About Our I-77 SC BBQ Restaurant Guide
In South Carolina, arguably the birthplace of BBQ, barbecue is both varied and abundant. This small state has so many, different styles of BBQ that anyone on a road trip in our state would need a guide to help them find the ideal spot from which to sample from the SC BBQ Trail. To help those travelers, we have created SC BBQ Road Trip: A Restaurant Field Guide for each interstate that traverses our state. This edition covers Interstate 77.
Traveling I-77 in South Carolina, visitors and residents alike have ample opportunity to sample some of South Carolina’s best BBQ. (As a side note, learn how to eat SC’s best BBQ for FREE!)
Interstate 77 in South Carolina extends from Columbia through the north-central section of the state before exiting in York County and becoming mired in the mess that is Charlotte, NC. This journey has Interstate 77 passing through only two of the four primary barbecue regions in the state.
Regardless, those who find themselves on I-77 have ample opportunity to sample the different styles of barbecue offered in South Carolina, and they don’t need to detour far from their travels to do so.
Interstate 77 runs only 90 miles along its journey through the state. On this relatively short passage, I-77 spends about half its length in the region of SC most known for the sauce born in South Carolina: a mustard 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 150 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:
I-77 begins in the heart of the mustard region; however, it also briefly runs through our light tomato region. 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 that 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 near I-77
Anyway, today you find yourself traveling Interstate 77. 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 should you look, and how far do you have to go to get real SC BBQ?
We strongly suggest checking out and using our SC BBQ Trail Locator Map, but if you prefer, you might also consider downloading a copy of the SC Dept. of Tourism’s official SC BBQ Trail 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-77. If you love SC BBQ as we do, we know you will appreciate this guide.
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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, odd-numbered interstates run south-north, with lower-numbered interstates starting in the west; I-77 is clearly a south-north running, East coast interstate, being such a high, odd number.
- mile markers for south-north running interstates begin at the southern end of each interstate
Thus, we will follow the exits along I-77 from where it begins in Columbia until it exits near Charlotte. Buckle your seatbelt and away we go…
Note: Distances are approximate: Use our map for more precise directions.
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 | |
| Saturday |
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 9-A (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
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
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
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:
| Wednesday | |
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday | |
| Sunday |
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 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:
| 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
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:
| 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.
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!!