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SCBBQ Road Trip: Interstate 26, The Final Exits (Columbia to Charleston)

SC BBQ Road Trip: Interstate 26
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SC BBQ Road Trip: Interstate 26

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.

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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.

(Destination BBQ was named a local expert of Columbia on Redfin. Check out the article we were featured in: 13 Fun Facts About Columbia, SC | Redfin)

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 over 950 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:

SC BBQ Sauce Regions
SC 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.

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.

(We also suggest saving the map as an “app” on your phone by simply by visiting the page and tapping Share (iOS) or Menu (Android) and then tap “Add to Homescreen.”)

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.

In addition, we’ll recommend our “Must Visit” SCBBQ restaurants along I-26.

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.

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…

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Note: Distances are approximate: Use our map for more precise directions.

SC BBQ on I-26 at Exit 110

Exit 110 (US 378/Lexington/West Columbia)

Hudson’s Smokehouse

(NOTE: Click store name for more info, including address, links to social media and review sites, and other details.)

Blurb: “Definitely worth stopping for! My husband and I drove from MA to GA and were road weary when we pulled in at 8:30 pm. We were greeted by several friendly faces, a very personable bartender and a super selection of BBQ.

“I didn’t say a word to anyone until my plate was clean! Must try the ribs they are phenomenal but don’t miss the buffet. I’m sad we live so far away!” Melissa L, Yelp

>>>Read Our Review

Directions:  Simply take Exit 110 and head west on US-378 W toward Sunset Ct. In about 4.6 miles, Hudson’s will be on your right.

Google Maps Directions to Hudson’s Smokehouse

Hudson's Smokehouse in Lexington, SC
Hudson’s Smokehouse in Lexington, SC

Tuesday – Thursday: 10:30 am – 9 pm

Friday: 11 am – 10 pm

Saturday: 10:30 am – 10 pm

Sunday: 10:30 am – 3 pm

Phone: 803.356.1070


SC BBQ on I-26 at Exit 111

Exit 111 (US 1 to SC 12/Lexington/West Columbia)

Hite’s Bar-B-Que

Blurb: “Old school BBQ is how I would sum up Hites. You won’t find any propane cookers here! It is family owned and run and they have been doing it the same way for decades. Nothing fancy, but great BBQ at great prices.

“You can taste the deep smoke and the pork is just outstanding. It’s something a little different than modern (production) BBQ. Do yourself a favor and check them out.” PalmettoEats, TripAdvisor

Directions: After exiting at 111, take US-1 N/Augusta Rd east toward Huntington Dr for a little over a half-mile. Turn right onto Dreher Rd and Hite’s will be a little less than a half-mile down on your right.

Google Maps Directions to Hite’s Bar-B-Que

Hites Bar-B-Que in West Columbia, SC
Hites Bar-B-Que in West Columbia, SC

NOTE: Take out only.

Friday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

Phone: 803.794.4120

True BBQ

Blurb: “We’ve found bbq heaven! True has the best hash and rice, hands down. Their sauces are flavor-packed, the food is outstanding and, oh my lord, the hash is out of this world good!!

“So good, even my super picky 15-year-old cleaned her plate. You gotta try it! You won’t be disappointed!!” Cinn01, TripAdvisor

Directions: After exiting at 111, merge onto US-1 N/Augusta Rd. Follow US-1 N/Augusta Rd to 13th St in West Columbia. Turn right. Drive to D Ave. Turn left onto D Ave. True BBQ will be on your right.

