About Our I-26 SC BBQ Restaurant Guide
Driving I-26 from Columbia toward Charleston puts plenty of South Carolina barbecue within easy reach of the interstate. This second part of our I-26 guide follows the route from the Columbia area to Charleston, with restaurants organized by exit so you can see what’s nearby as you travel.
We generally include barbecue restaurants with South Carolina locations within about 10 miles of I-26, while leaving out national chains and brands that are widely available across a broad region. 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.
Much of this stretch of I-26 passes through areas historically associated with South Carolina’s mustard-based barbecue tradition. Those regional boundaries have never been absolute, but they help explain some of the barbecue traditions you may encounter as you travel toward Charleston.
Spending time in Columbia?
If Columbia is more than a quick stop along I-26, our guide to the best BBQ in Columbia, SC will help you narrow the choices and find the kind of barbecue you’re looking for.
Distances in miles are approximate: Use our map for directions to each restaurant.
Exit 110: Lexington / West Columbia
Approximate one-way distance from Exit 110
Hudson’s Smokehouse and Saloon
4952 Sunset Boulevard, Lexington, SC 29072
Hours: Mon closed · Tue 10 AM–7:30 PM · Wed–Sat 10:30 AM–9 PM · Sun 10:30 AM–3 PM
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Vinegar-Based · Tomato-Based
Carolina Wings & Rib House
105 Northpoint Drive, Lexington, SC 29072
Hours: Mon–Thu 11 AM–10 PM · Fri–Sat 11 AM–11 PM · Sun 11 AM–10 PM
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Vinegar-Based · Tomato-Based
Maurice’s Piggie Park BBQ on Devine
4411 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29205
Hours: Mon–Sat 10 AM–9 PM · Sun 11 AM–9 PM
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Vinegar-Based · Tomato-Based
Midwood Smokehouse
702 Cross Hill Rd., Ste. 400D, Columbia, SC 29205
Hours: Mon–Thu 11 AM–9 PM · Fri–Sat 11 AM–10 PM · Sun 11 AM–9 PM
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Vinegar-Based · Tomato-Based
Exit 111: Lexington / West Columbia
Approximate one-way distance from Exit 111
City Limits Barbeque
1119 Methodist Park Rd., West Columbia, SC 29170
Hours: Mon–Fri closed · Sat 11 AM–5 PM · Sun 12 PM–3 PM
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Vinegar-Based · Tomato-Based · White Sauce
Hite’s Bar-B-Que
240 Dreher Road, West Columbia, SC 29169
Hours: Mon–Thu closed · Fri 8 AM–7 PM · Sat 8 AM–6 PM · Sun closed
Sauces: Mustard-Based
Maurice’s Piggie Park BBQ on South Lake Dr
1010 S. Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 29073
Hours: Mon–Sat 10 AM–9 PM · Sun 11 AM–9 PM
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Vinegar-Based · Tomato-Based
Maurice’s Piggie Park BBQ in Lexington
766 W. Main Street, Lexington, SC 29072
Hours: Mon–Wed 11 AM–8 PM · Thu–Sat 11 AM–9 PM · Sun 11 AM–8 PM
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Vinegar-Based · Tomato-Based
Exit 113: Columbia Airport / Cayce
Approximate one-way distance from Exit 113
Maurice’s Piggie Park BBQ on Charleston Hwy
1600 Charleston Highway, West Columbia, SC 29169
Hours: Mon–Thu 10 AM–9 PM · Fri–Sat 10 AM–10 PM · Sun 10 AM–9 PM
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Vinegar-Based · Tomato-Based
True BBQ in West Columbia
1237 D Avenue, West Columbia, SC 29169
Hours: Mon–Wed closed · Thu–Sat 11 AM–8 PM · Sun closed
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Tomato-Based
The Palmetto Pig
530 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Hours: Mon closed · Tue–Wed 11 AM–2:30 PM · Thu–Sat 11 AM–8:30 PM · Sun closed
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Vinegar-Based · Tomato-Based
Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ Columbia
700 Harden St., Columbia, SC 29205
Hours: Mon–Sun 11 AM–12 AM
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Vinegar-Based · Tomato-Based
Carolina Wings & Rib House
1767-E S. Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 29073
Hours: Mon–Thu 11 AM–10 PM · Fri–Sat 11 AM–11 PM · Sun 11 AM–10 PM
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Vinegar-Based · Tomato-Based
Exit 115
Approximate one-way distance from Exit 115
Carolina Wings & Rib House
2423 Fish Hatchery Road, Cayce, SC 29172
Hours: Mon–Thu 11 AM–10 PM · Fri–Sat 11 AM–11 PM · Sun 11 AM–10 PM
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Vinegar-Based · Tomato-Based
Big T’s Bar-B-Que on Garners Ferry
7535 Garners Ferry Rd., #C, Columbia, SC 29209
Hours: Mon–Sat 11 AM–9 PM · Sun closed
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Vinegar-Based · Tomato-Based
Exit 139: St. Matthews
Approximate one-way distance from Exit 139
Smoke 'Em Barbecue Joint
1636 Bridge St., Saint Matthews, SC 29135
Hours: Mon closed · Tue–Fri 11:00 AM,2 PM–5:00 PM,9 PM · Sat closed · Sun 11 AM–2 PM
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Vinegar-Based · Tomato-Based
Orangeburg is worth more than a quick barbecue stop. Orangeburg County has played an unusually important role in South Carolina barbecue history, especially in the family traditions behind Dukes, Bessinger, Sweatman, and Antley.
