About Our I-20 SC BBQ Restaurant Guide
South Carolina barbecue is so varied and plentiful that if you are taking a road trip through the state, you would need a guide to help you find just the right location for you. With that in mind, we have created an SC BBQ Road Trip: A Restaurant Field Guide for each interstate that traverses our state. This edition covers Interstate 20 and all the SC BBQ locations on the SC BBQ Trail.
I-20 in South Carolina –arguably the birthplace of BBQ — stretches from Florence through the Midlands and into Aiken County before exiting across the Savannah River into Augusta, Ga.This path has Interstate 20 passing through three of the four primary barbecue regions in the state.
Those who find themselves crossing the state via I-20 have a great opportunity to sample several of the different styles of barbecue offered in South Carolina, and they don’t need to go out of their way to do so. (As a side note, learn how to eat SC’s best BBQ for FREE!)
Interstate 20 runs 141 miles along its journey through the state. Along the way, I-20 spends most of its journey in the region of SC most known for the sauce born in South Carolina: a mustard sauce.
(Note: if you’d like to learn to make authentic SCBBQ recipes, including the world’s best mustard sauce, check out the recipes we’ve published on this site or our SCBBQ Recipes: Going Whole Hog cookbook, with over 150 pages of recipes from ages-old family traditions and today’s top SCBBQ pitmasters.)
Here is a look at a rough breakdown of South Carolina’s BBQ sauce regions:
I-20 passes through the heart of the mustard region; however, it also briefly runs through our heavy tomato region and begins in the vinegar-pepper region of the state. Despite the map’s insistence, barbecue in our state is not necessarily as defined as the map dictates. This map generalizes and whitewashes regions based on historical precedence.
Today, you are likely to find any of the sauces in any corner of the state, particularly among the newer restaurants who are paying homage to the state’s grand history, but if you are looking for a particular sauce, now you know where to look.
Finding SC BBQ Restaurants near I-20
Anyway, today you find yourself traveling Interstate 20. You know traveling this stretch of road you certainly ought to be able to find some of this SCBBQ you’ve been hearing (and reading) about.
But where should you go and how far do you have to go to get real SC BBQ?
We strongly suggest checking out and using our SC BBQ Trail Locator Map, but if you prefer, you might also consider downloading a copy of the SC Dept. of Tourism’s official SC BBQ Trail Map. Our map will find your location (with your permission) and show you the closest 25 SCBBQ restaurants within 25 miles of you.
While our locator map is fantastic (if we do say so ourselves), we know you probably don’t want to drive 40 miles off the interstate just to get a taste of SCBBQ. So, here we present to you all your options for enjoying real SCBBQ within 10 miles of a given exit along I-20.
If you love SC BBQ as we do, we know you will appreciate this restaurant guide.
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How We Selected These Restaurants
Just a quick reminder about our criteria for selecting restaurants:
- no national BBQ chain restaurants are included; all are SC-based restaurants and most are individual, family-owned shops
- all are “on” the interstate; that is, within 10 miles of an interstate exit
- inclusion in the list is not an endorsement and restaurants may be labeled “Must Visit” for reasons beyond the quality of their BBQ
- we will only include one restaurant on a given route for any major SCBBQ chain; note, however, while there are many Dukes’ restaurants in SC, they are not franchises or members of a chain, so all will be included
- mileage provided is not exact but was calculated using Google maps so it should be very close
- See SCBBQ Road Trip: Start Your Engine for a fuller explanation of our selection criteria.
Interesting Interstate Info
Before we begin, some interstate highway fun facts you might not have known:
- no matter which direction you are heading, the interstate exit numbers are the same for a given junction
- one or two-digit, even-numbered interstates run west-east, with lower numbered interstates starting in the South; I-20 is clearly a west-east running, Southern interstate, being such a low, even number
- mile markers for west-east running interstates begin at the western border of each state
Thus, we will follow the exits along I-20 from where it enters in North Augusta until it terminates in Florence. Buckle your seatbelt and away we go…
Note: Distances are approximate: Use our map for more precise directions.
