Part 2: The Final Exits (Columbia to Charleston)
South Carolina barbeque has a long and special history.
Our BBQ is both varied and abundant. In fact, anyone contemplating a road trip here could benefit from a guide to help them find all the offerings on the SC BBQ Trail. To help our famished travelers, we have created SC BBQ Road Trip: A Restaurant Field Guide for each of the interstates that intersect our state. If you love SC BBQ as we do, you will appreciate this guide.
This one, part two of the Interstate 26 edition, covers the final exits, each of those between Columbia and Charleston. I-26 in South Carolina stretches from the mountains to the coast, intersecting the state and passing near or through each of the four primary barbecue regions in the state. Travelers who find themselves traversing the state via I-26 have a great opportunity to sample all of the different styles of barbecue South Carolina offers.
What’s better: they don’t need to travel far off the beaten path to do so.
As a side note, learn how to eat SC’s best BBQ for FREE!
Interstate 26 runs 220 miles along its journey through the state. Entering the state near Landrum, skirting around the capital of Columbia, and terminating in Charleston, I-26 passes through urban and rural areas alike. Along the way, I-26 spends most of its length in the region of SC most known for the sauce born in South Carolina: the mustard BBQ 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 300 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:
You see, of course, that I-26 passes through the heart of the mustard regions; however, it also briefly runs through our heavy tomato region and begins in the light tomato 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 along this Stretch of I-26
Anyway, today you find yourself traveling I-26. 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 is it hidden?
We strongly suggest checking out our SC BBQ Trail Locator Map. The map will find your location (with your permission) and show you the closest 25 SCBBQ restaurants within 100 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-26.
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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-26 is clearly a west-east running, Southern interstate, being such a low 2-digit even number
- mile markers for west-east running interstates begin at the western border of each state
In this second part of the I-26 Road Guide, we will follow the exits along I-26 from the western side of Columbia until its terminus in Charleston. Buckle your seatbelt and away we go…
Note: Distances are approximate: Use our map for more precise directions.
Exit 110 (US 378/Lexington/West Columbia)
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.
Exit 111 (US 1 to SC 12/Lexington/West Columbia)
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.
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.
Exit 113 ( SC 302/Columbia Airport/Cayce)
Maurice’s Piggie Park BBQ on Charleston Hwy
NOTE: Maurice’s is an SC BBQ chain with several locations throughout Columbia. Therefore, there are many exits where you can sample the same product, a true SC BBQ original. Other exits along I-26 include Exit 102, Exit 105, and Exit 111. We have chosen Exit 113 because it is the quintessential Maurice’s experience and home of the original location.
“A great experience! Maurice’s was mentioned in the 2018 Southern Living magazine for best BBQ in SC and they were right! Phenomenal food, mustard based smoke meat. A great meal for BBQ lovers!”
~ Chris B, Google Local Guide
West Columbia, SC 29169
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.
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 139 (Burke Road – St. Matthews)
Smoke ‘Em Barbecue Joint
“By far our favorite restaurant in all of Orangeburg and Calhoun county. It has quickly become our regular date place. The staff and owner are friendly, service is quick and you feel like more than a customer. Everything we’ve had has been amazing.”
~ The Salty Anchor, Google Review
Saint Matthews, SC 29135
Days/Hours:
| Tuesday | |
| Wednesday | |
| Thursday | |
| Friday |
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.
Exit 145 (US 601/Orangeburg/St. Matthews)
ASIDE: Orangeburg County has played an important role in the history of SC BBQ. It was here that Earl Dukes opened his first restaurant. That has spawned at least a dozen Dukes restaurants that are open at the time of this writing.
These are not franchises or a chain, but all independent and loosely connected by family ties. They all share a style of mustard-based BBQ sauce dubbed “Orangeburg Sweet,” which is a viscous concoction of mustard, mayo, and ketchup among other things.
Orangeburg also is home to the Bessinger family. Joe Bessinger opened his first restaurant in Holly Hill in 1939. His sons have taken their father’s recipes and techniques to become places like Maurice’s in Columbia and Bessinger’s, Robert’s and Melvin’s in the Charleston area.
The Bessinger’s, too, built their BBQ empire upon their own version of a mustard sauce, very different from that of Earl Dukes. Holly Hill is now home to only Sweatman’s BBQ, another SC BBQ legend, in business since the mid-1970s.
