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South Carolina BBQ Along I-20: An Exit-by-Exit Guide

By Author James Roller

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Home » Guides » South Carolina BBQ Along I-20: An Exit-by-Exit Guide

SC BBQ Road Trip I-20 Sign

About Our I-20 SC BBQ Restaurant Guide

Driving I-20 across South Carolina takes you from North Augusta through the Midlands and Columbia to Florence, with plenty of South Carolina barbecue within easy reach of the interstate. This guide organizes restaurants by exit so you can see what’s nearby as you travel.

We generally include South Carolina-based barbecue restaurants within about 10 miles of I-20 and leave out national chains. Inclusion doesn’t necessarily mean a restaurant is a Destination BBQ recommendation; the goal is to give travelers a useful picture of the local barbecue options along the route.

At the top of each exit section, the highway-sign graphic shows the restaurant and its approximate distance in miles from the interstate. Below that, you’ll find photos along with listing information from the Destination BBQ restaurant directory, including current hours, location, contact details, and other useful information where available. Restaurant hours can change, so it’s always a good idea to confirm before making a special trip.

I-20 crosses areas historically associated with several of South Carolina’s barbecue sauce traditions, from heavier tomato-based sauces in the western part of the state through the mustard-sauce heartland and toward the vinegar-pepper tradition farther east. Those regional boundaries have never been absolute, but they help explain some of the barbecue traditions you may encounter along the route.

Distances are approximate: Use our map for directions to each restaurant.

SC BBQ on I-20 at Exit 1

Exit 1 (SC 230 – North Augusta)

BBQ Barn

BBQ Barn in North Augusta
VISIT RESTAURANT PAGE

"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
BBQ Barn
605 Atomic Road
North Augusta, SC 29841
Phone: 803.278.7202
Email: info@bbqbarnna.com
URL: https://www.bbqbarnna.com

Directions

Days/Hours:

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

Patriot's Smokehouse in Clark's Hill
VISIT RESTAURANT PAGE

"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
Patriots' Smokehouse
2006 ½ Martintown Rd.
Clarks Hill, SC 29821
Phone: (803) 613-6221
Email: patriotssmokehouse@att.net

Directions

Days/Hours:

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.

SC BBQ on I-20 at Exit 11.

Exit 11 (Bettis Academy Road – Graniteville)

Bobby’s Bar-B-Q Buffet

Bobby's BBQ near Aiken, SC
VISIT RESTAURANT PAGE

"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
Bobby’s Bar-B-Q Buffet
1897 Jefferson Davis Hwy.
Warrenville, SC 29851
Phone: 803.593.5900
Email: bobbysbbq@bellsouth.net
URL: https://www.bobbysbbq.com

Directions

Days/Hours:

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.

SC BBQ on I-20 at Exit 39.
SC BBQ on I-20 at Exit 39

Exit 39 (US 178 – Pelion, Batesburg-Leesville)

Shealy’s Bar-B-Que

Exterior of Shealy's BBQ in Batesburg-Leesville
VISIT RESTAURANT PAGE

"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
Shealy’s Bar-B-Que
340 E. Columbia Avenue
Batesburg-Leesville, SC 29070
Phone: 803.532.8135
Email: Sbarbque@sc.rr.com
URL: https://www.shealysbbq.com

Directions

Days/Hours:

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.

SC BBQ on I-20 at Exit 55.

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.

Maurice's Piggie Park on South Lake Dr. in Lexington, SC.
VISIT RESTAURANT PAGE

"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
Maurice’s Piggie Park BBQ on South Lake Dr
1010 S. Lake Drive
Lexington, SC 29073
Phone: 803.356.1909
Email: office@piggiepark.com
URL: https://www.piggiepark.com

Directions

Days/Hours:

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.

Front Menu for Maurice's Piggie Park BBQ.
SC BBQ near I-20 at Exit 58.

Exit 58 (US 1 – Lexington, West Columbia)

City Limits Barbeque

Exterior of City Limits Barbecue.
VISIT RESTAURANT PAGE

"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
City Limits Barbeque
1119 Methodist Park Rd.
West Columbia, SC 29170
Phone: (803) 260-7469
Email: Robbie@CityLimitsQ.com
URL: http://www.citylimitsq.com

Directions

Days/Hours:

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.

Example Menu for City Limits Barbecue.
SC BBQ on I-20 at Exit 61.

Exit 61 (US 378 – West Columbia, Lexington)

Hudson’s Smokehouse and Saloon

Hudson's Smokehouse in Lexington, SC.
VISIT RESTAURANT PAGE

"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
Hudson’s Smokehouse and Saloon
4952 Sunset Boulevard
Lexington, SC 29072
Phone: 803.356.1070
URL: https://www.hudsonssmokehouse.com

Directions

Days/Hours:

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.