Exit 1 ( SC 230 – North Augusta)
BBQ Barn
“Best BBQ I have had. I am a huge BBQ fan and weekend warrior but these guys set the bar high. Everything we had was so good. We ordered the turkey, ribs, BBQ (pork) and has a side of brisket to sample. All the sides were amazing. Best hash and rice ever! I wish I had room for dessert because they looked so delicious.”
~ Michael S, Google
North Augusta, SC 29841
Days/Hours:
| Wednesday | |
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday |
Features:
- Cards and Cash
- –
- Hash
- –
- Heavy Tomato Sauce
- –
- Light Tomato Sauce
- –
- Mustard Sauce
- –
- Vinegar Pepper Sauce
Note: Menu prices and options are subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant directly for the most up-to-date information.
Patriots’ Smokehouse
“Great bbq, amazing hash and rice, and delicious sides all around. Friendliest staff, They treat you like family. My family and I can’t say enough great things about this place. We love everything about it. Go try it and see for yourself!”
~ Shane W., Yelp
Clarks Hill, SC 29821
Days/Hours:
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday |
Features:
- Buffet
- –
- Cards and Cash
- –
- Hash
- –
- Heavy Tomato Sauce
- –
- Mustard Sauce
- –
- Vinegar Pepper Sauce
Note: Menu prices and options are subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant directly for the most up-to-date information.
Exit 5 (US 25 / SC 121 – Edgefield, Johnston)
The Pot Smoker BBQ***Temporarily Closed***
“The bbq is perfection. We’ve done the pork (superb), ribs (super superb) and Chicken was good (we go for ribs and pork though but chicken has a nice smokey flavor). The staff is so friendly and knowledgable, every single one I’ve encountered. All times I’ve done take out through the drive through but nice and friendly inside and okay to bring little ones!”
~ Amanda V, TripAdvisor
North Augusta, SC 29841
Days/Hours:
| Wednesday | |
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday | |
| Sunday |
Features:
- Cards and Cash
- –
- Hash
- –
- Heavy Tomato Sauce
- –
- Mustard Sauce
Note: Menu prices and options are subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant directly for the most up-to-date information.
Exit 11 (Bettis Academy Road – Graniteville)
Bobby’s Bar-B-Q Buffet
“Great family bbq place. The decor was homey, welcoming, and very comfortable. The food was so yummy and the staff made fresh fried drumsticks for my lil one and delivered it to our table. Awesome service. We were checked on throughout our meal, which was really nice. Hush puppies and the other sides were also very good. To top it off the banana pudding was amazing!! Great service and staff!! We really enjoyed ourselves, Thank you!”
~ Raven V, Google
Warrenville, SC 29851
Days/Hours:
| Wednesday | |
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday | |
| Sunday |
Features:
- Buffet
- –
- Cards and Cash
- –
- Hash
- –
- Heavy Tomato Sauce
- –
- Light Tomato Sauce
- –
- Mustard Sauce
- –
- Vinegar Pepper Sauce
Note: Menu prices and options are subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant directly for the most up-to-date information.
Exit 39 ( US 178 – Pelion, Batesburg-Leesville)
Shealy’s Bar-B-Que
“This place has been open 50 years and is still going strong. A lot of their dishes cannot be found anywhere else. Today I had liver nips (liver with breading cooked like dumplings only on Thursdays during the winter), fantastic green beans, vinegar and mustard base bbq, pulley bone (the center of a chicken breast with the wish bone), vegetable soup, carrot salad, thin sliced cucumbers with onions in vinegar and their version of potato salad!!!! Wow you have never experienced old timey cooking until you’ve tried Shealy’s. BTW grab an ice cream cone (included with buffet) on the way out.”
~ Richard Best, Google
Batesburg-Leesville, SC 29070
Days/Hours:
| Monday | |
| Tuesday | |
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday |
Features:
- Buffet
- –
- Cards and Cash
- –
- Hash
- –
- Heavy Tomato Sauce
- –
- Light Tomato Sauce
- –
- Mustard Sauce
Note: Menu prices and options are subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant directly for the most up-to-date information.
