10 BBQ joints that have mastered the pit
Many people consider the Palmetto State as the birthplace of (pork) barbecue and could spend hours telling you about different ways to smoke it, dry rub it, or cover it in sauce.
It is also home to four distinguishing types of barbecue sauce: sweet but tangy mustard, the original vinegar and pepper, light tomato and the commonly-found heavy tomato. In fact, the sauces are so good that many places recommend two servings of pulled (or chopped) barbecue pork just to try them all.
Our recommendation is just that: try them all. For those who are a bit apprehensive about trying the food in a building that looks like it may have been an old barn, we found some reviews from people who tried it (and loved it):
- Bacon Bros. Public House | 3620 Pelham Road
“The best way to describe this place is an upscale, down to earth, BBQ Joint. This is the first time I have awarded any place 5 stars.” – Nils S. from Suisun City, CA - Bucky’s Bar-B-Q | 3 locations: 1326 N Pleasantburg Dr, 1700 Roper Mountain Rd, 2010 Perimeter Rd
“I’ve gone into a Bucky’s BBQ induced food coma on several occasions.” – Wesley M. from Simpsonville, SC - Charlie’s Bar-B-Que | 8590 Pelham Rd, Greenville, SC
“Best BBQ you can get for money... Whenever I’m in town this is the place to go for me. And it’s hard to be in town living in Germany.” – Marc S. from Germering, Germany - Henry’s Smokehouse | 1842 Woodruff Rd
“How to be successful at Henry’s: 1. Come in 2. order at the front 3. sit down and get ready to chow down!” – Tony J. from Rahway, NJ - Local Cue | 30 Orchard Park Dr
“The BBQ Melt sandwich - yum! Like a Philly cheesesteak but better!” – Talva P. Lees from Summit, MO - Mac’s Speed Shop | 930 S Main St
“The meat was cooked so well that there was no need for BBQ sauce but we tried some of all they had to offer.” – Joseph W. from Charlotte, NC - Mike and Jeff’s BBQ | 2401 Old Buncombe Rd
It’s funny how with any other style of cuisine, you’d see a rundown little shack practically falling apart and think, “Better go somewhere else,” but with barbecue you think, “Oh good, this’ll be quality.” – Rachel K. Chicago, IL - Smoke on the Water | 1 Augusta St
“Give this place a try if you’re in the mood for proper BBQ with a touch of class. ” – Bryan K. from Atlanta, GA - Smoky Dreams Barbecue and Catering | 2131 Woodruff Rd
“It’s a simple mom and pops joint in the parking lot of a shopping plaza with indoor and outdoor seating, and a drive through window.” – Jacob A. from Miami, FL - Tom’s BBQ | 1143 Woodruff Rd
“The smoker in the parking lot spewed an unending spiral of hickory smoke - a virtual aphrodisiac for barbecue lovers... “ – Bud C. from Alpharetta, GA
*Keep in mind that many of these places are closed on Sunday or Monday for smoking.
For the BBQ enthusiast and the adventurous foodie, the Interactive SC BBQ Trail Map is an absolute must. If you want to spend a whole afternoon trying out barbecue in Greenville and getting a behind-the-scenes look, check out Greenville’s BBQ Trail Tour.
Whether you like your barbecue pulled or chopped, served with a tangy sauce or dry rub, there are so many options in our city. Don’t even get us started on all the sides...
We know that South Carolina as a whole is a *very* popular destination for BBQ lovers just as we know we did not include all of the amazing barbecue joints in our list. (Otherwise you would still be scrolling down the email.)
Feel free to share your favorite spot(s) to get your hands greasy and your bellies filled with smoky meaty treats via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
P.S. Want to vote for your fave BBQ on a bun? 10Best, based in Greenville, and Sandwich America are looking for the best BBQ pork sandwich in the South Carolina. (Two of the restaurants on the list are in our own backyard.) Vote to choose the winner before Monday, February 27 at noon ET.