Hudson's Smokehouse Carry out Menu 1.
Hudson's Smokehouse Carry out Menu.

Hite’s Bar-B-Que

Hites Bar-B-Que in West Columbia, SC
VISIT RESTAURANT PAGE

"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
Hite’s Bar-B-Que
240 Dreher Road
West Columbia, SC 29169
Phone: 803.794.4120
Email: dhite1@sc.rr.com
URL: https://www.hitesbbq.com

Directions

Days/Hours:

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.

Menu for Hite's BBQ.

True BBQ in West Columbia

True BBQ in West Columbia
VISIT RESTAURANT PAGE

"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
True BBQ in West Columbia
1237 D Avenue
West Columbia, SC 29169
Phone: 803.791.9950
Email: truebbq@gmail.com
URL: http://www.true-bbq.com

Directions

Days/Hours:

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.

Menu for True BBQ in West Columbia
SC BBQ on I-20 at Exit 64A.

Exit 64A (I-26 – Spartanburg, Charleston)

The Palmetto Pig

Palmetto Pig of Columbia, SC.
VISIT RESTAURANT PAGE

"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
The Palmetto Pig
530 Devine Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803.733.2556
Email: palmettopig@outlook.com
URL: https://palmettopigbbq.com

Directions

Days/Hours:

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.

Menu for Palmetto Pig
SC BBQ near I-20 at Exit 68.

Exit 68 (SC 215 (Monticello Road) – Jenkinsville)

The War Mouth

The War Mouth in Columbia, SC
VISIT RESTAURANT PAGE

"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
The War Mouth
1209 Franklin St
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 569-6144
Email: thewarmouth@gmail.com
URL: https://www.thewarmouth.com/#thewarmouth

Directions

Days/Hours:

Features:

  • Cards and Cash
  • -
  • Hash
  • -
  • 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.

Railroad BBQ

Exterior of Railroad BBQ in Columbia.
VISIT RESTAURANT PAGE

"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
Railroad BBQ
2001 Hampton St
Columbia, SC 29204
Phone: 803-708-5801
Email: info@railroadbbqsc.com
URL: https://www.railroadbbqsc.com

Directions

Days/Hours:

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

Home Team BBQ in Columbia at Five Points
VISIT RESTAURANT PAGE

"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
Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ Columbia
700 Harden St.
Columbia, SC 29205
Phone: (803) 724-3900
Email: INFO@HOMETEAMBBQ.COM
URL: https://www.hometeambbq.com/

Directions

Days/Hours:

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.

Home Team BBQ Menu
SC BBQ on I-20 at Exit 72.

Exit 72 (SC 555 – Farrow Road)

Big Boys Original Smokehouse

Big Boys Original Smokehouse in Columbia
VISIT RESTAURANT PAGE

"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
Big Boys Original Smokehouse
8604 Farrow Road
Suite A
Columbia, SC 29203
Phone: 803.788.6822
Email: bigboysoriginalbbq@gmail.com
URL: https://www.bigboysoriginalbbq.com

Directions

Days/Hours:

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 Boy's Original Smokehouse Menu.

Big Bull's Bang'n BBQ

Exterior of Big Bull's Bang'n BBQ in Columbia, SC.
VISIT RESTAURANT PAGE

"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
Big Bull's Bang'n BBQ
2614 Hard Scrabble Road
Columbia, SC 29223
Phone: 803-479-4475
Email: support@bigbullsbangnbbq.com
URL: https://bigbullsbangnbbq.com

Directions

Days/Hours:

Features:

  • Cards and Cash
  • -
  • Hash
  • -
  • Heavy Tomato Sauce
  • -
  • Mustard Sauce
  • -
  • True 'Cue Certified
  • -
  • Vinegar Pepper Sauce
  • -
  • White Sauce

Note: Menu prices and options are subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant directly for the most up-to-date information.

SC BBQ on I-20 at Exit 76.

Exit 76 (I-77 / Alpine Road – Charleston, Charlotte)

Little Pigs Barbecue

Little Pigs BBQ in Columbia, SC
VISIT RESTAURANT PAGE

"Little Pigs is a Columbia staple of a great BBQ buffet. This is a place you definitely want to show up hungry too. Their BBQ is good, you can choose your sauce preference of mustard or vinegar base and their fried chicken and wings are solid too, plus their sides and banana pudding. Come hungry, leave happy. Little Pigs is awesome."

