Nestled in the heart of Florence, South Carolina, Cain’s BBQ stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Southern barbecue. Established in the late 1940s under the humble shelter of a tobacco barn shed in Pamplico, SC, Cain’s BBQ has grown from a seasonal tradition to a beloved institution, deeply rooted in the community’s culinary landscape.
The story of Cain’s BBQ begins with Woodrow Cain, a dedicated tobacco farmer who sought to thank his hardworking farmhands with a sumptuous barbecue feast at the end of each grueling tobacco season. This gesture of gratitude quickly became a much-anticipated event, spreading by word of mouth throughout the community. Woodrow’s barbecue pork, slow-cooked to perfection, captured the hearts and taste buds of everyone who tried it.
As demand for his flavorful barbecue grew, Woodrow, along with his brother Raleigh, opened Selrite Grocery in the early 1950s, eventually adding a dining room to accommodate the growing number of patrons. Every other Friday, from fall to winter, locals flocked to the store to indulge in their renowned barbecue suppers, creating a vibrant and loyal customer base.
In 1954, the Cain brothers took a significant step by opening their first restaurant in Florence, expanding the menu to include barbecue chicken with red gravy, chicken bog, homemade pies, candied yams, and hush puppies. This diversification only served to enhance their reputation, drawing more customers from surrounding areas.
By 1968, Cain’s BBQ had established its current location, where it continues to serve delicious, home-cooked meals infused with the rich flavors of South Carolina’s Pee Dee region. Today, Martha Cain Ard, Woodrow’s descendant, proudly manages the restaurant, ensuring that the family’s commitment to quality and hospitality endures.
(Of course, South Carolina’s barbecue scene is packed with legendary joints and hidden gems. See more BBQ restaurants in SC to discover where to go next in the state or find other great BBQ joints around Florence.)
Cain’s BBQ offers a menu that pays homage to its roots while embracing the diverse palate of its patrons. Signature dishes include the timeless barbecued pork, tender and smoky, served alongside liver hash over rice, a regional specialty that epitomizes Southern comfort food. The barbecue chicken, coated in their unique red gravy, and the savory chicken bog are must-tries for any first-time visitor.
Sides such as cole slaw, baked beans, and candied yams complement the main courses perfectly, while the homemade pies provide a sweet finish to any meal. The restaurant also offers hush puppies, a Southern staple that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them an ideal accompaniment to any dish.
For those looking for a comprehensive overview of Cain’s offerings, their menu is available online at Cain’s BBQ Menu and on UberEats, ensuring that you can enjoy their delicious meals from the comfort of your home.
With over 60 years of history, Cain’s BBQ is more than just a restaurant; it is a cornerstone of the Florence community. It stands as a proud symbol of Southern hospitality and culinary excellence, inviting everyone to experience the warmth and flavor that have made it a beloved local treasure.
Whether you are a lifelong resident or a visitor passing through, a meal at Cain’s BBQ promises a taste of tradition that is both comforting and unforgettable.
Among the many Google Reviews, Local Guide Jim Jones said it all in just a few words, good for a lifetime:
Always a good choice for barbecue, red-eye gravy, liver hash, slaw, yams, etc…Been around a long time and I venture to say, they will be around a lot longer. Nothing changes, it can’t get any better. No surprises. Been coming here since I was a child…..long time ago. Don’t plan to change.
Over on Yelp, Brad W shares that he will remember his amazing meal at Cain’s for a long time:
This is the best Southern BBQ buffet in the USA. If you are ever near Florence on the US95, set your GPS and enjoy this bounty of food for only $10.95 including beverage (sweet tea of course).
Besides for incredible fried chicken and BBQ chicken with Carolina red sauce, there was an array of dishes most folks outside of that area (Including me) have probably never tried. The highlight of that category was Fried pineapple casserole (cheese and coconut I think) but turnips, butter beans and fried Okra were equally impressive. The mainstays, including mac and cheese, chicken w/Carolina rice, yams, carrot salad, cole slaw and buttery, flaky biscuits were off the chart. Untried were steak and gravy and chopped pork too. Homemade hot sauce on the table and fresh peanut butter cookies for desert also great touches.
No names of items on the buffet, no website, no sauce for sale, just incredible low-country southern cookin in the same place for 40 years. Ask who Woody was and hear a great story also. Tradition dictates that this joint is only open Thursday-Saturday, so keep that in mind and have a meal that will be remembered for years.
Yeah, ok…sure. You can pull positive reviews from a website, but what do they know about BBQ? What about the folks who train the judges for BBQ competitions in South Carolina? What do they think?
The SC BBQ Association deems Cain’s among the Top 100 BBQ houses in the state!
Here’s an excerpt from their review:
Cain’s has a long and distinguished history in the Florence area. It started out in the back of a country story in a room they added on to serve as a local eatery in Pamplico, SC. That was back in 1950. In only a couple of years, four to be exact, the barbeque business had grown so much that they had to open a full-fledged restaurant, which they did in Florence. Then in 1968 they moved to the present location, a building that looks as if it was built in the 1950s. And that is prefect because going into Cain’s like stepping back into 1955.
Read their full review.
Note: Menu prices and options are subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant for the most up-to-date information.
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The thing I liked most about the cookbook was reading some of the history. If you’re a fan of SCBBQ, this is a must read. If you’re on the fence about buying this book, just know that it is an economical book, worth every penny!