All in all, one might say Orangeburg County is, in fact, the birthplace of SC BBQ as we know it.
Dukes Bar-B-Que on Chestnut in Orangeburg
“Locally owned. Best BBQ around. I drive from Columbia to get it. I will not eat BBQ from anywhere else. “
~ Nicole Levan, Google Local Guide
Orangeburg, SC 29115
Days/Hours:
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday |
Features:
- Buffet
- –
- Cash Only
- –
- 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.
Antley’s Bar-B-Q
“This is the South. Lots of great food at a very reasonable price. The BBQ is superb, and several sauces make it even better! Sweet tea is on the table. Served cafeteria-style, with unlimited refills. If you go away hungry, it’s your own fault.”
~ 994Jim, TripAdvisor
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.
Dukes Bar-B-Que on Whitman in Orangeburg
“Excellent BBQ and very good hash. Definitely would recommend the buffet with all the choices. Not too far off the highway if you’re driving through.”
~ Matt Edwards, Google Local Guide
Orangeburg, SC 29115
Days/Hours:
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday |
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 172 (US 15/ St. George/Santee/Holly Hill)
Sweatman’s Bar-B-Que
“They turned the old family home into a restaurant in the middle of nowhere on Hwy 453 between Eutawville and Holly Hill. Open only Fri and Sat. We drive 90 minutes and go 2 or 3 times a year. It’s that good.”
~ Faye C, Trip Advisor
Holly Hill, SC 29059
Days/Hours:
| Friday | |
| Saturday |
Features:
- Cards and Cash
- –
- Hash
- –
- 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 187 (SC 27/Ridgeville/St. George)
Dukes Bar-B-Que in Ridgeville
“The food in Ridgeville is great. Pit-cooked BBQ and all southern fixns!! If you’re looking for a well-known but hidden Gem in BBQ….this is the place! Pride in every bite!”
~ Travis Golden, Zomato
Ridgeville, SC 29472
Days/Hours:
| Friday | |
| Saturday | |
| Sunday |
Features:
- Buffet
- –
- Cash Only
- –
- 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 197 (Nexton Parkway)
Sticky Fingers – Cane Bay
“This place is sofa king good!!!! I have been twice now and had their BBQ sandwich and Philly brisket sandwich,wow! I cannot wait to try more. The only problem I have is I get way to full, but that’s my fault. The staff is always super friendly and fast. I can’t wait to try more.”
~ Shawn Alexander, Google Review
Unit A
Summerville, SC 29486
Days/Hours:
| Monday | |
| Tuesday | |
| Wednesday | |
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday | |
| Sunday |
Features:
- Cards and Cash
- –
- 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 199 (US 17A/Summerville/Moncks Corner)
Joe Bessinger’s BBQ
“Stopped for lunch on the way home from Charleston. It was only about three miles from I-26. We both enjoyed the Little Joe Basket which came with a barbecue sandwich, choice of two sides and drinks. Great food served with southern hospitality in a casual and very clean restaurant.”
~ ASH814, TripAdvisor
Days/Hours:
| Monday | |
| Tuesday | |
| Wednesday | |
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday |
Features:
- Cards and Cash
- –
- Hash
- –
- Mustard Sauce
Note: Menu prices and options are subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant directly for the most up-to-date information.
Baker’s BBQ of Summerville
“Best barbecue around excellent and it’s a nice place to eat at also Highly. Recommend you visiting this place if you want the best barbecue around. You need to eat here definitely.”
~ John Lewellen, Google Local Guide
Summerville, SC 29483
Days/Hours:
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday |
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.
Exit 205A (US 78 West)
Swig & Swine of Summerville
“LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!! I thought North Carolina was home of the greatest barbecue, coming here definitely changed my mind! Not only was the service super quick, but the food tasted amazing.”
~ Joi C, Yelp Review
Summerville, SC 29485
Days/Hours:
| Monday | |
| Tuesday | |
| Wednesday | |
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday | |
| Sunday |
Features:
- Cards and Cash
- –
- Hash
- –
- Heavy Tomato Sauce
- –
- Mustard Sauce
- –
- True 'Cue Certified
- –
- Vinegar Pepper Sauce
- –
- White Sauce
- –
- Whole Hog
Note: Menu prices and options are subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant directly for the most up-to-date information.
Exit 209 (Ashley Phosphate Road)
Robert’s Bar-B-Que
