It's not difficult to find good BBQ in South Carolina, but to find it in an atmosphere that's wholeheartedly welcoming, casual, and downright homey... well that's a little more challenging. If you love to stuff your face with delicious South Carolina BBQ in a spot where everyone else is doing the same without a pretentious bone in their body, then head to one of these seven hole-in-the-wall, best BBQ restaurants in South Carolina - where you can just be yourself (heck, lick your fingers if you want!) and enjoy the meal.
1. Scotts - Hemingway
For the quintessential South Carolina backroad BBQ experience, look no further than Scotts Bar-B-Que in Hemingway. More than just the best BBQ in the state, a visit to Scott's is the whole nine yards and people drive from all over the region to get at this flavorful and tender, meaty meal. It's only open Wednesday from 9:30 am to 6 p.m and Thursday through Saturday from 9:30 am to 8:30 pm. Address: 2734 Hemingway Highway, Hemingway, SC, 29554
2. Hog Heaven - Pawleys Island
Visitors and locals alike rave about the buffet at Hog Heaven, which happens to include all-you-can-eat pulled pork. Find sauces and more on the side to flavor it just how you like, plus plenty of other country cookin' to load up your plate with delicious flavors. It's open seven days a week from 11:30 am to 9 pm. Address: 7147 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island, SC, 29585
3. Choo Choo BBQ - Bluffton
Most notable to locals and visitors for the red caboose where the magic happens, Choo Choo BBQ has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating for guests to enjoy their scrumptious BBQ selections. Also notable: their creamy mac and cheese — it's the best you've never had. It's open Monday through Saturday from 11 am to 8 pm. Address: 129 Burnt Church Road, Bluffton, SC, 29910
4. Pop Pops Pit BBQ - Myrtle Beach
Whether you want your Pop Pops BBQ on a giant, soft roll or dropped in a huge scoop so you can eat it with a fork, it's sure to make your mouth water, even before the first bite. Be sure to try their coleslaw, too. It's a fave! Open Monday through Saturday from 11 am to 8 pm. Address: 8724 SC-707, Myrtle Beach, SC, 29588
5. Southern Belly BBQ - Columbia
Scarf down tender BBQ at this little hole in the wall that's sure to win you over not only for the BBQ, but also for their delicious bread choices. I'll have mine piled high on Texas toast, please! The Harden Street location is open seven days a week from 11 am to 9 pm, except on Sunday when it closes at 8 pm. Address: 819 Harden Street, Columbia, SC, 29205
6. The Spotted Pig - Fair Play
This roadside gem has a sampler plate perfect for two that includes four meats and five sides all at an affordable date-night price that won't empty your wallet. It's open Thursday through Sunday at 11 am and closes at 8 pm on Thursday, 9 pm on Friday and Saturday, and at 4 pm on Sunday.Address: 15491 S Highway 11, Fair Play, SC, 29643
7. Carolina BBQ - Spartanburg
Don't judge a book by its cover, especially when there is Lexington-style BBQ awaiting inside! You'll love the pig-themed decor in this family-friendly locale almost as much as their BBQ offerings. And the prices are even better! It's open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 am to 8 pm (extended to 9 pm on Friday and Saturday). Address: 7119-A Lone Oak Road, Spartanburg, SC, 29303
Did we leave out your favorite hole-in-the-wall BBQ joint? Feel free to add it to the list in the comments, because... (in our humble opinion) you can never have too much BBQ!
For more bucket list places to enjoy a casual meal in South Carolina, keep reading here for our burger bucket list!
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