Broke Leg BBQ
Passion, Perseverance, and Pork in Pickens
Nestled in the heart of Pickens, South Carolina, Broke Leg BBQ stands as a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and exceptional barbecue.
Founded by Joe Anders and Jason Nash, this barbecue joint is more than just a restaurant; it’s a story of overcoming adversity, a dream realized, and a celebration of community through the love of smoked meats.
Inspirational Backstory
The unique name, Broke Leg BBQ, is deeply rooted in co-owner Joe Anders’ personal history—a reminder of an old basketball injury that led to a significant turning point in his life.
“Our name came from an incident that happened over 20 years ago,” Joe explains.
Joe, was playing basketball and broke his leg. He didn’t know it was broken and never went to the doctor, and it healed wrong. About 15 years later he started having lots of problems with his leg.
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“It became an excuse not to do things in life. Until one day Joe had enough and knew God had something more for him.”
This incident, more than just a physical ailment, became a metaphor for missed opportunities and the catalyst for a profound life change, culminating in the creation of Broke Leg BBQ.
“When we started the restaurant, Joe wanted to use his leg as a motivator to do something different, so that is how we came up with the name Broke Leg BBQ.”
Founders’ Vision
Joe Anders and Jason Nash are the driving forces behind Broke Leg BBQ, each bringing their passion and expertise to the table.
“We have dabbled in smoking meats for several years. After leaving his job in the automotive industry, we decided to sell smoked BBQ in our front yard, and it just took off. Every week we had more and more customers, until one day we learned that it was not legal to sell food in our front yard.”
Their journey from selling smoked BBQ in their front yard to opening a restaurant is a story of determination and divine intervention.
“After a lot of soul searching, we decided that God was pushing us to open a restaurant,” they recount. This leap of faith was met with overwhelming support, allowing them to open their doors within just four months of making their decision.”
Signature Offerings and Techniques
At Broke Leg BBQ, the menu is a showcase of traditional barbecue, with a focus on wood-smoked meats. The pork BBQ, a staple of their offerings, is smoked until it’s tender and falling off the bone, then pulled for sandwiches and other dishes.
“We use bone in butts for our pulled pork,” they detail, emphasizing the quality and care that goes into each serving.
Fridays and Saturdays are special at Broke Leg BBQ, with brisket added to the menu, alongside their daily offering of ribs.
“We serve brisket on Fridays and Saturdays. We also offer ribs daily,” the owners share, highlighting the variety and special care in their meat selection. Their baby back ribs, dry rubbed and lightly sauced, are a testament to their commitment to flavor and tradition.
Commitment to Tradition
The secret to Broke Leg BBQ’s distinct flavor lies in their dedication to traditional smoking methods.
“We use wood only to smoke all of our meats,” they proudly state. This commitment extends beyond meats to their sides, ensuring that other dishes served carry the signature smoky essence that patrons have come to love.
“We also use wood smoke to make our macaroni and cheese and hashbrown casserole.”
Gathering Place for the Community
Broke Leg BBQ is more than just a place to eat; it’s a community gathering spot where every visitor is treated like family. While the restaurant does not offer vegetarian or vegan options, it welcomes all and its focus on quality, tradition, and the art of barbecue makes it a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike.
Why Visit Broke Leg BBQ?
Choosing Broke Leg BBQ means embracing a story of faith, resilience, and culinary excellence.
“We have truly been blessed and everything just fell into place,” the owners reflect on their journey. It’s this spirit, coupled with their mouthwatering barbecue, that makes Broke Leg BBQ a must-visit destination in Pickens, SC.
What Folks Are Saying
Google Review
Among the many Google Reviews, Local Guide Jay Burckhalter knows where to go for the best BBQ in the area, Broke Leg BBQ:
Hands down best food in Pickens County.
Everything on the menu is perfection down to the sweet tea. I’ve been eating their food since they started serving it at their home. I can vouch they’ve worked very hard to open their restaurant, and their hard work and quality shows in the food they serve.
Kid-friendliness: Family oriented Christian people.
Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5
Facebook Review
Over on their Facebook page, Lindsey Couch Whitmire left the following review for Broke Leg BBQ:
Excellent food and service!
Their entire menu is delicious and once you try it, you’ll be a repeat customer. The homemade BBQ sauce is amazing, but if you don’t care for BBQ sauce, don’t worry because the BBQ is so moist and tender you don’t have to use sauce!
So glad to have this great food option in town!!
Menu
Note: Menu prices and options are subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant for the most up-to-date information.
Location, Hours, Contact Info, and More
Map
Directions
Contact Broke Leg BBQ
Suite C
Pickens, SC 29671
Hours of Operation
Monday | Closed |
Tuesday | Closed |
Wednesday | Closed |
Thursday | |
Friday | |
Saturday | |
Sunday | Closed |
Social Media
Review Sites
Features
Cards and Cash, Heavy Tomato Sauce, Mustard Sauce