The Dukes story reaches back through Willie Baltzegar of Rowesville, a community barbecue cook who taught members of the Dukes family. Danny Dukes later opened a restaurant of his own, and other relatives followed. Over time, the Dukes name spread across South Carolina through separate family-connected restaurants rather than a single chain.
Around Holly Hill, the Bessinger and Sweatman families became closely tied to South Carolina’s mustard-based barbecue tradition. Their histories are part of why Orangeburg County keeps coming up when people start asking where the state’s mustard barbecue came from, although the evidence does not give us one proven birthplace or inventor.
If you have time to leave the interstate and explore, see Why Orangeburg Matters to South Carolina Barbecue. It explains the family connections, Orangeburg Sweet sauce, hash and rice, the old buffet tradition, and the restaurants where you can still experience them today.
Exit 149
Approximate one-way distance from Exit 149
Dukes Bar-B-Que on Chestnut in Orangeburg
789 Chestnut Street NE, Orangeburg, SC 29115
Hours: Mon–Wed closed · Thu–Sat 11 AM–7 PM · Sun closed
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Vinegar-Based · Tomato-Based
Dukes Bar-B-Que on Whitman in Orangeburg
1298 Whitman Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115
Hours: Mon–Wed closed · Thu–Sat 11 AM–8 PM · Sun closed
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Vinegar-Based · Tomato-Based
Antley’s Bar-B-Q
1370 Sims Street NE, Orangeburg, SC 29115
Hours: Mon–Wed closed · Thu–Sat 11 AM–7:45 PM · Sun closed
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Vinegar-Based · Tomato-Based
Exit 172: St. George / Santee / Holly Hill
Approximate one-way distance from Exit 172
Sweatman’s Bar-B-Que
1427 Eutaw Road, Holly Hill, SC 29059
Hours: Mon–Wed closed · Thu–Sat 11 AM–8 PM · Sun 11 AM–6 PM
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Vinegar-Based
Exit 187: Ridgeville / St. George
Approximate one-way distance from Exit 187
Hwy 27 BBQ SmokeHouse
1250 Old Gilliard Rd, Suite 4, Ridgeville, SC 29472
Hours: Mon closed · Tue–Sat 10 AM–7:30 PM · Sun closed
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Vinegar-Based · Tomato-Based
Stopping in Summerville?
If Summerville is more than a quick stop along I-26, our guide to the best BBQ in Summerville, SC will help you narrow the choices and find the kind of barbecue you’re looking for.
Exit 194: Jedburg / Pinopolis
Approximate one-way distance from Exit 194
Smokin' Gringo's BBQ
850 Jedburg Rd, Summerville, SC 29483
Hours: Mon–Tue closed · Wed–Fri 11 AM–8 PM · Sat 12 PM–8 PM · Sun closed
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Vinegar-Based · Tomato-Based
Dukes Bar-B-Que in Ridgeville
118 N. Railroad Ave., Ridgeville, SC 29472
Hours: Mon–Thu closed · Fri–Sat 11 AM–8 PM · Sun 11 AM–2:30 PM
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Vinegar-Based · Tomato-Based
Exit 199: Summerville / Moncks Corner
Approximate one-way distance from Exit 199
Joe Bessinger’s BBQ
1114 College Park Road, Summerville, SC 29483
Hours: Mon–Sat 11 AM–9 PM · Sun closed
Sauces: Mustard-Based
Baker's BBQ of Summerville
807 Central Avenue, Summerville, SC 29483
Hours: Mon–Wed closed · Thu–Sat 11 AM–7 PM · Sun closed
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Vinegar-Based · Tomato-Based
Exit 205: North Charleston
Approximate one-way distance from Exit 205
Swig & Swine of Summerville
1990 Old Trolley Road, Summerville, SC 29485
Hours: Mon–Sun 11 AM–9 PM
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Vinegar-Based · Tomato-Based · White Sauce
Headed to Charleston?