Google Maps Directions to True BBQ

True BBQ in West Columbia, SC
True BBQ in West Columbia, SC

Wednesday – Saturday: 10:30 am – 9:00 pm

Phone: 803.791.9950

Railroad BBQ

Blurb: “Amazing!! It’s a small building but it’s been well loved. The inside is a testament to Columbia and African American history. On the wall art work, family pictures and memorabilia make it a great Local or Student hangout. Customer service was amazing, every single person there made sure we had a good experience. For a party of two we ordered the sample; The Tubman with four meats. For sides we had the Collards and Kale, Potato salad and Baked beans With cornbread and Texas toast. Total 57$. These folks even have seltzer water and desert! Absolutely wonderful 10/10.” minniepearl14, Google Review

Directions: After exiting at 111, take US-1 N/Augusta toward West Columbia for about 0.8 miles. Use the left 2 lanes to turn slightly left onto SC-12 E and follow it for 3.7 miles, at which point it will become Hampton St. Continue onto Hampton St. Follow Hampton for less than a mile and you’ll find Railroad BBQ on your left.

Google Maps Directions to Hite’s Bar-B-Que

Railroad BBQ in Columbia, SC

Wednesday-Saturday: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday: 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm

SC BBQ on I-26 Exit 113
SC BBQ on I-26 Exit 113

Exit 113 ( SC 302/Columbia Airport/Cayce)

Maurice’s Piggie Park BBQ

NOTE: Maurice’s is an SC BBQ chain with a dozen 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. Plus, there is a buffet on certain days.

Blurb: “I’ve had quite a bit of BBQ pork in my day, and I was pleasantly surprised to find Maurice’s at our stop in Columbia on our way home to Florida.

“We parked in the old drive-in section, and I enjoyed giving my girls a quick history lesson. We also enjoyed all the old photos inside. These folks have been BBQing for a long time, and they pretty well have it figured out! Beans and slaw were excellent too.

“I’m wishing I would have gotten a bottle of sauce to bring home. I’ve had some mustard-based sauces, but their’s is really, really good. I think I might have to order one. If you like real BBQ, there’s no way you won’t like this.” Matt S, Yelp

Directions: Exit I-26 at 113 and head northeast on Airport Blvd. In a little over 1.5 miles, you will arrive at a somewhat convoluted intersection. Maurice’s will be on your right. 

Google Maps Directions to Maurice’s on Old Charleston Hwy.

Maurice's on Charleston Hwy in West Columbia, SC
Maurice’s on Charleston Hwy in West Columbia, SC

Buffet Hours:

Wednesday – Lunch 11:30 am – 3 pm
Thursday – Lunch 11:30 am – 3 pm……..Dinner 3 – 8 pm
Friday – Lunch 11:30 am – 3 pm……..Dinner 3 – 9 pm
Saturday – Lunch 11:30 am – 3 pm……..Dinner 3 – 9 pm
Sunday – Lunch 11:30 am – 3 pm

Regular Hours:

Monday – Saturday: 10 am – 10 pm

Sunday: 10 am – 9 pm

Phone: 803.796.0220

https://www.instagram.com/p/BCIt01CGJRy/

The Palmetto Pig

Blurb: “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

Directions:  Take exit 113 toward Cayce/Columbia Airport/SC-302. Turn Right onto SC 302. Go for about 1.3 miles. Use any lane to turn slightly left onto US-176 W/US-21 N/US-321 N as you pass by Maurice’s BBQ on your right. Continue straight for about 2.6 miles. Turn left onto Huger and then right onto Devine and Palmetto Pig will be just ahead on your right. 

(Note: Also readily accessible from Exit 111.)

Google Maps Directions to The Palmetto Pig

Palmetto Pig of Columbia, SC
Palmetto Pig of Columbia, SC

Tuesday – Wednesday: 11 am – 2:30 pm

Thursday – Saturday: 11 am – 9:00 pm

Phone: 803.733.2556


SC BBQ on I-26 at Exit 125

Exit 125 (Old Sandy Run Road/Gaston)

Country-Side BBQ

Blurb: “We stumbled upon this gem on our drive from Charleston to Atlanta. It was definitely worth the stop. The servers and staff were great, definitely the definition of “southern hospitality.”

“My pulled pork sandwich was fantastic, and my family enjoyed the many options in the buffet. 2/3 of us liked their mustard-based BBQ sauce, for what it’s worth. Their sweet tea was good and very much bottomless.

