Hudson’s Smokehouse and Saloon

“Hudson’s Smokehouse began in our father, Robin, and Barbara’s kitchen in 1995. On Fridays and Saturdays we would wake up to the smell of collards cooking down stairs and hickory smoking as dad was in the backyard shoveling coals on the fire. This was their hobby and they loved to share their recipes with family and friends.

“Today, it’s a much different picture. We now have over 100 employees, two restaurant locations and recently opened our state of the art catering location, also in Lexington.

“Our catering business is one of the largest in the state and we cater to businesses, churches, weddings and regular folks like us all over SC, and parts of NC and Georgia.

“Our Smokehouse was featured on Turner South’s “Blue Ribbon Award Show” as one of the top four BBQ joints in the south. We have also been voted #1 by many other newspapers and magazines. This has helped our BBQ business grow into a family restaurant that we are very proud of.

(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 Columbia.)

“Although our business has grown our food still has all the love and quality that went into it back in 1995. We thank our loyal friends and patrons.

“Whether you’re dining in, simply picking up take out or being catered, we strive to provide the best service possible.

“Our dad still says “be careful what you pray for, you just might get it,” Our father’s hobby has gotten way out of hand.”

~ Clint and Clay Hudson

What Folks Are Saying

Google Review

Among the many Google Reviews, Local Guide Douglas Polen was almost too full to share his thoughts on Hudson’s Smokehouse:

Dang that’s good barbecue! I’ve lived in South Carolina most of my life and can honestly say this is the best pulled pork I’ve ever had. I actually preferred it plain – the sauces were good, but I thought they took away from the great flavor of the pork itself.

The sides were mostly great, especially the mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, creamed corn and corn bread. I usually love fried chicken at a BBQ place, but here I thought it was “good enough.” I’ll definitely try it the next time I’m here though, because it might have been a one time thing.

The desserts were excellent. Oreo pudding, banana pudding, and peach cobbler – pretty standard at a barbecue buffet, and very well made.

The service and atmosphere were also great. The servers were really running around keeping drinks filled and clean plates coming.

Overall, Hudson’s is excellent. Highly recommended, and once I stop feeling so full I’ll look forward to going back.

Yelp Review

Over on Yelp, Dylan J is no stranger to the buffet, but found a great one in his review of Hudson’s:

This buffet style BBQ restaurant has to be one of the best we have tasted. Everything we put on our plate was southern food at it’s best.

The BBQ is top of the line without adding sauce. Besides the BBQ some other standouts were the fried catfish, mashed potatoes, Mac and cheese, and of course banana pudding! Highly recommend this place and look forward to going back.

SCBA Review

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 Hudson’s Smokehouse in Lexington 100-Mile BBQ, barbecue so good it’s worth driving 100 miles for.

Here’s an excerpt from their review:

Hudson, who is from North Carolina, was not caught up in the German mustard tradition that so many central South Carolina restaurateurs follow.  Rather than adopt the local tradition, his barbeque is really a spiced vinegar and pepper style found in the Pee Dee section of South Carolina and the piedmont area of North Carolina.  And, boy has it become popular in central SC!  On his tables you will three different types of sauces if you want to experiment a bit.  And while I’ve actually heard one of my Senior Judges say that his mustard sauce is their favorite, my vote (and most others) goes to his vinegar and pepper sauce.  He uses wine vinegar and it is one of the best vinegar and pepper sauces you will ever find.

Read their full review.

Location, Hours, Contact Info, and More

Map

Directions

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Hours of Operation

Monday	Closed
Tuesday	11:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Wednesday	11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday	11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday	11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday	11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday	11:00 AM - 3:00 PM