~ BBqaficinado, TripAdvisor
Little Pigs Barbecue
4927 Alpine Road
Columbia, SC 29223
Phone: 803.788.8238
Email: champ@littlepigs.biz
URL: http://www.littlepigs.biz

Directions

Days/Hours:

Features:

  • Buffet
  • -
  • Cards and Cash
  • -
  • Hash
  • -
  • Heavy Tomato Sauce
  • -
  • Light Tomato Sauce
  • -
  • Mustard Sauce
  • -
  • Vinegar Pepper Sauce

Note: Sample menu - may not be current. Prices and options subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant directly for the most up-to-date information.

Menu Buffet Prices for Little Pigs BBQ on Alpine Rd. in Columbia
SC BBQ on I-20 at Exit 87.

Exit 87 (White Pond Road – Elgin)

Ronnie’s Ribs

Ronnie's Ribs in Elgin, SC
VISIT RESTAURANT PAGE

"This place is downright special! The ribs were perfectly seasoned, smoked and fell right off the bone. The folks who work here show up with hospitality and warmth. And the pick-up was seamless, the food well priced and don't get me started on the coleslaw!!! High recommend!"

~ Lissy Alden, Google
Ronnie’s Ribs
2435 Main Street
Elgin, SC 29045
Phone: 803.438.8522
Email: ryntimmons@gmail.com

Directions

Days/Hours:

Features:

  • 100 Mile BBQ
  • -
  • Cards and Cash
  • -
  • Hash
  • -
  • Light Tomato Sauce
  • -
  • True 'Cue Certified

Note: Sample menu - may not be current. Prices and options subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant directly for the most up-to-date information.

Menu for Ronnie's Ribs Elgin
SC BBQ near I-20 at Exit 137.

Exit 137 (SC 340 – Darlington, Timmonsville)

Nick’s BBQ House in Darlington

Exterior of Nick's BBQ House in Darlington, SC.
VISIT RESTAURANT PAGE

“We just found this spot on our way back from Charlotte. Is worth the detour from the main hwy, this is the best BBQ that I had in a while and the sides were all great too. I will visit again for sure.”

~ Elvis96, TripAdvisor
Nick’s BBQ House in Darlington
310 S. Main Street
Darlington, SC 29532
Phone: 843.393.6684
URL: https://nicks-bbq-drive-in.square.site

Directions

Days/Hours:

Features:

  • Cards and Cash
  • -
  • 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.

Menu for Nick’s BBQ House in Darlington.

Holt Bros BBQ in Darlington

Holt Bros BBQ in Darlington, SC
VISIT RESTAURANT PAGE

Great place to bring the family for great food in a fun atmosphere. Good-sized portions and well worth the money. Friendly employees, and we felt like we were with family. We'll definitely be coming back!!!

David Scammell, Google Local Guide
Holt Bros BBQ in Darlington
1503 South Main St.
Darlington, SC 29532
Phone: 843.944.0158
Email: info@holtbrosbbq.com
URL: https://holtbrosbbq.com/florence-holt-bros-bbq-locations

Directions

Days/Hours:

Features:

  • Buffet
  • -
  • Cards and Cash
  • -
  • 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.

Holt Bros BBQ in Florence Menu 1
Holt Bros BBQ in Florence Menu 2
Holt Bros BBQ in Florence Menu 2

Interesting Interstate Info

Here are a few interstate highway facts that help explain how the route is numbered:

  • Exit numbers stay the same in both directions. Whether you’re traveling east or west, a given interchange keeps the same exit number, though individual ramps may use letter suffixes such as A or B.
  • Even-numbered primary interstates generally run west to east. Their numbers increase from south to north, which is why I-20—one of the lower-numbered two-digit interstates—runs across the southern part of the country.
  • Mile markers reset at each state line. On west-to-east interstates such as I-20, the mileage generally begins at the state’s western border and increases as you travel east.

Need a different route? Start with the SC BBQ Road Trip hub to choose another interstate guide, or visit the BBQ Guides hub for more South Carolina barbecue guides beyond these road-trip pages.

Our SC BBQ Road Trip Guides:

Joseph Kanagy

Monday 21st of October 2019

Can't believe you missed Schulers in Latta. It's one of the best

James Roller

Tuesday 29th of October 2019

We didn’t miss Shuler’s....you cannot miss Shuler’s; however, Shuler’s is not on I-20, so they are not in this article. I invite you to check out the I-95 edition of our Road Trip series. https://destination-bbq.com/scbbq-road-trip-the-i-95-corridor/

Comments are closed.

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