Find authentic South Carolina barbecue near you in Clemson, SC. If you’re looking for the best BBQ restaurants around the Clemson area, this is a great place to start.

Home of the Clemson Tigers, this vibrant college town offers more than just football—it’s also home to some of the best BBQ in the Upstate. Situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Clemson has a thriving food scene that embraces both traditional South Carolina barbecue and influences from across the South. Whether you’re tailgating before a big game at Death Valley, grabbing a meal with friends downtown, or just craving smoky, slow-cooked meats, Clemson’s local BBQ joints deliver everything from tender pulled pork sandwiches to brisket and fall-off-the-bone ribs.

While some barbecue spots stick to classic South Carolina mustard and vinegar-based sauces, others incorporate bold Texas-style brisket, Memphis dry rubs, and even Alabama white sauce, creating a diverse BBQ experience that caters to every taste. Many of the area’s barbecue joints emphasize wood-smoked meats and homemade sides, ensuring each plate is packed with authentic Southern flavor.

Beyond its food scene, Clemson is known for its passionate football culture, lively college town atmosphere, and scenic beauty, with Lake Hartwell providing a picturesque backdrop for visitors and residents alike. Whether you’re a student, a football fan, or just passing through, finding great BBQ near you is easy in Clemson and surrounding areas like Pickens, Pendleton, and Seneca. Check out the best BBQ restaurants in the area below.

Try Our Interactive SC BBQ Trail Map

While our Clemson directory is a great way to see what the local area has to offer, if you want to quickly find the barbecue joints around Tiger Town, jump over to our SC BBQ Trail map. It will show you all the BBQ joints in your vicinity and allow you to filter results to show just restaurants that are True Cue certified, or serve hash or whole hog BBQ, etc. Whatever you want, our online map can help you find it in Clemson-area communities. Finally, if you’re interested in what’s available in other locations around the Palmetto State, the best place to start is with our South Carolina BBQ directory.

Additional Resources

• Download Official South Carolina BBQ Trail Map
• South Carolina: Birthplace of Barbecue
• Going Whole Hog – SC BBQ Cookbook
• Explore SC BBQ Recipes

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