“Prices seemed very reasonable, especially coming from dining in big cities. If you find yourself passing through Swansea on a weekend, stop here!” Drew S, Yelp

Directions:  Leaving I-26 at Exit 125, head west for about 2.4 miles on State Rd S-9-31 toward Valley Ridge Rd.  Then turn left onto Pine Plain Rd/State Rd S-32-65 and go another 4 miles. Turn right onto SC-6 W and go another 1.5 miles and Country-Side will be on your left.

Google Maps Directions to CountrySide BBQ

Country-Side BBQ in Swansea, SC
Country-Side BBQ in Swansea, SC

Friday – Saturday: 11 am – 9:30 pm

Phone: 803.568.3385


SC BBQ on I-26 at Exit 145

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 BBQ (Chestnut Street)

Blurb: “The food is excellent! Service is excellent! Very clean inside, staff always greets you with a smile. You just won’t find BBQ this good anywhere else.

“I’ve eaten BBQ in Charleston, Columbia and a few places in North Carolina and none of them come close to comparing to Duke’s. I only wish they were open every day!” HWilliams74, TripAdvisor

Directions:  Take Exit 145 and head southwest on US-601 S. After about 3.7 miles, turn right on Chestnut St. and Dukes will be on your left.

Google Maps Directions to Dukes Bar-B-Q on Chestnut St.

Dukes BBQ on Chestnut St. in Orangeburg, SC
Dukes BBQ on Chestnut St. in Orangeburg, SC

NOTE: Cash Only, No Cards Accepted

Thursday – Saturday: 11 am – 8 pm

Phone: 803.534.9418


Antley’s

Blurb: “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, but other beverage selections are available.

Served cafeteria-style, with unlimited refills. If you go away hungry, it’s your own fault. It appears that a large percentage of the clients are locals – making this a plus for travelers passing through this area.” 994Jim, TripAdvisor

Directions:  Exit I-26 at 145 and drive southwest on US-601 S for just over 3.5 miles. Turn right onto Chestnut St. and drive about .7 miles where you will turn left onto St Matthews Rd. Take your first right onto Sims St. and Antley’s will be on your right.

Google Maps Directions to Antley’s BBQ

Antley's in Orangeburg, SC
Antley’s in Orangeburg, SC

Thursday – Saturday: 11 am – 8:30 pm

Phone: 803.531.0444

Dukes BBQ (Whitman St.)

Blurb: “Stopped in here off of I-26 and I am so glad we did. The fried chicken was the best I have ever had. The pulled pork, mac n cheese, and the sauce were great, too.

The fried chicken tho…I went back for seconds. Not sure the story behind all the Duke’s BBQ in South Carolina. Is it a chain? Is each one different?

Well, this location was awesome.” TracerEraser, TripAdvisor

Directions: Leaving I-26 via Exit 145, you will drive southwest on US-601 S for just under 5 miles. Turn left onto Whitman St SE and go straight for .7 miles and Dukes will be on your right. 

Google Maps Directions to Dukes Bar-B-Que on Whitman St.

Dukes Bar-B-Que in Orangeburg
Dukes Bar-B-Que in Orangeburg

Thursday – Saturday: 11 am – 9 pm

Phone: 803.534.2916


SC BBQ on I-26 at Exit 172

Exit 172 (US 15/ St. George/Santee/Holly Hill)

Sweatman’s Bar-B-Que

Blurb: “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

>>>Read Our Review

Directions: Sweatman’s is a bit farther than most of the places mapped out for you in this article, but it is worth the extra mile or two. Use our map to find your way.

Google Maps Directions to Sweatman’s Bar-B-Que

Sweatman's BBQ, Holly Hill, SC
Sweatman’s BBQ, Holly Hill, SC

Friday – Saturday: 11:30 am – 9 pm

Phone: 803.492.7543


SC BBQ on I-26 at Exit 187

Exit 187 (SC 27/Ridgeville/St. George)

Dukes Bar-B-Q

Blurb: “New owners but same family! Scotty ran Aiken Dukes with his brother and they do an awesome job!! Catering my wedding was perfectly done would highly recommend either Dukes.

