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 South Carolina-based barbecue restaurants within about 10 miles of I-26 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.
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.
Distances in miles are approximate: Use our map for directions to each restaurant.
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
By Vince Ng
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 | |
| 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 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
By S. Riley
By T. McMillen
BY J. Smith
By H. Gibson
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
By C. Remsburg
By R. Young
By M. Dean
By pigeonhed13
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)
Crossroads BBQ***Temporarily Closed***
"Food was amazing. Staff is very friendly and a nice family owned business. Would definitely recommend to others and will be coming again soon."
~Giovanna C., Yelp Review
Days/Hours:
| Friday | |
| Saturday |
Features:
- Cards and Cash
- -
- Hash
- -
- Heavy Tomato Sauce
- -
- Mustard Sauce
Photo by Rhonda Crouch.
Note: Menu prices and options are subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant directly for the most up-to-date information.
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:
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday | |
| Sunday |
Features:
- Cards and Cash
- -
- Hash
- -
- Mustard Sauce
- -
- True 'Cue Certified
- -
- Vinegar Pepper Sauce
By Brian Kelly
By E. Smith
By T. Lopez
By J. Rogers
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
South Carolina BBQ Hash from Dukes in Ridgeville
"Rust Gravy" Dukes-style BBQ Sauce
BY AN Key
Buffet at Dukes Bar-B-Que in Ridgeville
Note: Menu prices and options are subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant directly for the most up-to-date information.
Exit 194 (Jedburg Road – Jedburg, Pinopolis)
Smokin' Gringo's BBQ
"This is a great place to eat. Their food is unique, combining Mexican and barbecue bundles of flavor in things like tacos and burritos and bowls. You won't be disappointed in the taste or the hefty portions of their special creations. The outdoor seating and the cabana style atmosphere add to the entire experience. So bring the whole family! You can thank me later."
~Torrey Stensvad, Google Review
Summerville, SC 29483
Days/Hours:
| Wednesday | |
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday |
Features:
- Cards and Cash
- -
- 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 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
By Derrick W.
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
By J. Widener
By F. Jones
By J. Widener
By S. Howard
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
Jonathan Boncek, photographer
Jonathan Boncek, photographer
Jonathan Boncek, photographer
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
"Robert's BBQ is like stepping back in time! While this location is much newer than the original drive in with curb service in the late 1960's, the food is still throwback quality! From the burgers & barbecue pork drenched in sweet mustardy bbq sauce, to perfectly fried onion rings, all are quite tasty!"
~ Gary Crossley, Google Local Guide
North Charleston, SC 29418
Days/Hours:
| Tuesday | |
| Wednesday | |
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday |
Features:
- Cards and Cash
- -
- Hash
- -
- Mustard Sauce
By J. Chisolm
By P. Anderson
Note: Menu prices and options are subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant directly for the most up-to-date information.
Exit 216 (SC 7 (Cosgrove Avenue) – Federal Complex)
King BBQ
"Amazing food and we were not expecting this insane flavor. The BBQ with Asian flair went well together. We had the pork combo, BBQ meat with noodle and each dish surpasses the previous one in terms of freshness and flavor."
~Kelly C., Yelp review
North Charleston, SC 29405
Days/Hours:
| Wednesday | |
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday | |
| Sunday |
Features:
- Cards and Cash
- -
- Mustard Sauce
Photo by Jason A.
Photo by Kristen D.
Photo by Heather D.
Photo by Melissa K.
Photo by JM
Photo by DanaMae Sal
Note: Menu prices and options are subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant directly for the most up-to-date information.
Exit 219A (Rutledge Avenue – The Citadel)
Rodney Scott's BBQ***Temporarily Closed***
"Oh my goodness, GREAT BBQ!! Stopped by for lunch on a Friday. Heard alot of good things about this place so we decided to give it a try. Boy did it NOT disappoint! Absolutely excellent barbeque."
~ Eric Ransom, Google Local Guide
Charleston, SC 29403
Days/Hours:
| Monday | |
| Tuesday | |
| Wednesday | |
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday | |
| Sunday |
Features:
- 100 Mile BBQ
- -
- Cards and Cash
- -
- Light Tomato Sauce
- -
- True 'Cue Certified
- -
- Vinegar Pepper Sauce
- -
- Whole Hog
Photo courtesy of Rodney Scott's BBQ. Angie Mosier, photographer.
Note: Menu prices and options are subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant directly for the most up-to-date information.
Exit 219B (Morrison Drive – East Bay Street)
Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ in Downtown Charleston
"I fancy myself to be a bit of a food connoisseur and although I hand out a lot of 5 star reviews it is difficult to earn one from me. Home Team BBQ; without any hesitation earns a 5 star review."
~ Hunter Lewis, Google Local Guide
Charleston, SC 29403
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
- -
- White Sauce
Photo courtesy of Home Team BBQ. Jonathan Boncek, photographer.
Photo courtesy of Home Team BBQ. Jonathan Boncek, photographer.
Photo courtesy of Home Team BBQ. Jonathan Boncek, photographer.
Photo courtesy of Home Team BBQ. Jonathan Boncek, photographer
Photo courtesy of Home Team BBQ. Holy City Handcraft, photographer.
Note: Menu prices and options are subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant directly for the most up-to-date information.
Lewis Barbecue
"Traveled in from Charlotte just try out Lewis BBQ. Heard great things about it, took time to watch YT videos to familiarize myself with the owner. I was left blown away, the ribs and brisket were next level. "
~ Malcolm Pollock, Google Review
Charleston, SC 29403
Days/Hours:
| Monday | |
| Tuesday | |
| Wednesday | |
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday | |
| Sunday |
Features:
- Cards and Cash
- -
- Light Tomato Sauce
- -
- True 'Cue Certified
Photo courtesy of Lewis Barbecue.
Photo courtesy of Lewis Barbecue. Leslie Ryann McKellar, photographer.
Photo courtesy of Lewis Barbecue. Andrew Cebulka, photographer.
Photo courtesy of Lewis Barbecue. Andrew Cebulka, photographer.
Note: Menu prices and options are subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant directly for the most up-to-date information.
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.
