South Carolina barbecue is as magnificent and diverse as its people.
For a relatively small state, South Carolina boasts distinct regions with unique barbecue styles. These regions make up what we refer to as the SC BBQ Trail.
The BBQ you’ll enjoy in these areas is primarily flavored by the sauces popular within a given section of the state.
Depending on where you are in South Carolina, you might find your pork — because here in SC, BBQ means pork — steeped in a vinegar-pepper sauce, or a light tomato sauce, or a heavy tomato sauce, or the sauce that was born in our state — a mustard-based sauce.
And, just in case you’re visiting, in South Carolina, “barbecue” is a noun, not a verb — a thing, not an action. And no, that thing is not a grill.
For us, “barbecue” is pork, whether it has been pulled or chopped, that is served with a tangy sauce, the best of which was from a whole hog cooked for hours over hardwood coals.
We hope our site will help you find and enjoy the best BBQ in the South Carolina.
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The South Carolina Barbecue Info You’re Looking for Is Right Here
Interactive South Carolina BBQ Trail Map
Our interactive version of the SC BBQ Trail Map will find your location and show you all the restaurants in your area. It will even give you turn-by-turn directions to get the place you choose and allow you to filter results to find exactly what you're looking for.
SCBBQ Interstate Road Guides
Use our road guides to find all the SC BBQ joints along South Carolina's major roadways.
Get Official SC BBQ Trail Map
South Carolina's official BBQ Trail map available for download as a PDF file.
Authentic SC BBQ Recipes
True SC BBQ recipes from our best restaurants and family pitmasters alike, including sauces, rubs, hash, meat, and sides.
SC BBQ Cookbook
Authentic recipes that go back generations along with dishes from some of SC's most popular pitmasters assembled into this first-ever collection dedicated to SC BBQ.
South Carolina BBQ Hash
Everything you ever wanted to know about SC BBQ hash. History, maps, recipes, and more.
Restaurant Reviews
First-hand accounts of BBQ joints around the state, from the world-famous restaurants to more humble spots the locals keep to themselves.
SC BBQ Events
SC BBQ, cook-offs, competitions, and festivals take place nearly year-round. Don't miss out!
SC BBQ Profiles
Interviews with some of SC's most influential pitmasters.
Learn more about South Carolina Barbecue
Dr. Howard Conyers, actual NASA rocket scientist, SC BBQ advocate, and host of the PBS series Nourish, gives a quick look at what makes SC BBQ so special.
In this 2011 interview with SCETV, Lake High, founder of the South Carolina Barbeque Association, explains the four different types of BBQ found in South Carolina:
Image above by Melissa Venable via Flickr