If Charleston is your destination rather than just a quick stop along I-26, our guide to the best BBQ in Charleston, SC will help you narrow the choices and find the kind of barbecue you’re looking for.
Exit 209A: Ashley Phosphate Road
Approximate one-way distance from Exit 209A
Robert’s Bar-B-Que
5120 Ashley Phosphate Rd., North Charleston, SC 29418
Hours: Mon closed · Tue–Sat 10 AM–3 PM · Sun closed
Sauces: Mustard-Based
Exit 215
Approximate one-way distance from Exit 215
King BBQ
2029 Carver Ave., North Charleston, SC 29405
Hours: Mon–Tue closed · Wed–Sun 11 AM–8:30 PM
Sauces: Mustard-Based
Exit 216: Federal Complex
Approximate one-way distance from Exit 216
Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ - West Ashley
1205 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29407
Hours: Mon–Sun 11 AM–12 AM
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Vinegar-Based · Tomato-Based
Palmira Barbecue
2366 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414
Hours: Mon–Tue closed · Wed–Sun 11 AM–8 PM
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Vinegar-Based · Tomato-Based
Southern Roots Smokehouse
2544 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29414
Hours: Mon–Thu 11 AM–12 AM · Fri–Sat 11 AM–1 AM · Sun 11 AM–12 AM
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Vinegar-Based · Tomato-Based · White Sauce
Exit 219B: East Bay Street
Approximate one-way distance from Exit 219B
Melvin’s Legendary Bar-B-Que on James Island
538 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412
Hours: Mon–Sat 10:30 AM–9 PM · Sun closed
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Vinegar-Based
Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint on James Island
1622 Highland Ave, Charleston, SC 29412
Hours: Mon–Thu 11 AM–9 PM · Fri–Sat 11 AM–10 PM · Sun 11 AM–9 PM
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Vinegar-Based · Tomato-Based · White Sauce
Exit 220
Approximate one-way distance from Exit 220
Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ in Downtown Charleston
126 Williman St., Charleston, SC 29403
Hours: Mon–Sun 11 AM–12 AM
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Vinegar-Based · Tomato-Based · White Sauce
Lewis Barbecue
464 N Nassau St., Charleston, SC 29403
Hours: Mon 11 AM–9 PM · Tue–Sat 11 AM–10 PM · Sun 11 AM–9 PM
Sauces: Vinegar-Based
Poogan's Smokehouse
188 East Bay St., Charleston, SC 29401
Hours: Mon–Sun 11 AM–9 PM
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Vinegar-Based · Tomato-Based · White Sauce
Melvin’s Legendary Bar-B-Que in Mt. Pleasant
925 Houston Northcut Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Hours: Mon–Sat 10:30 AM–9 PM · Sun closed
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Vinegar-Based
Dukes Barbecue on James Island
331 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412
Hours: Mon closed · Tue–Sat 11 AM–8 PM · Sun 11 AM–3 PM
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Vinegar-Based · Tomato-Based
Swig & Swine
1217 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29407
Hours: Mon–Sun 11 AM–9 PM
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Vinegar-Based · Tomato-Based · White Sauce
Saltwater Cowboys on Shem Creek
130 Mill St., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Hours: Mon–Sat 11 AM–12 AM · Sun 10 AM–12 AM
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Tomato-Based
Bessinger’s Bar-Be-Que
1602 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29407
Hours: Mon–Fri 11 AM–9 PM · Sat 11 AM–8:30 PM · Sun 11 AM–8 PM
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Vinegar-Based
Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ on Sullivan's Island
2209 Middle Street, Sullivan's Island, SC 29482
Hours: Mon–Sun 11 AM–12 AM
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Vinegar-Based · Tomato-Based
Blu Smoke Pit
1804 Crowne Commons Way, Johns Island, SC 29455
Hours: Mon–Thu 3 PM–10 PM · Fri–Sun 11 AM–10 PM
Sauces: Mustard-Based · Vinegar-Based · Tomato-Based
Routing powered by Geoapify · Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
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-26—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-26, 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.