Exit 55 (SC 6 – Swansea, Pelion, Lexington)
Maurice’s Piggie Park BBQ on South Lake Dr
Note: There are several Piggie Parks in the Columbia area, and more than one near an I-20 exit. For brevity, we’ve featured this one as the closest.
“In town on business and looking for a local recommendation from the hotel staff. They sent us to this place over other local BBQ names that came up in Google. The menu was pretty straight-up BBQ, most items coming with their southern gold mustard-based sauce already on. The staff seemed to really enjoy working there and also working together so that was a big plus for us.”
~ wi2ny05, TripAdvisor
Lexington, SC 29073
Days/Hours:
| Monday | |
| Tuesday | |
| Wednesday | |
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday | |
| Sunday |
Features:
- 100 Mile BBQ
- –
- Cards and Cash
- –
- Hash
- –
- Heavy Tomato Sauce
- –
- Light Tomato Sauce
- –
- Mustard Sauce
- –
- True 'Cue Certified
- –
- Vinegar Pepper Sauce
Note: Menu prices and options are subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant directly for the most up-to-date information.
Exit 58 (US 1 – Lexington, West Columbia)
City Limits Barbeque
“Best BBQ in SC period. City Limits nails true Texas BBQ. Growing up in Texas, traveling most of the state, trying brisket at every stop, I know and love brisket. The brisket at City Limits might be the best I have ever had.”
~ Marc Tell, Google Local Guide
West Columbia, SC 29170
Days/Hours:
| Saturday | |
| Sunday |
Features:
- Cards and Cash
- –
- Hash
- –
- Heavy Tomato Sauce
- –
- Light Tomato Sauce
- –
- Mustard Sauce
- –
- True 'Cue Certified
- –
- White Sauce
Note: Menu prices and options are subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant directly for the most up-to-date information.
Exit 61 ( US 378 – West Columbia, Lexington)
Hudson’s Smokehouse and Saloon
“Eat here! Then eat here again! The food was amazing! We did the buffet and every item here can stand on its own. The service was great, the atmosphere was fun. The prices are good here as well! You really can’t go wrong at Hudsons Smokehouse!”
~ Chris Creed, Google
Lexington, SC 29072
Days/Hours:
| Tuesday | |
| Wednesday | |
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday | |
| Sunday |
Features:
- 100 Mile BBQ
- –
- Buffet
- –
- Cards and Cash
- –
- Hash
- –
- Heavy Tomato Sauce
- –
- Mustard Sauce
- –
- Vinegar Pepper Sauce
Note: Menu prices and options are subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant directly for the most up-to-date information.
Hite’s Bar-B-Que
“It had been some time since we visited Hite’s BBQ, I don’t know why we ever stopped. We purchased a couple of sandwiches and what a flavor we received. The rich smokey oak and hickory flavor was well pronounced, you know it was pit cooked…the best. Not an overpowering sauce that does not let you taste the pork…the best around.”
~ Charles C., TripAdvisor
West Columbia, SC 29169
Days/Hours:
| Friday | |
| Saturday |
Features:
- 100 Mile BBQ
- –
- Cards and Cash
- –
- Hash
- –
- Mustard Sauce
- –
- True 'Cue Certified
- –
- Whole Hog
Note: Menu prices and options are subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant directly for the most up-to-date information.
True BBQ in West Columbia
“If BBQ was a religion (and it pretty much is), this place would be the holy land. When I lived in Columbia, eating at True BBQ was a weekly event to be celebrated. Those ribs, oh Lawd! I would do many, many unholy things to get some of this BBQ up here in DC. I think they made a deal with the devil to get the hash & rice to taste so good. Sexy and pretty lady sauces are great as well. The family that runs it is super nice and the smell of the smoker out front is enough to get me drooling.”
~ Sam T., Yelp
West Columbia, SC 29169
Days/Hours:
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday |
Features:
- Cards and Cash
- –
- Hash
- –
- Heavy Tomato Sauce
- –
- Mustard Sauce
- –
- True 'Cue Certified
Note: Menu prices and options are subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant directly for the most up-to-date information.