“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

Directions: Take Exit 187 and head southwest on SC-27 S for just over a mile. Turn left onto US-78 E and in one-half mile, turn right onto SC-27 S. Go a little over 1.5 miles and turn right on Railroad Ave. Dukes will be just ahead on the right at the corner of S. Main and Railroad.

Google Maps Directions to Dukes Bar-B-Q in Ridgeville

Dukes Bar-B-Que in Ridgeville, SC
Dukes Bar-B-Que in Ridgeville, SC

NOTE: Cash Only, No Cards Accepted. 

Friday – Saturday: 11 am – 9 pm

Phone: 843.871.6507


SC BBQ on I-26 at Exit 199

Exit 199 (US 17A/Summerville/Moncks Corner)

This Little Piggy

Blurb: “Food was absolutely delicious. You get a lot of food for the price you pay. The bbq was juicy and seasoned perfectly and their sauce choices were on point.

“I had the banana pudding and I can tell you it’s amazing! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!” Jahdon H., Yelp

Directions: ” Take exit 199A to merge onto US-17 ALT S/N Main St. After about 2.5 miles, turn right onto County Rd S-10-65/W Richardson Ave. Just a few hundred feet ahead, turn left onto Central Ave and This Little Piggy BBQ will be on your right.

Google Maps Directions to This Little Piggy

This Little Piggy in Summerville, SC
This Little Piggy in Summerville, SC

Thursday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Sunday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Phone: (843) 594-3108

Joe Bessinger’s BBQ

Blurb: “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.

“We placed our order and sat down and our food came out quickly. The baked beans, coleslaw, and sandwich were really good and filling. Their sweet tea was just right.

“Great food served with southern hospitality in a casual and very clean restaurant.” ASH814, TripAdvisor

Directions: Take Exit 199 and head east on US-17 A for just over 2 miles. Turn right onto College Park Rd. and drive about another mile and Joe Bessinger’s will be on your left.

Google Maps Directions to Joe Bessinger’s BBQ

Joe Bessinger's BBQ in Summerville, SC
Joe Bessinger’s BBQ in Summerville, SC

Monday – Saturday: 11 am – 9 pm

Phone: 843.875.6313

Baker’s BBQ of Summerville

Blurb: “What a great little place with food that was just like my grandma used to make.  All is freshly homemade and delicious. My husband had the barbecue and loved every bite.

“It’s served without sauce and you have 3 different ones to choose from. My favorite was the vinegar, followed closely by the mustard, but all of them were wonderful. The highlight of the meal was the Sweet tea pecan pie and the Bourbon chocolate pecan pie. They were so good you hate to eat that last bite.

“We ate out by the waterfall and it was so relaxing and peaceful. The owners were very sweet and you can tell they put a lot of love into this venture.

“We can’t wait to go back for another visit and try the barbecue pie and tomato pie and of course more selections of delicious desserts.” TerriB, TripAdvisor

Directions: Take Exit 199 and head west on US-17 A for a little over 2 miles. Turn right onto W 2nd S St. and quickly turn left onto Central Ave. Baker’s will be about 1.2 miles down on your left.

Google Maps Directions to Baker’s BBQ of Summerville

Baker's in Summerville
Baker’s in Summerville

Thursday – Saturday: 11 am – 7 pm

Phone: 843.875.4469


SC BBQ on I-26 at Exit 205A

Exit 205A (US 78 West)

Swig & Swine (Summerville Location)

Blurb: “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. I loved the sauces that they had available to choose from. It’s a very cool looking place on the outside. The location is definitely convenient.

