About Our I-77 SC BBQ Restaurant Guide
Driving I-77 through South Carolina takes you north from Columbia toward the Charlotte area, 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-77 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-77 begins in an area historically associated with South Carolina’s mustard-based barbecue tradition before passing into areas more closely associated with light tomato sauce. Those regional boundaries have never been absolute, but they help explain some of the barbecue traditions you may encounter along the route.
Distances in miles are approximate: Use our map for directions to each restaurant.
Exit 5 (SC 48 (Bluff Road) – Gadsden)
Doc’s Barbeque
Y'all..Doc's staff is amazing and the food is SOO good!! I got there late, not knowing they closed at 3:00 and the staff was SO obliging! Not once did anyone say, "Lady, we are closed!" I declare of God made anything better than their fried fish, collards and Mac 'n cheese, He kept it for himself!!!
P Kelly, Google Review
Columbia, SC 29201
Days/Hours:
| Monday | |
| Tuesday | |
| Wednesday | |
| Thursday | |
| Friday |
Features:
- Buffet
- -
- Cards and Cash
- -
- Hash
- -
- 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.
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 9A (US 76 / US 378 (Garners Ferry Road) – Sumter)
Big T’s Bar-B-Que on Garners Ferry
"Big T's BBQ is a hidden gem for BBQ enthusiasts! The flavors are absolutely mouthwatering, and the portions are generous. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, perfect for a casual meal with friends or family. The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring a pleasant dining experience every time. I highly recommend trying their signature dishes for a true taste of authentic BBQ goodness!"
~ Timothy Hillian, Google Local Guide
Columbia, SC 29209
Days/Hours:
| Monday | |
| Tuesday | |
| Wednesday | |
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday |
Features:
- Cards and Cash
- -
- Hash
- -
- Heavy Tomato Sauce
- -
- Light Tomato Sauce
- -
- Mustard Sauce
- -
- True 'Cue Certified
- -
- Vinegar Pepper Sauce
By Alex W
By Jordan F
By G Bruskoff
By S Williams
By Jonathan V
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
"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
Columbia, SC 29205
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
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.
mPhoto courtesy of Home Team BBQ.
Photo courtesy of Home Team BBQ.
Photo courtesy of Home Team BBQ. Holy City Handcraft, 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.
Exit 10 (SC 760 (Jackson Boulevard))
Maurice’s Piggie Park BBQ on Devine
"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
Columbia, SC 29205
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.
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 15 (SC 12 (Percival Road))
Little Pigs Barbecue
"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
Columbia, SC 29223
Days/Hours:
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday | |
| Sunday |
Features:
- Buffet
- -
- Cards and Cash
- -
- Hash
- -
- Heavy Tomato Sauce
- -
- Light Tomato Sauce
- -
- Mustard Sauce
- -
- Vinegar Pepper Sauce
By Min. Dexter McDonald
Note: Menu prices and options are subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant directly for the most up-to-date information.
Exit 18 (SC 277 South to I-20 West – Columbia, Augusta)
Big Boys Original Smokehouse
"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
Suite A
Columbia, SC 29203
Days/Hours:
| Wednesday | |
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday | |
| Sunday |
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 Bull's Bang'n BBQ
"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
Columbia, SC 29223
Days/Hours:
| Wednesday | |
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday | |
| Sunday |
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.
Exit 27 (Blythewood Road – Blythewood)
Doko Smoke Barbeque
"Authentic, local roadside Barbecue provides a wide variety of premise-made selections including brisket, ribs pulled pork, along with a variety of daily specials served as sanwiches or plates and many many more. Oh yeah and the awesome selection of sides too all prepared for you on the spot!"
~ Gary Owen, Google Local Guide
Blythewood, SC 29016
Days/Hours:
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday |
Features:
- Cards and Cash
- -
- Hash
- -
- Light Tomato Sauce
- -
- Mustard Sauce
- -
- True 'Cue Certified
- -
- Vinegar Pepper Sauce
By M. Searle
By A. Soto
Note: Menu prices and options are subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant directly for the most up-to-date information.
Exit 65 (SC 9 – Chester, Lancaster, Fort Lawn)
Buttermilk's BBQ
"Excellent pulled pork barbecue with good sides. I recommend fried okra, Mac and cheese, and green beans. Since this is close to central SC the mustard sauce is the way to go and they do it really well. Portions are really big and the quality is amazing."
~ Wesley Bowles, Google Local Guide
Chester, SC 29706
Days/Hours:
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday | |
| Sunday |
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.
Exit 82 (US 21 / SC 161 – Fort Mill, Rock Hill, York)
The Dixie Pig in Rock Hill
"This is a small business with a big taste and menu. The service was great and the food portions were excellent. A great place for lunch and some smoked meats BBQ."
~ Cornelius Bishop, Google Local Guide
Rock Hill, SC 29732
Days/Hours:
| Monday | |
| Tuesday | |
| Wednesday | |
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday | |
| Sunday |
Features:
- Cards and Cash
- -
- Hash
- -
- Heavy Tomato Sauce
- -
- Mustard Sauce
- -
- 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.
Exit 83 (Sutton Road)
Blue Bar and Smokehouse
"Amazing BBQ pit! Atmosphere is great, family friendly, service is outstanding, variety is very generous! Coming from a household that smokes meats, this place is top notch!"
~ Michelle Snyder, Google Review
Suite 111
Fort Mill, SC 29715
Days/Hours:
| Monday | |
| Tuesday | |
| Wednesday | |
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday | |
| Sunday |
Features:
- Cards and Cash
- -
- 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 85 (SC 160 – Tega Cay, Fort Mill)
Meto Pub in Tega Cay
"Best BBQ in town! Family friendly and excellent service! You will not be disappointed eating here! Yummy!"
~ Ronald LaBarge, Google Review
Suite 101
Tega Cay, SC 29708
Days/Hours:
| Monday | |
| Tuesday | |
| Wednesday | |
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday |
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.
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 north or south, a given interchange keeps the same exit number, though individual ramps may use letter suffixes such as A or B.
- Odd-numbered primary interstates generally run south to north. Their numbers increase from west to east, which is why I-77—one of the higher-numbered two-digit interstates—runs through the eastern part of the country.
- Mile markers reset at each state line. On south-to-north interstates such as I-77, the mileage generally begins at the state’s southern end and increases as you travel north.
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.
James Roller
Monday 16th of April 2018
Kim, apologies for the delay on this response. Apparently my comments notification system was turned off. Thanks for writing. I will try to update these Road Trip articles at least annually to keep them as up-to-date as I can. Places come and go and unfortunately, no one is required to tell me before they open or close, so we have to learn about that through continued research and word of mouth. Enjoy...SC has a lot to offer!
Kim clark
Sunday 20th of August 2017
So excited to try these places out. Thank you so much for these great BBQ articles!!