only open Thursday through Saturday, and when the meat runs out, they close for the day.
Vinegar-based sauce cuts through the rich pork perfectly, and the hash over rice is a local treasure you won’t find many other places.
Located at 2734 Hemingway Highway in Hemingway, this spot has been feeding hungry travelers since 1972.
Cash only, so come prepared.
2. Big D’s BBQ Barn – Hemingway, South Carolina
Family recipes passed down through generations create the magic at this unassuming barn on the edge of town.
Big D himself still tends the pits most days, making sure every piece of meat gets the attention it deserves.
Locals know to arrive early on Saturdays when the ribs come off the smoker around noon.
The meat practically falls off the bone, and the homemade sides taste like something from your grandmother’s kitchen.
Their banana pudding has won over even the pickiest dessert critics in the area.
You’ll find this gem at 3361 South Highway 701 in Hemingway, tucked between farmland and pine trees.
The dining room seats maybe thirty people, so expect to wait during peak hours.
Regulars say the pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw on top is the way to go.
3. Sweatman’s BBQ – Holly Hill, South Carolina
Operating only on Fridays and Saturdays tells you everything about how seriously they take their craft at this fourth-generation establishment.
Bud Sweatman started cooking whole hogs over wood coals in 1977, and his family continues the exact same methods today.
The buffet-style service lets you sample everything from smoky pulled pork to crispy skin and golden hash.
Sweet tea flows freely, and the homemade desserts rotate based on what the cooks feel like making that morning.
Nothing here comes from a can or a freezer.
Find this treasure at 1427 Eutaw Road in Holly Hill, where tradition still runs the show
The dining room fills up fast after church on Sundays, with families who have been coming here for decades.
Their mustard-based sauce represents the best of South Carolina’s unique BBQ style.
4. Hite’s Bar-B-Que – West Columbia, South Carolina
Since 1957, this tiny shack has been serving up some of the best hash and rice you’ll ever taste.
The building barely fits the kitchen and a few stools at the counter, but that hasn’t stopped generations of customers from making it their regular lunch spot.
Hash here is the real deal, made from slow-cooked pork and served over fluffy white rice with a ladle of tangy sauce on top.
The pulled pork sandwiches come piled high on soft buns, and the meat stays moist thanks to their careful smoking process.
Everything gets prepared fresh each morning.
Located at 240 Dreher Road in West Columbia, this spot sits right on a busy road but feels like a step back in time.
The staff remembers regulars by name and their usual orders.
Limited seating means many folks grab takeout and eat in their cars.
5. Shealy’s Bar-B-Que – Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina
Buffet lines stretch the length of this sprawling restaurant, offering more variety than you can fit on one plate.
Tommy Shealy took over from his father and kept every recipe exactly the same, from the tangy mustard sauce to the perfectly seasoned green beans.
The hickory-smoked pork gets cooked low and slow until it practically melts in your mouth.
Fried chicken also makes an appearance for anyone not in the mood for BBQ, though most folks stick with the main attraction.
Their Brunswick stew has just the right amount of kick to keep things interesting.
You’ll spot the place at 340 East Columbia Avenue in Batesburg-Leesville, where it’s been feeding hungry crowds since 1969.
Weekends bring tour buses full of people who’ve heard about this legendary buffet.
Save room for the peach cobbler, which disappears fast from the dessert table.
6. McCabe’s Bar-B-Que – Manning, South Carolina
Simplicity defines everything about this no-frills joint where the focus stays squarely on the meat.
Brothers run the operation now, though their father started the tradition of cooking whole hogs over oak and hickory wood back in the 1970s.
The menu doesn’t offer many choices because they’ve perfected what they do and see no reason to mess with success.
Pulled pork comes with your choice of three different sauces, each made fresh in-house every few days.
The vinegar-pepper sauce packs serious heat for those who like their BBQ with bite.
Located at 480 Brooks Street in Manning, this spot draws crowds from all over the Pee Dee region.
Picnic tables outside provide overflow seating when the small dining room fills up during lunch rush.
Their pork skins are legendary among regulars who know to ask for them special.
7. Duke’s Bar-B-Que – Orangeburg, South Carolina
Yellow mustard sauce reigns supreme at this Orangeburg institution where Earl Duke started slinging BBQ in 1946.
The original recipes haven’t changed despite the restaurant changing hands over the decades, because locals would riot if anyone messed with perfection.
Chopped pork gets mixed with just enough sauce to flavor it without drowning the smoky taste from hours over hickory coals.
The onion rings come hand-breaded and fried to golden perfection, making them the perfect side to any BBQ plate.
Sweet potato fries also deserve a mention for their crispy exterior and soft interior.
Find this gem at 949 Chestnut Street in Orangeburg, where it’s been a downtown fixture for generations.
College students from nearby universities mix with retirees and business people during the lunch rush.
The banana pudding here rivals any grandmother’s recipe for creamy, vanilla wafer perfection.
8. Shuler’s Barbecue – Sellers, South Carolina
Whole hog cooking over oak wood creates the incredible flavor that keeps people driving out to this tiny town.
The Shuler family has been perfecting their technique since opening day, and they still cook the old-fashioned way despite modern equipment being available.
Friday and Saturday are the only days they open, which means planning your visit requires some advance thought.
The meat gets hand-pulled and mixed with a vinegar-based sauce that lets the pork flavor shine through.
Hash ladled over rice makes a perfect side dish to soak up all those wonderful juices.