“I have absolutely no complaints. The macaroni was great, along with the baked potato salad. I know for a fact I will be returning!” Joi C, Yelp

Directions: Take exit 205A to merge onto US-78 W (away from Charleston Southern University) toward Ladson. Go about 1.5 miles, then use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto Ladson Rd/State Rd S-10-76. Travel down Ladson Rd. about 4.5 miles where you will then turn left onto County Rd S-18-199/Old Trolley Rd. Follow Old Trolley Rd. for about .2 miles and Swig & Swine will be on your right.

Google Maps Directions to Swig & Swine of Summerville

Swig and Swine in Summerville
Swig and Swine in Summerville

Daily: 11 am – 10 pm

Phone: 843.771.9688


SC BBQ on I-26 at Exit 209

Exit 209 (Ashley Phosphate Road)

Robert’s Bar-B-Que

Blurb: “We stopped into Robert’s based on a recommendation from the hotel we were staying at and were not disappointed.

“We wanted something quick and inexpensive while at the same time providing a good taste of Southern BBQ, Robert’s hit the spot. Although I am not a huge fan of Mustard Q my husband is and thoroughly enjoyed it.” DiFaSuMaHaWa, TripAdvisor

Directions: Getting to Robert’s is simple, but because of the way the exits for 209 vary depending on the direction you are traveling, we will try to simplify the directions:

Google Maps Directions to Robert’s Barbecue

Robert's Barbecue in North Charleston, SC
Robert’s Barbecue in North Charleston, SC

Exit at 209. If you were heading toward Charleston, turn right on Ashley Phosphate; if not, turn left onto Ashley Phosphate. Once on Ashley Phosphate, simply drive straight about 3.5 miles and Robert’s will be on your right.

Monday – Saturday: 9 am – 9 pm

Phone: 843.552.1305


SC BBQ on I-26 at Exit 213
SC BBQ on I-26 at Exit 213

Exit 213 (Montague Avenue/Tanger Outlet Boulevard/Mall Drive)

Dukes Bar-B-Que (Permanently Closed)

Blurb: “The looks of the place will scare you. Don’t let it run you off because this is an authentic BBQ joint.

“No fancy stuff, just excellent pulled pork meat, the best hash on the planet, slaw, rice, white bread, and bread-and-butter pickles. You can eat in at the picnic tables covered with vinyl red and white checked tablecloths or take out.

“The large to-go plate makes about three normal portion meals. Don’t succumb to the temptation to eat it all at once.”

Directions: Take Exit 213 and head northeast on E Montague Ave for about 1.1 miles where you will encounter a large traffic circle. Turn right onto Park Circle and then another right on Buist Ave. Follow Buist for about .3 miles where you will turn right on Spruill Ave. Dukes will be just ahead on your left.

Google Maps Directions to Dukes Bar-B-Que on Spruill Ave.

Dukes Bar-B-Que in North Charleston, SCDukes Bar-B-Que in North Charleston, SC
Dukes Bar-B-Que in North Charleston, SC

NOTE: Cash Only, No Cards Accepted

Friday – Saturday: 4 pm – 7 pm

Phone: (843) 554-1110

Southern Roots Smokehouse

Blurb: “Great BBQ.  Great choice of 5 completely different sauces at your table.  That sides were obviously homemade and as a small batch.

“The atmosphere was amazing as well including the outdoor type feel inside with the big windows that open up to the nice park circle sidewalk.  Super great place. Rated this a 5 star only because I couldn’t rate it any higher.” Brad H, Yelp

Directions: Take Exit 213 and head northeast on E Montague Ave for about 1.1 miles where you will encounter a large traffic circle. Turn right onto Park Circle and then another right on East Montague Ave. Southern Roots will be about .4 miles ahead on the right.

Google Maps Directions to Southern Roots Smokehouse on Park Circle

Southern Roots Smokehouse in North Charleston's Park Circle
Southern Roots Smokehouse in North Charleston’s Park Circle

Daily: 11 am – 2 am

Phone: 843.805.4147


C BBQ on I-26 at Exit 219A

Rodney Scott’s BBQ

Blurb:  “Was their 9th official customer on their opening day (today)! Their whole hog barbecue is some of the best I’ve ever had (at their original location in Hemingway, South Carolina) and today’s was just as good, if not better.

