7 South Carolina BBQ Joints That Are Doing It Right

Better Homes & Gardens

Hite's Bar-B-Que has been smoking meats low and slow since 1957. They still use the same family recipes that were used decades ago. Don't expect fancy; expect delicious!

2. Scott's Bar-B-Que

The original pitmaster at Scott's Bar-B-Que built his own wood-burning pits so he could slow cook an entire hog overnight. Today his son is still doing it the same way. Like the rest of the community, you're sure to fall in love with the tender pork and homemade sauces.

3. Hudson's Smokehouse

Hudson's Smokehouse
Hudson's Smokehouse

Hudsons Smokehouse and Saloon in Lexington, SC.

A weekend warrior turned into a professional pitmaster when his growing following of family and friends begged for more great barbecue. Now 20 years later, Hudson's Smokehouse operates a full-service restaurant, an express stop for carryout orders, and a catering business. You're sure to enjoy this man's barbecue dreams come true.

4. Bessinger's Barbeque

Known for it's legendary mustard-based barbeque sauce, Bessinger's Barbeque is a frequent stop for visiting celebs. But you don't have to be a TV personality or famous politician to experience the family-friendly service at Bessinger's.

5. Bucky's Bar-B-Que

bbq pork meat
bbq pork meat

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Known for rich smoke flavor, Bucky's Bar-B-Que started as a small roadside BBQ joint and has grown to four locations throughout Greenville. This family owned and operated restaurant takes pride in satisfying its customers' appetites. If you leave hungry, it's your fault. Yum!

6. Ronnie's Ribs

BBQ Sauces
BBQ Sauces

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South Carolina barbecue is famous for its mustard-style sauce, but many places also offer heavy tomato, light tomato, and vinegar-base sauces. Ronnie Timmons, owner of Ronnie's Ribs, developed his own signature sauce that keeps people coming back year after year.

7. Maurice's Piggie Park BBQ

The pit is working 24 hours a day at Maurice's Piggie Park. This family-run business prides itself on serving authentic smoked meats. They use only local hickory and oak wood in the pit, never gas or electric heat. You can taste the difference!

Savor More South Carolina BBQ

We could go on and on about all the great barbecue in South Carolina, but you really need to experience it yourself to understand the obsession with its savory dishes. You can download a BBQ Trail Map to help you plot a course for the best Southern delights.

Photos courtesy of Discover South Carolina.