Exit 64A (I-26 – Spartanburg, Charleston)
The Palmetto Pig
“Palmetto Pig is absolutely the best BBQ restaurant in town. When I think of my favorite restaurant I think of Palmetto Pig. If you are looking for authentic southern food and a full and happy belly go to Palmetto Pig.”
~ Ellie F, Yelp
Columbia, SC 29201
Days/Hours:
| Tuesday | |
| Wednesday | |
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday |
Features:
- Buffet
- –
- Cards and Cash
- –
- Hash
- –
- Heavy Tomato Sauce
- –
- Mustard Sauce
- –
- Vinegar Pepper Sauce
Note: Menu prices and options are subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant directly for the most up-to-date information.
Exit 68 (SC 215 (Monticello Road) – Jenkinsville)
The War Mouth
“Off the beaten path treasure. You owe it to yourself to find a place like this. Great service, excellent food and an easy going atmosphere.”
~ Rob Buechner, Google Review
Columbia, SC 29201
Days/Hours:
| Tuesday | |
| Wednesday | |
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday | |
| Sunday |
Features:
- Cards and Cash
- –
- Hash
- –
- Mustard Sauce
- –
- True 'Cue Certified
- –
- Whole Hog
Note: Menu prices and options are subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant directly for the most up-to-date information.
Railroad BBQ
“It’s a 5 hr drive fm Birmingham. It’s WORTH A 5HR DRIVE!! THERE IS NOTHIN NEGATIVE TO SAY!! From the SERVICE TO THE FOOD ITS ALL GOOD!”
~ Joseph Brickson, Google Local Guide
Columbia, SC 29204
Days/Hours:
| Wednesday | |
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday | |
| Sunday |
Features:
- Cards and Cash
- –
- Hash
- –
- Heavy Tomato Sauce
- –
- Mustard Sauce
- –
- Vinegar Pepper Sauce
Note: Menu prices and options are subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant directly for the most up-to-date information.
Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ Columbia
“Just wow – We got the pulled pork nachos which were fantastic. The flavors pair so well together. The wings were excellent. The fried ribs were the most satisfying since it was unexpected. The sides were awesome.”
~ Riles, Google Local Guide
Columbia, SC 29205
Days/Hours:
| Monday | |
| Tuesday | |
| Wednesday | |
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday | |
| Sunday |
Features:
- 100 Mile BBQ
- –
- Cards and Cash
- –
- Hash
- –
- Heavy Tomato Sauce
- –
- Light Tomato Sauce
- –
- Mustard Sauce
- –
- True 'Cue Certified
- –
- Vinegar Pepper Sauce
Note: Menu prices and options are subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant directly for the most up-to-date information.
Exit 72 (SC 555 -Farrow Road)
Big Boys Original Smokehouse
“Easily the BEST BBQ in the Carolinas and I can’t imagine finding better BBQ in the south!!! This place is SPECIAL and deserves to have its name mentioned with the greats! Brisket, Ribs, Pulled Pork all get an A++. But the standout today was the chicken, smoked to perfection while being super moist inside and giving you crispy intense skin outside. The sides here also deserve high praise!!! You won’t find better collards than these in any restaurant down south. Big Boys is legit. PS come prepared, the portions are belt busters!”
~ Ashley E., Yelp
Suite A
Columbia, SC 29203
Days/Hours:
| Wednesday | |
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday | |
| Sunday |
Features:
- Cards and Cash
- –
- Hash
- –
- Heavy Tomato Sauce
- –
- Mustard Sauce
Note: Menu prices and options are subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant directly for the most up-to-date information.
Big Bull’s Bang’n BBQ
“Oh my goodness! What a treasure and the food is some of the best we have ever had! Loved the ribs-loved the chicken! You have to try the baked beans, the potato salad and their ice tea are wonderful! Small, impeccably clean and southern hospitality at its finest!”
~ jonesloop, TripAdvisor
Columbia, SC 29223
Days/Hours:
| Friday | |
| Saturday | |
| Sunday |
Features:
- Cards and Cash
- –
- Hash
- –
- Heavy Tomato Sauce
- –
- Mustard Sauce
- –
- True 'Cue Certified
- –
- Vinegar Pepper Sauce
- –
- White Sauce