“Fun atmosphere, friendly service, and this location offers an expanded menu selection with more choices when it comes to sides and they offer beer, too! Highly recommended. ” Jarrod Daughtry, Google Review

There’s a reason why Rodney Scott’s BBQ earned a spot on our feature entitled “BBQ in Charleston, SC: The Definitive Guide.”

Directions: Note: if you are traveling west on I-26 away from Charleston, there is no exit for you to take until at least 218. Because the directions are a bit convoluted and based on the direction you are heading on I-26, we suggest just using the link below, but we’ll do our best to describe the route.

If heading toward Charleston, exit at 219A, Rutledge Ave. Stay straight on Rutledge until you’ve traveled about a mile. When you reach Grove St., turn left. Drive straight down Grove about .2 miles until you reach the corner of Grove and King St. Rodney Scott’s occupies the building on the corner of Grove and King. Can’t miss it.

Google Maps Directions to Rodney Scott’s BBQ

Exterior of Rodney Scott's BBQ in Charleston
Rodney Scott’s BBQ in Charleston

Daily: 11 am – 9 pm

Phone: (843) 990-9535


SC BBQ on I-26 at Exit 219B

Exit 219B (Morrison Drive/East Bay Street)

Lewis Barbecue

Blurb:  “Folks, take it from a Texan, John Lewis is the reel deal. The real McCoy. This BBQ is solid and he’s serving up some of the best BBQ in town. The brisket is on point (although I suspect you Charlestonians will be keen for the pork…also a slam dunk)!

“He always has delicious specials so don’t sell yourself short. The sides are great as well- bacon potato salad and lemon vinaigrette cole slaw. Come hungry because this is the type of food you don’t wanna miss out on. Here’s to a successful career for Mr. Lewis.” Zach F., Yelp

Directions: Note: if you are traveling west on I-26 away from Charleston, there is no exit for you to take until at least 218.

Because the directions are a bit convoluted, we suggest just using the link below, but we’ll do our best to describe the route.

If heading toward Charleston, exit at 219B. Turn left at the bottom of the exit ramp onto Mt. Pleasant St. Go straight until you reach the intersection in about .2 miles. Go straight through onto what will now be Morrison Dr. Follow Morrison for about .3 miles where you will turn right onto Isabella St. Lewis will be just ahead on your right.

(219A also will get you there: just follow Rutledge until you reach Mt. Pleasant St. Then turn left and follow the directions for 219B.)

Google Maps Directions to Lewis Barbecue

Exterior of Lewis Barbecue in Charleston
Lewis Barbecue – Front

Thursday – Sunday: 11 am – 10 pm

Phone: 843.805.9500

>>>Read Our Review

>>>Read Our Interview with Lewis

>>>Read About the Lewis Barbecue Experience

Home Team BBQ

Blurb: “Hubby and I were in Charleston for the week. We knew we wanted to try BBQ on our trip. We asked several locals for a good joint for BBQ and they all recommended Home Team.

“We were not disappointed. I know good BBQ and this was finger-lickin’ good!” Becky R, Yelp

Directions: Note: if you are traveling west on I-26 away from Charleston, there is no exit for you to take until at least 218.

If heading toward Charleston, exit at 219B. Turn left at the bottom of the exit ramp onto Mt. Pleasant St. Go straight until you reach the intersection in about .2 miles. Go straight through onto what will now be Morrison Dr. Follow Morrison for about .3 miles where you will turn right onto Williman St. Home Team will be just ahead on your left.

(219A also will get you there: just follow Rutledge until you reach Mt. Pleasant St. Then turn left and follow the directions for 219B.)

Google Maps Directions to Home Team BBQ

Home Team BBQ on Williman St in Charleston
Home Team BBQ on Williman St in Charleston, SC

Open Daily: 11 am – 10 pm

Phone: 843-225-7427


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