Located at 3922 West Liberty Street in Sellers, this spot sits on a quiet road where you might miss it if you’re not paying attention.
The small dining area fills quickly with locals who’ve been coming here for decades.
Their commitment to traditional methods means every bite tastes like authentic Carolina BBQ should taste.
9. City Limits Barbeque – West Columbia, South Carolina
Starting as a small takeout spot in 1991, this place has grown into a local favorite without losing its down-home feel.
The name comes from its location right at the West Columbia city limits, where hungry travelers can fuel up before hitting the road.
Hickory and oak wood smoke infuses every piece of meat that comes off their custom-built smokers.
The ribs win awards regularly, though the pulled pork and brisket have equally devoted fans.
Their mustard-based sauce represents the best of South Carolina’s signature style, tangy and slightly sweet without being too heavy.
You’ll find them at 1000 Old Cherokee Road in West Columbia, with a dining room that feels comfortable and welcoming.
The staff treats first-timers and regulars with the same friendly service.
Their fried okra and mac and cheese round out any plate perfectly, giving you the full Southern BBQ experience in every meal.
10. Rodney Scott’s BBQ – Charleston, South Carolina
Winning a James Beard Award for his whole hog BBQ brought national attention to Rodney Scott’s incredible cooking skills.
He learned the craft at his family’s original spot in Hemingway before opening this Charleston location that still honors traditional methods while adding his own creative touches.
Whole hogs get cooked over hardwood coals for hours until the meat reaches perfect tenderness and develops that signature crispy skin.
The vinegar-based sauce cuts through the richness beautifully, and the banana pudding parfait provides the perfect sweet ending.
Even the sides show creativity, with options like smoked turkey wings and collard greens cooked to perfection.
Located at 1011 King Street in Charleston’s Upper Peninsula neighborhood, this spot draws tourists and locals alike.
The modern space feels inviting without being fancy, keeping the focus on the food.
Expect lines during peak hours because word has definitely gotten out about this place.
11. Melvin’s BBQ – Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Mustard sauce perfection defines every plate at this Mount Pleasant favorite where the Bessinger family recipes shine through.
The sauce here strikes the ideal balance between tangy mustard, sweet molasses, and a hint of vinegar that makes everything taste better.
Ribs come out tender with a beautiful smoke ring, while the pulled pork gets hand-chopped to maintain texture and moisture.
The hush puppies are legendary among regulars, fried until golden and served piping hot.
Their coleslaw provides the perfect cool, crunchy contrast to rich, smoky meat.
Find them at 925 Houston Northcutt Blvd. in Mount Pleasant, where they’ve been serving the community for decades.
The casual atmosphere makes it perfect for families, and the prices won’t break your budget.
Their commitment to quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods keeps people coming back generation after generation.
The iced tea stays perfectly sweet without being syrupy, just how Southerners like it.
12. Bessinger’s Barbecue – Charleston, South Carolina
Golden mustard sauce made famous by the Bessinger family coats every piece of meat at this Charleston institution.
The recipe has remained a closely guarded secret for decades, though many have tried to replicate that perfect tangy sweetness at home.
Slow-smoked over hickory wood, the pork develops incredible flavor and tenderness that makes each bite memorable.
The buffet offers plenty of variety beyond BBQ, including fried chicken and fresh vegetables cooked Southern style.
Their cornbread comes out slightly sweet and crumbly, perfect for soaking up sauce and pot liquor.
Located at 1602 Savannah Highway in Charleston, this spot has been feeding locals since 1939.
The large dining room accommodates crowds easily, though weekends still see lines forming before opening.
Their commitment to traditional recipes and cooking methods means you’re tasting the same flavors people enjoyed generations ago.
The pecan pie deserves special mention for being rich without being too heavy.
13. The Smokin Pig – Pendleton, South Carolina
Upstate South Carolina BBQ shows its unique character at this Pendleton favorite where the sauce leans more toward tomato-based than mustard.
The building sits right on the main drag through town, making it impossible to miss when the smokers are running and sending delicious aromas across the street.
Pulled pork gets piled high on sandwiches with a generous helping of tangy coleslaw on top for crunch and coolness.
The ribs come fall-off-the-bone tender with a beautiful bark from hours in the smoker.
Their Brunswick stew features big chunks of meat and vegetables in a rich, slightly spicy broth that warms you from the inside out.
You’ll find them at 1209 Sandifer Boulevard in Pendleton, where they’ve become a local landmark since opening.
The casual vibe and friendly staff make everyone feel welcome, whether you’re a regular or visiting for the first time.
Their sweet tea is strong enough to stand a spoon in.
14. Henry’s Smokehouse – Greenville, South Carolina
Greenville’s oldest BBQ joint has been smoking meat since 1932, making it a true piece of local history.
The current owners maintain the original recipes and cooking methods that made this place legendary among upstate BBQ lovers.
Hickory smoke infuses every piece of pork, chicken, and beef that comes out of their vintage smokers.
The hash here represents the best of upstate style, with a darker, richer flavor than what you’ll find in other parts of the state.
Their BBQ beans cook low and slow with bits of meat mixed in, creating a side dish that could stand alone as a meal.
Located at 240 Wade Hampton Boulevard in Greenville, this spot sits in an unassuming brick building that doesn’t look like much from outside.
Inside, the walls are covered with decades of photos and memorabilia from satisfied customers.
The pulled pork plate with two sides remains the most popular order, day after day.